Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Orcas Christian School students give back during Annual Service Day
Orcas Christian School embraces several longstanding traditions, including an annual service day that connects students with the community.
Orcas Island girls soccer celebrates first win since program’s return with 7-1 victory over Forest Ridge
By Declan O’Malley
County moves forward with belonging, equity and inclusion efforts
San Juan County will continue diversifying its workforce and building a more inclusive workplace, building on efforts started in 2023. Goals include all underrepresented groups, including the county’s growing Hispanic and Latino community, which was the most underrepresented demographic in county employment.
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue conducts second multi-agency drill with Coast Guard
Orcas Island Fire &Rescue, along with the San Juan County Sheriff and Washington State Parks, participated in a Coast Guard helicopter drill north of Patos Island on Tuesday, Oct. 13. OIFR coordinated the drill, the second in the last 30 days, with the Coast Guard; the first training session was held on land near the airport and provided critical preparation for the water-based drill.
Sail Orcas sailors conquer Bellingham
By Yotam Zohar
Seven Orcas Island artists featured in Santa Monica exhibition
Seven Orcas Island artists are showing their work in Southern California this fall in “Orcas Island A|B Collective,” an exhibition at The Shala, the gallery and showroom of Tim Clarke Design in Santa Monica. The show opened Oct. 9 and runs through Nov. 9.
Summer intern Mona Evans digs into Orcas Island’s past
Submitted by the Orcas Island Historical Museums.
Orcas youth soccer teams bring the game home
By Kevin Smith
Community comes together for Fall ‘Great Islands Cleanup’
Submitted by the San Juan County Department of Environmental Stewardship
Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | Letter
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.
Jennifer builds community through service and hard work | Letter
I have known Jennifer for 20 years. She is a thoughtful, inclusive leader who brings people with diverse opinions together to find solutions.
Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | 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.
Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | Letter
I am grateful that we have two well-qualified candidates running for County Council in San Juan County. Thanks to both for making the effort. It is great to have options!
Katherine Bryant Ingman gets things done | Letter
District Three deserves a Councilmember who District Three voters chose. That’s Katherine Bryant Ingman. Between Katherine and Jennifer Swanson, primary voters of District Three voted 61% to 39% for Katherine. There are differences between the two candidates.
Antidote dance party gets wicked this Halloween
On Friday, Oct. 30, Orcas Center transforms for a night of dark beats, wild costumes and serious dancing. From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., come lose yourself in the music and celebrate Halloween the Antidote way.
OIHM starts reading club: ‘Cabin on the Island’
Submitted by the Orcas Island Historical Museums.
Annual Halloween Dance at Odd Fellows Hall
Submitted by Odd Fellows Hall.
A night of improv with island friends
“Orcas Improv: Last Thursday Night” is the place for improvised comedy on the island, held on the last Thursday of every month. The next event is Thursday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. in the Black Box. Improv groups and players borne from the classes and Monday evening Improv Jams (Whalewreck) at Orcas Center perform fully improvised bits, made up, on the spot, based on audience suggestions and stories and transformed right before your eyes and ears. From food items to scientific subjects, we’ll take you
Art show opening on Friday, Oct. 23: ‘The Art of Expression’
The Visual Arts Committee of Orcas Center announces the opening of a new show on Oct. 23, 5:30-7 p.m., featuring works from “Art with Carla,” a weekly event at the Orcas Island Senior Center. Wonderful art is the result when community members come together to express themselves. “The Art of Expression” will be on display to Nov. 18. Meet Stanley and the artists, enjoy live entertainment, complimentary refreshments and a wine bar at the opening.
Odd Fellows annual Firewood Raffle
Submitted by the Odd Fellows.
Meet Bethany Hansen, OPAL’s new expense accountant and CRM specialist
We’re excited to welcome Bethany Hansen to the OPAL team as our new expense accountant and CRM specialist!
Volunteer at the shelter this winter
Submitted by Alicia Wigfield.
YouTube creator and New York Times bestselling author Peter Santenello visits Orcas Island
When Peter Santenello asked to film on Orcas Island, Edee Culper was hesitant to expose her home to his four million YouTube subscribers. His promise to capture real island life ultimately convinced her to introduce him to the island’s incredible people.
Assessor’s Office presents the Levy Transparency Tool
Submitted by San Juan County.