News-Times Whidbey
ISLAND LIVING Paddleboard business opens in OH A11
SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2013 | Vol. 114, No. 39 | www.whidbeynewstimes.com | 75¢
Commissioner stripped of chairmanship By Justin Burnett Staff reporter
EMERSON:
“I absolutely believe this was made up just to remove me as chair.”
Island County Commissioner Kelly Emerson is no longer chairwoman of the board. Carrying through with threats made last week, commissioners Helen Price Johnson and Jill Johnson voted to revoke Emerson’s status as chairperson during the final minutes of Wednesday’s work session. Johnson was appointed chairwoman in her place. “I feel the chair has once again decided to just make
her own decision and put out another special session notice,” Price Johnson said. “I don’t believe this is in the best interest of the county, to be on edge wondering what the next thing the chair will be doing.” Price Johnson moved to reconsider chairwomanship of the board and received a second from Johnson. “I am sad,” Johnson said. “We can argue the nuances of what was said and what wasn’t said for this special session, but the direction from this board was clear.” Emerson called the decision “ludicrous.” And in a later interview, she charged her fellow commissioners
with fabricating an issue to justify rescinding her position as leader of the board. On Tuesday, Emerson approved the release of a special session notice that announces the planned attendance of at least two board members at a community meeting in Freeland Wednesday evening. The notice was signed and approved by Emerson, a District 1 Republican. It comes just one week after she was publicly chastised by her colleagues for approving See EMERSON, A20
Lambert double-murder trial opens
Photo provided by Gary Stuntz
Spinnakers fly during last year’s Whidbey Island Race Week. The same of which can be expected at this year’s event which begins today, Saturday, July 13.
PHOTOS BY JESSIE STENSLAND/WHIDBEY NEWS TIMES
Oak Harbor resident Joshua Lambert is representing himself in a trial that started this week. He’s accused of a double murder and kidnapping.
Aunt describes horrifying discovery
By JESSIE STENSLAND Staff reporter
It’s been a year and nine months since two elderly men were stabbed to death at their North Whidbey homes and a woman was tied up with packing tape. Trial for suspect Joshua Lambert finally started this week with two full days of jury selection followed by harrowing testimony about the events of Oct. 3, 2011. Lambert, 32, a high-school dropout, is acting as his own attorney and is asserting an insanity defense against charges that include two counts of firstdegree murder and a count of kidnapping. He’s accused of killing both his grandfathers and abducting his great aunt;
he claims that he committed the acts in the midst of a schizophrenic delusion in which he needed to save his sons from hostile FBI agents. Lambert continues to be frustrated by court rules. He frequently argues with Island County Superior Court Judge Vickie Churchill, who told him on at least one occasion that he’s in contempt of court. He sits alone at the defense table, surrounded by two corrections deputies and the bailiff because he’s considered a security risk. Island County Prosecutor Greg Banks outlined the case against Lambert in opening statements. His voice was thick with emotion as he continually turned to look at Lambert when describing the violence. “The evidence will show that Mr. Lambert went on this killing spree, this See LAMBERT trial, A10
Whidbey Race Week sails into 31st year By JANIS REID Staff reporter
Oak Harbor is launching its 31st Whidbey Island Race Week today. The annual event that draws sailors from all over the world. Organizer Gary Stuntz said he believes the event has maintained such a loyal following because of its location on Whidbey Island. “It’s a beautiful area to sail,” Stuntz said. “It’s a week’s worth of sailing, and how can you beat a party every night See race week, A20