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Darrell Kirk photo.
Fire Academy members in training.

Life

Historic Fire Academy brings new generation eager to give back and serve Orcas Island | Thirty recruits — including six high school cadets — represent largest training class in department history

By Darrell Kirk

Contributed photo.
Diego Salvetti.

Life

An evening with guitarist Diego Salvetti

Submitted by the Orcas Center.

Marcus Spiske photo.

Sports

Boys and girls basketball move forward in playoffs; will play Friday Harbor next

Submitted by the Orcas Booster Club.

Darrell Kirk Staff photo
George Lamb holds up solar research.

News

Decatur residents warn solar expansion sets precedent for all islands

By Darrell Kirk

Russel Barsh photo.
Russel Barsh photo.
A Pine Elfin, one of the islands’ relatively common Elfins (we have a few rare species as well), enjoying a sip of nectar from an apple blossom.

Life

Bats’ breakfast | Learn about local butterflies and moths

By Russel Barsh

Cassie Diamond photo.
Sen. Noel Frame, D-Seattle, shares a story of her experience with miscarriage while giving remarks in support of Senate Bill 5917 during a floor session Feb. 10.

News

Senate passes abortion medication expansion

By Cassie Diamond

sheriff

News

Tossed trash; cross cow; damaged door | SJC sheriff’s log

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls.

Carey and Christina.

Life

A perfect match from the start

When Carey Eskridge saw his future wife, Christina Vallery, he thought she was the most beautiful woman in…

Cassie Diamond photo.
Prime sponsor Sen. Jesse Salomon speaks in support of Senate Bill 6296 during a public hearing Feb. 2.

News

Bill seeks to update state’s involuntary treatment law

By Cassie Diamond

Cienna Richardson photo.

Sports

Vikings in post-season play

By Declan O’Malley

Contributed photo.
L-R: Orcas High School chess players Elijah Griffith, Colter Bond, Thurmond Russell, Tim Malo.

Life

Orcas High School chess team places first to compete at state level

Orcas Island has once again brought home chess honors.

Contributed photo.
Jan. 7, 2025: Most of IOSA’s responses involve boats, but that’s not always the case. A report of a car in False Bay on San Juan brought Deputy Director Rick Winings out with absorbents and other gear, ready to deal with a car-sized spill. Fortunately, no spill occurred, and the sheriff towed the car away without incident.

Life

Honoring four decades of spill response in San Juan County

by Bill Symes and Elaina Thompson

sheriff

News

A strayed stroller and a tipped truck | SJC sheriff’s log

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls.