Islands' Sounder Newspaper PO Box 758 Eastsound, WA 98245 360-376-4500
WNPA “Comprehensive Coverage of a Single Issue” submission Of all the places a serial burglar could pick to carry out his crimes, a small island in the Pacific Northwest would seem to be unlikely. But 18-year-old Colton Harris-Moore, branded the “Barefoot Burglar,” has done just that, allegedly stealing planes and boats and looting local businesses, all the while eluding local, state and federal authorities. His trademark is to enter homes and businesses barefoot. He is a suspect in more than 100 crimes, mostly felonies, and he is wanted in five Washington counties – Island, Snohomish, San Juan, Whatcom, and Kitsap – as well as Idaho. We've covered this story from day one, often scrambling on press day when news broke that, yet again, the Barefoot Burglar had thwarted alarms and made off with money and goods from a local store. We've written about these crimes, Harris-Moore's life before he attained cult status as an outlaw hero, how he has affected our small community, and the backlash local police officers have felt from being unable to catch this elusive young man. We've been interviewed by CBS and NBC, we've been quoted in national dailies, including the “New York Times,” our photos of crime scenes have been used in national magazines, newspapers, and television shows, and hits to our website have spiked. An Orcas Island writer, Bob Friel, wrote an in-depth piece on Harris-Moore for “Outside” magazine. He has since sold his book proposal to 20th Century Fox for a film entitled “Taking Flight: The Hunt for a Young Outlaw.” We interviewed Friel shortly before his “Outside” story hit the web, and he provided insight into Harris-Moore's unsavory childhood on Camano Island. He summed up the Barefoot Burglar saga like this: “... (he) has never even been in a plane, and he allegedly is responsible for at least two of the plane thefts. He has a natural talent … Even if you hate the kid, anyone has to sit back and say, ‘wow.’” But the Orcas community, particularly our police department, is not saying “wow.” As we wrote in an editorial urging the community to support our police officers, local law enforcement is being blamed for their failure to make an arrest. As the hunt for Harris-Moore continues, we will never let readers forget that a young outlaw romanticized by some has had a very real, negative impact on community lives and businesses. And when he is caught, the Sounder will be there.
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THE ISLANDS’
wednesday, September 23, 2009
Vol. 42, No. 38
Sheriff on manhunt
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Colton Harris-Moore is wanted in connection to the recent Orcas crime spree.
Barefoot suspect named in string of Orcas crimes by JENNIFER BRENNOCK Staff reporter
The San Juan County Sheriff’s office is looking for one suspect, a Camano Island man, in connection with an ongoing rash of break-ins and thefts that has hit Orcas recently, as well as a series of crimes from last year. After comparing security tapes
from several crime scenes, authorities identified the suspect as Colton Harris-Moore, 18, of Camano Island. He is described as 6’5” tall and 205 pounds with brown hair and green eyes. Harris-Moore has a scar on his left arm from a knife wound. “We’ve been in discussion with Island County about a similar and extensive rash of burglaries over an extended period of time with a possible connection to what we’re seeing here,” Sheriff Bill Cumming said. Harris-Moore is wanted in connection with an Aug. 28 break-in at the Deer Harbor marina; the fol-
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lowing break-ins during September: Sunflower Cafe, Vern’s Bayside, Bilbo’s, Islanders Bank, Ace Hardware, and Island Market; and the theft of two boats on Orcas and a plane from Friday Harbor that was later hard-landed at the Port of Orcas. On Sept. 12, the suspect ran from deputies in Eastsound after he was spotted. In almost all of the these crimes the suspect is believed to have been barefoot. Harris-Moore is also wanted in connection with an August 2008 break-in and theft at Vern’s Bayside, and the theft of a plane from a Port of Orcas hangar the same day. He is also a suspect in a residential burglary in September 2008. According to Cumming, HarrisMoore has also been connected to 20 to 30 burglaries in Island County, the Stanwood area in particular. “We believe all those cases have elements compatible enough that they are related to our suspect,” Cumming said, explaining they needed further evidence. “We cannot physically tie him to the earlier plane theft, for example.” The earlier plane Cumming referred to is a Cessna S-182 stolen from a locked Port hangar the morning of Nov. 12, 2008. The airSEE cRImE, A6
chris Gill photo
Orcas student saves teacher’s life by JENNIFER BRENNOCK Staff Reporter
Vikki Lawson never thought saving a life would be the reason she was proud of her son, Josh. “He broke a football record on Saturday and then this,” Vikki said. “I am one proud, shocked mother.” Fourteen-year-old Josh Lawson was in Paul Evan’s full Computer Applications class on Thursday, Sept. 17 when he excused himself to use the restroom. When Josh returned, he passed Evans and noticed something about him didn’t look right. Evans had dropped his papers on the floor and was trying to get Josh’s attention through eye contact. Josh asked if Evans was okay, then realized his teacher was choking. Josh stepped behind Evans and performed the Heimlich Maneuver, thrusting three times and lifting his teacher off the ground. On the third thrust, Josh dislodged the candy Evans was choking on. Evans had been sucking on a Tootsie Pop and when he got toward the end of the candy he contemplated whether to eat the rest or throw it away. He pulled the stick away and the remaining candy slipped into his windpipe. Evans described feeling dizzy and horrified. He said after 30 seconds of not being able to breathe he was
Paying tribute to the Waunches by COLLEEN SMITH ARMSTRONG
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Paul Evans and Josh Lawson after he saved his life. headed out the door to find another teacher to help him. Evans said Josh knew what he was doing when he performed the maneuver. He said most of the kids would probably know what to do, but he was “lucky it was Josh. He learned it and remembered.” Vikki said her son was nonchalant about his help. “He was so calm, cool and collected, and saved his life,” Vikki said. Josh’s mom isn’t sure where Josh learned to do the Heimlich, but says Josh has known it “forever” and probably was first exposed to first aid in scouts or as a Four Winds camper. According to Vikki, “You just never know when you might have to save someone’s life.” Since the incident, Evans is looking at life slightly differently. He described feeling he has a new lease on life. “It feels kinda good,” Evans said.
