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Here’s a thought…

No protracted war can fail to endanger the freedom of a democratic country.”

ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE

LATEST NEWS

Senator Liz Lovelett is coming to Moran State Park

April 29th, 2019|

Sunday, May 5, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m., Cascade Lake Picnic Shelter -- from Sheila Schedlbauer -- Sen. Liz Lovelett swearing in ceremony, Feb. 13, 2019. Newly appointed Senator Lovelett is coming to Moran State Park to meet our community. She will talk about the importance of Moran State Park

State Legislature tops off session with biennial budget approvals

April 29th, 2019|

-- from the Office of Governor Jay Inslee -- The 105-day legislative session ended on time with the governor and legislative leaders celebrating significant victories related to climate change and conservation, education, healthcare, jobs and safe communities. During the final hours of the session, lawmakers approved new, two-year state operating,

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State Parks Boating Program encourages cold-water safety

April 29th, 2019|

Tips for boaters and paddlers to avoid drowning accidents -- from Washington State Parks -- As the weather warms and people start boating more often, Washington State Parks’ Boating Program wants recreational boaters and paddlers to know about the risks of accidental cold-water immersion. While air temperatures may be rising,

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Candidate filing week – May 13 through May 17

April 29th, 2019|

-- from Milene Henley, San Juan County Auditor -- If you have ever wanted to be an elected official, now is your chance.  Candidate filing for positions open for election in 2019 is about to begin. During filing week, candidates may submit their filings online, by email, by fax, or

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Lovelett: State budget invests in environmental protection, local recreation, higher education

April 29th, 2019|

--- from Dave Pringle for Senator Lovelett's office -- The two-year capital construction budget passed unanimously [Sunday] by the Legislature invests in priority infrastructure across the state in the areas of behavioral health, affordable housing, education, orca protection and environmental health. "Critical local projects for our communities that improve public

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This coming weekend: Bach, Vivaldi will be sung for spring

April 28th, 2019|

Saturday, May 4, 7:30 p.m. & Sunday, May 5, 2 p.m., Orcas Center -- from Lynn Baker for Orcas Choral Society -- Orcas Choral Society in concert. May 4 and 5 at the Orcas Center, Orcas Choral Society sings Bach’s joyful Mass in F Major and Vivaldi’s beloved Gloria, with

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Superintendent weekly tour: Sheetrock going up at Orcas school construction site

April 28th, 2019|

-- from Eric Webb, Orcas School Superintendent -- To keep our community informed of the progress of the current construction projects, I am recording a short update of the previous week’s activities. This week highlights sheetrock installation and progress on the competition field.

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Emmanuel Church to honor World Labyrinth Day

April 28th, 2019|

Saturday, May 4, 1 p.m., Emmanuel Episcopal Church -- from Nancy Ayer -- The first Saturday in May -- May 4 -- is The Labyrinth Society (TLS) World Labyrinth Day, a day that brings people from all over the planet together in celebration of the labyrinth as a symbol, a

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Peek into San Juan Islands history: Fish tales, the first artist, the last lighthouse

April 28th, 2019|

'History Lives Here' brings island stories to life in May -- from Amy M. Nesler for San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau -- A rogue barnyard animal starting a war sounds like the beginning of a bad joke. But here in the San Juan Islands, we know it’s a true story.

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Legislative week in review; Session wraps up at midnight on Sunday

April 28th, 2019|

-- from Governor Jay Inslee -- The legislative session (currently on its 103rd day) is scheduled to end on Sunday. Legislators have reached a tentative budget agreement and they are scheduled to vote on it this weekend. Legislators have until midnight on Sunday (the 105th day) to pass the budget

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Guest Opinion | Can we fix the electoral college?

April 27th, 2019|

-- from Hedrick Smith, ReclaimtheAmericanDream.org -- The populist revolt against the Electoral College burst into action after Al Gore won the nationwide popular vote for president in 2000 but George W. Bush won the Presidency. It gained new momentum after Hillary Clinton beat Donald Trump by 3 million votes in

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Action plan for a sustainable ferry system released

April 27th, 2019|

-- from Amy Scarton for WSDOT/Ferries Division -- I’m excited to announce that in honor of Earth Day, we launched a two-year Sustainability Action Plan this week that outlines goals and actions for greener ferries and terminals. It includes initiatives to protect orca whales, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, reduce

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WSDOT responds to islander’s letter re: Port of Orcas

April 27th, 2019|

Reader shares response from DOT Aviation Director -- from Tracey Levine -- WSDOT Aviation Division does play a role in providing technical assistance to airports as they go through the process of updating their airport master plans. I have tried to answer some of your questions below. Our office also

Upcoming Moldoff class: Memoir in May

April 27th, 2019|

Tuesdays, May 7-28, 1-3 p.m., Orcas Library -- from JoEllen Moldoff -- This class is for those who are interested in beginning a memoir, as well as those who have been engaged in memoir writing.  It is both a continuation of previous classes and an introduction.  We will explore memoir

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Sheriff’s Report | April 17 – 23, 2019

April 27th, 2019|

-- from San Juan County Sheriff's Office -- Wednesday, April 17, 201919-002695 Theft 08:45:55 04/17/19 An Orcas Deputy responded to a theft call in Eastsound. The individual was caught on camera. The location of the suspect is unknown at this time. Continued efforts are being made to arrest him for

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Comp Plan heating up: Build-Out, VRs, the defilement of Orcas Road

April 26th, 2019|

-- by Matthew Gilbert, Orcas Issues reporter -- Everyone was present (one by phone) for the SJC Planning Commission’s third meeting of 2019 which took place on Friday, April 19. As data accumulates, comments come in, and Plan elements get updated, the process itself and its intended objectives become incrementally

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