Here’s a thought…
“Never think that war, no matter how necessary, nor how justified, is not a crime. Ask the infantry and ask the dead.”
ERNEST HEMINGWAY
Land Bank will hold upcoming meeting via Skype
-- from Tanja Williamson for San Juan County Land Bank -- The monthly San Juan County Land Bank Commission meeting is this Friday and it will be hosting a virtual meeting via Skype. There are multiple Orcas-centered items on the agenda. Members of the public may participate in the Skype
Fatherhood nearly cut off before it got started
Only a few yards separated the two whales from the stern... -- from Center for Whale Research -- L41 - Photo by Dave Ellifrit, Center for Whale Research, 2013 Every whale that passes away is a significant loss, and it is very sad to see how many have disappeared over
Boathouse Ciderworks creates new cider for Senior Center
-- from Lena Kassa for Orcas Senior Center -- Local businessowner Libby Garcia at Boathouse Ciderworks has worked her magic and created a cider exclusively for Orcas Senior Center called Senior Cider. Because of the COVID-19 crisis, the need for home-delivered meals has increased dramatically. A dollar of every bottle
Inslee extends proclamation related to COVID-19
-- from Governor Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee announced the extension of one proclamation in response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. A June 15 letter from the Legislature extends proclamation 20-45, related to protection orders and personal service, until July 1. Protection Orders and Personal Service Extension The original proclamation
Pandemic Poetry | Today, When I Could Do Nothing
Today, When I Could Do Nothing Jane Hirshfield Today, when I could do nothing,I saved an ant. It must have come in with the morning paper,still being deliveredto those who shelter in place. A morning paper is still an essential service. I am not an essential service. I have coffee
Recap of today’s COVID-19 news and updates
-- from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- Numbers. For the most recent tally of cases by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health's website. June 15 Long-term Care Facility (LCTF) Report. The latest LTCF report from DOH is now available here. Inslee extends proclamation regarding truck driver hours. Gov. Jay Inslee
Orcas Fire rolls out new ambulance, resumes in-person training
-- from Kim Kimple for Orcas Island Fire & Rescue -- A new ambulance is on the frontlines of Orcas Island Fire and Rescue’s emergency response fleet. Originally slated to roll out early this year, getting the ambulance outfitted and ready for service was delayed due to COVID-19. After battling
New positive COVID-19 test result reported on San Juan Island
-- from Brendan Cowan for Department of Emergency Management -- San Juan County Health and Community Services staff have been notified of a new positive COVID-19 test result in San Juan County, on San Juan Island. This brings the total number of cases in San Juan County to 16. This
Inslee letter to White House requests nation-wide COVID-19 aviation screening system
-- from the Office of Governor Jay Inslee -- In case you missed it: Gov. Jay Inslee sent a letter today to the Trump administration requesting the immediate implementation of a national aviation screening system for domestic and international passengers to ensure the safety of travelers and aviation workers. The letter reads,
Orcas Fire responds to wildland fire; reminder to public that burning is closed
-- from Kim Kimple for Orcas Island Fire & Rescue -- Orcas Fire responded Sunday to reports of a wildland fire that resulted from a residential burn pile spreading out of control after a fuel can that was being used to accelerate the fire ignited. The small wildland fire was
Inslee, Kreidler statement on Trump administration action to eliminate LGBTQ health protections
-- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- In case you missed it: Last week, the Trump administration announced its final rule rolling back health care protections for transgender patients. Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler today announced action to enact emergency rulemaking that will protect transgender Washingtonians' access to health care. The emergency rule will implement HB
Editorial | Who should be monitoring our local law enforcement?
Are we okay with 'so far, so good?' -- by Lin McNulty, Orcas Issues Editor -- Vesting police officers with the authority to use reasonable force and to protect the public welfare requires monitoring, evaluation, and a careful balancing of all interests. Does this hold true, even in small communities?
Pandemonium Poetry | Praise by Angelo Geter
Praise Angelo Geter Today I will praise. I will praise the sun For showering its light On this darkened vessel. I will praise its shine. Praise the way it wraps My skin in ultraviolet ultimatums Demanding to be seen. I will lift my hands in adoration Of how something so
Have you answered your census yet? 10 minutes, 10 questions, 10 years impact
-- from Liz Thompson for U.S. Census Bureau -- The 2020 Census is under way and we need to make sure every person is counted. Every 10 years since 1790 the government counts every person living in the country. The data collected helps determine how much federal funding our community
The Exchange rises again; opening on June 18
New COVID rules are changing things, however, with intake, sales day rotations -- from Orcas Recycling Service -- The Exchange reuse store, located at the Orcas Island Transfer Station, will re-open on Thursday, June 18, with normal days and hours of operation, Thursday – Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Planning underway to develop back-to-school plan
-- from Orcas Schools Superintendent Eric Webb -- This past week, we received the guidance that we have been waiting for from OSPI and the Department of Health. OSPI’s recommendations echo our goals to provide students with more in-person instruction and will further guide our work. It is important to
