Luisa Loi

The L pod orcas surprised many on Whidbey Island when they returned to Penn Cove for the first time in over 50 years. (Photo provided by Sarah Geist)

Orca family returns to Penn Cove after 50 years

In 1970 and 1971, orcas were herded into the cove off Whidbey Island. This month, members of the L pod returned.

 

The T46s travel between Whidbey and Camano while a team of scientists collects health data and refines remote health tools. (Photo courtesy of NOAA)

Whidbey Island floating clinic hopes to save orcas

Scientists have transformed a dinghy into a mobile health clinic to assess the health of orcas.

 

Photo by Gina Shields of GM Photography

Whidbey Island to salute the fallen for Memorial Day

All are invited to honor those who have fallen at three events on Whidbey Island.

 

Some of the crew involved with the Whidbey Renaissance Faire. (Photo by Bill Huls)
Some of the crew involved with the Whidbey Renaissance Faire. (Photo by Bill Huls)
Whidbey Renaissance Faire volunteers pose in their costumes. (Photo by Bree Eaton)

Faire thee well: Renaissance is coming to Whidbey Island

The volunteer-run fair May 25 and 26 will feature dancers, a juggler, ‘Fakespeare,’ various live music shows and lots of food.

Whidbey Renaissance Faire volunteers pose in their costumes. (Photo by Bree Eaton)
Brayden Burn shakes Tsunami’s paw. Tsunami is a 2-year-old smooth sable collie, a breed that breeder Corinne Boon said is going extinct in Europe, despite being a good family and herding pet. (Luisa Loi / Whidbey News-Times)

A boy and his dog: Whidbey Island teen wins Collie Club of America title

Brayden Burn, of Oak Harbor, is the first boy in 21 years to take Best in Show at the club’s National Specialty competition.

Brayden Burn shakes Tsunami’s paw. Tsunami is a 2-year-old smooth sable collie, a breed that breeder Corinne Boon said is going extinct in Europe, despite being a good family and herding pet. (Luisa Loi / Whidbey News-Times)

Whidbey duo uses fencing to teach self-discipline, sportsmanship to youth

Bob Tearse and Joseph Kleinman are sharing their sword-fighting expertise with young people on south Whidbey Island.

Owner Andy Plumlee stands in front Popsies in Oak Harbor. (Photo provided by Whidbey News-Times)

Popsies offers kaleidoscope of popcorn flavors on Whidbey Island

Two years after taking over the business, Andy Plumlee opened another store in the Anacortes Marina on Monday.

Owner Andy Plumlee stands in front Popsies in Oak Harbor. (Photo provided by Whidbey News-Times)
Thomas Litrenta, known as the Chef in the Black Bandana, makes pasta from scratch on June 30, 2023, in Oak Harbor. Litrenta and co-owner Crystal Madrigal are among dozens of Whidbey Island restaurateurs who complained to the Island County about its food inspector’s alleged behavior. (Karina Andrew / Whidbey News-Times file)

Island County suspends food inspections amid complaints

The decision came after about 30 restaurateurs complained about the food inspector. Inspections are expected to fully resume next week.

Thomas Litrenta, known as the Chef in the Black Bandana, makes pasta from scratch on June 30, 2023, in Oak Harbor. Litrenta and co-owner Crystal Madrigal are among dozens of Whidbey Island restaurateurs who complained to the Island County about its food inspector’s alleged behavior. (Karina Andrew / Whidbey News-Times file)
Narissa Jackson holds a sevilla isopod, one of the bigger critters in her collection. (Photo by Luisa Loi)

Whidbey woman makes pets out of not-so-creepy crawlies

On top of being “cute” and entertaining, Narissa Jackson’s isopods help her with some house chores.

Narissa Jackson holds a sevilla isopod, one of the bigger critters in her collection. (Photo by Luisa Loi)
West Beach Road was closed and residents were evacuated during the wind storm Tuesday. (John Fisken / Whidbey News Times)

Whidbey homes damaged, road closed, ferry rocked in wild wind storm

A wind storm toppled a tree onto a house, canceled ferry trips and prompted evacuations Tuesday.

West Beach Road was closed and residents were evacuated during the wind storm Tuesday. (John Fisken / Whidbey News Times)
Logo for news use featuring Whidbey Island in Island County, Washington. 220118

Whidbey Island has one of highest wildlife-vehicle crash rates

Most of the reported vehicle-wildlife collisions involve deer, according to WSDOT.

Logo for news use featuring Whidbey Island in Island County, Washington. 220118
The Freeland Brewery & Taproom. (Luisa Loi / Whidbey News-Times)

Conflict brews between neighbors and tap room on Whidbey Island

A group of Freeland residents are concerned about live outdoor music events Penn Cove Brewing Company plans to host.

The Freeland Brewery & Taproom. (Luisa Loi / Whidbey News-Times)
Ash was rescued along with Dexter, just before his euthanasia date. (Luisa Loi / Whidbey News-Times)

Whidbey Island woman rescues 300 German shepherds

“Can I save them all? No,” Renee Carr, of Oak Harbor said. “But I’m gonna try my hardest.”

Ash was rescued along with Dexter, just before his euthanasia date. (Luisa Loi / Whidbey News-Times)
The Whidbey Island Cider Festival has been bringing together local businesses since it started in 2017. (Photo provided)

Cider Festival returns to Whidbey Island

The Whidbey Island Cider Festival is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Pacific Rim Institute.

The Whidbey Island Cider Festival has been bringing together local businesses since it started in 2017. (Photo provided)