North Whidbey firefighters are showing frustration with the perceived lack of progress on several construction projects.
Leaders at North Whidbey Fire Rescue want to replace the district’s administration building, find a replacement for the Cornet Bay Road station and possibly build a new station on Van Dam Road.
If the weight of public opinion carries sway, the makeover of downtown Oak Harbor could include a topless bronze mermaid.
Modestly covered by long locks of hair, the G-rated beauty was a crowd favorite at an Arts Commission meeting in Oak Harbor Monday where 11 artists, hailing from as far away as California, vetted 15 possible pieces to adorn SE Pioneer Way.
In the wake of recent findings by the state Auditor’s Office and a subsequent internal investigation by city officials, Oak Harbor Marina harbormaster Mack Funk has resigned from his position.
Island Scanner: Island County Sheriff’s Office
The Mukilteo ferry terminal will temporarily close for three extended weekends this spring for extensive preservation work, disrupting routines and halving the number of ferry trips as Edmonds becomes the new destination and departure point for Whidbey Islanders.
Island Scanner: Oak Harbor Police Department
Many may not realize this, but a person can never have too many rocks.
Oak Harbor resident Dick James is quick to point this out and quick to invite people to the 46th annual gem show so they can add to their meager, thriving or nonexistent rock collections.
Mayor Jim Slowik honored volunteers of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County with a proclamation on Jan. 19 during the City Council meeting.
Births
Oak Harbor needs better panhandling laws. Because we don’t have any it’s understandable that they can panhandle on private property or as long as they’re not blocking vehicle or pedestrian traffic. Recently one panhandler tried to intentionally distract me and get my attention and talk to me the split second I was attempting to pull out into oncoming traffic where there was only a very small break in traffic.
Whidbey General Hospital’s violations of a federal law will cost millions of dollars.
The publicly owned hospital had to forego approximately $1.7 million worth of Medicare billings. In addition, the hospital is also paying hundreds of thousands of dollars to resolve the violations.
Much to the relief of Whidbey Island elected officials and ferry leaders, Gov. Christine Gregoire’s plan for a regional ferry taxing district appears to have sunk before ever really getting afloat.
The finishing touches are under way to finish a five-year renovation project in the historic reserve.
While nearly complete, officials from Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve have solicited expert help building the cabinets that will go inside the historic Jacob Ebey House, which overlooks Ebey’s Prairie.