Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
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,
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, […]
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 […]
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
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
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 […]
Letter to Editor | Long-time Lopez pharmacists endorse Katherine for County Council
We would like to endorse Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council. During our 30-plus years owning the Lopez Island Pharmacy, we’ve been fortunate to know and work closely with many of the former council representatives from Lopez. Katherine has served in many island and county-wide positions. When management of our clinic transitioned from the University of Washington to Sea Mar, Katherine’s leadership was key in the transition. Her hands-on involvement on L
Letter to Editor | Jennifer Swanson builds community through service and hard work
I have known Jennifer for 20 years. She is a thoughtful, inclusive leader who brings people with diverse opinions together to find solutions. Jennifer has a proven record of public service and strong relationships throughout the county. She served 11 years on the school board and later led as superintendent through COVID. During that challenging time, she balanced the needs of students, teachers, staff, families, and the broader community, making difficult decisions ami
Getting to know Katherine | Leadership in action
I’ve been fortunate to benefit from, and contribute to, impressive and impactful volunteer work throughout my life. From an early age, I’ve looked for ways to bring people together with integrity, care, and joy, and to create the kind of culture and environment that we want to live in, born of the priorities and values we share. San Juan County is run by volunteers caring for our neighbors. Volunteering is an […]
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant-Ingman gets things done
We are writing in support of Katherine Bryant-Ingman’s candidacy, for the District 3 seat on the San Juan County Council, representing residents of Lopez, Shaw and Decatur islands. We quickly endorsed Katherine for the District 3 seat of the SJC Council. District 3 is the district that represents the county residents that reside on the less tourist visited islands as well as the district that has less small businesses, especially ones with store […]
Larsen continues to hold ICE accountable at Ferndale HSI facility
FERNDALE, WA – Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “I am committed to getting answers for the people I represent about immigration operations in Northwest Washington. Today, I went to ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) facility in Ferndale. This visit is a follow-up from my visit to ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) facility in July. “I will continue to conduct robust, close oversight
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman has my vote
I am grateful that we have two well-qualified candidates running for County Council in San Juan County. Thanks to both for making the effort. It is great to have options! I will be voting for Katherine Bryant Ingman. Her service in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors has provided her with a unique skill set that will allow her to build creative solutions for the challenges currently facing the County. She understands the value of partnerships, […]
Letter to Editor | Heather Lee is the right person for Auditor
I hired Heather Lee to work in the Auditor’s Office, initially as an administrative assistant. It immediately became apparent to me that she was capable of so much more. Since then, she has gained experience in all areas of the Auditor’s office, including payroll, elections, and customer service. For three years, she served as Chief Deputy Auditor. She has succeeded in the office because of her intelligence, her strong work ethic, and her broad range […]
Community Meeting | Agate Beach county park updates & road relocation on Lopez Island
Join the conversation on Tuesday, October 20 at Agate Beach County Park MacKaye Harbor Rd and the Agate Beach County Park on Lopez Island are scheduled for infrastructure updates in 2027. Reconstruction of MacKaye Harbor Road and the Agate Beach County Park parking area will help protect access to public, private, and tribal lands, while navigating the impacts of coastal erosion. Nearby property owners and Lopez Islanders are invited to a community mee
KIRO News reports WSF meltdown was years in the making
Washington’s ferry meltdown didn’t start with this week’s sick-out. Charles Prestrud of the Washington Policy Center traces it back to Inslee’s vaccine mandate, which pushed 132 experienced ferry workers — engineers, captains, essential crew — into termination or early retirement right when the staffing cliff was already approaching.
Governor Ferguson commits to addressing WSF engine room crew workforce crisis
The Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (MEBA) represents 417 licensed and unlicensed engineers who operate, repair, and maintain the fleet of vessels at Washington State Ferries (WSF). A growing workforce crisis boiled over this week when crew call-outs resulted in major service disruptions. Eric Winge, the MEBA representative for WSF, shared developments today: “Our union leadership and members have been working hard