NEWS2026-04-26T11:16:06-07:00

Here’s a thought…

“I don’t know why we are here, but I’m pretty sure that it is not in order to enjoy ourselves.”

LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN

LATEST NEWS

WSF fare changes coming up on May 1

April 29th, 2026|

||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| Starting this Friday, May 1, there will be changes to our fares and multi-ride pass expiration:   Passenger and vehicle ticket prices will increase by an average of 3%. The Washington State Transportation Commission approved these changes last summer.    A 35% peak season surcharge

No jurors required for May 4-8

April 29th, 2026|

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| JURY DUTY: MAY 4-8, 2026 All jurors summonsed for the Jury Period beginning Monday May 4th through Friday May 8th, 2026 are excused.  Thank you.  

Celebrate World Labyrinth Day at Emmanuel

April 29th, 2026|

Three islands, one path ||| FROM NANCY AYER ||| WORLD LABYRINTH DAY SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2026 - EMMANUEL LABYRINTH AVAILABLE ALL DAY - Lopez, Orcas, San Juan Join all of us as we walk in community with pilgrims from all faiths and spiritualities in a worldwide meditation on PEACE. Come walk

Registration open for WSF Community Meetings, Tuesday, May 26

April 28th, 2026|

||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| We’re hosting two online community meetings on Tuesday, May 26. This is a great chance to share feedback and ask us questions. We’ll cover topics including the upcoming FIFA World Cup, an updated pet policy, new vessel construction, and our Service Contingency Plan. Both meetings will cover the same topics, and most

Story-sharing event for LGBTQ+ islanders at Orcas Library

April 28th, 2026|

||| FROM PARKER PAVITT for ORCAS ISLAND HISTORICAL MUSEUMS ||| Orcas Island Historical Museums invites you to a story-sharing event for LGBTQ+ islanders from 6-8pm on May 28th at the Public Library. During this casual after-hours event, mingle for an evening of community and collaboration over a shared meal hosted

Go Fund Me account launched for West Side Kitchen

April 28th, 2026|

||| FROM ANDRE NORRIS for GO FUND ME ||| A popular Orcas Island lunch spot is at risk of closing as its owner faces mounting financial challenges. The West Side Kitchen has been hit by unexpected setbacks, including the sudden arrival of owner Andi’s son, staffing losses, and repeated closures

A collaborative conservation with Land Bank, Conservation District

April 27th, 2026|

Lessons from five years of habitat restoration at Mount Grant—and what’s next ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| Join the San Juan County Conservation Land Bank and the San Juan Islands Conservation District on May 6th for a conversation on collaborative, landscape-scale restoration at Mount Grant Preserve on San

Don’t touch bats | Tips to prevent rabies exposure

April 27th, 2026|

Spring environmental health tips from your local public health department ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| Your local public health team wants to remind you of a few tips to help make your spring season as fun and healthy as possible.   Bats are highly beneficial to people, as

Center for Whale Research encounters J Pod in Haro Strait

April 26th, 2026|

||| FROM CENTER FOR WHALE RESEARCH ||| Full Encounter Report ObservBegin: 10:05 AM ObservEnd: 01:05 PM Vessel: KCB III Staff: Dave Ellifrit, Michael Weiss, Katie Jones Pods: J IDsEncountered: J16, J19, J26, J27, J36, J38, J39, J40, J41, J42, J44, J45, J46, J47, J49, J51, J53, J56, J58, J62, and J63

Comments Off on Center for Whale Research encounters J Pod in Haro Strait

Early Childhood Education Initiative launches new website

April 26th, 2026|

||| FROM ED ANDREWS for EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION INITIATIVE ||| The Early Childhood Education Initiative is excited to announce the launch of its new website at theecei.org. The redesigned site offers a new look with an easier way for families, donors, educators, and the community to learn about the mission,

Comments Off on Early Childhood Education Initiative launches new website

Disposing of unwanted prescription medication

April 26th, 2026|

||| FROM INGRID MATTSON for ORCAS ISLAND LIBRARY ||| You may know the Orcas Island Library provides notary services, wi-fi hotspots, and board games, but did you know we also distribute envelopes for prescription drug returns/take-backs? In partnership with the Coalition for Orcas Youth (COY), you can grab a mail-back bag

Comments Off on Disposing of unwanted prescription medication

The Whale Museum announces open house event

April 26th, 2026|

||| FROM CONOR AGNEW for THE WHALE MUSEUM ||| The Whale Museum will be hosting an Open House event on Friday, May 1, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This is a great opportunity for the community to meet the new faces at The Whale Museum and learn more about

Comments Off on The Whale Museum announces open house event

Center for Whale Research honors L25 with new logo

April 26th, 2026|

||| FROM CENTER FOR WHALE RESEARCH ||| As we celebrate our 50th year, we’re proud to share our new logo for the Center for Whale Research. Our new logo features L25, the oldest living matriarch in the Southern Resident orca community. She is not just an individual whale, but a

Comments Off on Center for Whale Research honors L25 with new logo

Go to Top