Every week, more than 100 women in Washington state are diagnosed with breast cancer.
She wore red lipstick and her neck was often adorned with a colorful scarf. She was an artist who painted watercolors with scenes of vibrant bouquets and shorelines of calm waters. She loved martinis and silver jewelry from her travels to Mexico and Europe. She was known for her witty charm, bright smile and a cigarette constantly held between her fingers.
Auditor Milene Henley released the following statement about the charter review proposals. It is not an approval or rejection of Proposition 1. Its purpose is to clarify the statutory electoral process.
In May of this year before a final vote by the Charter Review Commission and before I left the county, Gordy Petersen delivered his opinion about why I may have left San Juan County, calling it my “dream job” and making other dreamy hypothecations.
Our generation inherited a world contaminated with PCBs. They were considered as safe as mineral oil and table salt. PCBs were used in hundreds of applications from insulating fluids, plasticizers in paints, pesticide extenders, caulking, adhesives, to carbonless copy paper.
In 2005, voters endorsed, by 63 percent, the “Basic” Home Rule Charter and by 55 percent, an amendment to the charter that divided the county into six legislative districts, created a council of six part-time legislators, and established district-only elections for each of those part-time posts.
It’s our most basic human need: food.
For most of us, we can walk into the store or stroll through the farmers’ market and pick up whatever we like.
We have all read many letters about the proposals of the CRC to amend the County Charter.
The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers is leading the collaboration with Whatcom County Planning and Development Services and WA Department of Ecology to prepare a join Environmental Impact Statement. The Corps issued a Special Public Notice on Sept. 24, 2012 to invite the public to participate in the EIS process, which will end on Jan 21, 2012.
As a past San Juan County Commissioner, County Council Member, and now as your State Senator, I have followed closely the work of the Charter Review Commission and their proposed improvements to the San Juan County Home Rule Charter.
In 2008 I retired and moved to Orcas full time. By the next year, I was anxious to get involved in volunteer work and through Betsy Louton at the Senior Center I learned about “Hearts and Hands.”
It’s a disease that doesn’t care how old you are, how much money you have in the bank or what color your skin is.
But the reason for my letter is to point to the leadership of our students in wanting to bring back both music and the library to our schools. I am awed, and humbled, at their commitment to the music program and the school library.
Vote to reject Proposition No. 1 as put forward by the Charter Review Commission. Here’s why.
Thank Goodness for Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival volunteers, community businesses and restaurants, and patrons! Thank goodness for all who:
Three years ago, our Orcas school band and orchestra were combined. We held concerts in our loud, dusty cafeteria to an audience of parents and family. Then things changed.
Being “different” comes in many forms, but the unifying element is that it’s hard to fit in when you’re not like everyone else.
Just in time for the election season, we would like to take a minute to remind readers about our editorial policies.
It seems perfectly appropriate, as the days grow shorter and the nights darker, for another Actor’s Theater of Orcas Island delight that makes us think. And think again, as we shudder at the thought. Doug Bechtel’s stunning production of Seattle playwright Keri Healey’s dark, complex drama “Torso” at the Grange offers strong acting by familiar faces we thought we knew.
The notes ring out, brilliant, beautiful and resounding against the cathedral ceilings.
Observing the machinations of the Charter Review Commission has been instructive. The Home Rule Charter of 2005 was the first to succeed in over twenty years in Washington state with a 65 percent majority of San Juan County voters.
We are profoundly sad to hear that the school’s library has been closed due to budget cuts.
This November the voters of San Juan County will be asked to vote for changes to the charter that governs the county. The provision to grant administrative or executive power back to the county council is the most worrisome of the proposed changes and should be considered carefully before you cast your vote.
Some organizations have spread fear about what you will be able to do with your property under the proposed critical areas ordinance.
Some organizations have spread fear about what you will be able to do with your property under the proposed critical areas ordinance.
Some organizations have spread fear about what you will be able to do with your property under the proposed critical areas ordinance.
Mr. Blanchard’s letter expresses concern that playing Frisbee or flying kites won’t be allowed near wetlands and Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas (“Overreaching CAO buffer restrictions”, Aug. 1 Sounder, pg. 5).
In addition to taking part in the fun and food at the fair, you can make your time even more rewarding by talking with the 200 islanders at the booths and tables of several dozen civic groups, political parties, businesses and local governments.
I have a fear of birds, which I suspect originated on a beach trip with my father when I was eight. He thought it was hilarious to put bits of bread on my head to feed the seagulls. That event compiled with Hitchcock’s horror film “The Birds,” instilled in me a great fear of those winged-creatures equipped with cold, beady eyes and sharp talons and beaks.
This article is the last of the three-part series on the planned exports of coal and tar sands oil exports through the waters surrounding our islands.
Cimarron is an experienced solid waste and recyclable materials handling company that has been serving the citizens of San Juan County for over 15 years.
Orcas Recycling Services, the local nonprofit best known for The Exchange, recently submitted a proposal to the county to operate the Orcas Island solid waste transfer station. We submitted this proposal on behalf of our island community.
In my first year as auditor, the first time I went out on a limb to project revenue, it was to say that sales tax revenue that year would not meet budget.
Yes, August has indeed arrived and with a quick look at the calendar we’re reminded that opening day of the San Juan County Fair is just two weeks away.
It wasn’t the first time her husband raised a fist to her face. But she had no idea it would be the last. Despite a frantic call to 911, she died at the hands of her spouse. Local deputies were overworked and in the middle of a major car accident. They couldn’t respond to the call.
Over the course of the Independence Day holiday week from July 3 through July 8, we responded to 29 alarms: 21 were EMS and eight were fire.
I took the helm from veteran San Juan County Administrator Pete Rose at a challenging time. County government has been sailing in stormy financial seas since the great recession hit in 2008. But the county has continued to make headway and accomplished a great deal. A hard-working county council and dedicated professional staff, elected and appointed, have remained focused on key goals and on improving overall health, safety and community quality of life in the San Juan Islands.
We’re not one of the healthiest counties for nothing.
While most kids are eating tater tots and breaded chicken, Orcas Island students tend to their very own garden.
We know all too well the perils of crime in a small community. Colton Harris-Moore drove that point home with his exploits as the Barefoot Bandit.
San Juan County Auditor Milene Henley has announced the publication of an annual financial report for the county for fiscal year 2011.
