California’s Proposition 13 was enacted in 1978 to stem an immodest rise in real property taxes. It mandated a limit of 2 percent annual increase… Continue reading
Want to buy beer or wine on a state highway? You can on any Washington State Ferry that has food service. Washington State Ferries (WSF)… Continue reading
Oak Harbor School District officials seem determined to close Clover Valley Elementary School and their reasoning seems logical.School district enrollment has been declining, by more… Continue reading
Some of the blackest days in Whidbey Island’s history came during the 1970s when Penn Cove was used as a holding area for killer whales… Continue reading
By Diana McClure and Joivanna CashenWe are in total agreement with the two letters published Dec. 13 referring to animal control not doing their job.… Continue reading
Cats are cool! Not unlike dogs, many times cats are man’s best friend. They welcome our love and affection. They make us laugh and keep… Continue reading
The Oak Harbor pier project appears to be on the ropes, but city leaders owe it to a cadre of hard working pier supporters to… Continue reading
An Oak Harbor woman paid a high price for what she must have considered a simple act of kindness for her daughter.Her daughter was living… Continue reading
In Washington, the start of the new year also brings on the beginning of a new legislative session in Olympia. This year’s session began Jan.… Continue reading
This is a response to W. Cope’s letter to the editor of Jan. 10 titled, “Where were the storm troopers?”I am a sergeant with the… Continue reading
In the opinion dated Jan. 3, the editor commented on sales tax money that is leaving the area and tax equalization. My reply:In the first… Continue reading
Island County Canvassing Board members stood up for the voters last week when they complained about new state rules that tie their hands at vote-counting… Continue reading
Whidbey Islanders would be wise to take advantage of the annual native plant sale sponsored by the Whidbey Island Conservation District.The district is taking orders… Continue reading
I was lucky to grow up in Oak Harbor here in the Pacific Northwest. Because it’s a military town, having people around me of different… Continue reading
The link between education and economic development has become increasingly clear. Together, they are now issues critical to Washington’s families, according to Gov. Chris Gregoire.… Continue reading
The changing of the guard at the Island County Courthouse always promises a fresh start and new opportunities.Newly elected county officials are now on the… Continue reading
During times of war, pestilence and TV reruns, it’s inspiring to find a genuinely happy group of people who are glad to be alive, enthusiastic… Continue reading
Puget Sound Energy held a well-publicized meeting in eastern King County last week to explain their response to the big December windstorm in that area,… Continue reading
Most heroes live and work among us without much notice. But we all know who they are.The Island County Community Health Advisory Board is again… Continue reading
The economic development community has a new catch phrase it’s been bandying about in recent months: sales tax leakage.Such leakage occurs when Island County residents… Continue reading