Following a brief experiment with consolidation with its sister newspapers in Coupeville, The Record found its way back to South Whidbey last year.

In Langley Village, we discovered a great location, signed a one-year lease and found ourselves welcomed back into the community fold.

It was a sweet homecoming, and it’s clear to us that South Whidbey is where the newspaper belongs.

All too quickly, however, that lease was expiring and the terms of the tenancy were changing. Also, our current location went up for sale. That meant The Record needed to find a new home before the end of the tenancy, Oct. 31.

Our search for new office space in Langley was exhaustive as we attempted to turn over every rock. Unfortunately, when a suitable space didn’t materialize, it became clear that we needed to expand our search.

That broadened search led us to Freeland.

Where Langley is steeped in incredible charm and the historic streets lined with boutique-style shops, Freeland is more of a commercial hub, and happily so.

They are both beautiful, dynamic communities in their own rights, and without a doubt are positioned for great things as the economy continues to improve.

In a newer two-story building, Harbor Place, located at 5575 Harbor Avenue, we found our new South Whidbey home. Just down the stairs is the Freeland Chamber of Commerce and a restaurant that I am told is quite good.

The Record and its staff were invited to lease new office space that would be tailored to our needs. Because the building is newer, it’s wired for Internet and has excellent security for staff having to work late.

This past Tuesday, we signed a three-year lease that will make Freeland the new home of the South Whidbey Record.

In no way does that mean less coverage of Langley. We will still diligently report on the council, port, features, sports and much more. Our office will just be a short 15-minute drive away.

We’ll also be building on our efforts to increase coverage of Clinton and Freeland.

While relocating from Langley to Freeland is bittersweet, we are thrilled to know we’ll be a part of the South Whidbey community for years to come.

We’re also looking forward to showing off our new office space to all of you who have supported the newspaper as it found its way back home.