Island News
Land Bank Commission Considering delaying proposal for deer hunting
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 the proposal and exploring ways to continue seeking public input during the May 15 commission meeting. About the Hunting […]
Written argument against Lopez Island School District ballot measure needed
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 accordance with state law, every district that places a measure on a ballot is responsible for appointing committees […]
Seqoia Bair created winning May 16 Children’s Festival Poster
Children’s Festival “Wonders of Flight” is set for Saturday, May 16 from 10 am to 2 pm at Linde Field in Friday Harbor. Enjoy Island Rec’s 34th annual Children’s Festival. A fun day of entirely FREE activities, based around this year’s flight theme. Brought to you by Island Rec and many community businesses and […]
May 9: San Juan Island Garden Club Plant Sale
The weather is warming up and the days are getting longer…time to focus on your garden! The San Juan Island Garden Club is here to help with our annual Plant Sale at the Mullis Center on May 9, 2026, from 8:30am – 1pm. On May 9, the San Juan Island Garden Club is sharing with […]
Orcas Island School Board tackles construction, funding and classroom accountability
The Orcas Island School District board of directors met April 27, approving a major construction contract, confronting state funding shortfalls and hearing emotional public testimony about classroom instability.
OIHS sports update
By Declan O’Malley
Urgent weed control measures on Indian Island
By Russel Barsh
May 10: Lopez Island Flock & Fiber Festival
May 10 | 10 am to 3 pm | Lopez Center Celebrate animals, farmers, and fiber crafts at the Lopez Island Flock and Fiber Festival (formerly the Lamb, Wool, and Goat Festival). The event is free and great for all ages with craft and animal demonstrations, local flock and fiber products, Lopez food vendors, and […]
Wandering wallet; travel trickery | SJC sheriff’s log
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls.
Rep. Rick Larsen files for reelection
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| EVERETT, Wash. – Rick Larsen filed for reelection on May 4. In the next Congress, Larsen will work to lower costs for working families, including child care, health care, housing, groceries and gas. He will continue delivering federal funding to invest in jobs and infrastructure across Northwest Washington, combat the threat of fentanyl and opioids in local communities and hold ICE accountable. “Representing my home district is a privilege – […]
Heather Lee announces candidacy for county auditor
||| FROM HEATHER LEE ||| My name is Heather Lee, and I am pleased to announce my candidacy for San Juan County Auditor. I served as Chief Deputy Auditor for San Juan County for three years, through March 2026, working across elections, licensing, and financial operations that are essential to county government. That experience gave me a clear understanding of both what the office does well and where it can do better. I also served as Chair of the Capital […]
News Brief | Experts tested what AI would do to save itself
||| FROM DIGITAL ENGINE |||
Letter to Editor | Incredible show “Indivisible” at the Orcas Center
||| FROM JAMES MOST ||| 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! Super congratulations and a big […]
SJC Monthly News Digest – April 2026
This is a roundup of April news ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| This column is part of a series detailing San Juan County’s recent news. Follow along each month to learn about important County projects, Council initiatives, department updates, and more. Sheriff’s Office Moves into New Substation on Lopez Island The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office’s substation on Lopez Island is getting a new home. Now located at 2467 C Fisherman Nay Rd, the new substation is situated behind the Pu
Protect Your Flock | Tips to prevent avian influenza exposure
Spring environmental health tips from your local public health department ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| Your local public health team wants to remind you of a few tips to help make your spring season as fun and healthy as possible. Avian influenza infections in people are rare. Still, it is important to take steps to keep you and your loved ones safe, whether they be human, feathered, or furred. Please do not approach, touch, or try to help […]
Orcas Choral Society to present songs, dance, quilts
||| FROM ORCAS CHORAL SOCIETY ||| May 16 and 17, come celebrate our nation’s 250 years of creativity in song and dance and the traditional art of quilting, as Orcas Choral Society presents its spring concert, An American Choral Tapestry at the Orcas Center. All the songs in this concert were written by American composers, beginning with “Gentle Crystalline Waters,” by Paul Chiyokten Wagner, an award-winning Native American flutist. We’ll hear from America’s first popular songwriter, Stephen Fost
Guest Opinion | The wrong question … and a suggestion
||| FROM BILL APPEL ||| Over the past few years (who’s counting?) we have participated in, been treated to, or studiously ignored a fierce debate around the following question: “Should OPALCO be permitted to construct a utility-scale solar facility at Bailer Hill and/or to expand its existing solar facility on Decatur Island, notwithstanding effects on ecology, asserted traditions, and aesthetics?” But however direct to the point of common concern, this is the wrong question which is easily answ
News Brief | Nearly $100M to help support endangered salmon runs
||| FROM KOMO-TV SEATTLE ||| NOAA Fisheries has just announced up to $99 million for conservation and recovery projects in the West Coast states and Alaska. Much of the nearly $100 million is aimed at restoring habitat that is either blocked or damaged. The goal of the new money is to restore more areas where salmon can spawn and make it easier for fish to get to those areas. READ FULL ARTICLE
2 Orcas Island residents killed in car crash in Douglas County
Three people were killed in a head-on crash in Douglas County on Friday night, May 1, 2026.. According to the Washington State Patrol, a Chevy Silverado was heading southbound on SR 97, near Farnham Canyon, when it crossed the center line and hit a Honda Civic and Jeep in oncoming traffic. David R. Klein, 22, […]
Orcas Sweeps Team Titles at 11th Annual Friday Harbor Invitational; FH’s Hollingsworth Claims Girls Crown
The 11th Annual Friday Harbor Invitational brought four Northwest 2B programs to the San Juan Golf Club on May 1, serving as a timely tune-up for next week’s League Championship at the Gallery Golf Club in Oak Harbor. Friday Harbor, Orcas Island, Mount Vernon Christian, and La Conner fielded teams for the 18-hole event, with […]
Thomas W. Barrett January 2, 1944 – April 10, 2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas William Barrett. Tom passed peacefully on the 10th of April at 6:00pm while in hospice surrounded by family. Tom was well admired by those who knew him, both professionally and personally. Tom spent many years in retail management, first as an employee of Rhodes department stores […]
Heather Lee running for San Juan County Auditor
Heather Lee announces her candidacy for San Juan County Auditor. San Juan County — My name is Heather Lee, and I am pleased to announce my candidacy for San Juan County Auditor. I served as Chief Deputy Auditor for San Juan County for three years, through March 2026, working across elections, licensing, and financial operations […]
May 13: Presentations on recovery services on San Juan Island
Curious about recovery services on the island? San Juan Island Library is hosting short presentations by Terri Boden, representing AA, MA, OA, NA, and Al Anon; and Robyn Carbuccia, representing the Youth Prevention Coalition at 7 pm May 13, 2026. . In addition to short presentations, there will be time for audience questions and materials […]
WE-Bike rebate program returns
WE-Bike rebate program! You may qualify for help purchasing a NEW E Bike!! Program: Washington State Department of Transportation – WE-Bike e-bike rebate program Application window: March 30, 2026 → March 29, 2027 Selection method: Random monthly drawings starting April 13, 2026 Eligibility: Must live in Washington State Age 16 or older Only one application needed for the whole year Rebate amounts: $300 standard rebate $1,200 for […]