Another eventful year on Whidbey draws to a close. It’s been a year of joy and laughter, heartbreaking tragedy, politics and community, with a little weirdness in the mix.
The following are the top news stories from the front pages of the South Whidbey Record in 2024.
January
Residents and visitors alike celebrated the New Year with an icy dip at Double Bluff Beach in Freeland for the annual Polar Bear Plunge.
Kennedy Horstman was officially sworn in as the new mayor of Langley. Council members Chris Carlson and Craig Cyr were also sworn in.
Feral Slice, a new take-and-bake pizza business, opened in Clinton.
Two people identified in a recent murder-suicide, Samantha Zeine and Jason Hadnot, were discovered to have ties to South Whidbey.
South Whidbey Fire/EMS proposed a levy lid lift.
Flood insurance rates decreased for waterfront property owners.
Langley City Administrator Mark Rentfrow resigned from his role. The position has not been filled since.
Island County Commissioner Janet St. Clair announced her run for state senate. The Democrat candidate was defeated by the incumbent in the general election.
Students enrolled in the South Whidbey School District’s Alternative Learning Experience program shared their ideas for climate science projects.
Island County commissioners adopted a ban on mortar fireworks in a 2-1 vote.
The FBI arrested a man on Whidbey who was charged with sexually abusing children.
A state psychologist diagnosed a Freeland murder suspect with schizotypal personality disorder and other mental health issues.
February
A woman dressed in a bikini and brandishing a spear allegedly stole a pickup truck and led police on a high-speed chase across South Whidbey.
Island County Public Health suspended food inspections after complaints from over 30 Whidbey restaurant owners about the food inspector.
The Langley City Council adopted a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, becoming the only municipality on Whidbey to do so.
Longtime Langley shopkeeper Cynthia Tilkin prepared to retire and closed her store, In the Country.
Whidbey residents remembered Carl Weathers, the late actor and a former cattle rancher.
Langley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Inge Morascini accepted a new job with Embrace Whidbey and Camano Islands as public relations and marketing director.
Prolific woodcarver Pat McVay unveiled a new sculpture featuring close to a dozen raccoons.
A stolen truck was returned at gunpoint in the parking lot of the Ken’s Korner Red Apple.
A food truck in the Bayview area, Geri’s Snack Shack, weathered a flameless fire that melted its interior.
A shoplifter at the Goose Grocer threatened an employee with a handgun, prompting the employee to pull out his own firearm in response. The incident ended without gunfire.
Sasquatch researcher David Ellis shared his insights.
March
The Island County Sheriff’s Office welcomed two new animal control officers, Dylan Shipley and Tammy Esparza.
Steven Myres announced his run for Island County commissioner. The Republican candidate was later defeated in the primary election.
State lawmakers representing the 10th Legislative District secured $2.6 million in funding for several projects on Whidbey Island.
Whidbey farmers prepared for an early spring.
Langley’s Planning Advisory Board opposed a proposal to change the zoning at the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds to allow housing.
Trillium Community Forest entered its final round of tree thinning.
South Whidbey High School students led a protest demanding a safer environment for LGBTQ+ kids following the death of Nex Benedict.
JADE Craftsman Builders partnered with the Whidbey Community Foundation to create a new fund for affordable housing.
The city of Langley’s general fund was revealed to be in peril.
A man threatened to slash the tires of a woman who he believed cut him off in line at the Clinton ferry dock.
Critters and Co. Pet Center and Rescue in Clinton rescued an explosion of cats and dogs, a trend that continued through the year.
Island County Natural Resources discovered that half of Whidbey’s streams are polluted or otherwise in poor health.
A rate hike was proposed for Cascadia Water customers.
April
Whidbey residents mourned Scott Severson, an unhoused man who was killed in a hit-and-run accident in the Freeland area.
Marie Shimada, an Island County commissioner candidate, warned of fake campaign emails.
The Langley Infrastructure Project prepared to enter its third phase.
Afghan immigrants shared their stories on South Whidbey.
Deputies with the Island County’s Sheriff’s Office saved the lives of six dogs that had been tied up and left to die on South Whidbey.
Over 300 people turned out for the Welcome the Whales parade in Langley.
A charcuterie business, Biercuterie, opened in Freeland.
A convicted rapist incarcerated in a state prison filed a lawsuit against the Island County Sheriff’s Office over alleged violations of the Public Records Act.
May
The USDA awarded Arndt Property Management and Mutiny Bay Blues with Environmental Stewardship awards. The two businesses received grants to install solar-powered arrays.
Jack Ng, owner of China City, celebrated 25 years of the restaurant.
Hearts & Hammers hit 30 years of neighbors helping neighbors.
The South Whidbey School District struggled with funding shortages and contemplated a $1 million budget cut.
Going against the recommendation of the city’s Planning Advisory Board, the Langley City Council approved the next steps for a zoning change at the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds.
A ferry-themed Airbnb in Clinton welcomed all aboard.
A study from the University of Washington found health implications from Growler noise.
A wind phone in Trustland Trails Park was stolen and subsequently replaced.
