Journal of the San Juans, February 17, 2016

Page 1

Journal

The

NEWS | OPALCO closes offices after vio­ lent threats [2] ARTS | A play about property rights [9] SPORTS | Wolverines’ basketball teams dominate [16]

WEDNESDAY, February 17, 2016 n VOL. 109, NO. 7 n 75¢

School Winners of 2016 Knowledge Bowl levy passes By Heather Spaulding Journal Reporter

By Courtney Oldwyn Journal Reporter

Island voters passed the Capitol Projects and Technology Levy for San Juan School District, Feb. 9 with 73.77 percent of the vote, as of deadline. “We [the San Juan Island School Board] are thrilled and very grateful to the community for supporting this levy, especially considering it was a tax increase,” said June Arnold, San Juan Island School District Board Chairwoman. “We’re super excited they [the voters] saw a value in technology and instruction for our teachers and the projects we put on the list that are truly needed maintenance and repairs.” The passing of the levy will fund various building improvements and projects as well as technological advances such as a new science, technology, engineering and mathematics building at the Friday Harbor Elementary School and further training for staff and teachers. “It takes time to realize those levy dollars but we plan to get our teachers up to date on technology,” said Arnold. Other projects earmarked to be funded by this year’s levy include a remodel of Turnbull Gym’s locker rooms, which have not been updated since the gym was opened in the 1980s. Structural problems at the Friday Harbor Middle School are also on the repair list along with modernizing both school’s libraries and kitchens. See LEVY, Page 5

Staff photo/ Heather Spaulding

Eighth graders won best costume, as Knowledge Ninjas; Fionnoula Bourne, Bridger Bell, Zoe Wegmer and Merritt DeShone.

Survivor recalls Jonestown By Heather Spaulding Journal Reporter

They worked to create a community without hate or violence, filled with love, peace, independent yet supportive, artistic and healthy – the 60s utopian dream. What happened was a nightmare. “Jonestown lived and died in two years,” said Laura Kohl, a Jonestown survivor. “It never had a chance to get beyond the building stage.” Kohl will be speaking at the San Juan Island Library on Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. At this free event, she will be discussing her experiences at Jonestown and how she coped after the tragedy.

The assassinations of Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Robert and John Kennedy, left a leadership vacuum for the idealistic, but according to Kohl, there was also a sense by many that vigilantes were taking over the country and needed to be stopped. Jim Jones was there to fill that space. Kohl was introduced to Jones in the early 70s when his San Francisco based Peoples Temple church had approximately 300 members. Jones was dynamic and passionate about civil rights, humanity and peace. He and his wife Marceline adopted many children of assorted races, and boasted of his rainbow family. Jones’ charismatic personSee SURVIVOR, Page 3

The San Juan Public Schools Foundation held their 22nd annual Knowledge Bowl Monday, Feb. 8,in front of a packed audience at the San Juan Community Theatre. San Juan Island School Board member Brent Snow had the audience laughing as Master of Ceremonies, while simultaneously stressing the importance of math, science and education. The Schools Foundation presented Superintendent Danna Diaz with a $107,244.68 check to the San Juan School District. These funds will be used to enhance the district’s educational programs. Debbie Taylor provided a video about the school, showing children learning. The high school jazz band put on a mini concert during half time, and there was also a magic show highlighting the schools STEM programs. Competing for the Knowledge Bowl trophy were: Eighth graders, who won best costume, with their team Knowledge Ninjas; Fionnoula Bourne, Bridger Bell, Zoe Wegmer and Merritt DeShone 9/10 the Neons; Jaclyn Domenech, Savannnah, Hoffman, See BOWL, Page 5

Journal deadlines

Display advertising: Friday at noon Classified advertising: Monday at noon Legal advertising: Thursday at noon Press releases, Letters: Friday at 3 p.m.

How to reach us

Office: 378-5696 Fax: 1-888-562-8818 Editor: editor@sanjuanjournal.com


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.