Oak Harbor resident Barbra West is riding back into rodeo competition again.
West is one of the stars on A&E’s real life series “Rodeo Girls,” which follows five female barrel racers and their horses in competitions.
The show premieres Dec. 11 and 12.
Viewers will get to know all of their backstories and how rodeo influences their lives.
North Whidbey Park and Recreation District Director Bill Walker resigned at the end of the commissioners’ meeting Thursday.
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to work for the taxpayers,” Walker said.
Walker submitted his 30-day notice. His last day will be Dec. 21.
Even before 12:30 p.m. the cars began arriving.
Three people dropped off food just after noon, and they kept coming.
“That’s a lot of food in 15 minutes,” Michelle Curry said
On Nov. 13 a call to action went out the community for volunteers to assist with Janeah and Janesah Goheen’s memorial service Saturday, Nov. 16. Curry was one of the organizers and helped coordinate the effort from an idea that came from the family’s church members.
More than 1,000 people gathered to grieve and celebrate the lives of Janeah and Janesah Goheen on Saturday.
The VFW Riders served as the color guard outside the building as community members poured into the Oak Harbor High School gymnasium to show their respects.
Janesah Danae Goheen, 17, passed away Nov. 11 at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle from injuries sustained in the Oct. 31 car crash in Skagit County. Her twin sister, Janeah Dawn Goheen, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
When Whidbey Inspiration owner Lynn Copeland needed help, her grandson was there to lend a hand.
Since working with his grandma for less than two months, Mike Williams said he’s learned a lot from her. He took over the embroidery aspect of the business and was a natural with the machine.
“I’m getting closer and closer to being a master at this thing,” Williams said.
Fees could be increasing for those who swim at John Vanderzicht Memorial Pool in Oak Harbor.
After three hours of discussion during a budget workshop on Thursday, Nov. 14, the North Whidbey Parks and Recreation District Board of Commissioners gave direction to parks Director Bill Walker to look at cutting 5 percent in wages and salaries and increasing all program dues by 10 percent, including Masters and North Whidbey Aquatic Club.
The board needs to approve a budget by Dec. 1.
North Whidbey Fire and Rescue has a new ride in town.
The district bought four 2013 Toyota RAV4s as emergency medical response vehicles. So far, the district received one of the Toyotas, and will have the others within three weeks, North Whidbey Fire and Rescue Chief Marv Koorn said.
“The goal is to be more efficient and keep our costs down, and respond like we need to respond,” he said.
Several Whidbey Island businesses made their mark in KING-5’s Evening Magazine The Best of Western Washington awards.
El Cazador Mexican Grill and Catina won Best Mexican in the Great Meals category, and owner Natasha Rodriguez said she couldn’t be happier. She attributed the success to all the customers who’ve supported the restaurant all these years.
“Our long-time customers who are like family to us helped spread the word,” Natasha Rodriguez said.
After taking a break, Ebey Bowl is back in action.
The bowling alley was closed for about a month, and reopened mid-October.
On Sept. 22, Traci Wisdom received a phone call from Matt Iverson and Mimi Johnson, the siblings who own Ebey Bowl. They asked her if she wanted to become a partner.
avigating the murky waters of the Washington Health Exchange can be tricky, but there are resources out there.
“I’ve been speaking for days,” said Lisa Clark, Opportunity Council Island County Service Center director.
Informational meetings are being held up and down the island with new ones getting booked all the time. State certified health exchange navigators are traveling around the county to answer questions, and help people use the system.
The second time is the charm when it comes to passing the Whidbey General Hospital general obligation bond.
On election night, the 45 people gathered at Ciao exploded with elation once the first election results were posted, initially showing 61.75 percent voter approval. The bond passed with a 61.44 percent approval, giving it the supermajority it needed.
When asking someone where they got their accessories, it might be surprising when they say the Whidbey General Hospital Auxiliary Gift Shop.
“It’s one of the best kept little shopping secrets,” said Michelle Suggs, hospital gift shop manager. “Every nook and cranny is filled here.”
The gift shop has always been run by volunteers, and the profits are collected by the WGH Auxiliary and used to help the hospital purchase equipment it needs. The funds raised have gone to help purchase the new Breast MRI scanner, and also improve the birth center.
Some might think it’s no-shave November, but at the Oak Harbor Fire Department, it was ‘Stachetober last month.
During the entire month of October, firefighters grew out their mustaches to raise money for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Wounded Warrior Foundation.
The foundation provides assistance and support for active-duty and veterans who are wounded, injured or ill, and for their families.
