We’re opening the rifle range to any and all rifles. This isn’t just for military gear or high-end benchrest rigs—it’s for everyone.

What are you bringing to the line?

• Classic Military M1?
• Tactical Precision AR?
• Your go-to Hunting Bolt-Action?
• A tack-driving .22 LR Single-Shot?

Any rimfire. Any centerfire. This match is about YOU, your rifle, and your skills at 100 yards. Competitive classes for scoped AND iron sights. 1st-3rd place awards for EACH class.

SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, AUG 15TH START TIME: 11:00 AM Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club Entry: Only $10 per class

Unlimited sighters. 30 shots for score. Total 300 possible points. Will you be on the podium?

#HolmesHarbor #BenchrestMatch #RifleCompetition #PrecisionShooting #RangeDay #MilitaryRifle #PrecisionAR #HuntingRifle #CenterfireRifle #RimfireRifle #22LR #NRA #CompetitionShooting #TargetPractice #FindYourPrecision

Think you’re fast? Come prove it!

Join us Saturday, July 11 for our popular Falling Plate Match at Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club.

Setup: 9:00 AM
Safety Meeting: Immediately following setup
Match Begins: 10:00 AM

Compete head-to-head on the steel plate racks with:
Centerfire pistols & PCCs
.22 LR pistols & rifles
Any sights welcome
10-round magazines (standard match)
Lead-core bullets only (no magnums)

Bring 80–100 rounds per gun and get ready for fast-paced, friendly competition. Most shooters enter both a pistol and rifle class!

Entry Fee: $5 per firearm
Cash payouts based on entries.

Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or trying your first steel match, this is one of the most fun and welcoming events on our shooting calendar.

Complete match rules and details:
https://www.hhrodandgun.com/shooting/match-class-and-event-details/pistol-matches-info/falling-plate-match-event-details/

Tag a shooting buddy and we’ll see you on the range!

#HolmesHarborRodAndGunClub #WhidbeyIsland #FallingPlate #SteelShooting #PistolMatch #PCC #22LR #CompetitionShooting #WashingtonShooting #ShootingSports

William David “Bill” Aley

William David “Bill” Aley, 82, of Freeland, Washington, passed away on May 20, 2026, at home of natural causes.

Bill was born on October 1, 1943. He was the son of Ethel Dyer and Robert Aley, who was killed in World War II and awarded the Purple Heart. He was raised as Bill Hansard by his stepfather, Wayman Ray Hansard.

Bill graduated from Evergreen High School in Seattle.

He enlisted in the United States Navy on January 16, 1963, and served during Vietnam before being honorably discharged on November 10, 1969. His service included hundreds of wartime missions, and he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and several other Air Medals.

Bill built a reputation as a highly skilled welder and fabricator, known to many in the Ballard area as “Bill the Welder.” In the early 1970s, he was at the forefront of aluminum welding, building many top houses for fishing boats and processing lines for factory ships.

In 1992, Bill purchased a local septic pumping company and renamed it South Island Pumping. The business continues today under his son Bob’s ownership. Bill loved people and continued working in the field, driving a truck and visiting with customers well into his 70s. Many customers will remember him for his colorful personality and conversation.

Bill never sat still. Over the years, in addition to his “normal” jobs, he raised pigs (at one point as many as 200 head), delivered the local newspaper, and cut firewood for others. Even after losing both of his legs eight years ago, he remained active—out visiting, telling stories, and staying connected to people.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing, farming, gardening, golfing with his wife Sue, and shotgun shooting. He was also deeply involved in 4H when Kari and Kristen were younger and coached middle school basketball.

Bill was known for his colorful language, quick wit, and storytelling—whether the stories were entirely true or not. He often spoke his mind and lived life on his own terms.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Susan D. Aley, whom he married on March 30, 1966, and who passed away on January 1, 2020; his parents; and his brother Bert.

He is survived by his children Chris (Sunday) of Tacoma, and his children Adam, Erin (Pedro) & Quinn; Bob of Langley; Kari (Eamonn) Roche of Langley and their son John; and Kristen Aley of Snohomish and her son Ryelan Quade of Langley, as well as his sister Lyn (Jim) Zuvela of Suquamish.

A memorial service will be held on June 27 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club in Langley, Washington. Bill’s ashes will be buried alongside his wife at Sunnyside Cemetery in Coupeville, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to local 4H programs supporting shooting sports or livestock.

The Wild Horses ride the line between soulful country rock and blues, delivering a mix of stirring originals and tastefully chosen covers. With four standout lead vocalists, the band’s true magic lies in their soaring three- and four-part harmonies—rich, raw, and unmistakable. A bright new force on Whidbey’s music scene, The Wild Horses bring heart, grit, and harmony to every stage they hit. With guitar, bass, drums, and added depth from piano, mandolin, and fiddle, The Wild Horses deliver a sound that’s both timeless and fresh.

Band members include, Marita Schott lead vocalist/guitar, John Dietrich lead vocalist/bass, Pete Keating drummer/ vocalist, Debbie Cantwell mandolin, viola, piano, guitar/ vocalist, Tom Hubbard lead guitar, Ben Webber piano/guitar vocalist 

Saturday June 6th @6:30 pm