By JESSIE STENSLANDStaff reporter

Oak Harbor resident Christopher Cooper passed away at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle Thursday night.

The 23-year-old man, a graduate of Oak Harbor High School, never regained con-sciousness after suffering a head injury in a physical con-frontation in downtown Oak Harbor Nov. 17. His father, Terry Cooper, said his son was surrounded by family when he passed away.

It was kind of inevitable, I believe, he said. Hopefully the Oak Harbor Police Department can now do their job and take care of this.

Cooper was found uncon-scious early in the morning two weeks ago. Police initially thought he had fallen and hit his head while intoxicated, but later discovered he had

been in a fight.The case erupted into

controversy after the police arrested the suspect, 29-year-old Jason Ellis of Oak Harbor, days after the prosecutors office told them they didnt have enough evidence. The prosecutor released Ellis immediately Monday morn-ing, upsetting the police and Coopers family.

The status of the possible criminal case remains unclear as officials grapple over ques-tions of self defense, legal standards and political influ-ence from the mayors office.

Oak Harbor Mayor Scott Dudley has taken a personal interest in the case and vis-ited Cooper in the hospital Wednesday.

When someone dies or is seriously assaulted on the streets of Oak Harbor, I take

champs. Jones said each year a

different local charity is picked to receive donations collected by the carolers. This year the recipient will be the Garage of Blessings, a charitable thrift store that offers free clothes, house-hold items, appliances, food and much more to the com-munity. Its located inside a garage on Industrial Avenue

off Goldie Road.This will help immense-

ly, Kristiina Miller of the Garage of Blessings said of the donations. It will be rent money. It will allow us to keep the doors open.

A Knot in Thyme, a North Whidbey holly farm and gift shop, will be giving horse-drawn carriage rides

By JESSIE STENSLANDStaff reporter

A detective with the Oak Harbor Police Department arrested an alleged Oak Harbor drug dealer who police believe has been selling literally pounds of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine and marijuana tens of thousands of dollars worth on Whidbey Island each week.

Detectives recovered an estimated $40,000 worth of the drugs from the sus-pect, 26-year-old Michael Cupcake Koepke, and a

backpack he was carrying, according to the police.

Prosecutors charged Koepke in Island County Superior Court Nov. 27 with possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, possession with intent to deliver heroin, possession

News-Timeswhidbey

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2012 | Vol. 113, No. 95 | www.whiDBEYNEwSTiMES.CoM | 75

INSIDE:Whidbey

Winter sports

preview

166166166166166166166166166166166166166166166166166166166166166166166166166166166166166Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!

Earn Tickets Now December 13

$149,300$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149149,,,,,,,,,,,,,,149,149149149,149,149,149149149,149149149,149149149,149,149,149149149,149,149,149149149,149,149,149149149,149149149,149149149,149,149,149149149,149,149,,,149,149,149,,,149,,,149,,,149,149,149,,,149,300300300300300300300300300300300300300300300300300300300300300300300300300300300300December 1 5 & 7 12 4 Winners Each Day!

Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!7 Winners Hourly! 2 7 pm

Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!Cash & Prize Drawings!On I-5 at Exit 236

theskagit.com877-275-2448

Owned by Upper Skagit Indian Tribe

166166166166166166166166166166166166166166Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!Winners!

Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways!Daily Prize Giveaways! Owned by Upper Skagit Indian Tribe

877-275-2448877-275-2448877-275-2448877-275-2448877-275-2448877-275-2448877-275-2448877-275-2448877-275-2448877-275-2448877-275-2448*Must be a Rewards Club Member Membership is FREE! See Rewards Club Center for complete details. Must be present to win. Casino opens at 9 am daily. Must be 21 or older with valid ID.

In Cash & Prizes!In Cash & Prizes!In Cash & Prizes!*Thursdays, Dec. 6 & 13!

$15,000 CashWin $15,000 Cash at 8 pm!MGAT-W

2011 File Photo/whidbey News-Times

Carolers perform at the downtown Oak Harbor Holiday Magic event. This year, organizers are expecting more than 200 carol-ers as part of the Christmas celebration and fundraiser, which starts tonight just before 6 oclock.

Gearing up for holiday magicBy JESSIE STENSLANDStaff reporter

Downtown Oak Harbor will be filled with the sights and sounds of community spirit and holiday cheer tonight.

Santa will arrive for the annual tree lighting, fol-lowed by a caroling contest, free warm drinks, rides on a horse-drawn sleigh and Christmas shopping.

The Holiday Magic event on Pioneer Way begins at about 5:45 p.m. as the Oak Harbor Middle School band kicks off the night. The Holiday Market, featuring sales at shops and arts ven-dors, will run all weekend.

The bulk of the activi-ties tonight arent being organized by the city or a chamber of commerce or a business group. Oak Harbor

resident Brian Jones and a handful of citizens started the Christmastime celebra-tion three years ago as a way to bring the community together in holiday cheer and to raise money for local chari-ties.

Its more about having great spirit, smiling a lot and having a great time, Jones said. Its really amazing to see so many people working together to bring joy to the community.

The event, which drew 1,200 people last year, is run without a budget, but with the goodwill of a wide range of volunteers and businesses.

Among the 200 carolers competing this year will be several high school groups and the St. Augustines church choir, the reigning

Greening of CoupevilleGreening of Coupeville is also this evening. The annual Christmas parade starts at 4 p.m. on Main Street. Following the parade is a tree lighting at Cooks Corner Park, located at Main Street and Ninth Street. Enjoy Christmas carols and the annual Christmas Art and Antiques Walk through downtown. At 6 p.m., weather permitting, view the Oak Harbor Boat Parade of Lights from the Coupeville Wharf.

SEE MAGiC, A11

Oak Harbor man dies from injuries

Police seize estimated $40K in illegal drugs

SEE DRUGS, A11

SEE CooPER, A2

Page A2 www.whiDBEYNEwSTiMES.CoM Saturday,December1,2012WhidbeyNews-Times

WHIDBEY - People Helping People

People Helping PeopleHelp your Community while you read the local news!

ASSOCIATED STUDENT BODY SUBSCRIPTION DRIVEWhen you renew you current subscription or newly subscribe today, The

Whidbey News-Times will donate $10 for every 12 month and $20 for every24 month subscription to one of the local school of your choice listed below:

SUPPORT

NAME: PHONE:

ADDRESS:

CITY: STATE: ZIP:

EMAIL:

Signature:

CREDIT CARD CHECK OR MONEY ORDER

Credit Card Number Expiration Date CVC Number

12 MONTH SUBSCRIPTION - $45 WITH $10 DONATION

24 MONTH SUBSCRIPTION - $75 WITH $20 DONATION

P. O. Box 657 Kirkland, WA 980831-888-838-3000 whidbeynewstimes.com

OAK HARBOR SCHOOLS (ASB)

COUPEVILLE SCHOOLS (ASB)

OAK HARBOR SCHOOLS

(ASB)

COUPEVILLE SCHOOLS

(ASB)

it personally and I want the citizens of Oak Harbor to not only feel safe, but to be safe, Dudley said.

