The Northern Light: February 10-16, 2022 by Point Roberts Press

February 10 - 16, 2022

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NWFR will explore finance options, page 2

42nd district House candidates, page 3

PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230

Art exhibit on display at senior center, page 8

No CBP apology Blaine students place at music contest for January 2020 border detention, DelBene says By Grace McCarthy

(See CBP, page 3)

s Blaine High School choir students placed at the San Juan Music Educators Association’s Solo and Ensemble Contest at Bellingham High School on January 29. From l; choir director Andy Marshall, Coner Dudley, Joshua Bacon, Logan Thiessen, Alicia Dubay, Emily Roybal, Helena Macarthur, Isabella Taylor and Evellina Yuryev. Photo by Lisa Moeller

Cherry Point facility expanded without permits, NWCAA investigation finds By Ian Haupt A Northwest Clean Air Agency (NWCAA) investigation into Petrogas’ Cherry Point facility found the liquefied petroleum gas exporter expanded its facility without necessary permits. Beginning in 2015, Petrogas allegedly made a number of changes to its Ferndale facility that increased its railcar shipping capacity. Since those changes, the facility has increased the amount of propane unloaded per year from about 1,000 railcars to more than 16,000 in 2019, accord-

ing to NWCAA’s investigation findings, which were sent to Petrogas and Whatcom County government. Ship traffic also expanded from 2 to 5 moorings, parking a vessel for loading and unloading cargo, per year to 26 in 2019. The company could now face fines and/or further regulation from NWCAA and Whatcom County. Representatives from both the agency and county said all three parties are in communication with each other and negotiations could take months. In December 2020, AltaGas, an energy

Future of Birch Bay library in question By Grace McCarthy The future of the Birch Bay Vogt Community Library is in question after preliminary February 8 special election results showed the library wasn’t meeting the supermajority threshold needed to pass. As of 8 p.m. February 8, the library had 56.7 percent of voters in favor (1,730 votes) and 43.3 percent against (1,319 votes). Proposition 2, which would fund the library’s construction, needs a 60-percent supermajority to pass and 40 percent

of people who voted in the November 2021 election to vote in this election. The Whatcom County Auditor’s Office will continue counting ballots until it certifies election results Friday, February 18. Right now, the auditor’s office has an estimated 1,500 ballots left to count. By 26 votes, the ballot measure failed to meet the supermajority threshold in the November 2021 election. “Given our experience in the November election, we know that it’s not over until it’s over,” said Christine Perkins, Whatcom

County Library System (WCLS) executive director. “We remain hopeful that the remaining votes to be counted will bring the tally to the 60-percent supermajority, however it’s not looking great right now.” Perkins said it looked as though 40 percent of voters in the November election voted in the February special election. The election will determine whether a Birch Bay Library Capital Facility Area (LCFA) will be established and form a (See Library, page 5)

infrastructure company based in Calgary, Alberta, took over controlling interest of Petrogas. Through emissions self-disclosures submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and NWCAA in May 2021, AltaGas notified both agencies that it had found an unpermitted venting of volatile organic compounds at the facility. NWCAA then launched its investigation, reviewing past emissions reporting records, site inspections and information collected from Petrogas. It found that be(See Petrogas, page 3)

INSIDE

After demanding U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officials issue a public apology on the January 2020 detention of Iranian-Americans at a Blaine border crossing, U.S. lawmakers say the request was ignored. U.S. congresswomen Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) called on CBP to issue a formal apology related to the January 4-5, 2020 event in which almost 100 individuals of Iranian descent were detained at the Peace Arch border crossing after an Iranian pop concert in Vancouver. The travelers were crossing the border as tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalated following a U.S. drone strike killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. Some of those who were sent to secondary inspection were held for up to 12 hours and others turned away because of the overcrowded facility. In a November 2021 letter to CBP acting commissioner Troy Miller, DelBene and Jayapal demanded CBP release an internal report on the incident before the incident’s two-year anniversary January 5, 2022. The congresswomen also requested a formal apology for a CBP tweet that denied the interrogation but was later proven false by a CBP whistleblower who said CBP’s Seattle Office of Field Operations in Blaine issued the directive. CBP was also asked to have an Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties’ report published on the event and hold a press conference to issue a public apology and commit to change. In a statement issued to The Northern Light through her spokesperson, DelBene said her office followed up with CBP in January but did not receive an official response. “It is entirely unacceptable that over two years after this incident CBP has not issued a public apology for its disrespectful actions at the Peace Arch border crossing,” DelBene said. “More than just the lack of

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The Northern Light • February 10 - 16, 2022

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By Ian Haupt After having its proposed levy rate increase rejected in the August and November elections, North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) is holding meetings this month with Whatcom County Fire District 4 (WCFD4) to discuss how the districts can fund their continued service. According to a December 2021 chief report, the districts may reintroduce negotiations to form a regional fire authority between NWFR and WCDF4, which foundered last spring. NWFR’s levy lid lift would have increased the current rate of $1.15 per $1,000 of assessed value by 30 cents to $1.45 per $1,000 to replace outdated equipment and increase service to the levels needed in north Whatcom County. But voters rejected the levy by 53.8 percent in the August primary and then with even more opposition in the November general election, by 60.2 percent. Now NWFR faces financial uncertainty as it has increasing calls for service, a growing population, aging equipment and facilities, and tax revenue that has fallen far behind the rate of inflation.

s North Whatcom Fire and Rescue’s Station 62 on Semiahmoo Parkway. File photo

Through an interlocal agreement, NWFR provides operational and logistical services for WCFD4, which was extended in each districts’ December 2021 meeting until December 2022. Together, the districts serve 38,000 people in 156 square miles, in an area that stretches north of Bellingham to the U.S./ Canada border and runs from Birch Bay to east of Lynden. Fire chief Jason Van der Veen said he will have a better idea where both districts stand financially by the end of the month. Representatives from each dis-

tricts’ board of commissioners will be discussing financial strategies in February meetings to decide how to proceed in the future. In his December 2021 administrative report, Van der Veen said the department will further communicate and engage with the public to secure funding for the future. “The public told us 5,613 times in 2021, or 15 times a day, that they need our service,” he wrote, referring to service calls. “We just need to figure out how to show the public that we need their help to fund it.”

Blaine chamber to host annual general meeting at Loomis golf course Friday

include a silent auction, business awards and catered dinner. The event will be held 5-7 p.m. Thursday, February 24 at Loomis Trail Golf, 4342 Loomis Trail Road. This year’s event is a small-

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er-scale version of Bite of Blaine, the chamber’s previous annual general meeting, that was canceled last year because of the pandemic. Although slightly more business-oriented than the Bite of Blaine, community members are welcome to attend the event, chamber executive director Sheila Wood said. A silent auction will raise money for Blaine’s Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration. “This year, we’re planning on doing the car show, parade and firework show,” Wood said of the 4th of July event. “In order to do that, we need support of community members to make it an exciting event.” Bite of Blaine raised about $8,000 during its February 2020 event, according to Wood. Auction prizes will include a one-night stay at Semiahmoo Resort, two rounds of golf at Loomis Trail Golf and a gift basket from Silverado Bellingham Memory Care Community. Dinner and awards will accompany the silent auction. Silver Reef Casino Resort will cater with a mixed greens salad, steak, white cheddar mac and cheese, buttermilk mashed potatoes and rolls. Tickets are $35 each or $280 for an eight-person table. Attendees are encouraged to register early as space with social distancing is limited to 50 guests, Wood said. Registration can be done by visiting blainechamber.com and clicking on “upcoming events.” For more information or to contribute, email Sheila Wood at info@ blainechamber.com.

February 10 - 16, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Full slate of candidates in running for 42nd district House seats

s Kamal Bhachu.

s Alicia Rule.

s Tawsha Thompson.

s Kyle Christensen.

s Dan Johnson.

File photo

Courtesy photo

By Grace McCarthy

November, losing to incumbent Barry Buchanan with 45.4 percent of voters in support. Bhachu immigrated from Punjab, India as a teenager and works at Lynden Sheet Metal. If elected, Bhachu said he wants to make sure Whatcom’s minority communities are being heard, including the East Indian Punjabi, Russian, Ukrainian and Hispanic communities. His top priorities would also include bringing jobs to Whatcom County, creating a safer community, advocating for vocational education through trade schools such as Bellingham Technical College, and helping county residents impacted by

the November floods. “I bring a different perspective from being a minority because I wasn’t born in the U.S. and I believe I can relate to people who aren’t mainstream folks, being the white community,” he said. “I think I can be a liaison to listen to concerns from minorities and bring them to the mainstream community.” Alicia Rule Representative Rule (D-Blaine) is a first-term 42nd district representative who served on Blaine City Council from 2018 to 2020. “These are tough times. The cost of living has skyrocketed, the stress on families is the highest I’ve seen in my lifetime, we

have safety issues that need to be addressed and a whole lot of folks are dealing with mental illness,” she said. “I’m doing work on behalf of Whatcom County and I look forward to doing it as long as folks would like me to be there.” Rule has five bills alive in Olympia, including one that would create grant programs for small businesses recovering from natural disasters and another that would require every public school to have one nurse and one counselor. A five-generation Whatcom County resident, Rule has worked as a psychotherapist and small business owner in the area.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and a master’s degree from San Diego State University. She served as president of Blaine Downtown Alliance. Tawsha Thompson Thompson is a Lynden resident and former police officer. Thompson was one of three candidates Whatcom County Council decided between when appointing the 42nd district’s senator. Thompson grew up on a Lynden dairy farm and spent nearly 25 years at Bellingham Police Department, where she worked as a

