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Photo provided. Jane Bothel, the executive director for Mother Mentors and a longtime mentor, cheeses as she chaperones a young girl.

Life

Mother Mentors seek more volunteers

Several Whidbey Island families are waiting to be matched with volunteer mentors through a nonprofit

Life

Island County labor force growth outpaces state

Overall, data from May 2025 to May 2026 show increased workforce growth in Island County.

Photo by Marina Blatt. As part of the nationwide America 250 commemoration, the museum in Coupeville examines what was unfolding in the Puget Sound region in 1776 and how Independence Day traditions eventually reached the Pacific Northwest.

Life

New exhibit explores Whidbey’s revolutionary roots

Some of the island’s earliest settlers were linked to one of the defining events in American history.

(Photo by Marina Blatt) The Church of the Nazarene fireworks stand is open daily from about 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. through the Fourth of July near the Sherwin-Williams Paint Store in Oak Harbor. Volunteers and their kids hold up a variety of items they sell, from the 100-shot “Declaration of Detonation” to the “Mighty Sword.”

Life

Fireworks sales light up local cause

Buying fireworks locally helps support community organizations.

Life

Whidbey Island Music Festival spotlights Neapolitan masters

Performances are scheduled for Friday, July 10 in Coupeville and Saturday, July 11 in Freeland.

(Photo by David Welton) The tugboat Alyssa Ann hauls a giant raft across Admiralty Inlet off Lagoon Point on Whidbey Island over the weekend. The large tow was visible for miles as it made its way through one of Puget Sound’s busiest waterways. The tugboat is a 2,100-horsepower towing vessel that operates out of Seattle. Originally built in 1966 in Louisiana, it was named in honor of Alyssa Ann “Lissy” Moore, who passed away from cystic fibrosis at age 15.

Life

Pulling its weight

A tugboat hauled a giant raft across Admiralty Inlet off Lagoon Point on Whidbey over the weekend.

Photo by David Welton. The sisters have become a familiar presence in Whidbey Island’s magical community, offering bone casting readings, teaching classes and encouraging others to learn an ancient form of divination they believe belongs to everyone.

Life

Reading between the bones: ‘Wyrd Systers’ offer spiritual insights

Forget stethoscopes — Whidbey Island’s self-appointed spiritual diagnosticians prefer bones.

Photo by David Welton. The Maxwelton Fourth of July Parade is a beloved community tradition.

Life

Stars, stripes and small-town fun

For America’s 250th birthday, Whidbey Island will be decked out in red, white and blue.

Photo provided. A $1,500 scholarship itself arrives at a pivotal moment in Aysah Bosch’s academic planning, easing her concerns about long-term educational costs and reinforcing a sense of support from her community.

Life

Scholarship brings future into focus

A college pathway in vision care has already sharpened into view for an Oak Harbor High senior.

(Photo provided) Genelia Lai, a rising 13-year-old artist selected for the Oak Harbor Music Festival’s Teen Talent Showcase, is searching for backup dancers to join her on stage during the highly anticipated event this September.

Life

Got moves? Teen performer wants dancers

The countdown to one of Whidbey Island’s biggest music weekends is underway.

Life

Children can scavenge and hunt at Tilth Market

Join in the scavenger hunt for kids on Sunday, June 28.

Photo by David Welton

Life

Whidbey Pride, Island wide

Photographer David Welton captured the color, joy and community spirit of Pride celebrations in Coupeville and Langley over…

Photos by David Welton. Catherine Anderson is a signature member of the American Watercolor Society, has authored an instructional book and has earned recognition from major watercolor organizations nationwide.

Life

From Disney to Whidbey: Renowned painter teaches in Langley studio

Walking into her gallery is like stepping into Catherine Anderson’s brain.