The price of feeding inmates at the Island County Jail is increasing, but Jail Chief Jose Briones says the “11% increase is very reasonable.”
Jessie Stensland
A state law that is meant to protect juveniles from pressure or coercion from police officers has inspired strong feelings in Island County’s law and justice system.
Island County has about $9.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA, funds that commissioners have earmarked for affordable housing projects. The commissioners are now posting a formal request for proposals.
A group of residents voluntarily dismissed a lawsuit that challenged Island County’s award of $1.5 million to a nonprofit organization that plans to convert a Freeland motel into low-income housing.
A judge denied a motion related to a Freeland motel that is being transitioned into low-income housing, but the litigation is not over.
At a hearing Tuesday, Island County Superior Court Judge Carolyn Cliff declined to impose Freeland Concerned Citizens LLC’s request for a preliminary injunction, saying that preliminary injunctions an extraordinary and rare relief and that the LLC hasn’t shown a clear legal or equitable argument that it would likely prevail on the underlying lawsuit.
The Whidbey Island Public Hospital District is looking for a new commissioner to replace the departing Nancy Fey, and a new WhidbeyHealth CEO.
The candidates for a seat on the Island County Board of commissioners were narrowed to incumbent Janet St. Clair and challenger Tim Hazelo in the Aug. 2 primary election.
The candidates for a seat on the Island County Board of commissioners were narrowed to two in the Aug. 2 primary election.