Stephen Chavez, owner of Crossed Arrows Brewery, speaks about the future of his brewery. (Photo by Caitlyn Anderson)

Food & Drink

Army veteran right at home with Crossed Arrows Brewery on Whidbey Island

At his home-based brewery, Stephen Chavez makes the beer he likes, with flavors like root beer, creamsicle and…

Logo for news use featuring Whidbey Island in Island County, Washington. 220118

Local News

Freeland massage therapist charged with sex crimes

The judge set bail at $7,500 for the health care provider, who was accused of sexually assaulting two…

Greenbank resident Kristi O’Donnell admires a patch of rhododendrons at the side of Highway 525 that she helped save nearly 20 years ago. (Photo by David Welton)

Life

Whidbey Island woman watches the fruits of her labor blossom each spring

Motorists on Highway 525 get to see rhododendrons bloom each year because of Kristi O’Donnell’s efforts 20 years…

Tony Cladusbid, co-owner of the Beaver Tales Coffee franchise, watches over the canoe racing at the Penn Cove Water Festival on Saturday. (Photo by Sam Fletcher)

Food & Drink

More than coffee: Swinomish Native shares family history and wisdom

Tony Cladusbid is the co-owner of Beaver Tales Coffee in Coupeville. He recently changed his name to honor…

Photo by Gina Shields of GM Photography

Life

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)

Travel

Faire thee well: Renaissance comes to Whidbey Island May 25 and 26

Event features dancers, a juggler, ‘Fakespeare,’ live music and lots of food

Whidbey Renaissance Faire volunteers pose in their costumes. (Photo by Bree Eaton)

Local News

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…

An EA-18G Growler taxis down the airstrip on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island during the squadron’s welcome home ceremony in August 2017. (Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Wood/U.S. Navy)

Local News

Navy jet noise could mean long-term health impacts for Whidbey Island

For everyone living in Oak Harbor and Coupeville, the noise was as loud as a rock concert, researchers…

Bruiser, photographed here in November 2021, is Whidbey Island’s lone elk. Over the years he has gained quite the following. Fans were concerned for his welfare Wednesday when a rumor circulated social media about his supposed death. A confirmed sighting of him was made Wednesday evening after the false post. (Jay Londo )

Local News

Whidbey Island’s elk-in-residence Bruiser not guilty of rumored assault

Recent rumors of the elk’s alleged aggression have been greatly exaggerated, according to state Fish and Wildlife.

Life

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)

Food & Drink

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.

Logo for news use featuring Whidbey Island in Island County, Washington. 220118

Local News

Man accused of shoplifting Yu-Gi-Oh! cards from Whidbey Island Walmart

A man suspected of stealing trading cards faces theft charges in Island County. He appeared in court this…

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)

Food & Drink

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…

Yvonne Gallardo-Van Ornam, left, and Clyde Shaver

Local News

Arlington council member to run for state rep against Shavers

Yvonne Gallardo-Van Ornam called it a “little embarrassing” to have Oak Harbor Rep. Clyde Shavers “representing veterans.”

Penn Cover Brewery owners, Mitch and Mark Aparicio, at their new Freeland location on Thursday, July 22, 2021. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Local News

Penn Cove Brewing closes doors in Lake Stevens, on Whidbey Island

The brewery with taprooms in Coupeville, Freeland and Lake Stevens announced Saturday it would close all three locations.

Hierophant Meadery owners and operators Michelle Scandalis and Jeremy Kyncl sit in the tasting room on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, in Freeland, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Food & Drink

All the buzz: For Whidbey’s Hierophant Meadery, sustainability is sweet

Jeremy Kyncl and Michelle Scandalis strive to influence culture around environmental issues through their business.

Narissa Jackson holds a sevilla isopod, one of the bigger critters in her collection. (Photo by Luisa Loi)

Life

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.

Logo for news use featuring Whidbey Island in Island County, Washington. 220118

Local News

Island County pays $2.75M to former Navy chief shot after standoff

A lawsuit alleged the Island County Sheriff’s Office was responsible for “state-created danger.”

West Beach Road was closed and residents were evacuated during the wind storm Tuesday. (John Fisken / Whidbey News Times)

Local News

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.

Paul Sarkis presents a finished pizza. He and his wife Lila Sarkis recently started a take-and-bake pizza business. (Photo by David Welton)

Food & Drink

Slice of life: Whidbey Island pizza business offers redemption

A Freeland couple is accepting orders for Feral Slice Pizza, its take-and-bake pizza biz in Clinton.