Opinion Piece

Today is 75th Anniversary of liberation of Auschwitz death camp

January 27, 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the last few thousand souls at the death camp at Auschwitz. In these uncertain times in which we are radically divided and democracy itself is…

Written by Mark Fishaut

Guest Column: Remaining Rooted: A Sense of Place

When we’re faced with uncertainty, we seek a sense of rootedness. How do we ground ourselves? We might ask, “What is it that gives me a sense of place?” For some, it’s the sweeping views of…

Written by Brandon Cadwell and Erin Wygant

Guest Column: Washington’s Shellfish Farms Are the Heart of Rural Economies

When most Americans think of a farming state they probably picture the cornfields of Iowa or California’s Central Valley. Washington might not rank high on their list. As the Director for NOAA’s Office of Aquaculture, I…

Written by Danielle Blacklock, Director, NOAA’s Office of Aquaculture

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NOAA Column

GUEST COLUMN: Using the FAA as a model for a new law enforcement agency is something we should all support for police reform

I write regarding the current discussion/review of our law enforcement programs, including training, certification and accountability. It certainly appears that our U.S. Senate and House are not on the same page. I suggest a platform upon…

Written by Dan Vician

Guest Column by Denny Kaill: Time Travel

The Covid-19 virus has caused considerable world-wide economic and physical suffering, if not death, with the end nowhere in sight. But curiously, during the initial stages when populations were directed to shelter in place, surprising contrasts…

Written by Denny Kaill

Guest Column: Thoughts about pandemic's impact on local restaurants and suppliers

As I listen to the rain bounce off my sky light and feel the fall chill settle in the air, I know that the days of outdoor dining for me and my restaurant industry colleagues are…

Written by Anna Maria de Freitas

We Can Do Better on Salmon Discussion

In a November 9 op-ed, Sharon Grace and Chris Pinney suggested that my organization was peddling “disinformation” about the effect of the lower Snake River dams on salmon populations. They also stated their belief that our…

NAS Whidbey: Navy remains committed to environmental stewardship; conducts critical training in Pacific Northwest

Numerous area media outlets, including The Seattle Times, published stories, which cited studies that have raised questions about whether Navy jet noise affects Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) and the soundscape of the Olympic Peninsula. We…

Written by Capt. Matt Arny Commanding Officer NAS Whidbey Island

Guest Column by Clayton Banry: Making Transportation Accessible

My name is Clayton Banry, I grew up in San Juan, I'm 32 and I've been in a wheelchair since I was eighteen because of a disorder called Mucolipidosis Type 3. It's a rare, slowly progressive…

Written by Clayton Banry

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Capital Improvements: Friday Harbor’s Largest Commitment

Year after year, the services and responsibilities undertaken by the Town of Friday Harbor grow as population and business activity increase. Beyond daily town operations that include administration, finance, and community development, our most expensive and…

Written by Duncan Wilson Friday Harbor Town Administrator

An islander shares his observations about what the foxes need

I live south of American Camp, so I pass through the park from time to time. I feel compelled to post my opinion because what I am seeing here really bothers me and I know I…

Written by Kyle Kittoe

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Red fox

Guest Column by Clayton Banry: An update on Free Wheelin Rides

This past January I was given an opportunity to share my story with the local paper about the need for wheelchair accessible transportation on the island since this has been an ongoing challenge. My goal for…

Written by Clayton Banry

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