Island News

Orcas Island seniors urged to take action following Bank of America data breaches

||| FROM THE RESOURCE CENTER FINANCIAL LITERACY TEAM ||| The Financial Literacy Team at the Orcas Community Resource Center is alerting Orcas Island residents — particularly seniors — to a series of data breaches affecting Bank of America customers and urging immediate protective action. Bank of America is formally warning customers about a surge in unauthorized credit-card charges and phishing attempts linked to breaches at multiple third-party vendors, including NCB Management Services, Ernst

Union responds to EWUA Board claims about staff communication

||| FROM CORY HARRINGTON ||| For months, EWUA members have repeatedly been told that the Board could not communicate directly with staff or move forward with an outside investigation because of the ongoing union negotiations. Today, I received a letter from IBEW Local 77 dated May 20, 2026 directly addressing that claim. According to the union representative: • Union negotiations do NOT prevent the Board from conducting a neutral third-party investigation into workplace concerns. • The Board is

WSF All Routes | Service during Memorial Day weekend

||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of our busy season, and we expect 350,000 riders over the holiday weekend. Please prepare for long lines and extended wait times if you are traveling starting Thursday, May 21 through Monday, May 25. On Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, the following routes will have schedule changes: Anacortes/San Juan Islands, Edmonds/Kingston, Point Defiance/Tahlequah, and Port Townsend/Coupeville will have a few holiday schedul

Barbara Badgley Buck November 25, 1931 – March 29, 2026

It is with great sadness to announce the passing of our dear mom, grandma, GG, and aunt, Barbara Badgley Buck.  Although we already miss her terribly, we are grateful she is no longer suffering from bronchiectasis, which ultimately took her life. Barbara was born to Pauline Howard Tennant and Ray Badgley, on November 25, 1931 […]

Student senior projects raising funds to support Viking athletics

Submitted by Amy Carlson and The Booster Team.

OPALCO receives conditional use permit for the Decatur Island Solar Expansion Project

Submitted by the Orcas Power &Light Cooperative.

OIFR urges community action on wildfire prevention

Submitted by Orcas Island Fire & Rescue.

Last days to make an impact in our community through Spring GiveOrcas

Submitted by the Orcas Island Community Foundation.

Inspired by Orcas, fashion designer DeAnda launches new label

MANNISH, the emerging fashion label by model and creative director Gregory DeAnda, launches its debut collection, artists+immigrants, a deeply personal first outing that reimagines classic workwear through the lens of heritage, resilience and self-expression.

Climbing beyond the summit | Letter

All my life, I’ve been driven by goals. But not achieving a goal is very different from failing.

Are you entering something in the fair? Check out these important dates for 2026 fair exhibitors!

Submitted by San Juan County.

The ÖTILLÖ Swimrun returns to Orcas on May 31

The ÖTILLÖ Swimrun returns to Orcas on May 31, and race organizers have once again selected the Booster Club as a beneficiary of funds raised during the event. Last year, the race donated $1,200 to the club.

When they call, we answer: The “Dirty 30” join Orcas Island Fire & Rescue

“Tonight, you stand here not just having completed an academy, but having earned your place in the fire service. You now carry a badge that represents something far greater than yourself. It represents trust, it represents responsibility, and it represents a promise to this community, a promise that when they call, you will answer.” — Fire Chief Chad Kimple

An Exciting Evolution for SJIMA 

The San Juan Islands Museum of Art (SJIMA) announces a new chapter with the departure of Executive Director Blake DeYoung at the end of May. DeYoung is leaving the museum to become the new Executive Director of the Skagit Valley College San Juan Center branch, replacing Randy Martin. The transition reflects DeYoung’s deep roots in […]

May 20: DOL mobile van in Friday Harbor

May 20 | 9 am to 3 pm | San Juan Island Grange Hall | Friday Harbor DOL2Go focuses on helping under-resourced Washington residents get the services they need to live, work, drive and thrive. The mobile unit offers the same services as our traditional offices, including: First time Washington driver license or ID card, […]

May 21: Health Dept closed for training

San Juan Community Home Trust names new Executive Director

Jess Blanch is the new  Executive Director of San Juan Community Home Trust, effective June 15, 2026. Jess brings more than 20 years of experience in architecture, affordable housing, and community development, with a proven track record of leading teams through growth, innovation, and meaningful community impact. Most recently, she served as Associate Director of […]

June 3: San Juan Islands Sculpture Park Monthly Bird Walk

  Join us at the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park, June 3, 2026 from 8-10 am, for our monthly bird walk with local birder and enthusiast Tyler Davis. Early June can have unpredictable weather but we are all ready to get outside along with a few of our favorite birds. We will be looking for […]

In Memoriam | Larry Hughes: A life of service on Orcas Island

||| FROM RESOURCE CENTER COMMUNICATIONS TEAM||| Our community has lost a treasured Orcas Island presence. Larry Hughes was a quiet, steady light for so many on Orcas—the ones who felt unseen, unheard, or already forgotten. Where others saw obstacles, Larry saw a person with a life worth living. He met people right where they were, on the streets and in the shadows, and walked with them toward safety, dignity, and hope. Larry moved to Orcas after spending much of his […]

Outdoor burning prohibited in Town of Friday Harbor

Outdoor burning is prohibited year-round within Friday Harbor town limits per state law with the exception of recreational fires within approved containers. This prohibition includes the burning of leaves, clippings, prunings, and other land clearing or gardening refuse. Outside of town, contact San Juan County for burn  regulations and permits. Friday Harbor Municipal Code Chapter […]

Orcas Island Garden Club grows plants, friendships

||| FROM ORCAS ISLAND GARDEN CLUB ||| Over the years, our club has grown into something truly special by focusing on cultivating friendships and genuine connections. It’s amazing how much the club has grown, too. We are 267 members strong. Just like a garden, these relationships bloom when we look after them. Plus, hanging out with positive, supportive folks and spending time in nature is great for your health—it lowers stress, boosts your mood, and beats loneliness! Think of our […]

Reminder | WSF online meetings next Tuesday

||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| We’re hosting two online community meetings on Tuesday, May 26. This is a great chance to share feedback and ask us questions. We’ll cover topics including the upcoming FIFA World Cup, an updated pet policy, new vessel construction, and our Service Contingency Plan. Both meetings will cover the same topics, and most of the time will be dedicated to answering questions. Registration is required. To learn more and register, visit our Community Participation we

San Juan County joins a statewide push to stop wildlife feeding — One sign at a time

San Juan County joins a statewide push to stop wildlife feeding — one sign at a time

Derevensky and Stern win seats in OPALCO 2026 board election

Submitted by the Orcas Power &Light Cooperative.