12.02.15 Everson Nooksack News

Everson-Nooksack News

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 2, 2015

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Everson Nooksack

Santa, wagon rides, kids' goodie bag and hot chocolate on tap Friday evening EVERSON ­— Santa and his elves arrive in Everson City Park at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, for time with local kids.

Goodie bags will be given to the first 175 kids. At the park there will also be free hot chocolate and free Cramer Classic wagon rides, compliments of Stremler Gravel.

Other activities are: $1 hot dogs by StreetDogz (sponsored by Kelley Insurance),

a holiday baked goods sale, a holiday wreath sale (Boy Scouts Troop 4027), and a kids’ Christmas book sale.

The Everson-Nooksack Winter Festival also includes business holiday open houses and the 32nd annual Silver Tea hosted by Friends of the Everson McBeath Community Library at 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 6.

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 2, 2015

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EVERSON-NOOKSACK NEWS

Levies raised for both fire districts 1 and 14 Priorities are: keeping Everson staffing, Kendall station expansion

By Calvin Bratt editor@lyndentribune.com

WHATCOM — ­ Voters in the east county agreed with their fire district leaders that more money is needed to do the job right.

In the Nov. 3 election both Fire District 1 and Fire District 14 passed similar proposals to raise their basic property tax levy rate. Just simple majority approval was needed.

Fire District 1 serves with stations in downtown Everson and at Nugent’s Corner. District 14 has three stations covering Sumas, Kendall and Welcome.

The vote means the tax rate will rise from $.76 to $1.40 per $1,000 of property value in District 1 and from $.83 to $1.30 per $1,000 in District 14.

These are the final numbers in the election: Fire District 1 Property Tax Proposition Yes 1,535 55.22% No 1.245 44.78% Fire District 14 Property Tax Proposition Yes 830 56.58% No 637 43.42% Fire District 1 It was a somewhat different voting base this time for Fire District 1.

The residents of the cities of Everson and Nooksack could actually vote on this issue, in contrast to fire services being contracted with the district before by the leaders of the two cities. Everson and Nooksack directly annexed into the

An addition to the Fire District 14 fire station at Kendall is the top priority now after levy passage. (Lynden Tribune file photo)

fire district in a Feb. 10 special election.

Fire Chief Mel Blankers is thankful for the show of support across both city and rural dwellers.

He said he would love to have seen 100 percent support, but in the time allowed and with available resources, district leaders sought to get the word out about current needs — and looking far to the future as well.

The jump of 84 percent in the property tax rate is “a fairly substantial increase,” Blankers acknowledges, and the district wants to be responsible in using the extra money.

“What drives it for us is the BLS (Basic Life Support) transport, especially during the day,” he said. That is a big time demand forced upon the outlying districts of Whatcom County.

So, because of this levy passage, of first importance Everson will be able to keep up the two-man staffing begun earlier this year. Greg Macy and Reichle Erchinger are the two full-timers in addition to Blankers.

With alternating shifts, that means two firefighters are always on duty from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and they can be supplemented by volunteer responders when

calls come in.

Second, Everson will now be able to order a new pumper truck to replace a 31-year-old one. The process is already under way, Blankers said, and by this time in 2016 he hopes the outfitted new rig is here and in operation.

Because of savings in a capital account and being able to pay mostly cash, Fire District 1 will realize some discounts on this purchase, he said.

In Fire District 1, commissioner Tim Wells was returned unopposed to another six-year term as one of three commissioners.

May your days be merry and bright!

360-966-4444 411 Nooksack Ave. • P.O. Box 4210 Nooksack, WA 98276

• Dr. Greg Iversen • Dr. Kim Feringer • Dr. Karen Kelley • Dr. Josh Borg • Dr. Cathy Mosher P.O. Box 4240 | 302 W. Columbia St. | Nooksack, WA 98276 www.nooksackanimalhospital.com • (360) 966-3207

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 2, 2015

EVERSON-NOOKSACK NEWS Fire District 14 Fire District 14 chief Jerry DeBruin said he was “cautiously optimistic” that the people would see the need presented at several public meetings in the spring and summer.

Those opportunities for input were held before commissioners made their final decisions.

“We tried to be as broad as possible talking to people throughout the district and saying to them, ‘does this make sense?’”

Even the questions that people had were helpful in making sure all issues were addressed, as was the case a few years ago in developing a new capital facilities plan for the district, DeBruin said.

