Island News
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 […]
Teagan August earns his CDL with help from a Kiwanis scholarship
FRIDAY HARBOR, WA — Teagan August has successfully completed a one-month Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training program in Bellingham, opening new doors in his career and highlighting a growing shift in how community organizations support workforce development. With the assistance of the Kiwanis Club and funding support from the Dave and Nancy Honeywell Foundation, […]
Fraud expert: AI is ‘supercharging’ scams in WA
Public News Service: April is Fraud Prevention Month and new data show fraud continues to be a big concern for people of all ages, with nearly four in 10 people saying they have already experienced it. The data from AARP found growing confusion and overconfidence around artificial intelligence‑driven scams. Kay Tomlinson, volunteer fraud watch specialist for […]
Be careful when spring cleaning; tips on avoiding HPS
San Juan County Health and Community Services reminds you of a few tips to help make your spring season as fun and healthy as possible. Before you start cleaning your shed, garage, or cabin this season, there are some safety precautions you should take to protect yourself against hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). HPS is a […]
EDC and Washington Lawyers for The Arts to Host Free Workshop on Protecting Artists in the Modern World – registration required
The EDC will host a free online workshop led by Taylor Fairchild from Washington Lawyers for the Arts, to help artists of all mediums better understand and protect intellectual property (IP), including how to protect against AI use of IP. The session, Protecting Artists in the Modern World, will be at the Orcas Library Wednesday, April 22 from 10:00am – 11:30am. Virtual participation will also be available. With current technology it’s easy for almost anyone to steal art available online. Images
Sing Along with the Art at the San Juan Island Library
The latest art at the San Juan Island Library is inspired by songs, both popular and obscure! The new art exhibit, titled Songs, Delightful Songs, will be showing for visitors, staff, and volunteers until June 20, 2026. Featured are abstract or representational pieces created by professional, emerging, and beginning artists, by adults, teens, parents, and […]
Merri Ann Simonson Real Estate Updates: 1st quarter of 2026 almost the same as 2025 1st quarter
Here is the Real Estate Market Snap Shot by the Simonson & Zambrovitz Team at Coldwell Banker SJI. They report that the first quarter of 2026 is very similar to 2025 regarding the number of transactions and sales price category.
Give Lopez – Lopez’s Annual Spring Fundraiser Runs April 13th – 27th
Lopez Island’s annual spring fundraiser, Give Lopez, is set to run April 13th – 27th. This year, 16 nonprofits serving Lopez Island residents with a variety of community programs are participating. Now in its ninth year, the two-week fundraiser is a critical component of each organization’s yearly fundraising and outreach efforts. In 2025, Give Lopez netted […]
Katie Fleming: Levy lid lift roughly $22 a month for average propery
Dear Editor, 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. I’ve lived on San Juan Island for 15 years, and I feel lucky every day that this is home – the place where I’m raising […]
April 24-May 26: Orcas Island Student Art Exhibit
To celebrate our island youth, a four-week Student Art Exhibit is being hosted at the Orcas Center from April 24 – May 26, 2026. All are invited to attend this annual exhibit which features a wide variety of artwork created in public school classes, Kindergarten through 8th grade along with select pieces from the Orcas Island High School. We […]
SJICF Scholarship Applications Now Open
The San Juan Island Community Foundation is pleased to announce applications are now open for its 2026 scholarship program, supporting local students in their pursuit of higher education and career training. Graduating seniors, current college students, and adult learners residing on San Juan Island are encouraged to apply. Scholarships are available for a wide range […]
Rift Cut Construction to build office building on Port land; Town believes floating sauna is non-water dependent and prohibited in marina
LWVSJ Observer Corps summary of the: Friday Harbor Port Commission, March 27, 2026 meeting. The Friday Harbor Hangar F condo lease has been updated to meet the Port’s legal configuration. Michael McKelvey of Rift Cut Construction submitted a proposal to lease Port land for a company office facility. The company plans a high-quality, elevated structure […]
April 10-30: Earth Day Orcas News – Join in the 4th Annual Celebration
2026 marks the 4th year of engaging Earth Day learning experiences on Orcas Island and adds new features during this month-long series of Science, Art, Poetry, Music and Ecology Explorations. Open to all islanders and guests, activities launch on April 10 and conclude on April 30 with something for all ages and interests. If you […]
Guest Column by Chris & Chom Greacen: We need code updates. Code updates need the county levy lift
A “yes” vote on the levy lid lift is a vote to protect the core services that make island life possible: public safety, public health, senior services, and the basic infrastructure of local government. San Juan County faces a projected $3.7 million shortfall in 2027, equal to roughly 12–13% of the general fund. Of all […]
Sheriff’s Log San Juan County WA April 1-7, 2026: Scams, drugs and vehicle prowl tools found, speeding
San Juan County Deputies responded to 157 calls from April 1 – 7 , 2026 including: An Orcas Island deputy responded to a traffic hazard on Crescent Beach Dr. The deputy discovered a disabled vehicle in the middle of the road on a blind corner. The driver arrived at the scene with a gas can […]
Traffic Safety Emphasis Patrols Highlight Dangers of Distracted Driving
OLYMPIA – The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) is recognizing Distracted Driving Awareness Month this April by supporting high-visibility enforcement (HVE) patrols focused on distracted driving from April 6–13. Law enforcement agencies across the state will be increasing patrols to remind drivers to keep their eyes, and attention, on the road. According to studies, it […]
May 8: OPALCO Annual member festival on Lopez Island – Member Appreciation Event Celebrating Local Power
Get ready for the OPALCO Annual Member Festival on May 8 at 3 pm., when Lopez Center for Community and the Arts will be transformed into a hub of fun, freebies and festivities for the whole family. From swag giveaways to an EV show and informational booths, there’s something for everyone at this Co-op member […]
April 18: The Great Islands Cleanup
The next Great Islands Cleanup will happen on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 10am-2pm. Details for each island will be added when it becomes available. The first organized “Great Island Cleanup” in San Juan County happened on San Juan Island, organized by locals Lori Stokes and David Delendorf. In 2014, through their inspiration, Orcas resident Kira […]