News-Times Whidbey
LIVING
Ballet requires toughness, physical and mental A11
SATURDAY, JUNE 7, 2014 | Vol. 124, No. 46 | WWW.WHIDBEYNEWSTIMES.COM | 75¢
Whidbey 3rd in USA Today poll RON NEWBERRY Staff reporter
Photo by Ron Newberry/Whidbey News-Times
Scenes like this one, of the ferry and Crockett Lake in Coupeville, make Whidbey a top island destination.
In the eyes of one national news organization’s readers, Whidbey rates as one of the best islands to visit in the United States. Whidbey Island is ranked No. 3 under “Best U.S. Island” by readers of USA Today and 10Best.com, the news media company’s travel website. A panel of experts picked the nominees, leaving the public to vote for their favorite
U.S. islands over the course of a month. Whidbey Island trailed only the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, which was No. 1, and Mackinac Island in Michigan. No other island on the West Coast was selected, including the San Juan Islands. Whidbey apparently got the nod over “nearby islands” because of its easy access, according to USA Today. “I think all of us who have ever been lucky enough to call Whidbey Island home
are not surprised at being recognized as the third best island. This is a very special place,” said Island County Commissioner Jill Johnson, chairwoman of the Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism Committee. “The only thing surprising is that we weren’t No. 1, because in my heart, there is absolutely no place better. I would wager that anyone who has ever hiked in Ebey’s SEE WHIDBEY NO. 3, A8
Whidbey to get 6 P-8A squadrons By JANIS REID Staff reporter
The Navy announced it will be basing six P-8A Poseidon squadrons at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station at the close of a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement this month. “This move highlights the strategic importance of NAS Whidbey Island and we look forward to the arrival of the first P-8 squadron beginning in 2016,” said Capt. Mike Nortier, commanding officer for NAS Whidbey. “Now that a decision has been announced, we will begin SEE P-8AS, A10
Anti-noise group upstages Larsen at campaign event By JANIS REID Staff reporter Photo by Michelle Beahm/Whidbey News-Times
The great paper toss of 2014
Celebrating the end of high school, senior Megan Mitchell takes part in the traditional paper toss at Oak Harbor High School. The graduating class of 2014 tosses papers saved during the school year. Some students would sit in the piles of paper and were partially buried as more paper was tossed at them by friends. See story on A3. Oak Harbor’s seniors graduate Monday.
A Coupeville-based group interrupted a campaign kickoff event for Congressman Rick Larsen Tuesday by demanding he address the topic of jet noise. Approximately 50 people attended the event, held at the Coupeville Recreation Hall. Many of those attending are members of Citizens of Ebey’s Reserve, a group opposed SEE LARSEN, A2
County sympathetic but powerless to stop marijuana manufacturer By JESSIE STENSLAND Staff reporter
A fence being raised around marijuana-related businesses may soon prevent people from accessing a popular North Whidbey charity that
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helps low-income people. A group of Goldie Road business owners met with Island County officials Tuesday to voice their concerns about a proposed recreational marijuana production business that
they say is forcing them to relocate. They also said they are worried the marijuana trade will bring a bad element to the area and prevent the public from getting to their own businesses.
June 12, 19 & 26
County Commissioner Jill Johnson, Sheriff Mark Brown and Planning Director Dave Wechner said they sympathize with their plight, but can do little because it’s private enterprise on private property.
“It’s a free market situation,” Johnson said. “What you don’t want is for your elected official to have control over private property or rent control.” SEE FENCE, A10
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