Dudley called the News-Times Thursday night to say that Cooper was taken off life support.

Now we have a fatality, he said. Now the question is, What is the prosecutor going to do?

Island County Prosecutor Greg Banks said a deputy prosecutor met with the police detective investigat-ing the case Wednesday and went over the evidence. He said a video recording that Cooper made on an iPhone suggests that he was the aggressor and that Ellis was using lawful force to defend himself.

The deputy prosecutor told the detective that they didnt have probable cause to make an arrest, at least not until additional evidence is devel-oped. He said it appeared that the detective agreed.

Banks said he was then shocked when he came to

work Monday and found that the police had arrested Ellis on Saturday, which happened to be during his daughters birthday party. Banks said the police hadnt given him any additional evidence and nobody at the police department would return his calls so he released Ellis immediately.

Banks suggested that the motive for the arrest was that the police didnt want to admit to the grieving family that the case cant be made.

Rather than having that difficult conversation, an arrest was made of a citi-zen and then they tried to heap the blame on us, Banks said.

In addition, Banks pointed out that the police arrested Ellis on a Saturday, which guaranteed he would spend three days in jail before pros-ecutors released him. He said his office is eager to see any new evidence from police, which could change his deci-sion on prosecution.

This kind of circus that has now grown up around this didnt have to happen, he said.

Oak Harbors new police chief, Ed Green, said

Thursday that the police arrested Ellis because they looked at the evidence and believed they had probable cause that a crime had been committed. He said he wasnt certain whether the inves-tigators gathered any addi-tional evidence between the time the prosecutor informed them they didnt have prob-able cause and when they arrested Ellis.

Were hopeful the pros-ecutor will change his mind after seeing the complete investigation, he said. We just want to be part of a team.

Mayor Dudleys close involvement in the case, how-ever, had fanned speculation that he influenced the police in their decision to make an arrest.

Dudley, however, denies this. He admitted to the News-Times he was in near-constant contact with the police chief about the status of the case, but he said he didnt encourage or influence him to take any action.

Green agreed. He said Dudley had a right to know what was happening with the case, but that he has no role in making decisions regard-

ing a criminal case. He said it was the detectives supervi-sor who made the ultimate decision.

Still, Dudley said he has very strong feelings regard-ing the case. He said he was disappointed in the pros-ecutors lack of action and is very proud of how the police handled things. He said hes seen very similar cases in other jurisdiction in which a perpetrator was charged.

Its not a tragic accident when you have multiple skull fractures, he said, add-ing that the evidence sug-gests Cooper was struck multiple times after he fell to the ground and was uncon-scious.

In addition, Dudley said its significant that Ellis is a mixed-martial arts fighter. He said some jurisdictions consider trained fighters to be lethal weapons.

Terry Cooper agrees. He said doctors told him that his sons injuries were massive and unlikely to be caused by a single blow and a ground-level fall. He said he and fam-ily members are very upset with Banks.

I dont know why our tax dollars are going to pay that

guy, he said.Banks said he feels terrible

for the family, but he believes the police and the mayor have acted inappropriately. He said his office hasnt seen the evidence of multiple skull fractures Dudley is citing.

If he has evidence that we dont have, something is clearly amiss at the Oak Harbor Police Department, Banks said.

The mayor needs to focus on being a mayor and not second-guessing police work or prosecution work, he added.

Yet Banks said he was stressed that no final deci-sions will be made until all the facts are in. He met with police Friday to go over the case. He said the autopsy may provide crucial evi-dence.

CooPERCONTINUED FROM A1

Photo provided

Chris Cooper, pictured during happier times, died Thursday evening at Harborview Medical Center and Hospital in Seattle. He passed away surrounded by friends and family.

By JESSIE STENSLANDStaff reporter

Prosecutors charged a man who allegedly stole a pickup truck from a North Whidbey church, led a state trooper on a high-speed chase and then crashed into a house before running away, according to court documents.

Prosecutor charged 31-year-old Derek J. Cartmell of Anacortes in Island County Superior Court Nov. 21 with possession of a stolen vehi-cle, attempting to elude, pos-session of methamphetamine and hit and run.

Cartmell posted $50,000 bail Nov. 20. If convicted, he could face more than four years in prison under the standard sentencing range.

Breaking the case didnt exactly require a lot of police work. After the driver ran off, deputies found a back-pack inside the truck, which contained a wallet with

Cartmells drivers license, his social security card, his Department of Corrections offender ID card and a Quest card, according to reports.

A Washington state trooper spotted the stolen 1994 GMC truck Nov. 1 as the driver was speeding in the area of Crosby Road. He tried to pull the truck over, but the driver sped off.

The trooper chased the pickup for about five miles at speeds up to 100 mph.

It ended abruptly when the driver lost control at the intersection of West Beach and Hastie Lake roads and plowed through a yard before hitting a brick house.

The suspect ran off and police were unable to find him, but he left behind the back-pack, a cell phone and a bag of suspected meth, according to court documents.

The pickup had been stolen from the Life Church in Oak Harbor the previous night.

Saturday, December 1, 2012 Whidbey News-Times WWW.WhiDBEYNEWSTiMES.coM Page A3

NOW OPEN IN SMOKEY POINTSMOKEY POINT: 16410 Smokey Point Blvd., Suite 300EVERETT: 3327 Colby Ave.

MILL CREEK : 15906 Mill Creek Blvd., Suite 105 MONROE : 14841 179th Ave. SE, Suite 210

Dieter Schmidt, MD, FAAD, FACMS

Board-certi ed Dermatologist Fellowship-trained Mohs

Surgeon

K. Mireille Chae, MD, FAAD

Board-certi ed DermatologistBoard-certi ed Pediatric

DermatologistBoard-certi ed

Dermatopathologist

Craig Baugher, MPAS, PA-C

Associate Dermatology PA

Vena Melendez, MMSc, PA-C

Associate Dermatology PA

Elizabeth Hagen,

LCA Licensed Medical

Aesthetician

Katrina Bassett,MD, FAAD

Board-certi ed Dermatologist

(425) 385-2009 www.northsoundderm.com

LISTED IN

TOP DOCTORS (SEATTLE METROPOLITAN MAGAZINE)

BEST DOCTORS IN AMERICABEST DOCTORS IN WA STATE

Joy Wu,DO, FAAD,

Board-certi ed Dermatologist

Board-Certifi ed Adult & Pediatric Dermatology

Fellowship-trained Mohs Surgery

Botox, Fillers IPL Photofacials

Laser Resurfacing: Acne Scars, Wrinkles Sclerotherapy: Leg Veins

Aesthetician Services Medical Grade Skin Care & Make-Up

15 Coveland St. | www.lavenderwind.com | 360-544-4132

Every day we are getting more lavender items.Scent Your Own Lotion Class

Saturday, Dec. 1, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

New hours are8:00am to 6:00pm

By JESSIE STENSLAND and JIM LARSENStaff reporters

The Island County Sheriffs Office released images of the masked man who robbed the Wells Fargo Bank in Clinton Wednesday night.

