WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Oak Harbor approved a March–July pilot hiring a local falconer to fly Harris’s hawks over downtown as a humane way to curb nuisance gulls and related mess and damage.
Marina Blatt
WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Oak Harbor council weighed temporary conversions and a future eight-court complex to address pickleball demand, seeking options that add courts quickly while minimizing impacts on tennis and basketball.
WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: The council adopted a nepotism policy limiting relatives of elected officials from chairing or serving on certain boards, aiming to curb perceived favoritism after controversy involving one volunteer chair.
WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Council members approved lower speed limits on a highway segment to match state safety plans, despite a local resident’s objections; supporters argued the stricter limits target chronic speeders and improve safety.
WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: On Feb. 10, Coupeville residents vote on renewing two school levies that fund programs and facilities, facing criticism over rising costs but strong support from district leaders and advocates.
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.
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.