‘Reliant Sentinel’ occupies base

Whidbey Island Naval Air Station will conduct exercise Reliant Sentinel, developed to enhance the training and readiness of naval security personnel, Tuesday, Oct. 14 to Thursday, 16.

“This is a regularly scheduled exercise and is not in response to any specific threat,” said Kim Martin, public information officer, in a news release.

Personnel working on and around Ault Field may notice some disruption to the base’s normal operations on a limited level, including increased traffic or delays in base access. There may also be increased military activity associated with the exercise.

During the exercise the base will increase force protection conditions which will involve more stringent access measures, increased levels of security and increased readiness.

“Reliant Sentinel gives the Navy the opportunity to train for force protection conditions using realistic scenarios,” Martin said. “It is one way that the Navy and NAS Whidbey Island are working to maintain a high level of readiness on base, in the surrounding community and across the fleet.”

Man refused forum spot

One of the founders of People for Yes on Whidbey, who was later kicked out, went to Island County Superior Court Wednesday to try to force his way into a political forum.

Ed Jenkins, a South Whidbey resident, made an ex parte motion asking Judge Alan Hancock to require the Whidbey League of Women Voters to allow Jenkins to speak at a forum in Coupeville Thursday.

Hancock read over Jenkins’ paperwork and quickly ruled against him, explaining the court has no authority over the group.

“This is a private dispute that does not involve government,” he said.

The purpose of the forum was to allow the public to hear arguments from supporters and critics of a ballot measure allowing a public utility district to take over Puget Sound Energy’s facilities on the island.

Jenkins, the former communications director for “People for Yes,” claimed the group doesn’t have a proper and knowledgeable representative to speak on the important issue.

Port holds levy conference

Islanders can learn about the Port of Coupeville’s proposed levy lift Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Hearing Room, Courthouse Annex Building.

The Port of Coupeville is proposing voters approve a 6 cent per $1,000 assessed property value tax increase during the November election.

If approved, the increase will bring in approximately $150,000. That money will be used to pay for the bonds on the Greenbank Farm and the fee paid to the Greenbank Farm Management Group.

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