All WSF fares now available for purchase online to reduce in-person contact
-- from Washington State Ferries -- To better protect our customers and employees against the spread of COVID-19, WSF encourages all customers to purchase their tickets in advance online. Pre-purchasing tickets minimizes the amount of contact and money exchange that needs to take place at tollbooths. To make it easier
Orcasional Musings | I guess that I’m on vacation
| Orcasional Musings | by Steve Henigson You'll have to pardon me: Because I'm recovering from a life-threatening illness which left me with a temporarily-compromised immune system, I'm kind of isolated in my home for the COVID-19 duration. And, well, it's very hard to do meaningful research on local Orcas
A personal ‘ask’ from our County Councilor
-- from Rick Hughes -- I would like to ask residents of San Juan County, and this is from me personally and not from the county, to consider staying at home whenever possible. Please avoid travel in the county if possible, except for needed supplies. If you own a short
Sheriff’s Report | March 11 – 17, 2020
-- from San Juan County Sheriff's Office -- Wednesday, March 11, 202020-001810 Sick or Injured Animal 08:26:36 03/11/20 An Orcas Deputy was informed of a sick deer near the Eastsound area. The deer was dispatched and Public Works was contacted. 20-001812 Theft 10:25:42 03/11/20 An Orcas Deputy received a report
PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center prepares for COVID-19
-- from Deanna Ellefson for Peace Island Medical Center -- While no positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported in San Juan County to date [see First Orcas Island resident has now tested positive for COVID-19), officials leading response efforts expect to see this change as these numbers increase across
First Orcas Island resident has now tested positive for COVID-19
-- from Brendan Cowan, County Department of Emergency Management -- “The [first Orcas Island resident to be infected with coronavirus patient is in stable condition and is being treated at home,” said Dr. Frank James, San Juan County Health Officer. “The patient was seen by their physician after experiencing COVID-like
HOT TOPIC #4 | Creativity and art in difficult times
COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders. — from Brendan Cowan, Department of Emergency Management — Note: in an effort to diversity and strengthen San Juan County’s COVID-19 response, we’ve added some people to the team from the broader community. The article below is
Inslee letter to Trump requests federal major disaster declaration
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee sent a letter to President Donald Trump today requesting that he declare a federal major disaster in the state of Washington to unlock a host of additional federal assistance to benefit affected Washingtonians, such as expanded unemployment assistance and basic food benefits. "Tens of thousands of
Take (or give) a moment for poetic reflection
When Giving Is All We Have Alberto Ríos - 1952- One river gives
Behind-the-scenes creative measures being taken to keep community functioning
-- from Hilary Canty for Orcas Island Community Foundation -- We are all going to have to dig deep for this one.We are also an amazing and creative community. Among the confusion and stress this week there have also been bright and wonderful efforts shining through, for example: The Food Bank
EDC mapping economic resources; fill out survey
-- from Victoria Compton for Economic Development Council -- The Economic Development Council is currently working on a county-wide resource map of economic resources for the upcoming recovery, specifically resources and organizations of all types that can offer support during the economic recovery. Could you please take a moment as soon as
Island Market provides shopping guidelines
New hours: Open daily 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. -- from Jacob Linnes, Orcas Island Market -- Dear Orcas Community, Normally our goal is to get as many customers as possible in our store, but as we navigate through uncharted waters, we are asking our community to help us keep
Inslee letter requests U.S.S. Mercy be sent to Puget Sound region
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee sent a letter to President Donald Trump requesting that the federal government dispatch the U.S.S. Mercy to the Puget Sound region. Washington represents 20 percent of U.S. COVID-19 infections and 61 percent of nation-wide fatalities. "It is clear that our medical capacity
Inslee orders halt to elective surgeries, dental services to reserve critical equipment for COVID-19 health care workers
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Inslee announced new restrictions today on non-urgent medical and dental procedures so the state can make sure Washington health care workers have enough protective equipment to wear as they work the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today’s order applies to any non-urgent
COVID cancellation | Land Bank Commission meeting
-- from Tanja Williamson for San Juan County Land Bank -- Due to concern for public safety, as well as the recent orders from Governor Inslee and guidelines from the federal government, the March 20, 2020 Land Bank Commission meeting on San Juan Island is cancelled. The next scheduled Land
Governor outlines steps to support workers, employers
-- Governor Inslee's Office -- [Yesterday], Gov. Jay Inslee announced substantial measures for Washington state businesses and workers, as well as renters and other residents who may struggle financially to pay utility bills while dealing with loss of income during the COVID-19 outbreak. This is in addition to the state support
