Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
Interactive Food System Plan now live on San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild website
By Caitlin Leck
Jennifer Swanson will represent all of San Juan County | Letter
Having served eight years on the San Juan County Council, the Ferry Advisory Committee, and spent 20+ years operating small businesses on Orcas Island, I know 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.
From Orcas Island to the Florida campaign trail
Submitted by Ayn Gailey.
Burn permits now local on Orcas Island
Submitted by Orcas Island Fire & Rescue.
Community comes together for Fall ‘Great Islands Cleanup’
Submitted by the San Juan County Department of Environmental Stewardship
Decatur Island residents demand halt to OPALCO solar expansion project at board meeting
Co-op members cite costs, fire safety and a strained relationship
Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens come to Orcas with Barb Faville
Submitted by the Orcas Island Garden Club.
Covenant-smuvadent: The deforestation of Decatur Island | Letter
It’s a funny thing about islands. They tend to stay put. The trees stay put, too—quiet, hardworking citizens who ask for nothing except a little rain and the chance to stand upright for a century or two. On Decatur Island, where I grew up and now live, those trees have been doing their job faithfully, keeping the hillside from wandering off, shading the deer, and sheltering the owls. Did I mention they’re holding the soil in place so the rest of us don’t slide into the Salish Sea?
Islands’ Sounder and Journal of the San Juans receive General Excellence in 2026 WNPA Better Newspaper Contest
San Juan Group newspapers combine for 24 awards, including a sweep of Crime & Court Story reporting
Don’t dismantle San Juan County’s Environmental Stewardship | 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.
Grieving whale carries dead newborn
Another Southern Resident mother has been spotted carrying her deceased orca calf. Mark Malleson of The Center for Whale Research reported an encounter with J31 on Oct. 3, swimming near Sombrio Point in the Straight of San Juan de Fuca, with a baby on her nose.
New analysis reveals major increase in vessel traffic through the Salish Sea
Submitted by the Friends of the San Juans.
Civic engagement goes beyond the ballot box | Letter
During the course of my campaign for County Council, I have had countless conversations with people across the islands and have learned a great deal about their concerns. These conversations have given form to how I will, as councilmember, approach the budget.
David B. Williams comes to Orcas Island for ‘In the Range of Fire and Ice’
Submitted by the Orcas Island Public Library.
Expert speakers highlight sustainable gardening at October workshop series
Submitted by the Master Gardeners.
What seeds have you sown?: A harvest festival rooted in reflection
Orcas Islanders gathered at the fifth annual Family Tides Farm & Northwest Indian College Fall Festival on Sept. 20 to celebrate with friends and contemplate their own harvest over the past year.
October artist at the Orcas Library
Submitted by the Orcas Public Library.
Mount Constitution volunteers recognized with statewide award
By Hilary Clark