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Hi Whidbey Island, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: State-funded fiber expansion, an ‘untrappable’ dog search, a Polar Plunge, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
State funds target connectivity gaps: Whidbey Telecom won a $9.5 million grant to expand BiG GiG fiber on Whidbey Island, targeting underserved south-end areas and improving internet for remote work, school, telehealth and public safety — get all the details.
Inside a tireless pet search: Bring ‘Em Home Whidbey has reunited many lost cats and dogs islandwide and is pursuing an “untrappable” dog, working with Animal Control and using traps, trail cameras and drones — learn how they find pets.
Agent insights and data: Whidbey’s housing market stayed steady through 2025 amid Navy demand and tight supply. Luxury listings lingered, while Oak Harbor and Coupeville drew buyers. 2026 rate moves could shift things — get all the details.
From forests to fishing: Across Saratoga Passage, Cama Beach Historical State Park offers scenic shoreline, 15 miles of trails, and Cama Beach Cafe. Open year-round 8 a.m. to dusk with a $10 day pass — get all the details.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your IRA or portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: Insurance prices drop all the time, but you’ll only know if you check. I assumed my rate was fine until I compared options and realized I was leaving real money on the table. It took a minute to check and instantly showed better offers for where I live. If it’s been more than a few months, you should probably run this comparison tool here.
One pet emergency can easily cost $7,000+ but pet insurance helps ease the financial and emotional burden. It’s something I wish I’d had after spending $10k on last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Peaceful living without pressure: A January 27 roundup highlighted 10 Washington towns where debt-free living feels within reach. Coupeville was praised for historic charm, water views, and comparatively reasonable housing versus big-city prices, plus a slower pace that feels right for Whidbey neighbors. Explore the full list.
Repairs ripple across ferry network: Washington State Ferries is juggling service after Wenatchee struck a log and was pulled for repairs. Expect schedule adjustments systemwide. For Whidbey riders, Mukilteo Clinton’s last nightly sailings will be canceled Feb. 19 to 23 due to terminal work and high tides. Spring vehicle reservations now release Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. Learn what’s changing and when.
Local sushi night sorted: Sushi Moto keeps it simple with classic rolls and nigiri, plus platters for the whole crew. Fresh fish, friendly vibes, and zero fuss make it a low-key go-to when you’d rather skip cooking. Very Oak Harbor, without the sink full of dishes.
Treasure hunt, unlocked: Island Thrift keeps racks and shelves moving with everyday essentials and the occasional oddball gem. Perfect for a midweek mood lift or a quick home refresh… bring curiosity, leave with bragging rights, and maybe a vintage mug you suddenly can’t live without.
A smart way to save on big purchases: When costs hit the tens of thousands, credit card and personal loan interest racks up fast. A HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity as a flexible line of credit at a lower rate… all without refinancing your mortgage. I’ve been looking into this myself, and Figure’s HELOC stood out for its 100% online application, no in-person appraisal, and quick access to cash.
Your neighbors are Googling you:It’s an uncomfortable thought, but people search names all the time — employers, new friends, other parents at school pickup. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up on the first page, it can shape how people see you before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so the first impression you make actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s not your name, you can help a friend or family member with that too.
Get clarity on financial decisions: Managing retirement, taxes, and investments alone can feel overwhelming, especially during big life transitions. Financial advisors provide holistic guidance, help reduce risk, and keep emotions away from costly decisions. I found a tool called Unbiased that matches you with the right financial advisor based on your personal situation so you can get a second opinion… it never hurts.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🎭 Rent @ Whidbey Playhouse Inc | Friday (2/6) at 7:30 PM – Grab a seat at Whidbey Playhouse for RENT, the rock musical that still lands like a double espresso. It’s a smart, heart-forward punch of love, friendship, and live-now energy, with big vocals, bigger feelings, and zero flimsy nostalgia. Perfect island night out, no ferry required.
🌊 Sound Waters University @ Coupeville High School | Saturday (2/7) at 8:00 AM – Think you know kelp from eelgrass? The 32nd annual Sound Waters University gathers experts, naturalists, and salty do-gooders for talks and hands-on sessions at Coupeville High, caring for the Salish Sea. Learn ways to protect our shores, then celebrate with chowder and a beach walk.
🍫 Chocolate Walk @ Coupeville Chamber of Commerce | Saturday (2/7) at 11:00 AM – Coupeville’s Chocolate Walk is turning retail therapy into dessert, one shop at a time. Stroll the participating spots, collect treats like a very wholesome trick-or-treat for grownups, and call it cardio. Perfect for Valentine’s Day prep, or bribing your plus-one, or yourself.
👜 Power of the Purse Live Auction and Luncheon @ Oak Harbor Elks Lodge 2362 | Saturday (2/7) at 11:00 AM – Break out the nice purse, we’re doing good and eating lunch at the Elks. Soroptimist’s live auction funds scholarships and programs for local women and girls, with big-hearted bids, neighborly banter, and brag-worthy packages from hometown businesses. It sells out, so snag tickets early.
🎆 Lunar New Year Celebration @ Bayview Community Hall | Saturday (2/7) at 2:30 PM – WILASC is ringing in Lunar New Year with a community party on Whidbey, complete with kid-friendly cultural activities, craft stations, and local food vendors. Think family reunion energy, fewer casseroles, better snacks. It is volunteer-led and donation-based, so RSVP, bring good vibes, and maybe snag a raffle prize.
🖼 Art Reception @ Koneksi Gallery | Saturday (2/7) at 3:00 PM – Textiles are taking center stage at Koneksi Gallery as fiber wizard Kathleen Dodge-DeHaven shows how wool becomes sculpture, story, and texture. Expect vibrant 2D and 3D pieces, felting demos, a peek at tools, mingling with the artist, and the art show you want to touch.
🍽 Hearts & Hammers Community Dinner @ Living Word | Saturday (2/7) at 6:30 PM – Saturday night at Living Word means tools down, forks up, and neighbors scheming how to fix what actually needs fixing. Donation dinner, Dessert Dash cash, and a peek at the House Captain role that turns elbow grease into real help for local homeowners.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Whidbey Island report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 53°F – Low: 41°F – Precip: 0%
Patchy fog before 7am. Partly sunny. High near 53, with temperatures falling to around 49 in the afternoon. North northwest wind around 3 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. Northeast wind around 3 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 54°F – Low: 45°F – Precip: 3%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 54. Southeast wind around 6 mph. Later: A chance of rain after 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
This house is wild
This custom 3-bed, 2.5-bath corner-lot home offers dual living and dining spaces with an updated kitchen between. Upstairs, three bedrooms include two with bonus nooks, and a primary bath with walk-in shower and freestanding tub. Views span Crescent Harbor and Mount Baker. The location is walkable to the beach, parks, and downtown, with sunrise and July 4 fireworks in sight.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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