The Northern Light_August 16 by Point Roberts Press

August 17-23, 2017

FREE

Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer

IN THIS

ISSUE

Dennis Olason resigns from Blaine City Council, page 5

City approves recommendations to modify budget cycle, strategic plan

Photos from Birch Bay’s Rollback Weekend, page 8

Blaine health clinic adds primary provider, page 9

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Visitors learn about the Terrell Creek watershed

B y S t e fa n i e D o n a h u e

(See Budget, page 3)

s Katharine Sell, l., teaching visitors at the Birch Bay State Park BP Heron Center about the Terrell Creek watershed on August 11. The program, “Salmon of Terrell Creek and their Habitat,” was a part of a summer educational series about the salmon life-cycle and what they eat.

School district adds mental health counselor position By Oliver Lazenby Recognizing an increased need for behavioral and mental health counseling in its schools, the Blaine school district hired a half-time mental health counselor who will work in all district schools starting this year. For Blaine and other small districts, connecting kids with a counselor outside of school can be challenging, said Kaatri Jones, the district’s newly hired mental health counselor. Jones was formerly a counselor at

Blaine Elementary School. Though the district is still defining the job, directors hope to provide students in need with more intense help than previously available. School counselors, who served all students on academic issues as well as social and emotional ones, were overloaded, said district special programs director Randy Elsbree. The Blaine school district isn’t alone in needing more mental health counseling, Elsbree said. He pointed to increased levels of depression in students nationwide and an

City grants one-year extension to Bridges Plat development B y S t e fa n i e D o n a h u e Permits for a 40-lot subdivision planned for east Blaine were set to expire this month, but during a regular meeting on August 14, Blaine City Council voted unanimously to grant property owner Lloyd Ford a one-year extension for the project, Bridges Plat. “The plat expires in August,” read a letter Ford sent to the city on March 30. “That leaves very little time to get everything completed and secure the financial

Photo by Stefanie Donahue

resources needed to complete the project in time for the deadline. An extension would ensure there will be enough time for the process and to deal with any delays with the sewer extensions or additional requirements and changes that very well may occur.” In February, the city invested more than $300,000 to extend sewer lines through Lincoln Park and along D Street. Staff with the city felt it was a necessary to spur development of three projects in east Blaine, all of which were awaiting sewer

and power infrastructure. With financial assistance from Ford, the city was able to extend the new sewer line to Bridges Plat and were also able to help address issues related to on-site stormwater facilities. “Now that it is certain which direction the sewer line servicing the property is coming from, and the commitment from the city staff for the stormwater facilities, I can move forward with the (See Bridges Plat, page 3)

increase in homeless students in Blaine and other local districts. “There are more homeless students, who face more challenges than other students and are at more risk for things that are under that mental health counseling umbrella,” he said. “It’s a dynamic that’s happening all over the place.” Bellingham and other bigger districts contract with mental health counselors who come to schools during the school day to (See Health, page 2)

INSIDE

The city of Blaine is gearing up for one of its most crucial budgeting years to date. During a recent meeting, Blaine City Council unanimously voted to accept three recommendations issued by the city’s finance committee that would make updates to the strategic plan, alter the city’s approach to budgeting and modify the budgeting cycle from an annual to a biennial budget. Blaine’s strategic plan helps guide city budgeting and planning. It was most recently modified by the city council in 2012. The update will be informed by recommendations from the public as well as the city’s short-term revenue task force, which was created to help identify ways to fund city services. In late June, the council approved a series of recommendations from the task force, which urged the city to maintain general fund revenue, avoid Business and Occupancy and utility taxes, initiate an aggressive economic development program, enhance the city’s web presence and ultimately bolster efforts to make Blaine a more attractive place for business. Since the economic downturn in 2008, costs of services in Blaine have risen higher than available revenue, according to a May report from the city. Despite passing financial and accountability audits from the state, Blaine is currently funding daily operations with reserves. As a result, the city has cut administrative positions, limited city hall hours and has deferred maintenance and capital improvements to public facilities due to lack of funding. Public safety has also taken a hit, with hours for police patrols, traffic enforcement, criminal investigation and crime prevention all on the decline. By late August, the city plans to host a workshop so the public can also help shape the strategic plan update. The strategic plan will eventually help guide the 2018 budget and the first biennial budget of 2019. Starting with the the 2018 budget, the

Coming Up . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . . 11-12 Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14

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The Northern Light • August 17 - 23, 2017

Health ... From page 1

s Kaatri Jones, Blaine school district’s new mental health counselor. Photo by Oliver Lazenby

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work with students. In Blaine, kids previously had to get mental health counseling outside of school. “We have families who aren’t able to make it to Bellingham or aren’t able to make it to Touchstone on a Saturday or a day after school,” Jones said, referring to Touchstone Behavioral Health in Blaine. “Our intention is to break down those barriers in the situations that need it the most.” For the Blaine school district,

getting kids help outside school is still ideal, Jones said. That’s because Jones won’t be able to work with all the students who need it, and because counseling outside of school is a more involved experience for families, she said. “If a family can take their child into counseling, they’re having some face-time with the clinician when they’re checking in, they’re talking to their kid about it on the way home – it becomes more of a family endeavor,” Jones said. “It’s something they participate in together so there’s more ownership.”

