News Briefs

Anyone with ideas for a way to boost tourism in Oak Harbor may be able to get some money to help.

Bring tourists, attract money

Anyone with ideas for a way to boost tourism in Oak Harbor may be able to get some money to help.

The city of Oak Harbor will begin accepting applications Aug. 20 for the 2009 2-percent lodging tax grant program. Completed grant applications will be due by Sept. 30 at 4:30 p.m.

The 2 percent lodging tax grant program supports projects that attract visitors, encourage tourism, and increase economic activity in the city. Oak Harbor’s Lodging Tax Advisory Board will evaluate applications for eligible activities, effectiveness, and funding requirements and make recommendations to the mayor and council for consideration during a regular City Council meeting.

Contact the City Clerk’s office, 279-4539, for an application packet that includes full details about the program’s requirements.

Utility knife

used on man

An incident first reported as a stabbing on North Whidbey in the morning of Aug. 12 may have been a case of self-defense.

Detective Ed Wallace with the Island County Sheriff’s Office reported that two men were upset that a Rolling Hills resident had allegedly assaulted an 18-year-old woman. The two men went to the resident’s home and the woman lured him out.

Wallace said the two men jumped the resident and beat him. One of the men started choking him.

The resident pulled out a utility knife and cut one of the men on the arm and rib cage. The injuries were relatively minor, Wallace said, and required a couple of stitches.

Help show our appreciation

Oak Harbor Navy League, the city of Oak Harbor and the Chamber of Commerce present the annual Military Appreciation Picnic Saturday, Sept. 6 from noon to 4 p.m. at Windjammer Park.

This event is free to military personnel and their families, and only $5 for the civilian community.

How can you help? Organizers are gladly accepting monetary donations to offset the cost of food and supplies. Every little donation adds up.

They are also in need of soda for about 2,000 people. If every Chamber of Commerce member, for example, dropped off one case of soda, their goal would be easily met.

For more information, or to sign up to volunteer, please call Heather at 675-3755.