Here’s a thought…
“Look into any man’s heart you please, and you will always find, in every one, at least one black spot which he has to keep concealed.”
HENRIK IBSEN
Common questions about Mammograms
NOTE: new web address! ||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Worried about discomfort? Cost? Time? You’re not alone. Many women delay their mammograms because of fear or confusion. But here’s the truth: modern mammograms are fast, low-discomfort, and highly accurate. At Orcas Senior Center this September 22-24, 2025,
Midnight Mutterings | Snails
||| MIDNIGHT MUTTERINGS by JACKIE BATES ||| A few days ago I invited myself to join a neighbor (you know who you are) who was walking her dog on Obstruction Pass Rd. As we passed the county dock heading east up the hill, I saw a tiny yellow snail a
Helping student athletes stay in the game
||| SUBMITTED BY THE ORCAS COMMUNITY RESOURCE TEAM || Thanks to a strong partnership between the Resource Center and the Orcas Island Booster Club, the Athletic Assistance Program ensures no student-athlete is sidelined due to financial barriers. For families juggling rising expenses, it’s a game-changer! During the 24-25 school year,
Sheriff’s Report | August 27 – September 2, 2025
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ||| WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27 25-005849 Court Order Violation 08:21:31 08/27/25 A San Juan Deputy took a third-party report of a potential court order violation. The incident is still under investigation. 25-005860 Fraud 12:46:06 08/27/25 A Lopez Deputy responded to a report of fraudulent
Public Health Hot Topic | COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV immunizations in 2025
Answering the top questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, insurance coverage, and preparing for the 2025-2026 respiratory illness season. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| We’ve been watching federal and state updates on immunization recommendations closely and are coming to you with an overview of what we know and what
Sharpen your pencils
||| FROM LINDSAY JENNINGS for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ||| Whether you have kids back in school or not, September brings a shift on Orcas Island, with fewer visitors and lake days, and the opportunity to reconnect locally and plan for the cooler months ahead. It’s hard to believe a
Soroptimists offer their yearly $4000 award to woman who is primary family support
||| FROM BARBARA SHARP for SOROPTIMISTS INTERNATIONAL OF FRIDAY HARBOR ||| Soroptimists International of Friday Harbor has a yearly award of $4000 for a woman who is the primary support for her family; who is enrolled in a vocational training or other educational program; and who has financial need. This
Buy it, move it | This home on port property could be yours
||| FROM CHIP LONG for PORT OF ORCAS ||| Offers are being accepted for a home located at 197 Aviator Drive, Eastsound, WA 98245, currently Port of Orcas property. Importantly, a condition of the sale is the home must be moved off Port of Orcas property within 120 days of
WSF Weekly Report | Improved service; increased Labor Day traffic; legislative staff visit
||| FROM STEVE NEVEY for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| A message from Steve For the past few years, the number one thing our riders have been asking us is to improve service. I understand that frustration and am encouraged by numbers from last week that show real progress. From Aug.
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.
Food Bank needs your help supporting vital Orcas youth feeding programs
||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND FOOD BANK ||| This week you can make a difference! Today, we’re raising funds for three life-changing programs that give children the tools, care, and confidence to rise above challenges and reach for their dreams. WEEKEND PACKS FOR YOUTH - Providing healthy meals for kids to
Island Stewards launches Common Ground transit talks
Petition and Surveys Now Open ||| FROM ISLAND STEWARDS ||| Island Stewards has launched Common Ground Transit Talks, a community-driven effort to explore how public transportation can strengthen what is already in place, supporting connection and resilience across the islands while protecting what makes them special. The project invites every
Letter to Editor | How about some solar-operated speed signs?
||| FROM JOHN ERLY ||| I wonder what the cost would be for two (2) solar operated speed signs. The kind that tells the driver how fast they are going. Should this be a county funded or private funded project? There is about a five block area, from Mt. Baker
Nearly 59 million acres of National Forest are at risk right now
||| FROM U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| Last month, I went on a hike at the Baker Lake Trail, which is inside the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. I joined the Outdoor Alliance of Washington on this hike, where we looked at the forest and the trails, as well as discussed
Fire safety preparation as heating season approaches
September Fire Safety Reminders from Orcas Island Fire & Rescue ||| FROM BEN LUNA for ORCAS ISLAND FIRE & RESCUE ||| As September marks the transition to cooler weather and the beginning of heating season, Orcas Island Fire & Rescue reminds residents to prepare their homes for the safe use
San Juan County announces beginning of road striping
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County’s Public Works Department is announcing its annual summer road striping schedule beginning on Monday, September 8 and lasting approximately two weeks. Pavement markings, including centerlines, shoulder markings, arrows, and more, are critical features of any safe and effective roadway, and it
