Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Guest Column: Jennifer Swanson – Why I am running for county council
The reason I am running goes back much further than this campaign. For as long as I can remember, I have felt a call to serve. Winding my way through college, I served children in need at the Summer Sack Lunch program and the Boys & Girls Club, then became a teacher. When we moved […]
Gaylord: Swanson is a Shaw Islander for All of San Juan County
I’m voting for Jennifer Swanson and I hope you do too. County Council members represent islanders county-wide and must serve them well. Where the candidate lives helps define their character. Swanson lives on Shaw Island. With that, Swanson recognizes the central values we share of self-reliance, the ability to listen and understand concerns of others, […]
Fall food gardening on Orcas
Welcome to another flavorful smoothie! You’ll hear not only from the presidents but also other leaders within the club. They’ll share their personal stories, values, perspectives or updates. We don’t know what to expect but like a smoothie, these messages will be a delicious concoction of random ingredients that surprisingly work together. We hope you find these articles to be satisfying, healthy and rejuvenating. We hope to be that positive element that boo
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman brings leadership and a voice for our future
I wholeheartedly endorse Katherine Bryant Ingman. She brings the lived experience, leadership, and commitment needed to help guide our county through the important issues we face. She represents a generation whose voices and futures are vulnerable in our island communities, yet whose presence is essential to the long-term health and vitality of the county. Katherine is an exceptional community advocate who brings both the passion and the skills needed to turn her comm
November highlights from Orcas Senior Center
Orcas Senior Center offers a variety of ongoing classes, social groups, wellness activities, and creative programs throughout the month. All programs are open to everyone, regardless of age, and new participants are always welcome. A full calendar with dates and times is available at www.orcasseniors.org/calendar-of-events. This Month at the Senior Center: Fitness & Wellness: Chair yoga, Feldenkrais Arts & Creativity: Art with Carla, quilting, ne
2026 Winter Flea & Craft Market returns December 5th & 6th
Each year the San Juan County Fairgrounds hosts the Winter Flea & Craft Market in the Main Exhibit Hall. Local vendors showcase a variety of handmade gifts and unique second-hand items for sale making this the perfect event to find gifts for all the special people on your list. Whether you’re seeking a venue to showcase your latest creations or searching for the perfect spot to do your holiday shopping, the Winter Flea […]
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman has what it takes
Katherine Bryant Ingman is the right person to represent District 3. She’s qualified and experienced at leading this community through unprecedented challenges. She knows what it takes to advocate effectively at local and state levels, and most importantly, she’s lived the issues. She’s worked multiple jobs here to make ends meet, coached and mentored our youth, and led the effort to ensure our access to healthcare. We need her energy, vision, experienc
Letter to Editor | Swanson is professional, organized, honest
92 percent of the people in Jennifer Swanson’s community voted for her for San Juan County Council in the primary elections. That’s how much she is loved, honored and appreciated by her neighbors. Jennifer also won 20 out of 23 precincts in the primaries, which illustrates how much she is respected on all the islands. Jennifer has run a professional campaign, focused on the difficult issues facing our county and what she brings to […]
Key Club fundraiser was a big hit; Turkey Trot coming up
Thanks to each and every islander (and visitor) who supported Key Club in our bake sale last month. We successfully raised funds for The Peach Pit, and gratitude is due to volunteers as well as community members. Key Club currently has a Turkey Trot fundraiser in the works…get your *Gobble Gobble* costume dusted off and ready to go!
Letter to Editor | Excited to support Jennifer Swanson
I’m excited to support Jennifer Swanson for San Juan County Council Position 3. When I read the following excerpt from Jennifer herself, my decision became very clear. From Jennifer: “The reason I am running goes back much further than this campaign. For as long as I can remember, I have felt a call to serve. Winding my way through college, I served children in need at the Summer Sack Lunch program and the Boys & […]
Community comes together for Fall ‘Great Islands Cleanup’
Submitted by the San Juan County Department of Environmental Stewardship
Orcas youth soccer teams bring the game home
By Kevin Smith
Summer intern Mona Evans digs into Orcas Island’s past
Submitted by the Orcas Island Historical Museums.
Letter to Editor | Why I’m voting for Katherine Bryant Ingman
Join me in voting for Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council. Katherine is a leader who listens & collaborates to find solutions that work for the wellbeing of the community. Please join me & vote Katherine Bryant Ingman for Council position #3.
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council
Katherine is a thoughtful and intentional leader who is truly dedicated to serving our island communities. Whether volunteering as a high school track coach or leading the Catherine Washburn Medical Association when the Lopez Clinic sought a new provider, she brings professionalism and a deep care for others to her work. While serving on the WSF Schedule Rewrite Commission, Katherine sought solutions-based strategies to benefit all islanders. It is with deep pleasure t
Why I’m a candidate for 40th Legislative District representative
My name is Joseph Segault, and I am proud to announce that I am running for Washington State Representative, 40th Legislative District, Position 2, representing all of San Juan County and portions of Whatcom and Skagit counties. I was raised on Orcas Island and have had the incredible privilege of raising my own children here as well. There is something truly special about this place— its natural beauty, its history, its independence, and, most importantly, […]
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman is my first choice
Among my favorite takeaways from attending Leadership San Juan Islands was my friendship with Katherine Bryant Ingman. She is immediately smart, capable, warm and friendly. Always a first choice for team projects. Rarely in life is someone’s trajectory so clear and so clearly aligned with their being. I could not be happier to vote for Katherine or more pleased for our county that she has stepped up.
Breton Carter: Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council
Katherine is a thoughtful and intentional leader who is truly dedicated to serving our island communities. Whether volunteering as a high school track coach or leading the Catherine Washburn Medical Association when the Lopez Clinic sought a new provider, she brings professionalism and a deep care for others to her work. While serving on the […]
Dec. 5 and 6: Winter Flea & Craft Market at county fairground
Each year the San Juan County Fairgrounds hosts the Winter Flea & Craft Market in the Main Exhibit Hall. Local vendors showcase a variety of handmade gifts and unique second-hand items for sale making this the perfect event to find gifts for all the special people on your list. Whether you’re seeking a venue to […]
EWUA members petition to explore public ownership
More than 50 EWUA memberships have signed a petition supporting a formal, non binding evaluation of whether Eastsound’s water utility should be transferred to public ownership through the Eastsound Sewer and Water District (ESWD). Bringing water and sewer together could offer important community benefits: Shared operators, equipment, facilities, administration, emergency response, and long-term planning. Access to public grants, loans, and inf
Assessor’s Office presents the Levy Transparency Tool
Submitted by San Juan County.
YouTube creator and New York Times bestselling author Peter Santenello visits Orcas Island
When Peter Santenello asked to film on Orcas Island, Edee Culper was hesitant to expose her home to his four million YouTube subscribers. His promise to capture real island life ultimately convinced her to introduce him to the island’s incredible people.
Volunteer at the shelter this winter
Submitted by Alicia Wigfield.
Meet Bethany Hansen, OPAL’s new expense accountant and CRM specialist
We’re excited to welcome Bethany Hansen to the OPAL team as our new expense accountant and CRM specialist!