State ferry routes sustainable, say two key legislators; funding resources set in transportation budgets
The Washington State Legislature will find the money needed to keep all state ferry routes open, declared Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen (D-10th, Camano Island), chairwoman of the Senate Transportation Committee last week.
February 13, 2012
0
Wetland dispute prompts viral video
Charles Dalton shares a four-acre property with another islander on Orcas Island, and said his troubles started because he made a mistake when he built a barn and a shed without a permit. The issue, according to the Friends of the San Juans, is not about farming, as the video suggests, but about following the rules and getting construction permits before developing.
Sen. Ranker green jobs bill passes unanimously
Senate Bill 6211, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-Orcas Island, reforms the State and Local Toxics Account law to begin cleaning up sites more quickly while protecting funds for the primary purpose of cleaning up toxic sites to create healthier communities.
February 13, 2012
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Health department: flu is here
The department monitors the County’s schools for signs spreading communicable disease and it reported that there is no doubt that flu season has arrived.
February 10, 2012
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County Council looks at future of the Exchange
During the council meeting on Feb. 7, council chairwoman Patty Miller, Orcas East, said there is no update to the solid waste after Tuesday's meeting, but that there is a “concept” for dividing the property into areas, which includes setting aside a portion of the site for continuing the Exchange and possibly accommodating expansion, but there is significant due diligence that needs to be completed before any more specifics can be determined.
February 10, 2012
1
Kevin O’Brien is new fire chief
As a boy, Kevin O'Brien had dreams about hopping on a firetruck to fight blazes.
As an adult, he's been realizing that passion for more than 20 years.
Now the Orcas native is fulfilling another aspiration: leading his community's fire department.
February 9, 2012
6
Orcas Fire to announce new chief TONIGHT
The Orcas Board of Fire Commissioners will announce the new fire chief during a special public meeting on Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. All are invited to attend.
February 9, 2012
0
Council reinstates portion of sheriff and prosecutor budget
During its meeting on Orcas today, the county council voted 6-0 to reinstate $60,000 to the sheriff's department and $21,000 to the prosecuting attorney's office after a preliminary budget reduced funding to those departments.
February 8, 2012
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Garbage washing ashore
Islander Diane Wachter was taking photos at Crescent Beach when she noticed that much of the sand beneath her feet was covered in garbage – primarily plastic litter.
February 7, 2012
1
Banning the bag: Local grocers get on board with banning plastic bags at checkout stands
House Bill 1877 and Senate Bill 5780, both bills to ban plastic bags and promote reusable bags, were introduced last year and failed to pass. Similar bills House Bill 2404 and Senate Bill 5780 were reintroduced again this year by Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon and Rep. Marko Liias.
February 7, 2012
0
Same-sex marriage bill advances to House Floor
A House committee approved a measure to legalize same-sex marriage in Washington state, setting the stage for final passage this week.
