Here’s a thought…
“If they can get you asking the wrong questions, they don’t have to worry about the answers.”
THOMAS PYNCHON
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
Orcas Community Band Continues to Bring Holiday Cheer
-- by Lin McNulty -- Sunday, December 16, 3 p.m., Orcas Center On Sunday, December 16, 30 local musicians will pack up their instruments at home and head on over to Orcas Center where they will unpack their instruments and bring holiday tunes once again to islanders. They have been
State Awards Nearly $18 Million for Salmon Recovery Projects Statewide
-- from Susan Zemek for Washington State Recreation and Conservation -- OLYMPIA – The Washington Salmon Recovery Funding Board today announced the award of nearly $18 million in grants for projects to restore salmon habitat in an effort to bring the iconic fish back from the brink of extinction. An
Business Spotlight | Boutique Cannabis Shop Opens in Eastsound
-- by Deborah Sparks for Orcas Issues -- Launched just two months ago, in October, 2018, the dispensary boutique, Orcas Island Cannabis, was designed and is run by local businessman, Heinz Brand who also owns and runs Enzo’s. Heinz is a pleasant, soft spoken man with a sense of humor,
It Was a Merry Humpback That Came For a Visit
-- from Peter Hamilton for Lifeforce Ocean Friends -- On December 2, as Christmas time approaches, Lifeforce Ocean Friends found a four year old humpback named “Lorax” playing with a log off Comox Harbour, BC. “Logging is a term referring to when whales and dolphins are resting. This rare type
