Latest Headlines from Island County

WHIDBEY NEWS TIMES: The state is mandating that Island County create a five-year plan to address low-income housing needs. But the county will have less money than usual to support its goals of supporting affordable housing and reducing homelessness.

WHIDBEY NEWS TIMES: Island County commissioners are looking to expand the number of treatment beds in the Oak Harbor stabilization center from ten to sixteen.

WHIDBEY NEWS TIMES: Island County Sheriff Rick Felici wants someone with more specific qualifications to take over the role of county fire marshal.

WHIDBEY NEWS TIMES: Island County commissioners are set to approve a 15.3% increase in solid waste tipping fees, which are paid by garbage truck haulers and people bringing their materials to the transfer station in Coupeville.

This is a great list of what you should grab is you need to evacuate in an instant. Lots of lessons to learn from California…and a lot of things we should all take a moment to be grateful for in our own lives.

WHIDBEY NEWS TIMES: Island County signed a $3.4 million agreement with the state Department of Transportation to widen shoulders on Highway 20, from Race Road to Welcher Road, in 2020. Nearly five years later, the project hasn’t begun.

ISLAND COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE: Today Island County Prosecutor Greg Banks and Island County Sheriff Rick Felici jointly announce the closure of the investigation into the December 9, 2003 murder of Tamara (“Tammy”) Mattson.

The Board of Island County Commissioners approved the county’s 2025 budget last month, and District 3 Commissioner Janet St. Clair says it was a budget season of challenges and adjustments.

Thank you Bill for your kind column. It’s a privilege to serve a community I value.

WHIDBEY NEWS TIMES: Public health officials are poised to ask state lawmakers to change the way small public water systems are managed.