Here’s a thought…
“Old age is no joke, but it can feel like one.”
TAD TOMPKINS
Midnight Mutterings |This coming winter
||| MIDNIGHT MUTTERINGS by JACKIE BATES ||| Somehow, I’m less enthusiastic about the approaching winter than usual. Is is that the early dark and late daylight seem to affect me negatively more than in the past? Or is that my little neighborhood seems to be clearing out for the season
Sheriff’s Report | October 22 – 28, 2025
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ||| WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22 25-007302 Suspicious Person/Circumstance 10:34:08 10/22/25 An Orcas Island Deputy responded to a suspicious incident near downtown Eastsound. The reporting party explained that a male with possible mental health concerns was acting suspicious. The Deputy conducted a search for the
Building Community Resilience | Supporting islanders through uncertain times
||| FROM MEGAN METCALF for ORCAS COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER ||| Communities nationwide — including here on Orcas — are bracing for potential devastating disruptions as the government shutdown extends beyond October 31st. At stake are critical federal nutrition programs such as SNAP and WIC, alongside healthcare challenges including limited insurance
Supporting food access on Orcas Island
||| FROM LINDSAY JENNINGS for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ||| As the government shutdown continues, OICF has been in close communication with partners to mobilize resources and coordinate support as federal funding for critical programs like WIC and SNAP are threatened. These programs are essential to ensuring that all families,
News Brief | Judge rules emergency funds must be used for SNAP benefits
||| FROM NPR.ORG ||| The Agriculture Department must use emergency funds to keep SNAP going. ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED BY NPR.ORG Resuming payments at some point can still avoid irreparable harm to SNAP recipients. Read full article
Happy Halloween | A treat from Rep. Lekanoff
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF REP. DEBRA LEKANOFF ||| Happy Halloween! As we trade candy corn for committee hearings and pumpkins for policy, I’m reminded that the real magic of this season comes from working together for the common good. While some might try to trick Washingtonians out of strong
Wind advisory in effect until 10PM
||| FROM NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE ||| URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Seattle WA 934 AM PDT Fri Oct 31 2025 San Juan County-Lowlands of Western Whatcom County-Port Townsend Area-Island County- Including Friday Harbor, Freeland, Bellingham, Port Townsend, and Langley 934 AM PDT Fri Oct 31 2025 ...WIND ADVISORY
Join the Land Bank Commission, guide conservation in the islands
Looking to Get Involved? ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| The Land Bank is looking for two engaged community members to fill at-large positions on the Land Bank Commission. The Commission holds regular, monthly meetings on the third Friday of the month, and the seven commissioners serve staggered, four-year
High winds expected to impact ferry service until Saturday afternoon
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| All ferry passengers should be prepared for possible service disruptions starting later today through Saturday afternoon due to high winds. Anacortes/San Juan Islands and Port Townsend/Coupeville routes: With stronger winds in the north, we expect these routes to be most impacted by severe weather.
WSF Weekly Update | Boats. Communities. Trust. Halloween. Daylight Savings Time
||| FROM STEVE NEVEY for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| A message from Steve When I think about what Washington State Ferries truly represents, I keep coming back to three simple words: Boats Communities Trust. Our boats are the most visible part of who we are, safely carrying millions of people
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.
Update on SNAP and WIC services from the Orcas Island Food Bank
||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND FOOD BANK ||| We want to let you know that we’re aware of potential disruptions in federal nutrition programs—specifically the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program—that could temporarily affect some island residents. These programs are essential to ensuring that families, children, and seniors
Larsen releases statement on Senate vote on Canadian tariffs
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after the Senate voted 50-46 to strike down tariffs on Canada yesterday evening: “When the President stokes tensions with our Canadian neighbors, families in Northwest Washington state pay
Join new DCD director and councilmember Paulsen at Orcas land-use meeting
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| Throughout the fall, County staff and officials, including the County’s new Director of Community Development, have attended land-use committee meetings. The Lopez meeting occurred on October 28, and the Orcas meeting has been re-scheduled for December 4 at the Orcas Island Library. This
OICC Severe Weather Shelter | Volunteers needed
||| FROM ALICIA WIGFIELD for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH ||| As the colder months approach, the Severe Weather Shelter at Orcas Island Community Church is preparing to open its doors once again — offering a safe, warm place for those in need during dangerously cold nights. We’re looking for volunteers
How do YOU want to plan for sea level rise in San Juan County?
Join Community Workshops this Dec. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| What happens to roads, homes, and the shoreline when the sea rises? San Juan County is kicking off the second round of community workshops dedicated to sea level rise, focusing on specific island roads and infrastructure that are
