Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Orcas Island Clothing Bank returns this fall
The Orcas Island Clothing Bank will return this fall, offering community members an opportunity to find clothing and other household items while giving gently used goods a second life.
Nov. 3 General Election ballots: Vote! Sign! Ballot Box it!
Submitted by San Juan County.
Orcas Vikings roll through busy fall sports schedule
By Declan O’Malley
New analysis reveals major increase in vessel traffic through the Salish Sea
Submitted by the Friends of the San Juans.
Busy month for Vikings fans
Submitted by Amy Carlson and The Orcas Island Booster Team.
Crew shortage strands islanders in Anacortes as WSF cancels early sailings Monday
Washington State Ferries experienced crew shortages that left many travelers stranded at the Anacortes ferry terminal on the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 4. Anyone without a confirmed reservation was directed to travel without their car or delay their trip. On Sunday night, WSF announced that ferry service would be reduced on Monday, with several routes “At risk of reduced, or no service to start the day on Monday.”
San Juan County sheriff’s log
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls.
What seeds have you sown?: A harvest festival rooted in reflection
Orcas Islanders gathered at the fifth annual Family Tides Farm & Northwest Indian College Fall Festival on Sept. 20 to celebrate with friends and contemplate their own harvest over the past year.
Mount Constitution volunteers recognized with statewide award
By Hilary Clark
October artist at the Orcas Library
Submitted by the Orcas Public Library.
Is it really just about beer? Or is there a deeper meaning? | Column
By Jacob Linnes
‘One More Stop’ emphasis patrol honors fallen WSP Trooper Christopher Gadd
Submitted by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.
Support for Jennifer Swanson for Council | Letter
There are many reasons I support Jennifer Swanson in her bid for Council Position #3. I’d like to focus on two of her strengths: Jennifer is hard working and displays equanimity when leading.
Swanson for County Council | Letter
Your vote for Jennifer Swanson for the San Juan County Council will be a vote for the right person. She recognizes that the tough issues facing the County demand leadership to bring islanders together to sustain and honor our values. She understands there are no easy answers to address the challenges of affordable housing, reliable ferry service, a balanced budget of prioritized countywide needs, and a healthy environment. The path forward will require a proven record of personal strength and re
A grateful thank you after a Moran Park rescue | Letter
My husband and I greatly appreciate the Emergency Response Teams on Orcas and others who responded to my dramatic fall and rescue while walking a path in Moran State Park. First a thank you to the woman who alerted the Ranger on duty who in turn alerted emergency response teams. Another special thank you to Jordan, an OSHU nurse with experience in Emergency Response who was next on the scene assessing my injuries and providing much needed comfort until local teams arrived. And hats off to the gr
Katherine Bryant Ingman’s budget spotlight | Letter
San Juan County is set to spend more than it takes in for 2027. To legally balance the budget, it needs to cut $3.7M.
Leadership for our future: Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | Letter
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.
ORS/The Exchange and SJC Department of Environmental Stewardship host hazardous waste roundup event
Submitted by San Juan County.
Patrick Vincent Stolmeier | Passages
March 16, 1948 – August 18, 2026
Orcas Senior Center – October highlights
Submitted by the Orcas Senior Center.
County Council completes series of September budget meetings; Oct. 5 public hearing to follow
Submitted by San Juan County.
San Juan County fire departments announce launch of burn permit issuance
Submitted by Lopez Fire.
Call for artists and artisans: Odd Fellows 2026 Winter Artisans Faire
Submitted by event organizers.
Test your earthquake preparedness on Oct. 15
Submitted by the Department of Emergency Management.