Another eventful year on Whidbey draws to a close. It’s been a year of joy and laughter, heartbreaking tragedy, politics and community, with a little weirdness in the mix.
Here’s a look back at the headlines:
January
Newly elected Oak Harbor Mayor Ronnie Wright is sworn in during a ceremony with outgoing Mayor Bob Severns.
Superintendent Steve King of the Coupeville School District announced he was leaving at the end of the school year.
Island County settled a lawsuit with former Navy officer Heath Garcia for $2.75 million. Garcia was shot in the ankle in a 2017 officer-involved shooting during which another Navy man, Nicholas Perkins, was killed.
Longtime Oak Harbor Fire Chief Ray Merrill was fired by Mayor Wright for reasons that were not made public. Some residents complained about the decision and urged the council to name a new fire station after him. Merrill was later hired by North Whidbey Fire and Rescue.
Island County commissioners adopted a ban on mortar fireworks.
The Oak Harbor girls wrestling team captured the conference championship.
February
Oak Harbor High School was a target of a serial “swatting” incident that struck districts across the nation.
Ryan Parish, serial arsonist who targeted public restrooms in Central Whidbey, was charged with additional arson crimes. He was later convicted of multiple charges.
Island County leaders temporarily suspended the food inspection program after a group of restaurant owners complained about the food inspector being unfair and overly zealous.
The owner of a stolen pickup truck found the vehicle and recovered it at gunpoint at a South Whidbey grocery store parking lot.
Mayor Wright fired City Administrator Blaine Oborn for reasons that were not disclosed. Oborn later claimed that the firing was unjustified.
March
The Whidbey Playhouse performed “The Laramie Project” after the Oak Harbor High School principal vetoed the school’s drama club’s decision to perform the play, which tells the real-life story of a teenager who was murdered for being gay.
Oak Harbor resident Sean Byrne and former resident Donald Value, owners of Efficiency Properties LLC, unveiled plans to build an extended-stay Hilton hotel downtown.
Island County officials began the process of building a new jail by studying the needs of the facility.
Documents from the Island County Sheriff’s Office showed that former deputy John Nieder quit after an internal inquiry into rape accusations. He was charged with two counts of rape in Skagit County, but the trial was postponed until 2025.
April
Scott Severson, an unhoused man who lived in Freeland, was killed when he was struck by a car while he walking on Lancaster Road. Later, the sheriff’s office reported that Freeland resident Michael Taylor was booked and released on suspicion of violating a law related to hit-and-run crashes. Investigators are awaiting test results on the case.
Moody’s Ratings downgraded WhidbeyHealth’s credit rating, but hospital officials reassured that the hospital district’s finances were stable.
Homeland Security, the Coast Guard, North Whidbey Fire and Rescue and law enforcement were unable to locate the body of a murder suspect who investigators believe jumped off Deception Pass Bridge. The man, Kevin Follstad of Anacortes, was suspected of stabbing his wife, an Anacortes school teacher, to death at their home.
Oak Harbor resident Pat Harmon announced his run for lieutenant governor as a “liberal Republican.” He didn’t win.
Tara Halterman, a 16-year-old Coupeville student, was killed in a rollover accident on Crosby Road in Oak Harbor. The driver, also a 16-year-old girl, was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide, but she hasn’t been charged pending toxicology results.
May
Oak Harbor officials confirmed they no longer plan to build a regional sports park on a 75-acre piece of land that was purchased for that purpose in January 2020 for $1.1 million. Engineer estimate of the cost proved to be too high.
Rumors that Whidbey’s famous and sole elk, Bruiser, assaulted an old man turned out to be false.
The National Geographic Society chose Oak Harbor teacher Zac Sawhill to join an Antarctica expedition.
Oak Harbor residents Sam Cullen and Susie Kedar were killed in a motorcycle on Central Whidbey.
Oak Harbor Mayor Ronnie Wright chose Sabrina Combs, formerly the communications director, as the new city administrator. Her appointment was confirmed by the council in a 4-3 vote.
Unusually bright northern lights blazed over Whidbey Island and were captured in stunning photographs.
Jose Briones, chief of the Island County Jail, received national recognition.
After receiving community input and concerns, the Oak Harbor City Council tabled a proposal to ease rules that prohibited a park land swap in order to facilitate plans for the developer of a Hilton Hotel.
The Island Transit board, which is made up of elected officials, fired Executive Director Todd Morrow and placed the HR director on leave following revelations that they did not alert the board to giant raises in the budget for the HR director and other people in administrative positions.
June
Anna Albert, a 20-year-old college student, was killed in a hit-and-run crash as she was driving to see her mother, an elementary school teacher, on North Whidbey. Police arrested Oak Harbor resident Travis Loetterle, who was charged with vehicular homicide. He is awaiting trial.
