Top stories of 2025: Part 1

By Colleen Smith Summers, Heather Spaulding, Kristina Stucki and Darrell Kirk

Staff report

At the end of the year, we take a look at the biggest headlines of the past 12 months. This is part one. We selected the top stories from our most-read online articles and events that we believe had the most significant impact on our communities. Watch for part two in our next edition.

1. Orcas Islander detained in Israel during Gaza flotilla mission

Jasmine Ikeda, an Orcas Island resident, was detained by Israeli forces in October after participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla, an international effort to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters on Oct. 1, detaining Ikeda and approximately 460 other activists from over 40 countries. The group was transported to Ketziot Detention Center, located 30 kilometers from the Egyptian border. Around 20 Americans were among those held.

The flotilla aimed to create a humanitarian corridor and deliver aid, including baby formula and wound dressings, directly to Gaza. Organizers maintained their action was legal under international law, arguing that Israel’s blockade constituted collective punishment and violated the Geneva Conventions.

Rep. Rick Larsen stated on Oct. 3 that he confirmed he had contacted the State Department and requested consular services for Ikeda. Forty participants, including Ikeda, conducted a hunger strike during their detention.

The U.S. Embassy visited the detainees on Oct. 5, and by Oct. 6, three Americans had been released. The flotilla faced escalating challenges, including threats from Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who had threatened to designate activists as “terrorists” in early September.

2. ICE comes to San Juan County

On July 11, masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrived on San Juan Island without informing local law enforcement. They removed two community members, Guilherme Silva and Pedro Moreno, detaining them without warning or criminal warrants. Both men were ultimately detained at the Tacoma ICE detention center. Online and local fundraising campaigns raised $20K for Moreno and more than $50K for Silva, whose pregnant wife was very vocal on social media about the situation.

Moreno was in the country illegally, and after a failed attempt at obtaining a visa while detained, decided to self-deport in September.

Silva was ordered to be released on bond in immigration court, but was instead arrested by Homeland Security on charges of possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct and sexual exploitation of a minor. He was held at the Whatcom County Jail starting on July 29. On Oct. 6, his case was dismissed with prejudice. Silva’s son was born four days after the dismissal.

The prosecutor who submitted the motion for dismissal stated, “The State believes additional time is needed for the investigation to be completed. Based on the investigation, the state may elect to refile charges in the future.”

Silva’s immigration case has been transferred to California, where he now resides with his family. His next hearing is scheduled for early 2026.

3. New Council members elected

San Juan County swore in two newly elected officials on Dec. 30, 2024, marking a significant transition in local leadership.

Kari McVeigh and Justin Paulsen joined the County Council, with Court Commissioner Alan Hancock performing the ceremony in the Superior Court courtroom. Council member Jane Fuller remained on the Council as she began her third year in office, while Superior Court Judge Kathryn Loring, who won reelection in 2024, was also sworn in again.

McVeigh became the County Council member representing District 1, which includes San Juan, Henry and Stuart islands. She brought a background in public education administration, having served as superintendent of both the San Juan Island School District and Shaw Island School District.

Paulsen took the position representing District 2, covering Orcas and Waldron islands. His experience included small business ownership and service on multiple local boards, including the Ferry Advisory Committee and Orcas Island Parks and Recreation Commission.

The County expressed gratitude to outgoing Council members Christine Minney and Cindy Wolf, acknowledging their dedicated service and lasting contributions to San Juan County’s growth and infrastructure development over their years in office.

4. Seven-acre wildfire in West Sound

What began as a 40-foot brush fire in the West Sound/Deer Harbor area on July 8 quickly escalated to a 7-acre wildland blaze that threatened six homes before being contained through an extraordinary display of interagency cooperation and community response. The fire’s rapid growth highlighted the volatile conditions that can turn a minor incident into a major emergency.

Multiple Department of Natural Resources helicopters were on scene, and Orcas Island Fire & Rescue was assisted by the San Juan and Lopez fire departments through the San Juan County Interagency Wildland Team. The successful containment showcased what emergency officials call mutual aid at its finest.

While the response demonstrated the effectiveness of interagency cooperation and community preparedness, it also highlighted the growing wildfire risk facing island communities and the reality that such a comprehensive response may not always be available.

OIFR extended appreciation for the mutual assistance from the neighboring islands, Washington State DNR, OPALCO, Island Excavating, San Juan County Dispatch, Sheriff’s Office, Lopez Island Fire & EMS and San Juan Island Fire.

5. Ferry terminal changes operators after decades

After 45 years of dedicated service under Ron Rebman and Mary Russell’s stewardship, Orcas Landing announced new operators in August. James and Gina Anderson, a couple with deep island roots and extensive business backgrounds, took over the ferry contract that serves as the gateway to Orcas Island. The Andersons bring a combined 50 years of experience in operations and finance to their new role.

Assuming the Orcas Landing contract means inheriting a legacy built over nearly half a century.

“Most importantly, we’re taking the history of what Ron and Mary have done. They’ve had this for 45 years between Ron and Mary, and their family. So we have a great foundation,” James explained.

The Andersons see their role as more than business operators — they’re community stewards committed to preserving what makes Orcas Island special while adapting to modern realities.

