Island News

Support for Jennifer Swanson for County Council | Letter

I want to recommend Jennifer Swanson for County Council District 3.

Orcas Island Clothing Bank draws about 400 over two days

The Orcas Island Clothing Bank welcomed approximately 400 people over two days Oct. 24-25, offering community members an opportunity to find clothing and other household items while giving gently used goods a second life. The event was held at the Orcas Christian School (OCS) gymnasium, continuing a tradition that began in 1994 at the Odd Fellows Hall in town before later moving to the school. Organizers estimated that more than 3,500 pounds of gently […]

Guest Opinion | San Juan Islands need an AI skills test for small businesses

Washington is receiving a new federal industry-driven workforce training grant. The state’s listed industries include AI and data-center infrastructure, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. But people working in small island businesses also deserve the skills to assess automated decisions. Consider an inn whose AI reservation assistant promises a ferry connection that cannot work, or a shop whose automated inventory tool suggests buyin

Coming to Odd Fellows | The failed attempts to halt North Korea nuclear weapons program

What happens when diplomacy, nuclear science, and international security collide? Join nuclear safeguards and nonproliferation expert Mark Schanfein on Friday, November 7 at 7pm at Odd Fellows Hall for Assignment North Korea: The Failed Attempts to Halt Their Nuclear Weapons Program, an inside look at international efforts to address North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. Schanfein brings a rare firsthand perspective to the subject. During his nearly five de

Winter ferry reservations release date postponed to November 10

Washington State Ferries is postponing the two-month vehicle reservations release for our winter sailing season (Dec. 27 through March 20, 2027). The delay is needed while we work to adjust reservation availability around upcoming terminal construction.  The new reservations release date is Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 10 a.m. To ensure a smooth and fair experience […]

Winter vehicle reservations release postponed two weeks to Nov. 10

We’re postponing the two-month vehicle reservations release for our winter sailing season (Dec. 27 through March 20, 2027). The delay is needed while we work to adjust reservation availability around upcoming terminal construction.  The new reservations release date is Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 10 a.m. To ensure a smooth and fair experience during this high-demand period, we will continue using a virtual waiting room during the reservations release.  Anacortes/San

October 29: MOMster Mash in Friday Harbor

Calling all tiny monsters and the grown-ups who love them! Get ready for some spooky, silly fun at MOMster, a Halloween-themed event hosted by the San Juan Island Childcare Cooperative moms! Dress up your little monsters and join us for an afternoon of wiggling, giggling, and Halloween fun, all while supporting island children and families. […]

October 30: ES Halloween Parade in downtown Friday Harbor

Friday Harbor Elementary School students, teachers and staff will march from the school on Grover Street to Spring Street in Downtown Friday Harbor at 9 am Friday, October 30  for their annual Halloween Parade. The costumed parade marches through the core streets of downtown Friday Harbor, led by the school principal and staff. PHOTOS OF […]

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.

From Orcas Island to the Florida campaign trail

Submitted by Ayn Gailey.

October 30: Halloween Hip-Hop

What makes me different | Katherine’s closing statement

What makes me different, and why should you vote for me? I think it comes down to perspective and experience. I’m part of the next generation trying to build a life here. I’ve rented here in a difficult housing market, worked multiple jobs, and wondered whether my husband and I could afford to stay. We were lucky enough to buy a fixer-upper, and we’re still fixing it up today. […]

Mercy Flights | Neighbors helping neighbors take flight

A community service announcement from the Orcas Aviation Association Living on Orcas Island is a privilege, but our island’s beauty and isolation can also present challenges, particularly when it comes to accessing medical care on the mainland. For island residents who need to travel for medical appointments or treatment, the ferry isn’t always a practical option. And when ambulance or emergency medical transport isn’t appropriate, getti

Letter to Editor | Who is being represented?

I would like to know whom the selection committee for the artisans holiday fare would have been for this year. Why? Could you please advise. Yes, your letter said and I paraphrase: “received 45 entrants, and please try again and maybe you will qualify, and thank you,” etc. How is this responsible to a community member in the least? One that has built up the Makers Guild significantly, and produced significantly exceptional events […]

It’s time to vote

I filled my ballot out this morning, and it reminded me of how many of you showed up to see the candidates for council and learn about the awful initiatives on the ballot this year. We so appreciate every one of you.     Couldn’t make it? That’s okay! That’s what this email is for. We break down the initiatives and the harm they’re causing below.   We strongly encourage you to vote “no” on […]

Orcas Christian School launches gym activity nights to bring community together

||| FROM ORCAS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Orcas Christian School (OCS) is expanding its gymnasium programming with movie nights, open gyms and other activities designed to bring students, families and staff together while strengthening the school community. The school hosted its first movie night Oct. 9, drawing approximately 25 to 30 children for an evening of entertainment and community engagement. Students gathered to watch a movie while enjoying popcorn and lemonade. The event also provided an opportu

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 girls soccer celebrates first win since program’s return with 7-1 victory over Forest Ridge

By Declan O’Malley

Board of Health approves 10 percent increase in environmental health fees

LWVSJ Observer Corps*:  San Juan County Board of Health Oct 21, 2026 meeting.  Community Collaboration Council: Approved funding for Safe San Juans ($20K); and San Juan Island Winter Shelter ($15K), with a full time shelter at the fairgrounds’ Marie Boe Building.  Behavioral Health ASO: A temporary agreement will maintain the Intensive Treatment Act court operations […]

2026 Halloween Scarecrow Contest in Friday Harbor

    The Flying Monkey at Brickworks is not part of the Scarecrow Contest Thirteen scarecrows decorate storefronts in Friday Harbor in the 2026 Halloween Scarecrow Contest.  Click on image to view as slideshow. A map and a ballot can be downloaded here.  Be sure   to vote for your favorite scarecrow by October 28.  

Letter to Editor | I’m voting for our future

I am 21 years old, raised on Lopez. I moved back while pregnant and have been living here since with my fiancé and daughter who is now 9 months old. I’ve known Katherine since I was little and have seen how she’s always been there for her community. I feel very aligned with how invested she is in the health of our special island environment as someone who hopes to raise children here. I also […]

Letter to Editor | Jennifer Swanson brings people together

We support Jennifer Swanson for San Juan County Council Position 3. Jennifer has shown great leadership and the ability to bring people together to create creative and workable solutions to many of the challenges of those living in San Juan County in a variety of roles over many years. Jennifer’s ability to work tirelessly and her dedication to improving island life is admirable, and she will make an excellent representative on the county […]

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.

Zakes: Support Jennifer Swanson for county Council

We support Jennifer Swanson for San Juan County Council Position 3. Jennifer has shown great leadership and the ability to bring people together to create creative and workable solutions to many of the challenges of those living in San Juan County in a variety of roles over many years. Jennifer’s ability to work tirelessly and […]