News - Islands' Sounder

San Juan County Council adopts $5 fee for recycling; takes effect Oct. 1

On Tuesday, the San Juan County Council approved a fee for disposing of recycled materials at the county's solid-waste facilities. The $5 fee is $2 more than that proposed by the Department of Public Works, which operates the solid waste utility.

County installing constructed wetland stormwater treatment in Eastsound

San Juan County public works will soon begin the first stage of installation for a two-acre constructed wetland designed to filter Eastsound's stormwater runoff, said county utility manager Ed Hale. “On September 15 we will start laying pipes that will handle the flow out of the wetland,” said Hale.

Canadian bicyclist dies of heart attack on Orcas

A 64-year-old man from Alberta, Canada died from sudden cardiac arrest while biking with a tour group near Rosario. "Despite every cardiac measure you can think of, he didn't survive," said Orcas Fire Division Chief Patrick Shepler.

August school bond rejected by voters – again

Orcas public school improvement efforts have hit a brick wall for the second time in six months. As election results rolled in, it became clear that cash-strapped Orcas voters weren’t going to spring for the $27 million school bond proposal, much to the chagrin of a school board that spent countless hours deliberating its terms. The vote was 1059 yes, 1234 no.

County Council to hear Solid Waste Survey report Aug. 30

The San Juan County Solid Waste Survey received responses from 26 percent of the recipients of the questionnaires mailed in late July. Survey Consultant Nina Rook of Marketing Resources termed the response rate “Outstanding.”

School board will hold retreat to discuss plans after failed bond

In their first meeting since the August election, Orcas School Board members stayed mum on the hot button issue: failure of the $27 million bond proposal. “We’ll be discussing the bond in depth at an all-day board retreat,” said board chair Scott Lancaster. That meeting is set for Tuesday, Oct. 19, location to be decided.

Gaylord says hauling trash off-island is illegal

Rumor has it some folks are hauling waste to Skagit County because dumping there is so much cheaper. After all, your momma told you you’d better shop around. However, shopping out of county for the cheapest garbage disposal is illegal, according to county prosecutor Randy Gaylord.

Purse snatcher gets 90 days in jail

An Orcas Island man who confessed to swiping one woman's purse and a check from another's mailbox, and to using those stolen belongings to buy $80 worth of cigarettes and $50 of cell-phone service, was ordered to serve three months in jail, or three months on work crew.

Lopez Island Prevention Coalition awarded $625k 'Drug-free Communities' grant

EMT response time hampered by poor cell service

Tourist’s death illustrates need for better cell coverage, says fire chief.