Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
NEWS BRIEF | Hostile Waters: Orcas in peril
The Seattle Times will continue to explore and expose the plight of the southern resident killer whales, among the most-enduring symbols of our region. We’ll examine the role we have played in their decline, what we can do about it and why it matters. FOLLOW STORY
There’s always something happening at the Exchange
Let’s Shred! The Exchange has partnered with Bellingham-based A-1 Shredding to offer secure document destruction. Customers can drop off documents in secure, locked bins located at The Exchange. A-1 Shredding will periodically bring its mobile shredding truck to Orcas Island to destroy the collected materials. The shredded paper will be transported to the mainland to be turned into new paper products. Learn More The GICU is About More Than Garbage This y
Letter to Editor | I strongly support Katherine Bryant Ingman for San Juan County Council District 3
I am pleased to share my strong support for Katherine Bryant Ingman. I worked closely with Katherine during the pandemic as we strengthened hunger relief systems across San Juan County. Throughout that challenging time, I witnessed her ability to balance immediate needs with long-term solutions. She brought clarity, creativity, and a steady hand to complex challenges, contributing to our community’s access to food with consistency and dignity. Katherine listens deeply,
Can you spell F-U-N? The 4th Annual Orcas Island Adult Spelling Bee returns
Calling all word nerds, spelling enthusiasts, and brave souls willing to face the dictionary! The 4th Annual Orcas Island Adult Spelling Bee returns on Friday, October 23, at 7 p.m. at the Orcas Center, promising an evening of friendly competition, community spirit, plenty of laughs, and perhaps a few spectacular spelling mishaps! Hosted by the Orcas Island Public Library, this beloved annual event brings islanders together for a lively celebratio
Deadline approaching | Pay your property taxes before Oct 31
The second half of property taxes and personal property taxes are due Saturday, October 31, 2026 The deadline is approaching to pay the second half of property and personal property taxes: Saturday, October 31, 2026. The San Juan County Treasurer’s Office is making it easier than ever to pay quickly, securely, and on time! Remember, the Treasurer’s Office is closed on Fridays – but there are many ways to pay taxes early, online, […]
Community comes together for fall ‘Great Islands Cleanup’
Islanders carry on the legacy of caring by clearing over 2,000 pounds of waste from our beaches Across the San Juan Islands this fall, community members came together to clean beaches, shorelines, roadsides, and favorite island places as part of the bi-annual Great Islands Cleanup. The fall cleanup brought volunteers together around a simple idea: caring for these islands is a legacy worth continuing. This year’s theme of ‘Caring for Our Island Home’ [
C Street Brass returns to the islands for two free community concerts
C Street Brass will return to the San Juan Islands October 26 and 27 as part of the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival’s Musicians-in-Residence program. Known for their energetic performances and wide-ranging musical style, the ensemble moves comfortably between traditional chamber music, jazz, and popular music, creating concerts that are engaging and accessible to audiences of all ages. During their island visit, C Stree
Letter to Editor | In support of Jennifer Swanson, my mom, for County Council
I believe that my mom’s candidacy for county council is both unexpected and a long time coming; that is to say, it’s such a natural role for her to step into. The depth to which she cares for our community is obvious: she served on the Shaw Island School Board for eleven years while my sister and I attended, as well as seven years as superintendent; alongside fellow Shaw Islanders, she’s dreamed and planned the […]
Letter to Editor | I support Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council
Although I acknowledge that we here in San Juan County are fortunate to have two strong candidates running for County Council District 3, I have decided to endorse Katherine Bryant Ingman for the position. I appreciate Katherine’s energy, and I see her as an independent thinker, which I believe is something we need in our County Council members. Katherine is young, but I think that is an advantage, and she has shown herself to be […]
Letter to Editor | Ron Krebs shares his commitment to community
To the Citizens of San Juan County, As we approach the upcoming election, I want to share my priorities for the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and my commitment to the community we serve. Having served as your Sheriff from 2015 to 2022, and with 19 years of experience in the Sheriff’s Office, I understand the challenges facing our organization. My priorities moving forward are straightforward: rebuilding our staffing, […]
It’s No Kings Day on Saturday at Village Green
This Saturday, October 17, is the next national No King’s Day. Both San Juan and Lopez Islands already have events scheduled, and we don’t want to be left out here on Orcas. Therefore, please join us this Saturday at the Village Green at NOON. Bring signs to protest the current administration and to encourage voting. We will march around Eastsound at least once, maybe twice. We will end at the Village Green, and […]
Letter to Editor | Jennifer Swanson is best candidate for County Council District #3
Jennifer Swanson is the right person to tackle our problems. She is articulate and organized and qualified to do the job. She will listen to the community and respect their opinions. She will understand the role of the County Council in our government and in our neighborhoods. She will not engage in executive overreach. She will do the thing that is needed by all elected officials: she will collaborate and communicate with all sides to […]
Letter to Editor | Ingman on housing & affordability
