Island News
Update | Gathering of the Eagles returning soon to Orcas
Orcas to Welcome Native American Canoe Journey May 20-21 ||| FROM CHE BLAINE for GATHERING OF THE EAGLES ||| For the last four years, we have had the honor of hosting a Native American Canoe Journey on Orcas, and we have this special opportunity again this year. There will be a welcoming ceremony when several Native American canoes arrive at the Olga dock on Wednesday, May 20th, between 1:00 and 2:00 PM. Please come to welcome them. Highlighting Orcas hospitality, […]
Midnight Mutterings | Radical acceptance
||| MIDNIGHT MUTTERINGS by JACKIE BATES ||| I really look forward to Saturday Morning radio on NPR. First, there’s Scott Simon on Weekend Edition. It’s always interesting to me. Simon’s laugh, like a raucous crow, tickles me each time I hear it, and his enthusiasm when when he says, ‘Now, it’s time for sports!’ I’m thrilled even though I care not one whit about sports. It’s Simon’s enthusiasm about it that makes my day every Saturday. I can put aside […]
Renowned marine ecologist to speak at Orcas Island Public Library
Wednesday, May 20, 6 p.m., Orcas Island Public Library ||| FROM SAM GAILEY for ORCAS ISLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY ||| How Salish Sea Stars are Faring in our Ocean’s Menagerie Join renowned marine ecologist Drew Harvell for a fascinating look beneath the surface of our local waters. Harvell and her research team have spent more than a decade investigating the mysterious disease devastating sea stars along the Pacific Coast. Now that the team has identified the killer in our waters, Harvell will […]
Watch your giving grow | Spring GiveOrcas update
||| FROM LINDSAY JENNINGS for GIVEORCAS CAMPAIGN ||| We’re a few days into the Spring GiveOrcas campaign, and together we’re growing something beautiful on Orcas Island by helping local nonprofits to cultivate and sustain important programs that serve our community. Every gift helps. Yesterday alone, on Unique Donor Day, 724 donors of all ages contributed nearly $35K towards 31 island nonprofits! Congratulations to our Unique Donor Day winners: 1st place, $1,000 prize: Early Childhood Education
Rep. Rick Larsen receives Henry M. Jackson award
||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN ||| It is a real honor to represent family, friends, and neighbors in Northwest Washington. It is a privilege I don’t take for granted. I am also honored that the Economic Alliance Snohomish County has awarded me with the Henry M. Jackson award. Scoop Jackson set an example for me in public service. We both had the privilege of representing Northwest Washington, and we both have Norwegian roots, but what stood […]
Sheriff’s Report | May 6 – 11, 2026
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE ||| WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 26-002588 Theft 13:33:40 05/06/26 A Deputy on Orcas Island received a report of a stolen backpack that had been left on a picnic table. There were no witnesses to the theft. A report was authored, and the missing items were entered as stolen. 26-002595 Trespassing 16:25:56 05/06/26 A Lopez Deputy responded to a trespassing call. An individual previously served a trespass warning letter entered onto the property of a […]