Island News
Donald R. Kowalski May 27, 1929 – May 5, 2026
Donald R. Kowalski, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away on May 5, 2026, at the age of 96. Born in Chicago, Illinois, to Vincent and Marie Kowalski, Don lived a life full of purpose, faith, laughter, and love. Don attended Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois, where he found not only his education but […]
Protect Your Flock: Tips to Prevent Avian Influenza Exposure
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 […]
San Juan Island Yacht Club’s Opening Day Parade in photos
San Juan Island Yacht Club’s Opening Day Parade took place Sunday, May 3, 2026. Participants gathered near Shipyard Cove and paraded their vessels in front of Spring Street Landing and past the Dignitary Boat and the Judges’ Review Boat to compete for prizes in Boat Handling and five other categories described below. Photos by Matt […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
May 18: 6th annual community potluck dinner at Jacksons Beach
Each May, Indigenous families paddle their ancestral waterways as part of an annual canoe journey. Through this voyage—called Esqalph etse Kwelengsen, or Gathering of the Eagles—they connect with the people and nature of the San Juan Islands. Along the way, islanders support the canoe families at each stop with food, hospitality, safety boats, and more. […]
May 26: Farm Transfer 101: Planning for the Future of Your Farm in the San Juan Islands ONLINE
SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA — 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 planning. The webinar will be […]