Here’s a thought…
“Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each New Year find you a better man.”
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
Orcas Landing: Where There’s a Will, There’s a Wall
-- from Stephanie Connor for San Juan Public Works -- That’s right folks, a milestone has been reached! The Main Wall at Orcas Landing is complete, and it only took 9 days to construct the wall extension. Once the next phase of the utility relocation effort has advanced, contractor and
School Construction Bond Update
-- from Orcas Island School Board -- On Monday of last week, the School Board opened submitted bids for the 2017 Bond Project. The District received three bids from the following General Contractors: Tiger, Dawson, and Faber Construction. All three bids were in excess of the cost estimates and the
Guest Opinion | Please Help Save Indian Island
-- from David Turnoy -- Just over a week ago, Russel Barsh of Kwiaht posted comments about the draft RMP plan which includes Indian Island. The BLM is planning changes that would degrade the island, opening it up to more tourism when in fact tourism was not the reason that
Inslee’s Budget Takes Big Steps to Save Orca, Salmon
-- from Governor Inslee's Office -- It’s difficult to imagine a Washington without orcas or salmon. These species are part of the cultural identity, fishing economy and tourism industry of our region. But both Washington’s Southern Resident orcas and salmon are facing a dismal fate. More than a century of
WSF Says High Winds May Delay Ferries
-- from Washington State Ferries -- The National Weather Service is forecasting high winds throughout the region on Friday, Dec. 14. This storm could bring sustained wind speeds of up to 30 mph with 60 mph gusts in some areas of Western Washington. Safety is Washington State Ferries’ number one
With Sitework Underway, New Hurdle for April’s Grove
-- from Crystal Mossman for OPAL -- In mid-November site work began on April’s Grove, OPAL’s planned 45-home rental neighborhood, when Island Excavating began clearing brush and felling trees. The crew is working carefully to remove trees where buildings will be constructed, while maintaining the “preserve and protect” areas surrounding
Notice of Special School Board Meeting
Tuesday, December 18, 2 p.m., Orcas School Cafeteria — from Orcas Island School Board — Orcas Island School Board will meet in a special meeting on Tuesday, December 18. The 2 p.m. meeting in the school cafeteria will address the opening of re-bids for the next phase of 2017 Bond/Levy
Weather Watch Issued for Winds
-- from National Weather Service -- The National Weather Service in Seattle has Issued a High WindWatch, which is in effect from Friday morning through Fridayevening. a Wind Advisory remains in effect until Noon today. * Wind, South Wind 25 to 35 MPH with Gusts of 45 to 55 MPHthrough
Lions Santa Ship Brings Holiday Joy to the Pacific Northwest
Sunday, December 16, 12 - 1 p.m., Orcas Ferry Landing -- from Jim Biddick for Orcas Lions -- In parts of the world, Santa arrives by sleigh, slides down chimneys or walks through front doors. But for people living in small island communities in the Pacific Northwest, access to the
Larsen Votes for Farm Bill to Address Hunger
-- from Amanda Munger for Rick Larsen's Office -- WASHINGTON, D.C. –Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) issued the below statement after voting for the Farm Bill, which would support Washington’s Second Congressional District: “The final Farm Bill addresses some of the concerns I raised regarding the House Farm Bill in May. Nearly
Initiative Sustainability Task Force Begins Work
-- from Susan Anderson -- The new conference room at the Orcas Island Community Foundation was buzzing with excitement as the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Initiative convened its first Sustainability Task Force meeting December 7. Over the past four years, the ECE Initiative, comprised of educators from the three schools,
SJC: Wages, Employment, Housing, the Economy, Challenges . . .
-- by Matthew Gilbert, Orcas Issues reporter -- On December 5, the San Juan County Economic Development Council (SJCEDC)hosted its second annual “Datapalooza” to present the latest figures and projections on the county’s economic health and future .Joining Victoria Compton (director of the SJCEDC) in the two-hour workshop, titled “Growing
UWNC Senior Staff Agree Orcas Needs After-Hours Care
-- by Susan McBain, Orcas Issues reporter -- A recent discussion between Orcas Island Health Care District (OIHCD) commissioners and UW Neighborhood Clinics (UWNC) regional officials took center stage at OIHCD’s December 4 meeting. The discussion produced the most positive results to date in OIHCD’s effort to achieve its desired
Rick Hughes to Address Islanders
Orcas Road near Nordstrom Lane On Monday, Dec. 17, County Councilman Rick Hughes will address Orcas Islanders from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Orcas Senior Center. Hughes will update attendees on the year's activities in Council legislation, and give progress reports on matters such as the Orcas Road improvements.
The Amazing Grandmothers of the Killer Whale Pod
-- from Center for Whale Research -- The Center for Whale Research (CWR) is excited to announce the release of a wonderful 5-minute animation that tells the incredible story about the importance of grandmothers in the Southern Resident orca community. Pods of killer whales inhabit the waters of every major ocean
Learner on the Road: Arrival at Mondragon
-- from Learner Limbach -- Yesterday I traveled by bus from Bilbao to Mondragon, which ended up taking most of a day because it was Sunday and buses were running less frequently. Oh and I got a little bit lost, at one point… But I made it! Today was Day
