Examiner The Whidbey
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Thursday, May 21, 2015
VOL. 20, NO. 41
Filing Week fills seats, but doesn’t bring race competition By Megan Hansen Co-Editor
As Filing Week drew to a close Friday, open seats throughout local Coupeville government filled, but all without challengers. The second half of the candidate filing period did bring two new candidates for Port of Coupeville. David Mishasek, a Coupeville transplant, filed for the position being vacated by appointed commissioner John Carr. He said he first considered running for the port after seeking information about the Greenbank Farm’s solar energy project. After running into a past employee of the port, Mishasek said he started researching the government agency and picking brains of those involved with its in-
See RACES, page 4
Teacher earns state recognition By Ron Newberry Staff Reporter
When Wilbur Purdue heard his name announced during a ceremony recognizing the state’s top achievers in history, he wasn’t sure what was going on. “I thought maybe I left the lights on in the car,” Purdue said. “My wife said I looked angry and confused. I was confused.” Purdue admits he had partly tuned out the lengthy awards ceremony during Washington State History Day at Green River Community College in Auburn earlier this month because the category in which his Coupeville students were entered had long since passed. But when it came time to recognize the state’s top teachers in connection with Na-
See PURDUE, page 4
Ron Newberry photos
Ken Hofkamp, owner of the Prairie Center Red Apple store in Coupeville, reacts to a large gathering of friends and community members who surprised him Saturday to show appreciation for his 43 years of service in the community. He’s not retiring. They just wanted to say thank you.
rallying in appreciation
Surprise! May 16 named Ken Hofkamp Day in Coupeville By Ron Newberry Staff Reporter
Ken Hofkamp was at a loss for words. Standing underneath a tent outside his Prairie Center Red Apple store, he was preparing to grill some hot dogs when a parade of people suddenly approached on foot. When they started singing, Hofkamp realized something was up. “I wasn’t even paying attention,” he said. “That corner’s always so busy. You never know who’s doing what.” More than 50 friends and supporters showed up at the Prairie Center store Saturday morning to thank the store owner for his 43 years of supporting the Coupeville community. There was neither a retirement to celebrate nor a signature anniversary to recognize, just a heartfelt thank you for a soft-spoken man who’s become a pillar in the community. “He purchased the store from Muriel and Herb Pickard,” said Margie Parker, who or-
ganized the surprise event. “They owned the store and the lumberyard. They were very generous with the community. He’s continued that legacy.” Muriel Pickard was among the familiar faces in the crowd who surprised Hofkamp. She was in on one of the town’s best-kept secrets as was Mayor Nancy Conard. “It was totally a surprise,” Hofkamp said. The idea started with Parker and quickly gained steam with several individuals and groups jumping on board, including Whidbey Island’s own Shifty Sailors, who customized lyrics to two songs and sang along with the
group. Conard even typed up an official announcement, proclaiming the May 16, 2015 as Ken Hofkamp Day in Coupeville. “This is my favorite kind of Coupeville day, recognizing people who make this community so great,” Conard said. Conard, who grew up in Coupeville, said she’s been a regular at the store as far back as she can remember, supporting a business and its owner who has continually given back to the community.
See KEN, page 16