Latest Headlines from Coupeville and Central Whidbey

Coupeville school board members acknowledged in their May 24 meeting that procedures were abandoned during the recent investigation into allegations against Steve King. However, they could not agree on what should have happened nor could they decide who was to blame for derailing the process. Karina Andrew has the relevant...

The Coupeville town council is debating allowing food at this year’s Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival. The council tabled the discussion until their next meeting on Tuesday, June 8. Mayor Molly Hughes said this will put them closer to the festival board’s “drop-dead date”. Councilmember Rick Walti spoke in favor...

Friday, May 22 was the final day of candidate filing week for Island County’s general election this coming November. The Coupeville School Board saw some shuffling of candidates as Kathleen Anderson, the current board president, withdrew her name. Jessie Stensland has the story with more details. For a complete listing...

Candidates for the many positions on the November 2021 ballot are filing to run. See our Filing Week 2021 page for a complete listing of positions that will be on the November ballot and the candidates who have filed for them. (Note: Open Water District positions are not listed). Candidate...

An investigation into the Coupeville school superintendent for alleged bias and retaliation largely exonerated him, according to the report on the inquiry. Also, the School Board may have violated the state Open Public Meetings Act when the majority took action on a press release outside of public meetings. The press...

Candidates who are running for election to a long list of Island County positions must file during the week of May 17 – 21. The Election in November is in an off year for federal and state races, but many positions in county, city and special districts will be on...

Coupeville Town Council is considering partnering with the Whidbey Camano Land Trust (WCLT) to demolish a WW II-era concrete cistern that has not been used for 25 years. Mayor Molly Hughes advocated for taking advantage of WCLT’s willingness to contribute both money and staff for the project. WLCT proposes to...

Coupeville’s port commissioners are considering a port-specific tax that could bring in up to $7.5 million for capital improvements and repairs at its properties, by creating an industrial development district (IDD). The IDD would allow the port to levy funds without voter approval. Projects under consideration include seismic stabilization and...

Jessie Stensland reports in the Whidbey News-Times that WhidbeyHealth CEO Ron Telles announced that the Public Health District will be proceeding with a hospital renovation project expected to cost $22.5 million. This despite the district’s “cash poor position” — operating with a negative 1.7 days of cash on hand. Mr....

Citizens of Coupeville are complaining about the deer taking up residence in the town. The city is considering a no-feeding-the-deer ordinance. Kira Erickson reports from the Coupeville Town Council.