The Whidbey News-Times and South Whidbey Record have published Island Scanner for many decades and it’s always been a popular addition to the papers. The 911 calls to the Island County Sheriff’s Office from Whidbey residents offer insight into the job of law enforcement and crime trends, a peek into the underbelly of the island and the drama going on behind neighbors’ doors and, of course, a bit of zany fun.

For some reason, recent years have seen a big increase in people jumping into streets in front of cars or lying on the side of the road. Escaped pigs and goats as well as unusual roadkill continue to make strong showings while scary clown sightings have dropped off.

Here’s a look at some of the most memorable entries over the last year:

Sunday, Jan. 2

At 12:24 p.m., a caller reported that a woman who had been sleeping in a truck on East Sleeper Road during the cold weather was found dead inside. Deputies and firefighters who responded, however, discovered it was a mannequin. Reports are unclear as to whether firefighters administered CPR.

Thursday, Jan. 13

At 7:55 a.m., a Coupeville resident reported having a difference of opinion with her husband over a dead dog.

Wednesday, Jan. 19

At 3:23 p.m., a driver reported that a woman was standing on the side of North Bluff Road and shaking scissors at motorists.

Sunday, Feb. 20

At 2:22 p.m., a Taylor Road resident reported that people were shooting at roadkill.

Wednesday, May 4

At 11:32 a.m., a caller reported that a person was playing the harpsichord over a loud speaker in the Goose parking lot.

Wednesday, May 25

At 6:17 a.m., a caller reported that a woman hit her with a back scratcher with a fork taped to it.

Thursday, May 26

At 11:04 p.m., a caller reported that a man with face tattoos was screaming, running around without shoes and pouring water on himself on Highway 20.

Thursday, June 23

At 12:27 p.m., a Perry Drive resident reported seeing a lethargic raccoon on a log.

Thursday, June 30

At 9:33 a.m., a Blakely Avenue resident reported that his girlfriend was seeing someone else.

Saturday, Aug. 20

At 5:30 p.m., a caller on Hunt Road reported four large, clumsy pigs were walking in the roadway.

Thursday, Aug. 25

At 4:43 p.m., a caller reported that a woman at the Deer Lake park and ride was eating a dead deer and screaming.

Saturday, Aug. 27

At 9:22 p.m., a Hastie Lake Road resident reported that neighbors were firing off potato cannons and the spuds were landing in the caller’s yard.

Sunday, Aug. 28

At 8:28 a.m., a resident reported that a man near a bus stop on Highway 525 was running into the road and pretending to shoot cars with finger guns.

Friday, Sept. 2

At 4:39 p.m., someone on Front Street called 911, apparently by accident. Someone could be heard singing “itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini.”

Sunday, Sept. 11

At 2:02 p.m., a resident reported that a dead buck on the side of Smugglers Cove Road was missing a head but the genitals were intact. Deputies surmised that someone who hit the deer in a car may have taken home a trophy.

Friday, Sept. 23

At 10:34 a.m., a resident reported that a tattooed man on the side of Highway 525 with a baby and an air compressor appeared high and had crazy eyes. The caller said the situation seemed odd.

Monday, Sept. 26

At 2:59 p.m., a Terry Road resident reported that a neighbor sold rotten wood to another neighbor. The caller asked to speak to the “wood police.”

Tuesday, Oct. 18

At 8:24 p.m., a resident on Humphrey Road reported finding a travel bag containing a pan and a homemade spear.

Monday, Nov. 21

At 9:20 a.m., a caller asked for a welfare check on a man on View Road who had been living in a closet.