These violations resulted in methane, ethane and volatile organic compounds emissions. According to the notice of violation, volatile organic compounds are precursors to ozone, which can be unhealthy to people with lung disease, children older adults and people who are active. Scientific studies have linked ozone exposure to airway irritation, coughing, difficulty breathing, inflammation, aggravation of asthma and permanent lung damage with repeated exposures. Fortunately, NWCAA spokesperson Seth Preston said based on the agency’s air quality monitoring system, it does not believe the company’s emissions increase has been harmful to the community. “We did not see any immediate health impact from the increased emissions from the vent

at Petrogas,” he said. NWCAA is responsible for regulating such emissions in Island, Skagit and Whatcom counties. Companies must report emissions to NWCAA and are required to obtain a permit for expansions that would increase its emissions. Petrogas sought and was granted NWCAA’s permission to replace two aging compressors at the facility in 2016, but it failed to get permits for the expansion, according to NWCAA. The Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) checklist submitted to the county for the compressor replacement project stated that Petrogas promised there would be no additional expansions and the project wouldn’t increase the facility’s railcar traffic. However, according to NWCAA, Petrogas quadrupled its railcar handling and

was already underreporting its emissions. NWCAA notified Whatcom County of Petrogas’ expansion as the county was the lead permitting agency in the 2016 replacement project and could be the lead agency in future permitting processes. Mark Personius, Whatcom County planning and development services director, said in an email the county is currently in an information gathering stage and is reviewing whether there

are issues with the SEPA review. “We have also met with AltaGas to request additional information about Petrogas operations, past, present and future,” he wrote. “Once we have all the information about those operations and how they relate to Petrogas’ permitting with NWCAA and Whatcom County over the last five to seven years, we can better determine the regulatory compliance path going forward for the Petrogas facility.”

The 42nd Legislative District’s two representative seats are up in the August primary elections, and with a full slate of candidates for both Position 1 and Position 2, races look like they’ll have a competitive edge. District 42 – Position 1 First-term state representative Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) is the 42nd district’s Position 1 incumbent. Rule is being challenged by Republicans Kamal Bhachu and Tawsha Thompson. Kamal Bhachu Bhachu is a Blaine resident who ran for Whatcom County Council’s at-large position last

Petrogas ... From page 1

tween 2014 and 2019 Petrogas modified the facility’s method of operation to increase its rail and ship deliveries. AltaGas spokesperson Stephanie Cook told The Northern Light in an email that equipment to reduce emissions at the Ferndale facility has since been installed. Cook also said AltaGas is also working with NWCAA and Whatcom County to review the permit history of the facility and ensure operations comply with or exceed applicable laws, regulations and industry standards. “We are committed to operating Ferndale in a safe and responsible manner, and are focused on maintaining safe and reliable operations, protecting the environment and reducing our impact,” Cook wrote. The facility is the only operating liquefied petroleum gas export terminal on the West Coast, according to Petrogas’ website.

CBP ... From page 1

apology, CBP has not made the structural reforms that are needed to ensure these incidents don’t happen again in the future.” DelBene said she will continue to push CBP’s public apology and release of an internal report on the detention. “I will continue to raise this with the Biden administration until I receive a satisfactory answer,” she said. A CBP spokesperson did not respond to request for comment by press time.

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The Northern Light • February 10 - 16, 2022

Opinion

The Northern L ght The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc. Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors. Letters Policy The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Consumer complaints should be submitted directly to the business in question or the local chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com.

Custer rest areas reopen after three months

Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com

s The two Custer rest areas along I-5 are reopened after the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) closed them last October because of lack of resources and available staff. The Custer rest areas were among several rest areas between Everett and the U.S./Canada border that were expected to be closed for three months. Photo by Grace McCarthy

Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Ian Haupt ian@pointrobertspress.com Reporting Intern Georgia Costa prpintern@pointrobertspress.com Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser production@pointrobertspress.com Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Gary Lee sales@pointrobertspress.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com Contributors In This Issue Doug Dahl The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVII, No 34 Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

Letters The Editor: According to CBC reporting, 90 percent of Canadian truck drivers are Covid-19 vaccinated. Therefore the recent anti-vaxx’er support rally was weirdly misinformed. A super-spreader event for malcontents. Why maximize publicity of such a display of ignorance and irresponsibility? A death count of over 34,000 people in Canada and 900,000 in the U.S. should be considered significant. Give the protesting truckers what they deserve: Unemployment? We should be sanely celebrating the vast majority, 90 percent, of the responsible Canadian truckers who value their health, their family, friends and those they meet daily. Don Starr Blaine The Editor: The last few months you have carried a number of articles, letters and ads, not to mention charts from the Whatcom County health department, dealing with climate

change, green jazz and the “safety and efficiency” of these so-called vaccines. All presented without questions or pretense of objective reporting. The opinion page is, after all, opinion, which serves as a catalyst to promote healthy dialogue and the advancement of differing viewpoints. But certainly you know others in the community who could articulate in a cogent and logical manner questions and counterpoints needful in any intelligent discussion over issues that affect – that negatively affect – all of us? Remember when cheap plastic bags were going to save the trees? How well did that work out? A one-sided narrative does not serve us well. At the end of the Vietnam War we went to an all-volunteer military. There was an ad on the radio for the National Guard, presented as a conversation between the advocate and the doubter. At the end of the ad – the very end – the doubter says, “You know Charlie, that’s food for thought.” Immediately the DJ chimes in, “Ya, but you

Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Clarification In an article in the February 3 issue of The Northern Light titled “Noticing a difference in to-go orders recently? The state’s new plastic laws may be why,” it was included that people can request togo serviceware. The state law also allows businesses to ask customers which to-go serviceware they would like as well as customers to select to-go serviceware from a self-service station.

Civic Meetings Birch Bay Water & Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4 p.m., district offices, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info and Zoom meeting link: bbwsd.com. Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info and virtual meeting login: ci.blaine.wa.us.

Next issue: Feb. 17 Ads due: Feb. 11

gotta be careful what you swallow!” You know, Editor, I kinda think we’d all be better off if more people would take that DJ’s advice. But then, truth seems to be an unpalatable and indigestible component in our modern diet. Mark Aaron Aamot Custer

Blaine Planning Commission: Second and fourth Thursdays, 6 p.m. Info: blainepc@cityofblaine.com. Info for joining Zoom meetings: bit.ly/2CiMKnk.

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., location varies. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. Virtual meeting info: bbbparkandrec.org/board-meetings. CHANGE: March meeting will be 3:30 p.m. Blaine Park and Cemetery Board: Second Thursday, 9 a.m., virtual meeting. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330. Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info and virtual meeting link: blainesd.org. North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Third Thursday, 11 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.

February 10 - 16, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Candidates ... From page 3

police sergeant in charge of the special victims unit. She served as a Bellingham representative for the Washington council of police and sheriffs (WACOPS), a lobbying group that works with state legislators in Olympia. “I caught the bug and was like, ‘Where else can I serve my community in a different way than law enforcement?’” Thompson said. “The doors opened for me and I’m going to walk through them.” Thompson’s top priorities include public safety, making sure farmers feel supported and improving flood management. Thompson said she was re-

lieved of her police duties in December after being unable to attain a vaccine exemption as she waited for the U.S. Federal Drug Administration to approve the vaccine she wanted. District 42 – Position 2 The 42nd district’s Position 2 two-term incumbent Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) is in the running for the district’s senate seat, leaving the House’s Position 2. Republicans Kyle Christensen, of Sumas, and Dan Johnson, of Laurel, have joined the race for the Position 2 seat after Richard May, a Blaine Democrat, and Joe Timmons, a Bellingham Democrat filed in 2021 to run for the position. Kyle Christensen Christensen served as mayor of Sumas during the November

floods and now works as Whatcom County recovery manager for the flood disaster. “I felt like there was more that I could do,” he said. “With my four years as mayor, I saw the impact I was able to make and wanted to take that experience to the state level.” Christensen said his top priority is to help with the housing crisis and homelessness issues. He said he would also like for people to be able to make their choice with vaccine mandates. “I want to the government to protect our liberties and freedoms so we can live our lives in a way we want when it comes down to freedom of religion, freedom of speech and freedom of making decisions for ourselves.”

Raised on a dairy farm, Christensen attended community college and worked as a small business owner. He also worked as a sheriff’s deputy in Umatilla, Oregon and has spent over 25 years as a volunteer firefighter. Dan Johnson Laurel resident Dan Johnson is running as a Republican to be a 42nd district representative. Johnson owned a towing company for 17 years and spent four years in the U.S. Marine Corps before being honorably discharged. Johnson runs The Hook News, an online podcast where he discusses local and state events. “I’m running because I feel there’s a lack of leadership in Olympia and I want to be part of a solution to change that,” he

said. If elected, Johnson said his top priorities would be schools, small businesses, working on police reform and the county’s river and forest management. Johnson would like to see more control brought back to school districts and prioritize people over fish when looking at Nooksack River flood management. With the help of late senator Doug Ericksen in 2011, Johnson said he wrote Hailey’s Law, which required law enforcement to impound a drunk driver’s vehicle for 12 hours to allow the driver to sober up. Johnson’s towing company responded to Hailey’s car accident, a Whatcom County woman whom the law is named after.

