A video of the blast shows the moment that the house exploded.

News

700 pounds of fireworks at center of fire, explosion investigation

Multiple reports indicate that a cigarette may have been a catalyst in the fire and explosion.

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. Omma and Kurt Christensen adopted a dog and two cats that were rescued and brought to WAIF.

News

70 animals find homes as woman faces bench warrant

A Whidbey woman convicted in Island County’s largest animal cruelty case is wanted on a bench warrant

The Whidbey Pickleball Association’s plan for its new facility

News

Group partnering with neighborhood to build pickleball courts

Pickleball players in Oak Harbor are taking court construction into their own hands.

Photo by Carol Lewellen

News

Firefighters, occupants injured during fire at Greenbank home

The fire occurred Wednesday afternoon on Smugglers Cove Road.

(USAF photo by Sgt. Jen Healy) PR1 James Shoemaker (ret.) runs the track during Navy team trials for the Warrior Games.

News

Warrior Games restore what injury took away

Oak Harbor resident and Navy veteran James Shoemaker competed in the games last week.

(Photo by Tanya M. Hanson) Nobody was injured, and the pilot made what a detective with the Island County Sheriff’s Office called a “great landing.”

News

Smoke in cockpit forces Penn Cove landing

An overheated battery spurred a Canadian seaplane’s unexpected detour.

(Photo by Allyson Ballard) Members of United to Save Our Beautiful Town wore their green T-shirts to a town meeting last week.

News

Town development dispute fuels new citizens group

A memorandum of agreement from 2004 is at the center of the dispute.

McColl

News

District loses popular principal

Eric McColl resigned as principal of Coupeville Elementary School.

Photo by Robbie Cribbs. Protesters made their feelings clear about the gas station proposal ahead of Monday’s Langley City Council meeting.

News

Protesters want Langley to pump brakes on gas station

Protesters gathered in downtown Langley on Monday to oppose a proposal.

News

Deputy guild, corrections association back Felici

Orgs representing deputies in the Island County Sheriff’s Office voted to endorse a candidate.

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.

Photo provided. A June 13 Facebook post by Whidbey resident Chelsea McDonald drew significant attention when she shared a photo of what she suspected might be a fossilized whale ear bone.

Life

Beach find puzzles whale experts

A Whidbey resident drew significant attention online when she shared a photo of a strange object.