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Jones will have weekly meeting with about 20 students in the district. The position will allow her to focus on their needs more intensely than she could as an elementary school counselor serving all students in the building. Whatcom County Council allocated funds for the new position at its August 8 meeting. The county funds mental health services in all seven school districts in the county and has for the past eight years, said Joe Fuller, program specialist for the Whatcom County Health and Human Services Department. In previous years, the county provided $90,000 out of its behavioral health program fund to the Blaine school district, Fuller said. The district uses that money to employ an intervention and prevention specialist, train staff in understanding mental health challenges for students, subcontract with outside counselors and for drug and alcohol counseling, among a variety of other things. This year, the school district is getting an additional $23,400 to fund the new position. While the district has a lot of ideas for the position, what exactly Jones does will be fine-tuned during the upcoming school year, Elsbree said. “The position is still evolving,” he said. “It’s an exciting venture to head down because it’s been such an increasing need.”

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August 17 - 23, 2017 • thenorthernlight.com

Budget ... From page 1

plans to take a zero-based approach to budgeting – meaning, all expenses are reevaluated and justified each budget period – starting in 2018. The city will require that each item included in the budget is reviewed for redundancy, priority and clar-

Bridges Plat ... From page 1 project with a developer or on my own accord,” Ford said in the letter. “It seems all the obstacles have been removed for this project.” Ford’s project received s Preliminary Plat and Planned Unit Development approvals in August 2010. Per state law, applicants are eligible to receive two one-year extensions, so he can return to the city next year to ask for one more. “The current state of the real estate market indicates that this project will be a welcome addition to Blaine’s housing inventory and have wide reaching positive impacts on the community,” Ford said. “The real estate market has improved since last summer and clearly making this project possible financially.”

ity as opposed to developing budgets incrementally from the previous year. “A zero-based budget can be beneficial in that it relates costs back to the mission and goals of the department and the city as a whole,” read a staff report from the city. “It helps to allocate funds based on priorities established by the city’s strategic plan.” The city is also slated to shift

from an annual to a biennium budget, which is a fairly common move for small cities in Washington. City staff expect the change will provide more time to plan and execute projects. By law, the city council must approve modifications by ordinance during the 2018 budget process. If it’s passed, they’ll begin preparing the first biennial budget to start in January 2019.

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Photos by Stefanie Donahue

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The Northern Light • August 17 - 23, 2017

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, 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. Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@thenorthernlight.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@thenorthernlight.com Editor Stefanie Donahue stefanie@pointrobertspress.com Copy Editor Kara Furr kara@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Oliver Lazenby oliver@pointrobertspress.com Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser production@thenorthernlight.com Office Manager info@thenorthernlight.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Janet McCall Catherine Darkenwald sales@thenorthernlight.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@thenorthernlight.com

The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200 Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXIII, No 9 Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

Next issue: August 24 Ads due: August 18

Spell-challenged graffiti mars the spit

s Late last week, beach walkers came across spray-painted logs on Semiahmoo Spit. “I want you to know that you broke my heart. In one moment of selfishness, you ruined what took many decades, if not centuries, to create,” read an anonymous note left at the scene. The Whatcom County Parks and Recreation department quickly stepped in to clean up the graffiti.

Letters

The Editor: The Blaine Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the community and participants for another successful Drayton Harbor Days Maritime Festival. We are fortunate to have a number of committee partners including: Blaine – Birch Bay Parks and Recreation District 2, Drayton Harbor Maritime, Blaine Harbor, Port of Bellingham, city of Blaine and many other contributors. In addition, a number of community sponsors either helped by staffing activities or providing assistance make this event happen. Thank you all for your efforts to make this event memorable. Carroll Solomon Andy Peterson Blaine The Editor: I read with interest Naomi Murphy’s letter in last week’s issue about the Pebble Mine project near Alaska’s Bristol Bay. I’m responding to comment on her mention of the 2014 EPA negative determination and the 2017 EPA reopening of the discussion. I’ll assume she is unaware of reported misconduct by the EPA in 2014 that contributed to that negative determination, or she would have mentioned it. That probably is why on February 22 a U.S. Congressio-

nal Committee called on the EPA administrator to withdraw the Pebble Project’s unprecedented “pre-emptive” regulatory veto and to undertake a fair and unbiased environmental evaluation. This resulted after the Pebble Mine ownership commissioned an independent investigation into the EPA’s actions in and prior to the 2014 determination. The investigating team was led by William S. Cohen, who served as a member of the U.S. House and Senate for 24 years and as Secretary of Defense for four years under President Bill Clinton. He determined that, “after a very thorough review, I do not believe EPA used the fairest and most appropriate process.” His report raised a series of concerns about potential EPA misconduct, including that EPA may have predetermined the outcome of its review before conducting the Bristol Bay watershed assessment; and that EPA officials may have had inappropriately close relationships with environmental activists. He also urged Congress and the independent Office of the EPA Inspector General to use their respective subpoena powers to look more deeply into the myriad issues of EPA misconduct catalogued in his report. The full report and an executive summary is available at northerndynastyminerals.com, the website of the Pebble Mine’s owners. In

Photos by Kara Furr and Jim Smith

an editorial published October 6, 2015, the Wall Street Journal calls the Cohen report “a straightforward yet withering takedown of EPA’s conduct.” We all want to protect and preserve our environment, and my letter is not intended as an overall condemnation of the EPA. Any government agency’s employees could occasionally lose sight of correct process in overeagerness to achieve a desired result. (Full disclosure: After examining the project and the credentials of its supporters, I decided to invest in the project). Phil Gardner, P.Eng.(B.C.) Birch Bay The Editor: I have to agree with Bill Becht’s letters to the editor. Bill has some good points regarding the stop sign and the way businesses are treated in Blaine, the police would have no problem in funding and being a good force in the city if businesses were supported in Blaine by the city council and police. 1. That stop sign in the H Street (See Letters, page 13) Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Civic Meetings Birch Bay Water & Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4:30 p.m., district offices, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info: bbwsd.com.