Birch Bay beekeeper named 2021 beekeeper of the year

s Birch Bay beekeeper Ruthie Danielsen was awarded “2021 Beekeeper of the Year” by Washington State Beekeepers Association. Photo by Grace McCarthy

By Grace McCarthy A Birch Bay beekeeper received a statewide award for her dedication to protecting honeybees from the Asian giant hornet. Washington State Beekeepers Association (WASBA), a nonprofit focused on beekeeping education, named Birch Bay beekeeper Ruthie Danielsen as its 2021 Beekeeper of the Year. In her two-year journey to educate the public on the invasive Asian giant hornets, Danielsen has

Library ... From page 1

LCFA board that would issue bonds to pay for the expected $6.5 million library. If passed, property owners in the LCFA boundary would pay 11 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, or about $38 annually for a $350,000 home, according to the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS). Only voters in the proposed The LCFA boundary could vote on the ballot measure. A $2 million state appropriation could also be in jeopardy if the library project isn’t making significant progress by May 2023, WCLS executive director Chris-

done everything from purchasing the first hornet nest found in the U.S. to helping the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) hang plastic bottle traps. “I’m absolutely humbled,” said Danielsen, a hobbyist beekeeper with six hives of her own. “It’s wonderful but I’m just humbled because my motive for going after the hornet is it just needs to be done.” Danielsen first became concerned about the Asian giant tine Perkins previously said. About 32 percent of voters turned in their ballots for the February election, with 34,840 ballots counted by 8 p.m. Election Day. Perkins emphasized her appreciation for active library supporters who she said have put their hearts and souls into the project, from sign waving to writing letters in support. She said the WCLS will wait until results are certified to plan the next steps if Proposition 2 doesn’t pass. “If it doesn’t pass, that will be a message about what the community wants or doesn’t want,” Perkins said. “We’ll have to check in with the community on the best way forward.”

hornet when she listened to a February 2020 presentation about the hornets at a Mt. Baker Beekeepers Association meeting, a local beekeeper organization in which she’s involved. Immediately, Danielsen spurred into action and, with WSDA’s help, started organizing trapping supplies among Whatcom County beekeepers and educating members of the public on the importance of eradicating the species from North America. Danielsen’s efforts were captured in Discovery Plus’ “Attack of the Murder Hornets” that documented state scientists’ and beekeepers’ work to track the hornets and eradicate ‘nest zero,’ the first nest found and destroyed in the U.S. While watching the documentary for the first time, Danielsen learned an east Blaine resident decided to keep ‘nest zero’ that was eradicated on his property instead of using it for education. She tracked down the land-

owner and purchased the nest, which she loaned to WSDA for additional testing before educating the public on the nest and its hornets at the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden. The nest is next slated to go on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. The first hornet discovered in the U.S. was found in Whatcom County near the end of 2019. Native to Asia, the hornets raised concern among scientists worried about the apex predator’s ability to decapitate a honeybee colony in a matter of hours. Every year since 1987, WASBA honors beekeepers across Washington for their skilled beekeeping, improving the industry’s image and volunteering in related projects, according to its website. “The hobby of beekeeping tends to attract many selfless people who are willing to go an extra mile for the sake of

others,” WABSA included in its announcement on the award. “Ruth Danielsen from Blaine perfectly exemplifies this.”

CITY OF BLAINE Due to COVID-19 and the Governor’s Proclamation, meetings are now only open to the public telephonically. Information on how to listen to the meeting live will be on the City Council agenda which is located on the City’s website homepage under Your Government, City Council, City Council Agenda. Please check the agenda prior to each meeting as the call in number or location may change.

Thursday, February 10 9:00am – Parks and Cemetery Board Meeting

6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting *CANCELLED*

Monday, February 14 5:00pm – Study Session: Kulshan Land Trust

6:00pm – City Council Meeting Monday, February 21 City Offices Closed – Presidents’ Day

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Tuesday, February 22 3:00pm – Civil Service

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Thursday, February 24 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting

360-332-7100 360-332-7100 www.blaineimmigration.com • 435 Martin St., Suite 1010 • Blaine, WA

Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website. Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.

www.blaineimmigration.com • 435 Martin St., Suite 2010 • Blaine, WA

www.cityofblaine.com

Leonard atLaw Law LeonardD.M. D.M.Saunders, Saunders, Attorney Attorney at

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The Northern Light • February 10 - 16, 2022

Covid-19 in Whatcom County, by school district boundaries: Recent two-week case rates, cumulative counts and vaccinations Blaine Vaccination: 74% Case rate: 934

Lynden Nooksack Valley Vaccination: 57% Vaccination: 54% Case rate: 1,418 Case rate: 1,403

Ferndale Meridian Vaccination: 69% Vaccination: 66% Case rate: 1,198

Mount Baker Vaccination: 49% Case rate: 772

Case rate: 918

s The city of Blaine is soliciting proposals for its Downtown Revitalization Project that will be due February 25. Photo by Ian Haupt

City soliciting proposals for downtown revitalization The city of Blaine is accepting proposals for its Downtown Revitalization Project. Proposals are due to the city by 5 p.m. Friday, February 25. The project goal is to strengthen Blaine’s downtown area through five blocks of Peace Portal Drive from the roundabout near I-5 to Clark Street. “The purpose of the project is to create a ‘complete street’ that will facilitate the rejuvenation of downtown and set the stage for future development,” according to the city’s request for proposal.

The project will create more pedestrian amenities and improve sidewalks to align better with Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Two gateway arches will be added to downtown, while street furniture, flower planters, bike racks, waste and recycling bins will be replaced and/or installed. The project’s objectives are to build a design based on the Washington State Department of Transportation complete street

Bellingham Vaccination: 81% Case rate: 883

s The case rate is the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people over the past two weeks. New cases are the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the last week. Vaccination is the percentage of the population that has had at least one vaccine shot. Rates were updated January 29.

By Grace McCarthy

(See project, page 16)

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s Blaine school district staff administer PCR tests to students and staff at the districts drive through testing February 9. Testing is offered 10:30-11 a.m. Monday through Friday. Photos by Ian Haupt

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There have been 1,581 Covid-19 cases in Whatcom County in the past week (January 30 to February 6), or 4.5 percent of the county’s total Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic, according to Whatcom County Health Department data. The Blaine school district area had the third lowest Covid-19 case rates in the county, at 934. The Lynden school district area had the highest Covid-19 cases in the county, with 1,418 cases per 100,000 people. Mount Baker school district had the lowest case rate at 772 cases per 100,000. Eight county residents died from Covid-19 in the past reporting week, bringing the virus’ death toll up to 242 people in Whatcom County. On February 8, 46 PeaceHealth patients had either been admitted for Covid-19 or tested positive for Covid-19 after being admitted for another reason. Children 5-17 years old have the highest Covid-19 transmissions in the county, with 1,798 cases per 100,000 people, a 32.7 percent case rate decrease from the previous week. People 65 and older had the lowest case rates with 294 cases per 100,000. The health department released its weekly Covid-19 report for January 23 through January 29. Fifty-six people were hospitalized, but the health department did not have their vaccination data available. Nearly 60 percent of the total Covid-19 cases were from people unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. Seven people died that week: Two unvaccinated men in their 70s, an unvaccinated man in his 80s, a vaccinated woman in her 90s and three vaccinated men and in their 90s. For more Whatcom County information, visit whatcomcounty.us/covidvaccine and whatcomcounty.us/coviddata. State information is available at bit.ly/3r2URJj.

February 10 - 16, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Sports Girls basketball beats Mount Baker with late basket in first round, other winter sports post-season action By Ian Haupt Blaine girls basketball defeated Mount Baker 34-33 Tuesday night in the high school gymnasium after an enthralling second half. At halftime the Lady Borderites led the Mountaineers 21-15, but the Baker girls doubled-up in the third quarter, taking a 30-27 lead into the fourth. Leading most of the quarter, the Mountaineers appeared to be putting an upsetting end to Blaine’s season, until senior Hailey Pike put the Borderites back in the lead with only seconds remaining in the game. With a big stuff at the other end of the court, Hailey and the team saw the game

s Blaine’s Hailey Pike scores the game-winning layup in the Borderites’ 34-33 win over Mount Baker Tuesday night. Photo by Janell Kortlever

out and advanced to the second round of post-season. Head coach Ryan Pike said he was pleased with how the girls played and were able to finish off the game. “The first quarter we came out really strong,” he said. “Then we cooled off a bit, but we made enough baskets in the fourth [quarter] to get the job done.” Hailey finished the game with 14 points. Sophomore Deja Dube and senior Krystin Kamrath both finished with eight and sophomore Alia Ball had four. Blaine will go on to face Meridian Thursday, February 10, at 5:30 p.m. at Meridian High School in the second round of the district tournament. The winner of that game will then go on to play the loser of the district championship game between Nooksack Valley and Lynden Christian on Tuesday, February 15, while the loser is out. Pike said he wants the team to be competitive against the Meridian Trojans. “It’s a game that if we play our best basketball I think we can win,” he said. “So hopefully we can get them this time.” In regular season play, the Blaine girls lost to Meridian 50-29 on the road. The girls finished their regular season 8-10. Sports roundup Boys basketball The Borderites finished their regular season competition with a seven-game winning streak after a narrow 65-63 away win over Ferndale Saturday. The win secures them the second seed in the 1A district tournament. They are scheduled to play the first seed and last team they’ve

lost to this season Lynden Christian Friday night, February 11, at 7:30 p.m. at Nooksack Valley in the district championship game. The winner advances to the district 1 /2 crossover while the loser has another chance Tuesday night, February 15, to advance. The boys finished the regular season 12-5 in all competition. Wrestling The boys varsity wrestling team won the sub-regionals tournament last weekend in Granite Falls with a total of 369 points. Mount Baker was second with 214.5 points. Head coach Tom Hinz said the team had 22 wrestlers out of the 24 that competed qualify for the regional tournament in Hoquiam this weekend. “We hope to win the regional tournament and to have a high percentage of wrestlers move on to state,” he said. Hinz added that he thinks and hopes 15 to 18 boys will qualify for the state championship tournament.

