The
INSIDE Letters
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News briefs
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Sheriff’s Log
Anne Willis photo
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Islands’ eekly W
VOLUME 36, NUMBER 4 • JANUARY 22, 2013
Lopez Baseball and Softball returns Lobo Basketball Home Games 1/25 Girls 4:45 Boys 6:15 1/29 Girls 4:45 Boys 6:15
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Players, parents and coaches are getting ready for those famous words: “Let’s play ball.” As little as six years ago the opportunity for children on Lopez to play organized baseball was all but gone. Through strong support of community volunteers, parents, coaches and sponsors they enthusiastically look forward to another great season. “Five years ago we strug-
gled to form just one team, participating in league play with Orcas Island,” says parent and assistant coach Mike Reinmuth. “Now we find ourselves overwhelmed with interest, enough to field three teams, including a girls’ softball team.” Children ages 5-13 (with some restrictions on their birthday) are encouraged to register for this year’s teams that will start practicing in
March. Games begin in April, after the scheduled spring break from school, and continue weekly through early June, culminating in what has become a traditional seasonending tournament and barbecue. As with any organization, Lopez Youth Baseball and Softball is seeking interested parents, team sponsors and volunteers to participate at all levels. Enthusiastic coaches, supportive team parents or
help with carpooling after practice are all needed and welcomed. Registration fees will cover the cost of the uniform (shirt, pants and ball cap) some new equipment (bats and balls) and affordable medical insurance coverage during practice and games. Registration fees and much of the equipment costs are supplemented through team sponsorships from local businesses or individual sponsors. See sports, page 5
County council looks at marine issues By Steve Wehrly Journal reporter
The executive committee of the Marine Resources Committee has been asked to meet with three members of the San Juan County Council in response to contacts between the MRC and state and federal agencies. Newly installed Council Chairman Jamie Stevens commented on the MRC and the results he hopes to see from the meeting: “The Marine Resources Committee performs a valuable and important service for the council and the county. I expect the smaller group to bring back to the council a plan for expanded communi-
cations between the council and the MRC.” The council decided to hold the meeting after Councilman Rich Peterson thought recent interactions between the MRC and two agencies, the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, appeared to him that the MRC was engaging in setting policy on issues involving preservation of salmon and orca populations. The two issues – “NoGo Zones” for orca protection and the work closure period to protect juvenile salmon in San Juan County – have raised concern on
the council that the MRC’s “valuable role in protecting and enhancing the marine environment doesn’t conflict with the council’s policy setting role,” said Councilman Marc Forlenza, Friday Harbor, who will be attending the meeting along with Peterson and Patty Miller, East Orcas. At a Dec. 5 meeting of the MRC in Friday Harbor, Peterson came prepared with a council resolution stating, “The county’s position regarding the ‘No-Go Zone’ as proposed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric [Administration] will be that position articulated by the San Juan County Council and not that of any of its subcommittees or advisory groups.” The National Marine Fisheries Service, an agency of NOAA, proposed a new “public outreach program”
to reconsider its 2009 proposal to ban all boats from a half-mile-wide strip of water along much of the west side of San Juan Island, where killer whales cruise during the summer. Several people attending the meeting spoke against any reconsideration of the “No-Go Zone,” and so far NMFS has not announced any outreach meetings on the issue. At the same Dec. 5 meeting, the MRC approved a letter to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife on the “work window closure period” under the department’s hydraulic code rules. In 2005, as part of the Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Plan, the DFW designated the period between March 15 and June 14 as the time that near-shore construction throughout Puget Sound See marine, page 5
¡Practica su ingles! English Language Learners
Practica de ingles en un ambiente divertido mientras aprende de los conceptos de gramatica, vocabulario y frases para situaciones actuales. Max: 10 estudiantes. (Se requiere registro previo.) Meets 5 sessions: 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26 Time: 6:30-8:00pm Instructor: Kelly Donaldson Location: Family Resource Center