Eric Keo, a 19-year-old Oak Harbor resident, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the shooting death of 15-year-old Ericolis Kelley. He was sentenced to prison.
Concerns were raised on South Whidbey over vandalism of pride flags.
A regional SWAT team arrested Michael Koepke and another person in an operation on North Whidbey. Police reports showed he fled on foot from three different vehicles and ditched $240,000 worth of drugs over a six-month period. He later pleaded guilty to charges related to drug dealing.
A seal pup had to be rescued after a couple picked it up on a beach, a violation of federal law.
The former clerk/treasurer for Coupeville accused Mayor Molly Hughes of creating a hostile work environment and unwanted touching. The woman, Jennifer Carpenter, later filed a lawsuit against the town.
The makers of “Practical Magic,” a movie filmed in Coupeville, announced plans for a sequel, but it’s unknown where it will take place.
Marie Shimada, a candidate for Island County commissioner, quit her job as the manager of Ebey’s Reserve in dramatic fashion, claiming that there was a “mutiny” on the Trust Board and that it’s like a ship “headed for the bottom.” Three members of the board also resigned, although one member later rescinded her resignation. Remaining members said the strife diminished afterward.
July
Six people were injured when the Cyclone ride at the Oak Harbor Independence Day carnival tipped over. The incident made regional headlines. The city later allowed the carnival to reopen after all the Parade Amusement rides were inspected again.
North Whidbey resident Tim Hazelo, who is the chairperson of the county Republican Party, was the first person on scene and helped save four people who simultaneously overdosed outside a 7-Eleven in Oak Harbor. A dispatcher, a police officer and paramedics were also credited with helping to save the people.
Island Transit received a $15 million federal grant for hydrogen buses, but officials are unsure when the technology will be widespread enough for the agency to move forward with plans.
A house in the Rolling Hills neighborhood was destroyed by fire after the owner was released from jail.
A suspicious fire at the Blackseed Agroecology Farm & Village on South Whidbey caused $250,000 worth of damage to hydroponic equipment. Investigators did not name any suspects.
Oak Harbor named Travis Anderson as the new fire chief. He came to the city from the Las Vegas Fire Department.
Oak Harbor police reported finding and arresting suspect Richard Borgeson hiding in a Dairy Queen restroom following a car chase that ended in a crash.
Deputies arrested Zachary Steward after he allegedly drove a stolen ice cream truck into a Freeland paint store. Nobody was injured.
August
Historic Bell’s Farm was placed on the market after 78 years.
Candidates in multiple races affecting Whidbey Island were winnowed in the primary election. Incumbent Commissioner Melanie Bacon and fellow Democrat Marie Shimada moved on to the general election while Republicans Wanda Grone and Steven Myers were eliminated from the race. In the other commissioner race, Incumbent Commissioner Jill Johnson and candidate Christina Elliott moved on to the general election while candidate Phil Collier was eliminated. In the race for state senate, incumbent Ron Muzzall and challenger Janet St. Clair were the top vote-getters while Denny Sandberg was eliminated. In a race for state representative, incumbent Clyde Shavers and challenger Carrie Kennedy were successful while Yvonne Gallardo-Van Ornam was not.
The Oak Harbor City Council loosened restrictions on an ordinance that prohibited the trading of park land. The change will allow the city to swap a downtown property with other land provided by the developer of a hotel. In response, Whidbey Environmental Action Network filed a lawsuit against the city.
Members of the Oak Harbor Council were surprised by a revelation that the city’s salary commission increased the mayor’s salary, at his request, from $60,000 to $135,000 a year.
Capt. Nathan Gammache was named as the commanding officer of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island as Capt. Eric Hanks retired.
Christopher Swiger is named as the chief of North Whidbey Fire and Rescue.
The Island County Health Department enforced ultimatums on the Oak Harbor Safeway store over health concerns caused by seagulls. Customers and employees complained about strong odors and headaches after seagull poop allegedly infiltrated the ventilation system.
September
Deputies arrested Oak Harbor resident Adam Belanger after he allegedly shot a man and stole his truck near Deception Pass, according to court documents. The victim recovered. Prosecutors charged Belanger with robbery and assault; he is awaiting trial.
Damian Greene, a Republican and Clinton resident, announced he was running as a write-in candidate for county commissioner against Melanie Bacon and Marie Shimada.
Kristi Finch pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges in Island County Superior Court, and the judge sentenced her to six months in jail. Finch admitted that her actions led to the starvation death of two horses and the suffering of dogs and cats in her care at her former Hastie Lake farm. Her case raised alarms in the community and led to a revised county animal welfare ordinance and the creation of an animal advocacy group.
Oak Harbor leaders announced their intention to focus on the future of the marina, which needs millions of dollars worth of upgrades and dredging. The city held an open house to gather input.
Deputies arrested Greenbank resident Joshua Burden after a day-long standoff during which he cut down power poles on the highway with a chainsaw. He is awaiting trial.
