Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman on environment, conservation
Protecting the environment is essential to preserving San Juan County’s way of life, economy, and natural beauty. Clean water, healthy forests, productive farmland, thriving marine ecosystems, and access to our shorelines are central to what makes these islands such a special place to live, work, and raise a family. One of my top priorities is protecting our finite water resources. As island communities, we depend on healthy aquifers, lake
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
Questions about San Juan County’s new Generative AI Use Policy
San Juan County has adopted a policy governing the use of generative AI by County employees. It lists approved AI tools, including Microsoft Copilot, Claude, Grammarly, and Canva, and also includes tools such as Verkada security cameras with facial recognition and KnowBe4 AIDA that could be used for profiling. Residents deserve to understand what this policy means in practice. Here are some questions to ask our candidates, County Council members, and other elected o
Washington, Denmark establish formal ties around maritime and industrial expertise
SEATTLE — Governor Bob Ferguson and Ambassador Karen Eva Abrahamsen, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Denmark in the United States established a new era in trade and partnership between Washington and Denmark with the signing of the first cooperative agreement between the two regions. Photos from the event are available here. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the State of Washington and the Royal Danish Embassy to ad
Port Commission will meet on Monday
The Port of Orcas Board of Commissioners will hold a Regular Meeting to include the 2027 Budget Hearing on Monday, October 26th at 4:00 p.m. online via Zoom and in-person at the airport terminal. Access information as well as the Agenda, 2027 Budget and Budget Resolutions can be found at portoforcas.com.
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, […]
Coming home to community
It’s Homecoming season, and not just for Orcas Island High School, but for all of us who feel that familiar pull back toward the people and places that make us feel a sense of purpose and belonging. Homecoming is about more than returning. It’s about reconnecting with what matters, remembering why we chose this place and root for each other. For many of us, that sense of purpose grows deepest […]
Notice of special meeting on land use
For elected and appointed officials NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town Council will hold a special meeting on October 26, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., to participate in an AWC/RMSA mandatory training on Land Use for elected and appointed officials. The training will take place in Council Chambers located at 60 Second Street in Friday Harbor. For more information, contact the Town Clerk at clerk@fridayharbor.gov.
Letter to Editor | Jennifer Swanson: A Shaw islander for all of San Juan County
I’m voting for Jennifer Swanson and I hope you do too. County Council members represent islanders county-wide and must serve them well. Where the candidate lives helps define their character. Swanson lives on Shaw Island. With that, Swanson recognizes the central values we share of self-reliance, the ability to listen and understand concerns of others, and a willingness to travel talk to people in person. Swanson knows that in the next four years will require […]
Trump wanted the power to make arrests without providing a reason
The Trump White House seriously studied how to “cancel” habeas corpus, your right to know why the government has arrested you Last year, the White House considered a proposal that could’ve enabled the president to arrest anyone, without a stated reason. A bombshell report from two New York Times journalists reveals that the Trump administration debated suspending what’s called “habeas corpus,” the centuries-old right to force the government to explain, in front of a jud
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman brings leadership and a voice for our future
I wholeheartedly endorse Katherine Bryant Ingman. She brings the lived experience, leadership, and commitment needed to help guide our county through the important issues we face. She represents a generation whose voices and futures are vulnerable in our island communities, yet whose presence is essential to the long-term health and vitality of the county. Katherine is an exceptional community advocate who brings both the passion and the skills needed to turn her comm
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
Letter to Editor | Swanson is professional, organized, honest
92 percent of the people in Jennifer Swanson’s community voted for her for San Juan County Council in the primary elections. That’s how much she is loved, honored and appreciated by her neighbors. Jennifer also won 20 out of 23 precincts in the primaries, which illustrates how much she is respected on all the islands. Jennifer has run a professional campaign, focused on the difficult issues facing our county and what she brings to […]
Letter to Editor | Excited to support Jennifer Swanson
I’m excited to support Jennifer Swanson for San Juan County Council Position 3. When I read the following excerpt from Jennifer herself, my decision became very clear. From Jennifer: “The reason I am running goes back much further than this campaign. For as long as I can remember, I have felt a call to serve. Winding my way through college, I served children in need at the Summer Sack Lunch program and the Boys & […]
Letter to Editor | My endorsement for Ron Krebs for Sheriff
I am writing to publicly and wholeheartedly support Ron Krebs for San Juan County Sheriff. I had the privilege of working for Ron during his tenure as Sheriff, and I witnessed firsthand the leadership, professionalism, and integrity he brought to the office every day. Ron always leads by example. He commands the respect of his peers as well as his team members and is not afraid to allow his […]
Letter to Editor | Why I’m voting for Katherine Bryant Ingman
Join me in voting for Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council. Katherine is a leader who listens & collaborates to find solutions that work for the wellbeing of the community. Please join me & vote Katherine Bryant Ingman for Council position #3.
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council
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 t
Sheriff’s Guild endorses Ron Krebs for election as Sheriff
We, the Members of the San Juan County Deputy Sheriff’s Guild, by majority vote endorse Ron Krebs for election as Sheriff. The Sheriff’s Office is at critically low staffing levels and being the only 24/7 department in San Juan County has caused burn-out and low morale. We believe Ron Krebs will meet our expectations of community policing, responsiveness, communication and will improve morale and recruitment within the San Juan County […]
Assessor’s Office presents a ‘Levy Transparency Tool’
Estimate property tax amounts for levies on the 2026 November 3 ballot The Assessor’s Office created a “Levy Transparency Tool” to help voters understand how levy propositions affect taxes. The tool includes summaries of levy propositions on the upcoming ballot and a comparison of the current tax amount and the estimated new tax amount if the proposition passes. Find the tool on the Assessor’s website: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/2433/Levy-Transpa
Why I’m a candidate for 40th Legislative District representative
My name is Joseph Segault, and I am proud to announce that I am running for Washington State Representative, 40th Legislative District, Position 2, representing all of San Juan County and portions of Whatcom and Skagit counties. I was raised on Orcas Island and have had the incredible privilege of raising my own children here as well. There is something truly special about this place— its natural beauty, its history, its independence, and, most importantly, […]
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman is my first choice
Among my favorite takeaways from attending Leadership San Juan Islands was my friendship with Katherine Bryant Ingman. She is immediately smart, capable, warm and friendly. Always a first choice for team projects. Rarely in life is someone’s trajectory so clear and so clearly aligned with their being. I could not be happier to vote for Katherine or more pleased for our county that she has stepped up.
EWUA members petition to explore public ownership
More than 50 EWUA memberships have signed a petition supporting a formal, non binding evaluation of whether Eastsound’s water utility should be transferred to public ownership through the Eastsound Sewer and Water District (ESWD). Bringing water and sewer together could offer important community benefits: Shared operators, equipment, facilities, administration, emergency response, and long-term planning. Access to public grants, loans, and inf
No jurors required for Oct. 26 – Nov. 6
JURY DUTY: OCTOBER 26 – NOVEMBER 6, 2026 All jurors summonsed for Jury Duty beginning October 26th, are excused. Jurors with summonses for the week beginning November 2nd, need to check beginning next Thursday, October 27th to see if they are needed. Thank you.
EWUA Board Meeting | Public utility petition, Clark Well costs, Board election
The Eastsound Water Users Association (EWUA) Board met Tuesday evening, October 20, 2026 with several notable developments involving public ownership, capital expenditures, and the upcoming Board election. Members Preparing Petition to Explore Public Ownership During the meeting’s only public comment, an EWUA member informed the Board that a group of members is preparing a petition requesting a feasibility study of transitioning EWUA to public ownership through a pot