Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
How recent ferry disruptions affected islanders
San Juan County Council praised Washington State Ferries during Tuesday’s regular Council meeting for dedicating two of the five operating ferries during the “sick-out” to the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route. The council also directed Council member Kari McVeigh to send a letter of appreciation to WSF Deputy Secretary Steve Nevey. The gratitude, however, was sharply tempered by criticism during the Council meeting of how WSF handled the shutdown and who is paying for it.
Resource Center presents October Orcas Talks Money workshops
Submitted by the Orcas Community Resource Center Communications Team.
Emmanuel’s summer Market Day helps Orcas Islanders all year round
Submitted by the Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
Is it really just about beer? Or is there a deeper meaning? | Column
By Jacob Linnes
Call for artists and artisans: Odd Fellows 2026 Winter Artisans Faire
Submitted by event organizers.
Larsen fights for guardrails on data centers
Submitted by the Office of Rep. Rick Larsen.
Island House Dental now offers anesthesia services | Sponsored content
Submitted by Island House Dental.
Empty Bowls: Sunday Supper returns to Orcas Center Oct. 4
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.
New interim executive director of Orcas Island Food Bank
Submitted by the Orcas Island Food Bank.
End of an era: Beach Haven managers Shayne and Justin retire
Tucked in amongst an old-growth forest of cedar trees, Beach Haven Resort’s rustic, technology-free cabins on the northwest shore of Orcas have been adored by generations of families.
Orcas Island Farmers Market Harvest Festival Sept. 26
Submitted by Erica Lyons.
Budget updates from Sept. 8 meeting
The San Juan County Council continued discussing the budget at the County Council Regular Session on Sept. 8, projecting a challenging budget through 2030. County Manager Jessica Hudson and Council Chair Justin Paulsen reflected on a past Council meeting where Paulsen declared 2026 “The year of the budget,” with 2027 demanding the same attention as 2026, and Hudson alluded to further work on future budget years. Paulsen agreed with Hudson: “They turned ‘The Lord of the Rings’ into a trilogy. We’
Meet Alexis Annis, OPAL’s new director of finance and operations
Submitted by OPAL Community Land Trust.