Editor,

Yay! We finally have an all-island newspaper. For the past 48 years I have been waiting for this to happen.

Having spent over 30 years in Greenbank, and now nearly 15 years in Coupeville, both North and South Whidbey have been my stomping grounds. In fact, at one time we subscribed to all three papers, The South Whidbey Record, The Coupeville Examiner and Whidbey News-Times.

I personally prefer holding a paper or book in my hand instead of reading from iPads or computers, and with the pandemic there have been no other publications being printed on Whidbey. To my dismay, the News-Times was beginning to use lots of syndicated “fillers.” If I wanted to read that drivel, I would probably subscribe to The Seattle Times.

The last couple of issues of the News-Times included much more local news and features, and it really made my day when there was a feature by Harry Anderson. He brings back memories of Wallie Funk, Jimmie Jean Cook, Dorothy Neil, the two Jims — Larsen and Freeman— and Irene Mueller. I miss them all.

Kudos have to go to you Keven, and today’s reporters, Jessie Stensland, Jim Waller, Kira Erickson and Emily Gilbert.

Vern Olsen

Coupeville