Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
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
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
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.
Tibetan star Yungchen Lhamo brings a global voice to Orcas Center with local icon Rafe Pearlman opening
On Saturday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m., in a rare event, Orcas Center will host internationally acclaimed Tibetan-born singer Yungchen Lhamo and Orcas Islander Rafe Pearlman, who will open the show with his own improvisational, nature-inspired vocal music.
Washington, multistate coalition victory protects social services for low-income families
Submitted by the Washington State Office of Attorney General Nick Brown.
Kwiaht launches arsenic testing and action project
By Russel Barsh
Orcas Island Film Festival announces 2026 lineup
By Clare Garvin
Island House Dental now offers anesthesia services | Sponsored content
Submitted by Island House Dental.
A local landmark retires from service
Submitted by the Orcas Island Historical Museums.
San Juan County sheriff’s log
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls.
Yungchen Lhamo in concert with Rafe Pearlman
Submitted by the Orcas Center.