Update on Ben Nuñez and West Sound Lumber Company

  — from Eleanor Hoague —

Ben Nuñez, at work at Helsell’s Sawmill

In short, there is good news. After a long and hard-fought battle, Ben Nuñez is not being deported by ICE [Immigrations and Customs Enforcement]. Although he is not eligible for a green card (permanent residence) or citizenship, and he may eventually have to return to Mexico (unless the law changes) for the foreseeable future he is here legally and has work authorization issued from ICE.

This is thanks in no small part to the many islanders who supported Nuñez, the Helsells, and West Sound Lumber Company by writing letters and making calls on their behalf. Thanks are also due to their attorneys for their very astute and dogged work.

There have also been rumors that West Sound Lumber Company will be closing its doors, but these are inaccurate. Jack and Jan Helsell intend to keep the sawmill running and open to new orders for the specialty lumber for which the mill is so well known. Nuñez is now the sawmill manager and will be handling the orders with the wise counsel of Jack Helsell.