Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Injunction Upheld: federal administration can’t interfere with mid-term elections
OLYMPIA – Monday, September 14, 2026, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. Postal Service cannot place new restrictions on ballot mail before the Nov. 3 General Election. Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs issued the following statement: “Today’s decision reaffirms what we already know: the USPS rule would create unnecessary disruption and put our voters at risk. Washington’s election workers are already hard at work […]
Comments about proposed updates to the CAO and SMP due by October 9
San Juan County is seeking your comments on its proposed updates to the Critical Area Ordinance (CAO) protections and the Shoreline Master Program (SMP). As we consider protections for natural resources and systems, we are interested to learn of any questions and feedback you may have. San Juan County is updating its critical areas protections. […]
Grants for Farmers – deadlines October 12 and October 28
For Farmers Movement Grants for small and mid-sized American farmers to support needs defined by the farmers themselves, including infrastructure, equipment, supplies, innovation, land stewardship, and transformational projects. Foundational Grants: $500–$1,000 Land Stewardship Grant: $5,000 Transformational Grant: $10,000 Deadline: October 12 at 9 p.m. PST Learn more or apply: here Western SARE Farmer/Rancher Research & Education […]
Letter to the Editor: Concerned about delays in postmarking ballots
Editor: I’ve been hearing a lot of discussion and confusion about the threats to mail-in voting. People were especially disturbed to hear about the number of ballots that were rejected in Washington’s recent primary because they were “late,” even though they were mailed days before election day. The problem is our mail is no longer […]
OIHS fall sports teams look to build on past success
By Declan O’Malley
2026 Assessment Change of Value Notices mailed to property owners
San Juan County Assessor’s Office mailed the 2026 Change of Value Notices on September 8, 2026. Changes reflect market sales between January 1, 2025 and April 30, 2026 with an assessment date of January 1, 2026. Properties with new construction are valued for improvements made to the property up to July 31, 2026. If your value […]
District Court and Prosecuting Attorney to relocate during courthouse renovations
Both offices are temporarily relocating from the historic courthouse to 545 Park Street to allow for structural renovations being funded through a matching grant from the Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation 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, a
OIHCD thanks Island Health CEO as leadership transition is announced
On September 10th, Island Health notified the Orcas Island Health Care District (OIHCD) and announced to the larger community that their current Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Elise Cutter, would be stepping down in the coming months. OIHCD Superintendent Chord and the Board of Directors thanks Elise Cutter for her years of partnership and support. OIHCD is grateful for the strong partner and advocate CEO Cutter has been in continuing to support Isl