“We learned that you’re better off getting your constituents involved, to bring them in even before we make that decision,” he said. “The positive feedback was more than the negative.”

The few thousand dollars’ cost of an election is also a motivation to do the good research work first.

So now Fire District 14 has a 20year facilities plan and some additional money — starting with the tax collection in 2016 — to carry it out. It will bring a higher level of service that just has to be attained at some point, DeBruin said.

Absolutely highest on the priority

list is to expand the station at Kendall, which is both the most central and the busiest of the three stations. “We’re already working on some plans for that,” the chief said.

A new apparatus facility behind the main Kendall station is the first step.

With the trucks and other equipment then moved in there, it will be possible to remodel the front building for offices, training space and sleeping quarters for a desired 24-7 program.

This whole effort across two years will help to “take the pressure off” the Kendall site, where the demands for emergency response may not be so evident to the casual observer, said DeBruin. A large population is present though largely out of view in the Columbia Valley, while State Route 547 running from Sumas to the Mt. Baker Highway brings a heavy toll of travelers seeking hiking and skiing options according to season — and bringing vehicle emergencies and accidents.

The call volume upon Fire District 14 has grown even faster than projected.

From 887 calls received in 2013, it went up to 1,012 in 2014 and is headed toward 1,100 in 2015.

Also, all outlying fire districts in Whatcom County, for several years now, have been dealing with the burden, and cost, of doing their own transport from Basic Life Support (non-critical) emer-

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Space is crowded for all equipment and gear at the Kendall station. (Lynden Tribune file photo)

gency situations to the hospital in Bellingham.

After gaining better facilities capacity, then probably staffing can be looked at, DeBruin said.

The chief said he thanks the Fire District 14 community for sensing the

fiscal responsibility of raising the levy in order to provide good fire response in the community.

In Fire District 14, commissioner Skip Moore was returned unopposed to another six-year term as one of three commissioners.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Olie bollen & Drinks Savings & Giveaways!

Tractor & Turf

OPEN HOUSE December 11 4:30-6:30pm at the Everson store Wagon Rides and live nativity scene

Christmas Trees Available!

Grand Fir Nordmann Fir Noble Fir

Feed for all animal s!

TOY DRIVE

We’re collecting new and unwrapped toys or donate funds. Together, we will help do MORE this holiday season for those in need. (There will be a TOY DROP BOX located at BROWNS TRACTOR & TURF) www.operationdoingmore.org

Official Drop Off Location:

Store Hours: 8-5:30, Mon. - Fri. • 8-2, Sat.

302 W. Main Street, Everson • 966-3352

Thank you for your business.

Tractor & Turf

304 W. Main St., Everson • 966-3561 www.brownstractor.com All Makes of Lawn & Garden Parts & Service

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 2, 2015

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EVERSON-NOOKSACK NEWS

Homes open for tour to benefit Bethany services locally WHATCOM — Five local homes are open to visitors on Saturday, Dec. 12, in the annual Holiday Homes Tour to benefit Bethany Christian Services.

The touring time is 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets at $20 each are available in advance at Grandiflora Home & Garden of Lynden and also at each of the homes on tour.

The stops are: • Dave and Greta Bouma, 466 W. Badger Rd., Lynden.

• Jerry and Charlotte Kipfer, 531 Wildrose Circle, Lynden.

• Greg and Jan Smit, 9041 Axling Rd., Lynden.

• Dave and Kim Tjoelker, 7989 Trapline Rd., Everson.

• Darryl and Judy Vander Haak, 8281 Double Ditch Rd. (south of Main), Lynden.

Bethany, a global nonprofit with an office at 1031 N. State St., Bellingham, offers adoption, pregnancy support and foster care services.

For more information, call 733-6042 or Marilyn at 201-2098.

The Everson home of Dave and Kim Tjoelker, above, along with the Bouma home, bottom left, and Kipfer home, bottom right, are part of the Bethany Christian Services holiday home tour.

May the peace and joy of the season abide with you throughout the coming year.

Thanks for

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great years!

Join us for an Open House Dec. 4th, 2-5pm in Sumas and Everson offices.