The northern lights lit up the Whidbey skies.
A police chase on South Whidbey ended in a rollover crash. No one was seriously injured.
Kyle O’Neill and Michelle Graham took over as the new owners of Blooms Winery and 5511 Bistro, now named Leo & Leto’s.
Island County Jail Chief Jose Briones received national recognition for his commitment to the job.
A senior prank at South Whidbey High School caused a stir. Students littered the school with balloons, Silly String, Saran wrap and more. In response to the mess, the principal canceled three senior events.
Island County Planning Director Mary Engle stepped down from her role to focus on fixing the county’s code.
A Freeland massage therapist was accused of sexually assaulting two of his clients.
A thief targeted campaign signs for Island County Commissioner Melanie Bacon.
June
The board of Island Transit fired Executive Director Todd Morrow and placed the Human Resources director on leave following controversy over secretive raises for several administrators.
Freeland Cafe celebrated 50 years of operation.
The appointment of a new member to the Trust Board of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve stirred up political controversy between county commissioner candidates Marie Shimada and Melanie Bacon.
A homeless man in Clinton broke the windows of four businesses, causing so much damage that one business owner started a GoFundMe.
Vandalism of pride flags around South Whidbey raised concerns.
A harbor seal pup was abandoned by his mother after a couple got too close. Rescuers named the pup Hippogriff and released him later that year after rehabilitation.
A man carrying a butterfly knife, brass knuckles and meth led police on a high-speed chase through South Whidbey.
The South Whidbey School District joined an ACLU lawsuit over a parents’ rights law for violating the state constitution.
A South Whidbey woman escaped a fire in her mobile home without injuries.
Matt Nichols retired from Nichols Brothers Boat Builders.
A smaller boat on the Clinton-Mukilteo ferry route meant lengthier lines for summer travelers.
Participants and spectators crowded the streets of Langley for the South Whidbey Pride Parade.
Marie Shimada resigned as manager of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve. Three members of the Trust Board also left their roles.
July
Island Drug in Clinton permanently closed, leaving only one pharmacy on South Whidbey.
Two teenagers faced criminal charges for allegedly breaking into the South Whidbey School District office and stealing flash drives, glass apples and other items.
During a 15-hour crime spree, a man stole two cars, burglarized two homes, led a deputy on a high-speed chase, stole iced tea and slept in the woods. Residents of a Greenbank neighborhood were warned about a fugitive hiding in the area.
Island Transit received a $15 million federal grant to purchase 12 hydrogen fuel cell buses.
The Port of South Whidbey decided to pause its application with the city of Langley to change the zoning at the fairgrounds to allow for housing.
The Langley City Council decided to limit the number of short-term rentals for type IV permits, going from 30 to 15.
Mutiny Bay Blues in Freeland celebrated its 10th growing season of juicy blueberries.
A suspicious fire devastated BlackSeed Agroecology Farm & Village, a nonprofit on South Whidbey, destroying an estimated $250,000 worth of hydroponic equipment.
The Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation cared for a record number of animals.
Artist Melissa Koch brought her Wishing Wall installation to downtown Langley.
August
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service partnered with the Island County Sheriff’s Office to investigate a burglary and mail theft at the Clinton Post Office.
A man suffering a mental health crisis drove a stolen ice cream truck into Painters Alley in Freeland.
A fire razed a Clinton home to the ground. Though no one was injured, nearly everything was lost.
The Whidbey Institute in Clinton celebrated 50 years.
The South Whidbey School District approved a new $22.4 million budget, eliminating band for fifth grade students and some staff positions through attrition.
A Langley man allegedly threatened a woman with a handgun in the parking lot of the South Whidbey softball fields.
A water leak flooded the South Whidbey High School gym.
Much to the sadness of regular customers, Whidbey Doughnuts closed shop after seven years of business.
A pair of emus escaped their enclosure in Langley and visited a neighbor.
Langley Finance Director Wanda Grone announced her retirement.
Repairs were slated for the dock in Freeland Park.
September
Damian Greene announced his intention to run a write-in campaign for the position of county commissioner.
A Greenbank man was arrested after a day-long standoff that involved him cutting down a power pole with a chainsaw. Highway 525 was closed down all day and residents were told to avoid the area and shelter in their homes.
A Clinton filmmaker premiered his documentary about a pre-grunge band, the Sonics, at The Clyde Theatre in Langley.
Two dogs were saved in a rope rescue near Clinton.
The Village Luthier, an instrument repair shop, opened in Langley.
The South Whidbey Commons launched a fundraiser to maintain ownership of its building and remodel the kitchen to comply with health code regulations.
October
The South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District considered scaling back some design elements to stay within the budget for a new recreational aquatic facility.
A South Whidbey man with a history of violence was wanted on a rare no-bail warrant after assaulting an elderly man who was recuperating from surgery.
A Clinton real estate agent faced charges for allegedly cutting down trees on private property to improve the view for a home he was trying to sell.
