Here’s a thought…
“It’s easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled.”
MARK TWAIN
Deadline approaching | Pay your property taxes before Oct 31
The second half of property taxes and personal property taxes are due Saturday, October 31, 2026 ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| The deadline is approaching to pay the second half of property and personal property taxes: Saturday, October 31, 2026. The San Juan County Treasurer’s Office is making
Community comes together for fall ‘Great Islands Cleanup’
Islanders carry on the legacy of caring by clearing over 2,000 pounds of waste from our beaches ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| Across the San Juan Islands this fall, community members came together to clean beaches, shorelines, roadsides, and favorite island places as part of the bi-annual Great
C Street Brass returns to the islands for two free community concerts
||| FROM CHRISTOPHER PEACOCK for ORCAS ISLAND CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL ||| C Street Brass will return to the San Juan Islands October 26 and 27 as part of the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival’s Musicians-in-Residence program. Known for their energetic performances and wide-ranging musical style, the ensemble moves comfortably between traditional
Letter to Editor | In support of Jennifer Swanson, my mom, for County Council
||| FROM SOPHIA SWANSON ||| I believe that my mom’s candidacy for county council is both unexpected and a long time coming; that is to say, it’s such a natural role for her to step into. The depth to which she cares for our community is obvious: she served on
Letter to Editor | I support Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council
||| FROM SHARON ABREU ||| Although I acknowledge that we here in San Juan County are fortunate to have two strong candidates running for County Council District 3, I have decided to endorse Katherine Bryant Ingman for the position. I appreciate Katherine's energy, and I see her as an independent
Letter to Editor | Ron Krebs shares his commitment to community
||| FROM RON KREBS, CANDIDATE FOR SAN JUAN COUNTY SHERIFF ||| To the Citizens of San Juan County, As we approach the upcoming election, I want to share my priorities for the San Juan County Sheriff's Office and my commitment to the community we serve. Having served as your Sheriff
Letter to Editor | Jennifer Swanson is best candidate for County Council District #3
||| FROM MAUREEN SEE ||| Jennifer Swanson is the right person to tackle our problems. She is articulate and organized and qualified to do the job. She will listen to the community and respect their opinions. She will understand the role of the County Council in our government and in
Letter to Editor | Ingman on housing & affordability
||| FROM KATHERINE BRYANT INGMAN FOR SAN JUAN COUNTY COUNCIL ||| I know the struggle of housing in the islands, firsthand. We have regularly housed friends and essential workers in the summers because we know that it takes the entire community to seek practical housing solutions. Before we bought our
Orcas Center art show opening | “The Art of Expression”
||| FROM MARJORIE TAYLOR for ORCAS CENTER ||| The Visual Arts Committee of Orcas Center announces the opening of a new show on October 23 (5:30 to 7:00 pm) featuring works from “Art with Carla” – a weekly event at the Orcas Island Senior Center. Wonderful art is the result
A very special night of drumming with TAIKOPROJECT at Orcas Center
||| FROM COLLEEN SMITH SUMMERS for ORCAS CENTER ||| TAIKOPROJECT celebrates 25 years of taiko creativity and innovation with a new concert production entitled “25.” Featuring new compositions and choreography and stunning costumes by acclaimed designer Sueko Oshimoto, “25” will take audiences on a thundering roller coaster of the senses
Letter to Editor | I am supporting Katherine Bryant Ingman for San Juan County District 3
||| FROM ROB GRANT ||| Decatur is a relatively small outer island in the archipelago, but we are a critical link in the energy chain serving the entire county! We need a fierce advocate on the Council, one who speaks truth to power and will represent not only our interests,
Letter to Editor | In support of Orcas Island Park and Rec District
||| FROM JUSTIN PAULSEN ||| Our community has the opportunity in the upcoming election to re-commit to supporting the Orcas Island Park and Recreation District. Since its inception, OIPRD has continuously been a responsible and reliable steward the taxpayer dollars from our community. Through direct programming and relationships built with
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman brings leadership with a stake in the future
||| FROM CINDY WOLF ||| 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
Former Starbucks CEO encourages Orcas Christian School students to ‘Be More Human’
||| FROM ORCAS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ||| Orcas Christian School (OCS) is embracing experiential education, providing students with opportunities to learn from leaders with real-world experience. “We pride ourselves on offering powerful experiences for our students. On October 8, students were able to meet and hear from Jim Donald, a former
CWR encounter • Bigg’s Killer Whales
||| FROM CENTER FOR WHALE RESEARCH ||| Full Encounter Report ObservBegin: 09:08 AM ObservEnd: 09:46 AM Vessel: Mike 1 Staff: Mark Malleson Pods: Bigg's killer whales IDsEncountered: T069E LocationDescr: Sooke Bluffs EncSummary: As Mark was departing the T019s (see Encounter #81) he received a report of a single male killer whale
Letter to Editor | In support of Heather Lee for Auditor
||| FROM KIMBERLEY IHLENFELDT ||| I am writing as a private citizen in support of Heather Lee for San Juan County Auditor. The Auditor’s Office plays an important role in maintaining accurate records, protecting public resources, and serving residents with professionalism and transparency. Heather brings proven experience from her time