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s Twenty-two Borderite wrestlers will compete in the regional tournament in Hoquiam this weekend after the boys won the sub-regionals tournament with a total of 369 points. Photo by Rie Pomeroy

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The Northern Light • February 10 - 16, 2022

Active S eniors

New exhibit at senior center showcases the art of aging

s “The Art of Aging” will be on exhibit at the Blaine senior center, 763 G Street, during February. The exhibit features the life stories of 20 Whatcom County residents over 65 years old as a way to shift stereotypes on aging. Photo by Georgia Costa

B y G e o r gi a C o s t a What began as an idea at a community meeting, Marie Eaton of the Palliative Care Institute and artist Sarah Lane created a traveling exhibit to show the experiences of older adults in Whatcom County. During the month of February, the Blaine senior center will showcase “The Art of Aging” exhibition as it travels across seniors centers throughout the county.

The project is a culmination of the life stories of 20 county residents from 65 to 99 years old. Lane painted their portraits and Eaton conducted the interviews. On a wall at the senior center, the portraits reside with the names of the interviewees, and a QR code next to them that can be scanned for participants to hear the interviews. “We tend to paint broad brush strokes of older people,” Lane said. “65 year olds get senior discounts, but we don’t see the

great contributions they’ve done throughout their lives.” The goal is to communicate the stories people don’t usually see, center director Gordon MacGregor said. “These paintings and audio shorts are so interesting.” “The Art of Aging” is part of a larger initiative of Aging Well Whatcom, and has the goal of shifting cultural stereotypes about aging. Aging Well Whatcom is a community initiative to encourage and affirm the health and wellness of older residents of

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the county. After the initial idea at an initiative meeting, Eaton and Lane submitted a grant proposal to the Chuckanut Health Foundation and Palliative Care Institute so they could interview 20 people about their life experiences. Richard Scholtz, a Whatcom County musician and audio engineer, condensed the hour-long Zoom calls into five-minute interviews. When finding interviewees, they sought to reach diversity in geographic representation and life experience, Lane said. “Fishing, farming, business, nonprofits and different communities are what Whatcom County is,” she said. They reached out to several organizations, including agricultural, to find representation in those underrepresented. The interviews took over a year because of the complexities of virtual interview scheduling. During the calls, Lane found a

common theme: Aside from everyone sharing their lives from childhood to now, she said they all emphasized how fulfilling a sense of community is. Whether it was when they were in the military or nursing homes, community is a universal importance. Another common denominator Lane noticed was when the individuals were asked if there was a book or movie that represented their experience as an older adult. Each time the interviewees struggled to answer, which Lane said opened her eyes in realizing the general narrative of older communities. “There’s nothing out there that represents individuals’ experiences accurately,” she said. Lane will discuss the project at the Blaine senior center 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 23. People may also view the virtual exhibit at bit.ly/333Jsld.

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February 10 - 16, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

New personal trainer shows benefits of fitness at Blaine Senior Center B y G e o r gi a C o s t a With over 40 years of experience, Blaine Senior Center’s newest personal trainer Donald Boose is dedicated to a holistic and educational approach to improving the lifestyle and fitness of those in the community who are 50 years and up. Before arriving at his strength training class at the senior center’s gym, a few things are necessary. First and foremost, attendees must be well-hydrated, fed and

rested, Boose said. Participants also have to bring a doctor’s note stating their medical condition (if they have one), blood pressure, heart rate and the OK to exercise. Boose advises that during the workout, folks keep track of their heart rate, maintain balance and actively think about correct form. “When people don’t know how to do an exercise, they watch other people do it,” he said, adding that if people aren’t aware of their movements, it can be very dangerous and potentially lead to injury.

s Donald Boose teaches strength training 12:30-1:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the Blaine senior center’s gym. Photo by Grace McCarthy

The two main things to do after a workout are to eat and hydrate, Boose said, while stretching is also vital. “The number one thing to establish a good fitness routine is a change in lifestyle,” he said. “If you want to keep living the way you do, you must prioritize fitness.” He added that exercise is just as much of a priority as work and play. “A lot of people come into my class and are just going through the motions,” Boose said. “They don’t really care.” According to Harvard Medical School, people lose 3 to 5 percent of muscle mass per decade after turning 30 years old and most men lose about 30 percent of their muscle mass throughout their lives. Consistent exercise will help people maintain strength as they age and lengthen their lifespan, Boose said. “If you stop moving your muscles, they’ll fail you,” he said. Personal trainers need to know a participant’s medication intake because it affects balance, according to Harvard Medical School. Balance is essential during exercise, as well as remembering the five components of fitness. The five components of physical fitness are muscular strength,

muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and body fat composition, Boose said. During a fitness routine, cardio as a warmup is good for the cardiovascular aspect, and everything that follows goes with the five components, he said.

Boose’s strength training classes are 12:30-1:30 p.m. every Tuesdays and Thursdays. The next five-week session starts Tuesday, February 15. “I want to educate people,” he said. “People need to prioritize exercise with work and family.”

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The Northern Light • February 10 - 16, 2022

Highlights from Olympia: How did your elected representatives vote? Road Rules: Rep. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine)

A project of the Washington Policy Center, WashingtonVotes.org issues a periodic report of recent votes cast by state lawmakers in Olympia. Following are the votes cast in January by District 42 representatives Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) and Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) and state senator Simon Sefzik (R-Ferndale). More details on the bills can be found online at wavotes.org.

Rep. Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham)

2022 House Bill 1699: Permitting individuals retired from the public employees retirement system, the teachers retirement system, and the school employees retirement system additional opportunities to work for a school district for up to 1,040 hours per school year

2022 House Bill 2057: Strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusion in the state patrol workforce

2022 House Bill 1593:Expanding the landlord mitigation program to alleviate the financial burden on victims attempting to flee domestic violence, sexual assault, unlawful harassment, or stalking

2022 House Bill 1834: Concerning student excused absences for mental health reasons

2022 House Concurrent Resolution 4407: Amending the redistricting plan for state legislative and congressional districts

2021 House Bill 1141: Increasing access to the death with dignity act

2022 House Bill 2019: Increasing educational and training opportunities for careers in retail

2022 House Bill 1973: Concerning the recording of school board meetings

2022 House Bill 1765: Ensuring the ongoing sustainability and vitality of the Washington health benefit exchange by eliminating the expiration date of its business and occupation tax exemption

2022 House Bill 1957: Establishing a small business disaster recovery financial assistance program 2022 House Bill 1725: Concerning the creation of an endangered missing person advisory designation for missing indigenous persons

2022 House Bill 1719: Concerning use and acquisition of military equipment by law enforcement agencies 2022 House Bill 1700: Concerning sustainable funding for the derelict vessel removal account using the vessel watercraft excise tax

Sen. Simon Sefzik (R-Ferndale)

2021 Senate Bill 5004: Providing a tax exemption for medical marijuana patients

2021 Senate Bill 5042: Concerning the effective date of certain actions taken under the growth management act

2022 Senate Bill 5634: Updating the utilities and transportation commission’s regulatory fees

2022 Senate Bill 5641: Promoting local agriculture through greenhouses

2022 Senate Bill 5612: Ensuring domestic violence victims and survivors of victims have the opportunity to make a statement during sentencing for all domestic violence convictions

2022 Senate Bill 5504: Extending current discover pass free days from state parks to all state recreation sites and lands

2022 Senate Bill 5617: Concerning population criteria for designation of local downtown and neighborhood commercial district revitalization and official local main street programs

2021 Senate Bill 5036: Concerning conditional commutation by the clemency and pardons board

2022 House Concurrent Resolution 4407: Amending the redistricting plan for state legislative and congressional districts

2022 Senate Bill 5583: Requiring the adjustment of census data for local redistricting to reflect the last known place of residence for incarcerated persons

2022 Senate Bill 5613: Concerning the use of dogs to hunt black bear, cougar, or bobcat

2021 Senate Bill 5428: Concerning the application of the state environmental policy act to temporary shelters and transitional encampments

