Latest Curated Headlines from Oak Harbor and North Whidbey

WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Oak Harbor adopted a court‑driven stay‑out‑of‑designated‑area ordinance letting judges bar certain drug offenders from a south‑side business zone to reduce concentrated drug activity and related crime.

WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Oak Harbor rejected annexing Valley High Mobile Home Park, keeping responsibility for its failing sewage system with the owners and county despite concerns for long‑time residents living with serious infrastructure problems.

CITY OF OAK HARBOR: The City Council’s Dec. 2, 2025 meeting centered on approving a mid‑biennial budget amendment, adopting a stay‑out‑of‑designated‑area (SODA) ordinance targeting drug‑related activity, and considering the Mangat annexation request.

CITY OF OAK HARBOR: “The goals of the SODA (Stay Out of Designated Area Ordinance) are to reduce repeat criminal behavior, increase public and business safety, provide an enforceable tool for courts and police, and encourage rehabilitation outside the target zone,” Police Chief Tony Slowik.

WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: WhidbeyHealth’s board replaced president James Golder with Marion Jouas after a disputed closed session over “personnel and legal” issues, while publicly affirming confidence in Jouas and the hospital’s direction.

WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Officials are studying new Highway 20 speed limits in Oak Harbor, proposing lower speeds near urban areas and roundabouts, with final decisions expected in 2026 after public notification.

BRYAN STUCKY: Hwy 20 is a state highway and the state secretary of transportation is the one with ultimate authority to set speed limits.

CITY OF OAK HARBOR: Video of the City Council Workshop of Tue., Nov. 25, 2025.

OAK HARBOR SCHOOL DISTRICT: The Oak Harbor Public Schools Board of Directors received the prestigious 2025 Board of the Year award in the medium-district category from the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA), recognizing the district’s sustained, student-focused governance and the successful adoption of a comprehensive strategic plan.

WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Oak Harbor seeks a larger lodging tax grant for marina debt service to avoid utility tax hikes, sending the request back to the advisory committee during its 45-day review.