Memorial Day is not just a three-day vacation | Editorial

Memorial Day is Monday. The American Legion Post 93, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion will hold a Memorial Service, 11 a.m. at the Mt. Baker Ceremony. “Taps” will be played on trumpet and the Honor Guard will fire 21 rounds in a tribute to the fallen.

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updated 11:46 AM May 22, 2012 0

Better broadband equals jobs: a clear equation | Guest Column

Unemployment in San Juan County is higher than it’s been in nearly 20 years. If you include folks who have exhausted their benefits, those forced to work part-time jobs and those who have lost their “under the table” employment, we’re looking at over 10 percent of the workforce.

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updated 3:53 PM May 15, 2012 0

CSA’s response to editorial | Guest column

I am writing on behalf of the Common Sense Alliance (“CSA”) to correct the misconceptions that led to the claim in your recent editorial (“War of the press releases,” May 8, 2012) that CSA bears responsibility for the “mess” in the County’s Shoreline Master Program (“SMP”) update, including the “hoax” story concocted and circulated by the county’s communications director.

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updated 11:05 AM May 15, 2012 0

Roll out red carpet for our island visitors | Editorial

The first step is getting visitors out here. The next task is creating such an incredible experience that they will return – and maybe bring some friends.

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updated 10:35 AM May 15, 2012 0

Playfest 2012 is ‘astounding’ | Theater review

The Actors Theater of Orcas Island’s Playfest 2012 opened at the Grange last Friday to an audience eager for entertainment. Seven plays, written, directed and performed by Orcas Islanders, offered glimpses of talents that seem astounding for a community our size.

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updated 11:09 AM May 8, 2012 0

War of the press releases | Editorial

San Juan County and the Common Sense Alliance have created a mess. For those not deeply entrenched in the Critical Areas Ordinance, here is what recently occurred.

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updated 10:00 AM May 8, 2012 0

Fralick not seeking re-election

Now that an eminently qualified candidate, Rick Hughes, has declared his intent to run for the District 4, Orcas West Council position, I am happy to announce that I will not seek a second term as a member of the San Juan County Council. On Orcas Island we are very fortunate to have people of the caliber of Patty Miller and Rick Hughes willing to represent us.

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11:30 AM May 3, 2012 0

Sounder joins school fundraising effort | Editorial

Many facets of the community have been part of the effort to raise money for the school district. Now the Islands’ Sounder is doing its part. We are holding a subscription drive that benefits the Orcas Island Education Foundation.

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updated 3:49 PM April 30, 2012 0

International ocean mapping conference on Orcas | Guest column

A group of scientists from around the world have been gathering annually to share findings and technology in something called marine geological and biological habitat mapping, a discipline that tries to answer some basic questions: what do our sea floors look like, what kinds of marine life do they sustain, what factors influence that marine life, and how can we use that knowledge to minimize human impact?

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updated 11:33 AM April 24, 2012 0

Remember crime victims this week | Guest column

National Crime Victims' Rights Week is April 22-28. This event is meant to increase public awareness of victim rights and available victim services.

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updated 11:09 AM April 24, 2012 0

Happy 75th, OPALCO | Editorial

Door prizes galore, brunch on a boat, loads of free stuff and election results, too? It appears Orcas Power and Light Cooperative is pulling out all the stops to make its 75th Annual Meeting, May 5, a “can’t miss” event.

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updated 10:36 AM April 24, 2012 0

Question of the Day

Are you in support of OPALCO's Broadband Initiative?