50 years ago

Editor: Ace Comstock

Stubborn fire destroys A.L. Alexander home

“Fire, whipped by a stiff breeze, destroyed the A.L. Alexander home at Freeland Saturday night but firemen and neighbors were able to save much of the furnishings of the downstairs portions of the house.

“The fire ruined what otherwise would have been a joyful day for the Alexanders. Earlier in the evening, Robert Alexander was united in marriage to Diane Curtis at the Episcopal church and the Alexanders had been hosts to relatives who had come for the wedding.”

25 years ago

Editor: Jim Larsen

Abduction try with bow and arrow fails

“A man armed with a bow and arrow attempted to abduct a Bayview convenience store clerk early Thursday morning, but she was able to make a harrowing escape.

“Deputies with the Island County Sheriff’s Dept. were notified that something strange was happening at 3:44 a.m., according to department spokesperson Deputy Elaine Surber.

“The clerk, 22, had escaped when the man tried to abduct her, and she hid across the highway.

“A search, assisted by the Oak Harbor Police Dept.’s K-9 Unit, recovered the bow and arrow, and the suspect was apprehended in nearby woods.”

15 years ago

Editor: Jim Larsen

Park district sells bonds, plans fields

“By next spring, South Whidbey Parks and Recreation will have twice as much space for soccer and baseball fields as it has now. But if it doesn’t find at least $41,000 in its budget in the intervening period, it will have to find a way to cut about 20 acres of lawn twice a week with a failing, 6-year-old mower.”