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The community foundation holds its “Report to the Community” annually – but it only honors exemplary Orcas Island citizens every few years. Bob and Marsha Waunch were recognized on Sept. 15 during the foundation’s luncheon at the Discovery House in Rosario. This is the 10th year of the organization’s Report to the Community event, but as president Moana Kutsche said, “we don’t give out an award every year, but it was a unanimous decision to recognize the Waunches.” Bob and Marsha were chosen for their more than 20 years of service to the Orcas community. Upon moving here in 1985, they joined the Orcas Island Medical Center Board and, working with Bob Lundeen, coordinated the fundraising effort that led to building the Medical Center facility. Marsha recognized the need for animal welfare and began connecting stray animals to veterinary services. Her passion led her on a 10-year quest to build the shelter on Orcas, which she still manages today. Bob, a retired airline pilot, flies islanders to and from the mainland for medical appointments. He eventually helped form the Mercy Flight program. Bob has given time to the Air Hawks program, which provides scholarships and flight instruction for local youth to acquire private pilot certificates. He was also instrumental in founding the Orcas Island Community Foundation. During his 13 years as a trustee, he served in every elected officer position. In addition, the Waunches have donated time and money to the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival, the San Juan Preservation Trust, the Funhouse, and the public schools. Their close friends – and fellow volunteers – Bill and Valerie Anders introduced the couple during the luncheon, saying they are “in many respects a team.” Valerie thanked Marsha’s mom, who was in the audience, for “raising a
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Bob and Marsha Waunch after receiving their award. daughter like Marsha.” “Not only are the people on Orcas lucky to have Marsha, but so are the animals,” Valerie said. Bill called Bob a “leader in the aviation community” and a tireless volunteer. As part of their recognition, the community foundation gave the Waunches a check for $1,000 to be donated to a charity of their choosing. Bob picked OICF, and Marsha chose the animal shelter. Update on the Community Foundation Kutsche, treasurer Lance Evans, and executive director Hilary Canty also spoke about the Orcas Island Community Foundation during the gatherSEE wAUNchES, A6
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Wednesday, September 23, 2009 • The Islands’ Sounder
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ing, saying that the organization is doing well, despite the economy. “We gave $72,000 grants to 21 non-profits in 2009,” Kutsche said. “Because Orcas is a diverse place, we distribute funding to diverse projects.”
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craft was discovered later that morning abandoned in a closed area of the Yakima Nation reservation in eastern Washington. The Sheriff’s Department has sent some biological evidence to a lab for a DNA comparison. Generally lab tests are reserved for investigations of murder or rape, and not property crime, but due to the extensive nature of the burglaries, the sheriff is looking for all he can to identify a suspect in the San Juan County crimes. Harris-Moore is wanted in connection with the theft of a boat from Brandt’s Landing on Sept. 13, later recovered in Point Roberts, which as an exclave of the United States is a border that wouldn’t present a large obstacle for a suspect to cross. Cumming speculates he crossed into Canada. Harris-Moore was convicted in June 2007 of three counts of residential burglary and was given three years confinement. He escaped from a group home in Renton on April 30, 2008 when he was still a juvenile. Cumming said he originally wanted Harris-Moore to believe he hadn’t been identified yet to give him a false sense of security. The Sheriff’s department is now taking a different approach. “This young man has been prolific in his activity in a compressed period of time,” Cumming said.
Check credit card bills Sheriff Cumming advises anyone who has experienced a break-in to check their credit cards for unauthorized purchases. “Part of the suspect’s M.O. is to take credit card information, but leave the card,” he said. “He’s done this in Island County. People whose homes or businesses have been broken into should scrutinize their credit card bills carefully.”
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SOUNDER THE ISLANDS’
WEDNESDAY, January 13, 2010
Orcas senior accepted into Navy nuclear engineering program
Vol. 43, No. 2
Islands’ Sounder in new office We have moved to the old Windermere Building on Mainstreet. We are in the back portion of the building. Come visit any weekday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A tale tall in the telling: Bob Friel & the ‘Barefoot Burglar’
County reporter
Staff Reporter
SEE JANSSEN, A6
Self-haul garbage fees could go up 44 percent By SCOTT RASMUSSEN
by MEREDITH M. GRIFFITH
Instead of dorm life and frat parties this fall, Daniel Janssen will be heading off to a Navy nuclear engineering program. After a grueling eight weeks of boot camp, 17-year-old Janssen will begin intensive engineering training in South Carolina. “I’m excited. It’s a field that’s right on the cusp,” Daniel said. “Obama talks about expanding into nuclear power. I think it will serve me well in the future. I might not make a career out of it but I can certainly get a good education. Our country runs about 20 percent nuclear power; France is at 80 percent. We’ve come to the point where we're not dumping waste out in a field and it’s time to explore nuclear potential. It’s amazing how powerful it is.” Only 1 to 2 percent of the Navy’s population get accepted to the nuclear program. Evaluative testing at the South Carolina facility will determine whether Daniel pursues training as a nuclear electrician, electrician technician or machinist mate. Daniel’s father, Todd, said his son is ready for this next chapter in his life. “At the end of the training he will have a two-year obligation to be out in the fleet, operating the nuclear propulsion systems on aircraft carriers,” he explained. “It's a really cool deal because once he goes into the civilian sector, he could work in hydro-electric, in wind energy, solar, any type of energy production. He could end up being a solar power pioneer.” The Navy is becoming a family vocation. Todd served as a Navy steelworker with the Sea Bees from 1986-93 until he received a medical discharge for injuries. Daniel became interested in the Navy after observing his father’s success in life. Todd currently operates as a
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Bob Friel, above, has traveled the world as a writer. But one of his most interesting stories was inspired by events right here in his backyard: the San Juans.
Orcas writer Bob Friel pens an in-depth piece on alleged housebreaker Colton Harris-Moore for ‘Outside’ magazine.
By COLLEEN SMITH ARMSTRONG Editor
Behind every legendary outlaw is a human being. And it was Bob Friel’s job to find the boy behind the Barefoot Burglar. “It’s a great, meaty story,” said Friel, an Orcas writer, of his effort to chronicle the life of Colton Harris-Moore, a young man revered for his cunning evasion of the law or loathed for his disregard of others’ property, depending on whom you ask. “I’ve spent nearly a decade specializing in Caribbean travel stories,” Friel said. “So it was exciting to be back working on a feature like this with an adventure angle and interesting characters.” Harris-Moore, who turned 18 last year, is a suspect in more Colton Harristhan 100 crimes, mostly felo- Moore nies, since escaping from “juvie” 20 months ago. He is wanted in five Washington counties – Island, Snohomish, San Juan, Whatcom, and Kitsap – as well as in Idaho. For Friel, a freelance writer, photographer and videographer who has traveled the globe, exploring the life of a teen public enemy harkened back to his early days as a reporter. Friel interviewed some 30 people involved in the case, including extensive sessions with Harris-
Moore’s mom, Pam Kohler, on Camano Island. His 8,000-word story (originally submitted at a hefty 14,000 words) is the feature piece in the January edition of the nationally known adventure magazine Outside. He wrote the story from an unusual perspective: as a member of a community that has been touched by Harris-Moore’s alleged crimes, which authorities say include home and business break-ins and the theft of two planes and a boat. “Like everyone else on the island, I had followed it,” Friel said. “I stood around bonfires and at dinners and talked to people. And then I said, ‘wait a second, this is a great story.’ I had planned to call Esquire, but I was talking to Outside magazine and they wanted it.” On Friel’s first trip to Camano last fall, he arrived right after a team from Esquire had left. “Outside wanted to beat them to the newsstands, so it became an incredible rush to get it done,” he said. “The whole thing with getting this story was gaining access. Other papers had talked to his mom, but they were just using these strange sound bites. There’s always more to people than that. Her phone had been disconnected, so I FedExed her a letter, and made my case as to why I should be the one she talks to. The police were amazed I got inside her trailer with her. She gave me some artwork Colton did, and the only photo she had of him as a child.” Friel says the in-depth part of the story is “how this SEE FRIEL, A7
Islanders who self-haul could soon be paying as much as 44 percent more to unload garbage and trash at the three county-run transfer stations. Unless, that is, county officials can come up with a different formula for funding a solid-waste operation that’s awash in red ink and has little means of covering a number of large and looming expenses waiting down the road. If not, self-haul customers would pay about $11 a can rather than the $8-per-can fee paid today. Of immediate concern, according to Public Works Director Jon Shannon, is generating enough revenue to offset a precipitous drop in the amount of garbage collected at the transfer stations and, at the same time, financing a list of improvements required at the Sutton Road station on San Juan Island by the state. A blueprint for raising additional revenue must be in place by the end of the month SEE GARBAGE, A7
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WEDNESDAY, January 13, 2010 • The Islands’ Sounder
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Baby orca whale brings population to 88
By RICHARD WALKER Journal of the San Juans Editor
The Southern Resident killer whale population is now 88, with the birth of a J pod orca confirmed Jan. 3. The calf, designated J47, was born to J35, according to the Center for Whale Research. The center, which maintains a census of the Southern Resident killer whales for the National Marine Fisheries Service, reported that five whales were born and three were missing in 2009, nudging the year-end population to 87. “No sooner had the census report been made to the government than another new baby killer whale appeared in J pod, this one to a twelveyear-old female on 3 January 2010,” the center reported on its Web site. “For the time being, that means the SRKW population is back up to 88! We are optimistic that this 'baby boom' in J pod represents a comeback for the resident population,” which went into a steep decline in the mid-1990s.
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kid fell through the cracks.” “Yes, he had a rough upbringing, but lots of kids do and end up fine,” Friel said. “He had totally checked out by the time he was in the fifth grade. “Once I started digging deep, including reading psych evaluations for him, you really start feeling for this kid. And at some point, you think his mom is a horrible person. And then you spend time with her, and she tells you about her background.” In his hometown of Camano, Harris-Moore became known as “Klepto Colt” after breaking into his
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regardless of what form it takes, Shannon said. “We’re in a situation where we can no longer spend in the red,” he said. “It’s the first time in my 10 years that we’re going into a month without the revenue to get through it.” In the past 17 months, the amount of garbage, and the revenue that would have been collected through tipping fees, has fallen off by roughly 2,000 tons, the equivalent of four million pounds, according to Public Works. As of Tuesday, however, the County Council gave no
J47 is J35’s first calf, according to Dr. Kenneth C. Balcomb of the center. J35 is one of about 35 reproductive-age females in the Southern Resident pods, Balcomb said. The three pods — called “residents” because they spend a majority of the year here — are considered endangered by the U.S. and Canada. Their population, believed to have been historically in the high 100s, was decimated by captures for marine parks, which ended in the 1970s, followed by pollution and declining salmon populations. The whales’ population plummeted to 71 by 1973, climbed to 99 in 1995, then plummeted to 79 six years later. The population rebounded to 80 in 2002, 83 in 2003, 85 in 2004 and 89 in 2005, and has seesawed around 88 since then. The whales were declared endangered by the U.S. and Canada by 2005. The National Marine Fisheries Service is writing a recovery plan for the whales. The most controversial proposed element of the recov-
Jeff Hogan / Center for Whale Research
J47 with its mother, J35. ery plan is banning boats from the west side of San Juan Island from May 1 to Sept. 30. That no-go zone is opposed by local officials, as well as kayakers and kayak tour operators. They say that kayaks are no-impact vessels, and that a no-go zone would have a dramatic economic impact on the local economy. In a column published in The Journal, Dr. Val Veirs and Jenny Atkinson of The Whale Museum proposed a go-slow zone for all vessels, with special consideration given to human-powered craft such as kayaks.
