Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Larsen: New B.C. Oil Pipeline is “Not Ready for Prime Time”
SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA – Last Friday, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) commented on the news that Canada is fast-tracking a new oil pipeline project that would increase oil tanker traffic in Larsen’s district: “This project is not ready for prime time, and speeding up the review process will only make that worse,” said Rep. Larsen in […]
Sluis: Katherine will bring youthful spirit and perspective to county Council
To the Editor: 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. We quickly endorsed Katherine for the District 3 seat of the SJC Council. District 3 is the district that represents the county residents that […]
Henley: Katherine Bryant Ingman Endorsement
Katherine Bryant Ingman is the breath of fresh air San Juan County needs right now. We are struggling to find our footing between financial troubles and a growing mountain of needs. The old ways have not worked. New ways, new ideas, new leadership are needed. Katherine is a proven leader, as shown by her work […]
Washington authors speak out against censorship in honor of Banned Books Week
OLYMPIA — In honor of Banned Books Week (Oct. 4-10, 2026), Washington authors speak out against censorship and share what reading freely means to them. The Washington Center for the Book, a program of the Office of the Secretary of State, partnered with the Washington chapter of Authors Against Book Bans to curate a collection of short videos about what […]
County Council Passes 2027 Budget and Plans for Additional Budget Work Leading into 2028-2029
PRESS RELEASE: At its October 5 meeting, the San Juan County Council adopted the 2027 budget after hearing from residents across the county. This adopted budget includes organizational restructuring and over $3.8 million dollars in reductions to staffing and critical programs across all departments and elected offices. As part of the annual budget adopted on […]
Tom Cowan: Lopez has large support for Katherine Bryant Ingman
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 […]
Cindy Wolf – Guest Opinion: Beheading the Department of Environmental Stewardship
In the State of Washington, responsibility falls on the local and Tribal governments to execute Salmon habitat conservation and restoration projects, which is a focused way of saying projects addressing marine health in general. This mission dovetails nicely with the clean water utility function of keeping pollution out of the stormwater and surface water. The solid […]
Statement from Gov. Ferguson about ferry cancellations
Governor Ferguson October 5 statement: As a regular rider on our state ferries, I know how important our ferry service is to Washingtonians. Restoring our ferry service has been one of my top priorities since taking office, and we’ve made significant progress on that front, due in large part to the efforts of our workers. […]
WSF: 13 of 18 ferries out of service October 5
WSF BULLETIN: This morning, 23 engine room employees called in sick. Every employee qualified to fill those positions has declined to fill them and keep the ferries running. All of the employees calling in sick, and declining to fill those vacancies, are represented by the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) who represent engine room employees. […]
October 5: Public hearings on county budget, property tax rate
San Juan County Council will hold five public hearings October 5, 2026. The agenda and instructions on how to participate in the meeting is posted below. The meeting can be streamed. https://sanjuancowa.portal.civicclerk.com/ Monday, October 5, 2026 Legislative Hearing Room, 55 Second Street, Friday Harbor, WA To call in for Public Comment Sign Up by 9am […]
Heather Lee: Protecting your Vote
Many people have shared their concerns about election security with me and how election officials can address those concerns. I believe the biggest issues are cybersecurity, ballot security, chain of custody, staffing, and misinformation. My approach would be to be proactive – review our security procedures, make sure ballots are properly tracked and secured, maintain […]
Schuman: Supports Swanson for county council
Dear Editor, 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. Jennifer’s a proven leader, having served on the Ferry Advisory Committee, […]
November 3, 2026 General Election Ballots: Vote – Sign It -Ballot Box it
SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. October 1, 2026 – Mark your calendars for the upcoming General Election on November 3! Races for important Federal, State, and County positions will appear on the ballot, as well as vital ballot measures for the State, the San Juan County Fire Protection District No. 4, the Port of Lopez, the […]
Guest Column: Getting to Know Katherine: People-First Leadership & Proven Results
From Katherine Bryant Ingman for San Juan County Council: Excellent council members bring neighbors together, build on community strengths, identify solutions by focusing on shared goals, and lead through change and crisis with empathy and compassion. I have a proven, professional track record of effective community facilitation, mediation, and equitable outcomes — even in circumstances […]
Guest Column by Jennifer Swanson
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. In April, 60.67% of San Juan County voters rejected the county’s levy lid […]
San Juan Island Fire District considers false alarm fee
League of Women Voters summary of Fire District #3 Commissioners Meeting, September 22, 2026 meeting. Division Chief Jordan Pollack presented a report on the Outer Island Brigade Program. There are currently six brigades on Brown, Henry, Johns, and Stuart Islands. Brigades are trained in eight modules, wilderness first-aid, and in apparatus training. Stuart West will […]
Guest Column: Katherine on San Juan County Healthcare Access
From Katherine Bryant Ingman for San Juan County Council San Juan County faces real access to healthcare challenges. We’re rural and remote. Our population is aging, and Medicare reimbursement brings in less revenue than private or marketplace insurance. This puts financial pressure on local providers. Many islanders also need specialty care that falls outside what […]
October 1: Final public hearing for Little Project’s requested variances
LWVSJ Observer Corps* summary of the: Friday Harbor Town Council, September 17, 2026 meeting. The Town Council approved the driveway variance requested on the Little Project at 240 First Street. The Council did not approve the roof pitch or landscaping variances requested. The Council requested the Community Development Director to present more information on the […]
Sue Roundy: Leadership for Our Future: Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council
Leadership for Our Future: Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council Katherine 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 […]
Echeverria: Unconditionally endorses Swanson for county council
I have known Jennifer since she moved to Shaw Island with her family over 20 years ago. If I were to describe her in a few words they would be; fully engaged with family and community. She is deeply involved with both. I have volunteered with her on several non-profit boards and she is always […]
Paynter: Ingman will make a great county council member
To the Editor 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 We first met Katherine when we began to volunteer at the Lopez Food Share in 2020, during the Covid epidemic. Lopez has a long […]
San Juan County Council set budget public hearing for October 5
LWVSJ Observer Corps* summary of the San Juan County Council September 22, 2026 meeting. The County Council approved a Joint Letter to Washington State Ferries supporting the System’s long-range planning. The council appointed applicants to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee and Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District. After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a […]
September 30: Community Budget with County Council Chair Justin Paulsen
San Juan County Council Chair and District 2 Representative Justin Paulsen will hold a meeting with the community to discuss the County budget and related fiscal challenges Wednesday, September 30 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Lopez Island Library Community Room located at 2225 Fisherman Bay Road. The “Community Budget with County Council Chair Justin Paulsen” […]
September 30: Community Meeting to Review and Take Comments on Draft Critical Areas Ordinance Update
Wednesday September 30 | 6 to 8 p.m. | Online via Microsoft Teams link | OR Dial in by phone +1 360-726-3293,685490900# United States Vancouver Find a local number Phone conference ID: 685 490 900# A community meeting to review the final draft of Critical Areas Ordinance Regulations and SMP amendments will be held online September […]