Birch Bay Watershed & Aquatic Resources Management District: Third Wednesday, 6 p.m., location varies. Info: bbwarm.whatcom county.org.

Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: ci.blaine.wa.us.

Blaine Parks Board: Third Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.

Blaine Planning Commission: Second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: blainepc@ cityofblaine.com.

Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info: blaine.wednet.edu.

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Birch Bay Chamber Office, 7900 Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay. Info: blainebirchbayparkandrec.org.

North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Third Thursday, 7 p.m. Blaine Fire Station. Info: nwfrs.net.

August 17 - 23, 2017 • thenorthernlight.com

Briefly Blaine City Council regular meeting, August 14 Blaine City Councilmember Dennis Olason resigns Blaine City Councilmember Dennis Olason resigned from his position, effective immediately. According to city manager David Wilbrecht, the city will post openings for the position as early as this week and the council will be tasked with appointing a new member. The individual to fill the position will fulfill the remainder of Olason’s term, which expires December 31, 2019. Olason represented ward two, which includes all of the area within city limits that lies south of H Street, excluding areas west of Peace Portal and north of Boblett Street. Applications are due at 4:30

p.m., Friday, September 8.

Benefit District.

Blaine City Council amends sixyear transportation program Following a public hearing, Blaine City Council voted 7–0 to amend the city’s six-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The program identifies current and future transportation needs and projects that require grant assistance. The amendment approved by the city council allows for the inclusion of street improvements between 3rd and F streets and G Street to Peace Portal Drive. The amendment also identifies the need for a sidewalk between F and G Street. The final list will be sent to the Whatcom Council of Governments for incorporation on the statewide Transportation Improvement Program. Projects that don’t qualify for federal funding can be funded with state funding sources, including the Transportation Improvement Board, a street improvement bond or the Transportation

o gS

City partners with Nature’s in Path to purchase property om C on Blaine Avenue Blaine City Council voted unanimously to enter into negotiations with local food manufacturer Nature’s Path to jointly purchase property on Blaine Avenue. Wine • Beer • Food • Outdoor Seating Leading up to the vote, Henry 277 G Street, Downtown Blaine Gunterman and Dr. Ben Kuiken TheVaultWine.com TheVaultWine approached the city with the idea of turning their .32-acre property into a public park. Shortly after, Nature’s Path came forward and offered $20,000 toward the pur• U.S. green cards / naturalization • U.S. green cards / naturalization chase, according to a staff report from the city. The city will have • to Work / investor visas • Work / investor visas come up with the remainder. Denied entry waivers • Denied entry waivers “The representatives from •Nature’s Path explained that they • Removal hearings • Removal NEXUS appeals hearings • NEXUS appeals were looking for a local project that would provide community benefit, and would also meet the standards www.blaineimmigration.com •www.blaineimmigration.com 435 Martin St., Suite 2010 •••435 Blaine, WA St., www.blaineimmigration.com Blaine,WA WA 435Martin Martin St., Suite Suite2010 1010 ••Blaine, of the Washington State DepartLeonard D.M. Saunders, Attorney at Law Leonard D.M. Saunders, Attorney at Law ment of Ecology for water quality mitigation,” read the report. “Ecol-

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The Northern Light • August 17 - 23, 2017

Bellingham nonprofit to help students in Blaine B y S t e fa n i e D o n a h u e

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Once a month, about two dozen retired women get together to brainstorm ways to help teens in the Bellingham school district who don’t live with their parents or guardians. Thanks to a generous donation from four local residents last month, they’re ready to set their sights on Blaine. The group fronts the Bellingham Giving Circle, which was created in 2012 by current president Michelle Small. They aim to provide school supplies and basic resources to kids who don’t live with their parents or guardians in order to help them graduate from high school. “These kids are on the street, couch surfing,” Small said. “[They] really fall through the cracks.” Last month, Brian Southwick, Linda Kiens, Tom and Kathleen O’Gorman contributed a combined $20,000 to Bellingham Giving Circle with the intention of establishing a satellite program in the Blaine school district. Based on early budgets, the $20,000 will allow the program to operate in Blaine for the next three years without fundraising;

s Linda Hochreiter, l., and Michelle Small, c., receiving the Bellingham School District 2017 Promise Community Partner Service Award. Photos courtesy of Michelle Small

an additional $15,000 recently donated by the O’Gormans will allow the Bellingham program to survive at least one full year, Small said. Small taught in Colorado for 30 years before she retired and moved to Bellingham 18 years ago. She said the Bellingham Giving Circle has raised $75,000 since it started. It’s a feat she said she never expected to accomplish.

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“We had no idea it would grow like this,” Small said. “We thought we’d be bringing a box of power bars to schools.” Small and her team of volunteers have provided $50,000 worth of backpacks, school supplies, sleeping bags, tents, clothing and shoe gift cards, laundry vouchers and more in the five years since the program started, she said. They’ve also installed food pantries in each high school in Bellingham, which allows teens access to non-perishable, healthy food throughout the day. The Bellingham Giving Circle secretary Linda Hochreiter and assistant treasurer Patti Hawley will coordinate the program in Blaine. Small said they’ve already filled many school backpacks with supplies for the coming year and they also plan to install a food pantry. They’re considering other programs for the school, but have yet to make any formal decisions. Anyone can join the Bellingham Giving Circle. Volunteers meet once a month for a potluck and the time, date and location is posted online at bit.ly/2vD7O04.

