Washington Island Observer

07/11/2025

Did your kid ask for a copier for Christmas? It may be early, but it’s gonna be the hot toy this year! Just wait!

If you said yes, then 1) you’ve got a weird kid and 2) we’ve got you covered!

If you said no, it’s less likely, but maybe YOU want one for yourself! Or maybe someone you know does! Or someone else’s kid!

I think we’ve pretty much covered all the bases here…so if you said yes to ANY of the above questions, please email The Observer at [email protected] or call 920-847-2661 with your best offer! 😀

07/08/2025

Meet Officer Ponce!

On June 30th, Town Clerk & Treasurer Alexandria McDonald (accompanied by her soon-to-be bundle of joy) gave the oath of office to Washington Island’s newest police officer, Ulises Ponce. (Isn’t that a cool name?)

An enthusiastic group of Islanders as well as Officer Ponce’s family & friends stood to applaud him. A recent graduate from the police academy, Officer Ponce will get to start his law enforcement career here on Washington Island! How cool is that?

In addition to all of Officer Ponce’s recommendations being excellent, he’s also a fluent Spanish-speaker! When you see him around, make sure to welcome him to our community! 😊

To read the full article and to subscribe to our paper, you can visit www.washingtonislandobserver.com!

07/04/2025

Happy Fourth of July!!! 🇺🇸

It’s a hot one—so make sure to have a popsicle or 5. Hydration is important. 😉

For more information about Fourth of July activities here on the island, refer to our last post! 🤗

07/02/2025

Fourth of July festivities are right around the corner! 🎇🇺🇸

All children are invited to participate in Washington Island’s 2025 Childrens Parade on Friday, July 4th. Patriotic costumes & decorations are encouraged!

Participants & spectators will gather in front of Legion Hall at 8:15pm, and the parade to the ballpark will begin at 8:30pm, led by the American Legion Post 402 Color Guard.

To read more about this event, as well as other upcoming events on the island, & to subscribe to our paper, you can go to washingtonislandobserver.com. 😊

06/26/2025

Want more photos from the Washington Islands Birding Festival? You’ve got it! 🐦 🦅 🦆

Birdwatchers returned to the festival, sponsored by the Washington Island Art & Nature Center, once again for three days in the middle of May. Just look at the photos they caught!

Make a promise to yourself that you’ll be at next year’s annual Washington Islands Birding Festival, get your own great photos, and make sure to share them with us! 😉

To read the full article or to subscribe to our paper, go to washingtonislandobserver.com.

06/20/2025

This year, Rock Island marked its 60th year as a state park! 🥳

If you’ve had good times on Rock Island, feel free to share photos in the comments! 😊

To read the full article or to subscribe to our paper, you can go to washingtonislandobserver.com! 🤗

06/16/2025

We love Red Cup Coffee House! ❤️❤️❤️

we got the most kind and loving surprise shoutout in this weeks Observer that brought tears and big smiles to our faces. sweet Alyssa, thank you so much for making our day…nahh, our whole summer. this is getting framed, for sure! 🥹

06/15/2025

Happy Father’s Day, dads! Thanks for always looking out for us. ❤️

06/13/2025

Last month was for the birds. In a good way! 🐦❤️

On Monday, May 12th, over 24 million migrating birds crossed into or over Wisconsin, just in time for the start of the annual Washington Islands Birding Festival.

This highly-anticipated festival drew in a total of 54 birders who were led by seven expert guides. Over the festival’s three day duration, a remarkable total of 143 birders species were observed!

To find out more about this year’s Washington Islands Birding Festival, or to subscribe to our paper, you can go to washingtonislandobserver.com.

Photo Credit: Monica Novak

06/08/2025

Did you know the Washington Island Observer has won FOUR Wisconsin Newspaper Awards (2012, 2013, 2016 and 2017)? That’s thanks in part to the 70+ volunteers who have written stories for us in the past few years, and also to readers like you!

The Washington Island Observer is owned & published by more than a dozen families who love the Island and live here at least part of the year. If you aren’t currently subscribed to our paper, you can do so at washingtonislandobserver.com!

06/02/2025

Okay now THIS is really cool—the Observer got to go to Edinburgh, Scotland!

Photo submitted by JJ McAuliffe, “friend of the Island for over 45 years,” pictured here.

To subscribe to the Washington Island Observer & submit your own photos from all over the world, go to washingtonislandobserver.com.

05/29/2025

Did you hear? The WI - Gibraltar baseball team is really something this year! ⚾️

This action shot of Cameron Munao diving in to home during their win over Peshtigo on Friday, May 2, is just one of the many exciting moments from this year witnessed by their loyal fans.

The WI - Gibraltar team will continue their streak of dominating in the playoffs at Gibraltar High School this coming Tuesday, June 3rd at 4:30pm, against either Marian or Wisconsin Rapids Assumption.

Come support these hard-working athletes at what’s sure to be an exciting game!