Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Washington authors speak out against censorship in honor of Banned Books Week
OLYMPIA — In honor of Banned Books Week (Oct. 4-10, 2026), Washington authors speak out against censorship and share what reading freely means to them. The Washington Center for the Book, a program of the Office of the Secretary of State, partnered with the Washington chapter of Authors Against Book Bans to curate a collection of short videos about what […]
County Council Passes 2027 Budget and Plans for Additional Budget Work Leading into 2028-2029
PRESS RELEASE: At its October 5 meeting, the San Juan County Council adopted the 2027 budget after hearing from residents across the county. This adopted budget includes organizational restructuring and over $3.8 million dollars in reductions to staffing and critical programs across all departments and elected offices. As part of the annual budget adopted on […]
San Juan Island School District: Cost of full-size electric bus too high
LWVSJ Observer Corps*: San Juan Island School Board September 30, 2026. Public Comment: Parent Eliza Habegger is concerned about the use of AI in the classroom. She made three recommendations: 1. Remove Google Gemini in all Chrome books. 2. Consider Los Angeles Unified School District AI use policy. 3. Gather community input on using AI […]
Tom Cowan: Lopez has large support for Katherine Bryant Ingman
I was talking with a friend from San Juan Island and asked what he would think about someone from Stuart Island as the San Juan Island representative on the County Council. His response was that it would be a problem; different culture, different issues and the likely inability to understand San Juan Island’s people and […]
Port to use $650k grant to pave Jensen’s and Shipyard Cove’s driveways
LWVSJ Observer Corps: Friday Harbor Port Commission, September 25, 2026 A new lease was approved for San Juan Canvas with all terms remaining identical with the previous agreement and with a five-year extension. A new lease was approved for San Juan Air’s Hangar 80 (Units A & B) with all terms remaining the same except […]
New analysis reveals major increase in vessel traffic through the Salish Sea
Submitted by the Friends of the San Juans.
Orcas Vikings roll through busy fall sports schedule
By Declan O’Malley
Nov. 3 General Election ballots: Vote! Sign! Ballot Box it!
Submitted by San Juan County.
Orcas Island Clothing Bank returns this fall
The Orcas Island Clothing Bank will return this fall, offering community members an opportunity to find clothing and other household items while giving gently used goods a second life.
Support for Jennifer Swanson for County Council | Letter
I endorse Jennifer Swanson for County Council. She is a great listener, and strives for communication, not conflict to resolve issues. She has worked to better our community through communication and respectful dialog. She considers all sides of an issue before making a decision, and will make a great addition to county council.
Civic engagement goes beyond the ballot box | Letter
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.
Candidate’s dreams are spendy | Letter
I read Katherine Ingman Bryant’s goals to improve health care services in San Juan County and was struck by one glaring omission: How much will all of this cost—and where will the money come from?
Free immunization clinics for children: Protect your child against influenza and COVID
Submitted by San Juan County.
Remembering Doug Marshall and his love for Orcas Island | Column
Submitted by Michell (Mitch) Marshall.
The 6th Annual Island Market and Funhouse Commons Gingerbread House Contest
Submitted by the Funhouse Commons.
Vote Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | Letter
This is to share how my husband and I know Katherine Bryant Ingman candidate for San Juan County Council District 3, and why she has our full support
In support of Jennifer Swanson for County Council | Letter
I have been a voter in San Juan County for more than 50 years and am writing to enthusiastically endorse Jennifer Swanson for County Commissioner. Jennifer and I worked together on the Shaw Island school board for several years. During her term as chairman she was called upon to steer the board through the Covid-19 pandemic. It was a challenging time but Jennifer based her leadership on the facts and the science. Her calm demeanor and ability to listen have made her a valuable member of our isla
Jennifer Swanson for County Council | Letter
I have known Jennifer since she moved to Shaw Island with her family over 20 years ago. If I were to describe her in a few words they would be; fully engaged with family and community. She is deeply involved with both.
David B. Williams comes to Orcas Island for ‘In the Range of Fire and Ice’
Submitted by the Orcas Island Public Library.
Expert speakers highlight sustainable gardening at October workshop series
Submitted by the Master Gardeners.
Orcas Christian School brings generations together for ‘Grandparents Lunch’
The lunch at Orcas Christian School was filled with conversation, laughter and familiar faces as students welcomed grandparents and other special guests for the school’s first Grandparents Lunch.
OCS students develop leadership skills at Sunset Lake Camp
Orcas Christian School high school and middle school students returned Thursday from a week at Sunset Lake Camp in Wilkeson, Washington, where they joined students from several small Adventist schools for activities focused on leadership, worship, teamwork and personal growth.
Japanese music masters Také to Ito perform at Odd Fellows
Submitted by the Odd Fellows Hall.
A night of fingerstyle guitar with Calum Graham
Submitted by Orcas Center.