A man wearing a cloth mask entered the bank and demanded money, warning the employees that he wanted no dye packs and no problems, according to Detective Ed Wallace with the Island County Sheriffs Office.

The robber did not display a weapon and left the bank with an undisclosed amount of money. Three employees were at the bank at the time, Detective Rick Felici said.

The images of the robber come

from the banks secu-rity camera.

Detectives believe that the robbery may be tied to an earlier bogus 911 call from

the phone booth at Classic Road in Greenbank. A man called at about 5 p.m. and claimed he had killed someone on Smugglers Cove Road.

Deputies responded to the home and the phone booth, but found nothing amiss.

However, Wallace said they were suspicious and left some law enforcement officers on the South end in case the call was a

ruse.Sure enough, an employee

at the bank called and reported the robbery at 5:55 p.m. The bank is about 15 miles from the phone booth. He was wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and a white cloth mask. One of the bank tellers believes that the red SUV seen leaving the area was a Saturn VUE.

The suspect was wearing a mask, but is described as a white male, about 6 feet tall and 200 pounds.

The Wells Fargo branch is located on Highway 525 at the intersection of Deer Lake Road. Bank officials provided minimal information.

Steve Clendenin, branch man-ager in Clinton, said he he just left

before the robbery occurred. I missed it by two minutes,

he said. He was on his way to an off-site appointment when an employee called and informed him about the incident. It was only about five minutes, he said of the time from when he left the bank to when he received the call.

A Wells Fargo security rep-resentative was at the bank Thursday and advised Clendenin to say no more. Inquiries were directed to Lara Underhill, com-munications manager for Wells Fargo in Western Washington.

We dont comment on rob-beries, Underhill said from her Seattle office. We dont want to impede the investigation.

Detectives release photo of clinton bank robber

At left is a surveillance cameras image pro-vided by the Island County Sheriff s Office of a man robbing the Clinton Wells Fargo bank Wednesday evening. Above is a deputys car, one of two stationed to block traffic into the parking lot while staff and detectives worked inside, processing the scene of the crime.

Man charged for stealing, crashing truck

By NATHAN WHALENStaff reporter

The nearly 200 members Oak Harbor High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps earned recog-nition as one of the top units in an area that includes two countries and a territory.

Several members of the Oak Harbor detachment were on hand during Mondays Oak Harbor School Board meet-ing to show off its Pennant of Distinction, given out for the first time by their area leaders. The unit, commonly known as NJROTC, is part of Area 13, which encompasses Washington, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, Northern California, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and Japan.

We hope you display it proudly and recognize that you have earned it through

NJROTC earns recognition in excellence

Nathan Whalen/Whidbey News-Times

Oak Harbor High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps members Therese Desquitado, Brittany Kjos, Haruka Earney, Jacob Nelson, Zachary Johnson and Ryder Sullivan show the Pennant of Distinction.

your hard work and dedi-cation to citizenship, D.L. Wenceslao said in a letter notifying the group of the award.

There are currently 186 members of the NJROTC group at the high school, which comprises more than 10 percent of enrollment. Naval Science Instructor Bill Thiel said Oak Harbors group is one of the largest in

the state. Thiel said the group is

student led and focuses on the Navy ideals of honor, courage and commitment. The program empha-sizes leadership and life skills. Members host the Northwest Leadership Academy in June and the Northwest Drill and Rifle Conference competition in the spring.

Soroptimist International of Oak Harbor is seeking nominations for scholarships in several categories with a Dec. 1 or Dec. 15 deadline.

These are available to women with primary finan-cial responsibility for their

families to obtain the skills, training and education neces-sary to improve their employ-ment status and standard of living for themselves and their families.

Guidelines and applica-tions are available at www.

soroptimist.org/awards/awards.html or can be picked up at the clubs Upscale Retail shop at 31780 Highway 20 Suite 3. The Soroptimist Violet Richardson Award is a recognition program for young women ages 14 to 17 engaged in volunteer action within the community or

their school. The award is given to

young women whose activi-ties make the community and world a better place. The Violet Richardson Award program begins at the local Soroptimist club level where the recipient and her vol-unteer organization will be

honored with a monetary award. Club level winners then become eligible for either $500 or $1,000 at the region level. One finalist will be chosen from among the 28 region winners for an addi-tional award.

Nominations are due to the Oak Harbor club today. For an application, contact sioakharbor@soroptimist.net or call Sandee Oehring at

360-279-5801.The Soroptimist Ruby

Award honors women who have worked to improve the lives of women and girls through their professional and/or volunteer work. Nominations for the award are due Dec. 15.

For more information, con-tact sioakharbor@soroptimist.net or call Sharon Lewis at 360-941-3635.

Page A4 www.whiDBEYNEwSTiMES.coM Saturday,December1,2012WhidbeyNews-Times

BergitBrig Kidd

Bergit Brig Kidd, age 88, of Coupeville, died Fri., Nov. 16, 2012.

Brig was the third of seven children who survived to adulthood, born on April 13, 1924, to Nels and Ida Giere in the Red River country of Western Minnesota. Bergit Marie Gieres role in child-hood, as the oldest daughter surviving the Depression on a modest farm north of Hawley, Minn. was predict-able. She would care for her younger siblings and above all things place fam-ily along side of faith as the twin towers of incorruptible strength that would serve her throughout life. They were their own choir all four parts would be sung around the family piano with Ida accompanying.

She is predeceased by her father and mother, brothers Archie, Nolan, Erdman, and sisters Signe and Darlene. Her surviving sister Corinne resides in Portland, Oreg., with husband Larry. Brigs great love was Viv. They married in June of 1946. After almost 63 years of marriage, Viv died in April of 2009. She leaves behind son Tom and wife Brenda and daughter Deb and hus-band Chuck Flajole; grand-children Jason, Jennifer and Jocelyn Kidd and Erin and Josh Flajole along with scores of adoring nieces and nephews to whom she will always be Auntie! Not to mention friends that stretch back throughout her life. Her biggest supposed grief in life was that instead of great-grandchildren her grandchildren gave her pic-tures of their dogs. She would always laugh, mostly at herself.