6. Vikings shine at state level

After more than a decade hiatus, girls soccer returned to Orcas Island High School this fall, and the team quickly made its mark. The Vikings were recognized in the 2025 All-League Girls Soccer selections, highlighted by senior Chloe Anderson-Cleveland earning a spot on the Second Team All-League.

After a season in which Viking boys soccer claimed back-to-back championships, several team members, as well as the program as a whole, earned well-deserved recognition with league honors. Orcas Island collected an impressive set of awards in the 2025 Northwest 1B/2B All-League selections. Senior Joaquin Shanks-Morales was named Most Valuable Player, underscoring the Vikings’ strong presence in league play.

Orcas also placed three players on the First Team All-League: senior Anthony Conejo, sophomore Junior Conjeo Medina and junior Timoteo Malo. The Vikings added three more selections on the Second Team All-League, with senior Lauro Quintero Carrion, senior Angelo Vaccarella and sophomore Sam Vaccarella all earning recognition. The program was also awarded the league’s Team Sportsmanship Award.

Vikings’ volleyball saw postseason success, advancing to the Yakima SunDome for the state tournament. Orcas Island was well represented in the November 2025 All-League selections, earning three individual awards. Senior Sofia Mahony-Jauregui was named to the First Team All-League, highlighting her impact as one of the top players in the conference. Fellow senior Maria Burns earned a spot on the Second Team All-League, while senior Vera Sasan received Honorable Mention recognition.

Vikings baseball and softball both qualified for postseason play. Baseball earned third place at districts, with an overall season record of 7-13. The girls’ softball team also placed third at districts, losing to Friday Harbor. The overall season record was 8-13. The track team also had a strong showing at state.

Orcas Island High School added state chess champions to its trophy case. Forty-eight teams qualified and competed at the 59th annual Washington State High School Chess Team Championships, held Feb. 28 and March 1 at Lincoln Hill High School in Stanwood. Six rounds were played over two days.

The Orcas team members are 10th-graders Lamai Hons, Max Dickey-Vollmer and Orion “Arrow” Johns, and 11th-graders Colter Bond and Thurmond Russel.

Of the 48 teams that made it through the qualification process to compete at state, five were 2B teams, and OIHS performed the best, scoring 15.5 wins and earning the title of State 2B Champions. The format was five-versus-five matches, with scoring based on individual wins.

At the first regional chess championship, Orcas High School sophomore Lamai Hons earned the grand champion title, and the OIHS chess team placed first, qualifying for the state championship.

In fall 2024, 15-year-old Hons asked English teacher Maurice Austin to create an Associated Student Body club for chess. He was joined by fellow students Orion Johns, Colter Bond and Max Vollmer, and home-school student Thurmond Russell.

7. Orcas Fire & Rescue completed major staffing overhaul

Orcas Island Fire and Rescue announced significant changes to its leadership and staffing in March 2025, marking a turning point for the department. Chad Kimple, who served OIFR in various roles for over 20 years, was named the new fire chief. Kimple, who had been serving as interim chief and San Juan County fire marshal, officially assumed his new position on March 13. The department also successfully filled all career fire and medic positions, enabling 24/7 shift coverage with minimum staffing of one paramedic/firefighter and one EMT/firefighter, plus volunteer support. New hires included paramedic/firefighter Bryce Hamilton, who returned to OIFR after working for Burlington, and paramedic Scott Jackson from Whidbey Island. Two islanders joined the team: Amie Stevens, a paramedic hired for an EMT/firefighter position, and Kat Barnard, a longtime OIFR staff member who filled another EMT/firefighter role. Dimitri Stankevich, an islander and longtime volunteer, was hired as director of administration and finance. The department formed two committees to address its capital levy project for facilities and apparatus needs. OIFR also announced plans to restart a formal cadet program for youth interested in volunteer service, expressing gratitude to the community for its support during the transition period.

8. Orcas Island voters approved all four levies in November election

Orcas Island voters gave strong support to all four local levies in the November 2025 election, providing crucial funding for schools, the library and fire services.

As of Nov. 6, San Juan County Elections reported that 5,582 ballots had been counted, with 400 remaining to be tallied. The Orcas Island School District saw both of its propositions pass, with Proposition 1 for safety and improvements receiving 59.35% approval and Proposition 2 for educational programs and operations earning 66.12% support.

The Orcas Island Library Proposition 1, which established a regular property levy, passed with 61.38% of votes. The San Juan Fire Protection District 2 Proposition 1, a general obligation bond, received the strongest support at 65.71%.

Orcas Fire Chief Chad Kimple released a statement thanking the community and emphasizing the district’s commitment to transparency and accountability. He pledged regular updates on project timelines and expenditures, with public reporting at Board of Fire Commissioners meetings.

The approved funding would support the replacement of aging fire apparatus and equipment, the completion of needed facility repairs and the maintenance of emergency response capabilities. Kimple acknowledged the district’s 73 volunteers and thanked all voters, regardless of how they voted, for their participation in the democratic process.

Cienna Richardson photo. Girls soccer returned to Orcas Island High School this fall after a committee of four students — Chloe Anderson-Cleveland, Wren Ontjes, Lucy Rios and Katie Spinogatti — worked diligently on a proposal that was presented to the school board last April.