Following another tragic death, a community event will focus on healing

Vashon leaders, stunned by the recent death of a 2010 Vashon High School graduate, the fourth such tragedy in recent months, have organized an event they say they hope will help the community heal.

Read More ›

News updated 4:31 PM May 13, 2013

Vashon health services should align with our values

The prospect of a Vashon Health Center controlled by Franciscan Health System calls to mind the significance of the Reformation and the Enlightenment in freeing individuals from religious tyranny. The Reformation claimed the right of people to read and interpret scripture for themselves; the Enlightenment established our freedom to reject religious authority and to base our conduct on our own moral reasoning, rather than the dictates of a central authority.

Read More ›

Opinion 5:55 PM May 15, 2013

We all have a stake in helping the next generation get off to a good start | Letter to the editor

I encourage all islanders to go online today and make a pledge or donation to Vashon’s public schools through the Vashon Island Public Schools Foundation (vashonschoolsfoundation.com).

Read More ›

Letters 5:54 PM May 15, 2013

We are lucky to have these brave men living among us | Letter to the Editor

In the March 27, 2013, Beachcomber, there was an article titled “Two Vashon fisherman honored for heroism.”

Read More ›

Letters 5:53 PM May 15, 2013

Volunteer: Our boards needs talented people

As I’m nearing the end of my two-plus terms on the Vashon Park District board, I urge good-hearted, intelligent and hard-working islanders to consider running for a seat on one of our elected island boards. The school board, the park board, the fire board and a patchwork of other island districts have positions open for the fall 2013 election.

Read More ›

Opinion 5:50 PM May 15, 2013

Big bank on a small island | Editorial

On left-leaning Vashon, one would be hard pressed to find a fan of big banks. This is why we suspect this news that Bank of America will close in the fall was met on the island with mixed reactions last week.

Read More ›

Opinion 5:49 PM May 15, 2013

Healing as a community | Editorial

In February, an editorial in this very spot in the paper reflected on how Vashon had been hard hit by three recent deaths of young people — Palmer Burk, India Castle and Ryan Krug. It’s hard to believe that just three months later, we’re adding another name to that list. While the death of 20-year-old Samantha Burkart is certainly a tragedy in itself, many islanders are noting that it also seems to cap a shocking and inexplicable string of deaths of islanders in their teens or 20s.

Read More ›

Opinion 5:47 PM May 15, 2013

Recent incidents prompt safety concerns for island children

In the past week, two incidents involving island children have gotten considerable attention on Facebook and an online community bulletin board; in both instances, family members close to the situations have said they believe there was an intent to harm or abduct a child.

Read More ›

News 5:38 PM May 15, 2013

Mukai opens to public, dispute continues

As Island Landmarks, the nonprofit that owns the Mukai Farm and Garden, finished a weeklong open house at the historic site last week, the organization was dealt another blow by its critics.

Read More ›

Community 5:30 PM May 15, 2013

Park district files for fields water right

With the Northwest’s dry season approaching, the Vashon Park District has applied for a permit for a water right at the Vashon Fields Project, and a public comment period on that permit request is set to begin soon.

Read More ›

News 5:28 PM May 15, 2013

Bank of America branch to close in September

Bank of America’s Vashon branch will close this fall after serving the island for 35 years, the company recently announced.

Read More ›

News 5:24 PM May 15, 2013