Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
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.
‘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
Fall sports are underway at OIHS
By Declan O’Malley
Empty Bowls: Sunday Supper returns to Orcas Center Oct. 4
Submitted by the Orcas Island Food Bank.
Island newspapers win top awards in state contest
The Islands’ Sounder and the Journal of the San Juan Islands earned recognition in 19 categories in the 2026 Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Better Newspaper Contest, and both papers received General Excellence, one of the contest’s top honors.
Kids Got Talent show this weekend
Submitted by the Orcas Center.
Finding their voice: Orcas Youth Chorus reboots with acclaimed local vocalist Stormy Hildreth
By Laura Jean Miller
Imagine Music & Arts Festival: Room for grief, room for joy, no questions asked
At Doe Bay, ancient ritual, radical kindness and collective catharsis turn a weekend gathering into a laboratory for personal and communal transformation — though not everyone who shows up needs, or wants, to be transformed.
County tsunami preparation in the face of new model
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources has released a new report modeling a tsunami scenario for an Alaska-Aleutian subduction zone earthquake. The San Juan Islands are shown to have a 3- to 10-foot wave amplitude within five hours, depending on location. Eastsound, notably, has some of the highest measurements in the model.
Orcas Island cross-country opens season at Sehome, eyes fresh strategy and a changing roster
Kai Park sprinted across the finish line in second place out of a race that contained more than 200 runners at Sehome, giving the Orcas Island cross country team an electric start to a season its coaches say will look nothing like the ones before it.
Two worlds, one song: Betty Reid Soskin’s legacy comes to Orcas Island
Orcas Center will host a rare pairing: a live concert by folk duo Bob Reid and Judi Jaeger, followed by a screening of “No Time to Waste: The Urgent Mission of Betty Reid Soskin,” the documentary about Bob’s remarkable mother.
New interim executive director of Orcas Island Food Bank
Submitted by the Orcas Island Food Bank.
Build financial confidence: Space still available in Orcas Money Smart
Submitted by the Orcas Community Resource Center Communications Team.