Kira Erickson

3 weeks ago | whidbeynewstimes.com | Kira Erickson

They’ve worked hard for their accomplishments, and now the South Whidbey High School class of 2025 is ready to turn their tassels and graduate June 7. The South Whidbey Record asked ten seniors at the top of their class about their fondest memories, advice for underclassmen, post-graduation plans and more.

3 weeks ago | whidbeynewstimes.com | Kira Erickson

Oak Harbor’s former city administrator may have found a new job on South Whidbey. After negotiations reportedly “broke down” with the Port of South Whidbey’s top choice for a new executive director, the board of commissioners voted Thursday to extend an offer of employment to Blaine Oborn. The commissioners’ first choice, Randy Mueller, has extensive experience in other port districts in the state, including Ridgefield and Chehalis.

3 weeks ago | whidbeynewstimes.com | Kira Erickson

After spending the last few years searching for the next championship chess player on Whidbey, Freeland resident Mark Calogero may have found his protégé. Ten-year-old Clementine Penny of Clinton recently won second place in her division in a U.S. Chess Federation tournament in Port Townsend on May 31. Penny has just completed fourth grade at Island Christian Academy and has been training with Calogero since February. “She recited Latin to me once after one of our training sessions.

3 weeks ago | whidbeynewstimes.com | Kira Erickson

The (drone) show will not go on this year. Langley Lights the Night, a display of colorful lights provided by a fleet of drones, will not happen on July 4 this year. Langley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nicole Whittington-Johnson shared the news with the city council this week. In a press release, she cited a combination of limited volunteer availability, permitting and safety logistics and broader economic uncertainty as reasons for postponing this year’s show.

3 weeks ago | whidbeynewstimes.com | Kira Erickson

Minor injuries were sustained in a vehicle fire Friday night that spread to a nearby trailer, according to Central Whidbey Island Fire and Rescue. Deputy Chief James Meek, the command officer for the incident, said crews were dispatched at 9:54 p.m. on May 30 to an area near the intersection of Highway 20 and Race Road on Central Whidbey. Multiple witnesses who gave statements at the scene said a couple was working on their truck when it caught fire, igniting their nearby trailer where they lived.