Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Town to flush main water transmission line overnight November 3-4
The Town of Friday Harbor will flush the water transmission line from the treatment plant on Wold Road to town Tuesday, November 3 through Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Per state Department of Health regulations, lines require occasional flushing to remove accumulated minerals, sediment, and organic materials. Crews will perform the work at night when water […]
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 | 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 […]
Sec. of State: When it comes to elections, start with a trusted source
An open letter by Steve Hobbs, Washington Secretary of State and President of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), and Michael Howe, North Dakota Secretary of State and President-elect of NASS As Americans prepare to vote in elections across the country, they will have important questions, from how and where to vote to […]
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 […]
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
Volunteer at the shelter this winter
Submitted by Alicia Wigfield.
Decatur Island residents demand halt to OPALCO solar expansion project at board meeting
Co-op members cite costs, fire safety and a strained relationship
As of October 12: Burn permits issued by local Fire Districts
Beginning this 2026-2027 burn season, the local fire districts will be processing all burn permits for residents. Formerly accessed through the County website, burn permits are now managed through each island’s fire district and are available on their respective websites. Why is the County no longer issuing burn permits? In order to streamline the response […]
Local fire districts issue burn permits as of October 12
Beginning this 2026-2027 burn season, the local fire districts will be processing all burn permits for residents. Formerly accessed through the County website, burn permits are now managed through each island’s fire district and are available on their respective websites. Why is the County no longer issuing burn permits? In order to streamline the response […]
Local fire districts now issue burn permits; Available as of Oct. 12
Residents can apply for burn permits via their local fire district. There is no change in cost, and permits can be obtained quickly and easily online Beginning this 2026-2027 burn season, the local fire districts will be processing all burn permits for residents. Formerly accessed through the County website, burn permits are now managed through each island’s fire district and are available on their respective websites. Why is the County no longer issu
How to help the Sears family after fire destroys home
GoFundMe set up by Marianne A Bryan for the Sears Family of San Juan Island. For the Sears family, this fundraiser is one way for our community to come alongside them after a fire destroyed their home. The Sears family are my husband’s cousins, and they live on the same small peninsula on San Juan Island. […]
October 20: Community Meeting: Agate Beach County Park Updates & Road Relocation on Lopez Island
MacKaye Harbor Rd and the Agate Beach County Park on Lopez Island are scheduled for infrastructure updates in 2027. Reconstruction of MacKaye Harbor Road and the Agate Beach County Park parking area will help protect access to public, private, and tribal lands, while navigating the impacts of coastal erosion. Nearby property owners and Lopez Islanders […]
Structure fire destroys home on Yacht Haven Rd
A structure fire at 1423 Yacht Haven Road on San Juan Island destroyed a home. The fire about 12:30 p.m. Saturday, October 17, 2026 was extinguished by San Juan Island Fire and Rescue Dept firefighters.
Larsen statement on Bend school shooting
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “I am horrified and heartbroken by the shooting in Bend. These sickening tragedies must end. I am thinking of the families of the victims, and the child and teacher who are fighting for their lives in the hospital.”
San Juan County sheriff’s log
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls.
Governor Ferguson sends video to Trump Administration to support Washington’s request for wildfire assistance
OLYMPIA – To support Washington’s request for federal assistance following this summer’s devastating wildfires, Governor Bob Ferguson is sending a video to the Trump Administration to help show the severity of the damage. The video is available for download here, and features interviews with impacted residents, and bipartisan leaders calling on the federal government to approve Washington’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration. The Governor’s
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 […
Orcas Island Fire and Rescue Bonds Available to Local Investors
Orcas Island Fire and Rescue (San Juan County Fire Protection District No. 2), San Juan County, Washington (the “District”) is in the process of issuing phase 1 of voter approved Unlimited Tax General Obligation Bonds (the “Bonds”) to provide $14,000,000 to construct, acquire, equip, renovate and make capital improvements to apparatus and facilities of the […]
Guest Column by Ron Krebs: Understands the challenges facing the Sheriff’s Office
To the Citizens of San Juan County, As we approach the upcoming election, I want to share my priorities for the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and my commitment to the community we serve.Having served as your Sheriff from 2015 to 2022, and with 19 years of experience in the Sheriff’s Office, I understand the […]
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 […]
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue bonds available to local investors
Orcas Island Fire and Rescue (San Juan County Fire Protection District No. 2), San Juan County, Washington (the “District”) is in the process of issuing phase 1 of voter approved Unlimited Tax General Obligation Bonds (the “Bonds”) to provide $14,000,000 to construct, acquire, equip, renovate and make capital improvements to apparatus and facilities of the District, and to pay costs of issuing the Bonds. Pursuant to the Election Resolution, the improvement
Write in Jeff Asher for 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 of you know, I have been commuting between San Juan Island and the Bay Area […]