Briefly ... From page 5

ogy has now reviewed the proposal and supports the project.” East Blaine sewer extension surpasses original budget Installing a 1,450-foot sewer line extension through Lincoln Park cost the city a bit more than expected. Blaine City Council voted to allow city manager Dave Wilbrecht to increase a contract amount awarded to Colacurcio Brothers Construction Inc. by $56,000 – from $250,645 to $306,645.52. According to a staff report from the city, increased quantities of paving and seeded lawn installation, a change in work conditions on D Street and an unexpected plumbing issue are the primary reasons for the “not uncommon” costs. “In both cases where quantities increased, the city was successful in negotiating a substantial reduction in the bid price for those items,” read the report. “In addition, because the work on D Street benefits one developer specifically, he has agreed to pay for 50 percent of those costs.”

August 17 - 23, 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ thenorthernlight.com

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The Northern Light • August 17 - 23, 2017

Photo by Chuck Kinzer

Birch Bay’s annual Rollback Weekend, August 12-13

Photo by Chuck Kinzer

Photo by Wayne Diaz

Photo by Chuck Kinzer

Photo by Wayne Diaz

Photo by Chuck Kinzer

Photo by Wayne Diaz

Photo by Chuck Kinzer

August 17 - 23, 2017 • thenorthernlight.com

Touchstone Behavioral Health champions integrated approach to care, adds primary provider B y S t e fa n i e D o n a h u e In 2010, Dr. Erika Creydt opened her own private mental health counseling practice in Blaine and quickly learned that residents in Whatcom County needed more access to care. Seven years later, she transformed her practice into Touchstone Behavioral Health, which now connects patients from throughout the county to a team of licensed mental health counselors – and as of last week, a primary care provider – at two locations in Blaine and Ferndale. “We see lots of families engage that have never experienced counseling before,” said Dr. Creydt, the clinical director at Touchstone Behavioral Health. “They’ve been wanting more healthcare for a long time.” Inadequate local support services typically escalates behavioral health conditions, according to Whatcom County’s 2008 Comprehensive Behavioral Health Plan. Hospital, criminal justice and public safety costs as well as issues stemming from mental illness, substance abuse, homelessness, physical health and limited productivity are among many reasons why the conditions prevail, according to the report. The team at Touchstone Behavioral Health is aiming to stifle the

issue by instituting an integrated approach to care, Dr. Creydt said. The practice combines mental health and primary health care in one setting, making it easier for patients and their providers. “Historically, it has been difficult for a primary care provider to offer effective, high-quality mental health care when working alone,” according to the National Institute of Mental Health. “Combining mental health services/expertise with primary care can reduce costs, increase the quality of care, and, ultimately, save lives.” Elizabeth Schnippel, a Naturopathic Doctor (ND), is the newest addition to Touchstone Behavioral Health’s primary care services. She started working with the team of nearly a dozen licensed mental health counselors in the Blaine office last week. Dr. Creydt said the team plans to expand their primary care offerings soon to ensure all patients are booked for an appointment within one to two weeks of calling. “There have been just so many people who’ve had nowhere to go for behavioral health,” Dr. Creydt said. “There’s been an overwhelming need for mental healthcare in our community.” In addition to the team’s interest in enhancing integrated care options, they’re also preparing

Meet Dr. Elizabeth Schnippel Dr. Elizabeth Schnippel studied naturopathic medicine at Bastyr University and graduated in 2011. She began her career as a research scientist in the pharmaceutical industry and is now Touchstone Behavioral Health’s newest primary care provider. Schnippel is a Naturopathic Doctor (ND), which means she combines conventional medicine with diet and lifestyle changes for patients in need of treatment. Her scope of care covers everything from acute to chronic illnesses, which can include the common cold and flu, disease management, preventative care and wellness visits. “Dr. Schnippel is passion-

to launch a nonprofit to provide preventive services for those with early symptoms of behavioral health conditions. “A lot of problems that we’re seeing can be prevented if they have the right resources,” said Shelley Walker, chief strategic officer at Touchstone Behavioral Health. “We’re looking at the overall picture of the needs and the people.”

Plans for the nonprofit are still in their early stages, but Walker said she hopes they can eventually use it to provide vouchers, resources and other assistance to individuals that can’t afford care. They’ll also make it a priority to regularly meet with community stakeholders from the school, city and other health clinics to gauge and address needs within the community.

“Our approach is patient-client centered,” said Jesse Creydt, executive director at Touchstone Behavioral Health. “By putting that first it made us a destination in the county.” Touchstone Behavioral Health is located at 288 Martin Street in Blaine and at 6046 Portal Way in Ferndale. To learn more, visit touchstonebhc.com.

A Unique Store All Era’s

Something for everyone!

• ANTIQUES • GIFTS • COLLECTIBLES • GARDEN & more in our rustic barn! M-F 10:30 - 5:30 Closed Tuesday SAT 11-5 / SUN 11-4

s Touchstone Behavioral Health chief strategic officer Shelley Walker, l., clinical director Erica Creydt, c., and executive director Jesse Creydt.

