Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
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 & […]
Letter to Editor | My endorsement for Ron Krebs for Sheriff
I am writing to publicly and wholeheartedly support Ron Krebs for San Juan County Sheriff. I had the privilege of working for Ron during his tenure as Sheriff, and I witnessed firsthand the leadership, professionalism, and integrity he brought to the office every day. Ron always leads by example. He commands the respect of his peers as well as his team members and is not afraid to allow his […]
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.
Week 8: FRIDAY HARBOR WOLVERINE FOOTBALL Trivia, numbers, history, ramblings and stuff by Bruce Bennett
Friday, October 23, 6:30 p.m., Coupeville (1-5) at Friday Harbor (4-2) The Wolverines will be going after their sixth straight victory over the Wolves when the two meet Friday evening here in town. The current 5-game streak ties for the longest run of wins either team has in the series – FH 1975-85 and 2024 […]
Levy Transparency tool available online
San Juan County Assessor’s Office created a “Levy Transparency Tool” to help voters understand how levy propositions affect taxes. The tool includes summaries of levy propositions on the upcoming ballot and a comparison of the current tax amount and the estimated new tax amount if the proposition passes. Find the tool on the Assessor’s website: […]
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
Sec. of State: When it comes to elections, start with a trusted source
An open letter by Steve Hobbs, Washington Secretary of State and President of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), and Michael Howe, North Dakota Secretary of State and President-elect of NASS As Americans prepare to vote in elections across the country, they will have important questions, from how and where to vote to […]
Update on Orcas School drinking water
Improvements Continue Our commitment to improving school drinking water continues through our partnership with the Washington State Department of Health. Fixtures replaced The district replaced fixtures identified for corrective action. Follow-up testing has returned those meeting the state’s lead-testing threshold to normal service. Filtration underway The next phase of improvements is in progress, with elementary school fixtures prioritized f
Sheriff’s Guild endorses Ron Krebs for election as Sheriff
We, the Members of the San Juan County Deputy Sheriff’s Guild, by majority vote endorse Ron Krebs for election as Sheriff. The Sheriff’s Office is at critically low staffing levels and being the only 24/7 department in San Juan County has caused burn-out and low morale. We believe Ron Krebs will meet our expectations of community policing, responsiveness, communication and will improve morale and recruitment within the San Juan County […]
Assessor’s Office presents a ‘Levy Transparency Tool’
Estimate property tax amounts for levies on the 2026 November 3 ballot The Assessor’s Office created a “Levy Transparency Tool” to help voters understand how levy propositions affect taxes. The tool includes summaries of levy propositions on the upcoming ballot and a comparison of the current tax amount and the estimated new tax amount if the proposition passes. Find the tool on the Assessor’s website: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/2433/Levy-Transpa
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
No jurors required for Oct. 26 – Nov. 6
JURY DUTY: OCTOBER 26 – NOVEMBER 6, 2026 All jurors summonsed for Jury Duty beginning October 26th, are excused. Jurors with summonses for the week beginning November 2nd, need to check beginning next Thursday, October 27th to see if they are needed. Thank you.
CWR encounters new baby orca
The Center for Whale Research is happy to report that a new calf has been born in the Southern Resident killer whale population. On October 19, 2026, CWR researchers observed a very young whale traveling with J35. The calf, designated J65, is very young, less than a week old based on its appearance and J35’s previous sightings. CWR researchers again encountered the calf the next day, still traveling with J35. The team was […]
EWUA Board Meeting | Public utility petition, Clark Well costs, Board election
The Eastsound Water Users Association (EWUA) Board met Tuesday evening, October 20, 2026 with several notable developments involving public ownership, capital expenditures, and the upcoming Board election. Members Preparing Petition to Explore Public Ownership During the meeting’s only public comment, an EWUA member informed the Board that a group of members is preparing a petition requesting a feasibility study of transitioning EWUA to public ownership through a pot
Assessor’s Office presents the Levy Transparency Tool
Submitted by San Juan County.
Deadline approaching: Pay your property taxes before Oct. 31
Submitted by San Juan County.