Until this past September, when he was laid off from his information technology job, Rob Rodgers and his family of four were covered by health insurance.

After he lost his job, he turned to the Washington Health Plan Finder in search of coverage available under the Affordable Care Act.

Similar to national reports, he didn’t have much success.

“We tried the website and had a horrible, horrible time,” Rodgers said.

AFTER ATTENDING a public meeting on the Affordable Care Act held by the Island County Opportunity Council last year, Rodgers and his wife were able to connect with staff and get signed up for one of the low-cost health plans through the Health Plan Finder.

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There’s a new sheriff in town.

The Island County commissioners approved a contract Monday empowering the sheriff’s office to run the Coupeville Marshal’s Office.

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Kristen Griffin said she is “uniquely suited” to appreciate island living and the historic significance of Whidbey.

Griffin began her position as the new manager of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve last week.

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Starting Tuesday, an unauthorized people may attempt to enter Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, and the Navy is planning to be ready for them.

The Navy’s annual Solid Curtain/Citadel Shield, conducted at NAS Whidbey Feb. 18-28, is a series of readiness exercises conducted at Navy bases across the United States.

The exercises are designed to ensure that the base is ready to respond to threats.

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Whidbey retirees berated the Oak Harbor Naval Hospital’s commanding officer Wednesday for making them change their primary care physician to one on base.

Nearly 60 military retirees voiced their frustration at a meeting at the Chief’s Club about changes to the hospital’s policies that go into effect March 1.

Capt. Edward Simmer gave a brief presentation followed by questions and scoldings from retirees who felt they were not given appropriate notice and that the new policy is unfair.

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