Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Janet Brownell: Supports Katherine | She Gets It
A few months ago, I received a phone call. “Hi, I’m Katherine. I’m running for county council, and so-and-so suggested I reach out to you for advice.” My sage advice? Don’t do it. The county is at an inflection point. Budget tightening is coming, hard decisions lie ahead, and it’s not going to be fun. […]
Rob Grant: Endorses of Katherine Bryant Ingman for San Juan County Council District 3
I am supporting Katherine Bryant Ingman for San Juan County District 3! Decatur is a relatively small outer island in the archipelago, but we are a critical link in the energy chain serving the entire county! We need a fierce advocate on the Council, one who speaks truth to power and will represent not only […]
Sharon Abreu: Endorses Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council
Support for Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council Although I acknowledge that we here in San Juan County are fortunate to have two strong candidates running for County Council District 3, I have decided to endorse Katherine Bryant Ingman for the position. I appreciate Katherine’s energy, and I see her as an independent thinker, which […]
Letter to Editor | In support of Orcas Island Park and Rec District
Our community has the opportunity in the upcoming election to re-commit to supporting the Orcas Island Park and Recreation District. Since its inception, OIPRD has continuously been a responsible and reliable steward the taxpayer dollars from our community. Through direct programming and relationships built with numerous partner organizations, our community investment has allowed the District to become an integral part of the fabric of Orcas Island. As the needs or
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman brings leadership with a stake in the future
Katherine Bryant Ingman has the vision, strength of leadership and proven negotiating skills to take care of business for the people of San Juan County. She has proven problem solving ability and a collaborative leadership style needed to address the current issues facing San Juan County. I admire her practical understanding for what resources are needed to solve complex long-term problems. County departments depend on tens of millions of dollars annually in grants for ro
Former Starbucks CEO encourages Orcas Christian School students to ‘Be More Human’
Orcas Christian School (OCS) is embracing experiential education, providing students with opportunities to learn from leaders with real-world experience. “We pride ourselves on offering powerful experiences for our students. On October 8, students were able to meet and hear from Jim Donald, a former CEO of Starbucks,” said Principal Joel Shetler. Donald spoke to OCS students and parents about artificial intelligence (AI), discussing how the technology can help
Letter to Editor | She gets it
A few months ago, I received a phone call. “Hi, I’m Katherine. I’m running for county council, and so-and-so suggested I reach out to you for advice.” My sage advice? Don’t do it. The county is at an inflection point. Budget tightening is coming, hard decisions lie ahead, and it’s not going to be fun. She paused, then said simply, “I know. I get it. But I’m still going to run.” That’s why Katherine Bryant […]
Essay | Trusting government
I found myself thinking recently of three Orcas men I know, long-time residents, all of them white and in their 70s. One is a pretty far left liberal, another doesn’t identify with or relate to politics and never votes, and the third is about as hardcore and stereotypical a conservative as you could imagine. The liberal—let’s call him “Mick“ told me he doesn’t trust the Government because the CIA assassinated people in the 1950s and […]
Orcas filmmaker Ken Kwapis on the strange, improbable story of The Shaggs
The prophecy said famous. It never said why For four decades, director Ken Kwapis has moved between some of Hollywood’s best-known films and television series, directing He’s Just Not That Into You, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and A Walk in the Woods, and seminal episodes of The Office, Freaks and Geeks, Parks and Recreation, and more. But it was an obscure record by three sisters from rural New […]
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
How recent ferry disruptions affected islanders
San Juan County Council praised Washington State Ferries during Tuesday’s regular Council meeting for dedicating two of the five operating ferries during the “sick-out” to the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route. The council also directed Council member Kari McVeigh to send a letter of appreciation to WSF Deputy Secretary Steve Nevey. The gratitude, however, was sharply tempered by criticism during the Council meeting of how WSF handled the shutdown and who is paying for it.
October 12: Indigenous Peoples Day
Columbus Day which is on October 12, 2026 is recognized as a federal holiday meaning federal offices, banks, and the Post Office will be closed. Indigenous Peoples Day has replaced Columbus Day in many states but is not a federal holiday. Washington state recognizes Indigenous Peoples Day but not as an official state holiday. Washington […]
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 […]
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 […]
Resource Center presents October Orcas Talks Money workshops
Submitted by the Orcas Community Resource Center Communications Team.
Borner: Jennifer 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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