2022 Senate Bill 5615: Designating pickleball as the official state sport

Addressing unsafe driving By Doug Dahl Question: What action should one take when witnessing severe unsafe driving? For example, on a recent trip I saw a semi-truck repeatedly cross traffic lanes, three motorcycles drive in between lanes and cars through traffic, and two cars race ahead at 80-plus mph. Should these incidents just be ignored? Do you call 911 to report unsafe driving? Or, do you stay in your zone listening to podcasts to avoid your own road rage from building? Answer: Anyone who has been driving for a while has had a day when another driver seriously annoyed you. And there’s a good chance there has been a day when you were the annoying driver, too. Hopefully not on purpose, but mistakes are inevitable in life, and if driving is part of your life, you’ll make mistakes there, too. Then there are times when another driver actually scares you. Maybe you fear for yourself, or possibly you have a vicarious fear for the other drivers on the road. Things like a semi-truck drifting into another lane or cars racing down the freeway can do that. Your question is actually doing a lot of the heavy lifting for me. If another driver annoys you, listen to your podcast, do some breathing exercises, practice empathy and understand that maybe the other driver didn’t signal for their lane change because they’re thinking about the medical needs of an aging parent, or maybe the driver is a victim of an underdeveloped organ; the brain, in case you’re wondering which one. On a related side note, we can get our driver license when we’re 16 years old, but the decision-making part of our brain doesn’t fully develop until we’re 25. But if a driver’s behavior is posing a threat, 911 is a good choice. We’ve been taught to call 911 only in an emergency, so allow me to reframe that a bit. If you saw a person walking up to your neighbor’s house at night carrying a crowbar, would you wait until they pried the front door open to call 911? Maybe it’s a crowbar salesman with insomnia, but why not intervene before the sound of splintering wood proves you wrong? Likewise, you’d call 911 if you rolled up on the scene of a crash; consider calling 911 if you observe behavior that’s likely to cause a crash. Much of police work is responding after an incident. Traffic enforcement is one of the few opportunities police have to intervene before something bad happens. On its website, the Washington State Patrol specifically requests that you report aggressive, distracted or impaired (See Road Rules, page 13)

February 10 - 16, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

NEXT ISSUE: Feb. 17

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Legal IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Michael Ronald Seal, Deceased. NO. 21-4-00983-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030). JUDGE: Robert E. Olson. The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: January 27, 2022 Personal Representative: Elisabeth A. Christensen aka Lisa A. Christensen 1905 Washington Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 21-4-00983-37.

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Legal IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: STEVEN ALAN DAGGS, Deceased. No. 224-00037-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge David Freeman. The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 AND 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: January 19, 2022 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: January 27, 2022 Name of Administrator: JAMES E. KRAXNER Attorney for Administrators: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262 Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com DATED: January 21, 2022 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator JAMES E. KRAXNER www.averyelderlaw.com

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: ALSON D. WENDLAND (AKA DALE WENDLAND), Deceased. No. 22-4-00063-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge David Freeman. The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 AND 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: January 24, 2022 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: January 27, 2022 Name of Administrator: CINDY MAXWELL Attorney for Administrators: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262 Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com DATED: January 24, 2022 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator CINDY MAXWELL

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Chih Kwang Li, Deceased. NO. 22-400043-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: Evan P. Jones The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: February 3, 2022 Personal Representative: Alvin Li 2605 Bakersfield Court Henderson, NV 89052 Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 22-4-00043-37.

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: JOHN STEVEN CAUSEY, Deceased. No. 224-00063-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Robert E. Olson. The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 AND 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: January 24, 2022 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: January 27, 2022 Name of Administrator: ELIZABETH ANNE CAUSEY Attorney for Administrators: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262 Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com DATED: January 24, 2022 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator ELIZABETH ANNE CAUSEY www.averyelderlaw.com

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: GARRY J. HUMMER, Deceased. No. 22-4-0068-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Lee Grochmal The Personal Representative named below has been appointed and has qualified as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 AND 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: January 25, 2022 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: January 27, 2022 Name of Personal Representative: CHRISTOPHER HUMMER Attorney for Personal Representatives: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262 Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com DATED: January 25, 2022 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Personal Representative: CHRISTOPHER HUMMER

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: HOLLY LYNN FLORIS, Deceased. No. 22-400102-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge David Freeman The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 AND 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: February 1, 2022 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: February 3, 2022 Name of Administrator: JAMES ROBERT FLORIS Attorney for Administrators: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262 Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com DATED: February 1, 2022 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator JAMES ROBERT FLORIS www.averyelderlaw.com

FIND IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

The Northern Light • February 10 - 16, 2022

Real Estate 50XX South Beach Road, Pt. Roberts

5835 Semiahmoo Drive, Birch Point $999,888

Bay Properties Semiahmoo homeS, inc.

N W L U X U RY R E A L E S TAT E AT A H I G H E R L E V E L 4712 North Golf Course Drive, Birch Bay $110,000 SEALINKS NEIGHBORHOOD!

RARE corner lot available in a quiet gated community within walking distance to the water and restaurants! Sea Links at Birch Bay is close to the US / CDN border and has easy access to I-5. Ever thought of living close to the water? Looking to build the home of your dreams? This could be the perfect opportunity in a growing area with few lots available. NOTE: Lots 18, 19 & 20 are also being sold together by the same owner - just down the street!

GREAT BUILDING LOT!

11.33 ACRE ESTATE theridgeatsemiahmoo.com PROPERTY WITH A VIEW! Rare west facing marine view estate property encompassing 11.33 acres overlooking bays, mountains, & islands, located on Birch Point plateau high above pristine NW waters. Spectacular sunsets. Beautifully forested, relatively level with slight slope eastward & ready to build dream home with elbow room offering privacy & exclusivity. Located hour south of Vancouver & under 2 hours to Seattle. Natural beauty & environment property is a mile from Semiahmoo with its Inn, golf course, & 300 slip marina. Property could potentially be divided - offering 2 separate properties.

CeCelia Breivik • (360) 303-8161

7806 Birch Bay Drive #415, Birch Bay $399,999

ANOTHER FABULOUS END GARDEN BIRCH BAY CONDO! UNIT AT JACOB’S LANDING! Views of the water, magical sunsets, prime beach access and all of the amenities that Jacob’s Landing has to offer: Indoor pool and hot tub, tennis courts, racquet ball court plus a game room and social room that can be reserved for your functions! This 2 BD, 1 BA unit comes furnished with laminate floors, wall to wall carpet and tiles. Life on the beach is quite awesome with restaurants and cafes nearby, crabbing and clamming, kayaking and miles of beach to explore. Make this your primary residence or a weekend get-a-way bring your beach buckets and enjoy!

Ruth Skeete • (360) 358-5075

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Terry Conway • (360) 410-0503

5273 Drayton Harbor Road, Blaine $1,595,000

DEVELOPMENT WATERFRONT, WATER VIEW & OPPORTUNITY! DEVELOPMENT ON 3 PARCELS! Amazing opportunity! 22.71 +/- acres of WATERFRONT, WATER VIEW & DEVELOPMENT on 3 properties located very near Semiahmoo. Privacy on all 3 parcels. Parcel A includes 3 bedroom home with views of Mt. Baker & Drayton Harbor & is on 5 acres. Outbuilding could be detached garage. Parcel B has 120+/- feet of salt waterfront on Drayton Harbor, private beach. Property also boasts spectacular views of bays, White Rock & Coastal Mountains. Parcel C is 17 acres covered with trees and could be developed with 3 homes on acreage under current zoning. Easy access to I-5.

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Classifieds are online at thenorthernlight.com/classifieds Legal IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: WILLIAM JOSEPH BROWN, JR, Deceased. No. 22-4-00118-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Robert E. Olson. The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 AND 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: February 4, 2022 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: February 10, 2022 Name of Administrator: CINDY MAXWELL Attorney for Administrators: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262 Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com DATED: February 4, 2022 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator CINDY MAXWELL www.averyelderlaw.com

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Sherry B. Sletvik aka Sherry B. Van Diest, Deceased. NO. 22-4-00066-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: David E. Freeman The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: February 10, 2022 Personal Representative: Douglas Van Diest 3205 S Pass Road Everson, WA 98247 Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 22-4-00066-37.

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: NEIL PETER ANDERSON, Deceased. No. 224-00109-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Evan Jones The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 AND 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: February 3, 2022 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: February 10, 2022 Name of Administrator: ERIK PETER ANDERSON Attorney for Administrators: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262 Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com DATED: February 3, 2022 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator ERIK PETER ANDERSON www.averyelderlaw.com

NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Superior Court of the State of Washington, In and for the County of Whatcom, In re the Estate of Richard Donald Adams. Probate No. 21-400996-37. Judge: David Freeman. The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the Clerk of this Court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice (twenty-four (24) months if notice is not published). If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of first publication: 2/3/22. Personal Representative: Lisa Robbins. Attorney for the Estate: Keith Bode, WSBA #7791, 314 5th Street, P.O. Box 688, Lynden, WA 98264-0688, Tel. (360) 354-5021

Find it, Sell it, Buy it, Rent it IN THE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Superior Court of the State of Washington, In and for the County of Whatcom, In re the Estate of Brenton Noble Smith. Probate No. 22-4-0006537 Judge: Evan Jones. The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the Clerk of this Court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice (twenty-four (24) months if notice is not published). If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of first publication: 2/3/22. Personal Representative: Michael Smith. Attorney for the Estate: Keith Bode, WSBA #7791, 314 5th Street, P.O. Box 688, Lynden, WA 98264-0688, Tel. (360) 354-5021

CLASSIFIEDS! call 332-1777

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Matter and Estate of: DONNA JEAN BARRON, Deceased. No. 21-4-0103737. SECOND AMENDED PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.40.030. The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication of Notice: February 3, 2022 Personal Representative: SUSAN JEAN PEVONAK Presented by: Whatcom Law Group, P.S. Roger L. Ellingson, WSBA #19292 Attorney for Personal Representative PO Box 1258 / 289 H Street Blaine, WA 98231-1258 (360) 332-7000; Fax: (360) 332-6677

February 10 - 16, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Road Rules ...

