Islands' Weekly, May 22, 2012

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The

INSIDE Energy Matters

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Woodman Hall Auction

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Summer workshops

Cali Bagby photo

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www.islandsweekly.com 360-468-4242 • 800-654-6142

Illegal fires still spark concern By Cali Bagby

Finally the sky is blue, birds sing in blossoming trees, islanders trade pants for shorts and don sunglasses. It’s also the time of year when the risk of fire increases, and in about a month open burning season will be over.

Although he has yet to write a citation this year for illegal burnings, San Juan County Deputy Fire Marshal Paul Turner is growing concerned that it’s still occurring, but that islanders may not report the fires. He has See fires, page 4

Islands’ eekly W

Broadband Intiative receives mixed reactions By Cali Bagby

The Orcas senior center was overflowing with islanders – some were men, others were women, several spoke out numerous times, while the rest quietly listened. What they had in common was their support for Orcas Power and Light Cooperative’s Broadband Initiative, which they showed by raising their hands. “What we’re really looking for is feedback,” said Suzanne Olson, communication specialist for OPALCO. “So far we’ve had a lot of positive feedback.” During similar meetings hosted by OPALCO and

the Economic Development Council on Lopez and San Juan Island, reactions to the initiative have been mixed. Three years ago, the San Juan County Economic Development Council and the San Juan Island Community Foundation took on the task of researching what improved broadband speeds could do for the economy and community. An OPALCO member survey in the fall of 2011 showed broad support, and detailed studies are under way to determine the feasibility and potential business models for expanding the service. OPALCO is currently cooperating with a

Lopez School

Musical Theatre Students ✧ present ✧

The Treasure Under The Stone An original musical play

Sunday,

Wednesday, May 23 7:30pm at Lopez Center

May 27th

6TH ANNUAL AUCTION and YARD SALE Presented by The Friends of

Woodmen Hall Yard Sale & Food at 11 am Auction begins at 1 pm “Dinner on the Beach & Tour” for 8, from Jones Family Farms

Asian Wraps and Rolls Party for 8 - 10, from Mary Jenison

Energy Audit from Sage Building up to a $500 value, from Doug Poole

Beautiful set of Havilland Bavarian China almost complete!, Johann pattern

Zip Line Adventure for Two

from Zip San Juan Gift certificates & merchandise from many of our generous local merchants. Furniture, household items, tools and more...Something for everyone

Help preserve a piece of island history!

VOLUME 35, NUMBER 21 • MAY 22, 2012

Cali Bagby/ Weekly photo

J. Foster Hildreth, OPALCO’s assistant general manager, at the Orcas meeting. county-wide effort to expand broadband access to members – reaching up to 90 percent of San Juan County with a minimum speed of 10 megabytes per second. The series of broadband – high-speed Internet and other communication services – meetings across the islands were held to discuss the ser vices to

be provided, the costs and the provider. While many of those answers are still under consideration, OPALCO’s staff had one question ready to answer: why broadband would benefit the islands. Broadband would provide electric system reliability and Smart See OPALCO, page 8

Grand Opening Memorial Day Weekend

Located in Lopez Village in the Plaza Building

C'est La Vie

Accessory Boutique!

Free admission!

Ooh La La! Your purchase enters you in a raffle for a $25 Gift Certificate!

Show lasts less than one hour. Appropriate for all ages

Open Wed-Saturday 10-5pm Sunday 10-3pm


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