Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
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.
Orcas Island Vikings prepare for postseason as fall sports teams battle through busy week
By Declan O’Malley
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!
Odd Fellows annual Firewood Raffle
Submitted by the Odd Fellows.
Art show opening on Friday, Oct. 23: ‘The Art of Expression’
The Visual Arts Committee of Orcas Center announces the opening of a new show on Oct. 23, 5:30-7 p.m., featuring works from “Art with Carla,” a weekly event at the Orcas Island Senior Center. Wonderful art is the result when community members come together to express themselves. “The Art of Expression” will be on display to Nov. 18. Meet Stanley and the artists, enjoy live entertainment, complimentary refreshments and a wine bar at the opening.
A night of improv with island friends
“Orcas Improv: Last Thursday Night” is the place for improvised comedy on the island, held on the last Thursday of every month. The next event is Thursday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. in the Black Box. Improv groups and players borne from the classes and Monday evening Improv Jams (Whalewreck) at Orcas Center perform fully improvised bits, made up, on the spot, based on audience suggestions and stories and transformed right before your eyes and ears. From food items to scientific subjects, we’ll take you
Annual Halloween Dance at Odd Fellows Hall
Submitted by Odd Fellows Hall.
OIHM starts reading club: ‘Cabin on the Island’
Submitted by the Orcas Island Historical Museums.
Antidote dance party gets wicked this Halloween
On Friday, Oct. 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.
Katherine Bryant Ingman gets things done | Letter
District Three deserves a Councilmember who District Three voters chose. That’s Katherine Bryant Ingman. Between Katherine and Jennifer Swanson, primary voters of District Three voted 61% to 39% for Katherine. There are differences between the two candidates.
Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | Letter
I am grateful that we have two well-qualified candidates running for County Council in San Juan County. Thanks to both for making the effort. It is great to have options!
Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | Letter
Katherine Bryant Ingman has the vision, strength of leadership and proven negotiating skills to take care of business for the people of San Juan County. She has proven problem solving ability and a collaborative leadership style needed to address the current issues facing San Juan County. I admire her practical understanding for what resources are needed to solve complex long-term problems.
Jennifer builds community through service and hard work | Letter
I have known Jennifer for 20 years. She is a thoughtful, inclusive leader who brings people with diverse opinions together to find solutions.
Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | Letter
I am pleased to share my strong support for Katherine Bryant Ingman. I worked closely with Katherine during the pandemic as we strengthened hunger relief systems across San Juan County. Throughout that challenging time, I witnessed her ability to balance immediate needs with long-term solutions. She brought clarity, creativity, and a steady hand to complex challenges, contributing to our community’s access to food with consistency and dignity.
Decatur Island residents demand halt to OPALCO solar expansion project at board meeting
Co-op members cite costs, fire safety and a strained relationship
As of October 12: Burn permits issued by local Fire Districts
Beginning this 2026-2027 burn season, the local fire districts will be processing all burn permits for residents. Formerly accessed through the County website, burn permits are now managed through each island’s fire district and are available on their respective websites. Why is the County no longer issuing burn permits? In order to streamline the response […]
Town seeking applicants for open positions on Friday Harbor Arts Commission.
The Town of Friday Harbor is accepting applications for open positions on the Friday Harbor Arts Commission (FHAC). Commissioners are volunteers who consider the interests of the Town Council, community, and local artists when advising the council on the selection and placement of public art. Meetings are held at 4 p.m. the second Tuesday of […]
Larsen, Colleagues Succeed in Delaying New CBP Rule Harming Access to Lower-Cost Medications
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today October 20 2026, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “In the past few months, my office has received dozens of messages from constituents worried about how they are going to afford prescription medications if the Trump administration’s new CBP rule goes into effect on October 22. I urged the […]
How about a night of improv with island friends?
Orcas Improv: Last Thursday Night is the place for improvised comedy on the island, held on the last Thursday of every month. The next event is Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. in the Black Box. Improv groups and players borne from the classes and Monday evening Improv Jams (Whalewreck) at Orcas Center perform fully improvised bits, made up, on-the-spot, based on audience suggestions and stories and transformed right before your eyes […]
Larsen, colleagues succeed in delaying new CBP rule harming access to lower-cost medications
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “In the past few months, my office has received dozens of messages from constituents worried about how they are going to afford prescription medications if the Trump administration’s new CBP rule goes into effect on October 22. I urged the Administration to delay the rule and stop health care from getting even more expensive, and last week, the […]
Local fire districts issue burn permits as of October 12
Beginning this 2026-2027 burn season, the local fire districts will be processing all burn permits for residents. Formerly accessed through the County website, burn permits are now managed through each island’s fire district and are available on their respective websites. Why is the County no longer issuing burn permits? In order to streamline the response […]
Inspired by the women running for office
It’s easy to get lost in the drama that emerges during elections in small communities. Even without pots intentionally stirred, there’s an inherent mess that comes from running against your former boss, or current boss (gulp!), who may or may not be less easy to work with on the other side of the campaign.
Auditor race: Heather Lee versus Natasha Warmenhoven
Heather Lee was chief deputy auditor to current auditor Natasha Warmenhoven until March.