Island News
In loving memory of Hutch ak whilton — Richard Solomon
By Darrell Kirk
Orcas Island Community Church announces new name and permanent commitment to Neighbor to Neighbor Shelter | Letter
Orcas Island Community Church is pleased to share exciting news with the Orcas Island community. The Orcas Outreach Ministry Team, which has faithfully hosted the Severe Weather Shelter, will officially transition the shelter’s name to the Neighbor to Neighbor Shelter (N2NS) beginning with the November 2026 shelter season. This new name reflects the heart of the ministry, neighbors caring for neighbors, and our continued commitment to serving individuals in need with dignity, compassion, and res
Proposed passenger ferry expansion faces Senate sink-or-swim movement | Letter
Read with wonder the latest item concerning yet another resource expansion with the Mosquito fleet.
Pick up the book ‘Tilt’ and be a part of All Islands Read on April 11
Submitted by the Orcas Public Library.
Densmore’s work featured at the library
Submitted by the Orcas Public Library.
House OKs regulations on license plate cameras
By Cassie Diamond
Lions host their Annual Easter Egg Hunt
The Orcas Island Lions Club continues its long tradition of the Annual Easter Egg Hunt, to be held this year on Saturday, April 4, at Cascade Lake in Moran State Park. The hunt will begin at 10 a.m. sharp. There will be a face-painting station for kids, and the Easter Bunny will make a personal appearance! Event parking prepaid by the Lions Club, no Discovery Pass needed. Mark your calendars and plan to join the fun!
Rick Schmitt | Passages
July 8, 1953 – February 3, 2026
OICF supports new program bridging Indigenous and islander communities
Submitted by the Orcas Island Community Foundation.
Orcas Christian students serve, connect in Hilo during spring mission trip
Students from Orcas Christian School are turning a spring trip into an opportunity to serve, connect and grow during their recent visit to Hilo, Hawaii.
Luck o’ the Irish
The clouds parted, and the rain stopped at noon. The Luck of the Irish prevailed, so the 50-or-so parade participants were able to walk, ride, dance and sing their way up Prune Alley and down Main Street for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 17.
County float at Waldron temporarily closed April 5-11 for repairs
Submitted by San Juan County.
Collision course | WSF terminates contract for streamlining reservations
Ferry stakeholders feel the pain as nearly $3 million in public spending may come up empty ||| FROM THE SALISH CURRENT ||| Earlier this month, a Washington State Ferries project manager unexpectedly terminated a standing $8 million contract to upgrade and modernize ferry ticketing and reservations, potentially placing $3 million of public spending at risk. Nasi Peretz, CEO of Anchor Operating Systems — the former vendor on the project — told Salish Current the abrupt termination of WSF’s so-call
News Brief | Judge orders Trump administration to halt ballroom construction unless Congress OKs it
||| FROM THE SEATTLE TIMES ||| “The President of the United States is the steward of the White House for future generations of First Families. He is not, however, the owner!” the federal judge wrote in the ruling. The judge ruled that any construction work that’s necessary to ensure the safety and security of the White House is exempt from the scope of the injunction. Trump, in a social media post, criticized the trust for suing him over a project […]
Share Your Feedback | County & partners are developing tools to manage human/wildlife interactions
Update: During the upcoming April 21, 2026 meeting, the Council is expected to set a public hearing for May 12. Previous versions of this article stated that the public hearing would be on the 21st, but the hearing is not yet scheduled. It will likley occur on May 12. The public hearing will be another opportunity to share feedback and input before Council considers adopting an ordinance. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| In an effort to […]
News Brief | In the past decade, Washington has become one of the most expensive states to live in
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE STANDARD ||| Drawing from an array of federal and state data, a new analysis shows the state’s cost of living rising faster than the national average over that time, with only California, New Jersey, Hawaii and Washington, D.C. considered more expensive in 2023. “The story is consistent across every measure: costs are high, rising quickly, and showing up in the everyday decisions people make.” This trend may be a factor in why more people moved out […]
A Life Close to Nature | Center for Whale Research honors Tamar Griggs
||| FROM CENTER FOR WHALE RESEARCH ||| An adventurous spirit who sailed across the Atlantic in her early twenties, a mother, a nature photographer, an author, and a lifelong supporter of wildlife and whale conservation, Tamar Griggs lived a life deeply connected to the natural world. Recently, we were deeply honored to learn that Tamar included the Center for Whale Research in her estate plans, another way her care for the natural world will continue to support wildlife and whales […]
Locally supported Meals on Wheels programs support seniors ability to age well in the islands
In 2025, the County’s Senior Nutrition Program produced over 38,000 meals – serving 16,269 in-person lunches to 606 seniors and delivering 21,809 meals to 245 seniors ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| For many older adults in the islands, ‘Meals on Wheels and More’ provides more than nutritious food. It supports independence, dignity, and stability at home. That’s why San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services partners with local senior center nonprofits and the Whatco
SJC Monthly News Digest – March 2026
This column is part of a series detailing San Juan County’s recent news. Follow along each month to learn about important County projects, Council initiatives, department updates, and more. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS Maintaining Health, Safety & Community Services: Council Places Levy Lid Lift on April Ballot San Juan County is seeking a regular property tax levy lid lift to maintain public health, safety, and other community services in April. This levy would support ongoing progra
The Kitchen set to open at Odd Fellows on Fridays
||| FROM DIDIER GINCIG for ODD FELLOWS HALL ||| The Kitchen, featuring locally inspired tasty and delicious Pan-Asian food, opens Friday April 3 for takeout at the Odd Fellows Hall (112 Haven Road) (downstairs at the restaurant). Text 206.581.1913 for orders; open weekly on Fridays 4-7.
Update on proposal for limited deer hunting on Orcas Island
Public engagement is key to the Land Bank’s planning and operations. Written comments deadline has been extended and will be accepted until 5pm on Monday, April 20, by emailing erinh@sjclandbank.org. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| The Land Bank extends a hearty thank you to all who attended our March 23rd public meeting about potential hunting at Turtleback Mountain and North Shore Preserves. Staff from the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) presented details ab
Conservation donor fills funding gap on Orcas Island
Submitted by San Juan County.
Existing vacation rentals in Eastsound and Lopez Village need a provisional use permit by June 25
Submitted by San Juan County.
Dangerous dog; sibling squabble; turkey talk | SJC sheriff’s log
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls.