Island News

Resource Center invites islanders to help identify unmet legal needs

A housing dispute, a confusing medical bill, a family breakup, or questions about a parenting plan can leave someone unsure where to turn. On Orcas Island, the cost of legal help – and the challenge of traveling off island to get it – can make a difficult situation even harder. The Orcas Community Resource Center is inviting island residents to complete a short civil legal needs survey to help identify where legal […]

The Creeks Beneath the Fields | Part 1 of 5

First of a five part journalism series by the San Juan Islands Conservation District on steams and wetlands in the islands, and what people can do to restore them On summer mornings in the San Juan Islands, the freshwater world can feel almost imaginary. Streams are often hidden behind pastures or culverts, wetlands tucked into folds of land that most people drive past without noticing. The islands appear governed by stone, saltwater light, Garr

Montessori launches holiday bazaar and wreath sale

The Orcas Montessori Annual Wreath Sale is officially open! We’re excited to help you fulfill all your holiday greenery needs with beautiful, handcrafted wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces, perfect for bringing festive cheer to your home. Orders are open now, and wreaths will be available for pickup just after Thanksgiving. You can place your order by calling 360-376-5350, emailing info@orcasmontessori.org, or visiting www.orcasmontessori.

Letter to Editor | Jennifer Swanson is genuine, helpful, generous

I have known Jennifer Swanson for the better part of two decades. When I think of her, I think of her generosity and helpfulness the most. I have worked with her in several capacities and also consider her a dear friend— I admire her immensely. She is a notably active listener, a direct and caring communicator, and remains kind and calm through intensity. Her care shines in every aspect of her hard work. Her patience, […]

Library features photos by Andrea Cohen

For the month of November, The Orcas Island Library’s ‘Art in the Library’ series will feature photographs by Andrea Cohen. Andrea’s background is as an artist, art therapist and art teacher, but this exhibit, entitled The Lives of Mannequins is a group of color photographs taken during recent travels. “Artists see with artist’s eyes, even when they’re not making art,” she comments. “In the markets and bazaars of Morocco, Bulgaria and […]

Occam’s Razor | Our island, our world through the eyes, pen of S.C. Watson

Orcas Garden Club presents ‘why plant names change’

Botanical nomenclature, biology, the beauty of plants Wednesday, November 11th, 10 am (at the Orcas Center or by Zoom) COME AT 9:30 AM (just before the program) for social time, and remember to bring something for the Sharing Table! Please join the Orcas Island Garden Club on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, as we welcome Linda Ann Vorobik. In this presentation, Linda Ann includes beautiful landscapes, wildflower closeups, and botanical watercolors of the plant

Grannie’s Holiday Sale coming to Orcas Senior Center

Mark your calendars—Grannie’s Holiday Sale is back at Orcas Senior Center on Saturday, November 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.! Browse a wide array of festive décor, holiday treasures, and unique creations from local artisans. It’s the perfect place to find special gifts and seasonal inspiration. Get Involved Sign up to volunteer by contacting Edy Hansen at 206-413-6157 or edy@orcasseniors.org.

Jennifer Swanson is ready for the work

Since February, I’ve been on the campaign trail, meeting people across our island county. I’ve been blown away by the passion residents have for this place and their commitment to its future. In conversation after conversation, I’ve been reminded of how much we share: a deep love for our community and a desire to see it thrive, even when we have different perspectives on the challenges we face. I’ve often heard, “Thank […]

Council approves ‘home fund’ funding for three affordable housing projects

In total, the Council awarded $3,734,596 in REET funding and $310,000 in sales tax funding. The County has now awarded approximately $19 million in grants for affordable housing projects across the islands through the Home Fund since 2019 This week, San Juan County supported three significant affordable housing projects on San Juan, Orcas, and Waldron Islands using the Home Fund and the Affordable Housing Sales Tax. In total, the Council awarded $3,734

County deliberates pausing essential public facility siting on Shaw Island, reevaluates path forward

Given current budget constraints, staff is evaluating how to prioritize time and resources across the county During this week’s Council meeting, the siting process for an Essential Public Facility (EPF) for Public Works on Shaw Island was reviewed. The County may choose to pause the process following the November 24 Public Hearing to allow the organization time to reassess the best path forward. Given current budget constraints, staff is evaluating how

Sportsmen Club invites you to win a Thanksgiving turkey

The Orcas Island Sportsmen Club invites the public to come out and win their Thanksgiving Turkey at the 71ST annual fall Turkey-Time Family Fun Shooting Contests. The shoot is on Saturday November 14th from l0 am to 4 pm at the clubhouse and ranges at  1906 Enchanted Forest Road. Adults and young shooters will compete in separate events. Shooters at the small bore range will shoot 22 rifles at paper […]

