Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
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.
After hung jury, Friday Harbor man pleads guilty to assault in the fourth degree
A 44-year-old Friday Harbor man charged with first-degree child molestation pleaded guilty on Sept. 21 to lesser charges after his August trial ended in a hung jury.
A night of fingerstyle guitar with Calum Graham
Submitted by Orcas Center.
Japanese music masters Také to Ito perform at Odd Fellows
Submitted by the Odd Fellows Hall.
OCS students develop leadership skills at Sunset Lake Camp
Orcas Christian School high school and middle school students returned Thursday from a week at Sunset Lake Camp in Wilkeson, Washington, where they joined students from several small Adventist schools for activities focused on leadership, worship, teamwork and personal growth.
Orcas Christian School brings generations together for ‘Grandparents Lunch’
The lunch at Orcas Christian School was filled with conversation, laughter and familiar faces as students welcomed grandparents and other special guests for the school’s first Grandparents Lunch.
Expert speakers highlight sustainable gardening at October workshop series
Submitted by the Master Gardeners.
David B. Williams comes to Orcas Island for ‘In the Range of Fire and Ice’
Submitted by the Orcas Island Public Library.
Jennifer Swanson for County Council | Letter
I have known Jennifer since she moved to Shaw Island with her family over 20 years ago. If I were to describe her in a few words they would be; fully engaged with family and community. She is deeply involved with both.
In support of Jennifer Swanson for County Council | Letter
I have been a voter in San Juan County for more than 50 years and am writing to enthusiastically endorse Jennifer Swanson for County Commissioner. Jennifer and I worked together on the Shaw Island school board for several years. During her term as chairman she was called upon to steer the board through the Covid-19 pandemic. It was a challenging time but Jennifer based her leadership on the facts and the science. Her calm demeanor and ability to listen have made her a valuable member of our isla
Vote Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | Letter
This is to share how my husband and I know Katherine Bryant Ingman candidate for San Juan County Council District 3, and why she has our full support
The 6th Annual Island Market and Funhouse Commons Gingerbread House Contest
Submitted by the Funhouse Commons.
Remembering Doug Marshall and his love for Orcas Island | Column
Submitted by Michell (Mitch) Marshall.
Free immunization clinics for children: Protect your child against influenza and COVID
Submitted by San Juan County.
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?
Civic engagement goes beyond the ballot box | Letter
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.
Support for Jennifer Swanson for County Council | Letter
I endorse Jennifer Swanson for County Council. She is a great listener, and strives for communication, not conflict to resolve issues. She has worked to better our community through communication and respectful dialog. She considers all sides of an issue before making a decision, and will make a great addition to county council.
Orcas Island Clothing Bank returns this fall
The Orcas Island Clothing Bank will return this fall, offering community members an opportunity to find clothing and other household items while giving gently used goods a second life.
Nov. 3 General Election ballots: Vote! Sign! Ballot Box it!
Submitted by San Juan County.
Orcas Vikings roll through busy fall sports schedule
By Declan O’Malley
New analysis reveals major increase in vessel traffic through the Salish Sea
Submitted by the Friends of the San Juans.
Busy month for Vikings fans
Submitted by Amy Carlson and The Orcas Island Booster Team.
Crew shortage strands islanders in Anacortes as WSF cancels early sailings Monday
Washington State Ferries experienced crew shortages that left many travelers stranded at the Anacortes ferry terminal on the afternoon of Sunday, Oct. 4. Anyone without a confirmed reservation was directed to travel without their car or delay their trip. On Sunday night, WSF announced that ferry service would be reduced on Monday, with several routes “At risk of reduced, or no service to start the day on Monday.”
San Juan County sheriff’s log
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls.