News-Times Whidbey
ISLAND LIVING It’s beginning to look a little like Christmas
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2013 | Vol. 114, No. 93 | www.whidbeynewstimes.com | 75¢
Emerson nominates Johnson as chairwoman By JANIS REID Staff reporter
In a surprise move, Commissioner Kelly Emerson nominated Jill Johnson to remain chairwoman of the Island County Board of Commissioners for 2014. The selection was approved 3-0. “I thank you both for all of your support,” Johnson said.
Emerson, who lobbied to be named chairwoman earlier this year, said that her nomination in support of Johnson’s leadership was “an effort to promote civility for the entire county, both islands.” Emerson, a Republican representing Camano Island and North Whidbey, was passed over in previous years for chairmanship by fellow commissioners Price Johnson and Angie
Homola, both Democrats. Under a traditional rotation it was Emerson’s turn to be the chair, but her colleagues questioned her work ethic, her relationship with county staff and her accessibility to staff and the public. After Johnson, a Republican, unseated Homola, Emerson See chairwoman, A13
More than 1,000 attend memorial Lives of twins killed in crash celebrated By SARA HANSEN Staff Reporter
More than 1,000 people gathered to grieve and celebrate the lives of Janeah and Janesah Goheen on Saturday. The VFW Riders served as the color guard outside the building as community members poured into the Oak Harbor High School gymnasium to show their respects. Janesah Danae Goheen, 17, passed away Nov. 11 at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle from injuries sustained in the Oct. 31 car crash in Skagit County. Her twin sister, Janeah Dawn Goheen, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Both parents, Jim and Debbie Goheen, spoke to the crowd during the service. “Never could we imagine a city come together as you have,” Jim
Goheen said. “I’m humbled. I’m truly humbled to see what I see here today.” The twins would’ve loved to greet everyone, he said. At the hospital, they were with other parents who were facing the same trials as themselves, and they bore those burdens together. All those tragedies are still occurring every day, he said. “Next Halloween, you remember her, by looking at the ones you love most and tell them you love them,” Jim Goheen said. Because of their loss, Debbie and Jim Goheen both said priorities are being re-evaluated throughout the community. Relationships, families and marriages are healing by people taking the time to be with each other and tell those in their lives that they love them. Debbie Goheen said that her daughters were amazing from the very beginning. During her pregnancy, one of the twins was breached, See Twins, A5
Pool fees may rise in 2014 By SARA HANSEN Staff Reporter
vice. A drop off time and location was set for 12:30 -1 p.m. at Living Word Church. Coupeville resident Renee Walstad helped coordinate the set-up upon the arrival of the food at Oak Harbor High School as volunteers shuttled goods to the location. “There’s a lot of moving parts to this” Walstad said. “I grew up here and I’ve never seen anything
Fees could be increasing for those who swim at John Vanderzicht Memorial Pool in Oak Harbor. After three hours of discussion during a budget workshop on Thursday, Nov. 14, the North Whidbey Parks and Recreation District Board of Commissioners gave direction to parks Director Bill Walker to look at cutting 5 percent in wages and salaries and increasing all program dues by 10 percent, including Masters and North Whidbey Aquatic Club. The board needs to approve a budget by Dec. 1. At the beginning of the meeting, Commissioner Allan McDougall said he disagrees with fee increases. “We’ve already made a statement about this and voted it down twice before,” McDougall said. Commission Chairman Sean Merrill asked how the district could address budget concerns without raising dues. At first, the board was looking at a $100,000 deficit at the Oct. 25 budget workshop, and with the latest draft worked it down to $17,000, assuming a 10 percent
See rallied, A5
See pool, A13
Photo by Sara Hansen/WhidbeyNews-Times
Janeah’s and Janesah’s mother, Debbie Goheen, speaks during Saturday’s memorial service for the twins.
Community rallies to volunteer for Saturday’s service By SARA HANSEN Staff Reporter
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Even before 12:30 p.m. the cars began arriving. Three people dropped off food just after noon, and they kept coming. “That’s a lot of food in 15 minutes,” Michelle Curry said On Nov. 13 a call to action went out the community for volunteers to assist with Janeah and
Janesah Goheen’s memorial service Saturday, Nov. 16. Curry was one of the organizers and helped coordinate the effort from an idea that came from the family’s church members. “They had a thought, and I ran with it,” Curry said. “There’s been a tremendous outpouring of support.” Volunteers were asked to donate baked goods, fruit or vegetable trays and appetizers for the ser-