Island News
Vote no on proposed County levy | Letter
Please join me in voting down the proposed county levy. The County Council must balance its own budget just as every household and business is required to do. Adding more taxes onto property owners and tenants is unacceptable. Several County departments are already top‑heavy. Instead of asking residents to pay more, the Council should sharpen their pencils, eliminate unnecessary administrative and environmental positions, and reduce costs without compromising public health or safety. That work m
Yes for levy lid lift | Letter
Please understand that I am writing this letter as a private citizen, not in my capacity as a county employee or in any way affiliated with my employer.
Yes for levy lid lift | Letter
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.
Island Primary Care welcomes Fralick, PA-C, back to Orcas
Submitted by Island Health.
The cost of a ‘no’ vote on the county levy | Letter
As we all consider the County’s proposed levy lid lift, I hope we take a moment to consider the true impact of a “no” vote. I’m a property owner, and yeah, voting ‘yes’ will increase taxes by about $22 per month to maintain services. But a no vote will cost us so much more. A ‘no’ vote comes with significant and lasting costs to our community.
Candidate Filing Week May 4-8
Submitted by San Juan County.
Get help paying for Medicare
Submitted by the Orcas Senior Center.
Vote no on levy | Letter
When a seemingly innocuous flyer came in the mail promoting yet another levy lid lift (tax increase) I dismissed it as coming from some organization desiring added funding. Looking closer, I noticed that the advertisement came from the County itself, paid courtesy of the San Juan County taxpayers. Using public monies meant for services for a marketing campaign promoting their own tax increase is alarmingly unethical.
Michael Skaar | Passages
Mike is survived by his wife and the mother of his child, Diane Ferguson; his daughter, Stephanie Theresa Boehl and his two beautiful grandchildren, Lucas and Olivia — who were truly the light of his life.
Orcas Christian students bring spring garden to life through hands-on learning
By Orcas Christian School staff
OCS to host open house April 26 ahead of May test drive day
Orcas Christian School will welcome families to campus for an open house on Sunday, April 26, from 2-6 p.m., offering a chance to tour the school, meet staff and learn more about programs and student life.
Due April 30: Real and personal property taxes
Submitted by San Juan County.
April 28 special election: Vote early! Sign! Send!
All registered voters in San Juan County will receive a ballot for the special election on April 28. This election will include measures for San Juan County and the Lopez Island Park and Rec District.
Orcas Center debuts original spring production ‘Indivisible’
In the theater world, there is nothing Jake Perrine loves more than showcasing original work.
OPALCO schedules special vote on Decatur solar expansion as community members urge delay
With more than 30 Decatur Island community members demanding they stop, and a board election still open until May 4, OPALCO directors met via Zoom on Thursday, April 16, and scheduled a special vote for April 21 on a $5,534,000 solar expansion project — one that community members argued was contingent, legally unsettled and still awaiting a Conditional Use Permit.
Support Antonia Valenzuela’s family
Submitted by friends of Antonia Valenzuela’s family.
SJC sheriff’s log
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls.
Islands’ Weekly to be included inside the Islands’ Sounder beginning May 6
Two of our community publications — The Islands’ Sounder and The Islands’ Weekly — will be combined into a single publication beginning with the May 6 issue.
From show ring to storytime: The heartwarming tale of ‘Basil the Poodle’
Submitted by the Orcas Senior Center.
Our blue marble: Our home planet
Submitted by event organizers.
Lynn Roberts | Passages
September 25, 1941 – March 16, 2026
Death notice: Catherine Pederson
Catherine Pederson, 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 12, at 3:15 a.m. Catherine was a beloved mother and friend whose impact will never be forgotten. A private burial ceremony will be held for the family. A date and time for a celebration of Catherine’s life will be announced later. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time.
How the islands’ climate is changing: Winds and tides
By Russel Barsh
Bill Yarlott Annual Youth Fishing Derby returns April 25
Hosted and sponsored by Orcas Adventures, the beloved Bill Yarlott Annual Youth Fishing Derby is back on Saturday, April 25, continuing a more than 30-year tradition of bringing island families together for a day filled with fresh air, laughter and lakeside memories.