The state Department of Ecology fined an Oak Harbor couple $120,000 for alleged non-compliance with an order to fill in drainage ditches that were dug without proper permits. Chris Whiteman said he has since filled in the ditches and plans on fighting the fine in court.
Bryan Sherman was appointed to the Coupeville School Board.
The Oak Harbor Salary Commissioner gave council members a raise from $775 to $1,200 a month. Council members are also eligible for benefits worth $950 a month.
Coupeville resident Melody Golgart, 31, was struck and killed by a truck while walking across Highway 20.
October
The 40-foot “Angel de la Creatividad” finally arrived in Oak Harbor and was installed in the waterfront Flintstone Park. The work of art was donated to the city but stirred controversy when a city survey and online comments showed that many residents did not want it.
Oak Harbor’s Greenhouse Florist and Nursery celebrated 70 years in business. The beloved nursery, owned by Audrey Butler and Henry VandenHaak, remained opened despite the closure of Northeast Seventh Avenue for long-overdue construction.
Reporters at the Whidbey News-Times and the South Whidbey Record won major awards during the Washington Newspaper Association’s annual Better Newspaper Contest. Kira Erickson won Feature Writer of the Year for the second time in a row, David Welton won as Photographer of the Year and Editor Jessie Stensland won News Writer of the Year for the fifth time.
Oak Harbor police arrested Phadell Saddler for allegedly beating to death his wife, 35-year-old Chanell Saddler, at their apartment while their son was present, according to court documents. Prosecutors charged him with murder in the second degree with aggravating factors. He is awaiting trial.
Investigators arrested Bret Bartlett for allegedly shooting and killing a roommate, 40-year-old William Wright, at a North Whidbey home, according to court documents. Bartlett became upset when Wright intervened during a fight with a girlfriend and later shot him four times with an AR-15 rifle, the police reported. Prosecutors charged Bartlett with murder in the first degree; he is awaiting trial.
Flight Officer Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay “Miley” Evans and Naval Aviator Lt. Serena “Dug” Wileman, both 31 and from California, perished when their EA-18G Growler from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island crashed east of Mount Rainier. Recovery was hampered by the remoteness of the site, which is at 6,000-foot altitude. The two “Zappers” of VAQ-130 had recently returned home following a combat deployment where an aircraft scored its first-ever air-to-air kill battling the Houthis. Oak Harbor residents lined the streets at night during a procession for Wileman. President Joe Biden issued a statement of condolences for the loss.
November
Seattle Pacific University sold the historic Camp Casey Conference Center and Fort Casey Inn to the YMCA of Snohomish County.
All the incumbents in local races won reelection. Commissioner Jill Johnson and Sen. Ron Muzzall came out ahead despite being behind in the early ballot counts. In addition, Commissioner Melanie Bacon, state Rep. Dave Paul and Rep. Clyde Shavers beat their challengers.
After avoiding Penn Cove for 50 years, a family of orcas returned to the site of the tragic whale roundup. The sight brought crowds of emotional residents to see the family of Tokitae, the orca who was scheduled to finally be released from the Miami Seaquarium when she unexpectedly died last year.
Chaz Mcinelly, a member of the Navy, was killed when his motorcycle collided with a truck on Highway 20.
A hiker discovered the bodies of two lost dogs that had been dumped in the woods on North Whidbey. A veterinarian performed a necropsy on the two dogs because of the suspicious nature of their deaths, which appeared to be traumatic. Another resident of the area reported that her two dogs were also missing after escaping from a yard, causing some residents to worry that someone might be killing wayward pets. The results of the necropsy are pending.
December
An Oak Harbor resident told the city council that the mayor was allegedly flouting a city code governing the height of his fence.
Grace Horn, a 15-year-old Oak Harbor girl, was killed when the car she was driving lost control and crashed at the intersection of Highway 20 and Libbey Road. Her mother told news reporters that the girl had been delivering DoorDash to raise money for Christmas gifts. Jeff Pangburn, a homeless man known as “Jeff the Giant,” was sleeping in a nearby gazebo and tried to rescue Horn from the car.
Oak Harbor and the SPiN Cafe held a public meeting to discuss concerns about the nonprofit organization that provides food, day shelter and other resources to homeless people. Some residents at the crowded meetings argued that the facility was in a bad location.
Island County commissioners adopted salary increases for elected officials and then rescinded the ordinance because it violated the state constitution.
The community rallied to raise funds so that veteran John Hill, a North Whidbey resident, can receive a kidney transplant.
Tim Nettlebeck, a maintenance worker for the town of Coupeville, walked through a burning house to rescue a neighbor.
Members of the North Whidbey Fire and Rescue’s marine search and rescue team and a Coast Guard helicopter crew risked their lives to try to save a man in a boat that sank near Oak Harbor during a storm.