Clinton resident urges action on Whidbey Island Dog House preservation

Tarly Shupe of Clinton wrote to the Whidbey News-Times on Wednesday to advocate for the preservation of the Dog House, a historic building on the island.

In a letter published in the newspaper, Shupe expressed strong agreement with three previous correspondents. She supported James Blaisdell's comments regarding the local paper. She also endorsed Lee McGuire's argument for banning personal fireworks, citing the cleanup burden placed on residents. Shupe described the island as a playground for others, leaving local inhabitants to manage the aftermath.

The letter focused heavily on the condition of the Dog House. Shupe aligned herself with David Price, who had previously written about the site's state of disrepair. Price warned that the structure risked becoming a storage area for heavy equipment if left unaddressed. He provided email addresses for local officials in his letter to facilitate public feedback.

Shupe stated that she would use the contact information provided by Price. She encouraged other residents to do the same to drive progress on the issue. The writer expressed concern about the potential future development of the Langley area. She cited the prospect of a mini-mart and gas station being built near the decaying historical building as a negative outcome.

The letter noted that many residents have waited for years to use the Dog House before attending shows at the Clyde. Shupe closed by emphasizing that the community's desire for the building's preservation has been consistent over time.

The publication date for the letter was November 4, 2026.