EVERSON

106 E. Lincoln Street • Everson • 966-5181

www.KELLEYINSURE.com SUMAS 966-3732 • 103 W. Main Street 617 Cherry Street • 988-2462

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 2, 2015

EVERSON-NOOKSACK NEWS

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Lynden Tribune Readers Care Fund benefits Nooksack Valley Food Bank

– Advertised by Kelley Insurance

Gerry Tyas helps a client at the Nooksack Valley Food Bank Everson site last summer. The Nooksack Valley Food Bank has been designated a beneficiary of this year’s Lynden Tribune Readers Care Fund. The campaign through the Whatcom Community Foundation continues through December. See ad on page A5. (Brooke Hanson/Lynden Tribune)

Christmas Blessings to you all this season.

Come and enjoy the Winter Festival!

WHATCOM REFRIGERATION

966-5121 • 209 N. Harkness, Everson 24 Hour Service

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 2, 2015

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EVERSON-NOOKSACK NEWS

An award for meritorious U.S. Air Force flights to local flier Pilot David A. Kroontje one of two receiving award in D.C. Thursday WHATCOM — ­ A local couple will be in the Washington, D.C., area on Thursday, Dec. 3, to witness their son and a colleague receiving an award for the most meritorious U.S. Air Force flight during a calendar year.

David M. Kroontje said by email that he and his wife, Nancy, will be on hand to see son USAF Capt. David A. Kroontje, along with Gregory R. Balzhiser, be awarded the 2014 Mackay Trophy by the USAF’s Chief of Staff.

With details from his son, the elder Kroontje forwarded an account of the effort by the Air Force, U.S. Marines and Kurdish Peshmerga, beginning the night of Aug. 11, 2014 and continuing for several days, to save more than 40,000 Iraqi people.

The Mackay Trophy was first presented by Clarence Mackay in 1912 and was later deeded to the National Aeronautic Association. Administered by the U.S. Air Force and NAA, the trophy is awarded for the “most meritorious flight of the year by an Air Force person, persons or organization.”

As outlined in the Air Force nomination, in early August 2014, the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) overran several Iraqi towns, home to the ethnic minority Yazidis.

Over the next several days, ISIL forces began mass executing Yazidi civilians, causing over 40,000 Yazidi civilians to flee north to the elevated terrain of Mount Sinjar with only the supplies they could carry and facing 120-degree temperatures. The U.S. provided humanitarian airdrops of food and water, but the Yazidis remained trapped by ISIL block- This is the type of F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft that David A. Kroontje pilots.. (Courtesy photo) ades and were subject to constant gunfire by entrenched ISIL fighters.

Captains Balzhiser and Kroontje, flying F-16Cs, orchestrated four flawless attacks The two pilots’ dedication to duty, professionalism, bravery, courage and airmanduring an eight-hour night, flying 500 miles over enemy-controlled terrain. Their attacks ship displayed during the Ironhand 41 Flight reflects great credit upon themselves and destroyed three ISIL blockades, multiple armored vehicles and one observation post, the Air Force, the statement said.

The Mackay Trophy is to be presented at the NAA Fall Awards Ceremony on Dec. 3, and killed ISIL fighters who were attacking Yazidi civilians on the mountain.

“Their outstanding battle management caused the cessation of ISIL indirect fire 2015 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia. For more information or to on the civilians, ended ISIL freedom of movement around Mount Sinjar, facilitated the view a complete list of previous recipients, visit www.naa.aero. evacuation corridor by reducing pressure on Peshmerga ground forces, and ultimately The Kroontjes live on Sand Road. Along with son David A., daughter Dayleen flew saved the lives of 40,000 civilians including women, children, elderly and the infirm,” with the Air Force for about 10 years and is now an engineer with Boeing, their dad said.

Both graduated from Mt. Baker High School. stated an NAA press release.

Happy Holidays from MARKET1

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• 966-3271

7 2 9 1 E v e r s o n G o s h e n R o a d • E v e r s o n , WA 9 8 2 4 7

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Next Feeder Sale Sat., Dec. 12 • 12 pm Customers are invited to a Christmas Dinner at the sale December 12 at 11 am!

EVERY MONDAY 12:30pm Cull Cattle, Small Animals & Poultry EVERY WEDNESDAY 1:00pm Dairy & General Livestock Sale Your Consignments Are Appreciated!

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR FOR TRUCKING CALL: Barn: 360-966-3271 • Pete: 360-815-0318 • Terry: 360-815-4897

Come visit Mrs. Claus Sat., Dec. 19 from 1-3 pm

decorating cookies and ornaments here at Blue Mountain Grill.