Undoubtedly a conse-quence of her very humble beginnings a special night out or a special meal was always uptown. She never

took life for granted, trea-sured her career as office manager of the family business and equally trea-sured their retirement on Whidbey. Brig was particu-larly grateful she could stay in her home right until her last days. Little did more to brighten her days than a phone call from a friend or family member. Brig was truly the matriarch of the family. She never failed to be grateful for her status in life. She could be sweet, cranky and faithful all in the same sentence and she will be greatly missed. She was a great friend. She loved her faith community at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church who were so faithful to her.

Brigs memorial service will be on Sat., Dec. 8, 1 PM at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, Oak Harbor, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts can be made to Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, 1253 NW 2nd Ave., Oak Harbor, WA 98277; The Sophia Way Womens Shelter (payable to St. Lukes Lutheran Church) or The Viv T Kidd Visiting Theologian Fund (pay-able to St. Lukes Lutheran Church). (Address of St. Lukes is 3030 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004.) Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.

Bergit Brig Kidd

OBITUARY

746 NE Midway Oak Harbor, WA 360-675-5777

Ranelle (Henni) Lemmon

Ranelle (Henni) Lemmon August 28, 1949 October 11, 2012

Ranelle Lemmon (63) passed away at home in Gresham, Oregon following a brief and courageous bat-tle with cancer on October 11, 2012.

Ranelle Alice Henni was born to parents Karl and Georgia (Heller) Henni in Anacortes on August 28, 1949. She was raised in Oak Harbor along with nine other siblings on the family farm. Ranelle gradu-ated from high school in 1967 and attended busi-ness school in Seattle. She married Charles Lemmon in 1969 and enjoyed travel, camping, fishing and visiting with friends and family. She worked for the last 17 years at Duck Delivery in Portland after raising her son, John.

She is survived by her loving husband of 43 years,

Charles; son, John; brothers, Robert, Martin, and John Henni; sisters, Joyce Mattox, Lois Singleton, Joanne Pankaskie, Doreen Dunton, Janis Shelton, and Susan Henni; four grandchildren, Ally, Jace, Christian, and Noelle Lemmon, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Remembrances may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Services took place at Skyline Memorial Gardens in Portland, Oreg. on Oct. 19, 2012.

OBITUARY

First name Last name

Jean H McMullen

2/19/26 10/28/1912Jean H (Moar) McMullen

passed way peacefully on October 28, 2012, in Shoreline, Wash. She was a quiet, considerate, intel-ligent, beautiful person who will be truly missed.

She was born Feb. 19, 1926 and raised in Spokane. Summers were spent at the family cabin on Priest Lake, Idaho. In 1950, she gradu-ated from the University of Washington.

Jean and Dale McMullen were married in 1952. He died in 1979. She is survived by her sister-in-law Marjorie; nephew Tom; niece Nancy, and Nancys children and grand children.

She loved her dogs, the outdoors, Steelhead fishing on the Skagit River and hik-ing and climbing with a few friends on weekends. She was the first woman to top Chimney Rock near her

Priest Lake.Jean was a avid reader

and an expert on our natu-ral environment. She shared this knowledge and beauty she saw in our wonderful world with others.

She and Dale lived in many areas, but settled in Coupeville on Whidbey Island. She loved the beach-es, the beauty of the area and the friendly people.

Jean requested no funeral, but asked friends to toast her life.

Jean H. McMullen

OBITUARY

Bruce Alan Meyer

Bruce Alan Meyer, of Clinton, died, November 22, 2012 after a year-long battle with cancer.

Born Sept. 12, 1949 in Muskegon, Mich. to Robert and Delphine (Franke) Meyer.

Bruce graduated from Renton High School in 1967 and went on to serve in the Naval Air Reserve at

Sand Point Naval Air Station and at NAS Whidbey in Oak Harbor from 1968 to 1972.

Bruce is survived by his parents; three children, Joshua, Stephanie and Dustin Meyer; two brothers, Ronald (Daniele) and David

(Jennifer) Meyer.Bruce had a life long

appreciation of music which he loved to share with every-one. He was a kind-hearted soul who liked many people and took care of his Dad for the last few years.

Bruce Alan Meyer

ObituarY

30 SE Ely Street Oak Harbor, WA 360-675-3192

Friends may go online at www.burleyfuneralchapel.comto sign a guestbook and leave memories for the family

Burley Funeral Chapel

Eleanor Mae Gardner

Eleanor Mae Gardner, age 94, passed away at her home in Monroe, Washington on November 23, 2012. She was born to Gold E. and Thelma W (Armstrong) Beall in Indianapolis, Indiana on March 7, 1918. She was the oldest of 5 children. Eleanor graduated from Shortridge High School and attended Purdue University. On April 17, 1939 she married Joe D. Gardner of Monticello, Ind. Together they had 5 children. Eleanor and Joe lived in many cities, finally settling in Seattle. She was a member of Eastern Star and The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She

volunteered for several non-profit organizations.

Eleanor is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a brother, Gold E. Beall, Jr. and two sis-ters, Carolyn Van Arsdel and Retta Sexson. She is survived by her children, Thomas (Phyllis) Gardner, Jack Gardner, Robert (Jan) Gardner, Jo Ann Gardner, Patricia (Mike) Hayden and a brother, Fred (Nancy) Beall, 9 grandchildren and twenty three great grandchildren. Eleanor was buried beside her husband in Sunnyside Cemetery, Coupeville, Wash. Donations may be made in Eleanors name to a char-ity of choice. Family and friends may sign an online registry or leave notes at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com .

ObituarY

Soroptimist seek nominations for three scholarships due in December

By NATHAN WHALENStaff reporter

A group of Whidbey-based equestrians earned high marks during a regional horse rally held last month.

Three five-person teams from the Whidbey Island Pony Club won their respective divi-sions during the Northwest Regional Showjumping rally held last month in Monroe, Wash. That event drew 26 teams from Washington and Alaska.

The first team, which won the overall award, consisted of Kate Petersen, 19, Callie Bartlett, 22, Emily Raphael, 15, Ella Pozarycki, 6 and Sophie Miller, 14, who was the stable master.

Team two consisted of Madison Peterson, 15, Servando Garcia, 12, Lara Ryan, 19, Thane Peterson, 10, and Devon rouser, 16,

who was the stable manager. The teams are comprised of members from different abil-ity levels. That way newer riders benefit from the sup-port and knowledge of more experienced riders.

The third team (horse masters riders aged 25 and over) consisted of Sandi Farris, Tyson Peterson, Lee McEnery, Paul Schuler and Becky Miller who was the stable master.

The three-day event started with the setup of the teams tack rooms and the partici-pating horses goes through a veterinary checkup.

The grounds of jumping starts the next day with an equestrian round where rid-ers compete on a set course. Riders are judged on their form, the horses form and how they jump over the obstacles.

The second round consist-

ed of a freestyle round where the rider could choose their own route over the course of 10 jumps.

We had the fastest course by far, said Linda Chatfield, one of the trainers for the Whidbey Island Pony Club. While the last round consist-ed of a regular show jumping round.

