25 years ago

Editor: Jim Larsen

Langley City Hall boasts for sale sign

“The Langley City Council authorized Mayor Dale Elliot to sign documents with Gary Piper of Piper Properties to put the City Hall up for sale.

“Elliot told the council Sept. 18 that not only is the city selling its hall but it is also in the process of buying a replacement property, the Masonic Temple on Second Street, where city offices would be moved.

“Councilmember Steve Nogal abstained from the vote without giving a reason.

“Those real estate dealings were not news to the council, which had been meeting in executive session over the last few months over such matters.

“Executive sessions are allowed by state law to, among other functions, protect public funds by lessening the chance of speculators bidding up the price of desired property.

Piper is listing the 1,600 square foot city hall for $225,000.”

15 years ago

Editor: Jim Larsen

Gas peaks on South End

“The price of gasoline soared during the past two weeks on South Whidbey, with regular gasoline up seven to eight cents at most stations and premium gasoline nudging or breaking the $2 barrier.

“Even though crude oil prices actually dropped about two dollars per barrel between Wednesday and Friday, the prices are the highest this year for the South End.

“But, as usual, north and east of this area gasoline is selling at lower prices. Wednesday’s price for a gallon of regular gas at the Arco station on the Mukilteo Speedway was $1.55, while a motorist in Oak Harbor could purchase could purchase a gallon of regular for $1.75.

“South Whidbey motorists can only envy those prices. In fact, a South End motorist could have paid up to $2.07 a gallon this week for gallon of premium fuel at Bailey’s Corner Store in Clinton.”

Though the price jump seems to coincide with the terror attacks on the East Coast last week, South Whidbey gas station owners say the price was spiking before Sept. 11.