Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Wolf: Endorsement for KBI – Leadership with a stake in the future
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 […]
Sharon Abreu: Endorses Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council
Support for Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council Although I acknowledge that we here in San Juan County are fortunate to have two strong candidates running for County Council District 3, I have decided to endorse Katherine Bryant Ingman for the position. I appreciate Katherine’s energy, and I see her as an independent thinker, which […]
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman brings leadership with a stake in the future
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. County departments depend on tens of millions of dollars annually in grants for ro
Letter to Editor | Long-time Lopez pharmacists endorse Katherine for County Council
We would like to endorse Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council. During our 30-plus years owning the Lopez Island Pharmacy, we’ve been fortunate to know and work closely with many of the former council representatives from Lopez. Katherine has served in many island and county-wide positions. When management of our clinic transitioned from the University of Washington to Sea Mar, Katherine’s leadership was key in the transition. Her hands-on involvement on L
Getting to know Katherine | Leadership in action
I’ve been fortunate to benefit from, and contribute to, impressive and impactful volunteer work throughout my life. From an early age, I’ve looked for ways to bring people together with integrity, care, and joy, and to create the kind of culture and environment that we want to live in, born of the priorities and values we share. San Juan County is run by volunteers caring for our neighbors. Volunteering is an […]
Resource Center presents October Orcas Talks Money workshops
Submitted by the Orcas Community Resource Center Communications Team.
Long-time Lopez Pharmacists Endorse Katherine for County Council
We would like to endorse Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council. During our 30-plus years owning the Lopez Island Pharmacy, we’ve been fortunate to know and work closely with many of the former council representatives from Lopez. Katherine has served in many island and county-wide positions. When management of our clinic transitioned from the University […]
Learn about mobile integrated health program on Orcas
The Orcas Community Resource Center, in partnership with the Orcas Community Health Care District, Orcas Island Fire & Rescue, and San Juan County, invites the community to a free public presentation on Thursday, October 22, from 6-7 pm at the Orcas Island Library to learn about the new Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program. The Mobile Integrated Health program represents an exciting step toward improving access to healthcare and essential se
Neighbor to neighbor shelter volunteer meeting
Our community is stronger when we come together to support our neighbors. The Neighbor to Neighbor Shelter is preparing for another season of serving community members who are experiencing difficult circumstances, and we are looking for caring individuals who would like to be involved. You are invited to join us for an informational meeting on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Church Fellowship Hall. This meeting will […]
Medicare open enrollment | Review your coverage for 2027
Between October 15 and December 7, you can review your Medicare coverage and choose the plan that best fits your needs for 2027. By now, you should have received information from your current prescription drug (Part D) or Advantage plan. Read it carefully, since premiums, deductibles, or copays may increase and coverage may shift. Even if your plan looks the same, your health needs or prescriptions may have changed, making it […]
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman is a leader who has lived it
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 […]
Public Statement | Access & overall clinic care at Island Primary Care – Orcas
Over the last several months, community members have provided various forms of public feedback regarding the termination of Dr. Jennifer Simpson-Manske from employment at Island Primary Care – Orcas. As previously addressed in public statements from both the Orcas Island Health Care District (OIHCD) and Island Health, the District and Island will continue to listen, but will not comment any further on the personnel issue of Dr. Simpson-Manske’s term
Andrews: Katherine Bryant Ingman Is a Leader Who Has Lived It
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, […]
Resource Center will present October Orcas Talks Money workshops
The Orcas Community Resource Center will host several upcoming Orcas Talks Money workshops in October focused on emergency preparedness, winter planning, and financial resilience for community members and small business owners. The workshops are free and open to the community. No registration is required. On Wednesday, October 14 at 1:15 p.m., the Resource Center will offer Ready, Set, Prepare! Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults at the Or
Guest column: Getting to Know Katherine: Leadership in Action
I’ve been fortunate to benefit from, and contribute to, impressive and impactful volunteer work throughout my life. From an early age, I’ve looked for ways to bring people together with integrity, care, and joy, and to create the kind of culture and environment that we want to live in, born of the priorities and values […]
Medicare open enrollment: Review your coverage for 2027
Between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7, you can review your Medicare coverage and choose the plan that best fits your needs for 2027. By now, you should have received information from your current prescription drug (Part D) or Advantage plan. Read it carefully, since premiums, deductibles or copays may increase, and coverage may shift. Even if your plan looks the same, your health needs or prescriptions may have changed, making it worth exploring other options.
Letter to Editor | Every penny counts
ESHB2442 passed by the 2026 Legislature provides that [quoting from the legislature’s final report] “Beginning January 1, 2027, the legislative authority of a county or city may impose a new sales and use tax at a rate of up to 0.01 percent. Revenue from this tax may only be used for the purpose of providing services that assist children and their families, including child care, before- and after-school care that addresses health, social, and behavioral […]
CWR provides update on J31 with deceased calf
Our team is saddened to report that Southern Resident killer whale J31 has been observed with a deceased newborn calf. CWR researcher Mark Malleson encountered J31 and her immediate family on October 3rd near Sombrio Point in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It’s unclear whether the newborn was a male or female, if it had been carried to full term prior to birth, and if it died after birth or […]
Candidate’s dreams are spendy | Letter
I read Katherine Ingman Bryant’s goals to improve health care services in San Juan County and was struck by one glaring omission: How much will all of this cost—and where will the money come from?
Free immunization clinics for children: Protect your child against influenza and COVID
Submitted by San Juan County.
Busy month for Vikings fans
Submitted by Amy Carlson and The Orcas Island Booster Team.
Midnight Mutterings | Hand II
I’m calling this ‘Hand II because I think I wrote a column years earlier called ‘Hand’ about my brother’s serious injury to his right hand when he was eight years old that put him into an six+ hour surgery followed by months in hospital in a ward filled with adult male soldiers with war injuries. My brother’s hand and life were saved by penicillin newly added to wound treatment. Shots every three hours […]
Plain talk on the budget
During the course of my campaign for County Council, I have had countless conversations with people across the islands and have learned a great deal about their concerns. These conversations have given form to how I will, as councilmember, approach the budget. In April, 60.67% of San Juan County voters rejected the county’s levy lid lift. The message was clear: residents are not looking to pay more in property […]
Town of Friday Harbor Proclamation | Hope to live free of abuse
PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, October is recognized nationally as Domestic Violence Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, domestic violence is a complex and pervasive public health crisis that affects individuals without regard to age, race, gender, education, religious, economic, or societal lines; and WHEREAS, domestic violence is not just physical violence; it often presents as sexual, psychological, emotional, financial, or technological abuse; and WHEREAS, domestic violen