Here’s a thought…
“It’s easier to fool people than to convince them that they have been fooled.”
MARK TWAIN
One-act play | Grabbing the Hammer Lane: A Trucker Narrative
||| FROM COLLEEN SMITH SUMMERS for ORCAS CENTER ||| “Grabbing the Hammer Lane: A Trucker Narrative” is a searing, 60-minute, one-act play about prodigal rebellion and fleeting moments of redemption, written by and starring David M. Proctor. He will perform on Sunday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m., Orcas Center. Matt, a
Letter to Editor | She gets it
||| FROM JANET BROWNELL ||| A few months ago, I received a phone call. “Hi, I’m Katherine. I’m running for county council, and so-and-so suggested I reach out to you for advice.” My sage advice? Don’t do it. The county is at an inflection point. Budget tightening is coming, hard
Essay | Trusting government
||| FROM ROBERT AUSTIN ||| I found myself thinking recently of three Orcas men I know, long-time residents, all of them white and in their 70s. One is a pretty far left liberal, another doesn’t identify with or relate to politics and never votes, and the third is about as
Orcas filmmaker Ken Kwapis on the strange, improbable story of The Shaggs
The prophecy said famous. It never said why ||| FROM AYN GAILEY for ORCAS ISLAND FILM FESTIVAL ||| For four decades, director Ken Kwapis has moved between some of Hollywood’s best-known films and television series, directing He’s Just Not That Into You, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and A
Native pollinator presentation by Russel Barsh coming to Orcas Library
||| FROM JENNIFER DEGROOT for ORCAS ISLAND LIBRARY ||| More than 200 wild bees and flies are native to the San Juan Islands, but many are threatened by pesticides, loss of nesting habitat, competition with introduced non-native bee species, and the spread of parasitic flies, mites, and viruses. Learn to identify,
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
