Jessie Stensland

Editor at Whidbey News-Times

Editor at South Whidbey Record

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Articles

Residents shaken by shots fired near protest

2 days ago | whidbeynewstimes.com | Jessie Stensland

A man firing shots on property near a large, April 19 protest at Bayview on South Whidbey alarmed many participants, including families with children and an 81-year-old woman who dove for cover while she was video recording the rally. Outrage over the incident grew afterward, especially after Susan Jensen posted her video online and a TV news station ran a story on the incident. Jensen and others feel that the man shot the gun in an attempt to intimidate the anti-Trump protesters.
Name of fire victim released

2 days ago | whidbeynewstimes.com | Jessie Stensland

The name of an Oak Harbor man who perished in an April 15 apartment fire has been released. Danny Slater, a 62-year-old military veteran, became entrapped in his apartment during the fire and died from smoke inhalation, according to the Island County Coroner’s Office. The man’s family has been notified of the tragedy.
Judge dismisses lawsuit over mask mandate in the Elections Office

1 week ago | whidbeynewstimes.com | Jessie Stensland

A judge dismissed a lawsuit against the Island County auditor and canvassing board arising from a requirement that observers in a vote-counting room wear masks. Judge Joseph Wilson, a Snohomish County judge hearing the case in Island County, filed his decision in “Timothy Hazelo, et al v. Island County, et al” on April 11.
Judge grants city’s motion for summary judgment in litigation over Oak Harbor parkland code

1 week ago | whidbeynewstimes.com | Jessie Stensland

A judge sided with the city of Oak Harbor in a lawsuit over the council’s decision to change a code that previously required a vote of the people before any city-owned park land can be sold or transferred to a private entity. The decision is good news for a developer who proposed building a Hilton hotel in downtown Oak Harbor that would need part of adjacent Hal Ramaley Park as part of the project.
Department investigating after Oak Harbor man found dead following apartment fire

1 week ago | whidbeynewstimes.com | Jessie Stensland

An Oak Harbor man perished in an apartment fire early Tuesday morning, according to a press release from the Oak Harbor Fire Department. Island County Coroner Shantel Porter said the man’s name won’t be released until his family is notified. She said an autopsy to determine the cause of death will be performed later this week. Oak Harbor Fire Chief Travis Anderson said the cause of the fire is under investigation. “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the victim,” he said.
FBI questions leader of Oak Harbor punk band over lyrics

1 week ago | whidbeynewstimes.com | Jessie Stensland

The leader of a longtime Oak Harbor punk band, his wife and the owner of his label were recently questioned by federal agents about a song that was written five years ago. Jason “Potbelly” Rodger, the founding member of the band Potbelly, said he explained to an FBI agent from the Everett field office that the lyrics he wrote in “Throw the Brick” represent the band’s anti-fascism message but do not mean he’s contemplating actual violence.
Ken’s Korner Red Apple fights eviction order

1 week ago | whidbeynewstimes.com | Jessie Stensland

A judge recently ruled a jury should decide whether the owner of Ken’s Korner Shopping Plaza in Clinton has the right to evict a grocery store. The landlord filed an unlawful detainer action in Island County Superior Court on Feb. 25 against Tbrierley LLC, which does business as Ken’s Korner Red Apple Market. The grocery store contested the action.
Oak Harbor student accused of making threat

1 week ago | whidbeynewstimes.com | Jessie Stensland

A 15-year-old Oak Harbor High School student was arrested last week for allegedly making a threat to shoot up the school, according to court documents. Prosecutors charged the boy in Island County Juvenile Court April 9 with threat to bomb or injure property. If convicted of the charge, he could face up to 30 days in detention under the standard sentencing range for juveniles.
Protest planned at Navy base

3 weeks ago | whidbeynewstimes.com | Jessie Stensland

Two events dedicated to resisting Trump Administration actions are planned on Whidbey this week. On Saturday, the group Indivisible Whidbey is holding the Hands Off! Whidbey Island Fight Back Rally to protest an “endless barrage of DOGE cuts and closures” that put military veteran benefits at risk. The event is planned from noon to 2 p.m. outside of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island at Highway 20 and West Ault Field Road in Oak Harbor.
Residents injured in fire that destroyed buildings, truck

3 weeks ago | whidbeynewstimes.com | Jessie Stensland

Two people suffered smoke inhalation and were transported to the hospital in an explosive fire that destroyed two structures and a truck on North Whidbey Wednesday evening. North Whidbey Fire and Rescue Battalion Chief Jobie Gause said a woman and a shirtless man managed to escape from one of the buildings before firefighters arrived at the Powell Road property at about 6 p.m. Besides smoke inhalation, the woman sustained an eye injury in the fire, which began while she was sleeping.