360-526-2305 1214 W. Axton #B Ferndale • Exit 262, E

Photos by Stefanie Donahue

CANNABIS DAILY

SPECIALS!

AND stop by Early Bird 9 - 11 AM to Specials find out about our Sky High Pot Shop s Dr. Elizabeth Schnippel ately committed to helping community families who are seeking medical care,” read a statement from Touchstone Behavioral Health. “Through medical guidance she helps individuals and families navigate the myriad of health issues and concerns, and develops treatment plans for a healthy lifestyle.”

$5 Pipes $5 Torches $5 Chocolate Edibles 6167 PORTAL WAY • FERNDALE EXIT 263 Mon-Sun 9-10 • Sun 9-9

$5 Grams & Prerolls 4 Prerolls for $14 Lots of GLASS Concentrates $25/Gram

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Warning. This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming. Smoking is hazardous to your health. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product and should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of reach of children. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug.

Ferndale

The Northern Light • August 17 - 23, 2017

Pets win big at Drayton Harbor Days Blaine’s annual maritime festival, Drayton Harbor Days, offered a variety of activities and prizes to visitors, even pets, August 5-6. This year’s pet contest awarded prizes for the best pet tricks and costumes and four of the contestants brought home big awards. Here is a list of this year’s winners: First place: Stephanie Robinson’s dog, Finnegan, pictured l. Second place: Reda Morris’ dog, Gardenia. Third place: Ted and Erin Goodman’s ball python, Grip the Wicked. Fourth place: Emery’s dog, Matia. Blaine Chamber of Commerce secretary Carroll Solomon said the first place winner received a trophy and the three other winners took home gold medals.

Adopt a pet! We’re looking for good homes!

Hi, I’m Petunia

s Drayton Harbor Days pet contest winner, Finnegan Robinson. Photos by Wayne Diaz

Walk ‘n Wag in the Park Family & Furry, Leashed Friends 3K Run/Walk

Friday, August 25 5-7 pm BP Heron Center Birch Bay State “Bark” (free parking day)

Hi, I’m Cassidy

• Hot dog picnic dinner $3 • Fun activities & games with your dog • Pet talent show & photos

$10 per Family

Flaunt your furry friend at Walk ‘n Wag in the Park ballot in November. Money collected from the levy is used for the parks district general fund, which covers costs related to staffing, operations, maintenance and other improvements. Walk ‘n Wag in the Park will offer guests a hot dog dinner, games and activities. Pets are encouraged to wear costumes and participate in a talent show – organizers will be sure to bring cameras to capture the fun. The event takes place on the 101st anniversary of the National Park Service, so parking is free.

B y S t e fa n i e D o n a h u e Pets of all shapes and sizes are encouraged to participate in the upcoming Walk ‘n Wag in the Park, a 3K walk and run at the Birch Bay State Park BP Heron Center. The event takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, August 25 at the park and costs $10 per family to participate. Proceeds will be used to promote the renewal of BlaineBirch Bay Parks and Recreation District 2 six-year levy, which will be on the general election

Proceeds benefit Friends of Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation levy expenses.

Carin g Hi, I’m Astrid To adopt one of us please call our Adoptions department at (360) 733-2080 or visit us at 2172 Division St, Bellingham, WA 98226

Doggy Daycare Cat & Dog Boarding Dog Grooming

while you shop, work or run errands!

10% OFF ANY GROOM

We comb, wash, hand-scissor cut & sanitary trim your pet!

View more details on us at: www.whatcomhumane.org

ll Sma

Let’em Stay and Play

atures L arg ll Cre A e r o F

Hi, I’m Socks

Kulshan Veterinary Hospital 8880 Benson Rd. • Lynden

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At I-5 Exit 266 SUPERVISED AND SECURE INDOOR & OUTDOOR PLAY AREAS!

love them as if our own! 360-526-0093 Wethey’re

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www.Pooch-Palace.biz

Providing our patients and clients with the highest quality team oriented veterinary care emphasizing respect, dignity and compassion.

• Exams & Vaccinations • Boarding • Surgery & Dentistry • Exotic Animal Services

www.KulshanVet.com Conveniently located in north Whatcom County at the corner of Badger Rd. and Benson Rd.

August 17 - 23, 2017 • thenorthernlight.com

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Cleaning

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Integrity Contracting N.W. LLC

HOUSE CLEANING 4 hours minimum, $20/hour. Serving Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo. Call Lorna 907-617-0225. WALKABOUT WINDOW WASHING. Residential and commercial. Bonded, insured, experienced. 360-384-8888.

28 Years Experience Licensed & bonded C

Residential, business, new construction & move-outs. Very Affordable. Call Lisa for a free estimate.

Construction

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Print Advertising Logo Design Branding Creative, Effective, Visual Communications TM

RuthLauman.com ralauman@yahoo.com

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT Chapter 18.27.100 of the Revised Code of Washington requires that all advertisements for construction services include the contractor’s registration number in the advertisement. To verify a contractor’s license, call the Dept. of Labor and Industry’s contractors registration at 1-800-647-0982.

