Latest Headlines from Island County

WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Whidbey officials, alarmed by recent ICE violence, debated how to protect residents, ultimately urging cautious compliance during encounters while stressing legal recourse, documentation, and the limits on local law enforcement.

WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Island County is forming a multidisciplinary Child Fatality Review program to analyze non-natural child deaths, address rising fentanyl-related cases and recommend local safety and prevention strategies.

WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Island County may cap all county roads at 45 mph after a detailed study, adjusting limits on specific Whidbey and Camano segments and holding public hearings.

Island County Commissioner Melanie Bacon (D-Langley) sent her weekly recap to constituents on Fri., Jan. 16, 2026.

WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Prosecutor Greg Banks asked Judge Christon Skinner to step aside from Tracy Abuhl’s mask‑mandate election case over party and conflict concerns, but Skinner rejected the motion and set the case for jury trial.

JANET ST. CLAIR shared a post from the Island County Public Health Department.

JILL JOHNSON: I encourage all North Whidbey residents to attend this open house. It’s a great place to ask questions, give comments, and make sure your values are represented in this planning document.

WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Commissioner Jill Johnson (R-Oak Harbor) is on month‑long medical leave after a health scare, aiming to recover fully while staying engaged remotely with key county issues and meetings.​

Island County Commissioner Melanie Bacon (D-Langley) sent her weekly recap to constituents on Fri., Jan. 9, 2026.

WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Judge declines to remove Prosecutor Greg Banks from Tracy Abuhl’s criminal case over alleged mask‑mandate violations at the 2024 ballot count but orders better discovery, independent legal advice for Auditor Sheilah Crider on privilege issues, and a new trial date.