Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Orcas Airport is now open – two days early
A few moments ago the A2,A3 and A4 barricades were removed as well as all midfield and east side hangar barriers, ORS is 100% open, two days early! A huge thanks for your flexibility, understanding, safe ops and professionalism throughout the project. There’s still work to do, but we have arguably the nicest GA airport in Washington, your continued safe attention to all things air and ground related at ORS is […]
Is it really just about beer? Or is there a deeper meaning? | Column
By Jacob Linnes
Weather delays work at Port of Orcas
Due to weather conditions, the crew at Port of Orcas is shutting down operations, and we are taking a weather day. This delay will push the runway opening and extend the remaining soil placement and hydroseeding work through Thursday. Our current plan is to remove the BMPs and open the taxiway on Thursday evening. However, depending on field conditions and production, there is a possibility we may need until Friday morning […]
Call for artists and artisans: Odd Fellows 2026 Winter Artisans Faire
Submitted by event organizers.
Larsen fights for guardrails on data centers
Submitted by the Office of Rep. Rick Larsen.
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 […]
Guest Opinion | San Juan County has a spending problem…
and it’s got nothing to do with the Department of Environmental Stewardship The County Council is considering a budget that eliminates the Department of Environmental Stewardship as an independent department in order to “save money” – which history has shown means there is no independent advocate for the environment within our county government. What makes no sense is the Environmental Department actually brings in hundreds of thousands in grants and the Director’s posi
Island House Dental now offers anesthesia services | Sponsored content
Submitted by Island House Dental.
Larsen fights for guardrails on data centers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) joined 110 House Democrats in a letter to tech industry leaders last Friday demanding that all data center construction follow strict guardrails to protect consumers from electricity and water price hikes. “Data center projects and the energy systems and infrastructure that support them must be built and operated responsibly with a commitment to high-quality construction, good jobs, str
September 27: 2nd annual Harvest Festival at Madrone
September 27 | 12 noon to 8 pm | Madrone Bar and Kitchen | 40 First Street | All ages welcome | $15 cover. Join us for our second annual Harvest Festival at Madrone. It is officially our favorite time of year again, and we are excited to throw a party to celebrate. There will […]
AI developments necessitate moratorium on data centers
Almost every day the warnings are becoming more ominous. The looming threats posed by artificial general intelligence — an advanced version of AI also known as superintelligence, which exceeds any human capabilities — are potentially catastrophic. Knowledgeable insiders and practitioners are warning that the future of humanity itself may well be at risk. AI agents are becoming so powerful that evil actors could conceivably use them to inst
County Council completes series of September budget meetings; October 5th public hearing to follow
San Juan County Council recently completed a series of budget conversations in September 2026, following the August 25th release of the 2027 preliminary budget At its meeting on Tuesday, Council wrapped up its last budget related discussion scheduled for the month of September and is now preparing for a public hearing on October 5 – its first opportunity to adopt the proposed 2027 budget. The public hearing is the next critical step after […]
Empty Bowls: Sunday Supper returns to Orcas Center Oct. 4
Submitted by the Orcas Island Food Bank.
Orcas Island Food Bank announces new interim Executive Director
As the Orcas Island Food Bank continues to work to serve our clients and the community in the best way possible, the Food Bank Board has engaged Michele Bart of Purposeful Consulting Group, LLC as interim executive director while our Executive Director Amanda Sparks takes time away from her day-to-day responsibilities to focus on her family, and we appreciate everyone’s support. Bart brings 25-plus years of food bank management and […]
Build financial confidence: Space still available in Orcas Money Smart
Submitted by the Orcas Community Resource Center Communications Team.
New interim executive director of Orcas Island Food Bank
Submitted by the Orcas Island Food Bank.
Port of Friday Harbor: Island Air moving into Hangar 80; Port staff working with county on Cannery property uses
LWVSJ Observer Corps: Friday Harbor Port Commission, September 11, 2026 meeting Michelle Herko, Friday Harbor Labs Program Director, reported on the program she oversees allowing fifth grade students to perform water testing at the Friday Harbor Marina. They share their results with the Port. She emphasized the program’s value and submitted a funding request to […]
Build Financial Confidence | Space still available in Orcas Money Smart
There is still time to register for Orcas Money Smart, a practical 7-month financial education program from Orcas Community Resource Center that helps community members build financial confidence and make informed decisions about saving, spending, borrowing, and protecting their money. Now in its fifth year, Orcas Money Smart offers a welcoming space for participants to strengthen everyday financial skills and better understand the choices tha
New transformer on Orcas replaces one installed in 1970
This summer, OPALCO replaced a transformer installed in 1970 . The new transformer includes more capacity for the expected growth in electricity use in the coming decades. This equipment takes high-voltage electricity and steps it down to a smaller voltage to deliver electricity to homes and businesses on Orcas. The Orcas Power & Light Cooperative […]
End of an era: Beach Haven managers Shayne and Justin retire
Tucked in amongst an old-growth forest of cedar trees, Beach Haven Resort’s rustic, technology-free cabins on the northwest shore of Orcas have been adored by generations of families.
Orcas Island Farmers Market Harvest Festival Sept. 26
Submitted by Erica Lyons.
Budget updates from Sept. 8 meeting
The San Juan County Council continued discussing the budget at the County Council Regular Session on Sept. 8, projecting a challenging budget through 2030. County Manager Jessica Hudson and Council Chair Justin Paulsen reflected on a past Council meeting where Paulsen declared 2026 “The year of the budget,” with 2027 demanding the same attention as 2026, and Hudson alluded to further work on future budget years. Paulsen agreed with Hudson: “They turned ‘The Lord of the Rings’ into a trilogy. We’
Meet Alexis Annis, OPAL’s new director of finance and operations
Submitted by OPAL Community Land Trust.
Meeting tonight | EWUA’s recurring governance problem
EWUA’s Board meets tonight, September 15, 2026, at 5 p.m. at the Orcas Fire Hall EWUA’s Board meets tonight, September 15, 2026, at 5 p.m. at the Orcas Fire Hall. As of this morning, EWUA has not emailed or posted an agenda or formal notice containing the meeting details and anticipated business. The most recent posted minutes are from June; the July entry says no meeting occurred. EWUA website That is not an isolated oversight. […]