Island News
I spent eight years as Orcas Island’s hospice nurse; here is what I saw
…and what I am building before I go ||| FROM DEBRA O’CONNER, R.N. ||| I have been enormously fortunate in my nursing career — from midwife at birth to midwife for the dying. It is one of the oldest professions there is, and I am proud to have walked both ends of it. Eight years ago I came to Orcas Island as the Hospice of the Northwest nurse serving this community. The reception I received here was wonderful. The relationships […]
San Juan County Auditor Natasha Warmenhoven running for re-election
Natasha Warmenhoven is proud and excited to announce her candidacy for re-election as San Juan County Auditor. Over the last four years, Natasha has served the residents of San Juan County with a commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and delivering dependable county services. As Auditor, Natasha has been a steady and reliable leader during a […]
Incredible show ‘Indivisible’ at Orcas Center | Letter
Wow. I just went and saw “Indivisible” at the Orcas Center today, and I was blown away. It is a wildly creative and powerful show blending dance, animation, giant puppets, spoken word, music, and aerials … I was so impressed with the geyser of originality and creativity on display. Do yourself a favor and buy a ticket to go see it — it is one of the greatest things I have seen on stage ANYWHERE!
Earth Day honors — Local hero appreciation | Column
Submitted by Earth Day Orcas.
Orcas Island Public Library’s Books on Wheels pilot program
Submitted by the Orcas Public Library.
Blending an ancient and modern perspective on motherhood | Interview with Sarah Whitridge
Sarah Jane Whitridge grew up in the United Kingdom, where Mother’s Day is also known as “Mothering Sunday.”
OCS students explore aviation history, Boeing production on Everett field trip
On April 28, the Orcas Christian School freshman class traveled to Future of Flight Aviation Center &Boeing Tour for an educational field trip focused on aviation history, aircraft manufacturing and hands-on learning.
OICF to launch spring GiveOrcas community giving campaign May 12-21
Submitted by the Orcas Island Community Foundation.
Henderson announces re-election campaign
Submitted by Lisa Henderson.
EDC relaunches economic survey to assess business, workforce needs
Submitted by the Economic Development Council.
Songs, dance, quilts!
Submitted by the Orcas Choral Society.
The Flock and Fiber Festival comes to Lopez May 10
Submitted by event organizers.
May 8: OPALCO Annual member festival on Lopez Island – Member Appreciation Event Celebrating Local Power
Get ready for the OPALCO Annual Member Festival on May 8 at 3 pm., when Lopez Center for Community and the Arts will be transformed into a hub of fun, freebies and festivities for the whole family. From swag giveaways to an EV show and informational booths, there’s something for everyone at this Co-op member […]
What to do when you see marine debris
Marine debris like fishing gear, floats, docks, parts of vessels, creosote waste, and microplastics wash up on our islands’ beaches. If it’s on your property, you’ll likely dispose of it responsibly on your own. If it is on public property, San Juan County’s Environmental Stewardship Department assists with removal and disposal. But if it’s something […]
Voters reject levy lid lift: County faces hard choices ahead
San Juan County voters delivered a decisive verdict on April 28, rejecting the county’s property tax levy lid lift by nearly 61%: 3,914 votes against, 2,528 in favor. The measure failed on every island except the Waldron and Outer Islands precinct, which backed the levy 61% to 39% on just 41 ballots cast. Orcas led the broader opposition at 65.4% no, followed by San Juan Island at 60.6%, the Outer Islands at 55.9%, Lopez at 55.4% and Shaw at 53.8%.
OPAL seeks finance, operations director
||| FROM OPAL COMMUNITY LAND TRUST ||| OPAL is hiring a new Director of Finance and Operations to step into the shoes of Kim Jaeger, who will retire after the new person is hired. Kim has served as OPAL’s Director of Finance and Administration for the past three years. She successfully oversaw OPAL’s transition to a new fund accounting system and helped the evolution to a more mature accounting department. The only catch? Kim lives in New York State, which […]
Farm Transfer 101 Webinar supports future of farming in the San Juan Islands
The webinar will be held on Tuesday, May 26 from 12:00–1:30 PM and is open to anyone interested in the future of farmland in the San Juan Islands ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| The San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild and WSU San Juan County Extension invite farmers, landowners, and community members to attend Farm Transfer 101: Planning for the Future of Your Farm in the San Juan Islands, a 1.5-hour introductory webinar focused on farm succession and transition […]
May 16 San Juan Island and June 20 Orcas Island – Hazardous Waste Round-up
San Juan County Department of Environmental Stewardship is hosting a series of hazardous waste round-up collection events this spring and summer, giving island residents and businesses the chance to legally and responsibly dispose of poisonous, flammable, corrosive, or otherwise hazardous materials. Proper disposal protects community health, keeps harmful chemicals out of local drinking water, and […]
Free Kindergarten transition event at Camp Orkila on May 11
||| FROM THE RESOURCE CENTER COMMUNICATIONS TEAM ||| The Orcas Community Resource Center invites families to a free Kindergarten Transition event on Monday, May 11, from 5–7 pm at Camp Orkila’s Main Lodge. Designed for children entering kindergarten in Fall 2026 and their parents/caregivers, the evening features hands-on activities, social interaction, and a taco bar catered by Orkila. The event is hosted by the Resource Center with generous support from the ECEAP program and a local donor. Park
Update | Proposed deer hunting at Turtleback Mountain and north shore preserves
After a series of public meetings and additional community input, the Land Bank Commission will discuss delaying the proposal and exploring ways to continue seeking public input during the May 15 commission meeting. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| The Conservation Land Bank has proposed limited deer hunting on Turtleback and North Shore Preserves for this coming season. After a series of public meetings and additional community input, the Land Bank Commission will discuss delaying th
Auditor seeks writers of arguments against ballot measures
If you are interested in writing an argument against the measure, please contact the Auditor at elections@sanjuancountywa.gov or (360) 378-3357. Statements are limited to 250 words and are due by May 11, 4:30 PM. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County Auditor Natasha Warmenhoven is seeking people interested in writing an argument against the Lopez Island School District No. 144 ballot measure for the 2026 Primary voters’ guide. To ensure an informed electorate, and in accord
May 6: Islander Stories at San Juan Island Library
San Juan Island Library and San Juan Island Historical Museum are hosting a panel of “Island Elders” at 7 pm May 6 at the library. The panel will tell stories and answer questions about the beautiful, storied history of San Juan Island. About the San Juan Historical Museum The mission of the San Juan Historical […]
May 8: Goodbye and Thank You Party for Dan and Helen
Dan & Helen invite you to Brickworks from 5:30 – 9:30 pm on May 8, 2026. There will be a slideshow of all 40+ Island Stage Left productions. Simple snacks. Bring a drink if you like, but no alcohol please (insurance issues). Most of all it’s a chance for us to thank you all for […]
Opioid Settlement fund pays for county’s Opioid Addiction Recovery Support Group
San Juan County is launching a new pilot program designed to provide direct financial support to islanders engaged in active treatment for or recovery from opioid use disorder. The Opioid Addiction Recover Support (OARS) program helps cover essential living expenses for up to 90 days, including assistance with securing stable housing. Funding for OARS comes […]