Here’s a thought…
“I am so convinced of the advantages of looking at mankind instead of reading about them, and of the bitter effects of staying at home with all the narrow prejudices of an islander, that I think there should be a law amongst us to set our young men abroad for a term among the few allies our wars have left us.”
LORD BYRON
The arts keep us connected
||| FROM LINDSAY JENNINGS for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ||| In a season when so many nonprofits are facing uncertainty—about funding, policy changes, and the ability to meet growing community needs—the arts on Orcas Island remain a steady source of connection, inspiration, and joy. Even in challenging times, the arts
County Council surpluses gravel on Waldron Island; Public bid begins August 27
The County will also negotiate a Gravel Extraction Lease with the successful bidder for purchase of the gravel. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| During the August 5 meeting, Council passed a resolution authorizing the disposal of surplus gravel by public bid. In addition, the resolution authorized the negotiation
Auditor seeks writers of arguments both ‘for’ and ‘against’ ballot measures
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County Auditor Natasha Warmenhoven is seeking people interested in writing arguments for and against ballot measures for the 2025 General voters’ guide. To ensure an informed electorate, and in accordance with state law, every district that places a measure on a
Healthy smiles, healthy community: Hot topics in oral health
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| Oral health plays a big role in everyone’s health, but not everyone has the same access to the care they need. In our community, many people are building strong habits like brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist, but we also know that
2025 Comp Plan | Transportation, utilities, housing needs, capital facilities inventory, & maps
Public comments regarding amendments to the Comprehensive Plan can be submitted by August 14 for review at the Planning Commission meeting on August 15. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County is in the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) as part of its 2025
WSF Weekly Report | Birthday on board; bring your own cup
||| FROM STEVE NEVEY for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| A message from Steve Our crew members are highly trained as first responders to handle emergencies, like the birth of baby Arlo aboard Samish a year ago. On Aug. 6, 2024, just before leaving Lopez Island, a crew member was told
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.
Get ready to pay more for a Washington state ferry ride
Fares will rise this fall. And next year there will be a new fee if you pay with a credit card. ||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE STANDARD ||| A trip on a Washington state ferry will get more expensive this fall. The Washington State Transportation Commission on Wednesday approved fare hikes
WDFW to host meeting on planned westside Lake Rotenone treatment to remove invasive Northern Pike
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and San Juan County Conservation Land Bank (Land Bank) are co-hosting an in-person public meeting to hear community input on invasive northern pike management in Westside Lake on San Juan Island in San Juan County.
Fire Commissioners call special meeting for Monday
||| FROM JEN KRAUSS for ORCAS ISLAND FIRE & RESCUE ||| Special Meeting Agenda San Juan County Fire Protection District No 2, Board of Fire Commissioners Special Meeting | Monday, 08/11/2025, 3PM In person: 45 Lavender Lane, Eastsound, WA Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86474789527 _______________________________________________________________________________________ Call to Order & Welcome New Business 1.
Senior Center | Bringing mammograms to you
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| You don’t need to travel off-island for a mammogram. Assured Imaging is bringing mobile mammography to Orcas Senior Center, offering quick, convenient screenings right in our community. Whether it’s your first mammogram or part of your regular care, this is an
3 reports of cougar sightings on San Juan Island
||| FROM KING-TV SEATTLE ||| Three people reported cougar sightings on San Juan Island over the last three days, according to the San Juan County Sheriff's Office (SJCSO). The first two sightings occurred on Monday. A woman reported to 911 that she saw a cougar sitting on a stump when
San Juan Preservation Trust launches effort to protect 30 acres on San Juan
||| FROM KELVIN BAKER for SAN JUAN PRESERVATION TRUST ||| The San Juan Preservation Trust (SJPT) is thrilled to announce a major new conservation initiative on the west side of San Juan Island: the future Mt. Ben West Preserve. This 30-acre property offers sweeping views of Haro Strait, with critical
Senior Center | Time-traveling tunes with Dr. Dirty
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER||| Get ready for a nostalgic afternoon on Friday, August 22 at 1 p.m. when local legend Terry “Dr. Dirty” Anderson brings his guitar, his voice—and his time machine—to Orcas Senior Center. A dynamic live singer and guitarist, Terry has been delighting island
Jurors excused August 11-15
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| JURY DUTY: AUGUST 11-15, 2025 All jurors summonsed for jury duty beginning Monday August 11th through Friday August 15th, are excused. Thank you.
Sheriff’s Office reviews 2024 crime statistics at council meeting
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| During this week’s Council meeting, Sheriff Eric Peter reviewed San Juan County crime statistics from 2024. Throughout the presentation, Sheriff Peter outlined duties performed by the Sheriff’s Office including calls received by dispatch, traffic stops, infractions/citations issued, overdose calls, arrests, and more. View