Join the Orcas Island School Board

Are you passionate about our schools and the future of Orcas Island students? We invite you to consider serving as the next Orcas Island School District Board Director for District #2! Our schools are at the heart of our island community, and strong school leadership begins with engaged community members who care about the success and well-being of every student. Serving on the Orcas Island School Board is an opportunity to share your […]

Multiple county advisory board & committee seats open

Key positions on the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, Solid Waste Advisory Committee, Clean Water Advisory Committee, Agricultural Resources Committee, and other boards are open San Juan County is seeking volunteers to serve on various boards and committees that help shape daily life in the San Juan Islands. Key positions on the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC), Solid Waste Advisory Committee, Clean Water Advisory Committee, Agricultural Resources

Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman is full of energy, optimism, determination

I got to know Katherine Bryant Ingman when UW Medicine announced it was no longer going to operate the Lopez Island clinic, leaving islanders scrambling to keep the clinic open. That crucial moment for Lopez showed me Katherine’s grit and determination. As President of the Catherine Washburn Medical Association, owner of the clinic building, Katherine dug in and worked hard to ensure that Lopez had quality health care that matched our needs, at an affordable […]

County DEM seeks public input on disaster preparedness

Complete a short survey The San Juan County Department of Emergency Management (www.islandsready.org) is updating the County’s Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, which outlines local natural hazard risks and identifies strategies to reduce their impacts.    The current plan is available at: https://www.sanjuanco.com/DocumentCenter/View/21421/HazardMitigationPlan As part of this update, we’re asking San Juan County residents to complete a short survey. It

Orcas Island Clothing Bank draws about 400 over two days

The Orcas Island Clothing Bank welcomed approximately 400 people over two days Oct. 24-25, offering community members an opportunity to find clothing and other household items while giving gently used goods a second life. The event was held at the Orcas Christian School (OCS) gymnasium, continuing a tradition that began in 1994 at the Odd Fellows Hall in town before later moving to the school. Organizers estimated that more than 3,500 pounds of gently […]

Guest Opinion | San Juan Islands need an AI skills test for small businesses

Washington is receiving a new federal industry-driven workforce training grant. The state’s listed industries include AI and data-center infrastructure, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing. But people working in small island businesses also deserve the skills to assess automated decisions. Consider an inn whose AI reservation assistant promises a ferry connection that cannot work, or a shop whose automated inventory tool suggests buyin

Coming to Odd Fellows | The failed attempts to halt North Korea nuclear weapons program

What happens when diplomacy, nuclear science, and international security collide? Join nuclear safeguards and nonproliferation expert Mark Schanfein on Friday, November 7 at 7pm at Odd Fellows Hall for Assignment North Korea: The Failed Attempts to Halt Their Nuclear Weapons Program, an inside look at international efforts to address North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. Schanfein brings a rare firsthand perspective to the subject. During his nearly five de

Winter vehicle reservations release postponed two weeks to Nov. 10

We’re postponing the two-month vehicle reservations release for our winter sailing season (Dec. 27 through March 20, 2027). The delay is needed while we work to adjust reservation availability around upcoming terminal construction.  The new reservations release date is Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 10 a.m. To ensure a smooth and fair experience during this high-demand period, we will continue using a virtual waiting room during the reservations release.  Anacortes/San

What makes me different | Katherine’s closing statement

What makes me different, and why should you vote for me? I think it comes down to perspective and experience. I’m part of the next generation trying to build a life here. I’ve rented here in a difficult housing market, worked multiple jobs, and wondered whether my husband and I could afford to stay. We were lucky enough to buy a fixer-upper, and we’re still fixing it up today. […]

Mercy Flights | Neighbors helping neighbors take flight

A community service announcement from the Orcas Aviation Association Living on Orcas Island is a privilege, but our island’s beauty and isolation can also present challenges, particularly when it comes to accessing medical care on the mainland. For island residents who need to travel for medical appointments or treatment, the ferry isn’t always a practical option. And when ambulance or emergency medical transport isn’t appropriate, getti

Letter to Editor | Who is being represented?

I would like to know whom the selection committee for the artisans holiday fare would have been for this year. Why? Could you please advise. Yes, your letter said and I paraphrase: “received 45 entrants, and please try again and maybe you will qualify, and thank you,” etc. How is this responsible to a community member in the least? One that has built up the Makers Guild significantly, and produced significantly exceptional events […]

It’s time to vote

I filled my ballot out this morning, and it reminded me of how many of you showed up to see the candidates for council and learn about the awful initiatives on the ballot this year. We so appreciate every one of you.     Couldn’t make it? That’s okay! That’s what this email is for. We break down the initiatives and the harm they’re causing below.   We strongly encourage you to vote “no” on […]