Newsroom staff of the South Whidbey Record and Whidbey News-Times took home 23 awards in the Washington Newspapers Publishers Association’s Better Newspaper Contest.
Tim Leonard was crowned Mr. South Whidbey 2024.
The Island County Auditor’s Office printed the incorrect statement for the South Whidbey School District’s replacement levy in the voters’ pamphlet.
A new exhibit in the South Whidbey Historical Museum illuminated the cultural history of the Coast Salish Snohomish people who lived on Whidbey.
A Freeland resident sought support from the community after her dog was poisoned from licking chemotherapy cream off the skin of a cancer patient.
A copious amount of Saturday soccer games and a multitude of spectators put a strain on the South Whidbey Sports Complex’s septic system, though leaders of a sports club argued that the South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District wasn’t providing enough restroom facilities.
The owner of the Greenbank Farm Wine Shop shared chilling stories of hauntings in the historic building.
Whidbey mourned the loss of two decorated aviators, Flight Officer Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay “Miley” Evans and Naval Aviator Lt. Serena “Dug” Wileman, who lost their lives during a routine training flight near Mount Rainier.
Nichols Brothers Boat Builders expressed interest in the bid to build hybrid-electric ferries for Washington State Ferries.
The state auditor issued two findings against the city of Langley.
Island Transit’s board named Melinda Adams as the agency’s new executive director.
A documentary partially filmed in Clinton about the power of touch between Black men premiered at the Whidbey Institute.
Police escorted an unmasked observer from the Island County Elections Office.
Ferry sailings on the Clinton-Mukilteo route were delayed by a swimmer experiencing a mental health crisis and a wayward kayaker.
November
The Whidbey Homeless Coalition celebrated its 10th year.
The first major windstorm of the season knocked out power for thousands of people.
A reuse and recycle center opened on the Whidbey Island Fairgrounds for rePurpose, a zero waste group.
Races for state senator and county commissioner were too close to call on Election Night.
Voters showed their support for South Whidbey School District replacement levies.
An Island County Superior Court judge ruled against a citizen’s motion for an emergency order to prevent the county auditor from enforcing a mask mandate in the Elections Office in Coupeville.
A Freeland woman, Maria Kelly, was airlifted with serious injuries following a collision on Highway 525. Sadly, she passed away the next week.
The city of Langley discovered a mystery $1 million in its bank accounts that was previously unaccounted for.
A government entity risk pool sued a Canadian tugboat company for damaging a Clinton dock owned by the Port of South Whidbey.
A fire suddenly consumed a FedEx delivery truck on South Whidbey.
Applicants for the Coles Valley Planned Unit Development in Langley decided to withdraw their application, citing the amount of time it has taken as being a big factor in their decision.
A connectivity issue with South Whidbey School District phones prevented parents from receiving calls from the school about their children.
A Clinton man who shot himself in the leg earlier this year faced a felony charge of unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree.
A lone male trumpeter swan was seen inhabiting the Cultus Bay wetland on South Whidbey.
The Langley City Council approved changes to its dozen citizen-led commissions.
December
Ekinops, a European-based company, partnered with Whidbey Telecom to increase broadband internet access.
A former South Whidbey man, Shawn Poolman, was killed in a one-car accident in Clinton.
A groundbreaking ceremony was set for a Habitat for Humanity of Island County project in Freeland.
Island County commissioners discussed pay raises for elected officials.
A fire devastated a South Whidbey double wide manufactured home, causing a family to lose one cat and all of their belongings before the holidays. Neighbor Tim Nettlebeck bravely walked into the burning building to save the man who was asleep inside.
The Port of South Whidbey approved increases in moorage rates at the South Whidbey Harbor for long-term customers.
A powerful windstorm caused island-wide power outages.
A swearing-in ceremony for Island County commissioners Melanie Bacon and Jill Johnson was interrupted by a pornographic “Zoom bomb.”
The Langley City Council considered creating a transportation benefit district to bring in more revenue.
Cascadia Water customers may soon see big increases in their utility bills.
Island County commissioners approved a new $36 million contract for the transportation and disposal of solid waste.
Island County commissioners decided to increase their travel stipends.
(Photo by South Whidbey Fire/EMS Division Chief Alex Magallon) A structure fire on Aug. 3 completely destroyed a Clinton home.
(Photo by David Welton) Clinton resident David Welton captured this image of a female Anna’s hummingbird near his backyard feeder in April.
(Photo by Luisa Loi) Aryn States, left, and Leilani Floyd pose with signs at the walkout in honor of Nex Benedict. The two South Whidbey High School students organized the protest on March 18 to demand a safer environment for LGBTQ+ people.
(Photo by David Welton) The South Whidbey Pride Parade on June 22 was bigger and bolder this year as participants and spectators crowded the streets of Langley and listened to speeches and music afterward.
(Photo by David Welton) Third grader River Stewart peers through the plastic water bottle she decorated with paints during an Earth Day potluck for students of the South Whidbey Alternative Learning Experience.
(Photo by David Welton) Over 300 people turned out for the Welcome the Whales Parade in April, including the villainous sea witch Ursula.
