Island News
Are you entering something in the fair? Check out these important dates for 2026 fair exhibitors!
Submitted by San Juan County.
Climbing beyond the summit | Letter
All my life, I’ve been driven by goals. But not achieving a goal is very different from failing.
Inspired by Orcas, fashion designer DeAnda launches new label
MANNISH, the emerging fashion label by model and creative director Gregory DeAnda, launches its debut collection, artists+immigrants, a deeply personal first outing that reimagines classic workwear through the lens of heritage, resilience and self-expression.
Last days to make an impact in our community through Spring GiveOrcas
Submitted by the Orcas Island Community Foundation.
OIFR urges community action on wildfire prevention
Submitted by Orcas Island Fire & Rescue.
OPALCO receives conditional use permit for the Decatur Island Solar Expansion Project
Submitted by the Orcas Power &Light Cooperative.
Student senior projects raising funds to support Viking athletics
Submitted by Amy Carlson and The Booster Team.
‘The Source’ raises questions | Column
By Cory Harrington
Art for Orcas Kids celebrates Arts Education Month with the Annual Student Art Exhibit at the Orcas Center
Dear families and community members,
OIHS sends baseball team to state; softball season concludes; track has strong state showing
by Declan O’Malley
Derevensky and Stern win seats in OPALCO 2026 board election
Submitted by the Orcas Power &Light Cooperative.
San Juan County joins a statewide push to stop wildlife feeding — One sign at a time
San Juan County joins a statewide push to stop wildlife feeding — one sign at a time
San Juan County sheriff’s log
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls.
Coming soon: The Master Gardeners’ spring plant sales on San Juan and Orcas islands
Submitted by the Master Gardeners.
OPAL welcomes four new board members
Submitted by the OPAL Community Land Trust.
Sculpins rule Indian Island tidepools
By Russel Barsh
Wool, community and tradition: Decatur Island’s Annual Gather returns
Every first Saturday in May, something quietly extraordinary happens on Decatur Island. Sheep that have roamed freely across 600 acres of rugged island terrain are rounded up, shorn and celebrated — and the whole community turns out to make it happen.
“All we need is love”: New pastor, Scott Harris, returns home to Orcas Island
“The Jesus way — the Beatles got right when they wrote their famed song, ‘All We Need Is Love.’ Love is the foundation of a walk with Jesus, and it’s what we all need. All of us is to learn to love,” said Scott Harris, incoming senior pastor, Orcas Island Community Church.
Crisis at Eastsound Water Users Association | Column
If you are one of the 70% of Orcas Island residents who receive water from Eastsound, Doe Bay, Rosario and Olga water users associations, you depend on the experienced water system operators of the Eastsound Water User Association who operate all of these water systems. EWUA water operators are the dedicated, highly trained and certified professionals who work behind the scenes treating and delivering safe drinking water 24/7, 365 days a year so your family can turn on the tap with confidence.
May 18 is Haitian Flag Day
Monday, May 18, is Haitian Flag Day, celebrating the nation’s independence and honoring the creation of the flag. 2026 will be its 223rd anniversary. Several businesses in Eastsound will be displaying a Haitian flag and donating a % of the day’s sales to Helping Hand Noramise.
Vikings close regular season, advance to playoffs
By Declan O’Malley
Community-hosted candlelight vigil for Ella and David
Submitted by friends of the family.
The wrong question … and a suggestion | Column
By Bill Appel
Call to artists: Community show ‘Capturing the Moment’
Submitted by the Orcas Center.