— from the Office of Governor Jay Inslee — Gov. Jay Inslee announced the extension of Proclamation 20-45 today, strengthening emergency protection for domestic violence victims amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. The proclamation extension was previously denied by Republicans, with House Republican Leader Wilcox only agreeing to extend the proclamation by a day, … Continue reading
Lin McNulty
— from Milene Henley, Auditor, and Camolyn Armstrong, Elections Supervisor — San Juan County is seeking volunteers to create opposing statements to place in the online Voters’ Guide for the upcoming August 2020 Primary Election. Lopez Island School District No. 144 approved sending Resolution No. 7 to voters. If approved, … Continue reading
— from the Office of Governor Jay Inslee — Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement today on voluntary contact information for patrons as part of phased reopening. “We are asking visitors to voluntarily provide contact information in case of COVID-19 exposure. We only need information for one person per household. … Continue reading
Statement from John Wiesman, Secretary of Health and Dr. Kathy Lofy, State Health Officer The Department of Health is aware of rumors and misinformation circulating about quarantine orders and specialized quarantine facilities. Public health officials regularly ask people who are sick with an infectious disease or may have been exposed to … Continue reading
— from Crystal Mossman for OPAL Community Land Trust — As of May 14, OPAL had received 182 requests to help pay rent or mortgage from islanders who had lost income due to COVID-19. Using donations made to both the Orcas Island Community Foundation’s Emergency Response Fund and directly to … Continue reading
— from San Juan County Sheriff’s Office — Wednesday, May 6, 202020-003224 Weapons Offense 08:20:28 05/06/20An Orcas Deputy was dispatched to a weapons noise near Eastsound. A bullet was found to have gone through a window and then a wall. An investigation was completed and a report taken. 20-003228 Fraud … Continue reading
— by Lin McNulty, Editor — It was January 21, 2020 that Orcas Issues published our first corona virus story reporting on the first known case in the state. At that point, it was typical for us to post 3 - 5 stories per day. That was a comfortable workload … Continue reading
— from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray — Camp Murray, WA — Today Washington State Secretary of Health John Wiesman approved the variance application for Whitman County to move into Phase 2 of Gov. Jay Inslee’s Safe Start plan. This brings the total to 9 counties. Businesses in the counties approved to … Continue reading
— from Brendan Cowan, Department of Emergency Management — This week “COVID-19 Community Conversations” continues with another set of videos highlighting specific efforts from organizations and people in our community that provide key services and crucial leadership around the county. You can find our entire collection of videos on our … Continue reading
— from Kristen Fay, Market Manager — Pavilions dot the Eastsound Village Green at the Saturday Farmers Market The Orcas Island Farmers Market Board plans to open the Orcas market slowly, in Three Phases. The first of these phases will begin Saturday, May 16 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on … Continue reading
— from The Vacation Rental Work Group — We face a unique challenge in San Juan County. We have a greater ability than most areas to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2, yet simultaneously depend economically on visitors. We also have a disproportionately elderly population, who are at increased risk for … Continue reading
— from the Office of Governor Jay Inslee — Gov. Jay Inslee today issued guidance clarifying Phase 1 outdoor recreation requirements, and set forth outdoor recreation guidance for Phase 2. Through the Washington “Safe Start” plan, more businesses and activities will re-open in phases, with adequate safety and health standards in … Continue reading
IMMORTALITYby Lisel Mueller In Sleeping Beauty’s castlethe clock strikes one hundred yearsand the girl in the tower returns to the world.So do the servants in the kitchen,who don’t even rub their eyes.The cook’s right hand, liftedan exact century ago,completes its downward arcto the kitchen boy’s left ear;the boy’s tensed vocal … Continue reading
— from Orcas Island Film Festival — “Saint Frances,” - written by and starring Kelly O’Sullivan. The movie premiered at last year’s SXSW Film Festival and won the audience award in the narrative feature competition, as well as a special jury recognition for breakthrough voice. O’Sullivan (who makes her feature screenwriting debut while also … Continue reading
— from Emergency Operations Center, Camp Murray — Numbers: As of May 13, there are 17,773 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Washington state, an increase of 261 cases in the last 24 hours.Visit the Department of Health’s website for cases by county, demographics, and more. Statewide Response Updates Long Term Care Facility (LTCF) Reporting: As of May 9, a total of … Continue reading
