When Bill Arnold got a phone call from his wife asking to greet her at the front counter, the timing wasn’t ideal.
It was just after 11 a.m., which meant the Oak Harbor McDonald’s restaurant would soon be brimming with visitors.
“I was downstairs working on some things,” Arnold said. “She called me up here to take her order. I mean, I love my wife to death, but I was like ‘Can’t someone else do that for you?’ because I was kind of busy.”
A longtime winter ride program that shuttles young skiers from Oak Harbor to Mount Baker is back on course after doubts crept up in recent weeks about its future.
A group of parents worked with the Oak Harbor School District as well as Mount Baker Ski Area to extend a ski bus program that’s been around North Whidbey for more than 20 years.
It was one of the rare times Scott Dudley could be seen in public with his hair out of place.
However, it was clear to Oak Harbor’s mayor that a messy head of hair was a small price to pay for the fun he had with his family and with the community.
Alan Hall can’t complain about where he works these days.
When he steps out of his portable office, he can stare out at scenic Cornet Bay and sometimes even catch a glimpse of a hovering bald eagle.
“I did see a salmon,” Hall said. “A real nice salmon.”
Deception Pass Bridge got a heavy dose of the 12th man last week as approximately 150 Seattle Seahawks fans held a rally on and around the span.
Fans gathered at the iconic bridge on Dec. 28 to show their support of the region’s playoff-bound NFL team.
Many of the fans were from Whidbey Island.
Deception Pass Bridge got a heavy dose of the 12th man Saturday as approximately 150 Seattle Seahawks fans held a rally on and around the bridge.
Fans gathered at the iconic bridge to show their support for the region’s playoff-bound NFL team.
Many of the fans were from Whidbey Island.
The quality of the first Community Christmas won out over quantity.
Only about 40 people showed up for the first event on Christmas Day at the Odd Fellows Hall in Oak Harbor. However, the experience was “absolutely” a success, according to Melissa Riker, one of the event’s organizers.
It was her oldest sister’s idea. And to Taylor Marrs, it was a good one.
What better way for a 3-year-old to spend time than to sit at the kitchen table with her two big sisters and spread thick slabs of frosting on dozens of sugar cookies.
Taylor was taking the job seriously, using a little extra force to apply sprinkles.
Jason Park considers his blue and green Seattle Seahawks bracelet among his most treasured possessions.
There’s a sentimental attachment because it was made by his stepdaughter. But its value steeped in superstition far outweighs all others.
Park has worn the bracelet for every home Seahawks game the last two seasons, but couldn’t find it last Sunday when Seattle lost to the Arizona Cardinals for its first home loss in two years.
It’s not every day a queen bed departs dry land and sets sail into the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Such a vision would be unimaginable for most.
Not for Alex Thierry.
About a year ago, just one week before Christmas, his bed floated away.
It’s a job that Dan Miller has proudly held for 20 years.
Santa’s messenger.
“I make sure letters get to Santa Claus,” Miller said.
He’s the liaison to Santa in the northern reaches of Whidbey Island.
It’s possible the Christmas tree that’s standing in your living room will be around Whidbey Island for years to come.
Just in a different form.
Habitat for Humanity of Island County is teaming up with Pioneer Tree Service & Landscaping to collect and recycle Christmas trees on Whidbey Island.
The thought of someone spending Christmas Day alone tugged a little on Ryan Wallin’s heart strings.
As secretary of a group that tackled charitable causes, Wallin was struck with an idea after he was asked what services were offered during the holidays around Oak Harbor for those who needed it most.
After taking a quick mental inventory, Wallin realized most days were covered except for one big exception.
