Opinion

In our opinion: Holland Happening may have changed, but name should not

Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce leaders learned that a tulip called by another name may not smell as sweet. News that the chamber is changing… Continue reading

 

Sound Off: Holland Happening name is a cherished tradition

By Autumn Sundown During 2019, Oak Harbor’s iconic and beloved Holland Happening Festival celebrated its 50th year. This event is firmly rooted in cherished childhood… Continue reading

  • Jan 7, 2020

 

Sound off: Local newspapers will keep a close eye on legislators after court rules they are subject to Public Records Act

In 1869, the Daily Cleveland Herald quoted lawyer John Godfrey Saxe as saying, “Laws, like sausages, cease to inspire respect in proportion as we know… Continue reading

  • Jan 3, 2020

 

A sad bear, angry deer and Tom Cruise make year memorable

It was an interesting year on Whidbey Island, as it is every year. The top story of the year was an April Fools joke from… Continue reading

In our opinion: Justices’ rebuke of lawmakers is democracy in action

The framers of the Constitution would be proud to see that the separation of powers doctrine has flourished in the state named after the nation’s… Continue reading

In our opinion: Shopping locally makes for better gifts, stronger communities

Christmas is a week away, but there’s still plenty of time for residents to find the perfect gifts for everyone on their lists. Even teenagers.… Continue reading

  • Dec 17, 2019

In our opinion: Dealing with domestic violence is often complex

The most dangerous place for a woman is her home. Statistics on domestic violence are staggering. An estimated 10 million people are victims of domestic… Continue reading

  • Dec 10, 2019

In our opinion: You’re not alone if you are irritated by slow drivers

A peculiar quirk of some Whidbey Island drivers is to travel slightly under the speed limit on the highway, creating a line of cars that… Continue reading

Sound Off: SPIN Cafe is in urgent need of a new home

SPIN Cafe exists to serve people in need. Today, SPIN itself is in need and may be without a home in less than a month.… Continue reading

  • Dec 3, 2019

In our opinion: Remove the politics from development permit decisions

A proposal to remove the Oak Harbor City Council from quasi-judicial decisions about development proposals is a good idea and should move forward expeditiously. The… Continue reading

  • Nov 29, 2019

Officials share what they’re grateful for this Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving season, we contacted various elected officials on Whidbey and asked what they are thankful for. Here are their answers: This Thanksgiving I am… Continue reading

  • Nov 26, 2019

Sound off: Hoping nation has a reason to be thankful someday

This newspaper asked me to name a few things for which I was thankful, as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday. I’m genuinely thankful for the… Continue reading

  • Nov 22, 2019

In our opinion: Affordable housing should be a top legislative priority

Elected officials across Whidbey Island are completing their wish lists for Olympia. Around this time each year, the local officials enumerate the things that they… Continue reading

  • Nov 19, 2019

In Our Opinion: Irregularities in posted election results can’t be ignored

Based on precinct results posted on the official elections website for Island County, the wrong person won in at least five races and the tallies… Continue reading

  • Nov 15, 2019

Rockin’ a Hard Place: At the three quarters of a century mark and enjoying it

I am turning 75 years old this week. Three quarters of a century. Help me digest that for a moment. I was born a week… Continue reading

  • Nov 12, 2019

Greatest generation quickly slipping into history

Just before Veterans Day, the last known survivor of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor died at age 98. With the passing of George Hursey… Continue reading

  • Nov 12, 2019

Editorial: Hizon, Busig and Severns will represent the entire community

It’s ironic that Oak Harbor City Council candidate Michael Crawford claims the current council is influenced by special interests and that he and fellow candidate… Continue reading

  • Oct 25, 2019

Cartoon for Oct. 9, 2019

Cartoon for Oct. 9, 2019… Continue reading

  • Oct 8, 2019

Cartoon for Oct. 5, 2019

Cartoon for Oct. 5, 2019… Continue reading

  • Oct 4, 2019

Cartoon for Oct. 2, 2019

Cartoon for Oct. 2, 2019… Continue reading

  • Oct 1, 2019