The federal government is accepting public comments until Jan. 15 (comments may be submitted by e_mail to orca.plan@noaa.gov). Balcomb believes the key to orca recovery is food. “I told the government that for 20 years the population is going to go up and down like this,” Balcomb said. “The long-term solution to an upswing here is fish. We need to get the chinook restored. The way it’s going, if there’s not enough fish, you can have a baby but it’s not going to survive.”
school. The only time the young man received attention was when he got into trouble. One of the most compelling parts of the story for Friel was Harris-Moore’s apparent natural ability to fly an airplane. “This is a 17-year-old who has never even been in a plane, and he allegedly is responsible for at least two of the plane thefts. He has a natural talent,” Friel said. “Even if you hate the kid, anyone has to sit back and say, ‘wow.’” Harris-Moore was diagnosed with ADHD, but Friel says anything he was interested in, he learned about, amassing a vast knowledge of Northwest plants and animals. Harris-Moore, he says,
is apparently not a sociopath and does not do drugs. “He takes responsibility for what he’s done. He knows he has problems, and he doesn’t blame it on his childhood,” Friel said. He believes it is unlikely that the teen is still hiding out in the woods, as he is known to do in the summer months. “When he is on the run, he is basically Yogi Bear: he is looking for picnic baskets,” Friel said. “He has also stolen iPods and laptops, but he doesn’t sell them. His mom tells me that he’s living in a house, with his own room. I tend to believe it, since it would be much easier for the police to catch him in the winter. Why he then comes out of
hibernation and goes back to breaking into our houses and into businesses, I don’t know.” Harris-Moore calls his mother frequently, and follows Friel’s blog. “He is not happy that she talks to the press,” Friel said. “He has read parts of the blog to his mom over the phone. I think about it when I’m posting now. I don’t know if it’s a good thing or a bad thing.”
clear indication as to which option it prefers, following a presentation of four funding alternatives by Public Works. A decision is expected at the council meeting meeting on Jan. 26. Under consideration are alternatives that range from an escalation of the existing system, in which roughly 98 percent of the solid-waste division’s operational and capital costs are paid for by tipping fees, to seeking voterapproval on a countywide tax that would have property owners paying 21-25 cents per $1,000 of assessed value each year and tipping fees ratcheted down from where they are today. A funding option endorsed by the Solid Waste Advisory Committee calls for a com-
bination of increased tipping fees, a parcel fee ($48 for developed and $24 for undeveloped), a $5 gate fee, and a $20 per-ton waste-reduction fee. Tipping fees would drop under the so-called “Simplified Model,” while parcel fees would be $94 a year whether developed or not. The Town of Friday Harbor would pay roughly $72,000 a year to help offset the cost of building a new transfer station on San Juan Island under every option but a continuation of the “status quo.” Under each option, Shannon said tipping fees and parcel fees will depend on what type of facility the council chooses for the future of Sutton Road. A full-scale facility with a wide range servic-
es, similar to those of today, will require higher fees. Fees would be somewhat less for a smaller facility with fewer services, he said. Still, he said that the financial health of the solid-waste operation may well depend on whether the council choses to continue funding it primarily through tipping fees. He noted that the over-riding goal of the county solid-waste management plan, “reduce, reuse and recycle,” is in conflict with the means by which the operation generates revenue, through tipping fees. “I think those two things in any person's brain would appear to be contradictory,” he said. “I think everyone understands the problem.”
To read Bob Friel’s story on Colton HarrisMoore in Outside magazine, visit outside. away.com. Friel’s blog is at www.outlawsandoutcasts.blogspot.com.
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SOUNDER THE ISLANDS’
WEDNESDAY, February 17, 2010
Chase winter blues away with books
Covering Orcas, Lopez, & San Juan County
Vol. 43, No. 7
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Madrona Point: 20 years of Lummi ownership Orcas community still denied access to property by COLLEEN SMITH ARMSTRONG Editor
Beneath the emerald green moss and rich soil of Madrona Point lie the bodies of the island’s earliest natives. The bones of Lummi Indians and mixed blood settlers have been buried at the point for centuries. But two decades ago it was in danger of becoming home to 80 condominiums. Feb. 17 marks the 20th anniversary of the historic preservation of an island treasure. “It was an amazing success story, but it was also contentious,” said Peter Fisher, a citizen who led the fight to save Madrona Point. The saga began in 1887, when a dispute over ownership of the burial ground resulted in a lawsuit brought by a group of half-blood indians who argued that the Trustees of the Cemetery Association had no right to sell the land. They won the initial case, but the State Supreme Court later ruled in favor of the trustees. The 30-acre land was sold to the Harrison family in 1890. In 1967,
by COLLEEN SMITH ARMSTRONG Editor
Peter Fisher photo
February 17 marks the 20th anniversary of saving Madrona Point from major development. Seattle businessman Norton Clapp purchased the property, and in the mid-1980s he announced his plan to build a condo development. Clapp also owned most of Turtleback Mountain. When word reached the Orcas community, a grassroots effort
to save the point was quickly launched. The project took on a life of its own, with support from the county, the Church Council of Greater Seattle, and eventually Congress, which negotiated with Clapp to purchase the property for $2.2 million. It was then turned
over to the Lummi Nation. “The good news is, we got it preserved,” Fisher said. “The bad news is the situation we are in now.” In a memorandum of understanding signed by the Lummi Nation SEE MADRONA, A6
Orcas school levy passes, bond fails by COLLEEN SMITH ARMSTRONG Editor
Teachers’ salaries will be paid for, but the buildings they teach in won’t be brand new. And least for now. Orcas voters approved the school’s maintenance and operations levy measure, but a $35 million school construction bond earned 55 percent support, shy of the 60 percent super majority needed for approval. “Let’s hope there isn’t an earthquake in the next few months,” school board member Janet Brownell said. “We’ll start campaigning now for the next election. The entire school board is
Break-in, airplane theft could be linked to ‘Barefoot Burglar’
committed to passing this bond.” The board hasn’t decided whether the bond measure will go before voters again in April, May, August or November. That decision will be made at the board’s next meeting on Feb. 25 at 5:30 p.m. in the school library. The new levy will raise the rate from 27 cents to 61 cents per $1000 assessed property value. It was passed with more than 67 percent of the vote (yes: 1266, no: 603). The levy will produce an estimated $1.7 million for the district in 2011, which will be used for staff, transportation, maintenance, food service, and extracurricular activities. The $35 million capital projects
An airplane theft and a breakin at an Eastsound business could be linked to alleged serial burglar Colton Harris-Moore, authorities say. On the morning of Feb. 11, an airplane taken from Skagit County was found abandoned at the Eastsound airport, and Kyle Ater, owner of Orcas Homegrown Market and Gourmet Delicatessen, walked into a nightmare: the store was broken into, vandalized, and sustained damage to internal security systems. “I walked in the back door at 8:15 a.m. There were these huge footprints drawn on the floor. My first reaction was that it was a joke,” Ater said. “Then I see the cash drawers on the floor. And the security system was in the sink with the water running. I took the hard drive out and dried it out. That was my first SEE BAREFOOT BURGLAR, A6
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Elementary Principal Kyle Freeman and school board member Janet Brownell anxiously checking on results from Tuesday night’s election. bond measure drew a 55 percent majority (yes: 1026, no: 834). Sixty percent is required for approval. The bond rate would have gone from 37 cents to 72 cents. The money would fund construction of
several new buildings, including the middle school facility, which includes the cafeteria, wood shop, library, music room and other SEE ELECTION, A6
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priority.” Ater says the central server in the upstairs office had been demolished as well. “If it is the Barefoot Bandit, I think it’s a direct message to me,” he said. “The only reason I bought that system is because I stayed there so many nights last summer. It’s given me peace of mind up until now. The security system was the target. He tried to destroy it but I’ve still got the hard drive.” Around $1200 was taken from the cash register as well as organic produce, an organic blueberry cheesecake, and a tray of unbaked croissants
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stuffed with meat and cheese. The store sustained more than $5,000 of damage. “I feel violated,” Ater says. “I’ve been trying to handle this media wave and actually help Orcas Island. I feel it’s important to mention Orcas and let people know there’s an island here.” Ater is hopeful the FBI will be able to release footage from the salvaged hard drive. “I’d like to know who robbed my store,” he said. While the physical evidence hasn’t been connected to Harris-Moore, the Northwest’s notorious teen bandit, the pattern is familiar: steal a plane and break into a business. San Juan County Sheriff Bill Cumming said it is “presumptive but we feel probably accurate” that
Wednesday, February 17, 2010 • The Islands’ Sounder
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Meredith Griffith/staff photo
Drawings on the floor of Orcas Homegrown Market and Deli. Harris-Moore is the suspect. “This young man’s activities have elevated beyond San Juan County, so we have state and federal assistance we are coordinating with,” Cumming said. “We do not have a physical link, but we have a strong similarity in the pattern of the events.” On Feb. 12, false rumors circulated that Harris-Moore was captured by the U.S. Coast Guard. “We have not heard of any apprehension or any other involvement by the Coast Guard,” Coast Guard Chief Paul Roszkowski said. Harris-Moore, 18, of Camano Island, has been called the Barefoot Burglar because he is believed to have been barefoot during most of the crimes. He is wanted in connection with an Aug. 28 burglary at Deer Harbor Marina; the September burglaries of Sunflower Cafe, Vern’s Bayside, Bilbo’s, Islanders Bank, Ace Hardware, and Island Market; the theft of two boats on Orcas Island; and the theft of a plane from Friday Harbor that was later hard-landed at the Port of Orcas. On Sept. 12, the suspect ran from deputies in Eastsound after he was spotted. Harris-Moore is also wanted in connection with an August 2008 burglary and theft at Vern’s Bayside, and
Citizens patrol streets, are asked to leave by police With flashlights and radios in hand, Orcas resident Josh Hickman and his friend patrolled Eastsound well into the dark hours of Feb. 11. “A bunch of our friends own businesses here, and I know the cops are doing everything they can, but I think we need to show that this guy isn’t welcome here,” Hickman said. The neighborhood watch duo came equipped with night vision goggles and radios to stay in contact with each other. The two were asked to leave by police at around 11 p.m. the theft of a plane from a Port of Orcas hangar the same day. He is a suspect in a residential burglary committed in September 2008. He has also been connected to 20 to 30 burglaries in Island County. Cumming could only speculate as to how a 6-foot, 5-inch, 205-pound fugitive could be so elusive. “He’s young, he’s 18 years old, he’s athletic and fleet of foot,” Cumming said.
classrooms. Major repairs are also needed in the elementary and high schools, the old gym and other school property. Superintendent Barbara Kline was pleased the levy passed, but is not giving up on the bond. “We need to know what happened,” Kline said. “We need to find out what we did not do. I suspect people didn’t know enough.” Other island elections On Lopez, more than 75 percent of the voters endorsed the school’s expiring levy (yes: 562, no: 182). In 2011 it will produce approximately $942,000 in revenue. On San Juan Island, the
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and San Juan County in 1989, the Lummis agreed to “manage the property as an open space, natural area and forest, open to individuals and groups for walking and educational purposes” with permission of the tribe. In 2007, after 17 years of public access, the Lummis closed off the point to visitors, citing disrespect to the land. According to Fisher, beer bottles and trash dotted the landscape, illegal campfires were left burning, and dog walkers did not obey the “no dogs allowed” signs. “Madrona Point was not being managed,” he said. Fisher feels the burden of responsibility lies with both the county and the Lummi Nation. “Madrona Point is suffering. That’s the real issue here,” he said. “The agreement is not being honored. And that’s not going away.” There hasn’t been a management plan in place since ownership was transferred. Fisher says there are two factions in the tribe: those who want to allow shared use, and those who are strongly against it.
replacement school levy passed with a 69 percent majority (yes: 1,869, no: 841). That levy will produce approximately $2.3 million in 2011. The San Juan County Hospital District #1 issue to replace an expiring levy to fund Emergency Medical Services on San Juan Island passed easily with nearly 76 percent of the vote (yes: 2057, no: 658). The six-year, $.35 per $1000 property tax levy will produce approximately $1.25 million in 2011. A total of 5,339 ballots had been counted and a estimated 1000 ballots remain to be tallied. County Auditor Milene Henley said it does not appear there are enough outstanding ballots to affect the outcome of any of the issues. “In 1993, the Lummis crafted a management plan with controlled access for others included,” Fisher said. “But then the process just suddenly stopped. I’ve been trying for 15 years to get that management plan going.” Fisher’s most recent effort is the non-profit Madrona Circle, a group of islanders who are hoping to mend the chasm between the county and the Lummis. “There are so many people who care about Madrona Point. We can raise the money and we have the time to implement a management plan,” he said. “I hope we can recreate the power we had in the 1980s. We want to create ongoing funding for a caretaker’s cabin and crosscultural center, which is part of their management plan. Their vision is fabulous.” County council chair Richard Fralick says the county does not have any immediate plans to address the situation. The Lummi Nation did not return phone calls to the Islands’ Sounder. But Fisher is hopeful a resolution can be reached. “We share a love of this land and our spiritual history,” Fisher said. “We need to reawaken that.”
SOUNDER THE ISLANDS’
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Covering Orcas, Lopez, & San Juan County
Vol. 43, No. 9
Lobos b-ball team makes history PG A10
WWW.ISLANDSSOUNDER.COM
Search for ‘Barefoot Burglar’ continues
Pie and politics: school to host potluck and bond discussion
Orcas Island Hardware broken into on Feb. 28, Harris-Moore primary person of interest by COLLEEN SMITH ARMSTRONG Editor
Serial burglar Colton HarrisMoore may have been involved in another Eastsound break-in, but he hasn’t been officially named a suspect, authorities say. On Feb. 28 at 5:30 a.m., Orcas Island Hardware owner Scott Lancaster received notification that the store’s alarm had been activated. He arrived 15 minutes later, but the suspect had fled. “Because of the alarm, he skedaddled,” Lancaster said. “There are a few broken windows, but he didn’t have time to get cash or inventory.” Orcas Island Hardware was broken into last fall, allegedly by Harris-Moore. Lancaster installed the alarm after the incident. “It was a pretty good investment, as it turns out,” he said. “I don’t feel nearly like I did last time. I feel like I won this round. It pisses me off like last time, but this is one more step to him getting caught. He made a mistake this time – if it was him.”
Sheriff Bill Cumming says Harris-Moore is the main person of interest, but until evidence is processed and can be linked to him, he is not the official suspect. “Right now he is the primary person of interest because of what we’ve seen at the scene,” Cumming said. Local police, with the help of Whatcom County, were in Eastsound on foot with canine ground tracking on Feb. 28. A helicopter also circled the island for most of the day. “We’re out there shaking bushes,” Cumming said. Harris-Moore, 18, of Camano Island, is also the primary person of interest in an airplane theft and break-in at Orcas Homegrown Market and Gourmet Delicatessen on Feb. 11. He has been called the Barefoot Burglar because he is believed to have been barefoot during most of the crimes. He is wanted in connection with an Aug. 28 burglary at Deer Harbor Marina; the September burglaries of Sunflower Cafe, Vern’s Bayside,
Don Eaton appointed Superior Court Judge by RICHARD WALKER Journal of the San Juans editor
Don Eaton was serving last week as Superior Court commissioner. Effective March 22, he’ll be serving as Superior Court judge. Gov. Christine Gregoire announced on Feb. 26 Eaton’s appointment to the San Juan County Superior Court, effective March 22. He will succeed Judge John O.
contributed photo
Don Eaton Linde, who died in December. “I was impressed with Don the moment I met him,” Gregoire said in an announcement. “He has a history of being honest, fair and compassionate, and has the respect of his community and colleagues. He brings extensive legal experience to this position, which will
by COLLEEN SMITH ARMSTRONG Editor
Bilbo’s, Islanders Bank, Orcas Island Hardware, and Island Market; the theft of two boats on Orcas Island; and the theft of
a plane from Friday Harbor that was later hard-landed at the Port of Orcas. He is also wanted in
The Orcas School Board says it has heard the community loud and clear: the bond didn’t pass because it needs more explanation. So in an effort to stimulate healthy conversation, the board is hosting a bond workshop and potluck on March 10, where community members can enjoy dinner and ask as many questions as their hearts desire about the bond for school building improvements and new construction. The potluck will be in the high school commons, starting at 6:15 p.m. (right after the PTSA math and science night). On Feb. 9, Orcas voters approved the school’s maintenance and operations levy measure, but a $35 million bond earned 55 percent support, shy of the 60 percent super majority needed for approval. The bond
SEE BURGLAR, A6
SEE SCHOOL, A6
greatly serve the citizens of San Juan County.” Eaton, 67, said in an announcement released by the governor’s office, “It is a great honor to have been selected by the governor of the state of Washington to serve the people of San Juan County as their next Superior Court judge and I look forward to serving this community for many years to come. I am committed to providing fair and well reasoned decisions that are based on both common sense and the law as it is written.” Eaton has maintained a general law practice in Friday Harbor for more than 30 years. He’s served as Superior Court commissioner since 1984 and has been the town attorney for Friday Harbor since 1981. Eaton earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Vermont. He attended Boston College Law School where he was a Presidential Scholar for
three years. Following law school, Eaton served three years in the United States Army, one of those years as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. Eaton has offered pro-bono legal services for many years to Spring Street International School and the Whale Museum, and his participation in evening Town Council meetings was without charge. Eaton also helped establish San Juan Island’s first day care facility, as well as San Juan Community Theater. “Gov. Gregoire has made an excellent decision is appointing Don Eaton as San Juan County Superior Court Judge,” Island County Superior Court Judge Alan Hancock said. “Don provided exemplary service as court commissioner during the time I served in San Juan County, and I know that he has the experience and integrity to
Colleen Armstrong/staff photo
Whatcom County police on the streets of Eastsound on Feb. 28.
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How to reach us Office: 376-4500 Fax: 376-4501 Advertising: advertising@ islandssounder.com Classified: 1-800-388-2527, classifieds@ soundpublishing.com Editor: editor@ islandssounder.com
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WWW.ISLANDSSOUNDER.COM
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Kas/contributed photo
The helicopter seen circling Eastsound on Sunday.
