Island News

Fall ferry schedule starts Sunday, September 20

Washington State Ferries fall sailing schedule starts Sunday, Sept. 20 and lasts through Dec. 26. San Juan/Anacortes   regular fall schedule Port Townsend/Coupeville: The route will continue two-boat service until Oct. 5, when it returns to one-boat service until next spring. This is one week earlier than planned, due to vessel maintenance. Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth: From early October through early November, the route will run a […]

Preparing for a resilient future

As Orcas Islanders prepare for fall, shorter days, harvesting buckets upon buckets of apples, and unpredictable weather, many nonprofit organizations are launching fall programs and events, and are working to raise awareness and support for the needs of the community.  Fall is a perfect time to get engaged, meet new people, and take part in shaping the future of the organizations you care about. If you’re considering joining a b

Call to Artists | Community show: Six X Six

Art intake on October 22; Art Opening on October 23 The Visual Arts Committee of Orcas Center announces a new community show — “Six x Six” – to open on October 23. For this show, we will be filling the Madrona Room with a multitude of small works of art, each measuring approximately six inches by six inches. Space permitting, up to six pieces per artist will be accepted. […]

Community budget with county council chair Justin Paulsen scheduled Sept. 23 on San Juan

The San Juan County Council Chair and District 2 Representative will hold a meeting with the community to discuss the County budget and related fiscal challenges at the San Juan Island Library Meeting Room from 6:00-7:30 p.m. San Juan County Council Chair and District 2 representative Justin Paulsen is hosting “Community Budget with County Council Chair Justin Paulsen” – an opportunity to hear the outline of how the County budget works, ask questions,

Build Financial Confidence | Space still available in Orcas Money Smart

There is still time to register for Orcas Money Smart, a practical 7-month financial education program from Orcas Community Resource Center that helps community members build financial confidence and make informed decisions about saving, spending, borrowing, and protecting their money. Now in its fifth year, Orcas Money Smart offers a welcoming space for participants to strengthen everyday financial skills and better understand the choices tha

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 arsenic in drinking water is 10 parts per billion (ppb) in Washington State, concentrations as low as one […]

Call to artists | ‘Of the Water’ community show at Orcas Center

Art intake on September 23; Art Opening on September 25 The Visual Arts Committee of Orcas Center announces a new community show — “Of the Water” – to open on September 25. For this show, the VAC welcomes artists to contribute pieces that reflect their own interpretation of the theme. Space permitting, up to three pieces per artist will be accepted and all art mediums will be considered for display. Community shows […]

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

WSF Weekly Report | Classroom on the water; fall schedule starts Sunday

A message from Steve As our ferries age, I’m consistently impressed by the work of our chief engineers, assistant engineers, oilers and wipers. They work closely with our Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility and Capital Planning and Construction teams to keep our boats operating at their best. This sometimes means repairing and maintaining parts that are no longer manufactured, covered by warranties or even able to be operated reliably. That is

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 […]

Week 3: FRIDAY HARBOR WOLVERINE FOOTBALL Trivia, numbers, history, ramblings and stuff by Bruce Bennett

  Friday, September 18 at 4:00 p.m. Friday Harbor (1-1) vs Annie Wright (0-2) at Stadium For the second week in a row the Wolverines will take on a member of the 1A Nisqually League…last Friday Bellevue Christian here at home and this Friday Annie Wright in Tacoma.   This will be the first time the […]

September 17: Public hearing on 3 variances for proposed project at 240 First St

A continued public hearing for variances for a proposed three-story, eleven-unit mixed-use building (six transient, five residential) with 21 off-street parking stalls at  240 First St N. will be held during Friday Harbor Town Council’s September 17, 2026 12 noon hearing. The site (Tax Parcels 351150001000 and 351150003000) are zoned CO. The site’s slope (25%-85%, […]

No jury duty for you, Sept. 21-25

JURY DUTY: SEPTEMBER 21-25, 2026 All jurors summonsed for Jury Duty beginning September 21st, 2026 are excused. Thank you.  

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

Ongoing San Juan County search for next local health officer

The County is requesting statements of qualifications from licensed physicians experienced in public health/local Health Officer duties Last month, San Juan County opened a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for qualified candidates interested in serving as the County’s next Local Health Officer. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is extended to any qualified physician that meets the minimum qualifications and has the required experience: 1. Experienc