News-Times
ISLAND LIVING
Whidbey
What did she say? Proposal mystery solved
SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2013 | Vol. 114, No. 52 | www.whidbeynewstimes.com | 75¢
Ousted OH chief settles with city By JESSIE STENSLAND Staff reporter
IF SUCCESSFUL, Meleshyus will be the first person known to make the crossing, much less complete a full circumnavigation, in a San Juan 24 — a light-weight weekend sailer designed for racing on inland waters, such as Puget Sound. While he said he is hoping the feat will earn him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records, Meleshyus has already developed something of a name for himself, particularly in the sailing community. He made headlines in newspapers across the West Coast last year when his first ocean passage, a 34-day journey across the Gulf of Alaska, came to an end on a small island 50 miles east of Dutch Harbor.
A former Oak Harbor police chief claiming wrongful termination by the mayor settled his lawsuit against the city last week. Rick Wallace settled for $18,500. He originally claimed he was owed $550,000 in lost wages and benefits. The settlement came before a July 2 hearing in Island County Superior Court on the city’s motion for summary judgment. The city’s attor- Wallace: ney was asking the Ex-chief reaches judge to dismiss settlement over the lawsuit. firing. Under the terms of the agreement, both sides agreed not to discuss the case or the settlement with the news media or other third parties. “I would love to comment publicly, but part of the settlement forbids both parties from being able to comment,” Mayor Scott Dudley said. Wallace’s attorney, Christon Skinner also declined to discuss the case, but wrote in an email that such confidentiality clauses are common. Wallace was among several administrators Dudley fired after coming into office last year. The mayor immediately sacked the city administrator, fire chief and city attorney; he later fired the replacement city attorney. Dudley pushed Wallace to retire that
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Photo by Justin Burnett/Whidbey News-Times
Rimas Meleshyus, who fled Russia in 1988, is hoping to make history next month by setting off from Oak Harbor on a circumnavigation in a San Juan 24.
Fearless or foolhardy? Regardless of what others think, immigrant aims to set record
Famous for its rough weather, large waves and icebergs, it’s also known as a sailor’s graveyard.
By JUSTIN BURNETT Staff reporter
Some call him courageous. Some say he’s crazy. Others think he’s a bit of both. Whatever your opinion of Rimas Meleshyus, he plans to sail out of Oak Harbor next month and into history. “I want to be famous. I want to be in books,” Meleshyus said. “And I want to do under American flag.” The 61-year-old, Russian-born U.S citizen is planning to circumnavigate the globe in a 24-foot sailboat he recently purchased from the Oak Harbor Yacht Club for the bargain price of $500. He plans to set sail in July and travel nonstop — a 10-month passage — to the southern tip of South America, also known as Cape Horn.
Whidbey General Hospital board still without candidates for vacancy By Nathan Whalen Staff reporter
For his years of service, Roger Case received a standing ovation June 10 during a Whidbey General Hospital board meeting.
But his resignation leaves hospital officials with a problem. They’re having to scramble to find a replacement. The long-time hospital commissioner resigned six months short of completing his third term in office. After advertising the position, and after the Island County Auditor’s Office held two filing periods, zero candidates have emerged for the posi-
tion. Trish Rose, spokeswoman for Whidbey General Hospital, said one person expressed interest in Case’s seat. After closer examination of the person’s residence, however, it turned out See SEARCHING, A2