Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Town of Friday Harbor Proclamation | Hope to live free of abuse
PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, October is recognized nationally as Domestic Violence Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, domestic violence is a complex and pervasive public health crisis that affects individuals without regard to age, race, gender, education, religious, economic, or societal lines; and WHEREAS, domestic violence is not just physical violence; it often presents as sexual, psychological, emotional, financial, or technological abuse; and WHEREAS, domestic violen
San Juan County sheriff’s log
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls.
Joint statement of Governor Bob Ferguson and Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller on west coast oil pipeline
OLYMPIA — Governor Bob Ferguson and Washington Department of Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller offer the folllowing joint statement regarding the Oct. 1 decision by the Canadian Major Projects Office to list the West Coast Oil Pipeline as a “Project of National Interest”: “We are disappointed in the decision today by the Government of Canada to list the proposed oil pipeline as a project of national interest. The classification puts the project on a [
Town of Friday Harbor issues proclamation about Domestic Violence Awareness month
PROCLAMATION Hope to Live Free of Abuse WHEREAS, October is recognized nationally as Domestic Violence Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, domestic violence is a complex and pervasive public health crisis that affects individuals without regard to age, race, gender, education, religious, economic, or societal lines; and WHEREAS, domestic violence is not just physical violence; it often […]
Free immunization clinics for children to protect against influenza and COVID
Free influenza and COVID-19 immunizations for all children 6 months through 18 years old this October! Please note, while we hope to have sufficient COVID-19 vaccine availability, there may be shortages and delays in the delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine. Protect your family this fall and winter by bringing your child to one of our upcoming school-based walk-up immunization clinics. We will have vaccines to protect children against flu and it is anticip
Guest Column by Jennifer Swanson
During the course of my campaign for County Council, I have had countless conversations with people across the islands and have learned a great deal about their concerns. These conversations have given form to how I will, as councilmember, approach the budget. In April, 60.67% of San Juan County voters rejected the county’s levy lid […]
Due to high levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poison, all San Juan County beaches are closed until further notice.
Due to high levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poison, all beaches are closed until further notice.As of Wednesday, September 30, 2026, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has closed recreational shellfish harvesting in San Juan County due to unsafe levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poison (PSP). This closure includes all species of molluscan shellfish including clams, […]
No jurors required, October 5-9
JURY DUTY: OCTOBER 5-9, 2026 All jurors summonsed for Jury Duty beginning October 5th, 2026 are excused. Thank you.
Oil spill at Friday Harbor Marina parking lot
Port of Friday Harbor Press Release : Tuesday September 29, 2026, at approximately 1:00 PM, the Port of Friday Harbor staff was transferring used motor oil and bilge water mix from a double hulled storage vessel to a transfer tote for recycling. During movement of the tote, the drain valve broke off and released approximately […]
San Juan Island Fire District considers false alarm fee
League of Women Voters summary of Fire District #3 Commissioners Meeting, September 22, 2026 meeting. Division Chief Jordan Pollack presented a report on the Outer Island Brigade Program. There are currently six brigades on Brown, Henry, Johns, and Stuart Islands. Brigades are trained in eight modules, wilderness first-aid, and in apparatus training. Stuart West will […]
Test your earthquake preparedness on Oct. 15
Submitted by the Department of Emergency Management.
San Juan County fire departments announce launch of burn permit issuance
Submitted by Lopez Fire.
ORS/The Exchange and SJC Department of Environmental Stewardship host hazardous waste roundup event
Submitted by San Juan County.
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
‘One More Stop’ emphasis patrol honors fallen WSP Trooper Christopher Gadd
Submitted by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.
Vehicle Auction
Abandoned Vehicle Auction Monday, October 5, 2026 at 10 am Preview from 7 am to 10 am 2001 Honda Accord Wa. Lic.# BKV4087 2000 Chevrolet Astro Van Wa. Lic.# BQP0822 2009 Mercury Milan Sedan Wa. Lic.# CEW9372 1966 Chris Craft Cavalier 30 Ft. Boat Wa. Lic.# WN6886LH 2001 QLTY Boat Trailer Wa. Lic# 89708AG Island […]
Our first wind advisory of the season
Wind Advisory Tue 2:00 AM – Tue 2:00 PM WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 2 PM PDT TUESDAY WHAT South wind 20 to 30 mph with gusts 40 to 45 mph expected. WHERE Lowlands of Western Whatcom County and San Juan County. WHEN From 2 AM to 2 PM PDT Tuesday. IMPACTS Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages […]
SJI Fire Chief: The Future of Local Fire Protection Depends on Community Volunteers
Volunteer firefighters remain the backbone of the American fire service. According to the National Fire Protection Association, approximately 65% of the nation’s firefighters are volunteers, and more than 80% of U.S. fire departments rely on volunteer or combination staffing models. Unfortunately, the number of volunteer firefighters nationwide has steadily declined while emergency service demands continue […]
Coast Guard rescues kayaker near Sucia Island
US Coast Guard Northwest crews rescued a kayaker off Parker Reef near Sucia Island, WA, Friday September 25, 2026 morning after his kayak capsized in 54-degree water. His kayaking partner was able to remain afloat and upright. Proper safety gear made all the difference in ensuring a positive outcome. Because the kayakers were wearing life […]
LWVSJ Observer Corps | San Juan County Council 9/22/26
The County Council approved a Joint Letter to Washington State Ferries supporting the System’s long-range planning. The council appointed applicants to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee and Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District. After a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a lease to the San Juan Island School District for school bus parking. Human Resources director Matthew Bullock updated council members on the county’s efforts t
San Juan County sheriff’s log
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls.
ORS/The Exchange and SJC Environmental Stewardship host upcoming hazardous waste roundup event
Residents are invited to safely dispose of household chemicals at October 3rd collection event on Orcas San Juan County Department of Environmental Stewardship and ORS/The Exchange are hosting a hazardous waste round-up collection event, giving island residents the chance to legally and responsibly dispose of poisonous, flammable, corrosive, or otherwise hazardous materials. The event will take place October 3rd from 10 am – 2 pm at The Exchange, 3398
No jurors required for Sept. 28 – Oct. 2
JURY DUTY: SEPTEMBER 28 – OCTOBER 2, 2026 All jurors summonsed for Jury Duty beginning September 28th, 2026 are excused. Thank you. View it on website
No jurors needed for Sept. 28 – Nov. 2
JURY DUTY: SEPTEMBER 28 – NOVEMBER 2, 2026 All jurors summonsed for Jury Duty beginning September 28th, 2026 are excused. Thank you. View it on website