Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Woodbridge: Swanson has a proven track record
To the Editor: Jennifer Swanson has my wholehearted support for the San Juan County Council, District 3. Jennifer brings an exceptional and effective combination of thoroughness, thoughtfulness, practicality and kindness. She has the rare ability to bring together people with divergent points of view. She’s a pleasure to work with and to know, and her […]
Shannon: Swanson is a uniter
I have known Jennifer for over 20 years. We served on the Shaw Island School Board together for many years and I have admired her quiet and effective leadership. She is one of the best listeners I know and she has an innate ability to carefully process all sides of an issue with empathy, common […]
Ekstrom: Supports Jennifer Swanson for San Juan County Council Position 3
To the editor, We support Jennifer Swanson for San Juan County Council Position 3. For many years Jennifer has been at the center of making the Shaw community run smoothly. She serves effectively as a leader on local and county boards, a careful and patient listener, respectful of others’ opinions. We are eager to see her courtesy, […]
October 20: Community Meeting: Agate Beach County Park Updates & Road Relocation on Lopez Island
MacKaye Harbor Rd and the Agate Beach County Park on Lopez Island are scheduled for infrastructure updates in 2027. Reconstruction of MacKaye Harbor Road and the Agate Beach County Park parking area will help protect access to public, private, and tribal lands, while navigating the impacts of coastal erosion. Nearby property owners and Lopez Islanders […]
Guest Opinion: Getting to Know Katherine: What I Bring to the Table
First and most importantly, I bring to the County Council a deep love for these islands and the people who live here. I’m running for County Council to improve the lives of everyone who lives here — especially those of us most impacted by the challenges and uncertainties that we face. I know how knowledgeable, […]
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. On Friday, Oct. 9, students participated in several service projects around Eastsound, putting their Christian values into action by serving others. The school’s vision is to foster a community-connected culture where students embrace Christian values. Service is a core component of Christian education. “We don’t want serv
San Juan County resident camping reservations open early January
The San Juan County Resident camping reservation program will continue to be offered online in 2027 and will open in early January. On Wednesday, January 6, at 9:00 am through Friday, January 8 at 4:00 pm, reservations will be available online to San Juan County residents. These three days are an opportunity for residents to reserve their favorite sites before the reservation website opens to the public on Wednesday, January 13 at 9:00 […]
Moreno family’s Day of the Dead celebration returns to the Village Green Nov. 1
The Moreno family continues its tradition with its fourth annual Day of the Dead celebration on Sunday, Nov. 1, at the Village Green.
Can you spell f-u-n? The 4th Annual Orcas Island Adult Spelling Bee returns
Submitted by the Orcas Island Public Library.
Letter to Editor | Wholehearted support for Jennifer Swanson
Jennifer Swanson has my wholehearted support for the San Juan County Council, District 3. Jennifer brings an exceptional and effective combination of thoroughness, thoughtfulness, practicality and kindness. She has the rare ability to bring together people with divergent points of view. She’s a pleasure to work with and to know, and her actions inspire trust while helping bring out the best in others. Living in the islands comes with unique challenges. Jennifer i
County employee union endorses Katherine Bryant Ingman
Members of AFSCME Local 1849, the union representing San Juan County employees, have endorsed Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council and Heather Lee for County Auditor. The endorsements follow the candidates’ clear commitments to transparent leadership and to the workforce that keep county services running. AFSCME Local 1849 represents approximately 55% of San Juan County’s workers. Our members provide a vast array of critical services across the islands—rangi
Antidote dance party gets wicked this Halloween at Orcas Center
On Friday, October 30, Orcas Center transforms for a night of dark beats, wild costumes and serious dancing. From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., come lose yourself in the music and celebrate Halloween the Antidote way. Come dressed as your strangest, spookiest, most unhinged self. Expect a night of electronic music, dancing and Halloween mayhem. Details: $10 minimum donation; 18+; Cash bar available for guests 21+. Valid ID required. And if you’re […]
Levy Information | Orcas Island Park and Rec public info session
Orcas Island Park and Recreation District will hold a public information session about the upcoming levy on Monday, October 19th at 5:30 p.m. at the Eastsound Fire Station, 45 Lavender Lane. Join OIPRD staff for a presentation about the history of the district, services being offered today, and a breakdown of the levy. There will also be a Q&A session. For more information, visit www.oiprd.org
I’m Not the Church Lady | Listening for where life is inviting us to participate
Some people’s presence just makes me giggle with delight The quality of presence speaks volumes about a person. That’s my experience of Pastor Justus Kubais, whom I met through a Zoom meeting about 18 months ago. It was like awakening to a deeper realization that people all over the world radiate something that goes far beyond the roles they fill. People like Justus make me want to be a better […]
Health Care District to hold special board meeting on Monday
The Orcas Island Health Care District will hold a Special Board Meeting on Monday, October 19th, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room at the Orcas Island Community Foundation, 33 Urner Street, Suite 4, Eastsound. The public meeting packet is available below. The meeting Zoom link can be found at the top of the agenda. 01. 2026_10_19 Agenda_Special_Board.pdf 02. 2026_10_13 OIHCD Claim Request_signed.pdf 03. CHN Update – October 2026.pdf 04. Pub
Structure fire destroys home on Yacht Haven Rd
A structure fire at 1423 Yacht Haven Road on San Juan Island destroyed a home. The fire about 12:30 p.m. Saturday, October 17, 2026 was extinguished by San Juan Island Fire and Rescue Dept firefighters.
