Latest Headlines from Island County

Island County Commissioner Melanie Bacon (D-Langley) sent her weekly recap to constituents on Fri., Feb. 13, 2026.

WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Island County Sheriff Rick Felici, now running as an Independent, faces Langley Police Chief Tavier Wasser, setting up a contest between Felici’s experience and Wasser’s emphasis on communication and modern policing.

WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Island County is weighing a draft Deer Lagoon Preserve management plan that tightens access and protections for sensitive habitat, aims to guide other preserves, and drew strong public support.

STANWOOD CAMANO NEWS: Island County approved countywide speed-limit reductions based on a multi-year study, stressing safety while acknowledging driver responsibility, and postponing decisions on a former school zone and Camano Plaza IGA.

Island County Commissioner Melanie Bacon (D-Langley) sent her weekly recap to constituents on Fri., Feb. 6, 2026.

WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: The Ebey’s Landing Trust Board is restructuring after federal cuts, shifting its manager position into Island County’s system, funding preservation grants, and keeping key historic sites open for visitors.

WHIDBEY ISLAND PUBLIC HOSPITAL DISTRICT: The Whidbey Island Public Hospital District’s Board of Commissioners is seeking a candidate to fill position #2 (open seat). Until February 16, 2026, registered voters residing on Whidbey Island may submit candidate nominations to the Board for appointment consideration.

Island County Commissioner Melanie Bacon (D-Langley) sent her weekly recap to constituents on Fri., Jan. 30, 2026.

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: Tracy Abuhl’s felony election-center case is paused as prosecutor and defense ask the appeals court to review Judge Skinner’s recusal and discovery rulings tied to a related mask-mandate dispute.