OBITUARIES

From page 10

drivers. When you call 911, the dispatcher is likely going to ask you the location you last saw the vehicle, the license plate number (if known), the direction of travel, what roadway, the vehicle color and what happened. The dispatcher will then relay that information to officers in the area. What can police do with the info? They can’t just stop a car based on it. By law, an officer can only issue a traffic infraction if they or another officer witnessed it, or based on evidence at the scene of a crash. However, in the sea of cars all doing their thing, your description alerts them to watch for a specific vehicle. Does it work? It did when I reported an impaired driver to 911. A few minutes later I was called by an officer who had arrested the driver, asking for a statement of what I observed. That’s just one example of how we all work together to make our roadways safer. Doug Dahl is a manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.

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Trisha LeeAnn Tomko

Trisha went to the loving arms of her Heavenly Father when she passed away at home on January 18, 2022, with her family by her side. She fought for many years a hard battle with the illness and disease anorexia. Born in Winnipeg, MB to parents Al and Marion Tomko, the family moved to Blaine in 1977. She graduated from Blaine High School in 1991 and loved playing the clarinet in band. Trisha was a competitive figure skater throughout British Columbia from ages 7–16, always winning a medal. She would cross the border at 5 a.m. to practice at White Rock, Cloverdale, Coquitlam and North Shore rinks. She skated professionally with Disney On Ice and traveled the U.S. and Canada. She also loved coaching her students at the Sportsplex in Bellingham. Trisha worked for her dad at Tomko’s Real Bones in Blaine for many years. She enjoyed watching and feeding the squirrels and birds. She loved butterflies and had a collection of items with them on it. She enjoyed cooking for family and friends. Trisha was a member of Christ the King church in Lynden and volunteered as a greeter. She joined the single sisters group at CTK and looked forward to their monthly meetings. Trisha is predeceased by her dad, Al, in 2009; uncle Peter Tomko; and uncle Walter Ryback in 2019. She is survived by her mother, Marion Tomko; sister Tannys (Roy) Tussing of Blaine; brothers Todd Tomko and Terry Tomko; nieces and nephews Joshua, Alex and Teraya; many aunts, uncles and cousins in British Columbia and Manitoba; ex-husband Kevin Nolte; and ex-husband of 20 years, Jeff Kersch. She leaves behind her spoiled friend, red Doberman Franz (grandma’s grandchild). The family would like to thank her hospice team of Dr. Shelley Rice, and all her nurses for their loving, compassionate care. Thank you also to North Whatcom Fire and Rescue for all their help and assistance. Per Trisha’s wishes, there will be no Celebration of Life. There will be a private family service at a later date at Hillsdale Cemetery in Blaine. In her memory, donations can be made to Hospice House at whatcomhospice.org. Please sign the book of memories, light a candle and leave your condolences for the family at www. JernsFH.com. Forever in our hearts, Trisha will be greatly missed.

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Wade Fisher

January 9, 1973 – January 18, 2022

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August 22, 1961 – January 31, 2022 Wade D. Fisher, 60, of Blaine, passed away in the early morning hours of January 31, 2022 after a brief hospital stay. He is survived by his wife Diana of the family home in Birch Bay; father, Charles Fisher; children, Christal Schamel, Alisha (Robert) Bleecker; Ariel Fisher; and twins, Danielle and Denton Fisher; five grandchildren, Nikolas, Keira, twins Olivia and Natalie, and Maia; a brother, Dean (Silver) Fisher; two sisters, Dawn Lani and Sherry Fisher and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Diane Fisher. Wade was born in Pt. Pleasant Ocean, NJ on August 22, 1961 and graduated from Manasquan High school. As a teen, he enjoyed working at Dunkin Donuts before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps at 17. He served for nine years as an aviation supply clerk at Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station before being honorably discharged in 1990 due to a service–related injury. He later worked on Maui at Ameron Concrete and Aggregate until his retirement in 2001. Wade met Diana on Maui and they married at Kalama Beach on May 4, 1996. They celebrated 25 years of marriage, fortified by a strong and true friendship and bound by mutual respect and love of family. They moved to Birch Bay in 2001 where they continued to raise their family and enjoy all that Washington outdoors had to offer. An avid fisherman known to out fish others, Wade could be seen casting from the riverbanks and shorelines all around Whatcom County. He seldom left without the catch of the day, often shared by the grill master himself with friends and family that evening. Wade enjoyed salmon fishing, too, and had a reputation for the best smoked salmon recipe (if you were a friend, you would know this to be true). He was also a weather enthusiast who loved a good storm, bird watching, agate hunting and camping with family. During the off-season, he loved watching football and faithfully followed the NASCAR Circuit Cup and Outlaw dirt track races; he was a classic car enthusiast and collector. But more than his hobbies or love of the outdoors, Wade treasured his family, remaining actively involved in their academic pursuits as well as supporting their varied interests and athletic endeavors. He was involved in his children’s boy and girl scouts programs, served as a T-ball coach for his twins, and was a huge fan of watching his children compete in volleyball, softball, track, and baseball, or supporting them as they performed in band and choir concerts. Husband, father, papa and friend, Wade was a good catch, released too soon. But his memory and his life shall be immortalized in the bald eagle seen perched atop an evergreen, and in the ring of rippling water making its way ashore after a fish jumps, and in the warm sunbeam gleaming through an agate found in the bay. He will not be forgotten. A private viewing and family memorial celebrating Wade’s life was held on February 1, 2022.

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The Northern Light • February 10 - 16, 2022

Sheriff’s Reports Jan. 27, 4:02 p.m.: Burglary on Drayton Harbor Road. Jan. 27, 4:56 p.m.: Shots on Harborview Road. Jan. 27, 5:34 p.m.: Shots on Anderson Road. Jan. 28, 8:43 a.m.: Behavioral health issue on Surf Place. Jan. 28, 10:23 a.m.: Traffic problem on Birch Bay Drive and Cedar Avenue. Jan. 28, 6:31 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Sweet Road and Dahl Lane. Jan. 29, 4:01 a.m.: Noise on Loomis Trail Road, Custer. Jan. 29, 3:09 p.m.: Drugs at Pacific Highway. Jan. 29, 3:27 p.m.: Threat on Salish Road. Jan. 29, 3:47 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Portal Way and Arnie Road, Custer. Jan. 29, 5:15 p.m.: Senile subject on Birch Bay Drive. Jan. 29, 7:46 p.m.: Music on Fawn Crescent Road. Jan. 30, 8:36 a.m.: Shots on Sunset Drive. Jan. 30, 12:51 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Harborview Road. Jan. 30, 2:37 p.m.: Trespass on Ironwood Court. Jan. 30, 3 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Haynie and Giles roads. Jan. 31, 6 a.m.: Traffic hazard on Loomis Trail Road and Portal Way. Jan. 31, 6:31 a.m.: Hit and run on Zell Road, Custer. Jan. 31, 7:44 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Birch Bay-Lynden

Road and Portal Way. Jan. 31, 10:08 a.m.: Fraud on Harvey Road. Jan. 31, 3:55 p.m.: Property found on Breeze Loop. Jan. 31, 4:02 p.m.: Parking problem on Birch Bay Drive. Jan. 31, 4:40 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Arnie Road, Custer. Feb. 1, 4:19 a.m.: Traffic hazard on Jess Road, Custer. Feb. 1, 11:46 a.m.: Behavioral health issue on Birch Bay Drive. Feb. 1, 12:19 p.m.: Theft on East Street. Feb. 1, 2:30 p.m.: Landlord tenant dispute on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. Feb. 1, 4:17 p.m.: Traffic prob-

Feb. 2, 8:52 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Birch Bay Drive. Feb. 2, 9:54 p.m.: Traffic hazard on I-5. Feb. 3, 3:54 a.m.: Behavioral health issue on Surf Place. Feb. 3, 6:32 p.m.: Subject with a weapon on Birch Bay-Square Street. Feb. 4, 9:52 a.m.: Trespass on Loomis Trail Road.

Police Reports Jan. 29, 12 a.m.: Child neglect on 4th Street. Jan. 29, 2:45 a.m.: Vehicle prowl on 3rd Street. Jan. 29, 4:18 a.m.: Warrant confirmation on H Street. Jan. 29, 8:10 p.m.: Trespass on Peace Portal Drive. Jan. 30, 11:37 a.m.: Warrant arrest on H Street. Jan. 30, 3:54 p.m.: Suspicious person on Harrison Avenue. Jan. 30, 7:56 p.m.: Audible alarm on Boblett Street. Jan. 31, 8:20 a.m.: Shoplifting on Boblett Street.