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connection with an August 2008 burglary and theft at Vern’s Bayside, the theft
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be an outstanding judge. I congratulate him.” Eaton and his wife, Shryl, have been married for 31 years. They have three children — Deja Osborne, Trudy McDanniel and Kyle Eaton
of a plane from a Port of Orcas hangar the same day, and a residential burglary in September 2008. HarrisMoore has also been connected to 20 to 30 burglaries in Island County. — and three grandchildren. Jim Cahail, Friday Harbor’s mayor from 1984-1993, said Eaton is a great choice for Superior Court judge. He said he and the Town Council were always able to count on Eaton for wise counsel. “He’s a very thorough and fair person. We counted on him and he never let us down,” Cahail said.
rate would have gone from 37 cents to 72 cents. The money would fund construction of several new buildings, including the middle school facility, which includes the cafeteria, wood shop, library, music room and other classrooms. Major repairs are also needed in the elementary and high schools, the old gym and other school property. At its regular meeting on Thursday, Feb. 25, the board had hoped to set a date for when the initiative will go before voters again. But comments from a small group of audience members carried far into the evening, so the board scheduled a special meeting for Thursday, March 4 at 5:30 p.m. in the school library to decide whether it will be on the ballot in April, August, or November. The amount of the bond is still up for debate. The board will make that decision during another special meet-
ing scheduled for March 11 at 5:30 p.m. in the school library. Audience comments about the bond dominated the meeting on Thursday. Teacher Pam Jenkins, on behalf of the school teaching staff, recommended putting the bond on the August ballot. “April is disastrous because of property taxes,” she said. “You also need more time to communicate to the public about the plan for maintenance and to clarify the soft costs. In August, the sun is out, passions are flowing, and no one is thinking about taxes.” Andrea and Hugh Hendricks advocated a November initiative that asked for considerably less. “The passing of the capital bond measure to make muchneeded and long-delayed repairs is necessary and has our full support,” Andrea said. “...remodeling and wish list items are not essential for education. Bring this bond down to $15 million, and it will pass.”
Wednesday, March 3, 2010 • The Islands’ Sounder
Mary Poletti also recommended a November vote. “It would confirm that this $35 million bond commitment on the part of the taxpayers needs further explanation to the community, that you as a board understand this, and will allow time for further exploration of options and open debate on the passing of a large bond in these economic times,” she said. School board member Chris Sutton worried that waiting for a November election would push the construction costs even higher. He also cautioned against asking for less money. “We don’t want to be limited, in case we find a surprise like an Indian burial ground under the middle school,” he said. “What we’re asking for is the worst case scenario. Voting yes gives us the authority to spend $35 million. It doesn’t mean we will.” Superintendent Barbara Kline noted that the bond costs will be offset by grants. In December of 2009 the district was awarded a $300,000 grant by Office of
the Superintendent of Public Instruction (with financing from the State Treasurer) for improvements to the elementary and high school heating systems. “This grant won’t be enough. It is a fix on top of what needs to be replaced,” Kline said. She also said that once the $35 million bond is approved, it allows the school to apply for federal grants. Audience member Gary Abood applauded the school board for a “solid, professional plan,” but felt that the “problem is in the storytelling.” “You have an obligation to teach adults,” he said. “You have to explain the process of bonding.” Justin Paulsen, a local contractor, also supported the bond, and understood the need for soft costs. “You don’t have a design in front of you, so there’s a huge contingency. And it sucks,” he said. “The explanation of soft costs, and your commitment to reducing them going forward, is imperative.”
Update from Haiti: Orcas residents help with farming project by ROSEDANIE CADET Special to the Islands’ Sounder
Rosedanie Cadet is currently
in Haiti teaching sustainable farming and providing locals with means of food preservation. Orcas High School senior
Taylor Diepenbrock and his dad, Steve, of Morningstar Farm on Orcas helped Cadet with her project. They returned last week. For more information on the project, called “Helping Hands Noramise,” visit noramise.org. The following is an entry from Cadet’s journal about her work in the town of Limbe. After 10 days, the project is progressing, at times incredibly fast and others at an infirm snail’s pace. We are being hosted by the First Baptist Church of Limbe’ where my grandfather was a deacon and both my mother and aunt sang in the choir. Our lodging is in the presbytery next to the church. As with most of the country, Limbe’ has haphazard electrical service. Fortunately we were able to bring a small generator so have our own source of electricity. The week we arrived was a week of remembrance for the victims of the earthquake. President Preval had ordered all schools and businesses closed on the 12th. We arrived in Limbe’ midday on Feb. 13, as church services were ending. Being that the church is in front of the market and it was a Saturday, we made quite a sight arriv-
ing in the back of a pickup loaded with supplies and a mountain bike. Needless to say it was not a stealth entry into town. Each day of our stay we have had visitors asking for help with their various projects. Some of their stories are heartbreaking, and I started feeling that maybe our project was a luxury given the immediate needs for food, clothing, and shelter of most of the people here. However, as the week progressed and we visited the proposed site for the plant and various farming projects, it became evident that this particular project of providing long term programs for the people will eventually feed their immediate needs by providing jobs and a sense of ownership. Thursday, Feb. 18, was my 49th birthday, the first I’ve spent in my homeland in 36 years. Having not been able to sleep well for some days, I awoke in a foul mood which only increased when breakfast arrived, and there was no coffee. After breakfast we accompanied my cousin, Delano Cadet, a Pasteur at another Baptist church, to view the site of what he hopes will become a thrivSEE HAITI, A7
OPINION Islands’ Sounder
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IN OUR OPINION
Letters
Don’t direct anger at police department
Sundays at the library
The community has been divided on the police department’s handling of burglary fugitive Colton Harris-Moore. While we’ve received letters praising Sheriff Bill Cumming’s vigilance and hard work, we’re dismayed by some readers’ comments who feel the police aren’t doing enough. As one reader wrote in our March 10 edition, “Mr. Cumming, please step up your search for this potentially dangerous young man. I cannot help but be a little miffed when I see one of your sheriffs sitting behind a bush waiting for someone’s grandmother to drive by maybe speeding 5 or 10 miles an hour over the speed limit, to give her a ticket, when they could be searching for Colton Harris-Moore.” We take offense to that comment. First of all, a deputy “hiding behind bushes” could be hoping to catch someone driving under the influence. Secondly, we’ve talked to Sheriff Cumming on a weekly basis, and we can assure the public that he is doing everything possible to apprehend the suspect. We’ve seen, first-hand, the fatigue our deputies are experiencing from doing “Colton” duty as well as their usual emergency calls, like DUIs, domestic violence, and dog attacks on livestock. We spoke to Sergeant Steve Vierthaler during the stake-out on the west side of Orcas on March 18. He and his deputies, along with personnel from Whatcom County, Snohomish County, the Marysville Police Department, FBI personnel, and air support from the U.S. Customs, spent all night and day searching for Harris-Moore. “We’re all working our butts off (with this case),” he said. “I’ve had no life. Plus we’re handling all the calls we usually do. All the guys are beating themselves up 24/7 with little personal time. Bill has been more than 100 percent committed to catching this kid. No one in this community should ever doubt that.” Vierthaler said it’s been incredibly hurtful to hear community members doubt the department’s commitment to catching the elusive teen burglar. “(The comments) have actually made me consider moving off the island,” Vierthaler said. Harris-Moore has already damaged the serenity of this county. Don’t give him the pleasure of eroding our community even further. Let’s direct our anger at him, not the public servants who work hard to protect us.
