Letter to Editor | YES for Homes, But NO to Prop 1
-- from Mike Carlson -- While I agree that we could use more available housing in the islands in almost all forms, it’s been that way for as long as I can remember….we live on islands! Our mantra has been to fight growth and foster a tourism economy…Gee what happens
Guest Opinion | Aging on the Salish Sea
-- from Sara Boyle for Orcas Senior Center -- There is a myth that seniors on Orcas Island are well off and can access services they need through private or public resources. My observations as Director of the Hearts and Hands program since November 2017 are different, and the need
Letter to Editor | Enthusiastic Support for Power
-- from Bill Karges -- Nick Power is my next door neighbor I enthusiastically support him for Prosecuting Attorney. San Juan County has a drug problem and it is getting worse. The problem for a community when it is invaded by drugs is that the problems are not just the
Friends of the Library to Hold Annual Meeting
-- from Kate Long for the Friends of the Orcas Library -- The Friends of the Orcas Library will hold their annual meeting on Sunday October 21st at the Outlook Inn. At the annual meeting we will be electing new members to the Board of Directors. All current members are
Shaw Students Win First Place in State Contest
-- from Brendan Cowan -- The students at the Shaw Island School recently won first place in a statewide contest promoting earthquake preparedness and safety. Sponsored by the Cascadia Regional Earthquake Workgroup, the competition solicited videos from schools across Washington. Timed to promote the Great Shake Out earthquake drill, this
Flu Shots Now Available at OFHC
-- from Aaimee Johnson for Orcas Family Health -- Flu shots are available at Orcas Family Health Center (OFHC). Please call 360-376-7778 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Regular influenza vaccinations are available for all adults and for children over three. Most insurance companies will cover flu vaccinations.
Fire Commissioners Review Draft 2019 Budget
-- by Susan McBain, Orcas Issues Reporter -- The Board of Fire Commissioners (BOFC) of Orcas Fire & Rescue spent much of their Oct. 15 regular meeting reviewing the draft budget presented by Fire Chief Scott Williams. Attending were Commissioners Tim Fuller, Jim Helminski, and Wes Heinmiller (by phone). Chief
Guest Opinion | We Lost the Supreme Court – Now What?
-- from Learner Limbach -- 'Flood the Capital' Rally, United States Supreme Court, October 6, 2018 On Saturday October 6th I found myself sitting on the steps of the United States Supreme Court, contemplating our country’s slip toward fascism. Several days earlier I had dropped everything and jumped
Letter to Editor | We Would Be Well-served by Brandli
-- from Lawrence Curt Delay and Jonathan Rands -- We two lawyers, who include the San Juan County District Court in our practice, support Steve Brandli for San Juan County District Court Judge because Steve’s analysis skills are excellent, because he will bring an unbiased view to our District Court,
It’s Time to Review Your Medicare Part D Plan
-- from Pegi Groundwater -- It is not just your body that needs an annual check-up. Your Medicare coverage also needs to be reviewed each year to see if it still fits you. Each year between October 15 and December 7 you are given a chance to review your Medicare
Editorial | Death by Accommodation
-- by Matthew Gilbert, Orcas Issues Reporter -- The origin story of most people I know – that is, how they ended up on Orcas Island – usually includes a respectful homage to the archipelago’s natural beauty, isolation, quietude, and topological diversity. The relative simplicity of small-town life is also
Letter to Editor | You May Want to Stay On-island During 3-boat Ferry Schedule
-- from Laurel Rust -- Hopefully everyone is aware that from October 22 through November 4, the San Juan Islands will be on a "three-boat schedule." The times of sailings to and from the mainland are very different from the Fall schedule, so check the AnaSJsTemporary3BoatSchedule for sailing times. The
Letter to Editor | Power Articulate and Smart
-- from Paul Arons -- I have lived on San Juan Island since 2002 and have been practicing law for nearly forty years. I have known Nick Power since I began practicing law in Washington, starting in 2013. Nick is tremendously imaginative, articulate and smart. He fights hard for his
OPALCO Pays Tribute to Paul Allen
-- from Suzanne Olson, Orcas Power & Light Cooperative -- The world lost a true friend in the passing of Paul Allen. Many are telling the stories of his incredible contributions to science, technology and humanity around the world and particularly in Washington State. You may not realize it, but
Letter to Editor | Brandli a Great Person and Attorney
-- from Lauren Sands -- We hired Stephen A. Brandli as our attorney in a local boundary dispute. I was floored by the depth and breadth of Steve's real estate knowledge and I continually refer clients to him. He's a great attorney but he's also a great person who's truly
Orcas Landing Construction Project Underway Soon
-- from San Juan County Public Works -- The time is nearing for construction at the Orcas Landing Marine Facility to begin. Work will start in earnest by October 31, but construction-related activities should be expected leading up to this date. On-site construction activities could include: contractor mobilization, construction fencing
