Island News

Library features photos by Andrea Cohen

For the month of November, The Orcas Island Library’s ‘Art in the Library’ series will feature photographs by Andrea Cohen. Andrea’s background is as an artist, art therapist and art teacher, but this exhibit, entitled The Lives of Mannequins is a group of color photographs taken during recent travels. “Artists see with artist’s eyes, even when they’re not making art,” she comments. “In the markets and bazaars of Morocco, Bulgaria and […]

Occam’s Razor | Our island, our world through the eyes, pen of S.C. Watson

County budget analyst casts a spell on Q3 numbers

“September’s spell has closed this year. On October 27, a spirit draws near, and Halloween whispers on the frontier. I bring forth on this bewitched debut the third sort of review I’ve summoned for you, drawn from the ledgers old and true.” — Dr. Molly Foote.

Ready for the work | Letter

Since February, I’ve been on the campaign trail, meeting people across our island county. I’ve been blown away by the passion residents have for this place and their commitment to its future.

Vote for Jennifer Swanson | Letter

I have known Jennifer Swanson for the better part of two decades. When I think of her, I think of her generosity and helpfulness the most. I have worked with her in several capacities and also consider her a dear friend — I admire her immensely. She is a notably active listener, a direct and caring communicator, and remains kind and calm through intensity. Her care shines in every aspect of her hard work. Her patience, understanding, finely tuned moral compass and deep care for all the earth’s i

In support of Jeff Asher for sheriff | Letter

My name is Ray Clever. I was a SJCSO deputy and detective for 27 years, 20 of those with Jeff Asher. I am proud to say I helped train him. I’m even prouder of how he has grown his skills and served his community. He is the epitome of community service.

Take a magical trip to the Renaissance in Orcas Center’s next show

Submitted by the Orcas Center.

Full funding awarded to SJI Home Trust’s Lee’s Landing

Lee’s Landing now has the County’s full support. In a unanimous vote on Monday, October 26, 2026  San Juan County Council committed an additional $3,709,596 from the County’s Home Fund to the San Juan Community Home Trust’s Lee’s Landing project, bringing the County’s total investment to $5.5 million, the full amount requested.  Lee’s Landing will […]

Home fund and affordable housing sales tax supports Pea Patch Townhomes and Lee’s Landing

San Juan County Council approved using  $3,734,596 in REET funding and $310,000 in the Affordable Housing sales tax to support three significant affordable housing projects on San Juan, Orcas, and Waldron Islands. Affordable Housing Projects  This year marks the sixth funding round conducted by the Home Fund. $3,700,000 was made available to qualifying affordable housing […]

SJICF to Offer Workshop, Understanding Nonprofit 990s, for Donors, Board Members, and  Organizational Leaders 

As the first of a new workshop series, the San Juan Island Community Foundation (SJICF) invites nonprofit  donors, board members, and leadership to a workshop entitled Understanding Nonprofit 990s on  Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at the San Juan Island Community Foundation offices  at 640 Mullis Steet in Friday Harbor.  Each year, most […]

San Juan Fire employment opportunity as Logistics Director

San Juan County Fire Protection District No. 3 is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Logistics Director, a full-time exempt administrative leadership position reporting directly to the Fire Chief. Position Details • Position: Logistics Director • Department: Administration • Reports To: Fire Chief • FLSA Status: Exempt • Work Schedule: 40-hour work week • Anticipated Start Date: January 2027 Salary and Benefits • Starting Salary: $114,000 a

Letter to Editor | Jennifer Swanson is the clearly superior Council candidate

  Jennifer Swanson is clearly the superior candidate in the San Juan County Council election. Her experience is directly relevant to the goals of the SJC Council. The school district budgets she developed and managed as superintendent and oversaw as a school board member are similar to the county budget in complexity and in their mix of local, state and federal funds. That work also included discussion with the other school districts and a greater understanding of

Orcas Garden Club presents ‘why plant names change’

Botanical nomenclature, biology, the beauty of plants Wednesday, November 11th, 10 am (at the Orcas Center or by Zoom) COME AT 9:30 AM (just before the program) for social time, and remember to bring something for the Sharing Table! Please join the Orcas Island Garden Club on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, as we welcome Linda Ann Vorobik. In this presentation, Linda Ann includes beautiful landscapes, wildflower closeups, and botanical watercolors of the plant

Wild Fish Conservancy serves notice of intent to sue over Alaska fisheries catching threatened, endangered Pacific Northwest Chinook without federal oversight

SEATTLE, Washington—Nearly nine out of ten Chinook salmon caught in commercial fisheries along the South Alaska Peninsula in 2024 and 2025 originated outside Alaska, according to research from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). Yet these fisheries operate without federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) oversight of their impacts on threatened and endangered Pacific Northwest Chinook, even as communities where these fish return face

County Marine Facility Update | Council reviews aging infrastructure

Marine facilities are part of the County’s essential public transportation system, and the County anticipates significant challenges maintaining these facilities in the coming years During this week’s meeting, the San Juan County Council reviewed the conditions of the County’s marine facilities and the extensive repairs and maintenance they require. Most County operated marine sites are more than 30 years old, and many now need major upgrades. These fa

Grannie’s Holiday Sale coming to Orcas Senior Center

Mark your calendars—Grannie’s Holiday Sale is back at Orcas Senior Center on Saturday, November 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.! Browse a wide array of festive décor, holiday treasures, and unique creations from local artisans. It’s the perfect place to find special gifts and seasonal inspiration. Get Involved Sign up to volunteer by contacting Edy Hansen at 206-413-6157 or edy@orcasseniors.org.

Jennifer Swanson is ready for the work

Since February, I’ve been on the campaign trail, meeting people across our island county. I’ve been blown away by the passion residents have for this place and their commitment to its future. In conversation after conversation, I’ve been reminded of how much we share: a deep love for our community and a desire to see it thrive, even when we have different perspectives on the challenges we face. I’ve often heard, “Thank […]

Jury Duty: Excused for November 2-6

JURY DUTY: NOVEMBER 2-6, 2026 All jurors summonsed for Jury Duty beginning November 2nd, are excused.   Thank you.