Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
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.
Vikings find progress, momentum across fall sports
by Declan O’Malley
Larsen fights for guardrails on data centers
Submitted by the Office of Rep. Rick Larsen.
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.
When a cello recital meets a clown show | Karen Hall’s ‘Delusions and Grandeur’
Submitted by the Orcas Center.
Orcas Christian School students take learning outdoors at annual campout and lake day
Orcas Christian School high school students took their annual campout to Moran State Park last week, spending two nights outdoors while participating in activities designed to build community, encourage learning and create shared experiences.
Emmanuel’s Monthly Dinner Kitchen
Submitted by event organizers.
San Juan County search for next local health officer ongoing
Submitted by San Juan County.
‘Portraits in Pencil: An Exhibition’ by Mick Stevens
Submitted by the Orcas Senior Center.
The clinic and beyond: How OIHCD supports care across Orcas Island
Submitted by the Orcas Island Health Care District.
Island Health CEO steps down
Submitted by the Orcas Island Health Care District.
Swanson for County Council | Letter
I was inordinately pleased to learn that Jennifer Swanson is running for our county council. I cannot imagine a more qualified candidate. I have known Jennifer for more than 20 years. She is smart, informed, well organized, articulate, and responsible. She has a wonderful way of bringing people together, making people feel heard, and diffusing conflict and tension. She has years of experience leading community forums, addressing ferry issues and participating in educational policies.
Swanson for Council | Letter
Taking time to listen and asking thoughtful questions are the two superpowers of County Council candidate Jennifer Swanson. I am writing to support Jennifer’s candidacy for the District 3 County Council position. I have known Jennifer for over 20 years — first as a parent and school board member at Shaw Island School, then as the school superintendent, and most recently as a colleague in the San Juan County CLT Alliance. Jennifer shares many of my priorities — affordable housing, fiscal accounta
Why we’re voting for Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council District 3 | Letter
We proudly endorse Katherine Bryant Ingman for San Juan County Council District 3 this November. Katherine has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to our island communities through her work in healthcare, food security, ferry advocacy, and countless volunteer efforts. For example, as president of the Catherine Washburn Medical Association, she helped make sure Lopez Island didn’t lose access to healthcare when the clinic changed hands to Sea Mar Community Health Centers. She is an exceptional l
Swanson for County Council | Letter
I’m voting for Jennifer Swanson for County Council, District 3 position, and I hope you will too.
Coast Guard and Orcas Island Fire & Rescue conduct multi-agency training
A Coast Guard MH-65 helicopter touched down at Orcas Island Airport Thursday, Sept. 17, kicking off the first of what officials say will be a multipart training series designed to prepare local first responders for the high-stakes rescues that outer-island geography makes uniquely difficult.
District Court and Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to relocate during courthouse renovations
Submitted by San Juan County.
Call to artists | Community Show: ‘Six x Six’
Art intake on Oct. 22; Art opening on Oct. 23