Sounder The Islands’
Publisher Elyse Van den Bosch publisher@islandssounder.com Editor Colleen Smith Armstrong editor@islandssounder.com Staff Reporter Meredith Griffith mgriffith@islandssounder.com County Reporter Scott Rasmussen srasmussen@sanjuanjournal.com
Advertising Sales Elyse Van den Bosch publisher@islandssounder.com Administrative Kathy Everett Coordinator admin@islandssounder.com Circulation/ Gail Anderson-Toombs administrative gandersontoombs assistant @islandssounder.com Marketing Artist Jim Sullivan jsullivan@islandssounder.com
Sundays are hopping on Rose Street. For the past two months, starting at about 11:50 a.m., people of all ages have been lining up outside the Orcas Island Library waiting for staff member Susannah Beck to open the doors and welcome people inside. It’s refreshing to see so many people excited to use the library on a Sunday afternoon. Patron use runs the gamut: newspaper and magazine readers, books being returned, and people leisurely browsing before making a book selection. And the seats at the computer stations are all occupied. Two Orcas Island residents, Bob Lundeen and Bob Henigson (or as the board affectionately refers to them, “The Bobs”), are generously financing our Sunday hours test for six months. I have been volunteering on Sundays, and am hearing almost every person who comes to the front desk tell us how happy they are about the additional hours. If you haven’t stopped by yet, Sunday hours are noon to 3 p.m. Rachel Newcombe Library Board of Trustee, Community Relations Chair
PTSA math/science night was a success The PTSA wants to thank all those who helped make our recent Family Fun Math/Science Night a reality – thanks to our dedicated teachers and talented students, as well as the many involved community members who all came together to celebrate the fun of learning about math and science. The kids (and their families) who came were treated to math games, interactive science exhibits, chess matches and more. Thank you to Superintendent/High School Principal Barbara Kline and K-8 Principal Kyle Freeman for their support, and special thanks to the guest presenters who came from outside our school: Fiona Norris and Noreene Ignelzi of San Juan Nature Institute and Russel Barsh of its partner in science, The Center for Historic Ecology of the Salish Sea (KWIAHT), to Lana Hickman of The Funhouse, Phil Heikkinen, Director of the Public Library, who reprePagination Jim Sullivan jsullivan@islandssounder.com Legals/Office Staff admin@islandssounder.com Mailing/Street Address P.O. Box 758, 217 Main Street, Eastsound, WA 98245 Office (360) 376-4500 Classifieds (800) 388-2527 Fax (360) 376-4501
Wednesday, March 24, 2010 • The Islands’ Sounder
sented the Orcas Chess Club, and to PTSA Afterschool Math Instructor Marta Nielson. Thanks also to the teachers and students who brought exhibits and put on demonstrations: elementary teachers Marny Gaylord, Anne Ford McGrath and Marilyn Storey; middle school teachers Lori Oakes and Laura Tidwell, and to their sixth, seventh and eight grade student presenters: Melanie Flint, Mikaela Hansen, Jay Zier, Nate Lawson, William Coe, Cedar ParkerPavitt, Lindsay Lancaster, Ray Doss, Michael Harlow, Zach Waage and Hailey Crowe. It was great seeing kids, parents and community members get excited about learning! Orcas Schools’ PTSA
We don’t need great buildings to teach kids Why can’t they spend a couple million bucks and re-pipe and reHVAC? That would take care of the two complaints teachers made. As far as the buildings are concerned: fix them, as needed, don’t go “wholehog” when it’s just a waste of money! I went to high school in 1941 “temporary” U.S. Army hospital buildings, Birmingham High. It’s still operating, now nearly 70 years old! There was nearly no HVAC, certainly no A/C, and we’re talking the San Fernando Valley! I got a fine education. The quality of the buildings took a back seat to the quality of the teachers. We had great teachers. Great teachers are what make great citizens, not fine buildings. Our county is acting the same way the state and the federal government has acted that has gotten the entire country financially upsidedown! Spending money they don’t have! Blithely raising taxes on citiThe Islands’ Sounder (USPS #764230) is published weekly for $30 a year to San Juan County addresses; $55 per year to Washington state addresses; and $55 per year to out-of-state addresses by the Islands’ Sounder at 217 Main Street, Eastsound, WA. Copyright © 2010 by Sound Publishing, Inc.
zens without first doing the math and doing what’s smart. If our administration insists on building a $25,000,000 facility (for $35,000,000 no less!) and they think it’s such a good idea, let them issue REAL BONDS. Pay a decent interest rate and let the RICH folks who live on Orcas or elsewhere in the country buy them! Many residents here live on Social Security. They didn’t even get a COLA this year nor will they next, and their budgets are relatively fixed. School taxes levied on all real estate will double under the proposed school bond. And don’t think for a minute that in 20 years it will go away. It will simply be replaced by another. What this state is in dire need of is a Prop 13. Melvin Shapiro Orcas Island
“The summer of our lives” there are those of us held in the pull of Orcas we are the lucky ones there is a place for us where body and spirit are at home in one place and none of us owns it we are merely stewards physical and spiritual but you know all this the summer of our lives moments on Orcas Island feel a certain radiance and a perfect ripeness the spirit unfolded in full bloom of self on a fir encrusted rock adrift in a salish sea
Stephen Guy Eastlight Farm, Orcas
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