Island News
July 4: 2026 4th of July FUN RUN – Lopez
Run with the Pack 5k, 10k & Fun Run We are so excited for the second annual Run with the Pack 5k, 10k, & Fun Run. Choose from a 1-mile Village Loop or scenic 5K and 10K down-and-back courses featuring waterfront views and gentle terrain. Races will begin July 4th at 8:30am. Start/Finish lines are […]
July 4: Fourth of July Parade – Lopez
July 4 @ 11:00 am
July 4: The Fireworks Show – Lopez
The Fireworks Show Lopez Island is well known in the Northwest for its outstanding fireworks display. The Fireworks Crew’s Volunteers include a number of local residents with pyrotechnical licenses who carefully select and even make some of the unique displays. The annual fireworks display is supported by donations and the sale of T-shirts and sweatshirts […]
July 4: Annual Pancake Breakfast at Orcas Island Fire Hall
SJC sheriff’s log
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls.
County departments present potential cuts to staffing and services during series of June meetings
Current estimates for revenues and expenses in 2027 show that the County is facing a substantial budget deficit ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| Over a series of regularly scheduled and special meetings throughout the month of June, the San Juan County Council heard from County department leaders and elected officials on potential cuts to staffing and service levels. Council held meetings on June 9, 15, 16, 24, 29 and 30 to accommodate these budget discussions and provide department-s
Celebrate Orcas Center volunteers at upcoming lawn party
||| FROM COLLEEN SMITH SUMMERS for ORCAS CENTER ||| Have you given your time to Orcas Center? If so, we want to celebrate you! Anyone who has lent a hand and helped our performing arts center thrive is invited to our Volunteer Appreciation Lawn Party on Saturday, July 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. There will be burgers, beverages, games, music and festivities for all ages during this very special gratitude event. Please join us. Examples of volunteers include: actors, […]
Letter to Editor | Stop the madness, break the logjam
||| FROM JEFF STRUTHERS ||| Some years ago, the Friends of the San Juans worked to discourage the volume of coal-laden ships along the U.S.-Canadian border on their way to foreign ports. Each transiting vessel carried the risk of damage to the fragile ecology of our Islands. That risk may soon be be greatly amplified. The energy and economic tussle between Canada and the U.S. has led Canada to seek Asian customers for its oil and gas products. Accordingly, the […]
Avoiding wildfires in the islands | A quick refresher
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| Summer in the San Juans is beautiful—but dry weather and warm temperatures also raise wildfire risk. A little caution goes a long way. Here’s a simple refresher to help keep our islands safe. • Check fire regulations. Visit the San Juan County Fire Marshal’s website to see if campfires are currently allowed. Brush burning is never permitted in summer. • Be mindful of everyday activities. Every summer sees fires in the islands that […]
WSF routes to operate normal Saturday schedules on the 4th
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| About 400,000 people are expected to board Washington State Ferries from Thursday, July 2, through Monday, July 6. Please prepare for long lines and extended wait times if you are traveling this holiday weekend. On Saturday, July 4, all routes will operate on their normal Saturday schedules. Busy travel times Westbound (or onto an island) Thursday and Friday, July 2-3 Eastbound (or off island) Sunday and Monday, July 5-6 Online tools To help navig
Sheriff’s Log San Juan County, WA June 24-30, 2026: Deputy assaulted by inmate, Ghostface at beach, 18-year-old arrested for 2nd DUI, mail stolen
San Juan County Deputies responded to 187 calls from June 24 – 30, 2026 including: A Friday Harbor inmate assaulted a deputy while they were attempting to remove him from his cell to be transported off island. A report is being forwarded to the PA’s office for charges. A Lopez Island Deputy was dispatched to […]
DAR and San Juan Island Garden Club beautified San Juan Island Historical Museum
The San Juan Historical Museum extends its sincere gratitude to the members of the San Juan Islands Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the San Juan Island Garden Club for their dedication and hard work in beautifying the Museum grounds. Both organizations have adopted specific areas of the property, transforming them […]
August 8: 56th Annual Shaw Island Classic Sailboat Race
The 56th Annual Shaw Island Classic Sailboat Race, sponsored by the San Juan Island Yacht Club, will be held Saturday, August 8th. All eligible boats and crews are invited to participate. The race starts and ends in Friday Harbor and allows racers to circumnavigate Shaw Island in either direction. A hearty lasagna dinner and awards […]
Rhea Miller: Supports Jennifer Swanson for county council
Dear Editor—Over the years Jennifer Swanson has made relationship with a wide spectrum of citizens, community leaders, County department heads, legislators, and Council members. She is indeed a seasoned leader who can hit the road running on behalf of her constituents. Lately I have had the opportunity to accompany Jennifer as she shares with members of the […]
Orcas Center brings more comedy with ‘The Ocean Hates You’
Submitted by the Orcas Center.
Licensing and Recording Office closure
Submitted by San Juan County.
John Berry is the featured exhibiting artist at the Orcas Island Library for July
Submitted by the Orcas Public Library.
Get ready for fun on the fourth
Friday, July 3
Art show opening on Friday, July 3: ‘The Ones That Made It’
Submitted by the Orcas Center.
County to test vote-counting equipment in July
Submitted by San Juan County.
Donations needed for Olga Daze yard sale
Submitted by event organizers.
Orcas Island Fire & Rescue seeks to fill immediate commissioner vacancy
Submitted by Orcas Island Fire & Rescue.
Orcas Christian School Summer Carnival set for community celebration
Orcas Christian School will host its inaugural Summer Carnival on the school campus, inviting families from across the community for a day centered on faith, fun and family activities.
Resource Center seeks volunteers for financial literacy programs
Submitted by the Orcas Community Resource Center Communications Team.