Island News
Maddy Sonshine designs dance for choral concert
Submitted by the Orcas Choral Society.
The Annual Student Art Exhibit at Orcas Center
Submitted by the Orcas Island School District.
Accident on mainland cuts off power to all of San Juan County WA
OPALCO UPDATES Wednesday, April 15 UPDATE @ 7:05 pm – There are currently some residual unplanned outages affecting members in Friday Harbor and the Roche Harbor area on San Juan Island. Crews are aware of all remaining outages and are working to restore power to all members. Thank you for your continued patience. 5:25 pm […]
Guided bird walk May 6th 8-10am at San Juan Islands Sculpture Park
||| FROM MARITA HOLDAWAY for SAN JUAN ISLANDS SCULPTURE PARK ||| As we step into the migratory season don’t miss this opportunity to walk with our knowledgeable bird guide and advocate Tyler Davis. Bring your binoculars and good walking shoes so you can explore the park’s 20 acres to seek out our local and migrating birds. If you arrive late no problem, just look for the people with binoculars peering into trees. The San Juan Islands Sculpture Park hosts monthly bird walks every […]
‘Coffee with Kari’ offers islanders on San Juan time with Councilmember Kari McVeigh
District 1 Council representative Kari McVeigh is hosting another ‘Coffee With Kari’ event this spring – an opportunity to ask questions, hear the latest County news, and chat about what matters to locals ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| District 1 Council representative Kari McVeigh is hosting another ‘Coffee With Kari’ event this spring – an opportunity to ask questions, hear the latest County news, and chat about what matters to locals. McVeigh hosted these open-house style meeting
Grannie’s Attic | A treasure hunt awaits
||| FROM LENA KASA for ORCAS SENIOR CENTER ||| Mark your calendar for the exciting return of Grannie’s Attic at Orcas Senior Center on Saturday, April 18! This community-favorite event is better than ever, featuring artisan booths alongside household items, vintage finds, tools, collectibles, and more.
Larsen honored with Henry M. Jackson Award
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF. U .S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| EVERETT, WA – Today, Economic Alliance of Snohomish County (EASC) and Herald Media named Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) the recipient of the 2026 Henry M. Jackson Award. “It is an honor to represent my friends and neighbors in Northwest Washington in Congress, and it is a responsibility I never take for granted,” said Rep. Larsen. “Scoop Jackson set an example for me in public service. We both had the privilege of representing […]
Due April 30 | Real and personal property taxes
The 2026 tax statements have arrived. Pay your taxes online, by secure drop box, or by mail. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| The first half of property taxes and personal property taxes are due and payable to the San Juan County Treasurer on or before April 30, 2026. Find information regarding the 2026 tax season on the San Juan County Treasurer’s website. (http://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/314/Treasurer) Payments received in person, via our secure payment box, online, or postmarked af
2026 fire fighter awards ceremony on San Juan Island
||| FROM SAN JUAN ISLAND FIRE & RESCUE ||| San Juan Island Fire & Rescue hosted their annual awards ceremony on Friday, April 10, 2026. The event celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of 2025 and a transformative year. “The annual event is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our team,” said Fire Chief Noel Monin. “Our awards ceremony allows us an opportunity to recognize the hard work of our district staff and many volunteers who wish to protect our […]
Local couple buys Sea View Theatre | OIFF to operate
An Eastsound treasure has been saved for generations to come thanks to an island couple.
EDC and Washington Lawyers for the Arts to host free workshop: Protecting Artists in the Modern World
Submitted by the Economic Development Council.
Vikings baseball continues play during Spring Break
By Declan O’Malley
Town and County councils discuss ferries, affordable housing and more at joint meeting
Submitted by San Juan County.
TEDxOrcasIslandLive: ‘All of Us’
Join Orcas Center for a screening of a set of the latest TED Talks from TED2026, Saturday, April 17, 7-9 p.m. on Center Stage. We’ll be sharing the videos and hosting a brief conversation afterward. Come enjoy this evening of learning with the latest ideas worth spreading from speakers you may recognize or may not have heard of before. Free tickets are available at www.orcascenter.org.
OIHS track meet on April 29
Submitted by Amy Carlson and The Booster Team.
OIFR responds to three simultaneous calls, including fatal car accident and structure fire
Submitted by Orcas Island Fire &Rescue.
OIFR Responds to Three Simultaneous Calls Including Fatal MVA and Structure Fire on April 13
ORCAS ISLAND, WA — On the afternoon of April 13, 2026, Orcas Island Fire & Rescue (OIFR) was dispatched to three separate incidents simultaneously, requiring the department to divide personnel and resources across multiple scenes. Medical Aid At 3:29 pm OIFR units responded to an aid call at the medical center and required air transportation utilizing Island […]
Pacific Fishery Management Council adopts 2026 West Coast Ocean Salmon seasons
Portland, Oregon—The Pacific Fishery Management Council has adopted recommendations for ocean salmon fishing along the Pacific west coast in 2026. The seasons provide coastwide recreational and commercial opportunities while also achieving conservation goals for salmon stocks. The recommendations will be forwarded to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for approval by May 16, 2026. Forecasts […]
2026 Candidate Filing Week: May 4 Through May 8
SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 14, 2026 – If you have ever wanted to be an elected official, now is your opportunity. Candidates who wish to run for office this year can submit their names for the ballot during the upcoming candidate filing period from May 4 to May 8, 2026. The following offices are […]
2026 Fire Fighter Awards Ceremony
San Juan Island Fire & Rescue hosted their annual awards ceremony on Friday, April 10, 2026. The event celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of 2025 and a transformative year. “The annual event is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our team,”; said Fire Chief Noel Monin. “Our awards ceremony allows us an opportunity to […]
Larsen Honored with Henry M. Jackson Award
EVERETT, WA – Today, April 14, 2026 the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County (EASC) and Herald Media named Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) the recipient of the 2026 Henry M. Jackson Award. “It is an honor to represent my friends and neighbors in Northwest Washington in Congress, and it is a responsibility I never take for granted,” said […]
April 14: Sealth and Tillikum Ferries back in service Sealth and Tillikum
WSF Update, the #2 Sealth returned to service for the 4:20 p.m. Anacortes to Lopez & Friday Harbor sailings on April 14, 2026. The Tillikum returned to service for the 5:40 p.m. Friday Harbor departure. Both ferries were out of service in the morning. New reservations have been blocked for the day. If you have […]
Clinton and Kathryn Gauthier: Vote yes on county levy and support 4-H
To the Editor, As a lifelong Friday Harbor resident and third-generation islander, I have seen many levy asks. I feel compelled to speak on the current proposal because my wife, Kathryn, and I share a combined 45 years of experience with 4-H. We are not just supporters; we are products of its mission. Our story […]
Letter to Editor | Support for San Juan County levy lid lift
||| FROM CLINTON and KATHRYN GAUTHIER ||| As a lifelong Friday Harbor resident and third-generation islander, I have seen many levy asks. I feel compelled to speak on the current proposal because my wife, Kathryn, and I share a combined 45 years of experience with 4-H. We are not just supporters; we are products of its mission. Our story began through 4-H leadership opportunities on Orcas Island. Between my 25 years of 4-H experience locally and Kathryn’s 20 years in […]