Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Resource Center invites islanders to help identify unmet legal needs
A housing dispute, a confusing medical bill, a family breakup, or questions about a parenting plan can leave someone unsure where to turn. On Orcas Island, the cost of legal help – and the challenge of traveling off island to get it – can make a difficult situation even harder. The Orcas Community Resource Center is inviting island residents to complete a short civil legal needs survey to help identify where legal […]
San Juan County Council presented with overview of county marine facilities
LWVSJ Observer Corps*: San Juan County Council, October 27, 2026 meeting. The San Juan County Council convened at the Orcas Island Fire and Rescue Center. After presentation by Facilities Director Greg Sawyer, the Council voted to set a public hearing for November 24, 2026, at 9:15 a.m., to consider a Resolution Authorizing Direct Sale of Real […]
LWVSJ Observer Corps | San Juan County Council, October 27, 2026
The San Juan County Council convened at the Orcas Island Fire and Rescue Center. After presentation by Facilities Director Greg Sawyer, the Council voted to set a public hearing for November 24, 2026, at 9:15 a.m., to consider a Resolution Authorizing Direct Sale of Real Property at 520 Spring Street on San Juan Island to Compass Health, extending the sale deadlines. Trillium Swanson, the Community Health Network (CHN) Project Manager for […]
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman is full of energy, optimism, determination
I got to know Katherine Bryant Ingman when UW Medicine announced it was no longer going to operate the Lopez Island clinic, leaving islanders scrambling to keep the clinic open. That crucial moment for Lopez showed me Katherine’s grit and determination. As President of the Catherine Washburn Medical Association, owner of the clinic building, Katherine dug in and worked hard to ensure that Lopez had quality health care that matched our needs, at an affordable […]
Guest column: What Makes Me Different? Katherine’s Closing Statement
What makes me different, and why should you vote for me? I think it comes down to perspective and experience. I’m part of the next generation trying to build a life here. I’ve rented here in a difficult housing market, worked multiple jobs, and wondered whether my husband and I could afford to stay. We […]
Vote for Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | Letter
Katherine is the right person to represent District 3. She’s qualified and experienced at leading this community through unprecedented challenges. She knows what it takes to advocate effectively at local and state levels, and most importantly, she’s lived the issues. She’s worked multiple jobs here to make ends meet, coached and mentored our youth, and led the effort to ensure our access to healthcare. We need her energy, vision, experience, and dedication on Council.
Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | Letter
Dear Islanders, our islands face complex challenges demanding practical solutions and fresh thinking, I am supporting Katherine Bryant Ingman for SJC Council. She’s a candidate whose record shows she knows how to get things done. Her experience comes from years of collaborating directly with islanders of all ages, families, elders, youth, and working people who depend on strong local services. This is the kind of intergenerational leadership SJC needs.
Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | Letter
Katherine is a thoughtful and intentional leader who is truly dedicated to serving our island communities. Whether volunteering as a high school track coach or leading the Catherine Washburn Medical Association when the Lopez Clinic sought a new provider, she brings professionalism and a deep care for others to her work. While serving on the WSF Schedule Rewrite Commission, Katherine sought solutions-based strategies to benefit all islanders. It is with deep pleasure that I endorse Katherine for
Hiker rescued near UW FH Labs
An injured hiker on the coastal trail at University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Laboratories was carried out by San Juan Island EMS and San Juan Island Fire and Rescue last week. Rescuers said it is one of the more difficult and treacherous trails on the island. According to SJ EMS Facebook post: The hiker had hurt […]
What makes me different | Katherine’s closing statement
What makes me different, and why should you vote for me? I think it comes down to perspective and experience. I’m part of the next generation trying to build a life here. I’ve rented here in a difficult housing market, worked multiple jobs, and wondered whether my husband and I could afford to stay. We were lucky enough to buy a fixer-upper, and we’re still fixing it up today. […]
Mercy Flights | Neighbors helping neighbors take flight
A community service announcement from the Orcas Aviation Association Living on Orcas Island is a privilege, but our island’s beauty and isolation can also present challenges, particularly when it comes to accessing medical care on the mainland. For island residents who need to travel for medical appointments or treatment, the ferry isn’t always a practical option. And when ambulance or emergency medical transport isn’t appropriate, getti
Board of Health approves 10 percent increase in environmental health fees
LWVSJ Observer Corps*: San Juan County Board of Health Oct 21, 2026 meeting. Community Collaboration Council: Approved funding for Safe San Juans ($20K); and San Juan Island Winter Shelter ($15K), with a full time shelter at the fairgrounds’ Marie Boe Building. Behavioral Health ASO: A temporary agreement will maintain the Intensive Treatment Act court operations […]
