Letter to Editor | Reopening is a symbiotic relationship
-- from Laura Saccio, Earthbox Inn & Spa -- More than 20 years ago, my grandfather, a New Mexican farmer, rescued me from a life of impersonal work in the financial industry. I had been hired to work at an investment firm in Portland, and would see my family, including
Fish & Wildlife welcomes comments to whale-watching Environmental Impact Statement
Comment deadline is 5 p.m., Monday, June 8 -- from Janet Thomas for Orca Relief Citizens' Alliance -- The Southern Resident orcas are facing imminent extinction. Unlike other orca species they do not eat other marine mammals. Their primary diet is Chinook salmon--specifically the salmon that comes from the Fraser
Aging Like a Guru | Trying to out-do God; not me!
-- from Rosie Kuhn -- My dad thought he was immortal and invincible when it came to dying. I watched him struggle to stay in his body when everything was going against him. His body was shutting down, but he was determined to out-do God. It didn’t work! My friends
Village Voices | How are you feeling about all that’s going on in the world?
-- by Minor Lile, Orcas Issues reporter – And here we are in early June. With the monthly Village Voices series, we take the pulse of the Orcas Island community. Every month we’ll be out and about, asking people to share their point of view on a particular topic. Sometimes
Inslee issues safety plan template for businesses in Phase 3
What we must do to get there -- from Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee today released a template for businesses in Phase 3 of the Washington “Safe Start” plan. Each business or entity operating in Phase 3 must develop a written safety plan outlining how its workplace will prevent
OHS Class of 2020 invites community to virtual commencement ceremony
-- from Kyle Freeman, Orcas Island High School Principal -- The faculty and staff of Orcas Island High School and the Orcas Island School District would like to invite the Orcas Island community (both near and far) to join us in celebrating our graduating class of 2020 during our virtual
Guidance issued for sporting activities in Phases 2 and 3
-- Governor Jay Inslee's Office -- Gov. Jay Inslee today issued guidance for sporting activities in Phases 2 and 3. The guidance covers professional sporting activities, youth team sports and adult recreational team sports. Through the Washington "Safe Start" plan, more businesses and activities will re-open in phases, with adequate safety
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. JIC media briefing features dashboard demonstration. Today the JIC held a briefing about the state’s new COVID-19 data dashboard which was demonstrated by state health officer
Sheriff’s Report | May 27-June 2, 2020
-- from San Juan County Sheriff's Office -- Wednesday, May 27, 202020-003944 Fraud 08:19:43 05/27/20A Lopez Island employer reported that fraudulent unemployment claims were filed utilizing the personal identifying information of two employees. 20-003945 Fraud 08:35:11 05/27/20San Juan Deputies were advised of a fraudulent unemployment claim. The incident was documented.
Inslee pledges independent review of Manuel Ellis’ death
-- from Governor Jay Inslee -- [Editor's Note: NBC News story that the death of black man in Tacoma in March, while in police custody, has today been ruled a homicide.] “Today, I committed to Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards that the State of Washington will conduct an independent review of
EDC to host a bankruptcy webinar
-- from Mickey von Dassow for Economic Development Council -- The Economic Development Council, an islands non-profit, is hosting a webinar on bankruptcy with Mary Schmitt, attorney at law. Attendees will learn about Title 11 of the United States Code as well as potential changes if the Heroes Act, H.R.
Literary giants dominate the screen in this week’s films
-- from Orcas Island Film Festival -- ________________________________________ "Mr. Jones"Poland | 2019 | 141min “MR. JONES is a masterful historical thriller based on real events that transport to a time and place seldom seen on the screen. The film tells of a past that eerily echoes the present,” says Peter
14 counties approved to move into next phase of governor’s Safe Start plan
San Juan County remains at Phase 2 -- from Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman -- OLYMPIA -- Today Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman approved 14 counties to move into the next phase of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe Start plan. Clark, Okanogan, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties are approved
Changing of guard as Roy Light retires from ESWD
Replacement on board -- from Eastsound Sewer & Water -- OUTGOING: Roy Light With 25 years of successful service to the Eastsound Sewer and Water District to his credit, Roy Light is retiring with his health and good nature intact. Since 1995, Roy has successfully and professionally operated that which
Recapping today’s COVID-19 news, 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. Governor unveils new COVID-19 testing strategy today. Gov. Inslee and Secretary of Health John Wiesman announced a new COVID-19 testing strategy today focused on testing everyone with
WSF honors Orca Month, helps spread awareness
-- from Washington State Ferries -- June is Orca Month in Washington and we are proud of our continued partnership with the Orca Network to help protect and spread awareness of these magnificent mammals. Some of our efforts at WSF include quieting our vessels with our slow down program, having volunteer naturalists aboard our sailings
