Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Week Four: FRIDAY HARBOR WOLVERINE FOOTBALL Trivia, numbers, history, ramblings and stuff by Bruce Bennett
Friday, September 25 at 6:30 p.m., South Whidbey (0-3) at Friday Harbor (2-1) The Falcons of Whidbey visit the Wolverines of San Juan Friday evening in their annual gridiron get-together…this will be the ninth straight year these two have met. The Falcons dropped their first three games – to Centralia 42-0, Toutle Lake 16-6 and […]
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman is County Council leadership for our future
Katherine Bryant Ingman represents the future leaders that I want to see locally and nationally. Energetic young people dreaming of a better future who are ready to listen and eager to work. I met Katherine years ago when she led the wonderfully successful gleaning program through the newly founded Food Share at the Lopez Island Family Resource Center. Since then, I’ve observed her in other volunteer and work roles. Most recently Katherine impressed me as […]
AI developments necessitate moratorium on data centers
Almost every day the warnings are becoming more ominous. The looming threats posed by artificial general intelligence — an advanced version of AI also known as superintelligence, which exceeds any human capabilities — are potentially catastrophic. Knowledgeable insiders and practitioners are warning that the future of humanity itself may well be at risk. AI agents are becoming so powerful that evil actors could conceivably use them to inst
County Council completes series of September budget meetings; October 5th public hearing to follow
San Juan County Council recently completed a series of budget conversations in September 2026, following the August 25th release of the 2027 preliminary budget At its meeting on Tuesday, Council wrapped up its last budget related discussion scheduled for the month of September and is now preparing for a public hearing on October 5 – its first opportunity to adopt the proposed 2027 budget. The public hearing is the next critical step after […]
San Juan Islands Museum of Art presents Alison Stigora: Constellation
The San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA) is proud to present Alison Stigora: Constellation, an immersive, site-specific installation created for the museum’s dramatic glass atrium. Commissioned by SJIMA, the exhibition brings together more than one hundred suspended sculptures made from driftwood and reclaimed shattered glass with changing natural light and sound, transforming the atrium into a shimmering environment that shifts th
Island Voices | Come hear what your neighbors have to say
Ten island writers. Ten unique voices. One night of stories, poems, essays, and the unexpected. Join the Orcas Island Public Library for Island Voices on Friday, September 25 at 6:30 p.m. at Emmanuel Parish Hall, an evening celebrating the writers and storytellers who live right here in our community. Each writer gets just a few minutes at the microphone, so the evening will move quickly and offer a wonderful mix of […]
Getting to know Katherine | What makes San Juan County home?
We moved to Lopez in 2014 after Joe landed a job at Spencer Spit State Park. I must admit, I was hesitant at first. I wasn’t sure how life on Lopez would mix with my plans to go to grad school or pursue career opportunities I was excited about. But Lopez altered the course of my life. I was overcome by the island’s caring, grounded, and connected community. We […]
No jurors needed for Sept. 28 – Nov. 2
JURY DUTY: SEPTEMBER 28 – NOVEMBER 2, 2026 All jurors summonsed for Jury Duty beginning September 28th, 2026 are excused. Thank you. View it on website
October highlights from Orcas Senior Center
Orcas Senior Center offers a variety of ongoing classes, social groups, wellness activities, and creative programs throughout the month. All programs are open to everyone, regardless of age, and new participants are always welcome. A full calendar with dates and times is available at www.orcasseniors.org/calendar-of-events. This Month at the Senior Center: Fitness & Wellness: Chair yoga Arts & Creativity: Art with Carla, quilting, needlework, and w
Rep Larsen’s recommendations about voting by mail in Washington state
Washington has one of the strongest vote-by-mail systems in the country. But recent changes to U.S. Postal Service transportation operations mean some mail may not receive a postmark on the same day it is mailed, raising concerns for ballots returned close to Election Day. That matters because under Washington law, a ballot returned by mail […]
Jet noise report includes June, July, and August 2026 data
A report of jet noise disruption from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island has been posted by Quiet Skies. This report is compiled using reports by local residents and visitors and illustrates the volume of reports during June, July and August, 2026, as well as types of noise, days and times of noise, and comments. Reports […]
San Juan Island Library Celebrates Record Participation in 2026 Summer Reading Program
San Juan Island Library is celebrating record youth participation in its annual Summer Reading Program, with more than 450 registrants for the second consecutive year. In 2026, the program reached a record 496 registrations—the highest total to date. A cornerstone of the library’s commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement, the Summer Reading Program encourages […]
Test your earthquake preparedness on October 15
While earthquakes in the islands are rare, San Juan County is smack in the middle of some of the highest risk quake country anywhere. Being prepared for the eventual catastrophic earthquake is a basic responsibility of every resident, business, and organization. A great way to start is by participating in the Great WA ShakeOut earthquake […]
San Juan County search for next local health officer ongoing
Submitted by San Juan County.
‘Portraits in Pencil: An Exhibition’ by Mick Stevens
Submitted by the Orcas Senior Center.
The clinic and beyond: How OIHCD supports care across Orcas Island
Submitted by the Orcas Island Health Care District.
Island Health CEO steps down
Submitted by the Orcas Island Health Care District.
Swanson for County Council | Letter
I was inordinately pleased to learn that Jennifer Swanson is 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 forums, addressing ferry issues and participating in educational policies.
Swanson for Council | Letter
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 priorities — affordable housing, fiscal accounta
Why we’re voting for Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council District 3 | Letter
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 Health Centers. She is an exceptional l
Swanson for County Council | Letter
I’m voting for Jennifer Swanson for County Council, District 3 position, and I hope you will too.
Coast Guard and Orcas Island Fire & Rescue conduct multi-agency training
A Coast Guard MH-65 helicopter touched down at Orcas Island Airport Thursday, Sept. 17, kicking off the first of what officials say will be a multipart training series designed to prepare local first responders for the high-stakes rescues that outer-island geography makes uniquely difficult.
District Court and Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to relocate during courthouse renovations
Submitted by San Juan County.
Call to artists | Community Show: ‘Six x Six’
Art intake on Oct. 22; Art opening on Oct. 23