Here’s a thought…
“America is and always has been an argument — it’s an experiment.”
DAVID W. BLIGHT
Reminder: All personal fireworks are illegal In San Juan County
-- from San Juan County Fire Marshal’s Office -- A friendly reminder that all personal fireworks are prohibited in San Juan County. This includes firecrackers, mortars, sparklers, and bottle rockets. Personal firework discharge is a crime punishable by fines from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office. Furthermore any fires linked
Guest Opinion | Shouldn’t Orcas act like other tourist destinations?
-- from Eleanor Hoague -- The San Juan Islands are not unlike other areas in the country which rely heavily on tourist dollars. Recently, NPR aired an illuminating piece on a similar area of the U.S., the Berkshires in western Massachusetts. That area’s response to planning for the next few
Recap of today’s COVID-19 news and updates
-- from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- Newest numbers – case counts rising. As of June 30, the state’s total confirmed cases are up from 32,824 to 33,435, an increase of 611 cases in one day. Total deaths are up from 1,332 to 1,339. Three counties remain in Phase 1 –
Even during a pandemic, free tooth extraction clinic coming up
-- from Terri Triplett -- Dr. Triplett’s dental office at 445 Madrona Street in Eastsound is reserving Monday July 20 for free tooth extractions for our Orcas, Shaw, and Waldron residents in financial need. Services are limited to both routine and surgical extractions (including wisdom teeth). To make an appointment
Inslee extends Safe Start proclamation one week
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee today issued a brief extension of the Safe Start proclamation until July 9, in anticipation of additional modifications that will be made early next week. Safe Start Extension — 20-25.5 This Proclamation extends all of the provisions of previous versions, provides minor
New COVID-19 reports show concerning patterns of inequity, rise in cases among younger people
-- from Washington State Department of Health -- OLYMPIA – Today the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Bellevue-based Institute for Disease Modeling (IDM) released two new reports analyzing COVID-19 data by age, race/ethnicity and primary language spoken. Both reports highlight the pandemic’s disproportionate and increasing impact on communities of
A-OK ready for upcoming garage-ish sale this weekend
-- from Janet Brownell for Art for Orcas Kids -- Remember March 2020? Well, WAY back then, AOK (Art for Orcas Kids) had planned a Garage Sale to raise funding for art classes in the public schools.Then Covid happened and the sale was cancelled. Art, however, continues – as does
What to expect for Fourth of July weekend ferry travel
-- from Washington State Ferries -- If your holiday weekend travel plans include a drive aboard one of our ferries, plan and prepare for extended waits. Several routes are operating on reduced schedules dependent on our COVID Response Service Plan. Our current schedules are based on four pillars of service – ridership, crew
Family Health Center thanks patients for their patience as they open for regular hours
-- from Aaimee Johnson for Orcas Family Health Center -- When Governor Inslee gave the Stay Home Stay Safe order, the community was very compliant! As a result, patients who did not need acute care stayed home instead of making routine medical appointments. Orcas Family Health Center (OFHC) moved through
Inslee announces funding for rent assistance, tribal recovery efforts, small businesses, and nonprofits
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee [yesterday] announced the state has distributed nearly $365 million in federal funds to help with COVID-19 response and relief efforts across Washington. Distributed this week to seven state agencies and the University of Washington, the allocations include nearly $351 million
Drive-in movie this week is Jurassic Park
-- from Orcas Island Film Festival -- JURASSIC PARK (1990s classic Sci-Fi)Friday, July 3, 2020Dusk (approx. 9:30 pm / Arrive at 8:30 pm)$15. per car advance price | $20 at Gate if availableTickets available here Advance Purchase is Required. We are looking forward to another fun weekend at the Orcas
Lighting options hold up Prune Alley development approval
Zoom meeting tomorrow -- by Matthew Gilbert, Orcas Issues reporter At the recent EPRC special meeting, the focus was largely on lighting as it remains a flashpoint of interest to community members concerned over potential impacts to downtown rural character. It’s true that the project has been long in coming
They say you can’t say thanks enough, but who’s counting!
-- from The Orcas Island Food Bank Board -- As you may know, the Orcas Island Food Bank has been undergoing numerous adjustments and changes to accommodate the needs of our community requiring food since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We could not have come close to doing it
COVID-19 news and updates for today
-- from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- Newest numbers. As of June 29, the state’s total confirmed cases are 32,824 and total deaths are 1,332. Three counties remain in Phase 1 – Yakima, Benton and Franklin. For the most recent tally of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of
WSF: Drivers expected to face extended waits for state ferries over holiday weekend
Riders should not expect service levels of past years due to COVID-19 -- from Washington State Ferries -- Travelers should plan ahead and prepare for long waits if driving onto a state ferry over the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Several routes are operating on reduced schedules dependent on Washington
For safety’s sake, Indian Island docent program suspended
-- from Russel Barsh for Kwiaht -- Kwiaht director Russel Barsh announced today the conditional suspension of docent and stewardship activities at Indian Island, one of Eastsound’s most popular tourism attractions with more than 4,000 annual visitors, over concerns for staff safety. “Even while San Juan County remained in Phase
