Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Orcas Island Pride shares important information about ballots this November
So much of what we do as a Pride organization is centered around joy – but even we must sometimes contend with the reality that our rights are being threatened and actively being repealed in parts of the country. Many people like to think that Washington, and our little idyllic islands, are immune from the horrifying things happening in other states. Unfortunately, even here, in Washington state, which is considered a “sanctuary state” by […]
Ingman on San Juan County healthcare access
San Juan County faces real access to healthcare challenges. We’re rural and remote. Our population is aging, and Medicare reimbursement brings in less revenue than private or marketplace insurance. This puts financial pressure on local providers. Many islanders also need specialty care that falls outside what primary care can offer. This means that if we need to see a specialist, spending a half or full day traveling off
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman is County Council leadership for our future
Katherine Bryant Ingman represents the future leaders that I want to see locally and nationally. Energetic young people dreaming of a better future who are ready to listen and eager to work. I met Katherine years ago when she led the wonderfully successful gleaning program through the newly founded Food Share at the Lopez Island Family Resource Center. Since then, I’ve observed her in other volunteer and work roles. Most recently Katherine impressed me as […]
October highlights from Orcas Senior Center
Orcas Senior Center offers a variety of ongoing classes, social groups, wellness activities, and creative programs throughout the month. All programs are open to everyone, regardless of age, and new participants are always welcome. A full calendar with dates and times is available at www.orcasseniors.org/calendar-of-events. This Month at the Senior Center: Fitness & Wellness: Chair yoga Arts & Creativity: Art with Carla, quilting, needlework, and w
Ferry Advisory Committee members push for clearer public guidance on ferry medical loading policy
At its Sept. 14 meeting, the San Juan County Ferry Advisory Committee pressed Washington State Ferries for clearer, plain-language public guidance on medical priority boarding — two distinct programs that riders, and sometimes even first responders, confuse in the middle of a crisis.
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
Island Health CEO steps down
Submitted by the Orcas Island Health Care District.
The clinic and beyond: How OIHCD supports care across Orcas Island
Submitted by the Orcas Island Health Care District.
San Juan County search for next local health officer ongoing
Submitted by San Juan County.
Health Care Board to meet Sept. 23
The Orcas Island Health Care District will hold a regularly scheduled board meeting on Wednesday, September 23rd from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Orcas Island Library, 500 Rose Street, Eastsound. The public packet is available below. 01. 2026_09_23 Agenda_Regular_Board.pdf 02. 2026_09_08 OIHCD Claims Payment Request.pdf 03. 2026_09_22 OIHCD Claims Payment Request.pdf 04. 2026-08 MIH Report.pdf 05. Interlocal Funding Agreement V3_09
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.
September 22: Lions guest speaker Dr. Richard Smith
Tuesday, September 22 12 noon to 1 pm | downstairs at American Legion Hall Dr Richard Smith recipient of Pioneer in Medicine Award & currently has two approved FDA patents for Lou Geurig Disease & Alzheimer. A third patent for his medicine is going through tests for another FDA approved patent. He will be the guest […]
Guest Column by Katherine Bryant Ingman: Spotlight: San Juan County Budget.
San Juan County is set to spend more than it takes in for 2027. To legally balance the budget, it needs to cut $3.7 million. This didn’t happen overnight. In April 2026, a levy lift failed, with over 60% voting no, forcing difficult decisions. Costs the county can’t control have kept climbing: state mandated programs, […]
New clinic providers meet & greet September 22, 2026
Island Primary Care – Orcas clinic has welcomed two new Providers over the past six months, Cameron Fralick, PA-C, and Paula Whitmire, MD. In order for community members to meet these new providers outside of clinic appointments, Orcas Island Health Care District will be hosting a meet & greet event for the providers. @ Emmanuel Episcopal Church Parish Hall 242 Main St, Eastsound, WA 98245 5:30 – 6:30 PM Light refreshments will be […]
LWVSJ Observer Corps | SJC Board of Health September 16, 2026
Arlesia Bailey is the new executive director of Accountable Communities of Health (ACH). Evergreen Recovery has posted two job positions, based in the county and in partnership with the SJC Sheriff’s Department. Northwest Regional Council (NWRC) approved a 3% budget increase ($210 for the county). The NWRC is part of a statewide consortium to lobby the state legislature to maintain funding streams for health homes and senior nutrition progra
Board of Health to hold public hearing on fee increases; PM2.5 monitoring station installed
LWVSJ Observer Corps summary of the San Juan County Board of Health September 16, 2026 meeting. Arlesia Bailey is the new executive director of Accountable Communities of Health (ACH). Evergreen Recovery has posted two job positions, based in the county and in partnership with the SJC Sheriff’s Department. Northwest Regional Council (NWRC) approved a 3% […]
Yoga & Ukulele Thursday mornings at Orcas Center
Yogalele’s fall season is now in session! Join us Thursday mornings from 8:30 to 9:15am in the Madrona Room at Orcas Center to stretch and strum, pluck and smile, experience savasana, and possibly learn a few new moves and chords. All levels (yoga and ukulele) welcome, each class tailored to the attendees. Bring your mat and your ukulele if you have one (ukes are not required, non-players always welcome!) and get your […]
Katherine Bryant Ingman on San Juan County budget
San Juan County is set to spend more than it takes in for 2027. To legally balance the budget, it needs to cut $3.7 million. This didn’t happen overnight. In April 2026, a levy lift failed, with over 60% voting no, forcing difficult decisions. Costs the county can’t control have kept climbing: state mandated programs,insurance, and inflation have all grown faster than revenue. Some revenue tools haven’t kept up. Permit […]
Preparing for a resilient future
As Orcas Islanders prepare for fall, shorter days, harvesting buckets upon buckets of apples, and unpredictable weather, many nonprofit organizations are launching fall programs and events, and are working to raise awareness and support for the needs of the community. Fall is a perfect time to get engaged, meet new people, and take part in shaping the future of the organizations you care about. If you’re considering joining a b
Kwiaht launches arsenic testing and action project
Islands conservation laboratory Kwiaht is seeking participants in a study of the extent of arsenic contamination in island wells, and actions to reduce adverse health effects Islanders may be at increased risk of colon cancer due to the widespread presence of small amounts of arsenic in the islands’ well water. Although the regulatory ceiling for arsenic in drinking water is 10 parts per billion (ppb) in Washington State, concentrations as low as one […]
The Clinic and Beyond | How OIHCD supports care across Orcas Island
The Health Care District’s financial support of Island Primary Care – Orcas ensures that more than 3,800 residents access primary, same-day, after-hours, and visiting specialty care right here on Orcas. The clinic is staffed by doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, medical assistants, a patient liaison, front desk staff, and our long-time clinic manager — all Islanders except for one staff member. To learn more about the clinic
Kwiaht launches arsenic testing and action project
Islands conservation laboratory Kwiaht is seeking participants in a study of the extent of arsenic contamination in island wells, and actions to reduce adverse health effects Islanders may be at increased risk of colon cancer due to the widespread presence of small amounts of arsenic in the islands’ well water. Although the regulatory ceiling for […]
Letter to Editor | Why we’re voting for Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council District 3
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 Healt
Ongoing San Juan County search for next local health officer
The County is requesting statements of qualifications from licensed physicians experienced in public health/local Health Officer duties Last month, San Juan County opened a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for qualified candidates interested in serving as the County’s next Local Health Officer. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is extended to any qualified physician that meets the minimum qualifications and has the required experience: 1. Experienc