Wednesday, April 16, 2014 • The Islands’ Sounder
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Sheriff’s office arrests Scenic byway signs posted burglary suspect on Orcas by CALI BAGBY Staff reporter
The San Juan County Sheriff 's Office has arrested a suspect tied to two residential burglaries on Orcas Island. “The prime piece of evidence was the surveillance cameras in the house,” said Undersheriff Bruce Distler. The suspect, who is a juvenile, is being charged with burglary and possession of stolen property. The stolen property also ties the suspect to another residential burglary. Both incidents occurred this year within the last couple of weeks, Distler estimates. They also occurred in the same neighborhood, close to Eastsound.
Although several other burglaries have been reported this year, there is no evidence to connect this suspect to other burglaries. Distler said this is usually the time of year when there are more reports of burglaries. “There are people with summer houses that no one is watching. Then they are coming home and finding out they are burglarized,” said Distler. The sheriff 's office suggests that if you are leaving at any length of time, have a neighbor or friend complete routine random property checks. If there is a burglary this will help the sheriff 's office to narrow the date of the incidence, which may help with further investigations.
Measles cases climbs to five; four no longer contagious The San Juan County Health Department will be providing additional immunizations in Friday Harbor, Friday, April 11, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. If you do not have a regular health care provider call the Health Department (378-4474) and make an appointment to get immunized now. If you are feeling sick and think you may have the measles do not come to the Health Department or your medical provider without calling first. If you think you have measles you will be asked to wear a mask and may be conducted to a special room for examination. Remember call first before going to your health care provider or the Health Department. Currently there are a total of five cases of measles on San Juan Island, four of whom are no longer contagious. However, a Kitsap County resident diagnosed with measles was contagious during his stay in Friday Harbor on April 4. Individuals may have been exposed at the following places and times: • Kenmore Air 8 a.m. flight from Seattle • Port of Friday Harbor Marina, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Town of Friday Harbor Planning Office, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. • Cask and Schooner Restaurant, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. • Friday Harbor Fuel Dock, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. These times overlap
because the measles virus can remain in the air up to 2 hours and still be infectious. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory viral disease that spreads easily when the infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. It is different from food borne illnesses spread by contaminated food that can occur when a food worker does not use correct food safety practices (e.g. washing hands, avoiding crosscontamination, and cooking foods to a safe internal temperature). If you become infected, the symptoms of measles will be present 7-21 days after exposure. Symptoms are high fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and a rash of tiny, red spots that starts at the head and spreads to the rest of the body. Measles is especially dangerous for children under five years of age, pregnant women, and immunocompromised persons. If you or your child, older than 12 months of age; has not received a dose of MMR vaccine, you should be vaccinated now. If you or your child are older than 12 months of age and have received one dose of MMR vaccine and it has been more than 28 days since that dose you should now receive a second dose of MMR vaccine. Most adults born before 1957 have had measles and can be considered to be immune. In response to the measles
cases, Orcas Family Health Center has 50 free doses of the MMR vaccine on hand from the state for children and teens up to 18 years old. For adults who are uncertain if they are immune, there is a blood test available that confirms the presence or absence of antibodies for $65. For those adults who are not immune and have no insurance, OFHC has free vaccine available with a $25 administration fee. More information about Measles can be found on the San Juan County Department of Health’s website at http://www. co.san-juan.wa.us/news/ NewsRelease.aspx?nr=107.
Contributed photo
Pictured above: Committee members Deborah Hopkins Buchanan, David Gow, Lee Taylor, Dona Wuthnow, Boyd Pratt, Tom Kirschner, Guard Sundstrom and Stephanie Buffum. More than 90 San Juan Islands Scenic Byway “wayshowing” signs will be posted on Orcas and San Juan during April, eight-and-a -half years since undertaking the grassroots scenic byway process in the fall of 2005. The San Juan Islands Scenic Byway became Washington’s newest state byway in the spring of 2009. Eighty-five, metal, 12 by 8-inch logo signs, to be posted by Scenic Byway partner San Juan County Public Works, will make it
each year since 2009, and online tours are included on the Visitors Bureau’s website at www.visitsanjuans.com/ tours and online brochure. The byway is divided into three segments: the first one-third encompasses 30 miles along the beautiful, blue marine highway (Washington State Ferries routes), the second one-third is a driving tour around San Juan Island, and the last third is a driving tour on Orcas Island. More info is at www.visitsanjuans.com/scenicbyway.
Sea View Theatre is saved The campaign to raise money for the Sea View Theatre is officially a success. As of Friday, April 11, the campaign raised a total of $56,000 and placed an order for the new digital projector, which is now required to show films. More than 250 donors stepped forward to help. The new projector should
Seattle Optometrist Helps LEGALLY BLIND to See!
Just because you have macular degeneration (or other vision-limiting conditions) doesn’t always mean you must give up driving or reading. A Seattle optometrist, Dr. Ross Cusic, is using miniaturized binoculars or telescopes to help people who have lost vision from macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy or other eye conditions. “Our job is to figure out everything and anything possible to keep a person functioning,” says Dr. Cusic. “Whether it’s driving, reading, TV, seeing faces, check writing, bingo or bridge. We work with whatever is on the person’s ‘wish list.’”
easier for visitors to find designated attractions, parks and amenities along the byway on both islands. In addition, eight 60 by 27-inch gateway signs will be posted at the Anacortes, Orcas Island and San Juan Island/Friday Harbor Washington State Ferries terminals. The signs were made possible via a national scenic byways grant, one of four grants received to date. Byway touring maps have been printed by the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau
be installed by the beginning of May. A legal covenant has been signed that restricts the use of the building to a movie theatre and live performances for the next 15 years. Building renovations are
now underway. Through a service donation from Ian Woolworth, they will have the outside painted in the next few months. They have applied for a beer and wine license and have plans to upgrade the food service.
Time is running out... Changes to solar incentives are coming June 30th. A 4kW solar system
installed before June 30th will be eligible for an extra $1200 in incentives.
Patient Driving with Bioptic Telescopic Glasses With interest-free payment options this technology is now more affordable than ever. “Definitely worth the $2150 cost. I should have come sooner,” said Dr. Cusic’s patient. For more information and a FREE telephone consultation,
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