The teams were judged on more than riding abilities.

They were also judged on their care and husbandry of their horses as well as their care for their clothing, tack and stabling area. While the stable manager is in charge of the stabling area, all team members are judged on this unmounted portion of the competition.

The Whidbey Island Pony Club was founded in 1964 and ia currently comprisesd of more than 20 members ages 6 to 25.

While it is not necessary for a child to own a horse or pony, they have to have

access to an animal. The club offers instruction

in dressage, eventing, show jumping, mounted games, tetrathlon, vaulting and polo-crosse. Members also partici-pate in unmounted meet-ings where children learn about feeding, shoeing, veter-inary care and other aspects of equine management. More experienced club members,

under adult tutelage, will help younger members, accord-ing to information provided by the Whidbey Island Pony Club.

The marquee event of the year is the Whidbey Island Pony Club Horse Trials, which takes place every summer. The three-day event, which is also a screen-ing event for the Olympics,

attracts more than 300 com-petitors mostly from the western United States and Canada. The first day of the event consists of dressage, the second day is cross coun-try and the third day consists of show jumping.

For more information about the Whidbey Island Pony Club, go to www.whid-beyisland.ponyclub.org.

Whidbey riders earn honors at rallySaturday, December 1, 2012 Whidbey News-Times WWW.WhiDBEYNEWSTiMES.coM Page A5

WNT PROOF

WNT PROOF

PRESENTS

November 23 thru December 23Visit Pioneer Way Merchants and vote

online at whidbeynewstimes.com for your favorite holiday door!

WIN A BASKET OF GOODIES FROM LOCAL MERCHANTS!

PARTICIPATING MERCHANTSbayleaf

Bayview Embroidery/Whidbey Island GiftsCaptured Moments

Casual HouseCrafters Co-Op

Garry Oak GalleryHarbor Lite TavernHarborside Kids

Indulge SpaIsland DrugJust Because

Kakies Bakery

LaLonnies NotionsMicheal Johns Trading Post

Mr. MusicNew Image Salon

Noble Horse GalleryPaint Your World

PopsiesSweet Rice

Terrace Wine BarThe Diva Lounge

Valle AzulWhidbey Wild Bird

Wild Magnolia

WNT PROOF

CONTEST ON PIONEER WAYWNT PROOF

WNT PROOF

CONTEST ON PIONEER WAYDeck the Door

Condolences may be offered at www.wallinfuneralhome.com

allin Funeral Home & Cremation1811 NE 16th Ave Oak Harbor, WA 360-675-3447

Condolences may be offered at

allin Funeral Home & CremationW

Terrence D. Terry Garey

Terrance D. Terry Garey died November 24, 2012 at Whidbey General Hospital at the age of 53, surrounded by his loving family. Terry was born February 6, 1959 in Buffalo, New York to Harry and Esther Garey.

At age 17, Terry enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was a very proud black shoe sailor spending much of his 23 years in the Navy at sea. He proudly served aboard the Kitty Hawk, Carl Vinson, Abraham Lincoln, Nimitz and the Guadalcanal as an Aviation Support Equipment Technician (ASM). He was able to complete three around-the-world cruises with the Navy. He retired in May of 2002. Following retirement, Terry spent time back in his hometown of Buffalo for a time, before returning to Oak Harbor.

Terry loved his family. He was caring and generous to a fault. He loved his friends, meeting people and was adventurous. He enjoyed playing Black Jack, had a wonderful sense of humor and loved pulling practical jokes. He was a very proud and patriotic American.

Terry is survived by his wife Kathy of Oak Harbor and by three children; Celeste Garey of Rocklin, Calif., Camillia Rome and husband Shaun of Oak Harbor and Phillip Garey of

Saratoga Springs, NY and; one grandson Kyler Rome. Six brothers and sisters also survive: David, Michael Timothy, and Joe Garey and Elizabeth Makeyenko and Mary Santana, all of New York. One brother Robert Garey preceded him in death.

Memorial services for Terry will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 2:00pm at Wallin Funeral Home with Pastor Don Jaques of Christ the King Church officiating. Military honors will be provided under the auspices of the NAS Whidbey Island Honor Guard. Burial at sea will follow with the U.S. Navy. Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors Project.

Friends and family are encouraged to offer condo-lences and share memories utilizing the Memory Book hosted by Wallin Funeral Home at www.wallinfuneral-home.com

Terrence D. Garey

OBITUARY

Photo courtesy of the Whidbey island Pony club

Members of the Whidbey Island Pony Club show their ribbons they earned at a rally earlier in the fall that took place in Monroe.

Get involvedRemember VA this season

This past political season may have been one of the most contentious in recent mem-ory. Most of the hotly debated issues primar-ily focused on our struggling economy, but many pressing social issues were left on the back burner.

One of the issues that bear some thought-ful discussion is the issue of veterans return-ing to civilian life from the recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which was barely touched upon by political candidates.

Most veterans returning from these wars will are able to assimilate into everyday pedestrian American society, but for many of these service members, returning is a struggle.

A statistic recently posted by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America states that since 9/11, more than 3,000 soldiers have committed suicide almost as many sol-diers as were killed by IEDs in these wars.

This is a problem that affects not only service members and their families, but also the communities they return to. In this era of fiscal conservatism, funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs and the services that it provides is often cut. In this season of giving, please remember veterans and their families, and encourage your local representatives to support the VA.

Melissa SeitzOak Harbor

FeedbackPlease support coach Romney

This is in response to the letter entitled Review aquatic club financials.

Its not often we receive input from off our beautiful island. Thank God for that. The citizens who have sent supportive letters for coach Neil Romney are indeed true lov-ing families from Oak Harbor. They include the likes of doctors, professors, airline pilots and all aspects of rank in the United States Navy and all other citizens who appreciate these beautiful living conditions. I submit to the writer of the letter, I have known coach Romney for close to 10 years.

For the record during coach Neils tenure, I was a swim club official at both the local and national level. I had many wonderful occurrences of watching him coach his swim-

mers at all area pools.If you ever went to a swim meet, fans,

parents, swimmers and officials all agreed its like watching grass grow until the last lap. Consequently, during much idle time I was privy to personal conversations between swimmers, coaches and officials. This group has the highest admiration from contestants, friends and all levels of officiating for coach Romney. To suggest a cloud of moral turpi-tude is disgusting. Neil Romney is a special person who has always been akin to teaching a value system in all phases of a swimmers career.

I hope that if anyone with information that can support coach Neils endeavor contact his attorney Mr. Bob Butler in Bellingham.

Gary CiminskiOak Harbor

Forced recycling not answerI recently read about a proposed plan to

impose recycling upon us island dwellers. I was not happy with the idea as presented. I feel that well-meaning political correctness may be at the bottom of this proposal, which I dont believe is in our best interests.

