Port commission will meet on Monday
||| FROM CHIP LONG for PORT OF ORCAS ||| The Port of Orcas Board of Commissioners will hold a Regular Meeting on Monday, July 27th at 4:00 p.m. online via Zoom and in-person at the airport terminal conference room. Access and agenda information can be found at portoforcas.com.
WSF Weekly Report | 98,174 riders in one day; annual tribal canoe journey; fall reservations available
||| FROM STEVE NEVEY for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| A message from Steve On Saturday, we welcomed 98,174 riders on board, our highest single-day ridership since 2019. That easily surpassed our previous post-pandemic high of 95,361 riders on July 26 of last year. Since 2020, we’ve had 10 days with
Occam’s Razor | Our island, our world through the eyes, pen of S.C. Watson
Welcome to our weekly feature, Occam's Razor, from local artist S.C. Watson.
Breaking News | Plane just went down at Sucia Island
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue later confirmed that everyone aboard had been rescued and was receiving medical care or being transported from the scene. Kenmore Air said everyone on board has been accounted for. According to the airline, two injured passengers were taken to a hospital in Bellingham, while two
Larsen stands firm against Trump’s unjustified war
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “Today I voted once again to stop the President from attacking Iran. All Americans have gotten out of this unjustified war is higher prices. Congress is sending a
Come to Market Day this Saturday for treats and treasures
||| FROM LYNN BAKER for EMMANUEL MARKET DAY ||| Crab pot! Pizza ovens! Hummel figurines! Yummy pies! Crow Valley pottery! Delightful treasures and useful tools await you this Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Market Day, Emmanuel Church’s annual sale. Come for the fun; take home great finds. The
‘James and the Giant Peach, Jr.’ features an all-local kids cast
||| FROM COLLEEN SMITH SUMMERS for ORCAS CENTER ||| As the culmination of Orcas Center’s summer theatre intensive, a group of young thespians is presenting a production of “Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach, Jr.” It’s a fantastical tale of a boy, his insect friends, and their amazing journey
Rotary Car Show is sweeter this year
Get ready for some serious car-gazing ||| FROM BARBARA MERRITT for ROTARY CAR SHOW ||| The Rotary Car Show returns for its 18th year on Sunday, August 9, from 11 am to 3 pm, at San Juan Vineyard, 3136 Roche Harbor Road. Known for its relaxed, friendly atmosphere and scenic
San Juan Island coffee shop ditches plastic cups
Third House Coffee owner Caleb Aldstadt made the switch on his own - and says it's saving him money ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| As communities around the world mark Plastic Free July, one local business didn't need a campaign to get started. Caleb Aldstadt, owner of Third
News Brief | Who speaks for the trees? A tiny Quebec town
||| FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES ||| The Universal Declaration on the Rights of Trees was drafted in France in 2018 and 2019 by lawyers, ecologists and lawmakers. It mandates that humanity “act with the Tree in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity” and has been presented as a petition
Larsen presses Trump admin to end Jones Act waivers
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), top Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement: “Trump’s waiver of the Jones Act has done nothing to lower prices. Instead, it has halted investment in U.S.
No jurors needed for July 27-31
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| JURY DUTY: JULY 27-31, 2026 Jurors summonsed for the Jury Period beginning Monday 27th through Friday July 31st, 2026 are excused. Thank you.
Letter to Editor | Katherine Bryant Ingman is a hard-working advocate
||| FROM TOM COWAN ||| I strongly support Katherine Bryant Ingman for District 3 County Council representative. She is well known on Lopez Island as a hard-working advocate for improving our community. Over the past decade, she has taken on some of Lopez Island's hardest issues, including her role as
Larsen votes No on unserious Republican funding bill
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “Republicans’ short-term government funding bill is a dead end. Senate Republicans have said they will ignore it. It was written without any Democratic feedback. Even the White House says
Letter to Editor | I support Katherine Bryant-Ingman for council
||| FROM JAMIE STEPHENS ||| Katherine is a leader. As a former District 3 County Council Member, I've watched her work in this community over the years, and I know a leader when I see one. When the University of Washington chose not to continue operating the Lopez Island Medical
August highlights at Orcas Senior Center
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Orcas Senior Center offers a variety of ongoing classes, social groups, wellness activities, and creative programs throughout the month. All programs are open to everyone, regardless of age, and new participants are always welcome. A full calendar with dates and times
