Island News
Bringing it home: Sea-level rise impact and response planning for Orcas | A climate solutions workshop
Submitted by Earth Day Orcas.
Update on proposal for limited deer hunting on Orcas Island
Submitted by San Juan Island.
SJC Department of Environmental Stewardship hosts 2026 hazardous waste roundup events across the islands
SJC Department of Environmental Stewardship is hosting hazardous waste collection events, giving residents and businesses the chance to legally dispose of poisonous, flammable, corrosive and hazardous materials.
Island Allies of Indigenous Lifeways supports tribally managed hunting at North Shore Preserve
By Jaime Beechum and Caitlin Leck
Judy Tepley’s work showcased
The work of Judy Tepley will be on display now through May 31 at the Orcas Healing Arts Center, featuring beaded paintings and embroidered spheres. Through May 30, beaded spheres and embroidered temari spheres are on display at the Orcas Island Library. Both shows include needlework in various forms using seed beads and thread.
Concerns over SAVE Act and voting access | Letter
At the Orcas Island No Kings Rally on March 28th, the most important issue in this country was absent—voting to change the majority party in the United States Congress.
In support of public safety | Letter
I am writing to express my strong support for voting YES on the levy lid lift that will be on the April 28th special election ballot. As the former Sheriff of San Juan County for 24 years, I have witnessed firsthand the vital role our law enforcement officials and staff play in keeping our community safe.
Vote YES for County levy: Save the services we value most | Letter
I am writing to point out the importance of voting YES on Proposition No.1, the County’s regular property tax levy lid lift. This levy is to continue funding valued community services that are not mandated by law. These services include foundational public health, senior services, parks and fair, emergency management, the Islands Oil Spill Association, and environmental stewardship. We have come to rely on these programs and services as part of our everyday lives.
The ClearWater Commitment: A framework for institutional integrity | Column
By Thomas Owens
Free workshop on the Washington Saves Program
Submitted by the Economic Development Council.
‘Women Who Step Up, Not Aside’ at Odd Fellows
“Women Who Step Up, Not Aside,” a presentation from the Washington Humanities Speakers Series, will take place at the Odd Fellows Hall on Sunday, April 12, at 1 p.m. Part music performance and part talk, the acoustic music trio Trillium-239 shares songs and stories of trail-breaking women like Marie Curie, Harriet Tubman, Malala Yousafzai, Annie Oakley and others. What drove them to step out of their expected roles to forge more difficult paths, knowing they’d face many challenges and barriers?
OPALCO board candidate questionnaire results released | Eight candidates provide detailed perspectives on cooperative future
Submitted by an independent non-partisan group of OPALCO members.
Torched trousers; minor maneuvering motor vehicle | SJC sheriff’s log
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls.
Orcas Island High School teams stay busy in sports action
By Declan O’Malley
No Kings on Orcas: A community stands together
By Darrell Kirk
Tai Chi-inspired dance at the Odd Fellows Hall
George Post introduces the “Dance of Life.” Learn Tai Chi-inspired dance movements to gain vitality, balance, longevity and joy at the OddFellows Hall on April 12, 4-5:30. All ages are welcome; by donation.
Trans Day of Visibility | Letter
March 31 was Trans Day of Visibility. On this day, we honor our trans brethren who have passed away, and celebrate the lives of those of us still living.
Harry Smith presentation at Odd Fellows Hall
A presentation about Harry Smith by Bret Lunsford and Phil Elverum will take place at the Odd Fellows Hall on Wednesday, April 8 at the Odd Fellows Hall at 7 p.m. Smith was an artist, filmmaker, mystic and collector who was an important figure in the Beat Generation scene in New York City. Besides his films, Smith is remembered for his influential Anthology of American Folk Music. Donation $5-$10.
Kulper launches Uber business on Orcas
As Orcas Island’s very first Uber driver, Edee Kulper is offering a new transportation option for those in need of delivery or ride services.
Vegetable gardening workshop with Dr. Carol Miles set for April 11
Submitted by San Juan County.
Orcas Senior Center April highlights
Submitted by the Orcas Senior Center.
Hearing examiner rejects permit that allowed a major expansion of a Whatcom County liquefied petroleum gas terminal
Submitted by Earthjustice.
Health Care Authority moves to single source for incontinence supplies | Businesses worry about closing, patient care
By Annika Hauer
Orcas Wrestling’s ‘Fierce Five’ wraps up the club’s 16th season
Submitted by the Orcas Wrestling Club.