Public Notices

27-Years Experience

In the Superior Court of the State of Washington for the County of Whatcom: Angelo Gibson, Plaintiff, v. Mike Gibson and Kimberley Gibson, and the marital community composed thereof, Defendants. Case No. 17-200154-2 The State of Washington to Defendants Mike Gibson and Kimberley Gibson: You are hereby summoned to appear within sixty days after the date of the first publication of this Summons, to wit, within sixty days after the 10th day of August, 2017, and defend the above entitled action in the above entitled court, and answer the complaint of the plaintiff Angelo Gibson, at his attorney’s office below stated; and in case of your failure to do so, judgment will be rendered against you according to the demand of the complaint, which has been filed with the clerk of said court. The above-mentioned action is a quiet title action related to property in Blaine, Washington for which it is believed you have, or have had in the past, an ownership interest. Navigate Law Group Attn: Nicholas A. Fay 2219 Rimland Dr., Suite 301 Bellingham, WA 98226 [p] 360-488-2712 [f] 360-685-8201

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Pets EXPERIENCE GUILT FREE travel with PetNanny Petsitting! Est. 2002, Former Veterinary assistant, First Aid certified, Licensed and Insured, References. Gina at 360-631-1336.

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Specializing in Renovations & New Construction Kitchens & Baths • Custom & Spec Homes Decks, Garages & Additions

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Tree Trimming & Removal Chipping & Hauling, Tree Sales Stump Grinding - Bucket Trucks 3040 BIRCH BAYLYNDEN RD.

360-366-5340

Todd Postma Treeworks LLC

NOW HIRING NOW HIRING

Call 360 332-3121 Callor360 332-3121 stop by 2163 Nature’s Path Way • Blaine

Driver - CDL Class B with hazmat 360-325-2979 Salary DOE Email: 1stpropaneofwhatcom@gmail.com Licensed • Bonded • Insured

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Natural Play Therapy/interaction with 16 year old boy with autism. No experience necessary. Call 360-778-2465, 360441-0908, or for program info go to naturalplaytherapy.com.

Garage Sales

BIG MULTI-CONDO GARAGE SALE

1049 Peace Portal Dr. 9-5 Friday & Saturday

August 18 & 19

YARD/TOOL SALE at 4987 Highland Dr. Birch Bay from 10 – 3, Friday and Saturday, August 25 & 26.

Plumbing

Computer

360-410-8188

Full Tree Service incl. Dangerous Trees Lot/Land Clearing Driver - CDL Class B Trimming Hedge with hazmatLog Trucking Salary DOESlab Saw Milling

Email: 1stpropaneofwhatcom@gmail.com or stop by 2163 Nature’s Path Way • Blaine

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Announcements

Plus Newstands in:

23,100 READERS

When you place your classified ad in our print edition, it’s ONLINE at no extra charge!

TODDPPT832D7

Affordable and Reliable Lawn Care & Landscaping. Cleanups, Mowing, Pruning, Weeding, Landscape Installation, Mulch, Gravel, Dirt, etc. Dump Runs and Pressure Washing.

Please call (360) 296-4824

Blaine School District Budget On July 17th, the Blaine School District will have completed its preliminary budget for the 201718 school year. A budget summary will be on file at the district administrative office at 765 H Street, and a copy will be furnished to any person requesting one. The summary will include a projected total of expenses and revenues for the 2017-18 school year. A public hearing on the budget will take place during the regularly scheduled Board meeting, July 24th at 7:00 p.m. in the district administrative office. Anyone in attendance will have the opportunity to speak for or against any part of the budget. Final budget approval will take place on August 28nd, during the regular Board meeting. For more information, please call 332-5881.

Place your ad in

CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE call 360-332-1777

Find it in the Classifieds!

Real Estate Listings are on Page 12

The Northern Light • August 17 - 23, 2017

Real Estate

:30

T 9-11 EN SA

OPE

I 2N FR

WATERFRONT HOME

GRAND BAY CONDOS

7714 Birch Bay Dr. #309 $259,900

5330 Nootka Loop $588,000

7714 Birch Bay Dr. #107 $375,000

Spacious 2,740 SF single level lake front home w/views! Over $65,000 in upgrades. Brazilian wood, vaulted ceiling, FP, den, formal DR, remodeled kit w/custom hardwood cabs, new SS appl, granite island, 3-BD (master suite w/fireplace) +2.5-BA. Huge deck overlooks lake.

LauraMarshall@windermere.com

8364 Glendale $289,900 Welcome Home! Owner says sell! Lowest price per sq ft in neighborhood! Beautiful 3bed/2.25 baths featuring 1733 sq ft w/Master suite & bath on MAIN FLR. Vaulted ceilings, & spacious kitchen w/custom cabinets & SS appls. Near I-5 access & minutes to Birch Bay Beach. Great rental or permanent home!

Suzanne Dougan

360-305-5704 randyweg@windermere.com

OPEN

1-YR HOME WARRANTY INCLUDED!

Randy Weg

360-303-9434

360-961-0838 lisasprague@windermere.com

Luxury 2-BD, 2-BA ground floor, furnished, SW corner in beautiful Grand Bay Resort. Qualitydesign & finishes, spacious master ensuite, outstanding ocean view. Lush grounds, in the heart of Birch Bay amenities, just steps to the beach. MLS #1107482

Laura Marshall

Lisa Sprague

12-2

GRAND BAY CONDO

BEAUTIFUL BEACH LIVING. 2-BD, 2-BA 1023 SF luxury condo w/ granite counters, Custom cabinets, pretty sea glass tiles & ss appl. Deluxe master w/walk-in CA closets & jucuzzi. Hunger Douglas blinds, security system. PRIVATE BEACH and views. MLS #1163780

T/SUN EN SA

360-920-7733

dougan@windermere.com

-1: UN 11

-2

N 12

SU OPEN

BEACH FRONTING!