Crossword ACROSS 1. Central mail bureau 4. Member of the family 7. Partner to flow 10. __ Angeles 11. Military mailbox 12. Patriotic women 13. Shallow lake 15. Tear apart 16. Middle Easterner 19. Eat to excess 21. Stained 23. Certain peoples of equatorial Africa 24. 1st day of month 25. Skin disease 26. Skating figure 27. Annelids 30. Gracefully slender 34. Kids need it 35. Swiss river 36. Indents 41. A sheer fabric of silk or nylon 45. Belgian River 46. __ Spumante (Italian wine) 47. Originate from 50. Rugged mountain

lem on Holeman Avenue. Feb. 1, 7:14 p.m.: Theft on Cotterill Boulevard. Feb. 2, 8:38 a.m.: Vandalism on Grouse Crescent Drive. Feb. 2, 3:23 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident injury on Zell Road, Custer.

ranges 54. Made less clean 55. Professions 56. 3s 57. Scarf 59. Yellow light 60. Bird noise 61. Opposite of start 62. Bar bill 63. Northeastern Mass. cape 64. American rocker Snider 65. Midway between northeast and east DOWN 1. Scandinavian drink 2. Washington river 3. Fast-running flightless bird 4. Nerve conditions 5. Indicates near 6. Immediate relevance 7. Things you can eat 8. Receptacles 9. Retired Brewers great 13. Month 14. Happy New Year!

17. Exclamation to convey truth 18. Passports and licenses are two 20. Ebert’s partner Siskel 22. Long skirt 27. Part of company name 28. Drugmaker __ Lilly 29. Electronic countermeasures 31. Klutz 32. Chinese statesman 33. Stir with emotion 37. Flat-bottomed boat 38. Go-between 39. This (Spanish) 40. A plot of ground where seedlings are grown before transplanting 41. Small waterfall 42. Modern tech necessity (abbr.) 43. Utter repeatedly 44. One of the bravest 47. Sun up in New York 48. Space station 49. Chilean seaport

Jan. 31, 10:35 a.m.: Extra patrol request on D Street. Jan. 31, 3:12 p.m.: Collision, car vs. semi, no injury or blocking on Sweet Road. Jan. 31, 11:43 p.m.: No contact order violation on Birch Bay Drive. Feb. 1, 8:36 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Rene Court. Feb. 1, 10:28 a.m.: Suspicious circumstance on Blaine Road. Feb. 1, 3:02 p.m.: Neighbor dispute – parking problem on Harrison Avenue. Report by Blaine Police Department.

ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

Tides

Love Your Shores: February 11-21. Socially distanced beach clean up at any Whatcom County waterway. Register at gardensalishsea.org/current-events to be entered to win prizes. Sponsored by Garden of the Salish Sea Curriculum. Big Bucks Bingo: Saturday, February 12, 1–3 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 635 G Street. $15 includes eight games, three cards per game. Early bird at 12:30 p.m., two games $1 each. Info. 332-8040. Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, February 17, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: general knowledge. Info: thevaultwine.com. Whatcom Dream Financial Literacy Class: Tuesdays, February 22–March 29, 6:30–7:30 p.m., The CAP Center, 508 G St. Learn skills to give you a more secure financial future. Free. Info and registration: 360-296-0441 or email kevin@thewhatcomdream.org. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program. Whatcom Marine Research Symposium: Wednesday, February 23, 9 a.m.–3:15 p.m. Free event on Zoom featuring presentations on current marine research and recovery projects to promote better understanding of current conditions, inform future research, and support resource management of Whatcom County Marin waters and shorelines. Info and registration whatcomwin.org. Sponsored by Whatcom Watersheds Information Network. Terrell Creek Work Party: Saturday, February 26, 9 a.m.–12 p.m., 7039 Jackson Road, Birch Bay. Join BBWARM, Whatcom Conservations District and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association in enhancing Terrell Creek habitat. Info: whatcomcd.org. Blaine Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting: Thursday, February 24, 5–7 p.m., Loomis Trail Golf Club, 4342 Loomis Trail Road. Dinner, awards and silent auction to raise funds for Blaine’s Old Fashioned 4th of July. $35 per person or $250 for a table of 8. Register at blainechamber.com. Live Music at The Vault: Friday, February 25, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: Adrian Clarke and Tom Sandblom. Info: thevaultwine.com. Ongoing Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Mondays 9 a.m.–noon, Wednesdays 5–7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.–noon. Delivery options available. Info:360/332-6350 or blainefood@hotmail.com. The Bridge Food Distribution Program: Fridays 3:30–5 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road. Registration required at thebridgehope.com or call 360/366-8763. Volunteers welcome.

The Bridge Clothing Bank Boutique: Open Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m, The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road. Donations by appointment, call 360/366-8763. Meals on Wheels: Thursdays 11:30 a.m.–12 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Adults 60+ pick up one hot and six frozen meals. Suggested donation $5 per meal or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040.

February 10 – 16 at Blaine. Not for navigation. 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W TIME

Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, February 10, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: Popular vocalists. Info: thevaultwine.com.

CAP Clothing Bank: Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon and Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m. 508 G Street. The Community Assistance Program clothing bank is now located in the basement of the CAP Center providing free clothing and linens. Donations accepted only during open hours or by special arrangement. Info: blainecap.org or 360/392-8484.

51. Hasidic spiritual leader 52. They __ 53. Soviet Socialist Republic 58. Single unit

DATE

Coming up

HEIGHT

TIME

HEIGHT

Th 10 3:00 am

7.5

5:45 am

7.2

11:03 am

8.5

7:26 pm

0.9

Fr 11 4:02 am

8.1

7:31 am

7.6

11:47 am

8.3

8:14 pm

0.5

Sa 12 4:42 am

8.6

8:57 am

7.6

12:45 pm

8.2

9:00 pm

0.0

Su 13 5:12 am

9.0

9:57 am

7.4

1:43 pm

8.2

9:40 pm -0.4

Mo 14 5:38 am

9.2

10:39 am

2:39 pm

8.1

10:20 pm -0.6

Tu 15 6:04 am

9.4

11:17 am

3:29 pm

8.1

10:56 pm -0.7

We 16 6:28 am

9.6

11:51 am

4:19 pm

8.1

11:30 pm -0.5

7.1

6.6

6.1

Weather

Precipitation: During the period of January 31 to February 6, 0.5 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2022 year-to-date precipitation is 5.8 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 53°F on Feb. 6 with a low of 31°F on Feb. 1. Average high was 45°F and average low was 39°F.

Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

Toastmasters Virtual Meetings: Tuesdays 6:30–7:45 p.m. Entertaining and educational. Have fun speaking, learn to overcome fears. Info: Call Pete 360/933-1671 or email him at pcorcorran@gmail.com for the Zoom link. Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) Meetings: Mondays 6:30–8 p.m., CAP Center, 508 G Street, Blaine. A support group for parents of adult children dealing with addiction, but open to anyone (18 or older) seeking to learn a better way to help an addicted love one. Evidence-based, structured curriculum and offer peer support at no cost. Info: palgroup.org or email Bev and Dave at wamillards@comcast.net. Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

February 10 - 16, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

PSE requests a 12.9 percent rate increase next year Puget Sound Energy (PSE) submitted a three-year proposal February 1 with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) to increase rates by 12.9 percent in 2023. Increases in the second and third years would be between 1.2 and 2.7 percent, according to a PSE press release. If approved, a typical residential electric customer would see an average monthly bill increase of $12. Natural gas customers could see an increase of $9 per month. PSE residential electric bills have increased at less than two percent per year for the last 10 years, the release says, while residential gas customer bills have declined over the same period. The energy company says the rate increases reflect investments to improve service reliability, meet clean energy policy objectives and assist low-income customers, according to the release. It will help PSE meet the 2019 Washington Clean Energy Transformation Act’s (CETA) 2030 and 2045 carbon-reduction targets, and refund about $3.1 billion in reliability and service upgrades made over the past four years that have not been factored into current rates. “Higher bills are never welcome, yet failing to build a stronger, cleaner grid is the wrong choice for providing our customers with resilient, low-carbon energy they can count on every day,” said Andy Wappler, PSE se-

nior vice president and chief customer officer, in a statement. Proposed rate changes in Washington undergo a UTC review process that can take up to 11 months. UTC has the authority to set final rates that may vary from PSE’s request. Some of the energy infrastructure projects that the increased rates would fund include PSE’s Baker River hydroelectric project, advanced metering infrastructure, electric vehicle charging stations and solar panel installations on homes and businesses. Investments will also be made into strengthening and modernizing the electrical grid to improve the system’s resilience and reliability, particularly during peak demand events resulting from climate change, like severe weather. Governor Jay Inslee signed CETA into law in May 2019, committing the state to an electricity supply free of greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. PSE plans to have 60 percent clean electricity by the end of 2025 to comply with CETA. According to the release, 34 percent of PSE’s electricity was clean in 2020. In January 2021, PSE made it a goal to be net zero and help enable carbon reduction in other sectors by 2045. Wappler encouraged customers to take advantage of the company’s energy efficiency rebates and tips at pse.com/rebates. The proposed increased rates would also create a new discount rate for low-income customers

and seniors as well as supply funding for low-income bill payment assistance. PSE would create a new program that would forgive eligible

customers of the debt they incurred during the pandemic in past-due balances. According to the release, crisis assistance programs developed in coordination

with UTC and community advocates have assisted more than 90,000 local families, in which PSE has made more than $53 million available since April 2020.

