A single-car accident striking a power pole in Sedro-Woolley left more than 100,000 people in five counties without electricity. Here at the end of the long “extension cord” to the islands, power restoration started about 9 p.m., with some areas reporting the outage lasting until 10:30 p.m. In the islands, we are more used to these outages occurring during wind, or winter storms. After these storms and outages, we usually remind folks of the steps we can take as individuals to help our community prepare for these events.
A big thank you to Fire Chief Marler and all those who responded to our 3 a.m. furnace fire on Saturday. We were grateful for the folks that jumped out of warm beds and came to our home so quickly, prepared to deal with anything and everything.
A take-off of the TV program that helps participants lose weight is coming to San Juan Island. San Juan Island Fitness is organizing the Community Weight Loss Challenge, a variation of TV’s “The Biggest Loser.” The 15-week challenge starts May 15 and ends Aug. 15 at the San Juan County Fair. The “biggest loser” individual and team will win cash prizes.
When I first moved to the islands, I was told there were no ferocious animals living here, like bears or wolves. My new friends told me the worst thing I’d ever encounter would be a fox or an angry raccoon. Well, they were wrong. There is a monster in our midst and it hides in the back seat of cars and runs loose in our streets and fields.
This week, three local restaurants are donating part of their proceeds to Dollars for Scholars.
In this era of economic uncertainty, good news regarding savings and investments is always welcome. Here’s some: You’re going to see a sizable reduction in your 2010 property tax bill. You can help save school sports and still see a sizable reduction.
On April 25, 2009, Bill Taylor — a loving husband, father and grandfather — passed into the Lord’s hands, after a short illness at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon, Wash. Bill, 90, was born in Friday Harbor, Wash., on Dec. 28, 1918, the only child of Jesse Taylor and Dorothy (Houlton) Taylor.
I did go to the concert for Heather Masse and Aoife O’Donovan at SJCT Friday night, but the sound system didn’t seem to mix well. I couldn’t understand a word, but it was worth it to hear the guitarist and electric piano. Awesome.
The San Juan Island solid-waste transfer station is staying right where it is — at least for now. In a 4-1 decision, the County Council on Tuesday selected Sutton Road, the site of the existing transfer station, as its top choice for the future home of a new, improved and, perhaps someday, expanded solid-waste facility. The council chose Beaverton Valley Road as its second choice and Daniel Lane as its third.
Several U.S. senators and representatives are scheduled this morning to announce legislation that would invest $200 million a year from 2010-15 in public ferry systems, including Washington State Ferries.
The elections for directors to OPALCO provide an opportunity for cooperative members to select individuals who bring diverse skills and experience to OPALCO’s Board of Directors. I am pleased to be a candidate for election to that board.
Thanks to the 15 community members who helped clean South Beach, San Juan Island on Sunday, April 19. About 340 pounds of garbage was picked up as part of the annual Earth Day Beach Cleanup event co-sponsored by the National Park and Friends of the San Juans.
Remember folks, the farmers markets are getting going again on San Juan (courthouse parking lot), Orcas (village green) and Lopez (in the village across from Vitas). Markets open around 10 a.m. on Saturdays. The San Juan Farmers Market is also going to have a Wednesday market, so stay posted on location and times. Please eat local, support your farmer neighbor and help support our local food economy.
