Apparently, holiday retail sales have been a mixed bag for businesses in downtown Coupeville, with some merchants bemoaning a slow Christmas season and others claiming everything is merry and bright.
This year, many retail outlets have experienced a sharp decline in holiday retail sales. The poor showing is attributed primarily to consumers tightening their belts in the face of an economy that has slumped drastically after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. Interest rates have similarly plummeted, and many in the region are facing the threat of lay-offs.

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Winter brings the Christmas rose and other pretty poisons

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County Assessor Tom Baenen’s attempts (News-Times, Dec. 12) to justify his actions against Island County’s land owners on the basis of increased property values in recent years are brazen and far from the truth.

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My name is Ted Smith and I am an assistant regional manager with Washington State Parks. I’m responsible for natural and cultural resource issues for all the Washington state parks in State Park’s Northwest Region.
I read with interest your article about fishing closures (News-Times, Dec. 12). I am responsible for the closure proposal for Fort Casey State Park. First, let me correct a serious misconception found in your article.

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Island County Superior Court Judge Alan Hancock will likely decide this Friday if a 20-year-old Oak Harbor man allegedly caught pants-down with a minor should register as a sex offender.

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Nine players score in 60-23 victory over Arlington
It was over barely after it began.
The Oak Harbor girls basketball team exploded to a 22-7 first quarter lead and were able to dominate an undermanned Arlington Eagles squad, cruising to a 60-23 victory Friday night.

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Read about your friends and neighbors.

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Registration deadline in Jan. 15, forum in Jan. 22 in Lynden

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A 29-year-old Port Townsend man who led police on a high-speed chase across Central Whidbey was caught with a switchblade knife, illegal drugs and child pornography in his car, according to court records.

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Who can I, concerned citizens and other fishermen contact to express our opinions regarding the proposals to further restrict non-indian fishing without just cause? What actions can you suggest to have an impact against these proposals? Can you get this info placed in the newspaper? I am sure there are many who oppose this and want to know what they can do to prevent it.

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Island County voters get to elect the various department heads in Island County, a fact which gives them the freedom to speak up without fear that the commissioners can force them out of office. The wisdom of having elected department heads was proven once again last week when Prosecutor Greg Banks forced public discussion of whether some sacred cows should be cut back financially, rather than basic services such as law enforcement.

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