Here’s a thought…
“America is and always has been an argument — it’s an experiment.”
DAVID W. BLIGHT
Washington, islanders targeted by fraudulent unemployment claims
-- from Economic Development Council and San Juan County Sheriff -- The Employment Security Department (ESD) is continuing to combat fraudsters who are using personal data from data breaches (including the Equifax breach several years ago and other bank and retail data breaches) to file unemployment claims in victims' names. From ESD: "As part
Sheriff’s report | May 13-19, 2020
— from San Juan County Sheriff’s Office — Wednesday, May 13, 202020-003448 Fraud 10:56:36 05/13/20San Juan Deputies were advised of a report of fraud. There is no known suspect at this time. 20-003449 Fraud 11:00:54 05/13/20San Juan Deputies were advised of a report of fraud. There is no suspect information
Recap of today’s COVID-19 news and updates
Statewide Response Updates -- from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- Numbers. For the most case numbers by county, demographics, and more, visit the Department of Health's website. COVID-19 death data follow-up from the DOH. In an attempt to clarify today’s telebriefing, DOH did not mean to imply that the state's death toll
County moves toward Phase 2 of re-opening
-- by Minor Lile, Orcas Issues reporter – The San Juan County Council and Board of Health have both voted unanimously in support of requesting a variance and moving to Phase 2 of the Governor’s Safe Start plan. The vote took the form of approval of a letter from Public
San Juan County to apply for variance to move to Phase 2
San Juan County is not yet approved for Phase 2 -- from San Juan County Communications -- At the request of San Juan County Health Officer Dr. Frank James (link to recommendation letter), and with the support of both the San Juan County Board of Health and the County Council,
New films to inspire, empower this week
-- from Orcas Island Film Festival -- "Military Wives" -- Inspired by global phenomenon of military wives choirs, the story celebrates a band of misfit women who form a choir on a military base. As unexpected bonds of friendship flourish, music and laughter transform their lives, helping each other to
Two cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) in Washington state
-- from Washington State Department of Health -- OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health (DOH), Snohomish Health District and Public Health—Seattle & King County are confirming two cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19. The patients, one Snohomish County resident and one King County resident,
Hot Topic #23 | The upcoming 2020 Memorial Day Weekend in the San Juan Islands
COVID-19 updates from San Juan County around subjects on the minds of islanders -- from Brendan Cowan, Department of Emergency Management -- With roots dating back to the Civil War, Memorial Day is a time for our nation to remember and honor military personnel who died while serving in the
County Council and Board of Health to meet on Friday
-- by Minor Lile, Orcas Issues reporter – The County Council and the San Juan County Board of Health will be meeting on Friday morning, May 22, at 9 a.m. The meeting agenda that has been released includes a review of the criteria for requesting a variance from the Governor’s
Protect what you love: Green boating in the San Juan Islands
-- from Tina Whitman, Friends of the San Juans -- Mark Gardner photo The 2020 boating season is officially upon us, and soon our anchorages will begin to fill with local and visiting private boats. Our amazing group of islands, where boaters find wonder and relaxation, are also where fish
WSF recommendations for Memorial Day weekend travel
-- from Washington State Ferries -- We typically welcome about half a million riders over the long Memorial Day weekend, but nothing’s typical right now. As we are still under the governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” emergency order, I continue to encourage everyone to ride our ferries for essential purposes only. We want
Turtleback Mountain Preserve parking areas to be closed for maintenance next week
-- from Tanja Williamson for San Juan County Land Bank -- Please excuse our dust while your Conservation Land Bank completes maintenance on the Turtleback Mountain Preserve parking areas and access roads on Orcas Island. Work is anticipated to begin Tuesday, May 26 at the North Entrance and to conclude
Recap of today’s COVID-19 news and updates
Statewide Response Updates -- from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray -- Numbers. As of May 19, there are 18,971 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington state, an increase of 160 cases from the previous day. Visit the Department of Health's website for cases by county, demographics, and more. Hospitalization data update. On May 20,
WSF reminder, ferry travel limited to essential only
-- from Washington State Ferries -- As a reminder, the Governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” emergency order is still in effect. Customers are advised to limit travel on ferries to essential purposes only, and to observe physical distancing by remaining in their vehicles whenever possible. Customers who must travel on ferries are
District 2 commissioner candidates speak out on a post-pandemic county
-- by Orcas Issues reporter Matthew Gilbert -- With unprecedented speed, the current pandemic hit the pause button on normal life, taking thousands of lives while disrupting many millions more, and the world has been scrambling to adjust (while the earth breathes a temporary sigh of relief). The big question
Plans being developed for oil spill response base in Friday Harbor
In a joint effort between the Port of Friday Harbor, the Islands’ Oil Spill Association (IOSA), and San Juan County, plans are underway for construction of an oil spill response operations base in Friday Harbor, Washington. The intent of the project is to provide office space, maintenance bays for upkeep