8149 Quinault Rd. $539,000

8200 Birch Bay Dr. $389,900

4566 Anderson Way Bellingham $1,500,000

3-BD, 2-BA exquisite ultra-contemporary w/modern farm-style look, 2140 SF, covered entry w/8’ door, vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, linear FP, custom trim, brushed hickory flooring, quartz counters and tile backsplash, elegant master bath. Office could be 4th bdrm. Bright and open with lots of light. MLS #1153993

Beach cottage 1100 SF, 3-BD, 1.5BA, lrg deck, gated, alley access, garage w/cement flrs, On-demand hot water, natural gas, classic wood FP on spacious site. Copper plumbing, remodeled half bath, new bath flr & toilet. Remodeled kitchen, gas range. Wood fence, double pane windows. MLS #1175109

Brian Southwick

Billy Brown

Cole Markusen

billybrown@windermere.com

Cole@windermere.com

360-220-7175

360-815-6638

briansouthwick@gmail.com

Stratford Manor, charming country estate minutes away. History as a getaway, B&B, private school & breathtaking residence. Beautiful acreage property w/7-BD, 5.5-BA. Over 7000 SF, lrg carriage house, picturesque pond, & lrg park-like grounds. Once in a lifetime opportunity to own it all. true hidden gem in Whatcom County! MLS #1158802

360-389-3696

8 decades of combined experience with Blaine and Birch Bay Real Estate • 8105 Birch Bay Square • I-5 Exit 270 • Blaine

Call Hugh -360.371.5800 to view this beautiful home on Comox Loop and tour Birch Bay Village to see all the wonderful 8139OX amenities! Better M CO OP O L than an Open House. LARGE LAKEFRONT LOT BIRCH BAY VILLAGE

DUTCH COLONIAL

$265,000

4-BD, 1.75-BA.TYNAN DESIGN Interior is beautiful cedar. Large deck to enjoy natural pond wildlife. Large lot neat & clean.

Chehalis Rd. #40 - 11,000 sq. ft. lot. Water & Sewer Available, Electric, Gas, Hi-speed Internet POSSIBLE BUILD TO SUIT!

With Mt. Baker views!

$105,000

Semiahmoo Boat Slips Available! 34’, 36’, 40’, & 50’ $12,500 to $44,900

www.CallHugh.com

OPEN SUN 11-1

Luxury single story townhomes on Semiahmoo’s emerald first fairway!

OPEN SAT 1- 3

BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION! Coming Spring 2018

Starting at $675,000

9086 Pintail Lp

$1,499,000

Salt-waterfront vistas. 3,024 SF main level opulent master suite, 2 lrg guestrooms, ea w/ ensuite bath. Phenomenal kitchen. Versatile living areas are inviting & comfortable. Waterside deck, dreamy for entertaining. Up separate 896 SF suite. 2703 SF lower level includes indoor pool, full guest ste & wine cellar. MLS #1163310

at Semiahmoo

Linda Kiens

Information reliable but not guaranteed.

Local downsizing/upsizing package! Olga Smirnova

Realtor, SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist, ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative, Green, ePro, Relocation Specialist

Together We Make Magic Happen!

360.739.8859

www.smirnovgroup.com www.olgaswebsite.com

360-815-4460

Birch Bay Views! Birch Bay Village 8293 Fawn Crescent $625,000

DRAYTON HARBOR REALTY

7754 Birch Bay Dr.

$590,000

Quintessential Beach House

(360) 815-6638

Linda Kiens

Rentals - Residential

(360) 815-6640

Front row seats for the character of life in the lanes! Heart of Birch Bay, single story. Wood floors, custom cabs, granite, sky lights, upgraded baths. 3-BD, 2-BA Open air courtyard leads to cabana. ¾ beach bath. Crab sink. Sandcastles, paddleboard, kayak and relax. MLS#1164446

Linda Kiens

360-815-4460

OPEN SAT 9-11:30

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

BLAINE

2-BD, 2-BA quiet. Very restric-

tive. W/S/G and electric included. $1150/mo.

99% OCCUPANCY WE HAVE RENTERS!

call today to list your rental! N/S, N/P, OAC and deposits will apply. WE NEED PROPERTIES TO MANAGE,

360-332-3166 Rentals - Rooms

BIRCH BAY VILLAGE

8061 Niska Rd.

$370,000

Beautiful 3-BD, 2.5-BA home, views of Mt Baker & Bay. Open, floor plan, vaulted ceiling, skylight. Hardwood, tile, jetted tub, walk-in closet. Deck, southern exposure. Freshly painted exterior excellent condition, economical gas fireplace insert, A gardeners delight. MLS #1160781

PANORAMIC WATER VIEW/ WATERFRONT

5834 Salish Rd. Birch Bay • $175,000

7403 Jackson Rd.

$239,000

Terrell Creek property sloping to the south overlooking Birch Bay. Sunsets, island views and Birch Bay activities! Short walk to the beach, night life and world famous C Shop. Water, sewer, gas, power available in street for an easy build.

Gerry Allen 360-920-0563 GerryAllen@windermere.com

Rentals - Apartments

PRICE REDUCED! One of a kind, first time on the market!

Unique beach feel! 3,462 SF home with 5-BD, 3-BA, 2 deck levels & 3 stories of magnificent Birch Bay and sunset views. Kitchen with separate entrance for possible MIL or rental suite. Secluded feel. Deeded beach access.

