Orcas Island
Where’s the ferry?
Islanders will see more crew, upgraded terminal … before new ferries.
Talking turkey in the San Juans: strutting the line between welcome wildlife and pest
The American wild turkey, introduced for hunting in the San Juan Islands around 1980, seems to have learned well how to live near humans — to the extent of unwelcome encroachment, in the minds of some. Given mixed responses in human-dominated environs, what makes a wild creature a charming neighbor to some and a pest to others?
No new reservations, for now: Living and working around ferry delays, cancellations in the San Juans
This year’s peak-season summer Washington State Ferries sailing schedule has been plagued by delayed and canceled sailings, some due to a shortage of crew and some to mechanical problems. For the long Labor Day weekend, things are not looking much brighter for the San Juan Islands runs.
Have enough water? San Juan prepares to find out, with USGS study
A study funded by the state legislature and the U.S. Geological Survey will address a major barrier in both predicting San Juan County’s future water needs and managing current systems: the capacity of wells in the county is unknown.
San Juan school districts face big budget shortfalls due to levy cap
A law to make state education funding more equitable has had the opposite effect in the San Juan Islands. While San Juan property owners are paying more in state education taxes, less funding is going towards local schools.
At age 83, Orcas Islander votes for first time in Presidential election
Born in New York City, Tony Ayer moved to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, at age eight. After going to school in the States, he returned to St. Croix where he spent 75 years. Nnow 83 years old, this weekend, for the first time in his life, he cast his ballot in the U.S. Presidential election.
Local schools seek parent, student feedback before announcing fall plans
As fall school start dates approach, many local districts are waiting to release detailed back-to-school plans amid uncertain COVID-19 health concerns.