Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Inspired by the women running for office
It’s easy to get lost in the drama that emerges during elections in small communities. Even without pots intentionally stirred, there’s an inherent mess that comes from running against your former boss, or current boss (gulp!), who may or may not be less easy to work with on the other side of the campaign.
Can you spell f-u-n? The 4th Annual Orcas Island Adult Spelling Bee returns
Submitted by the Orcas Island Public Library.
Moreno family’s Day of the Dead celebration returns to the Village Green Nov. 1
The Moreno family continues its tradition with its fourth annual Day of the Dead celebration on Sunday, Nov. 1, at the Village Green.
San Juan County sheriff’s log
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls.
A very special night of drumming with TAIKOPROJECT
Submitted by the Orcas Center.
Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens come to Orcas with Barb Faville
Submitted by the Orcas Island Garden Club.
C Street Brass returns to the islands for two free community concerts
Submitted by the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival.
Upcoming Viking games
Submitted by Amy Carlson and The Booster Team.
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.
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.
Learn about the Mobile Integrated Health program on Orcas
Submitted by the Orcas Community Resource Center Communications Team.
Library received grant from Brooklyn’s Books Unbanned
Submitted by the Orcas Island Public Library.
OPALCO brings member conversations to the community | Letter
OPALCO has established a great new member outreach effort that has been very successful. I just wanted to reach out to the members and community in-general and highlight the “Chat with the OPALCO team” informal community meetings that we have been hosting and to extend an invitation to participate. We have hosted three of these thus far over the last few months, one on Orcas, one in Friday Harbor and one on Lopez. We return to Orcas next week for one scheduled at the OPALCO office in Eastsound n
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
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
We are writing in support of Katherine Bryant-Ingman’s candidacy, for the District 3 seat on the San Juan County Council, representing residents of Lopez, Shaw and Decatur islands.