Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
October 1: SJI Childcare Cooperative Open House
Thursday, October 1 | 5 to 6 PM | 425 Spring Street | in the Basement of the Presbyterian Church | Friday Harbor Families are invited to join us for an open house to see the space, meet current families, and ask questions. At SJICC, we believe play is how babies and toddlers do their […]
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.
Getting to know Katherine | What makes San Juan County home?
We moved to Lopez in 2014 after Joe landed a job at Spencer Spit State Park. I must admit, I was hesitant at first. I wasn’t sure how life on Lopez would mix with my plans to go to grad school or pursue career opportunities I was excited about. But Lopez altered the course of my life. I was overcome by the island’s caring, grounded, and connected community. We […]
San Juan Island Library Celebrates Record Participation in 2026 Summer Reading Program
San Juan Island Library is celebrating record youth participation in its annual Summer Reading Program, with more than 450 registrants for the second consecutive year. In 2026, the program reached a record 496 registrations—the highest total to date. A cornerstone of the library’s commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement, the Summer Reading Program encourages […]
Finding their voice: Orcas Youth Chorus reboots with acclaimed local vocalist Stormy Hildreth
By Laura Jean Miller
Fall sports are underway at OIHS
By Declan O’Malley
Expert speakers highlight sustainable gardening at October workshop series
Submitted by San Juan County.
Swanson for County Council | Letter
I’m voting for Jennifer Swanson for County Council, District 3 position, and I hope you will too.
Build financial confidence: Space still available in Orcas Money Smart
Submitted by the Orcas Community Resource Center Communications Team.
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.
Sheila Gaugin: Supports Swanson for county Council
I’m voting for Jennifer Swanson for County Council, District 3 position, and I hope you will too. I have known Jennifer for more than 20 years and have seen her in numerous community service roles, including school board, Ferry Advisory Committee, The Shaw Community Land Trust board, the teacher housing committee, and more. Of all Jennifer’s […]
Orcas Christian School brings generations together for Grandparents Lunch
The lunch at Orcas Christian School (OCS) was filled with conversation, laughter and familiar faces as students welcomed grandparents and other special guests for the school’s first Grandparents Lunch. Held in celebration of Grandparents Day, the event brought around 25 grandparents and guests to campus to share a meal and spend time with OCS students. For OCS Vice Principal Kammi Griffen, seeing the room filled with students and their loved ones was what made
September 20: Writing Workshop Orcas Island Library
Sep 20, 2026 | 2 to 4 PM | Orcas Island Public Library | 500 Rose St | Eastsound | RSVP Join Island Verse founder Danny Sherrard for a free, in-depth writing workshop from 2–4 PM at the Orcas Island Library. We’ll spend the afternoon digging into the craft, generating new work, and making space to […]
Letter to Editor | Why I support Swanson for Council
I’m voting for Jennifer Swanson for County Council, District 3 position, and I hope you will too. I have known Jennifer for more than 20 years and have seen her in numerous community service roles, including school board, Ferry Advisory Committee, The Shaw Community Land Trust board, the teacher housing committee, and more. Of all Jennifer’s volunteer roles, none could have been more challenging or meaningful to the community than the seven years she served as […]
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
WSF Weekly Report | Classroom on the water; fall schedule starts Sunday
A message from Steve As our ferries age, I’m consistently impressed by the work of our chief engineers, assistant engineers, oilers and wipers. They work closely with our Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility and Capital Planning and Construction teams to keep our boats operating at their best. This sometimes means repairing and maintaining parts that are no longer manufactured, covered by warranties or even able to be operated reliably. That is
Terry Turner leaves lasting legacy on Orcas soccer
By Declan O’Malley
Week 3: FRIDAY HARBOR WOLVERINE FOOTBALL Trivia, numbers, history, ramblings and stuff by Bruce Bennett
Friday, September 18 at 4:00 p.m. Friday Harbor (1-1) vs Annie Wright (0-2) at Stadium For the second week in a row the Wolverines will take on a member of the 1A Nisqually League…last Friday Bellevue Christian here at home and this Friday Annie Wright in Tacoma. This will be the first time the […]
OCS students explore ‘Love in Action’ through service
Middle and high school students at Orcas Christian School recently heard from guest speakers about serving others and putting their faith into action. Lauren Lombard, who coordinates service mission work abroad with the nonprofit education group EducareNow, spoke with students about serving communities through practical acts of compassion. Following her presentation, students worked in breakout groups to develop ways they could serve and show love to the Orcas Island community.
The Madrona Institute announces 2026 Request for Proposals for San Juan Islands Stewardship Fund grants
Submitted by The Madrona Institute.
Leadership San Juan Islands invites applications for Cohort XVIII
Submitted by Leadership San Juan Islands.
OIHS fall sports teams look to build on past success
By Declan O’Malley