50 years ago: March 25, 1965

Editor: Ace Comstock

Clinton survey ready to start next Thursday

Some 65 residents of the greater Clinton area are due to start field work on a census of the community.

Mrs. Al Olkonen, census chairman, said response of the community has been terrific. As of last week, 40 had volunteered to help with the census and more are signing up each day.

Mrs. Olkonen said she has heard some disturbing rumors about the census and would like to lay them to rest.

“I have heard that some are opposing the census because they feel it will result in higher taxes,” she said. “This is ridiculous. The main reason for the census is to find out what most people feel are our major problems and to find out if there are talents in the community which are not being used to the fullest extent.”

“It’s just the first step in trying to make South Whidbey a better place to live.”

25 years ago: March 27, 1990

Editor: Jim Larsen

Sheriff defends lack of drug education

Sheriff Bud Graves came under fire from the county commissioners last week for his department’s lack of an effort to fight drug use through youth education.

The subject came up during the commissioners’ recent staff session when Linda Morris, Island County Human Services Coordinator, reported to the commissioners that local school districts had received small state grants to bolster their drug and alcohol prevention programs.

Commissioners later asked Graves why his department is not involved in any of the schools’ substance abuse prevention programs.

“I can answer that with a single word,” the sheriff said. “Money.”

The sheriff added that he is spread too thin and is unable to spare any staff members for educational duties.

Even if they had the money to pay for another deputy, Graves said, his first priority would be to put him in a patrol car on the road.