We all know that Island living is different from being on the mainland. Thats why we live here. Im certain I dont have to convince anyone that the cost of living on this island, with the possible exception of housing, is

more than a little higher than we would pay on the mainland, and most of us would say, its well worth it. We all love our island!

But there comes a point where those in charge need to realize that we cant follow the crowd in the same way as mainlanders without consequences.

There have been studies showing that recycling costs more than it saves. Even so, saving our resources is a good idea. But what about the human cost? We cannot ignore that vital consideration. The $11 a month may not sound like a lot, but consider the following:

Rates on utilities continue to rise. Many cannot even afford heat or electricity with-out help.

This surcharge would be non-negotiable. All our fees add up. Islanders who use waste collection would pay whether or not they choose to recycle.

We have new taxes for EMT services.We have new taxes for our fire depart-

ment.We have higher taxes inequitably charged

on our homes, which are worth less because of the recession but are in some cases being taxed more than their current value.

As the economy worsens, it seems we have more taxes and fees to pay.

Finally, this new charge would be non-negotiable. All our fees and taxes add up.

Islanders who use waste collection would pay whether or not they choose to recycle. Perhaps they will be forced to recycle?

Most of our taxes can at least be justified on the basis of need, but as taxes and fees continue to increase, fewer and fewer per-sons, particularly those on fixed incomes, can afford to live on this island. Many of my friends have already left the island due to the economy. Our residents are being driven to move elsewhere - in many cases after a lifetime of service to the community.

But finances are not the only issue involved in this proposed recycling plan. There is also the important matter of freedom. Those who cannot afford this extra fee or have no desire to participate would be forced into paying for unwanted services. Paying for fire departments, EMT services and a few other community services are necessary because of the possibility that any resident, including ourselves, may need these services. No one would argue the need to safeguard health and property.

But the world will go on without recycling on Whidbey Island. Without the forced sup-port of those who do not desire to par-ticipate, could this recycling project even be discussed? Heres an idea: How about charging $15 to those who choose to recycle and letting the customer decide?

Judith LaMontagneFreeland

WRite to us: The News-Times welcomes letters from its readers. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Letters should be typewritten and not exceed 250 words. They must be signed and include a daytime phone number. Send items to P.O. Box 1200, Coupeville WA 98239, or email news

Page A6 WWW.WhidbeyneWstimes.com Saturday,December1,2012WhidbeyNews-Times

OPINIONWhidbey

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENTS: BIG 5 WALMART WALGREENS NEWS AMERICA FRED MEYER SAFEWAY MICHAELS RITE AID TARGET JC PENNEY USA WEEKEND OFFICE MAX USSPIREADER INFORMATION:ADMINISTRATIVE: The Whidbey News-Times is a publication of Sound Publishing, and is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, the National Newspaper Association and Suburban Newspapers of America. Advertising rates are available at the News-Times office. While the News-Times endeavors to ac-cept only reliable advertisements, it shall not be responsible to the public for advertisements nor are the views expressed in those advertisements necessarily those of the Whidbey News-Times. The right to decline or discontinue any ad without explanation is reserved. DEADLINES: Display Ads4p.m. Friday and 4p.m. Wednesday; Legals Noon Friday & Noon Wednesday; Classified Ads 4:30 p.m. Monday and 4:30 p.m. Thursday; Community News Noon Friday and Noon Wednesday; Letters to Editor Noon Monday and Noon Wednesday.

IdentIfIcatIon statement and subscrIptIon ratesThe Whidbey News-Times (ISSN 1060-7161) is published semi-weekly by Sound

Publishing on Wednesdays and Saturdays for $19 for 3 months, $29 for 6 months, $45 per year and $75 for 2 years delivered by carrier in island county from North Whidbey Island to Greenbank; $20 for 3 months, $32 for 6 months, $52 per year and $94 for 2 years delivered by in county mail from Greenbank to Clinton; $35 for 3 months, $65 for 6 months, $105 per year mailed out of county. Payment in advance is required. It is published by The Whidbey News-Times PO Box 1200, Coupeville, WA 98239. Periodicals rate postage paid at Coupe-ville, WA and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Whidbey News-Times, PO Box 1200, Coupeville, WA 98239. Copyright 2011, Sound Publishing

Publisher .......................................................................................................... Kasia Pierzgaeditor ............................................................................................................. Megan HansenAssistant editor ......................................................................................... Jessie StenslandReporters ...........................................................Rebecca Olson, Nathan Whalen, Jim Waller Administrative Assistant ................................................................................. Connie RossAdvertising manager .................................................................................. Lee Ann MozesAdvertising .................................................................................Gail Rognan, Angela WoodProduction manager ......................................................................Michelle Wolfenspargermarketing Artists ....................................................................Ginny Tomasko, Leslie Vancecirculation manager ................................................................................ James Kostoroskicirculation Assistant ..................................................................................Diane Smothers

Published each Wednesday and Saturday fromthe office of The Whidbey News-Times

107 S. Main St, Ste E101 P.O. Box 1200 Coupeville, WA 98239(360) 675-6611 (360) 679-2695 fax

On the Internet at www.whidbeynewstimes.com

News-Timeswhidbey

Scan the code with your phone and look us upon-line! Keep the app

and look us up anytime!

Letters to the editor

Saturday, December 1, 2012 Whidbey News-Times WWW.WhiDBEYNEWSTiMES.coM Page A7

tastewhidbey

north whidbeys

guide to dining

(360) 240-1222 830 SE Pioneer Way Ste 106 Oak Harbor

Celebrate Your Holiday at Camerons!

Our staff will pamper you!We are open on Christmas Eve!

Whidbey Island Residents! You Asked for it!

We are now open 7 days a week!Mon - Sat: 11:30am - 9pm Sunday Brunch: 10:30am-2:30

We Do Catering

Camerons Cafe

WE DELIVER!4PM-9PM DAILY

32195 SR 20 Oak Harbor 360.675.6114

DRINK & APPETIZER SPECIALS!

Happy Hour 3pm-6pm 9pm-Clo

se

Mediterranean, Greek & Italian Restaurant

DAILY LUNCH & DINNER SPECIALSBreakfast from 8:30am-2pm on Saturday & Sundays

For Atmosphere & Qulaity, Theres Nothing Better!360-279-8322

32955 SR. 20 OAK HARBOR

By JUSTIN BURNETTStaff reporter

A special tax collected from lodging industry businesses in Island County will contrib-ute $150,000 toward tourism promotion next year.

The Island County Commissioners last week approved its yearly grant allotments from the fund. A total of 20 different private and public organizations on Whidbey and Camano islands are slated to receive money.

As is custom, the bulk of the fund 59 percent is going to the countys six chamber of commerces, locat-ed in Oak Harbor, Coupeville, Freeland, Langley, Clinton and on Camano Island.