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Whatcom The folks who brought back the 4th of July County Council mandates curbside pickup

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to be picked up twice-monthly and billed through the property tax roll. Opponents of the proposal cited a number of reasons for their opposition, primarily that the minimum service level was too high. “This exceeds the needs of 80 percent of those surveyed (in a 2016 online survey sponsored by the county solid waste division) who self-haul or use tags,” Kimberly Butts said. Ken Calder, also opposed to the chang- s Back in 1976, a group of civic-minded people got together to plan a 4th of July celebration, the first since 1916. On June 20, they had a reunion at Ruby White’s house. See story, page 16. Standing, from l.: Fred DeHaan, Rosy Negron, Carla Scherer, Pauli DeHaan, George B y G r a c e M c c a r t h yes, submitted a petition signed by 364 sea- Scherer, Pat Jorgensen, Doreen Peltier. Seated: Norma Peltier, Ruby White, Kris Manning. Photo by Shelley Damewood sonal and full-time residents asking that If you struggle to balance a healthy budcouncil delay the decision until September get, local nonprofits are here to help. to allow a recently formed solid waste subFinancial literacy nonprofit Whatcom committee of the Point Roberts CommuDream will offer six money management nity Advisory Committee to continue to classes from Tuesday, September 28 until look at the issue. Cites client base and “increasing erts hospital district on June 26 that Unity according to Unity Care. Tuesday, November 2 at the new CommuThose in favor of the change as well as Care NW would end its contract to proThe number of people being served at nity Assistance Program (CAP) building, community turmoil” county vide services on the Point as of December the Point Roberts Clinic, as well as the 508 G Street. Classes will be held 6:30-staff pointed out that PRCAC had been pondering the garbage collection B y M e g O l s O n 31, 2018, but would provide services on a number of visits, have been declining, ac7:30 p.m. every Tuesday. for over month-to-month basis if needed until June cording to the resolution. The number of Whatcom Dream is a nonprofit that two years, held numerous public a n d P a t g r u B B 30, 2019 and help with a possible transi- visits per year shrank from 1176 to 1033 started in Bellingham in 1999 to meetings, educate sponsored an online survey and sentThe out a mailer. Unity Care NW is done with the Point tion to an alternative service provider. between 2015 and 2017, which is deresidents struggling with finances. “There have been numerous opportuni- Roberts clinic. According to the June 25 resolution, the nonprofit’s founders realized the reason (See Hospital, page 8) ties for people to put in their two cents’ Citing declining use, a disproportionate Point Roberts Clinic does not fit with why their working low-income neighbors worth,” remained in poverty was because they Arthur Reber said. “This process administrative burden and “communi- the other clinics Unity Care NW operhaspropbeen very thorough and collaborative,” ty turmoil,” the board of directors of the ates in Ferndale and Bellingham, which didn’t know how to manage money taxpayers’ association president Mark non-profit health care provider voted at its it described as “patient centered medierly, said Kevin Stray, a Whatcomsaid Dream volunteer who will teach the BlaineRobbins. classes Chamber of commerce president June 25 meeting to discontinue the con- cal homes.” Close to half of the visits to allpointbulletin.com Dee Gough said her association also sup- tract to operate the Point Roberts Clinic. the Point Roberts clinic are for urgent this fall. facebook.com/allpointbulletin “We think finances are an important ported the proposal, agreeing that mandaNotice was delivered to the Point Rob- care, and not for primary medical care, slice of everyone’s life and if we can toryhantrash pickup was the obvious solution dle [money] well, we can make everyone’ s to the perennial problem of dumping garlives better,” he said. bage on the roadsides. Classifieds ........................................ 20 The classes will teach budgeting,Jeff hanHegedus with the Whatcom County Coming Up ...................................... 19 dling new and old debt, credit scores andDepartment said by establishing a Health running three weekends in August. B yanother M e weekend g O l sofOfamily n Birch Bay’s seaside festival offered fun September 3-5. The Birchs Bay history, achieving and maintaining finan- sminimum mandatory service level for all Kiniski’ ReefChamber Tavern of is Commerce partneringhosted with the Garden ............................................. 15 event, help from by Blaine-Birch ParkRoberts and Recreation District 2 and Friends of Birch Bay Library.a Attendees enjoyed Library ............................................ 18 cial stability, retirement planning developed and the fun-filled properties, as with determined “The Bay Point Arts and Music the foundation, offering location, planactivities such as a pancake breakfast, outdoor games and water,” rubber duck on page 16. funds for this year’s psychology behind money. which properties have a water connection, Festival is kid back on the saysderby. Arts More ningphotos assistance and Obituaries ........................................ 22 Photo by Chuck Kinzer/CKimageart.com Stray, who has a business degree from it would lead to vendor stability because Foundation founder and festival organizer event. “We decided to make it longer so Opinion .............................................. 4 St. Martin’s University, said he sees peomore users would support the system. Craig Jacks. more people can enjoy it,” said tavern Seniors ............................................ 18 ple struggle the most with debt, long-term After being put on the shelf for a year, manager Allison Calder. The first weekend Tides ................................................ 10 planning and responsible spending. (See Garbage, page 7) the festival will be back for its 23rd year, (See Arts & Music, page 14) Financial classes are geared toward people earning low incomes, but Stray said all are welcome. Classes will be offered to about 20 people, but there’s not a set limit. Scheduling foot warehouse in September 2020 that al- cused on what he can control. in advance is recommended, but attendees B y G r a c e M c c a r t h y AFTER PARADE FAMILY ACTIVITIES: BEGIN THE DAY AT THE lowed it to store over 20,000 boxes awaitTodd Robinson, Security Mail Services can also show up to the classes. Breakwaters Bar & GrillThe Center 1437 Gulf Over a year-and-a-half after theRd. U.S./ ing cross-border manager, H echoed Baron’s sentiments. “We hope a lot of people will be inter- Community STARTScustomers. AT 12 NOON along POINT ROBERTS MARINA at Pointhas Roberts Marina. Breakfast 7:15-11:15 PREPmailbox benefit Canada border closure andam Blaine “We used up all of the creativity we had last year-and-a-half been hard but with ested, come out, learn more about moneyPancake Gulf Rd.the from Marine Dr. towhich Tyee Dr. AT 10:30 PM stores wait patiently foram thefeaturing return of space we had, is boxes stacked high around he said and how to deal with it,” Stray said. “We’re Flag Raising Ceremony 11:30 PRloyal Winds to maximize H Kiniski’s Reefhim, Tavern always excited to put on another class in Canadian customers, all while they’ve set- what prompted renting the warehouse,” he’s in a much better place than he would tled into an adapted business routine. Baron said. have predicted. Blaine.” Mail Boxes International owner Brant Baron and other mailbox operators are “When [the border] first closed down, I The program will offer free financial mentoring to people who finish the course. Baron said his parcel store has changed its mostly catering to Canadian companies would have never anticipated being closed No childcare is available during the eve- business strategy to stay busy during the that need products from the U.S. forward- this long. I thought three months, maybe, ed. Although business has been better, he tops,” Robinson said. “I’m pleased with ning classes, so people will need to plan border closure. To deal with parcels yet to be picked up, emphasized his situation is not detrimen(See Financial classes, page 4) (See Box stores, page 2) the H Street business rented a 4,800-square- tal and he has leaned into his faith and fo-

Discover Birch Bay Days brings community fun Free financial literacy class offered in Blaine

Unity Care NW decides against renewing clinic contract

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Arts and music fest makes a comeback

YEARS WHEN MOUNTAINS MOVE

“Nothing is preventing a business from charging a fee and using compliant bags right now,” Bennett said. “We encourage those businesses to do that and start making those changes now.” The bag ban is intended to cut down on pollution caused by plastic bags, which are difficult to recycle and can clog recycling sorting machines, according to the DOE. In addition to the ban, Inslee signed a new state law regarding plastics use and (See Plastic bags, page 4)

INSIDE

that are compliant with the ban or customers can bring reusable bags. Stores can sell paper bags or more durable plastic bags for eight cents. The eight-cent charge, mandated by law, is not a tax, but is kept by the merchant both to encourage customers to bring their own bags and to account for the increased cost of compliant bags. While the ban goes into effect on October 1, businesses can implement changes sooner, said Dave Bennett, DOE solid waste management program spokesperson.

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Project ... From page 6

concept; maximize pedestrian friendliness while still keeping downtown safe for vehicles; the design encourages public art, stamped concrete and brick pavers and Blaine by the Sea themed signs; for the project to have a way to be regulated; and for the construction and engineering plans to be complete. The city also asks project developers to include site information, help city staff redesign the Martin Street Parklet by Chada Thai to create more park usability, draft concept sketches and preliminary engineering to be presented at a future city council

meeting, and obtain proper permits and approvals, according to the proposal. Proposals will be evaluated based on experience and quality of past projects, a design that focuses on pedestrian improvements and ability to provide staff and meet project deadlines. The contract could be awarded as soon as a March city council meeting. The request for proposal can be found on the city’s website at bit.ly/3oCcSyy. To submit a proposal, email Alex Wenger at awenger@cityofblaine.com. Proposals should be submitted as a PDF. For more information, contact Wenger at awenger@cityofblaine.com and 360/543-9979.

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