Island News

San Juan County receives $660k public safety grant

The grant program, administered by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, was introduced into state law in 2025 as part of an effort to increase public safety funding across the state San Juan County has received a $660,000 grant from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) to increase staffing in the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office. On September 29, CJTC notified the County of its grant award funded by the

Construction begins on Eastsound public float ahead of 2027 re-opening

Crews expect to finish the in‑water work—including pilings and anchorage—and return the dock to its pre‑closure condition before year’s end Repairs to the pilings at the public dock in Eastsound are expected to begin in November. This much-anticipated project will address key maintenance needs and restore seasonal use of the dock. With the project’s design, permitting, and bidding now complete, construction is being scheduled to take place this winter.

NEWS BRIEF | Hostile Waters: Orcas in peril

The Seattle Times will continue to explore and expose the plight of the southern resident killer whales, among the most-enduring symbols of our region. We’ll examine the role we have played in their decline, what we can do about it and why it matters. FOLLOW STORY   

There’s always something happening at the Exchange

Let’s Shred! The Exchange has partnered with Bellingham-based A-1 Shredding to offer secure document destruction. Customers can drop off documents in secure, locked bins located at The Exchange. A-1 Shredding will periodically bring its mobile shredding truck to Orcas Island to destroy the collected materials. The shredded paper will be transported to the mainland to be turned into new paper products. Learn More The GICU is About More Than Garbage This y

Letter to Editor | I strongly support Katherine Bryant Ingman for San Juan County Council District 3

I am pleased to share my strong support for Katherine Bryant Ingman. I worked closely with Katherine during the pandemic as we strengthened hunger relief systems across San Juan County. Throughout that challenging time, I witnessed her ability to balance immediate needs with long-term solutions. She brought clarity, creativity, and a steady hand to complex challenges, contributing to our community’s access to food with consistency and dignity. Katherine listens deeply,

Can you spell F-U-N? The 4th Annual Orcas Island Adult Spelling Bee returns

Calling all word nerds, spelling enthusiasts, and brave souls willing to face the dictionary! The 4th Annual Orcas Island Adult Spelling Bee returns on Friday, October 23, at 7 p.m. at the Orcas Center, promising an evening of friendly competition, community spirit, plenty of laughs, and perhaps a few spectacular spelling mishaps! Hosted by the Orcas Island Public Library, this beloved annual event brings islanders together for a lively celebratio

Deadline approaching | Pay your property taxes before Oct 31

The second half of property taxes and personal property taxes are due Saturday, October 31, 2026 The deadline is approaching to pay the second half of property and personal property taxes: Saturday, October 31, 2026. The San Juan County Treasurer’s Office is making it easier than ever to pay quickly, securely, and on time! Remember, the Treasurer’s Office is closed on Fridays – but there are many ways to pay taxes early, online, […]

Community comes together for fall ‘Great Islands Cleanup’

Islanders carry on the legacy of caring by clearing over 2,000 pounds of waste from our beaches Across the San Juan Islands this fall, community members came together to clean beaches, shorelines, roadsides, and favorite island places as part of the bi-annual Great Islands Cleanup. The fall cleanup brought volunteers together around a simple idea: caring for these islands is a legacy worth continuing. This year’s theme of ‘Caring for Our Island Home’ [

C Street Brass returns to the islands for two free community concerts

C Street Brass will return to the San Juan Islands October 26 and 27 as part of the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival’s Musicians-in-Residence program. Known for their energetic performances and wide-ranging musical style, the ensemble moves comfortably between traditional chamber music, jazz, and popular music, creating concerts that are engaging and accessible to audiences of all ages. During their island visit, C Stree

October 17: Orca Recovery Day Open House in Friday Harbor

Keith Busha January 18, 1951 – September 18, 2026

Keith David Granley, also known as Keith Busha, was born on January 18, 1951 in Queens New York, the second child and only son of David Granley, a half-Swedish mining engineer from Minnesota, and Irma Moisio Granley, a native New Yorker of Piedmontese Italian heritage.  He died from complications of lung cancer on September 18, […]

Jeff Asher is write-in candidate for San Juan County Sheriff

Wow! I am truly taken aback by the outpouring of support encouraging me to run for Sheriff. Thank you all for the calls and texts requesting my participation in the upcoming Sheriff’s election. When I was first asked to consider this opportunity, I was hesitant, as it is not something I take lightly. As many […]

Great Islands Cleanup: 152 volunteers gathered up 2,382 pounds of trash

Across the San Juan Islands this fall, community members came together to clean beaches, shorelines, roadsides, and favorite island places as part of the bi-annual Great Islands Cleanup. The fall cleanup brought volunteers together around a simple idea: caring for these islands is a legacy worth continuing. This year’s theme of ‘Caring for Our Island […]

Radio show ‘On the Rock’ at the Grange

Submitted by Melinda Milligan.

Don’t dismantle San Juan County’s Environmental Stewardship | Letter

Katherine Bryant Ingman has the vision, strength of leadership and proven negotiating skills to take care of business for the people of San Juan County. She has proven problem solving ability and a collaborative leadership style needed to address the current issues facing San Juan County. I admire her practical understanding for what resources are needed to solve complex long-term problems.

Jennifer Swanson for County Council | Letter

Sometimes, in public life, people emerge who quietly hold the community together. Jennifer Swanson is one of them. In an archipelago where daily life depends on the weather, the ferry, and a willingness to listen, she has built her leadership with patience, steadiness, and attention to others.

Islands’ Sounder and Journal of the San Juans receive General Excellence in 2026 WNPA Better Newspaper Contest

San Juan Group newspapers combine for 24 awards, including a sweep of Crime & Court Story reporting

Support for Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | Letter

A Letter to All Islanders

Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | Letter

Katherine Bryant Ingman is the breath of fresh air San Juan County needs right now. We are struggling to find our footing between financial troubles and a growing mountain of needs. The old ways have not worked. New ways, new ideas, new leadership are needed.

Katherine Bryant Ingman is a leader who has lived it | Letter

I believe elected officials should understand what it means to walk in the shoes of the people they represent. That means knowing what it’s like to work multiple jobs to pay the bills, and to worry about affording healthcare and keeping a roof over their heads. For many people in this county, a steady paycheck, affordable healthcare, and a secure home are not givens. Worrying about them keeps families up at night. I want a leader who knows what our neighbors are dealing with, and the best way to

Jennifer Swanson for County Council | Letter

I have known Jennifer since 2013 soon after I moved to Shaw Island. Since then she has served as a Shaw School board member and the superintendent, a Ferry Advisory Board member, the founder of the Shaw Island Brown Bag Lunch monthly community meeting, a Shaw Islanders Inc board member and the chair of the Shaw Library and Historical Society Education Committee.

Jennifer Swanson for County Council | Letter

We are writing to offer our wholehearted support for Jennifer Swanson for county council.

Protecting your vote | Letter

Many people have shared their concerns about election security with me and how election officials can address those concerns. I believe the biggest issues are cybersecurity, ballot security, chain of custody, staffing, and misinformation.

Jennifer Swanson for County Council | Letter

I write to highlight the profound actions SJC Council candidate longtime-islander Jennifer Swanson’s taken in our community, which are easily applied to the larger islands. Most notably, she has served as an elected official for repeated terms as a school district board member (and also board chair), and then as appointed superintendent.