Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Update on Orcas School drinking water
Improvements Continue Our commitment to improving school drinking water continues through our partnership with the Washington State Department of Health. Fixtures replaced The district replaced fixtures identified for corrective action. Follow-up testing has returned those meeting the state’s lead-testing threshold to normal service. Filtration underway The next phase of improvements is in progress, with elementary school fixtures prioritized f
Breton Carter: 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 […]
Volunteer at the shelter this winter
Submitted by Alicia Wigfield.
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 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.
Larsen, Colleagues Succeed in Delaying New CBP Rule Harming Access to Lower-Cost Medications
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today October 20 2026, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “In the past few months, my office has received dozens of messages from constituents worried about how they are going to afford prescription medications if the Trump administration’s new CBP rule goes into effect on October 22. I urged the […]
Larsen, colleagues succeed in delaying new CBP rule harming access to lower-cost medications
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “In the past few months, my office has received dozens of messages from constituents worried about how they are going to afford prescription medications if the Trump administration’s new CBP rule goes into effect on October 22. I urged the Administration to delay the rule and stop health care from getting even more expensive, and last week, the […]
Getting to Know Katherine | What I bring to the table
First and most importantly, I bring to the County Council a deep love for these islands and the people who live here. I’m running for County Council to improve the lives of everyone who lives here — especially those of us most impacted by the challenges and uncertainties that we face. I know how knowledgeable, creative, resourceful, and resilient we are. I’ve seen first-hand the power of coalition-building in […]
Guest Opinion: Getting to Know Katherine: What I Bring to the Table
First and most importantly, I bring to the County Council a deep love for these islands and the people who live here. I’m running for County Council to improve the lives of everyone who lives here — especially those of us most impacted by the challenges and uncertainties that we face. I know how knowledgeable, […]
Health Care District to hold special board meeting on Monday
The Orcas Island Health Care District will hold a Special Board Meeting on Monday, October 19th, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room at the Orcas Island Community Foundation, 33 Urner Street, Suite 4, Eastsound. The public meeting packet is available below. The meeting Zoom link can be found at the top of the agenda. 01. 2026_10_19 Agenda_Special_Board.pdf 02. 2026_10_13 OIHCD Claim Request_signed.pdf 03. CHN Update – October 2026.pdf 04. Pub
Letter to Editor | My endorsement for Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council, District 3
Katherine Bryant Ingman has my support to be our next San Juan County Council Representative for District 3 for many reasons: Every SJC District Representative is sworn to support the welfare of the entire San Juan County. I firmly believe, as shown by Katherine’s efforts to reach out to the Waldron, Shaw, Decatur, San Juan and Orcas communities throughout her campaign, that Katherine has demonstrated her energy, interest, and willingness to do that very thing. […]
Introducing mobile integrated healthcare on Orcas
A new pilot program from Orcas Island Fire and Rescue, supported by OIHCD On an island with no hospital, care often starts too late. Orcas Island Fire and Rescue is launching a Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) pilot to reach neighbors at home before small problems become emergencies. OIHCD is proud to support this project financially, alongside other funding partners. MIH brings care directly to residents in their homes. Rather than waiting for […
Eames: Endorses Katherine Bryant Ingman for county Council
Katherine Bryant Ingman has my support to be our next San Juan County Council Representative for District 3 for many reasons: Every SJC District Representative is sworn to support the welfare of the entire San Juan County. I firmly believe, as shown by Katherine’s efforts to reach out to the Waldron, Shaw, Decatur, San […]
Calling all community members: Neighbor to neighbor shelter needs you
The Neighbor to Neighbor Shelter is preparing for another winter season, and we need our community’s help! We are looking for caring individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of our neighbors by helping provide a warm, safe place to sleep, hot meals, and a welcoming environment for those in need. Join us for our Volunteer Meeting on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 5:00pm in the basement […]
Advance care planning workshop at Senior Center
Your voice, your choice — but only if you speak up now. Join Orcas Senior Center for a free Advance Care Planning Workshop, presented by Hospice of the Northwest, on Wednesday, November 4 at 1 p.m. Life is unpredictable. Advance care planning is how you make sure your goals, values, and healthcare wishes are known and honored — even if illness or injury leaves you unable to speak for yourself. An […]
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,
Thank you for trusting me with your pets | Letter
As I step into a “soft” retirement after almost 14 years at Orcas Veterinary Service, I want to express my gratitude to the entire community on Orcas Island. Caring for your pets over the years has been my greatest privilege of my professional life. Thank you for trusting me with their care and welcoming me into your lives over the years. Thank you for all the cards and well wishes I have received as well.
Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | Letter
I was talking with a friend from San Juan Island and asked what he would think about someone from Stuart Island as the San Juan Island representative on the County Council. His response was that it would be a problem; different culture, different issues and the likely inability to understand San Juan Island’s people and priorities. I then sought out a friend from Orcas Island and asked what she would think about their Council representative coming from Waldron. She responded “no way” for the sam
Learn about the Mobile Integrated Health program on Orcas
Submitted by the Orcas Community Resource Center Communications Team.
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
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
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.
Letter to Editor | Ingman on housing & affordability
I know the struggle of housing in the islands, firsthand. We have regularly housed friends and essential workers in the summers because we know that it takes the entire community to seek practical housing solutions. Before we bought our fixer-upper, we moved around to several rentals that were not suitable or sustainable. During my time working for Housing Lopez, I oversaw the process of leasing to the first residents […]
Guest Column: Katherine on Housing & Affordability
From Katherine Bryant Ingman for San Juan County Council I know the struggle of housing in the islands, firsthand. We have regularly housed friends and essential workers in the summers because we know that it takes the entire community to seek practical housing solutions. Before we bought our fixer-upper, we moved around to several rentals that were not suitable or […]