Island News
EWUA members call for third-party review amid workplace, leadership concerns
||| FROM SAM GAILEY, SPECIAL REPORT TO THE ORCASONIAN ||| The Eastsound Water Users Association held a listening session this week as the organization continues to face internal disputes, leadership concerns, labor-related tensions, and questions from members about transparency and governance. At the start of the meeting, the board stated that the session was intended for listening rather than debate, and that board members would not respond to public comments in real time. During the public com
Kindergarten transition brings joy, confidence, connection to Orcas families
||| FROM RESOURCE CENTER COMMUNICATIONS TEAM ||| The Orcas Community Resource Center welcomed more than 25 families to its annual Kindergarten Transition event — a warm and lively evening designed to help young islanders take their first big step into school with confidence, curiosity, and community behind them. Hosted this year at the Camp Orkila Main Lodge, the event offered hands-on learning stations led by enthusiastic preschool and kindergarten teachers. Children explored early reading, mat
Letter to Editor | Thanks to community partner during 2026 Firewise event
||| FROM CHIEF NOEL MONIN for SAN JUAN ISLAND FIRE & RESCUE ||| San Juan Island Fire & Rescue wants to commend a Firewise Community partner – the Roche Harbor Neighborhood Association – and many volunteers for all their hard work in May to maintain Firewise USA status. Thank you for being such proactive leaders and for looking out for all of us! The recent cleanup was nothing short of impressive! The progress for this year’s event is posted on […]
Taking Action Together | Communitywide climate survey to guide climate action
Your input guided the first steps—now help us build the next phase of the Climate Action Plan. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County is developing a Climate Action Plan (CAP) to guide how we respond to climate change while protecting our community and environment. The County is inviting all residents to participate in its second communitywide climate survey to help shape a future that reflects community values and priorities. Given the current budget restraints and resource
Orcas is now blooming with gratitude
||| FROM LINDSAY JENNINGS for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ||| On Orcas Island, each and every one of us plays a role in providing the seeds, soil, water, and sunlight needed to grow and sustain a high quality of life for all. Thank you for digging deep and nurturing the community together during Spring GiveOrcas! The bounty of our collective efforts over the past 10 days was plentiful, with donations totalling $264,408. With an additional $97,174 from the Community Foundation’s […]
WSF Weekly Report | Pets on board; upcoming holiday travel; online community meetings afoot
||| FROM STEVE NEVEY for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| A message from Steve Pets become members of our families, providing comfort and unconditional love. Washingtonians rightly enjoy including them in family events and travel. To align with partner transit agencies and public feedback, we rolled out an updated pet policy this week. Pets on leashes are now allowed in all passenger areas, except: Indoor food service areas, including onboard galleys. On seats or tables. About half of the indoor pas
Occam’s Razor | Our island, our world through the eyes, pen of S.C. Watson
Under pressure, EWUA board signals support for third-party workplace investigation
Facing a standing-room crowd of members, community advocates and its own operators, the Eastsound Water Users Association board signaled support Monday evening for a third-party workplace investigation — a shift that came only after sustained public pressure and a striking display of unity from the association’s certified operators.
Orcas Island seniors urged to take action following Bank of America data breaches
Submitted by the Orcas Community Resource Center Financial Literacy Team.
Larry Hughes: A life of service on Orcas Island
Submitted by the Orcas Community Resource Center Communications Team.
Friday Harbor Golf brings home 2 medals at State Championship; Orcas golfer captures State Title
Spokane, WA — Friday Harbor High School capped its postseason run with a standout showing at the WAII State Golf Championship, held May 19–20 at Liberty Lake Golf Club. Two Wolverines—senior Jack Hess and sophomore James Hollingsworth—earned their way into the elite state field and both returned home as medalists. The boys’ division was limited […]
Six new recruits sworn in as San Juan Island Fire and Rescue firefighters
Friday Harbor, WA – San Juan Island Fire & Rescue proudly welcomed six new firefighters into the ranks during a swearing-in ceremony held at Station 31 on Mullis Street. All of them are neighbors across San Juan Island. Fire Department leadership, firefighters, and family members attended the ceremony, celebrating a milestone moment in the recruits’ […]
Kiwanis Club partners with EDC to boost local trade-school opportunities
The Kiwanis Club of Friday Harbor has strengthened its commitment to supporting local youth pursuing careers in the trades through a new partnership with the San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC). Club members recently met with EDC Director Victoria Compton and staff member Liam Watson to explore ways to expand training access and encourage […]
Roche Harbor Neighborhood Association commended for maintaining Firewise USA status
Letter to Editor: San Juan Island Fire & Rescue wants to commend a Firewise Community partner – the Roche Harbor Neighborhood Association – and many volunteers for all their hard work in May to maintain Firewise USA status. Thank you for being such proactive leaders and for looking out for all of us! The recent […]
Is this your vessel adrift near Waldon Island?