They usually get the lions share; thats the backbone of our outreach, Commissioner Helen Price Johnson said.

Commonly referred to as the hotel/motel tax, its one of two such taxes that each collect 2 percent from the sales of lodging industry business.

Organizations with focuses on tourism then bid on the money.

A committee, made up of business leaders and elected officials, reviews the grant applications and then makes recommendations to the board on where the money should be allocated.

As is required by state law, the commissioners have the final say on how the money is distributed.

Also required is that the money only be spent on tour-ism promotion. According to Price Johnson, chambers tend to get the largest grants because they operate visi-

tor centers and information kiosks.

Although the grant amounts have not always been equal in the past, the committee recommended this year to give the five largest chambers the same amount of money $21,000.

Clinton was awarded $4,500 largely because of its small size but also because thats all it applied for, accord-ing to Lynda Eccles, execu-tive director of the Coupeville Chamber of Commerce and a member of the selection committee.

For Coupeville, Eccles said the money makes up a substantial portion of the chambers budget to operate its visitor information center in the old fire hall on NW Alexander Street.

We be lost without 2 per-cent money, Eccles said.

The chamber also plans to invest in advertising that also targets off-islanders, both in print and online venues, promoting Coupeville events. Eccles said they will also sub-scribe to the Certified Folder Display Service, which puts brochures in hotels and other visitor locations in urban areas.

Marc Esterly, executive director of the chamber in Langley, is also looking for-ward to to a big year. The city will celebrate its centennial in 2013 and a little extra money this year 2012 allotment was $18,500 will go a long way to getting the word out.

It comes at a time when it can be put to good use, Esterly said.

Money will also be spent to promote the other 10 major events held every year in the

Village by the Sea, he said.Oak Harbor also has a

specific promotional direc-tion planned for next year. Nothing has been finalized yet but chamber Director and Island County Commissioner-elect Jill Johnson said she expects money will be spent on the chambers new promo-tional slogan, Just a splash past Deception Pass.

The park is one of the most frequently visited state parks in Washington with nearly 2 million visitors a year.

Its our most underutilized resource, Johnson said. We have to get that traffic down from the bridge.

Other organizations that will receive money include the Coupeville Arts Center, Coupeville Historic Waterfront Association, Greenbank Farm, Northwest Agriculture Business Center, Whidbey Island Arts Council, Island County Historical Society, Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens, the PBY Memorial Foundation in Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island Farm Tour and several groups on Camano Island. None of Those grants exceeded $2,900.

Finally, $21,000 went to three public agencies and groups. Island County Public Works will receive $7,000 for marketing and advertising of Four Springs Lake Preserve on Camano Island, the Trust Board for Ebeys Landing National Historical Reserve was awarded $10,000 for the Jacob Ebey House Visitor Center and farm brochures and the Island County Historical Society is getting $4,000 for tourist services, information and entertain-ment.

Whidbey chambers garner lions share of 2 percent funds

oak harbor Police Dept.

The following items were selected from reports made to the Oak Harbor Police Department:

Saturday, Nov. 24At 1:46 a.m., a caller

reported a man was refus-ing to leave a Pioneer Way business.

At 8:59 a.m., a woman re-ported a man hit her with a golf club while she was at a NW Heller Street location.

At 12:33 p.m., a caller reported an aggressive pan-handler was pressing signs up against a car at a High-way 20 parking lot.

At 2:03 p.m., a caller

reported a bicycle stolen from a NW Crosby Avenue location.

At 4:07 p.m., a caller re-ported a woman was refus-ing to leave a Highway 20 business.

At 6:11 p.m., a caller re-ported hearing prowlers by the storage area of a NE Ernst Street business.

At 6:57 p.m., a caller re-ported a man, who has been drinking and riding a bike, fell over and ran into a sign at the intersection of SW Barlow Street and Highway 20.

Friday, Nov. 23At 10:50 a.m., a SW

Eighth Avenue resident reported a roommate was under the influence of meth. The roommate was punch-

ing holes in the wall and also has a wood saw.

At 12:51 p.m., a woman reported she was assaulted by three other women at a N. Oak Harbor Street loca-tion.

At 3:38 p.m., a caller re-ported someone broke into a house on Highway 20.

At 4:11 p.m., a caller re-ported a resident of a Kim-ball Drive home hit a couple of people and ripped off signs on doors.

At 5:33 p.m., a caller reported a car went into the embankment near a bus stop on SW Erie Street.

thurSday, Nov. 22At 10:02 a.m., a caller re-

ported a father assaulted his daughter at an Oak Harbor Road location.

At 2:44 p.m., a caller re-ported wiring stolen from a SW Navigator Loop con-struction site.

Island scanner

Ajili Hodari, a meditator for over 30 years, will demonstrate effective techniques to reduce stress, improve concentration and enhance clarity of thought for new and expe-rienced meditators at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec.

8 at the Oak Harbor Library, located at 1000 SE Regatta Drive.

For more information on holiday activities at the Oak Harbor Library, call 675-5115 or visit www.sno-isle.org.

Reduce holiday stress and improve concentration

Page A8 www.whidbeynewstimes.com Saturday,December1,2012WhidbeyNewsTimes

ISLAND LIVINGWhidbey

I certainly dont possess a strong singing voice, but The Twelve Days of Christmas is one song I can sing with abandon. Its one of my favorites, in fact, and there are some fun and easy family activities that work nicely to bring life and deeper understanding of the lyrics.

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree. The pear tree is said to symbolize the cross and the partridge Christ because a mother partridge will risk her life to save her offspring by luring predators away from

her nest. Ive yet to see a partridge at the local grocery store, but pears are abundant. Try com-

bining your favorite cheeses with sliced pears, nuts, fresh bread and spiced tea for a weekend lunch.

On the second day of Christmas my true love

gave to me two turtle doves. Doves remind us of the Old and New Testaments, but may also represent the doves that were required as an offering when a 13-year-old son was dedicated in an ancient temple. Because doves today represent peace, talk about ways to create peace in your household and neighborhood. Its important to address the issue this time of year, when family events, high expectations and breaks in routine often produce unwelcome stresses.

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave

to me three French hens. While the hens historically symbolize the Trinity, they may also stand for the virtues of faith, hope and love. Day three may be the perfect time to try your hand at pre-paring Cornish game hens. Theyre commonly found in the frozen food section and Emeril Legasses five-star recipe, easily down loaded off the Food Network website, would make for a simple and deliciously themed meal.

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me four calling birds. These simple birds repre-

sent Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and their Gospel accounts of Christs life and ministry. Why not deepen the experience by grabbing your cell phone and giving a quick call to someone youve not talked with in sometime. Ive been thinking about you! is a great gift to someone this holiday season.

