Island News

Letter to Editor | Jennifer Swanson is most qualified candidate

I was very pleased to learn that Jennifer Swanson was running for our county council. I cannot imagine a more qualified candidate. I have known Jennifer for more than 20 years. She is smart, informed, well organized, articulate, and responsible. She has a wonderful way of bringing people together, making people feel heard, and diffusing conflict and tension. She has years of experience leading community forms, addressing ferry issues and participating in educational pol

Occam’s Razor | Our island, our world through the eyes, pen of S.C. Watson

New transformer on Orcas replaces one installed in 1970

This summer, OPALCO replaced a transformer installed in 1970 . The new transformer includes more capacity for the expected growth in electricity use in the coming decades. This equipment takes high-voltage electricity and steps it down to a smaller voltage to deliver electricity to homes and businesses on Orcas. The Orcas Power & Light Cooperative […]

End of an era: Beach Haven managers Shayne and Justin retire

Tucked in amongst an old-growth forest of cedar trees, Beach Haven Resort’s rustic, technology-free cabins on the northwest shore of Orcas have been adored by generations of families.

The Clinic and Beyond | How OIHCD supports care across Orcas Island

The Health Care District’s financial support of Island Primary Care – Orcas ensures that more than 3,800 residents access primary, same-day, after-hours, and visiting specialty care right here on Orcas. The clinic is staffed by doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, medical assistants, a patient liaison, front desk staff, and our long-time clinic manager — all Islanders except for one staff member. To learn more about the clinic

Portraits in Pencil | An exhibition by Mick Stevens at Senior Center

Every pencil stroke tells a story. This September and October, Orcas Senior Center hosts Portraits in Pencil, a captivating exhibition featuring the work of longtime Orcas Island resident and accomplished artist Mick Stevens. Creating art since 1973, Mick brings decades of skill to these remarkable portraits, each one rich in detail and quiet depth. His expressive drawings go beyond likeness, capturing the personality and spirit of each subject wit

Terry Turner leaves lasting legacy on Orcas soccer

By Declan O’Malley

Kwiaht launches arsenic testing and action project

Islands conservation laboratory Kwiaht is seeking participants in a study of the extent of arsenic contamination in island wells, and actions to reduce adverse health effects Islanders may be at increased risk of colon cancer due to the widespread presence of small amounts of arsenic in the islands’ well water. Although the regulatory ceiling for […]

Letter to Editor | In support of candidate Jennifer Swanson

  Taking time to listen and asking thoughtful questions are the two superpowers of County Council candidate Jennifer Swanson. I am writing to support Jennifer’s candidacy for the district 3 County Council position. I have known Jennifer for over 20 years—first as a parent and school board member at Shaw Island School, then as the school superintendent, and most recently as a colleague in the San Juan County CLT Alliance.   Jennifer shares many of my […]

Letter to Editor | Why we’re voting for Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council District 3

We proudly endorse Katherine Bryant Ingman for San Juan County Council District 3 this November. Katherine has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to our island communities through her work in healthcare, food security, ferry advocacy, and countless volunteer efforts. For example, as president of the Catherine Washburn Medical Association, she helped make sure Lopez Island didn’t lose access to healthcare when the clinic changed hands to Sea Mar Community Healt

The Exchange Update | September 2026

Secure Your Load for Safer Roads As we head into the Fall Great Islands Cleanup, we’d like to remind everyone to properly secure trash in or on your vehicles, prior to transporting. Washington state law RCW 46.61.655 requires every vehicle driven or moved on any public road to be constructed or loaded in a way that secures the load and any covering used. TIPS: SECURING YOUR LOAD A Busman’s Holiday “I came […]

Great Islands Cleanup and Hazardous Waste events

Meet at the Eastsound Village Green at 10am for the 2026 Fall Great Islands Cleanup on Saturday, September 26th. (Additional opportunities starting September 19th (visit www.exchangeorcas.org/next-gicu for more info). Bags, vests and grabbers can be picked up starting Monday, September 21st at The Exchange or on Saturday, September 26th (day of event) at the Village Green starting at 10am. Collected trash can be dropped off the day of the event any

PA’s office and District Court move to termporary offices while courthouse has seismic retrofit

San Juan County District Court and the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office are moving out of the historic courthouse to allow for structural renovations. The “seismic retrofit” will improve the safety of the building in case of an earthquake, and it is funded through a matching grant from the Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. Construction […]

A message from Peggy Bill, SJC Conservation Land Bank Commission chair

Submitted by San Juan County.

Leadership San Juan Islands invites applications for Cohort XVIII

Submitted by Leadership San Juan Islands.

September at the library: More art

The display case at the Orcas Island Library this September features art by Christina (Chris) Frausto. Frausto is a renowned artist, curator and educator whose book-related art spans over 30 years. She has served as curator of art for Ontario International Airport, been a featured artist for the Smithsonian Maloof Foundation, been a board member for several arts organizations and been a teacher helping folks learn book binding skills. Frausto’s goals include sharing her unusual hand-bound books

The Madrona Institute announces 2026 Request for Proposals for San Juan Islands Stewardship Fund grants

Submitted by The Madrona Institute.

Getting ready for Medicare

Is 2026 your year for joining Medicare? Medicare enrollment is not automatic for most people, so you’ll probably need to enroll with Social Security. Then you’ll have to decide what type of Medicare coverage you want. To make an informed decision about your coverage choices, you’ll need to understand a lot of new information.

OCS students explore ‘Love in Action’ through service

Middle and high school students at Orcas Christian School recently heard from guest speakers about serving others and putting their faith into action. Lauren Lombard, who coordinates service mission work abroad with the nonprofit education group EducareNow, spoke with students about serving communities through practical acts of compassion. Following her presentation, students worked in breakout groups to develop ways they could serve and show love to the Orcas Island community.

Meet Alexis Annis, OPAL’s new director of finance and operations

Submitted by OPAL Community Land Trust.

Experience island life at its best: 2026 Farm Tours of the San Juans

Three weekends of farms, food, fiber and community on Lopez, San Juan and Orcas islands

Orcas Island Farmers Market Harvest Festival Sept. 26

Submitted by Erica Lyons.

Voters invited to meet candidates in October forums | Letter

This October, San Juan County voters will have a chance to hear directly from the candidates running for two important local offices: County Auditor and County Council District 3.

Play for pride, pleasure, prizes at upcoming Library event

Calling all book lovers, trivia buffs, and literary know-it-alls! Put all those hours spent with your nose in a book to good use at Literary Trivia, Thursday, September 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Orcas Island Public Library. Gather a team of 2–4 and get ready for four rounds of ten questions covering everything from beloved classics and literary genres to books-to-film, famous quotes, banned books, and a few surprises along […]