United States Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound received a report of an adrift vessel in the vicinity of Waldron Island. If this is your vessel, or if you have any information regarding the vessel or its owner, please contact the Sector Puget Sound Command Center at (206) 217-6001.
Robert Leroy (Bob) Wingate June 20, 1947 – April 16, 2026
Robert Leroy (Bob) Wingate was born on June 20, 1947, in Tacoma to parents, Elvera Mantifel and Rex Wingate. He was one of the five boys. His surviving brothers are Greg (Jan) and Doug (Laurie). Bob is predeceased by his parents and brothers Byron and Dennis. He loved his mom and dad, and his brothers […]
All 6 certified Eastsound Water operators speak out
||| FROM ALL SIX EASTSOUND WATER USER OPERATORS ||| First of all, we want to express to the membership how seriously we take our commitment to providing safe drinking water to our island community. One of us is available to you at every moment of every day. We want you to know that there has been nowhere for us to safely express workplace grievances without fear of retaliation-this is why we chose to Unionize. It has been very difficult to […]
San Juan Fire & Rescue swears in 6 new firefighters
||| FROM SAN JUAN ISLAND FIRE & RESCUE ||| San Juan Island Fire & Rescue proudly welcomed 6 new firefighters into the ranks during a swearing-in ceremony held at Station 31 on Mullis Street. All of them are neighbors across San Juan Island. Fire Department leadership, firefighters, and family members attended the ceremony, celebrating a milestone moment in the recruits’ careers and marking an important investment in public safety for Friday Harbor residents. The following recruits were sworn in
An open letter to the EWUA board members
||| FROM EASTSOUND STEWARDSHIP ALLIANCE ||| At the recent Board meeting on May 19th, over 75 members attended and delivered a clear and urgent request through public comment and applause: We need a 3rd party investigation into the workplace environment at EWUA. This meeting was also attended by EWUA’s operators, who have had nowhere to go with their serious concerns about a deeply toxic workplace and grievances about the General Manager. Members were read a public letter written by all […]
Orcas Community Band to present music for America’s 250 anniversary
||| FROM KAREN KEY SPECK for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY BAND ||| The Orcas Island Community Band is proud to announce a special musical tribute to the United State’s 250th anniversary. Taking place on Friday, June 19 at 7:00pm at Orcas Center, the performance will celebrate the nation’s history through iconic American compositions, diverse musical genres and stirring patriotic favorites. Admission is by donation. The Concert, titled “250: The Music That Shaped Us” is part of the nationwide America25
Larsen fights to make housing more affordable in Northwest Washington
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U. S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted for comprehensive, bipartisan legislation to make housing more affordable across the United States (the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act). “Families in Northwest Washington are struggling to afford their skyrocketing rent and don’t know if they will ever be able to buy a house of their own,” said Rep. Larsen. “This bill is not a be-all-and-end-all fix to the housing […]
No jurors needed for May 26-29
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| JURY DUTY: MAY 26-29, 2026 All jurors summonsed for the Jury Period beginning Tuesday May 20th through Friday May 29th, 2026 are excused. Thank you.
A place where creativity repairs more than things
By Asifa Pasin
Washington State Ferries rolling out new pet policy
Pets are welcome when traveling on Washington State Ferries, but there are a few rules to help keep everyone safe and comfortable. By law, service animals are allowed in all areas. Livestock must remain in proper enclosures. WSF is rolling out a new pet policy in time for the busy summer travel season. The policy […]