Resident florist moves business to brick-and-mortar shop

Since Artha DeRuyter arrived in town three years ago with her husband, clinical psychologist and current school board member John DeRuyter, she has provided flowers and floral arrangements for residents from their floating home in the harbor, in addition to selling her wares at other venues like the monthly community market at the Nolan Center, prompting her to name her blooming business OnTheWater Floral.

Originally hailing from Fairbanks, DeRuyter has been involved with flowers, whether as a pastime, a side gig or her main job, for over 40 years.

"Flowers are just beautiful," she said, addin...