News-Times Whidbey
SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2012 | Vol. 113, No. 32 | www.whidbeynewstimes.com | 75¢
Living: Writer finds fun on Whidbey. A11
Cemetery board buries the hatchet, employees return By JESSIE STENSLAND Staff reporter
A disturbance that caused a small but grave uprising at Oak Harbor’s Maple Leaf Cemetery has been put to rest. Two of the three employees who were fired earlier this month are back at work and a new commis-
sioner has been appointed to replace one who resigned last month. In contrast to the last three meetings, the Wednesday afternoon meeting of the board of commissioners for Island County Cemetery District 1 was completely without contention. Michael Dougliss, the longtime supervisor of the cemetery, was back at work along with
The commissioners delayed adoption of the new contracts with Dougliss, his wife and a young man who will also work as a caretaker. The Douglisses previously worked as cemetery employees, but now will be contract workers. Commissioner Ann Abrahamse said having contractors with clearly defined duties should alleviate any problems in
the future. Dougliss said he was very happy to be back after three weeks off. “I don’t think retirement is for me,” he said. “I missed the cemetery tremendously. It’s not just a job, it’s a way of life. It’s part of me.” The unrest began last month after See cemetery, A7
Cub Scout leader jailed for molestation; victims sought
Jury acts quickly in horrific abuse case
By JESSIE STENSLAND Staff reporter
An Oak Harbor Cub Scout leader was arrested this week for allegedly raping, molesting and taking sexually explicit photographs of a teenage boy; and detectives are investigating allegations that there may be three or more additional victims, according to the Island County Prosecutor’s Office. Anthony Polubinski, 30, made his preliminary appearance in Island County Superior Court Thursday afternoon. Judge Vickie Churchill found that there was probable cause to hold him on suspicion of multiple counts of child molestation, child rape, possession of child pornography and intimidating a witness. Churchill set his bail at $500,000, agreeing with the prosecutor that Polubinski is a danger to the community and likely to reoffend or run from the law. In court, Island County Prosecutor Greg Banks stressed that Polubinski represents a danger to children because he is a Cub Scout leader with Pack 4062 and may also be involved in Boy Scouts pack. In an interview after the hearing, Banks said he has no evidence that Polubinski molested any children from Cub Scouts, but detectives are try-
By JESSIE STENSLAND Staff reporter
A jury in Island County Superior Court took just 15 minutes to return a verdict following four days of testimony so horrific and haunting that the judge offered jurors the opportunity to speak with counselors afterward. The jurors found Ryan Stephenson, a 27-year-old Oak Harbor man, guilty of first-degree rape with aggravating circumstance and a special allegation and first-degree assault of a child with aggravating circumstances. Stephenson was on trial for raping his girlfriend’s 21-month-old daughter, beating her repeatedly, stuffing her into a backpack and kicking her “soccer style.” Senior Deputy Prosecutor Eric Ohme presented evidence that showed Stephenson was extremely abusive toward the little girl because she was a living reminder that his girlfriend had a child with another man. “Jealousy, resentment and
his wife, Joan, who will continue as a bookkeeper. Another face from the past was also at the table. The commissioners appointed Dur Roberson to the position vacated by Commissioner Jim Flowers. Roberson had been a cemetery commissioner for nearly 20 years before he lost in the last election to Bob Little.
Jessie Stensland/Whidbey News-Times
Ryan Stephenson appears in court. rage. That’s what lead to the defendant’s savage raping and beating of that little girl,” Ohme told the jury during closing arguments, motioning toward a poster-size photo of the toddler and her 5-year-old brother. The defense attorney, Peter Simpson of Coupeville, didn’t present any witnesses and Stephenson chose not to take the stand in his defense. Simpson argued that the prosecution didn’t prove the elements of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. He conceded that Stephenson repeatedly beat the girl, but described it as parental punishment that went way too far. He argued that there was no rape and that the beatings didn’t amount to first-degree assault. See abuse, A7
Jessie Stensland/Whidbey News-Times
Anthony Polubinski, an Oak Harbor Cub Scout leader, was arrested this week on suspicion of child molestation. ing to identify several juvenile victims from pornographic images found on his computer. Banks said he is concerned that See scout, A7
UP TO
In Cash & Cars!
Win a 2012 Chevy Camaro SS! Owned by Upper Skagit Indian Tribe
On I-5 at Exit 236 theskagit.com *Must be a Rewards Club Member – Membership is FREE! See Rewards Club Center for complete details. Casino opens at 9 am daily. Must be 21 or older with valid ID. Must be present to win. 877-275-2448
FINAL DAY! Thursday, April 26, 2 – 8 pm Earn Tickets Now – April 26!
WNT-ST-038