Island News
Community show | “Color, Texture & Pattern” will be on display from June 26 to July 28
Art intake on June 24, art opening on June 26 ||| FROM ORCAS CENTER VISUAL ARTS COMMITTEE ||| The Visual Arts Committee of Orcas Center announces a new community show — “Color, Texture & Pattern” – to open on June 26. For this show, the VAC welcomes art in which color, texture and/or pattern is a central feature of the work. This is a broad theme for abstract or representational art in all mediums. Community shows are open to ALL […]
Council may consider 2 new sales taxes
During the May 26, 2026 meeting, the County Council discussed strategies for balancing and preparing the 2027 budget. County Auditor Natasha Warmenhoven, Budget Analyst Dr. Molly Foote, and County Manager Jessica Hudson led a discussion with Council about the upcoming budget process and the projected financial challenges to presenting a balanced budget for next year. […]
2026 Home Funds available, applications due by July 13, 2026
San Juan County Health & Community Services (HCS) has released a Notice of Funds Available (NOFA) for the 2026 funding round for the Home Fund program. Applications will be accepted starting June 1, 2026, with response being due no later than July 13, 2026. HCS staff are available for pre-application meetings. Eligible recipients are nonprofit […]
Foundational Public Health Services staffing reduced after state grant funding cut
San Juan County Health & Community Services (HCS) is reducing staffing as a result of a cut in state grant funding that supports foundational public health services. Impacted staff were notified earlier this week their employment with us will be ending on June 30, 2026. The state grant is one that is primarily used to support staff […]
SJICF Awards $115,500 in Scholarships to Local Students
The San Juan Island Community Foundation (SJICF) is proud to announce $115,500 in new scholarship awards to 14 local students pursuing higher education. The scholarships support 10 graduating high school seniors entering college and four students continuing their studies in advanced degree programs. This year’s graduating high school seniors receiving awards are: Jerry Inskeep Legacy […]
John Geyman | Obituary
1931- 2026
EDC offers Claude AI workshop for businesses and nonprofits
Submitted by The San Juan County Economic Development Council.
Another EWUA operator resigns | Column
By Cory Harrington
Orcas Island Garden Tour tickets now available
Submitted by the Orcas Island Garden Club.
San Juan County announces 2026 home funds available
Submitted by San Juan County.
Get help paying for Medicare
Submitted by the Orcas Senior Center.
New exhibiting artist at the library
Submitted by the Orcas Public Library.
‘Seven Sisters: Return of the Matriarchy’
Submitted by the Orcas Center.
Orcas Island High School 2026 NW 1B/2B Softball All-League selections
By Declan O’Malley
National Nonprofit Day event explores civic engagement on Orcas Island
Submitted by the Orcas Island Community Foundation.
PeaceHealth Peace Island earns Level III stroke certification
Submitted by PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center.
Planning scars from the San Juans: Looking back to 2024
By Marc Santos
County issues Pride Month proclamation in recognition of LGBTQIA+ community in the islands
Pride Month is celebrated throughout June to coincide with the gay liberation movement ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| During the May 26 meeting, the County Council issued a proclamation recognizing June as Pride Month in San Juan County. The proclamation, written alongside members of the LGBTQIA+ community, acknowledges that LGBTQIA+ folks have lived in the San Juan Islands since time immemorial and celebrates their valuable contributions in areas such as education, arts, healthcare
Monthly training brings oil spill volunteers to Orcas Island Marina
||| FROM BILL SYMES and ELAINA THOMPSON for ISLANDS OIL SPILL ASSOCIATION ||| On the morning of May 13, ten volunteers gathered at Rosario Marina on Orcas Island with a training mission: find a boat leaking diesel into the marina and contain it before it spreads. Time is of the essence in oil spill mitigation, and the right equipment must be deployed in the right way. Thus, response training is a major focus of Islands’ Oil Spill Association (IOSA) activity. […]
Orcas Center summer concert series announced
||| FROM COLLEEN SMITH SUMMERS for ORCAS CENTER ||| Orcas Center is proud to present its annual Summer Concert Series on the Village Green, bringing free, live music to the heart of Eastsound. This vibrant outdoor series, supported in part by Joe & Maureen Brotherton and the Doe Bay team, features many artists from the Doe Bay Artist in Residence program (www.doebay.com/music-and-art/). It celebrates community, creativity, and the magic of music under the open sky. All performances are free for
Council discusses budget priorities, planning for 2027 budget amidst funding challenges
Current estimates for revenues and expenses in 2027 show that the County is facing a $4 million budget deficit. Council gears up for ongoing discussions on anticipated cuts to staffing and service levels. ||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| During the May 26th meeting, the County Council discussed strategies for balancing and preparing the 2027 budget. County Auditor Natasha Warmenhoven, Budget Analyst Dr. Molly Foote, and County Manager Jessica Hudson led a discussion with Council about
No jury duty June 15-18
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS ||| JURY DUTY: JUNE 15-18, 2026 All jurors summonsed for the Jury Period beginning Monday June 15 through Thursday June 18, 2026 are excused. Thank you.
Summer sailing schedule starts Sunday, June 14
||| FROM WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ||| Our summer sailing schedule starts Sunday, June 14, and runs through Sept. 19. Anacortes/San Juan Islands: We’ve made schedule adjustments to improve on-time performance. Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth: The #3 vessel will operate a full-day schedule on Saturdays and Sundays this summer. Last year, it operated half days on weekends due to limited crewing. Port Townsend/Coupeville: Starting Tuesday, June 16, the route will operate a two-boat schedule dail
Larsen statement on bill reforming Library of Congress
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement: “The Librarian of Congress is the People’s Librarian, not the President’s Librarian. “I have always stood up for libraries and the books that challenge us to be better. I will keep fighting to keep Trump from undermining libraries and the education and freedom they support.” Yesterday, the House of Representatives passed legislation to vest the powe