Letter to Editor | I want to recommend Jennifer Swanson for County Council District 3
I’ve worked with Jennifer through Shaw Islanders Inc, where she’s been the Recording Secretary for the Shaw Inc board for the last three years. She’s steady, organized and easy to work with. She keeps things on track and communicates clearly, which makes a big difference when a group is trying to get things done. She initiated the “Brown Bag” lunches once a month. It’s informal open forum where residents can meet and discuss issues that are […]
Letter to Editor | Jennifer Swanson will represent all of San Juan County
Having served eight years on the San Juan County Council, participated in the Ferry Advisory Committee, and spent much of my life operating small businesses on Orcas Island, I know firsthand the challenges of representing our island communities. That experience is why I am proud to support Jennifer Swanson for San Juan County Council, District 3. Jennifer brings something especially valuable to public service: kindness, honesty, independence, and a genuine willingness t
Midnight Mutterings | Friday ferry
For the first time in the thirty five years I’ve lived on Orcas Island, a ferry person yelled at me. It was this afternoon. I’m pretty sympathetic to ferry workers. It’s a hard job. Ferries are understaffed. Sometimes riders are rude, unthinking, and otherwise make things difficult for the workers. Apparently, today I was one of those people. I was not rude. I was not careless. I was not oblivious. And yet, I […]
San Juan County sheriff’s log
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls.
Reminder! It’s No Kings Day on Saturday at Village Green
This Saturday, October 17, is the next national No King’s Day. Both San Juan and Lopez Islands already have events scheduled, and we don’t want to be left out here on Orcas. Therefore, please join us this Saturday at the Village Green at NOON. Bring signs to protest the current administration and to encourage voting. We will march around Eastsound at least once, maybe twice. We will end at the Village Green, and […]
Meehan-McNeill: Endorses Jennifer Swanson for county council
I want to recommend Jennifer Swanson for County Council District 3′ I’ve worked with Jennifer through Shaw Islanders Inc, where she’s been the Recording Secretary for the Shaw Inc board for the last three years’ She’s steady, organized and easy to work with. She keeps things on track and communicates clearly, which makes a big […]
Letter to Editor | Homes we can afford, islands we must protect
Two of my four priorities as a candidate, affordable housing and protecting our environment, are really about the same thing: keeping these islands a healthy, desirable and affordable place where people can live, work and thrive for generations. Expanding access to the full spectrum of affordable housing starts with the people already doing the work. We have experienced housing experts and non-profits on each of our major islands, along with the Home Fund, a targete
Letter to Editor | My endorsement for Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council, District 3
Katherine Bryant Ingman has my support to be our next San Juan County Council Representative for District 3 for many reasons: Every SJC District Representative is sworn to support the welfare of the entire San Juan County. I firmly believe, as shown by Katherine’s efforts to reach out to the Waldron, Shaw, Decatur, San Juan and Orcas communities throughout her campaign, that Katherine has demonstrated her energy, interest, and willingness to do that very thing. […]