Island News

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 […]

Ferry Alert | SR 536 bridge closure in Mount Vernon begins Nov. 1

Beginning Sunday, Nov. 1, the SR 536 Skagit River/Division Street Bridge in Mount Vernon will close in both directions to vehicles for at least two weeks for painting and preservation work. Weather could extend the closure.  Travelers using SR 536 to go to and from the Anacortes or Coupeville ferry terminals must follow the signed detour via I-5 and SR 20. Please allow extra travel time, especially if you have a vehicle reservation. For […]

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. […]

Hiker rescued near UW FH Labs

An injured hiker on the coastal trail at University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Laboratories  was carried out by San Juan Island EMS and San Juan Island Fire and Rescue last week. Rescuers said it is one of the more difficult and treacherous trails on the island. According to SJ EMS Facebook post: The hiker had hurt […]

County DEM posts survey about Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan

San Juan County Department of Emergency Management (www.islandsready.org) is updating the County’s Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, which outlines local natural hazard risks and identifies strategies to reduce their impacts. The current plan is available at: https://www.sanjuanco.com/DocumentCenter/View/21421/HazardMitigationPlan As part of this update, we’re asking San Juan County residents to complete a short survey. It takes about […]

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

Orcas Island sports roundup: Girls soccer earns first win, cross-country runners shine at districts

By Declan O’Malley

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 […]

J35 gives birth to a male orca

Monday, Oct. 19, 2026 a new orca calf (named J65) was spotted  travelling with J35. The birth brings the total population of the three pods that make up the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales to 76. Crews were able to get drone footage of the pair, and confirmed the new calf is male. “The team […]

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.  

Brennan: Ron Krebs is NOT the man he portrays himself to be

I have known Ron since he moved to the island and became a deputy. He made me believe he was a friend, a man of integrity and good intentions and someone who cared about the people in this community. It turns out that Ron is just another politician who smiles in your face and tells […]

Guest column: Katherine on Environment & Conservation

Protecting the environment is essential to preserving San Juan County’s way of life, economy, and natural beauty. Clean water, healthy forests, productive farmland, thriving marine ecosystems, and access to our shorelines are central to what makes these islands such a special place to live, work, and raise a family. One of my top priorities is […]

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 […]