Here’s a thought…
“Old age is no joke, but it can feel like one.”
TAD TOMPKINS
San Juan County community alert | Wildfire danger
||| FROM BRENDAN COWAN for DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ||| As summer continues, fire risk increases. While a bit cooler than normal, this summer has been drier and windier than usual (though there is a chance of rain in long range forecast). We’ve seen a handful of fires across the
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.
Wildland fire today at Mountain Lake reported by campers
||| FROM BEN LUNA for ORCAS ISLAND FIRE & RESCUE ||| At 9:23 am on Monday, July 28, OIFR responded to a wildland fire on the south-east shore of Mountain Lake in Moran State Park. The fire was reported by campers who saw the flames from the opposite shore. The
Third annual Qwack Wace fundraiser is coming up
Ken Gibbs Memorial Fund for Youth Science Education ||| FROM MICHAEL ARMENIA for ORCAS ISLAND LIBRARY ||| This year will mark the third annual Qwack Wace, an annual event of rubber duck races that has helped raise money for the Ken Gibbs Memorial Fund for Youth Science Education. Please join
Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light and Shana Cleveland in free summer concert
||| FROM BETHANY MARIE for ORCAS CENTER ||| Orcas Center is thrilled to present another FREE summer concert featuring Rachel Sumner & Traveling Light and Shana Cleveland on Sunday, August 3 at 5pm on the Village Green. This free event is part of Summer Concert Series event presented by Orcas Center,
Call for Candidates | 3-day filing period for Lopez Park & Rec commissioners, others
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| The San Juan County Elections Office is notifying the public of a special three-day filing period from August 11 through August 13, 2025, for candidates to file for the five-member board of the proposed Lopez Island Park and Recreation District and for those
Yoga, drumming at Senior Center
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Thursday Evening Yoga Class with Susie Frank Join us for a gentle, restorative yoga class on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. at Orcas Senior Center. This slow-paced class focuses on foundational yoga poses, conscious breathing, and supported postures to ease stress and
Port of Orcas public hearing on Monday
||| FROM CHIP LONG for PORT OF ORCAS ||| The Port of Orcas Board of Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing on amending the Comprehensive Scheme followed by the Regular Meeting Monday, July 28th at 4:00 p.m. via Zoom and in-person in the airport terminal conference room. Access and agenda information can be
Larsen launches ‘share your story’ webpage
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| EVERETT, WA – Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced a ‘share your story’ webpage where community members can tell him directly how Republicans’ Big Ugly Law will impact their lives: larsen.house.gov/shareyourstory Rep. Larsen announced this webpage during his speech at Snohomish
Midnight Mutterings | A new kind of medical school
||| MIDNIGHT MUTTERINGS by JACKIE BATES ||| A New Kind of Medical School opened its doors earlier this month in Arkansas, a state that is 48th highest in maternal deaths from childbirth and teen age pregnancies, in addition to a general population that has many preventable health problems. The 48
Larsen releases statement on Department of Education releasing funding
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP RICK LARSEN ||| Yesterday, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: "Kids deserve to have the support they need to learn, and teachers deserve to have the resources they need to do their jobs. That's why I joined my colleagues on both
Sheriff’s Report | July 15 – 22, 2025
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ||| TUESDAY, JULY 15 25-004526 Suspicious Person/Circumstance 15:23:52 07/15/25 A Deputy on Orcas Island responded to a suspicious incident. The caller reported finding an open parcel on his property. The intended recipient was contacted. At the intended recipient's request, a trespass warning letter
One thing is for certain
||| FROM LINDSAY JENNINGS for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ||| Over and over again, we hear that nonprofits are feeling uncertain. Uncertain about funding, uncertain about policy changes, uncertain whether progress made will unravel, and uncertain about the ability to reach the people that need their services most. At the
Rep. Lekanoff | In every corner of our state, the heart of Washington is strong
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF REP. DEBRA LEKANOFF ||| This summer, I’ve been fortunate to meet with constituents across the 40th District and beyond—hearing directly from you about your stories, your hopes, and your concerns. Earlier this month, I had the deep honor of joining Governor Bob Ferguson for a
U.S. Marshal arrests suspect on SJI wanted for felony charges out of Michigan
The Marshals were able to locate the male in Friday Harbor and arrested him on his warrants without incident. He will be extradited back to Michigan to face these charges. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| On July 24, agents with the U.S. Marshal Service contacted the San Juan
Thoughts on OIFR bond measure from committee
||| FROM BEN LUNA for ORCAS ISLAND FIRE & RESCUE ||| Community Needs Orcas Island Fire & Rescue (OIFR) facilities and apparatus require immediate attention. Fire engines, ambulances, brush trucks, and other critical equipment need refurbishment or replacement. Facility roofs and structural damage will worsen without prompt action. The district's
