WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Lone Lake suffers recurring toxic algal blooms from anatoxin-a and microcystin, and officials debate pursuing limited grant funding for an expensive, multi-year cleanup that may be hard to complete.
Kira Erickson
SOUTH WHIDBEY RECORD: The Langley City Council split over Edgecliff Drive downzoning meant to protect a bluff and limit density, questioning its science and housing impacts, and ultimately postponed the decision.
SOUTH WHIDBEY RECORD: The Langley City Council rejected raising the mayor’s pay at the cost of staff and council stipends, with Mayor Horstman insisting staff compensation takes priority until city finances improve.
SOUTH WHIDBEY RECORD: Whidbey Island may get curbside recycling in 2026; the proposed service would be mandatory and cost $6.50 monthly. The proposal responds to high resident interest but faces some local opposition in Langley.
SOUTH WHIDBEY RECORD: The Port of South Whidbey is requesting an extra power conduit during Clinton terminal electrification to support future electric passenger ferries, aiming for expansion and operational flexibility.
WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Island County faces a shortage of car recycling options on South Whidbey. Officials plan to address the problem in 2026, seeking affordable solutions for residents’ vehicle disposal.
WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Island County granted $54,000 to food programs as SNAP benefits are cut by half, prompting local nonprofits and officials to expand emergency meal services and drive donations.
SOUTH WHIDBEY RECORD: In her quest for re-election, an incumbent on the South Whidbey School Board faces a challenger with contrasting ideas about what’s best for the school district.