Road to learning

First grader Lluvia Qunitero works on an assignment in Homework Club, which is part of the Orcas School District’s English Language Learners’ program. Lluvia speaks Spanish and English. The ELL program also offers parenting classes and has created a Spanish library.  - Cali Bagby/Staff Photo
Cali Bagby/Staff Photo
First grader Lluvia Qunitero works on an assignment in Homework Club, which is part of the Orcas School District’s English Language Learners’ program. Lluvia speaks Spanish and English. The ELL program also offers parenting classes and has created a Spanish library.
Everyone was frustrated. Students could not understand the homework and their Spanish-speaking parents were struggling to help, but could not read the directions in English.

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8:53 AM May 23, 2013

I-5 Skagit River bridge collapses; people, cars in the water

The northern most section of the I-5 bridge spanning the Skagit River collapsed Thursday, shortly before 7 p.m., hurtling several cars and people into the water. Click on this article for an early report by Journal sister paper The Skagit Valley Herald.

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updated 8:42 PM May 23, 2013 Journal of the San Juan Islands

Council selects Enumclaw administrator for county manager post | Update

Thomas has been city administrator of the city of Enumclaw, population 10,669, Wash., since 2010. Before that, he was director of the city's Department of Community and Economic Development for five years.

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updated 5:15 PM May 22, 2013 Journal of the San Juan Islands

Extra sailings over Memorial Day weekend

Washington State Ferry riders are advised to plan for heavy traffic and long wait times during the Memorial Day weekend.

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2:41 PM May 22, 2013

Death notice | Shane Foster

Shane Michael Foster, 44 of Mountain Home, Idaho, formerly of Orcas Island, died on Tuesday, May 21 in Mountain Home of injuries from an automobile crash. Arrangements are under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel in Mountain Home, Idaho.

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2:41 PM May 22, 2013

Explore new trail on Jones Island

Washington State Parks is having a Trail opening celebration on Jones Island Tuesday, June 4 from 1 to 4 p.m. The trail is approximately two miles long. It’s proposed name is the East Loop Trail. The naming is in process and not official yet.

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8:37 AM May 22, 2013

San Juan Fire Department in, EMS out in new public safety boat deal

The San Juan County Sheriff's Department remains on course to acquire a new and improved emergency response boat, built by federal dollars, despite the fact that several public safety agencies that previously were expected to chip in for its maintenance and operations have abandoned ship.

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9:07 AM May 21, 2013

Fawn season: four tips to help them along the way

The Black-tailed Deer we have here on the San Juans mostly give birth to their fawns in May, so right now is the peak of fawn season.

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8:55 AM May 20, 2013

Last chance to hear Orcas School Musicians this year

Orcas school music students are now preparing for the school year’s final three music concerts, which will take place over the next three Thursdays.

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updated 4:52 PM May 17, 2013

Mulligan resigns

On Thursday, May 16, the OPALCO Board of Directors accepted George Mulligan's resignation from the board with great appreciation and gratitude for his five years of service.

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updated 4:14 PM May 17, 2013

County prevails in 'open meetings' lawsuit; appeal 'likely'

Although Judge Alan Hancock discussed and dismissed a number of factual and legal issues associated with the case, the crux of his decision, based upon Washington appellate precedents, stated that, “for the purposes of OPMA, a meeting occurs only if a majority or quorum of the governing body is present.”

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updated 11:21 AM May 17, 2013 Journal of the San Juan Islands