Burn ban
starts Thursday
Following the lead from Skagit County, Island County will institute a burn ban beginning at 8 a.m., Thursday, July 17.
Island County Sheriff Mark Brown, who also serves as county fire marshal, said it was best to institute the burn ban at the same time neighboring counties are taking similar action.
“I kind of want to be in continuity with other counties around us,” Brown said. He said he consulted with area fire chiefs and they agreed the burn ban is the best decision.
Brown added that even though the moisture content is OK, the area is starting to dry out.
Because of the ban, outdoor burning of natural debris, even with a permit, is prohibited. Recreational burning such as cooking fires in approved burn pits, is allowed.
Brown wouldn’t give an ending date for the burn ban. He said he will work with officials from other counties to find a suitable date.
Public invited to governor lunch
Gov. Chris Gregoire will be hosted by the Island County Economic Development Council and Whidbey Island chambers of commerce at a lunch reception Monday, July 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Coupeville.
“We are excited that Governor Gregoire has scheduled time for an official visit to hear from Island County constituents,” said Sharon Hart, executive director of the EDC. Time has been scheduled after the governor’s remarks for questions.
All island residents are invited to attend; however, space is limited. Reservations for the luncheon are required. Cost of the luncheon is $15 with the menu provided by Serendipity Catering. Please call for special dietary needs. The luncheon will be held in the Coupeville High School Commons.
Call to RSVP or for additional information: 678-6889 or toll free 888-506-7999.
Race Week
sets sail July 20
The 26th annual Whidbey Island Race Week begins at noon Sunday, July 20.
From noon to 6 p.m., racers and their crews will get all the basics squared away including weigh-ins, boat inspections and class assignments.
A skippers’ meeting is slated for 5 p.m., followed by a welcoming reception from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Oak Harbor Yacht Club.
During the welcoming reception, yachters can also sign up for the annual volleyball tournament.
Yacht racing on the waters of Penn Cove and Saratoga Passage begins Monday, July 21, with a harbor start at 11 a.m. The racing events will be held from approximately noon to 5:30 p.m.
The event will continue daily through Friday, July 25, and will conclude with the final awards presentation and evening party beginning at 6:30 p.m.
As of July 14, 125 boats had registered to participate in the event.
There is a lot of tradition and rivalry in Race Week, but mostly is all about having fun. The regatta offers five days of the most competitive racing in the Northwest, as well as great parties, rock and roll, volleyball, golf and the world famous Reggae night.
For more information, check the Web site at www.whidbeyislandraceweek.com.
Due to an editing error, a July 12, front-page story about a sentencing hearing for a convicted child rapist erroneously stated that the attorney and family members of the defendant insisted he was innocent and was being railroaded. In fact, the attorney, Craig Platt of Coupeville, did not make those assertions. Platt, a candidate for Superior Court judge, only represented the man for the sentencing hearing. The News-Times regrets the error.