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me five golden rings. These rings are said to rep-resent the first five books of the Old Testament, called the Pentateuch. Consider giving each member of your imme-

diate family a piece of paper on which they can record five favorite things: a Christmas memory, teacher, food, etc. Itll make for a great conver-sation and help guide you to some meaningful Christmas activities or gift giving.

We still have seven days to honor, but no space left this week. Well do that next Saturday. In the meantime, embrace the rapid approach of Christmas by spotlighting some of these lovely tradi-tions and incorporating a few into your own holiday plan-ning. Faithful living is often about deep, meaningful fun.

On every day of Christmas, embrace tradition and faithFAITHFUL LIVINGBy Joan Bay Klope

By REBECCA OLSON Staff reporter

When seen through the artistic mind of Randy Emmons, Whidbey Island scenes enter a new world of swirling colors and a vibrancy that lingers in the mind long after view-ing. Emmons art can remain in the spotlight year round in an afford-able way with his recently released 2013 calendar depicting local barn scenes, and his new book, Whidbey in Watercolors, Images of a Wiggly Island North of Seattle.

Emmons paints everything local, from a line of mailboxes to Race Week sailboats to shops in downtown Coupeville, and he adds his own touch with color and design elements.

I try to make it as much design as it is a representation of an actual place, Emmons said of his watercolor art, noting the curves he adds to normally straight roofs, or the defined swirls of vibrant color forming the waters of Deception Pass.

I like things kind of design-y and wonky, he added. Theres not too

much thats normal about it.Emmons favorite images can be

found in his new book. While his favorite piece of work changes con-

stantly, the final image in the book is a top one for Emmons. It depicts the view from Deception Pass

Bridge with a boat sailing and leaving swirls and waves of many hues of blue in its wake.

Also, I dont think the colors are too close to what they are either. I exaggerate the color a bit, Emmons said of his art.

As to why he paints Whidbey scenes, Emmons said, Its right here in my yard. People like to see the local scenes, especial-ly the tourists. Through his art, tourists can connect to the place they came to see, he added.

I dont think a lot of Whidbey artists paint local scenes, a couple do, Emmons said, adding that this

sets him apart, as well as his use of flat brush-es, which makes the brushwork visible in the painting, something watercolor artists dont usually do.

I like the idea that people can look at the painting and theres enough of the scene that people can say, I know where that is, but its still my design, Emmons said.

In looking at his work from the 1960s, Emmons said his art was similar in style and

subject to what he creates now.Maybe style is built into you.

Maybe you cant do anything about it. People paint a certain way because thats the way they see things, Emmons said.

BarnsandbooksThis is the third year Emmons

is selling calendars. The first year, the 100 copies he ordered sold out in a month. All but two of the 200 he ordered last year sold so he ordered 200 again this year. They are available for purchase at Penn Cove Gallery in Coupeville and Island Drug and Garry Oak

Gallery in Oak Harbor.

This years theme is barns. The calendar fea-tures barns from Dugualla Bay to Zylstra Road and more.

Someone asked me what I was going to do when I fin-ished painting every barn on

the island, and I said I dont know, maybe paint them again, Emmons laughed.

This is Emmons first year sell-ing books. For many of the images, he includes the photograph he drew inspiration from so viewers can compare the finished product.

His motive to create a book was his recent fight with cancer.

Being locked up, a book was good entertainment to put togeth-er, he said.

The book is available for pur-chase at Penn Cove Gallery and Garry Oak Gallery.

Emmons majored in art in the 1960s but gave it up for a career as a Navy photographic officer.

Thats the closest thing to art in the military, Emmons said.

RebeccaOlson/WhidbeyNews-Times

Randy Emmons works on a painting in the studio at his house. His 2013 calendar and book of paintings are available now at Island Drug and Garry Oak Gallery in Oak Harbor and the Penn Cove Gallery in Coupeville.

Painting paradise

Watercolor artist offers affordable barn calendar, book of his artwork

Whidbey in Watercolors is avail-able at Penn Cove Gallery and Garry Oak Gallery.

see Artist, A9

That job took him to Malaysia, Singapore, Africa and more, before he ended up on Whidbey and took up painting again in 2006. Emmons said this isnt unusual; many artists he has talked to begin their art career after retirement.

During a childhood rich with art, Emmons said he always believed he was going to grow up to be an artist.

It took a long way to get to it, though, he said.

Now, Emmons is in his studio at his house every day, putting paint to paper. When he paints, its great, its wonderful, Emmons said.

Its like, wow, I cant believe I produced that! he added, laughing. That was pretty good. I dont know how I figured that out.

He isnt the only one impressed by his work. Emmons earned Best of Show at the Coupeville Arts and Crafts Festival juried show, among other awards. His art is avail-able at Penn Cove Gallery and Garry Oak Gallery as well as a gallery in La Conner.

By REBECCA OLSONStaff reporter

It almost took more than two buses to transport 13,600 food items to the North Whidbey Help House in the grand finale of the fourth annual Fill the Bus food drive. Students from both Oak Harbor middle schools and all the elementa-ry schools contrib-uted items during November.

I feel awesome! 10-year-old Brianna Holter said after Broad View Elementary School students loaded boxes and wagons packed with food items onto a bus.

Its not all about winning but at least we helped people in need, added Ashley Tieger, 9.

Despite the rain, the students paired up to haul

heavy boxes to the buses as they visited each school. A rainbow appeared as Broad View Elementary students gathered for a group photo after their labors.

It feels really good to help people who dont have money. Really good, said Haley Hillman, 9.

At the Help House, a group of Navy volun-teers and school staff unload-ed the

pair of full buses and sorted the food items.

We kind of rely on this time of year because its when the biggest food drives go on, said Eric Mager, assistant director for the Help House.

Despite the trickle of

donations throughout the year, the Help Houses stores dwindle and in October, were practi-cally down to bare pallets, Mager said. This stuff that we get now helps carry us all the way through the year.

Mager expressed his thanks to the students who donated and helped with the cause.

I would express a lot of

gratitude for all their hard work. It takes a lot of com-mitment for them to follow through to the end, Mager said.

The Help House always welcomes donations.

It is located at 1091 SE Hathaway St. in Oak Harbor.

For information about offering or receiving help, call the Help House at 675-0681.

FilledwithgoodnessSaturday,December1,2012WhidbeyNews-Times www.whidbeynewstimes.com Page A9

Not All Funeral Homes Are The SameWe are committed to service beyond expectation.

National Transferability Bereavement Travel Services

24 Hours Compassion Helpline Aftercare Planner

Everlasting Memorial Personal Planning Guide

30 S E Ely StreetOak Harbor, WA 98277

360-675-3192www.burleyfuneralchapel.com

Serving families on Whidbey Island since 1962.

Contact us today, to learn more about our services.

Serving you before, during, and after the death of a loved one.

SCHUH FARMS

Christmas Trees