Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Native pollinator presentation by Russel Barsh coming to Orcas Library
More than 200 wild bees and flies are native to the San Juan Islands, but many are threatened by pesticides, loss of nesting habitat, competition with introduced non-native bee species, and the spread of parasitic flies, mites, and viruses. Learn to identify, protect, and provide appropriate habitat for the most important native pollinators of island gardens and wildlands, including bumblebees, wild solitary bees, and hover flies, from Kwiah
Odd Fellows readies annual firewood raffle
The Orcas Island Odd Fellows are once again offering islanders a chance to stay warm this winter while supporting important community causes through their annual Firewood Raffle. This year’s lucky winner will receive a full cord of firewood, delivered and stacked right at their home. And for those who don’t need firewood themselves, there’s an opportunity to share the warmth by donating their winnings to an island neighbor in need. Raffle tickets will be […
Letter to Editor | Long-time Lopez pharmacists endorse Katherine for County Council
We would like to endorse Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council. During our 30-plus years owning the Lopez Island Pharmacy, we’ve been fortunate to know and work closely with many of the former council representatives from Lopez. Katherine has served in many island and county-wide positions. When management of our clinic transitioned from the University of Washington to Sea Mar, Katherine’s leadership was key in the transition. Her hands-on involvement on L
Letter to Editor | Jennifer Swanson builds community through service and hard work
I have known Jennifer for 20 years. She is a thoughtful, inclusive leader who brings people with diverse opinions together to find solutions. Jennifer has a proven record of public service and strong relationships throughout the county. She served 11 years on the school board and later led as superintendent through COVID. During that challenging time, she balanced the needs of students, teachers, staff, families, and the broader community, making difficult decisions ami
Getting to know Katherine | Leadership in action
I’ve been fortunate to benefit from, and contribute to, impressive and impactful volunteer work throughout my life. From an early age, I’ve looked for ways to bring people together with integrity, care, and joy, and to create the kind of culture and environment that we want to live in, born of the priorities and values we share. San Juan County is run by volunteers caring for our neighbors. Volunteering is an […]
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant-Ingman gets things done
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 reside on the less tourist visited islands as well as the district that has less small businesses, especially ones with store […]
Encounter #81 • Bigg’s Killer Whales T19s • September 6, 2026
Full Encounter Report ObservBegin: 08:24 AM ObservEnd: 08:50 AM Vessel: Mike 1 Staff: Mark Malleson Pods: Bigg’s killer whales IDsEncountered: T019, T019B, T019C LocationDescr: East Sooke EncSummary: Mark and Fin left Victoria Harbour on Mike 1 at 0730 to take advantage of the perfect survey conditions in the western Juan de Fuca Strait. As Mark slowed down to work his way past the fleet of sport fishers off of Bechey Head, East Sooke Park, he spotted […]
County’s first mid-block crosswalk connects Lopez Island schools to new pool
This new crossing includes a rapid flashing beacon with a push-button, pedestrian signage, and crosswalk striping Lopez Island’s long-anticipated Swim Center opened this summer, and the County’s Public Works Department is working to safely connect the community to this exciting new resource. This month, Public Works crews installed a mid-block pedestrian crossing on Lopez – the first of its kind by the County. The crosswalk bridges School Road, facilit
I’m Not the Church Lady | Step away from the pedestal, Rosie
Or, maybe I need to notice where life keeps putting me Over the past couple of months, I’ve become a member of two Boards of Directors here on Orcas. This has never been on my bucket list. In fact, being in a leadership position where I’m expected to make decisions is almost comical. My life’s work has been about empowering others to make their own decisions—not being the person making […]
Register now for Annual Garden Workshop Series
Garden enthusiasts throughout the region are encouraged to register now for the 2026 Garden Workshop Series presented by the San Juan County WSU Extension Master Gardeners and San Juan County Master Gardener Foundation. Registration closes Thursday, October 15. Held over two weeks in October, this popular annual series will be offered as live Zoom webinars, allowing participants to enjoy presentations from the comfort of home. The ser
Actors Theater’s new, old-time radio show coming to the Grange
Radio station KIXP and Actors Theater of Orcas Island announce the debut of “On the Rock”, a new old-time radio show! In the style of “Prairie Home Companion” and similar shows, it features local musicians, Orcas-based sketches and other delights. Hosted by Clint McCune with house band Minnow Creek, the first show features Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms and poet Tish Knapp, among others. If you’d like to be part of […]
Larsen continues to hold ICE accountable at Ferndale HSI facility
FERNDALE, WA – Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “I am committed to getting answers for the people I represent about immigration operations in Northwest Washington. Today, I went to ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) facility in Ferndale. This visit is a follow-up from my visit to ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) facility in July. “I will continue to conduct robust, close oversight
CWR locates J Pod in Strait of Juan de Fuca
