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Darrell Kirk Staff photo

Life

San Juan Islands Conservation District offers free biochar kiln workshops to combat wildfire risk and boost soil health |Hands-on training teaches islanders to transform forest debris into valuable soil amendment while reducing fire danger

By Darell Kirk

Musicians

Life

Salish Sea Early Music Festival concerts

Submitted by the Salish Sea Early Music Festival.

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Life

‘Coffee with Kari’ offers islanders time with Council member Kari McVeigh on San Juan

Submitted by San Juan County.

Darrell Kirk photo. A Washington State Ferry at the Orcas Island dock.

News

San Juan Islands brace for decade of ferry uncertainty despite billion-dollar state investment | New boats won’t serve islands; aging vessels and service disruptions are “the new normal,” officials warn

By Darrell Kirk

Russel Barsh photo. A red-backed jumping spider with a honeybee it caught in mid-air.

Life

Natural history essay, January 2026: Iridescent dancers

by Russel Barsh

Contributed photo. Linnea Anderson, Tom Kearney and Dave Zeretzke.

News

Juvenile Court — supporting island youth

The Juvenile Court Services has grown and adapted to meet ever-changing laws and to meet the evolving needs…

Contributed by Sean Trew Clear skies and calm seas during the Around the County race.

Life

Little wind but lots of fun during Around the County Regatta

The two-day Round the County Regatta kicked off Nov. 8. Sponsored by the Orcas Island Yacht Club, racers…

Sarah Geist photo. Gretchen lifts her pectoral fin while feeding in shallow water near the shoreline near Hidden Beach on Whidbey Island on Dec. 22.

News

First gray whales, or Sounders, return to Salish Sea as floods impact shorelines

Submitted by the Orca Network.

Edee Scriven photo. Sandy Melzer facilitates town hall.

Life

Town hall clarifies Lopez Clinic’s future

Submitted by Gretchen Wing.

Gene Helfman photos. Top: Kylie Willemsen brings down a rebound while (left to right) Evelyn Aguilar-Clavel, Betty Burt (40), Dani Arnott (33) and Elle Patrick (10) ready to move the ball down the court. Bottom: Nathan Kinney grabs a rebound, while Jack Leyde (30), Kayden Sarazin (32), Benji Stephenson (12) and Ian Cankusic (10) look on.

Sports

Lobos win home openers

By Gene Helfman

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Life

Top stories of 2025: Part 2

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

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Life

Registration open for Marine Naturalist Training Program

Submitted by The Whale Museum.

Darrell Kirk / staff photo A ferry in the San Juans

News

Ferry reservation system faces delays, critics question lack of user testing

By Darrell Kirk