Here’s a thought…
“When is the time we all get to eat cake? I don’t want to miss it!”
ANONYMOUS
Odd Fellows readies annual firewood raffle
||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND ODD FELLOWS ||| The Orcas Island Odd Fellows are once again offering islanders a chance to stay warm this winter while supporting important community causes through their annual Firewood Raffle. This year's lucky winner will receive a full cord of firewood, delivered and stacked right at their
Letter to Editor | Long-time Lopez pharmacists endorse Katherine for County Council
||| FROM RICK AND MARGE MCCOY ||| We would like to endorse Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council. During our 30-plus years owning the Lopez Island Pharmacy, we’ve been fortunate to know and work closely with many of the former council representatives from Lopez. Katherine has served in many island
Letter to Editor | Jennifer Swanson builds community through service and hard work
||| FROM AMBER BORNER ||| I have known Jennifer for 20 years. She is a thoughtful, inclusive leader who brings people with diverse opinions together to find solutions. Jennifer has a proven record of public service and strong relationships throughout the county. She served 11 years on the school board
Getting to know Katherine | Leadership in action
||| FROM KATHERINE BRYANT INGMAN, COUNTY COUNCIL CANDIDATE ||| I’ve been fortunate to benefit from, and contribute to, impressive and impactful volunteer work throughout my life. From an early age, I’ve looked for ways to bring people together with integrity, care, and joy, and to create the kind of culture
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant-Ingman gets things done
||| FROM SCOTT AND VALERIE SLUIS ||| We are writing in support of Katherine Bryant-Ingman’s candidacy, for the District 3 seat on the San Juan County Council, representing residents of Lopez, Shaw and Decatur islands. We quickly endorsed Katherine for the District 3 seat of the SJC Council. District 3
Encounter #81 • Bigg’s Killer Whales T19s • September 6, 2026
||| FROM CENTER FOR WHALE RESEARCH ||| Full Encounter Report ObservBegin: 08:24 AM ObservEnd: 08:50 AM Vessel: Mike 1 Staff: Mark Malleson Pods: Bigg's killer whales IDsEncountered: T019, T019B, T019C LocationDescr: East Sooke EncSummary: Mark and Fin left Victoria Harbour on Mike 1 at 0730 to take advantage of the perfect survey conditions
County’s first mid-block crosswalk connects Lopez Island schools to new pool
This new crossing includes a rapid flashing beacon with a push-button, pedestrian signage, and crosswalk striping ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| Lopez Island’s long-anticipated Swim Center opened this summer, and the County’s Public Works Department is working to safely connect the community to this exciting new resource. This
I’m Not the Church Lady | Step away from the pedestal, Rosie
Or, maybe I need to notice where life keeps putting me ||| I'M NOT THE CHURCH LADY by ROSIE KUHN ||| Over the past couple of months, I’ve become a member of two Boards of Directors here on Orcas. This has never been on my bucket list. In fact, being
Register now for Annual Garden Workshop Series
||| FROM CAITIE BLETHEN,for WSU EXTENSION SAN JUAN COUNTY ||| Garden enthusiasts throughout the region are encouraged to register now for the 2026 Garden Workshop Series presented by the San Juan County WSU Extension Master Gardeners and San Juan County Master Gardener Foundation. Registration closes Thursday, October 15. Held over
Actors Theater’s new, old-time radio show coming to the Grange
||| FROM MELINDA MILLIGAN for ACTORS THEATER OF ORCAS ISLAND ||| Radio station KIXP and Actors Theater of Orcas Island announce the debut of "On the Rock", a new old-time radio show! In the style of "Prairie Home Companion" and similar shows, it features local musicians, Orcas-based sketches and other delights. Hosted
Larsen continues to hold ICE accountable at Ferndale HSI facility
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| FERNDALE, WA – Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “I am committed to getting answers for the people I represent about immigration operations in Northwest Washington. Today, I went to ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) facility in Ferndale. This
CWR locates J Pod in Strait of Juan de Fuca
||| FROM CENTER FOR WHALE RESEARCH ||| Full Encounter Report ObservBegin: 04:27 PM ObservEnd: 06:38 PM Vessel: KCB III Staff: Dave Ellifrit, Michael Weiss Other Observers: Taylor Redmond, Astrid van Ginneken, Navi Zwart Pods: J IDsEncountered: J16, J19, J22, J26, J27, J31, J35, J36, J37, J38, J39, J40, J41, J42, J44,
Learn about mobile integrated health program on Orcas
||| FROM THE RESOURCE CENTER COMMUNICATIONS TEAM ||| The Orcas Community Resource Center, in partnership with the Orcas Community Health Care District, Orcas Island Fire & Rescue, and San Juan County, invites the community to a free public presentation on Thursday, October 22, from 6-7 pm at the Orcas Island
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman has my vote
||| FROM HILARY CANTY ||| 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! I will be voting for Katherine Bryant Ingman. Her service in the nonprofit and philanthropic
Letter to Editor | Heather Lee is the right person for Auditor
||| FROM MILENE HENLEY ||| I hired Heather Lee to work in the Auditor’s Office, initially as an administrative assistant. It immediately became apparent to me that she was capable of so much more. Since then, she has gained experience in all areas of the Auditor’s office, including payroll, elections,
Community Meeting | Agate Beach county park updates & road relocation on Lopez Island
Join the conversation on Tuesday, October 20 at Agate Beach County Park ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| MacKaye Harbor Rd and the Agate Beach County Park on Lopez Island are scheduled for infrastructure updates in 2027. Reconstruction of MacKaye Harbor Road and the Agate Beach County Park parking