I know the struggle of housing in the islands, firsthand. We have regularly housed friends and essential workers in the summers because we know that it takes the entire community to seek practical housing solutions. Before we bought our fixer-upper, we moved around to several rentals that were not suitable or sustainable. During my time working for Housing Lopez, I oversaw the process of leasing to the first residents […]
Orcas Center art show opening | “The Art of Expression”
The Visual Arts Committee of Orcas Center announces the opening of a new show on October 23 (5:30 to 7:00 pm) featuring works from “Art with Carla” – a weekly event at the Orcas Island Senior Center. Wonderful art is the result when community members come together to express themselves in an environment with no rules, no right or wrong. This show, entitled “The Art of Expression” is an exhibit of curated […]
A very special night of drumming with TAIKOPROJECT at Orcas Center
TAIKOPROJECT celebrates 25 years of taiko creativity and innovation with a new concert production entitled “25.” Featuring new compositions and choreography and stunning costumes by acclaimed designer Sueko Oshimoto, “25” will take audiences on a thundering roller coaster of the senses on Saturday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m. at Orcas Center. Taiko is a dynamic Japanese percussion art that uses large hollow wooden drums to create thunderous, earth-shaking
Letter to Editor | I am supporting Katherine Bryant Ingman for San Juan County District 3
Decatur is a relatively small outer island in the archipelago, but we are a critical link in the energy chain serving the entire county! We need a fierce advocate on the Council, one who speaks truth to power and will represent not only our interests, but all islanders; Katherine IS that candidate. The first time I met her, I knew she was the right leader for the job! She truly listens to the folks she […]
Letter to Editor | In support of Orcas Island Park and Rec District
Our community has the opportunity in the upcoming election to re-commit to supporting the Orcas Island Park and Recreation District. Since its inception, OIPRD has continuously been a responsible and reliable steward the taxpayer dollars from our community. Through direct programming and relationships built with numerous partner organizations, our community investment has allowed the District to become an integral part of the fabric of Orcas Island. As the needs or
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman brings leadership with a stake in the future
Katherine Bryant Ingman has the vision, strength of leadership and proven negotiating skills to take care of business for the people of San Juan County. She has proven problem solving ability and a collaborative leadership style needed to address the current issues facing San Juan County. I admire her practical understanding for what resources are needed to solve complex long-term problems. County departments depend on tens of millions of dollars annually in grants for ro
Former Starbucks CEO encourages Orcas Christian School students to ‘Be More Human’
Orcas Christian School (OCS) is embracing experiential education, providing students with opportunities to learn from leaders with real-world experience. “We pride ourselves on offering powerful experiences for our students. On October 8, students were able to meet and hear from Jim Donald, a former CEO of Starbucks,” said Principal Joel Shetler. Donald spoke to OCS students and parents about artificial intelligence (AI), discussing how the technology can help
CWR encounter • Bigg’s Killer Whales
Full Encounter Report ObservBegin: 09:08 AM ObservEnd: 09:46 AM Vessel: Mike 1 Staff: Mark Malleson Pods: Bigg’s killer whales IDsEncountered: T069E LocationDescr: Sooke Bluffs EncSummary: As Mark was departing the T019s (see Encounter #81) he received a report of a single male killer whale travelling east along the Vancouver Island shoreline at Sooke Bay. Only four nautical miles away, it was worth taking a few minutes to follow up. Mark headed for the ent
Letter to Editor | In support of Heather Lee for Auditor
I am writing as a private citizen in support of Heather Lee for San Juan County Auditor. The Auditor’s Office plays an important role in maintaining accurate records, protecting public resources, and serving residents with professionalism and transparency. Heather brings proven experience from her time as deputy auditor with San Juan County, including the dedication, integrity, and careful attention needed to this work. Her experience in the office gives her t
One-act play | Grabbing the Hammer Lane: A Trucker Narrative
“Grabbing the Hammer Lane: A Trucker Narrative” is a searing, 60-minute, one-act play about prodigal rebellion and fleeting moments of redemption, written by and starring David M. Proctor. He will perform on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m., Orcas Center. Matt, a long-haul trucker, hits the road to find himself and the freedom he craves — only to become imprisoned over time in a steel cell on 18 wheels. Clarence remains at home, […]
Letter to Editor | She gets it
A few months ago, I received a phone call. “Hi, I’m Katherine. I’m running for county council, and so-and-so suggested I reach out to you for advice.” My sage advice? Don’t do it. The county is at an inflection point. Budget tightening is coming, hard decisions lie ahead, and it’s not going to be fun. She paused, then said simply, “I know. I get it. But I’m still going to run.” That’s why Katherine Bryant […]
Essay | Trusting government
I found myself thinking recently of three Orcas men I know, long-time residents, all of them white and in their 70s. One is a pretty far left liberal, another doesn’t identify with or relate to politics and never votes, and the third is about as hardcore and stereotypical a conservative as you could imagine. The liberal—let’s call him “Mick“ told me he doesn’t trust the Government because the CIA assassinated people in the 1950s and […]