Kira Erickson

Seattle

Reporter at Sound Publishing

Reporter at South Whidbey Record

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Articles

New bill addresses bad behavior on ferries

1 week ago | southwhidbeyrecord.com | Kira Erickson

Thanks to new state legislation, ferry workers are better protected from misbehaving passengers. Gov. Bob Ferguson recently signed into law Senate Bill 5716, which carries harsher penalties for those who assault transit workers. Previously, ferry workers were not included in the list. The new law expands the locations where a person can be guilty of “unlawful transit conduct” to include the state ferry system.
South Whidbey Parks and Rec board discusses project bids, levy

1 week ago | whidbeynewstimes.com | Kira Erickson

South Whidbey Parks and Recreation commissioners are gearing up for a busy summer. Two major projects are set to go out to bid, and a maintenance and operations levy is planned for the November ballot. During a meeting last week, the board of commissioners discussed these topics. In June, the parks and rec district’s outdoor pickleball courts will go out to bid, with plans to sign an award contract by the end of July and construction slated to begin August.
Whidbey celebrates Pride Month

1 week ago | whidbeynewstimes.com | Kira Erickson

Even in the current stormy political climate, the rainbow colors of Pride Month shine brightly. June is approaching, and there are a plethora of events and ways to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride on Whidbey. Kick off the month with a ceremony to commemorate the raising of the pride flag at Langley City Hall at noon on June 1. Join board members for South Whidbey Pride, a nonprofit that organizes many South End pride events, and Mayor Kennedy Horstman as they raise the flag together.
New bill addresses bad behavior on ferries

1 week ago | whidbeynewstimes.com | Kira Erickson

Thanks to new state legislation, ferry workers are better protected from misbehaving passengers. Gov. Bob Ferguson recently signed into law Senate Bill 5716, which carries harsher penalties for those who assault transit workers. Previously, ferry workers were not included in the list. The new law expands the locations where a person can be guilty of “unlawful transit conduct” to include the state ferry system.
Department of Ecology hosting open house for Freeland cleanup project

2 weeks ago | whidbeynewstimes.com | Kira Erickson

The state Department of Ecology is seeking the public’s input on an environmental cleanup project at a former Freeland gas station. Comments are being accepted on drafts of the project’s remedial investigation and feasibility study from now until 11:59 p.m. on June 20. Ecology staff plan to hold an open house on the topic 4-6 p.m. on June 3. The project’s website is apps.ecology.wa.gov/cleanupsearch/site/5610. The cleanup site, Whidbey Marine & Auto Supply, has a long history in the community.
State enacts ban on feeding deer, elk

2 weeks ago | whidbeynewstimes.com | Kira Erickson

It’s now against the law to give a treat to Bruiser the elk and the countless black-tailed deer that live on Whidbey Island, according to a new rule adopted by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife this week that prohibits the feeding of certain cervids. The appearance of a case of chronic wasting disease in an Eastern Washington deer prompted the new regulation, which may seem harsh but is in place to protect deer, elk and moose from catching and spreading the disease.
Second boat coming to Coupeville ferry route this summer

2 weeks ago | whidbeynewstimes.com | Kira Erickson

Good news at last for the Coupeville-Port Townsend ferry route, just in time for Independence Day. Washington State Ferries has announced that a second boat will return to the route starting on the Fourth of July. Service will run every Friday through Monday until Oct. 13. “We don’t currently have the crewing to restore that service seven days a week, so we’re going to focus on weekends,” Deputy Assistant Secretary John Vezina said during a State Ferries public meeting this week.
Robin with rare coloration seen on island

2 weeks ago | whidbeynewstimes.com | Kira Erickson

A few months ago, Linda Griesbach saw an extraordinary feathery sight. The South Whidbey resident spied an American robin with a snowy white back, pale all over except for its red breast. Though she hasn’t seen it in over a month, she is still holding out hope that it might return. “I’d love to see it again,” she said.
Driver airlifted following rollover crash on South Whidbey

2 weeks ago | whidbeynewstimes.com | Kira Erickson

A 59-year-old Freeland man was airlifted following a rollover crash Monday morning on South Whidbey, according to the Washington State Patrol. As of that evening, Jeremy Teasell was being evaluated for non-life-threatening injuries at Harborview Medical Center, according to the hospital’s media relations director.
Enso House ready for next reincarnation

3 weeks ago | whidbeynewstimes.com | Kira Erickson

A South Whidbey nonprofit organization that has provided compassionate hospice care for over a hundred guests is now facing the end of its own life. Ann Cutcher, the longtime executive director for Enso House, is retiring for good this time, and the Tinyblue Foundation, which owns the property, is currently searching for another nonprofit organization that can make best use of the home and steward the land.