Here’s a thought…
“Peace is not something we ask for — it’s something we practice, together.”
WALK FOR PEACE
WSF online community meetings coming up
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| We’re hosting two online community meetings on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. This is your chance to share feedback and ask us questions. Each meeting will start with a short presentation that looks back at 2025 and previews our 2026
Art classes for kids this winter
||| FROM COLLEEN SMITH SUMMERS for ORCAS CENTER ||| Do YOU see genius? Learn about what you're capable of creatively with an art class series at Orcas Center. Brook Meinhardt teaches art in the public school and is the creator of Cardboard Camp. She is also the artist who created
2026 Salish Sea Early Music Festival on Orcas Island
||| FROM JEFFREY COHEN for SALISH SEA EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL ||| The 2026 Salish Sea Early Music Festival presents its 15th festival on Orcas Island, consisting this year of 8 diverse programs from the mid-1500's through three hundred years of chamber music to the time of Beethoven, with prominent early
Sheriff’s Report | December 31, 2025 – January 6, 2026
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ||| WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31 25-008836 Kidnapping 17:19:51 12/31/25 Deputies on San Juan Island responded to a call connected to a welfare check. The individual was contacted, and it was determined that they did not need any assistance. 25-008840 Weapons Offense 17:36:54 12/31/25 Orcas
Latest from Lekanoff | First Fantastic Friday – Legislative Preview
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF REP. DEBRA LEKANOFF ||| Happy first Fantastic Friday of the new year! I hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe, healthy, and grounded as we step into 2026 together. As we prepare for the upcoming legislative session, I want to be transparent
Protecting the environment and local law enforcement big winners in Larsen-backed bills
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement after voting yes on a package of three Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) spending bills. The package passed the House with bipartisan support on a 397-28 vote and now heads to the Senate for consideration. “I am glad that this legislative
Community meeting on Shaw to discuss future of public works road maintenance
There will be an opportunity for questions, answers, and a discussion. All are welcome to join online ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| To kick off the new year, San Juan County officials will host a community meeting on Shaw Island to discuss upcoming Public Works Road Maintenance projects
Tonight | Stand in solidarity with Minneapolis
A candlelight vigil in memory of Renee Nicole Good ||| FROM INDIVISIBLE SAN JUANS ||| These are some dark and tumultuous times, accelerating under our current administration. Tonight, January 9, at 5:30pm, at the Courthouse Lawn, we stand in solidarity with Minneapolis and offer a candlelight vigil in memory of Renee Nicole
Orcas Senior Center renovation progress
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Changes are afoot at Orcas Senior Center! Our new Living Room is a cozy spot for reading, relaxing, and socializing, complete with a game table. A dedicated Game Room is now being considered. We’d love to hear what you think! Since
Center for Whale Research logs first encounter of the new year
Encounter #1 • Bigg's Killer Whales ||| FROM CENTER FOR WHALE RESEARCH ||| Full Encounter Report ObservBegin: 10:43 AM ObservEnd: 01:31 PM Vessel: Mike 1 Staff: Mark Malleson Other Observers: George Hamilton Pods: Bigg's killer whales IDsEncountered: T073A, T073A1, T073A2, T073A3, T075C, T075C3, T166A1 LocationDescr: Kelp Reef EncSummary: Mark received
WSF Weekly Report | Holiday traffic; broken boats; Governor’s plan for new boats
||| FROM STEVE NEVEY for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| A message from Steve We’ve had an unfortunate start to the new year and thank our customers for bearing with us as we get things back on track. Unexpected mechanical issues sidelined three ferries over the first three days of January,
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.
Beached bird training sessions coming up
||| FROM COASTAL OBSERVATION AND SEABIRD SURVEY TEAM (COASST) |||
San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild announces $32,000 available for FARM fund grants
||| FROM JULIE BOTTJEN for SAN JUAN ISLANDS AGRICULTURAL GUILD ||| The San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild Announces $32,000 Available for FARM Fund Grants. The application opens January 4, 2026! The San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild (Ag Guild) is pleased to announce the 2026 FARM Fund grant cycle. Thanks to
Resolve common Medicare concerns with SHIBA assistance from January – March
||| FROM LENA KASSA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| January through March is your opportunity to correct many common Medicare problems. Your local Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisors (SHIBA) volunteers can help you with the following problems: You didn’t receive your new Drug or Advantage Plan Card. Your doctor or
County now accepting Salmon Recovery project proposals
A one-page letter of intent is due February 13, 2026. Private residents, non-profit organizations, local, state, and tribal governments, and special districts are invited to apply. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| San Juan County’s Environmental Stewardship Department is eager to accept Salmon Recovery project proposals for the Salmon
