News-Times Whidbey
ISLAND LIVING Children treat others during holiday A11
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2013 | Vol. 114, No. 104| WWW.WHIDBEYNEWSTIMES.COM | 75¢
12TH MAN FOR THE JOB
Port Townsend, Sierra Club criticize Navy over jet noise By JANIS REID Staff reporter
The Sierra Club and the city of Port Townsend have both released comments criticizing jet noise produced by the Navy’s EA-18G Growler. On behalf of the Conservation Committee of the Snohomish Sierra Club, Chairwoman Rebecca Wolfe issued a letter to the U.S. Navy last week outlining the “established harms” caused by jet noise. The letter was written to be submitted as public input for
Photo provided by Drea Park
Jason and Drea Park of Oak Harbor are among Whidbey Island’s most decorated Seahawks fans. They don’t hold back when it comes to game day attire and will be among the Seahawks fans planning to show up decked out at Deception Pass Bridge Saturday.
Seahawks fans planning rally at Deception Pass By RON NEWBERRY Staff reporter
Jason Park considers his blue and green Seattle Seahawks bracelet among his most treasured possessions. There’s a sentimental attachment because it was made by his stepdaughter. But its value steeped in superstition far outweighs all others. Park has worn the bracelet for every home Seahawks game the last two seasons, but couldn’t find it last Sunday when Seattle lost to the Arizona Cardinals for its first home loss in two years. “Whenever there was a commercial break, he was trying to find it,” said his wife Drea Park. The bracelet was later discovered and will be back on Park’s
Ron Newberry/Whidbey News-Times
A residence near Cornet Bay displays its Seahawks support. wrist this Sunday when the Seahawks play host to the St. Louis Rams and try to secure the NFC West title and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. The Parks are among the many frenzied Seahawks fans on Whidbey who will converge on the Deception Pass Bridge at SEE FANS, A12
the Environmental Impact Statement the Navy is currently preparing on the Growlers. Wolfe requested that the Navy require “reliable studies” in several areas: noise, health, safety, environment, real estate values and alternatives to using Outlying Field Coupeville. “Numerous peer-reviewed studies document that aircraft noise can permanently damage hearing, raise blood pressure and harm livestock and wildlife and chilSEE NOISE, A12
Kelly Emerson will not seek re-election By Janis Reid Staff reporter
Island County Commissioner Kelly Emerson announced over Christmas that she won’t seek reelection next year. Emerson represents Island County’s District No. 3, which includes Camano Island and North Whidbey. Emerson could not be reached for additional comment. Emerson was stripped of her chairm title in July after her two fellow commissioners, Jill Johnson, a Republican, and Helen Price Johnson, a Democrat, questioned her work ethic, ability to lead and willingness to abide by the consensus of
Happy New Year
Commissioner Kelly Emerson the board. Emerson’s time on the commission has been rocky from nearly the beginning. She sued Island County twice over an unissued building permit for a deck on her SEE EMERSON, A12
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