Average voter turnout expected
Fueled by excitement over three- and four-way races for state and county positions, as well as the national political atmosphere, Island County has been abuzz with anticipation of the first top-two primary Aug. 19.
Island County Auditor Sheilah Crider does not anticipate higher-than-usual voter turnout, however.
Crider said she expects about 60 to 62 percent of ballots to be returned.
So far, the auditor’s office has received about 5,500 of the 44,550 that were mailed out earlier this month.
“They are trickling in a little slower than expected,” Crider said.
The auditor’s office expects the majority of ballots to arrive between Monday and Thursday of next week.
Ballots must be postmarked Aug. 19 or earlier to be counted.
Island County’s turnout is typically higher than other areas of the state and Washington overall.
Statewide, Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed is predicting a 46 percent turnout for the state’s first-ever top-two primary.
If the prediction holds true, Reed said it would be the best turnout for a primary in years.
During the last presidential election year, in 2004, the primary turnout in Washington was 45.14 percent. During the primary in 2000, statewide turnout was 40.8 percent.
Port talks Langley marina tonight
Port of South Whidbey commissioners will meet tonight to discuss the South Whidbey Marina, the proposed property-tax increase for harbor improvements, and get an update on the hiring of a new harbormaster.
Other topics include repairs to the Freeland dock and an update on the Whidbey Airpark study.
The meeting is at 7:30 p.m. today at the Freeland Library.
Leg stabber does not get a new trial
The man convicted of stabbing his girlfriend in Freeland has been denied a retrial.
In late July, a jury found Anthony Carty, 28, guilty of assault in the second degree with a deadly weapon for stabbing his girlfriend in Freeland on May 5.
Carty filed a motion for a new trial, saying that the legal proceeding and police investigation were flawed. But an Island County Superior Court judge denied the motion, said Patrick McKenna, Island County deputy prosecutor.
A date for the sentencing has not been set.
Langley class to set sail for Alaska
The Langley High School Class of 1959 is planning a reunion cruise to Alaska, as well as a dinner and get-together.
Organizers have come up with a special trip for the 50-year high school reunion. They invite all classmates and teachers to come along to an Alaskan journey
Sept. 12 through Sept. 19, 2009 on the Holland America Lines.
The trip has to be booked a year in advance. Call Sue Meyers or Heidi Cusworth at 221-6996 or e-mail suem@cwtlynn.com for details.
The time and date for the reunion dinner will be determined later.
Neighbors show off their projects
Langley neighbors will show off their completed projects paid for by grants from the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program at a special walking tour later this month.
During the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Langley Walking Tour, from
1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, people can check out the six action grant projects completed this summer by Langley neighbors.
The action grants were funded by the Langley Community Club.
The tour includes an open house at city hall where people can pick up a walking tour map, learn about the building and garden make-over completed by volunteers, join a tour with Mayor Paul Samuelson or take a historic tour of the building.
The event will culminate in a celebration at Generation Park on Second Street and De Bruyn Avenue with the Langley Community Club’s Ice Cream Social at 4 p.m.
Sleep Center opens in Oak Harbor
The Whidbey Island Sleep Center in Oak Harbor recently received program accreditation from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
The center is a department of Whidbey General Hospital in Coupeville.
“We congratulate the Whidbey Island Sleep Center on fulfilling the high standards required for receiving accreditation as a sleep disorders center,” said the association’s president Dr. Mary Susan Esther.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is a professional medical society for clinicians, researchers, and other health care providers in the field of sleep medicine.
To receive a five-year accreditation, a sleep center must meet or exceed all standards for professional healthcare. The accreditation process involves detailed inspection of a center’s facility and staff, including an evaluation of testing procedures, patient contacts and physician training. Additionally, the facility’s goals must be clearly stated and include plans for positively affecting the quality of medical care in the community it serves.
The center is directed by
Dr. Jakdej Nikomborirak and is at 1300 Goldie Road in Oak Harbor. For more information, call 360-240-4080.
Make reservations for gluten-free buffet
The Gluten Intolerance Group on Whidbey will gather at the Basil Café in Bayview at 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23 for a gluten-free buffet.
The cost is $16.50 and includes tax and tip. Reservations are required one week in advance; call Coyla at 321-4083.
