Let's face it: crime happens. Things get stolen. Cell phones, laptop, jewelry, and personal belongings are all susceptible to it. However, there's another threat to those who have had property stolen from them: garage sale pages online. Whether they are through social media (such as Facebook) or through eBay and Craigslist, these sites often don't have safe guards to ensure that what is being sold is legitimately owned by the seller. Other frequent destinations for stolen goods are pawn shops and flea markets. While these two are also frequent, they have more stringent rules. If the transaction seems fishy, the vendor is supposed to question it and ask the seller for some information. Many are now required by law to keep a log of the seller's name, address, a warranty that the seller did have the rights to sell it and the physical appearance of the seller. If the [...]

On February 12, 2019 I woke up in the morning to a unique post on Facebook from an Islander friend. The post had two photos, sort of a "Then and Now". The photos both looked eerily alike, though the people were different. In reading the post, the story got even more interesting:This is Alfred and Anne Johnsen in March of 1951. In 1910 they built the house we now live in. Anne designed the house and they raised their five children here, planting orchards and farming. Her sister lived next door. I know all of this because her great granddaughter contacted us after we moved in, trying to track down her family home. She shared the family history that she’s uncovered and sent this and other photos of the Johnsens and their kids. It’s a treasure trove of local history and we are so grateful to her for doing all [...]

In the largest voter turnout in the county, Vashon Island School District's proposed $26.9 million school bond failed to achieve the 60 percent supermajority needed to pass in the Proposition 1 election. Had the bond passed, it would have funded construction of a new track with a synthetic turf field, renovations to the gym, construction of a second gym, and other athletic facility improvements, as well as maintenance projects across all the schools in the county. The bond also set aside $1.86 million for much needed repairs and renovations required in the district's schools. Community activist Hilary Emmer believes the bond failed because it was too expensive, requiring a $228 raise in property taxes per year for a $460,000 house. Opponents of the bond also felt the board rushed the decision, failing to properly involve the community in its plans. However, it was the proposed improvements to athletic facilities that [...]