News Briefs
Fire district orders boat
A Fire District 2 purchase will soon give Islanders more piece of mind on the waters. Active in water rescue for 17 years, the department will upgrade its current 17 f-oot Avon inflatable boat to a 21-foot hard-bottom inflatable craft.
The district contracted North Wind, Inc., to build a 21-foot craft, with 115 horsepower engines. Cost is $60,000 for the boat and trailer, which was a part of the district’s 2002 budget, Chief Mick Lamar said.
After the boat is completed, the aparatus will be positioned at the Cornet station. The build time is estimated 60 to 90 days, and once finished the firefighters will train with both boats ongoing, Commissioner Bruce Carman said.
Each year, the north and south divisions of the district respond to 20-25 water rescue calls each. These can include assisting boaters who’s craft have broken down and need a tow, responding to calls of objects in the sound, and performing search and rescues.
The boat will have radar to help in foggy conditions, and overall stability from a larger craft that will allow more firefighters to work on it at once.
Flag grows in Skagit Valley
Somewhere in the Skagit Valley, the U.S. Flag is growing in honor of the men and women in the armed forces.
Skagit Valley Bulb Farm’s annual Tulip Town will this year include a flag created from 800 tulip bulbs, according to farm owners Jeannette and Anthony DeGoede. The flag will measure 20-feet by 18-feet.
Tulip Town and its flowery flag will honor NAS Whidbey Island with a special time Monday, April 15, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. when admission will be free for all personnel. By then the flag will be in bloom, as will other flower and garden displays. The farm is located at 15002 Bradshaw Rd., Mount Vernon.
Mayor makes appointments
The Oak Harbor City Council recently approved Mayor Patty Cohen’s choices for a new appointment and three reappointments to city community boards.
Brian Williams was reappointed to a four-year term on the investment committee. Mac Bailey was reappointed to a six-year term on the civil service commission. Marsha Chatman was reappointed to a three-year term on the lodging tax advisory committee.
In addition, Whidbey General Hospital Community Relations Coordinator Trish Rose was appointed to a three-year term on the recently-expanded senior center advisory board.
Rose also represents the hospital at numerous other community organizations.
Injured copter pilot improves
Helicopter pilot Steve Smith of Clinton was upgraded to fair condition at Seattle’s Harborview Medical Center last week.
Smith was admitted to the hospital Jan. 20 after his helicopter crashed near the community of Index due to engine failure. Smith sustained injuries to his abdomen, chest, legs, ribs, spine and aorta.
A spokesman for Harborview said Smith was moved from the intensive care unit on Jan. 31 and began rehabilitation Feb. 8.
Smith is a pilot for Airlift Northwest, a medical transport company that moves critical patients to hospitals and trauma units around the Puget Sound area.
He is married to Norma Smith, one of three people seeking the Republican nomination to challenge Second District Congressman Rick Larsen this fall.
