Performing arts center studied

The feasibility of creating a community/schools performing arts center in Oak Harbor is being studied.

Susan Conzatti of the Whidbey Arts Foundation said the organization is looking into the possibility of constructing a performing arts center in collaboration with Oak Harbor School District. The center’s construction would coincide with the planned remodel of Oak Harbor High School.

“We’ve been trying to get a performing arts center in Oak Harbor for six years,” Conzatti said Thursday, adding that the last couple of plans haven’t panned out.

Recently, Whidbey Arts Foundation contracted with a firm that assesses the feasibility of creating community/school facilities. Within 60 days, Conzatti said, the firm should have a recommendation to the school district regarding financial projections, facility design and whether the community would support the project.

Funding for the facility would be proposed as part of the school district’s bond election. “There will be a necessity for bond money to cover part of it,” Conzatti said.

She said the idea of a community center that is also part of the Oak Harbor High School provides great opportunities. “We think it’s really important that the students have access to this as well,” Conzatti said.

Learn all about college

College Information Night in Oak Harbor will be held Tuesday, March 12 from 6-7 p.m. in Hayes Hall 137.

Get all your questions answered about how to get started at Skagit Valley College, Whidbey Island Campus.

Meet faculty, academic advisors, financial aid counselors and admission representatives. For more information please call 675-6656 ext. 5319.

Fair leaders make visit

Four times a year, Island County Fair organizers bring the fair’s business north to Coupeville in an ongoing effort to encourage attendance from North and Central Whidbey Islanders.

Anyone interested in discussing areas of concern or participating in the fair itself is invited to attend the joint board and Fair Association meeting on Monday, March 11 at 7 p.m. in the the Commissioners’ Hearing Room on the lower level of the old courthouse annex at 1 NE Sixth St.

“See What’s New in 2002!” is the fair’s theme this year, and new members are always welcome. Association dues are $5 per year. Membership is open to anyone 18 or older interested in putting on an old-fashioned county fair. For more information, visit the fair’s website at www.

islandweb.org/fair or call the fair office at (360) 221-4677.

Want a change in city’s plan?

Oak Harbor considers changes to its comprehensive plan once a year, and the time has arrived.

The comprehensive plan guides growth and the way property can be used. Every chunk of land within the city and just outside the borders — in the Urban Growth Area — has been labelled with a zone to control what can be done with the land.

Each year the planning commission and city council consider both land-use and policy amendments.

During the process, the city will consider applications from citizens for amendments to current zoning and land-use rules.

The deadline for applications is March 29.