Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
October is National Co-op Month
Enter OPALCO’s co-op member photo contest or grand prize giveaway
‘Grabbing the Hammer Lane: A Trucker Narrative’ | One-act play
Submitted by the Orcas Center.
Jennifer Swanson for County Council | Letter
We’ve known Jennifer Swanson for over 20 years and worked with her on numerous community events on Shaw. She’s empathetic, smart, and seemingly tireless. On issues that impact our islands’ way of life, she’s purposely well-informed and open to hearing all views.
Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | Letter
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.
Thank you for trusting me with your pets | Letter
As I step into a “soft” retirement after almost 14 years at Orcas Veterinary Service, I want to express my gratitude to the entire community on Orcas Island. Caring for your pets over the years has been my greatest privilege of my professional life. Thank you for trusting me with their care and welcoming me into your lives over the years. Thank you for all the cards and well wishes I have received as well.
Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | Letter
I was talking with a friend from San Juan Island and asked what he would think about someone from Stuart Island as the San Juan Island representative on the County Council. His response was that it would be a problem; different culture, different issues and the likely inability to understand San Juan Island’s people and priorities. I then sought out a friend from Orcas Island and asked what she would think about their Council representative coming from Waldron. She responded “no way” for the sam
OPALCO brings member conversations to the community | Letter
OPALCO has established a great new member outreach effort that has been very successful. I just wanted to reach out to the members and community in-general and highlight the “Chat with the OPALCO team” informal community meetings that we have been hosting and to extend an invitation to participate. We have hosted three of these thus far over the last few months, one on Orcas, one in Friday Harbor and one on Lopez. We return to Orcas next week for one scheduled at the OPALCO office in Eastsound n
Library received grant from Brooklyn’s Books Unbanned
Submitted by the Orcas Island Public Library.
Learn about the Mobile Integrated Health program on Orcas
Submitted by the Orcas Community Resource Center Communications Team.
Radio show ‘On the Rock’ at the Grange
Submitted by Melinda Milligan.
How recent ferry disruptions affected islanders
San Juan County Council praised Washington State Ferries during Tuesday’s regular Council meeting for dedicating two of the five operating ferries during the “sick-out” to the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route. The council also directed Council member Kari McVeigh to send a letter of appreciation to WSF Deputy Secretary Steve Nevey. The gratitude, however, was sharply tempered by criticism during the Council meeting of how WSF handled the shutdown and who is paying for it.
Resource Center presents October Orcas Talks Money workshops
Submitted by the Orcas Community Resource Center Communications Team.
Emmanuel’s summer Market Day helps Orcas Islanders all year round
Submitted by the Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
SJC sheriff’s log
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls.
Medicare open enrollment: Review your coverage for 2027
Between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7, you can review your Medicare coverage and choose the plan that best fits your needs for 2027. By now, you should have received information from your current prescription drug (Part D) or Advantage plan. Read it carefully, since premiums, deductibles or copays may increase, and coverage may shift. Even if your plan looks the same, your health needs or prescriptions may have changed, making it worth exploring other options.
If the shoe fits | Annual drive matches kids with footwear for the year
For decades, Sons of the American Legion has been ensuring island kids have proper footwear at the start of fall.
Nov. 3 General Election ballots: Vote! Sign! Ballot Box it!
Submitted by San Juan County.
Orcas Island Clothing Bank returns this fall
The Orcas Island Clothing Bank will return this fall, offering community members an opportunity to find clothing and other household items while giving gently used goods a second life.
Support for Jennifer Swanson for County Council | Letter
I endorse Jennifer Swanson for County Council. She is a great listener, and strives for communication, not conflict to resolve issues. She has worked to better our community through communication and respectful dialog. She considers all sides of an issue before making a decision, and will make a great addition to county council.
Civic engagement goes beyond the ballot box | Letter
During the course of my campaign for County Council, I have had countless conversations with people across the islands and have learned a great deal about their concerns. These conversations have given form to how I will, as councilmember, approach the budget.
Free immunization clinics for children: Protect your child against influenza and COVID
Submitted by San Juan County.
Remembering Doug Marshall and his love for Orcas Island | Column
Submitted by Michell (Mitch) Marshall.
The 6th Annual Island Market and Funhouse Commons Gingerbread House Contest
Submitted by the Funhouse Commons.
Vote Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | Letter
This is to share how my husband and I know Katherine Bryant Ingman candidate for San Juan County Council District 3, and why she has our full support