Here’s a thought…
“Old age is no joke, but it can feel like one.”
TAD TOMPKINS
Vehicle reservations for fall sailing season open Tuesday, August 5 at 10am
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| Vehicle reservations for the fall 2025 schedule (Sept. 21 through Dec. 27) will be available at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5. For a smooth and fair experience during this high-demand period, we will continue using a virtual waiting room during the reservations release.
In Memoriam | Maureen Karras, November 8, 1946 – June 29, 2025
||| FROM DENNIS KARRAS ||| Maureen Karras Maureen Karras was one of a kind—a fearless adventurer, devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, passionate educator, and lifelong advocate for children and families. She passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on June 29, 2025. Her spirit, strength, and warmth
The Black Tones and Sol live on the Village Green
||| FROM BETHANY MARIE for ORCAS CENTER ||| Orcas Center invites you to an electrifying evening with The Black Tones and Sol as part of its ongoing Summer Concert Series. This free outdoor performance takes place Sunday, August 10 at 5 pm on Eastsound’s Village Green. No tickets needed - just
Become a WSU extension master gardener
||| FROM CAITIE BLETHEN for MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM ||| Are you interested in learning more about horticulture, gardening and becoming a WSU Extension Master Gardener, but don’t quite know what that means? Join us for a Q & A session to learn more. Upcoming Q & A sessions: Orcas Island: Wednesday,
Explore beautiful Orcas Island on a 3-day studio tour with 35+ island artists
||| FROM ZOE OSENBACH for ARTISTS STUDIO TOUR ||| This August 8th through 10th, follow the signs for a unique glimpse into the vibrant artist community on our beautiful island. This free, self-guided tour is a long standing island tradition and grants visitors access to the intimate, creative, and inspiring
Rep. Ramel | Washington’s Marine Highway: A reliable path forward for ferry communities
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF REP. ALEX RAMEL ||| Dear friends and neighbors, Our community depends on ferries as a lifeline connecting us to work, healthcare, education, and family. This legislative session delivered real progress toward restoring and strengthening Washington’s marine highway. With targeted investments, thoughtful reforms, and long-term planning,
Douglas/Bailer Hill road improvement project nearly complete
The project is progressing ahead of schedule and crews are working diligently to prepare the road for pavement. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| The Douglas/Bailer Hill Road Improvements Project is nearing completion as crews enter the final phases of construction. Project Updates The project is progressing ahead of
600+ NW WA residents respond to Rep. Larsen’s ‘Share Your Story’ webpage
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| EVERETT, WA – More than 600 people in Northwest Washington state used Representative Rick Larsen’s ‘share your story’ webpage to tell Rep. Larsen how Republicans’ Big Ugly Law will impact them. Rep. Rick Larsen announced the webpage Saturday, July 26th, at
As the Paradigm Shifts | Where can you breathe?
||| AS THE PARADIGM SHIFTS by ROSIE KUHN ||| A few years ago, my client Clyde was going through a rough patch. It was hard to find any peace in his day-to-day life. And as we all know, it’s essential to find even a moment of no-stress when possible—our systems
Deer Harbor Charters celebrates fun on the water in the San Juan Islands
||| FROM KIM BEALES for DEER HARBOR CHARTERS ||| Orcas Island based Deer Harbor Charters, infuses Orca awareness initiatives in daily activities including whale watching, sunset cruises, boat rentals, water taxi transportation to Sucia Island Marine State Park and adventure cruises. As summer kicks into full gear, locally owned Deer
Sheriff’s Report | July 23 – 29, 2025
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ||| WEDNESDAY, JULY 23 25-004784 Accident-NonInj 12:36:41 07/23/25 A San Juan Deputy responded to a report of a collision. No injuries occurred and no signs of impairment were noted. The Deputy facilitated the exchange of information and completed a collision report. 25-004786 Vehicle Prowl 13:55:33
Island Stewards | Late July Dispatch
||| FROM ISLAND STEWARDS ||| It's that time of year again—when locals refresh ferry schedules like they're tracking stocks and abandon all hope of parking in town. Even the grass has thrown in the towel, shifting from lush green to golden brown. Don't hate me, but I've had my phone
SJC Monthly News Digest – July 2025
This column is part of a series detailing San Juan County’s recent news. Follow along each month to learn about important County projects, Council initiatives, department updates, and more. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| County Council Discusses Ferry Service with Governor Ferguson at Orcas Community Meeting The San
Happy Lammas
||| FROM GRETCHEN KRAMPF |||
Larsen set to make a visit to Friday Harbor
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U .S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) will meet with San Juan Island School District Superintendent Fred Woods to discuss how Department of Education funding freezes are impacting local teachers and students. Last week, following pressure from Rep. Larsen and other
Getting ready for Library Fair
||| FROM INGRID MATTSON for ORCAS ISLAND LIBRARY ||| Library Fair, run by the Friends of the Orcas Island Library (FOIL), will be held Saturday, August 9, this year. Record numbers of books have been donated and processed! If you’d like a headstart look at how many books have been