Full Encounter Report ObservBegin: 04:27 PM ObservEnd: 06:38 PM Vessel: KCB III Staff: Dave Ellifrit, Michael Weiss Other Observers: Taylor Redmond, Astrid van Ginneken, Navi Zwart Pods: J IDsEncountered: J16, J19, J22, J26, J27, J31, J35, J36, J37, J38, J39, J40, J41, J42, J44, J45, J46, J47, J49, J51, J53, J56, J57, J58, J59, J62, and J63 LocationDescr: Eastern and Hein Banks EncSummary: After hearing about J pod heading north after exiting Admiralty Inle
Learn about mobile integrated health program on Orcas
The Orcas Community Resource Center, in partnership with the Orcas Community Health Care District, Orcas Island Fire & Rescue, and San Juan County, invites the community to a free public presentation on Thursday, October 22, from 6-7 pm at the Orcas Island Library to learn about the new Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program. The Mobile Integrated Health program represents an exciting step toward improving access to healthcare and essential se
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman has my vote
I am grateful that we have two well-qualified candidates running for County Council in San Juan County. Thanks to both for making the effort. It is great to have options! I will be voting for Katherine Bryant Ingman. Her service in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors has provided her with a unique skill set that will allow her to build creative solutions for the challenges currently facing the County. She understands the value of partnerships, […]
Letter to Editor | Heather Lee is the right person for Auditor
I hired Heather Lee to work in the Auditor’s Office, initially as an administrative assistant. It immediately became apparent to me that she was capable of so much more. Since then, she has gained experience in all areas of the Auditor’s office, including payroll, elections, and customer service. For three years, she served as Chief Deputy Auditor. She has succeeded in the office because of her intelligence, her strong work ethic, and her broad range […]
Community Meeting | Agate Beach county park updates & road relocation on Lopez Island
Join the conversation on Tuesday, October 20 at Agate Beach County Park MacKaye Harbor Rd and the Agate Beach County Park on Lopez Island are scheduled for infrastructure updates in 2027. Reconstruction of MacKaye Harbor Road and the Agate Beach County Park parking area will help protect access to public, private, and tribal lands, while navigating the impacts of coastal erosion. Nearby property owners and Lopez Islanders are invited to a community mee
Interactive food system plan now live on San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild website
The Food System Team of San Juan County, in partnership with the San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild and local data scientist, Adam Martin, is excited to announce the launch of an interactive online version of the Food System Plan for San Juan County. For residents and food system workers, this new tool will make it easier to explore and navigate the shared goals of the plan, and […]
KIRO News reports WSF meltdown was years in the making
Washington’s ferry meltdown didn’t start with this week’s sick-out. Charles Prestrud of the Washington Policy Center traces it back to Inslee’s vaccine mandate, which pushed 132 experienced ferry workers — engineers, captains, essential crew — into termination or early retirement right when the staffing cliff was already approaching.
Governor Ferguson commits to addressing WSF engine room crew workforce crisis
The Marine Engineers Beneficial Association (MEBA) represents 417 licensed and unlicensed engineers who operate, repair, and maintain the fleet of vessels at Washington State Ferries (WSF). A growing workforce crisis boiled over this week when crew call-outs resulted in major service disruptions. Eric Winge, the MEBA representative for WSF, shared developments today: “Our union leadership and members have been working hard
Swanson on Ferries | I’ll keep fighting for improvements
Of Washington’s 39 counties, San Juan County is the only one made up entirely of islands, reachable only by boat or plane. Most residents rely on Washington State Ferries (WSF), and for the past eight years I have served on our county’s Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC), currently as chair, acting as a link between WSF and the community. We advocate for local riders, track transit challenges, and give WSF […]
Letter to Editor | Environmental stewardship is essential to our islands
I have been a homeowner on San Juan Island since 1985 and have chosen to reside here because of its incredible natural environment. I am an environmental scientist by profession and therefore am painfully aware of the environmental challenges we face locally and globally. While most of my professional work addresses problems nationally and internationally, I volunteer my time to serve on San Juan County’s Climate a
Neighbor to neighbor shelter volunteer meeting
Our community is stronger when we come together to support our neighbors. The Neighbor to Neighbor Shelter is preparing for another season of serving community members who are experiencing difficult circumstances, and we are looking for caring individuals who would like to be involved. You are invited to join us for an informational meeting on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Church Fellowship Hall. This meeting will […]
Medicare open enrollment | Review your coverage for 2027
Between October 15 and December 7, you can review your Medicare coverage and choose the plan that best fits your needs for 2027. By now, you should have received information from your current prescription drug (Part D) or Advantage plan. Read it carefully, since premiums, deductibles, or copays may increase and coverage may shift. Even if your plan looks the same, your health needs or prescriptions may have changed, making it […]