Letter to Editor | I’m voting for our future
I am 21 years old, raised on Lopez. I moved back while pregnant and have been living here since with my fiancé and daughter who is now 9 months old. I’ve known Katherine since I was little and have seen how she’s always been there for her community. I feel very aligned with how invested she is in the health of our special island environment as someone who hopes to raise children here. I also […]
LWVSJ Observer Corps | San Juan County Board of Health Oct 21, 2026
Community Collaboration Council: Approved funding for Safe San Juans ($20K); and San Juan Island Winter Shelter ($15K), with a full time shelter at the fairgrounds’ Marie Boe Building. Behavioral Health ASO: A temporary agreement will maintain the Intensive Treatment Act court operations for people needing involuntary treatment through year-end. A long term solution is expected under the incoming Skagit County prosecutor. Opioid Abat
Larsen, Dexter introduce bill to stop Trump admin from rolling back veterans’ benefits
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Representatives Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Maxine Dexter, M.D. (OR-03) introduced the Veteran Breast Cancer Fairness Act to restore male breast cancer as a presumptive illness under the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT Act). October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and October 17 to 23 is Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week. In September 2025, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) r
Help our community thrive. Volunteer at the Food Bank
In 2025, 40% of island households (1,160 households) relied on the Orcas Island Food Bank to help meet their nutritional needs, freeing up money for other necessities, such as gas, heating fuel, medical care, and housing. As seasonal work winds down for the winter, even more neighbors turn to us. Our volunteers help make that possible, ensuring every donor dollar goes where it has the greatest impact: putting food on […]
Letter to Editor | Why I support Katherine Bryant Ingman for Council
This is a rallying cry to my fellow San Juan Islanders! I enthusiastically support Katherine Bryant Ingman for San Juan County Council, and I hope you will too. District 3 covers Lopez, Shaw, and Decatur, but we all know that our County Council’s decisions affect the entire archipelago. When I think about the future of the Council and the future of the County, representation and decision making by Katherine feels crucial for our growth. And, […]
Neighbor to neighbor shelter seeking community volunteers
Neighbor to Neighbor Shelter opens November 8, and we’re looking for volunteers to help welcome and support our neighbors. There are lots of ways to pitch in—whether you can take a shift, help with laundry, or make a meal. Morning | 6:30–9:00 a.m. Help with breakfast, cleanup, and getting the shelter ready for the day. Mid shift | Dusk–7:00 p.m. Support guests and help with daily tasks. Overnight | 7:00 […]
Help Rotary and Its PolioPlus partners deliver more than vaccines
World Polio Day, October 24, is an opportunity to unite in support of Rotary International’s longstanding mission to eradicate polio. That effort goes beyond vaccines: polio cases can reveal gaps in health systems, and contaminated water can spread the virus and other diseases. Alongside vaccination, access to safe drinking water is a vital part of the fight to end polio. The Rotary Club of the San Juan Islands supports […]
Town to match $7,500 in November donations to the food bank
Donations made in November to the Town of Friday Harbor’s “Harbor Life Ring” utility assistance fund will again be matched up to a total of $7,500 and forwarded to the Friday Harbor Food Bank. Anyone may donate at Town Hall. Utility customers may also donate by marking the Harbor Life Ring line item on their […]
Help Rotary and Its PolioPlus Partners Deliver More Than Vaccines
World Polio Day, October 24, is an opportunity to unite in support of Rotary International’s longstanding mission to eradicate polio. That effort goes beyond vaccines: polio cases can reveal gaps in health systems, and contaminated water can spread the virus and other diseases. Alongside vaccination, access to safe drinking water is a vital part of […]
Emilio Santiago: Enthusiastically endorses Katherine for county Council
This is a rallying cry to my fellow San Juan Islanders! I enthusiastically support Katherine Bryant Ingman for San Juan County Council, and I hope you will too. District 3 covers Lopez, Shaw, and Decatur, but we all know that our County Council’s decisions affect the entire archipelago. When I think about the future of the […]
November highlights from Orcas Senior Center
Orcas Senior Center offers a variety of ongoing classes, social groups, wellness activities, and creative programs throughout the month. All programs are open to everyone, regardless of age, and new participants are always welcome. A full calendar with dates and times is available at www.orcasseniors.org/calendar-of-events. This Month at the Senior Center: Fitness & Wellness: Chair yoga, Feldenkrais Arts & Creativity: Art with Carla, quilting, ne
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman has what it takes
Katherine Bryant Ingman is the right person to represent District 3. She’s qualified and experienced at leading this community through unprecedented challenges. She knows what it takes to advocate effectively at local and state levels, and most importantly, she’s lived the issues. She’s worked multiple jobs here to make ends meet, coached and mentored our youth, and led the effort to ensure our access to healthcare. We need her energy, vision, experienc