Island News
Cowan: Supports Katherine Bryant Ingman for county Council
I strongly support Katherine Bryant Ingman for District 3 County Council representative. She is well known on Lopez Island as a hard-working advocate for improving our community. Over the past decade, she has taken on some of Lopez Island’s hardest issues, including her role as manager of the Lopez Island Family Resource Center’s Food Share […]
News Brief | Who speaks for the trees? A tiny Quebec town
||| FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES ||| The Universal Declaration on the Rights of Trees was drafted in France in 2018 and 2019 by lawyers, ecologists and lawmakers. It mandates that humanity “act with the Tree in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity” and has been presented as a petition to the United Nations and the European Parliament, among others. What precisely this will all mean when put into law — whether it will require simple replacement of trees, limits […]
Larsen presses Trump admin to end Jones Act waivers
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement: “Trump’s waiver of the Jones Act has done nothing to lower prices. Instead, it has halted investment in U.S. shipbuilding, stolen jobs from American mariners and threatened the entire U.S. maritime industry. “The Administration must reverse course to protect our maritime workfor
No jurors needed for July 27-31
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| JURY DUTY: JULY 27-31, 2026 Jurors summonsed for the Jury Period beginning Monday 27th through Friday July 31st, 2026 are excused. Thank you.
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman is a hard-working advocate
||| FROM TOM COWAN ||| I strongly support Katherine Bryant Ingman for District 3 County Council representative. She is well known on Lopez Island as a hard-working advocate for improving our community. Over the past decade, she has taken on some of Lopez Island’s hardest issues, including her role as manager of the Lopez Island Family Resource Center’s Food Share to strengthen local food security, and as board president of the Catherine Washburn Medical Association to help protect access to […]
Larsen votes No on unserious Republican funding bill
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “Republicans’ short-term government funding bill is a dead end. Senate Republicans have said they will ignore it. It was written without any Democratic feedback. Even the White House says it is incomplete. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in both parties to fund the government when Republicans are ready to be serious.”
Letter to Editor | I support Katherine Bryant-Ingman for council
||| FROM JAMIE STEPHENS ||| Katherine is a leader. As a former District 3 County Council Member, I’ve watched her work in this community over the years, and I know a leader when I see one. When the University of Washington chose not to continue operating the Lopez Island Medical Clinic last year, Katherine, as president of the Catherine Washburn Medical Association board, a role she still holds today, played a critical role on the leadership team that searched for […]
August highlights at Orcas Senior Center
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Orcas Senior Center offers a variety of ongoing classes, social groups, wellness activities, and creative programs throughout the month. All programs are open to everyone, regardless of age, and new participants are always welcome. A full calendar with dates and times is available at www.orcasseniors.org/calendar-of-events. This Month at the Senior Center: Fitness & Wellness: Chair yoga, Feldenkrais Arts & Creativity: Art with Carla, quilting, need
Larsen insists Coast Guard act to protect Salish Sea
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement: “People I represent need answers on how the new Alberta to B.C. pipeline at Roberts Bank is going to impact the Salish Sea and local marine habitats. “Due to Canada’s plans to ship more oil in the Salish Sea, the Coast Guard’s oil spill prevention and response mission in the P
Health Care District meeting will share progress on clinic expansion
||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND HEALTH CARE DISTRICT ||| The Orcas Island Health Care District will hold a community town hall on Thursday July 23rd, from 5:15 – 7:00 PM to share progress on the Island Primary Care – Orcas Clinic Expansion project. The Town Hall will be held at the Orcas Center, Madrona Room – 917 Mt Baker Rd, Eastsound, WA 98245. Download 01. 2026_07_23 Agenda_Town_Hall.docx
Help inspire the next generation of scientists
Submitted by the Orcas Island Public Library.
Welcome to Medicare
Submitted by the Orcas Senior Center.
Supporting the Department of Environmental Stewardship | Letter
One of the arguments for keeping the Department of Environmental Stewardship in its present form (rather than spreading its mission to other departments) is that the Department’s funding comes largely from State and Federal grants. What happens if those funds dry up? Unfortunately, we have seen several examples of this in recent times. This would increase the budget deficit.
Odd Fellows Hall show a success | Letter
I was very happy to read that The Big Show was a big success at the big Chautauqua Show held at Odd Fellows Hall on June 20th. It had performers, artists, and magical experiences.
Swanson is an amazing community advocate | Letter
Jennifer Swanson is an amazing community advocate who is well-versed in the history of our beautiful islands. In my many interactions with her, she has always been warm, welcoming, responsive and thoughtful. I’m very grateful to know her and was thrilled to learn that she’s running for local office.
Executive director of EDC exits | Letter
Dear Islanders,
New federal housing law takes effect, bringing new tools — and open questions — to San Juan County
At midnight on July 10, the “21st Century ROAD to Housing Act” became federal law without a presidential signature. The president had threatened to veto the bill, H.R. 6644, but failed to act within the Constitution’s 10-day review window, allowing it to become law automatically. For San Juan County, the law’s fine print may matter as much as its headline goal of increasing the national housing supply.
Orcas Island Health Care District announces newsletter, social media accounts and expansion plan | Column
Submitted by the Orcas Island Health Care District.
Wildland fire scorches Lopez Island cliffside, multi-agency response prevents damage to homes
A wildland fire broke out Monday, July 13, on a cliffside off Shark Reef Road near Meadow Lane, prompting a rapid mutual aid response from fire agencies across the San Juan Islands and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. By 6 p.m., the fire was contained, though crews planned to remain on scene overnight to monitor for flare-ups.
The Grange was a full house for candidate forum
Ballots are in the mail for the Aug. 4 primary election, and three are running for the District 3 County Council position: Renee J. Koplan and Katherine Bryant Ingman of Lopez, and Jennifer Swanson of Shaw. District 3 includes Lopez, Shaw and Decatur islands. The League of Women Voters hosted forums with the three candidates: July 13 on Orcas, July 14 on San Juan and July 15 on Lopez.
‘James and the Giant Peach, Jr.’ featuring an all-local kids cast
For the first time in the history of Orcas Center’s theater camp, the program is presenting a full production for the community.
The room knew it last night — Katherine for Council | Column
By Ed Andrews
‘Stitched Stories: A Quilter’s Showcase’ at Orcas Senior Center
Submitted by the Orcas Senior Center.
Swinomish and Squaxin Island tribes file lawsuit challenging rescission of ESA harm rule
Submitted by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.