Good Fun, Great Food.

974 Valley Hwy, Acme 360-595-2200

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 2, 2015

EVERSON-NOOKSACK NEWS

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Everson Library busy place in December Learn how to use a smartphone; explore history; play a ukulele EVERSON ­— This is a recap of December activities at the Everson Library, located at 104 Kirsch Dr., phone number 305-3600: Computer problems? Receive one hour of individual help from Paul Goff, by appointment only; check with a library staff member. For adults.

Get help with genealogy research and digitization of memories. Receive individual assistance using Ancestry.com. This is by appointment; check with a library staff member. For adults.

An antique tool display “The Plane Truth” is in the Nooksack Valley Heritage Center’s display cabinet currently. See hand wood planes and measuring devices from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Roger Germain is sharing planes made with wood frames and adjustable cutting blades from his grandfather’s collection.

For all ages.

Adults are invited to learn and practice conversational English with other English learners. Classes on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. are

co-sponsored with the Whatcom Literacy Council. For adults.

Join the good-natured Kept in Stitches group for an evening of knitting, crocheting, needlework and laughter on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. For all ages.

Do you have a tablet, smartphone or laptop and want to learn how to use your electronic device more effectively? Let Cynthia demonstrate with free one-on-one tech encouragement and support. All ages welcome. Schedule a half-hour appointment on Wednesdays, Dec. 2, 9 and 16, from 2 to 3 p.m.

Drop in for help finding health insurance on the WA Healthplanfinder, Washington’s online health insurance marketplace). A representative from Whatcom Alliance for Health Advancement can assist in enrolling in free or low-cost health insurance (open enrollment ends Jan. 31).

Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) volunteers will also be available to help Medicare beneficiaries explore their Medicare prescription drug plan options (open enrollment ends Dec. 7). Bring names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers for all household members, proof of household income, and immigration documents if applicable. For adults. This is on Thursday, Dec. 3, from 4 to 7 p.m.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of our customers and contractors!

Teens, play Minecraft or board games, make a craft, or just come hang out on three Fridays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. For grades 6-12.

Stock up on inexpensive gifts and books for the holidays at the Friends used book sale behind Peoples Bank across the alley on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For all ages.

Make great gifts for family and friends on Saturday, Dec. 5, starting at 10:30 a.m.

For grades K-5.

Enjoy the lovely tea sets on display, cookies, tea, and musical entertainment at the beloved annual Silver Tea event hosted by the Friends of the Everson Library on Sunday, Dec. 6, from 2 to 5 p.m. This year’s theme is Christmas Around the World. Kids can make crafts, and Santa will also be there. For all ages.

Play & Learn Storytime is an hour of fun, stories, songs and fingerplays followed by a playtime with math, science and literacy toys for 3- to 5-year-olds. The library supplies the toys. This is on Mondays through Dec. 14, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Have you ever seen an 8-year-old girl win a chess match over someone who’s been playing for 20 years? It happens! Staff member Cynthia Rogers leads monthly club meetings including a variety of chess

drills, exercises and practice games. Next one is Wednesday, Dec. 9, from 3 to 5 p.m.

All ages welcome.

Kids and teens can make crafts and treats at their Holiday Gift Bazaar, then bring the whole family to shop at this event on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Anyone can shop. Space for vendors is limited and registration is required.

Call the library for more information.

At NookChat community storytelling on Sunday, Dec. 13, from 3 to 5 p.m. Tom Westergreen shares turn-of-the-century pictures and memories of South Pass and the family farm homesteaded by Gust Westergreen in 1888. He’ll also share from his life as a professional forester and past president of the Washington Farm Forestry Association. Jim Berg is also part of this “Explore the Past; Enrich the Present” informal, interactive gathering sponsored by the Nooksack Valley Heritage Center committee. For all ages.

Singing and strumming on the ukulele has become an international phenomenon. For this monthly event, next on Wednesday, Dec. 23, from 4:15 to 5 p.m., ukuleles will be available for use courtesy of the Bellingham Ukulele Group. Join Cynthia Rogers for a demo, beginning lessons and a song circle. For all ages.

$32.95

We appreciate your loyalty and wish you a wonderful new year.

Your friends at

910 W. Front St. • Sumas #VALLEPE151BM

988-9631 Expires 1.30.16

Happy Holidays from...

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, December 2, 2015

EVERSON-NOOKSACK NEWS