3-BD, 2-BA 1,960 SF. Beautiful, well kept home. 3 good-size bdrms, 2-BA, open floor plan. 2 fireplaces. Large great room, master suite & a sun room. Room for RV. Gated community; pool, tennis, clubhouse, golf course & marina. MLS #1157227

Ron Kulman 360-303-1459

7714 Birch Bay Dr. #309

$259,900

GRAND BAY CONDO

BEAUTIFUL BEACH LIVING. 2-BD, 2-BA 1023 SF luxury condo w/granite counters, Custom cabinets, pretty sea glass tiles & ss appl. Deluxe master w/walk-in CA closets & jacuzzi. Hunger Douglas blinds, security system. PRIVATE BEACH and views. MLS #1163780

Rentals - Commercial

Lisa Sprague

Bayview Plaza Apartments Affordable Housing

Owner/Agent

360-961-0838

Now Taking Applications. USDA Rural Development property.

FURNISHED ROOM includes amenities, NS, pet friendly $500/mo. + deposit, references required, 360-332-3449.

• Applicants must be 62 years or disabled and meet eligibility requirements. • Qualified applicants pay 30% of adjusted income, subject to availability of Rental Assistance. Apartments include: • Appliances • Wall-to-Wall Carpeting • Water, Sewer, Garbage Paid • Community Room • Laundry Room On-Site • Smoke Free Apartments • Handicap Accessibility • Small Pets allowed (limit 1 per apt.)

RENT IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS!

To apply, pick up application at the apartments at 715 G Street, Blaine, WA

THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Or call 360-933-1554, TDD # 711. Email: bayviewplaza@yahoo.com

FOR LEASE

Commercial Building On Blaine Harbor

Great location with spectacular marina & park views. 850 s.f. Reception area plus 3 offices. MUST SEE! Rent depends on term of lease.

Contact Pat Grubb at pgrubb@mac.com or 360-332-1777.

All real estate/rentals advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246.

August 17 - 23, 2017 • thenorthernlight.com

Letters ... From page 4

intersection at Peace Portal should go away; it is useless other than a stop trap for the police and I have seen them there waiting to jump on the car that may not stop to their liking. Maybe a three-way amber flasher would be better. 2. The train station should be promoted for Blaine. Customs stops the train anyway and it would be good for business to have a train stop in the city. 3. The city council ward program should be done away with and the council should be membered by anyone living at a Blaine address, that way you would get a better-rounded council. The council now is totally useless. In my opinion they are old and stagnant we need fresh blood on the council. 4. The idea of impact fees and other dumb ideas being brought up by city council is not the way of getting businesses in the city and helping the businesses grow. The council needs to start listening to the business owners, after all they are the ones with money invested, not the council. Gordon Ames Blaine The Editor: I would like to offer a $100 reward for information leading to the arrest of the vandals that spray painted numerous logs on the beach at Semiahmoo spit by the museum parking lot. The words they painted on those beautiful old logs don’t describe the people that did it! They are immature, uncaring and stupid. I walk that beach every day and they destroyed a portion of beach for a long time. If caught, which I hope they will be, I will do what I can to encourage the judge to order them to remove the graffiti with 100-grit sandpaper. If you saw someone doing this last Sunday evening please report it to the Blaine police! John Welch Blaine The Editor: Why join the Friends of the Blaine Library? Here are ten good reasons: 10. Get involved by helping support the community’s Blaine Public Library. 9. Volunteer your time to help with library events, activities and at the yearly book sales in July and December. 8. Plan yearly fundraising activities to support the Blaine Library. 7. Attend the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) luncheon for friends and foundation to find out what is going on in the library community and support each other through exchange of ideas. 6. Use your culinary skills for the friends’ Halloween Bake Sale with “monster” treats! 5. Welcome new members to the community and invite them to join the Friends of the Blaine Library. 4. Provide a great book selection through the ongoing friends’ book store open during all library hours. 3. Help with a great summer activity for our community’s children by funding the summer reading club. 2. Be an advocate for the Blaine

Library through membership with the Friends of the Blaine Library. 1: Work with the city of Blaine, WCLS and the communities in the area to improve and expand the Blaine Library. Pick up an application form today at the Blaine Library! Sandra Bogen Friends of the Blaine Library The Editor: As harbormaster at Semiahmoo Marina, I’d like to ask you to relay an important message to visitors and residents of our beautiful Drayton Harbor. Although this letter should have been written long ago, it’s never too late to try and prevent a possible tragedy. From my office, I have an almost unobstructed view of Drayton Harbor and the channel between Blaine Harbor and Semiahmoo. Each sunny day I watch as people happily go about their water sport activities. Some are very aware and familiar with their surroundings; others seem dangerously naïve.

With the currents and very cold water that run through this channel, some don’t realize how easily they will become separated from their paddle board, kayak or any other floating object, should they happen to capsize. We consistently see whole families – including the dog – aboard a kayak far from shore, without a single lifejacket aboard. This is extremely dangerous, and just plain irresponsible. It seems these folks on paddle boards and kayaks, who are much more vulnerable in waves and currents, think they’re invincible, and not at all subject to possible drowning. Nothing could be further from the truth. If you could please let these super heroes know they may be able to save themselves, but what about the four children not wearing lifejackets? Doug Romano Blaine The Editor: I didn’t like roundabouts myself,

RECENT HOUSE & LOT PRICES

Blaine, Birch Bay & Point Roberts JULY 2017

DESCRIPTION

1- story house with 1,344 s.f., 4 BR, 2 BA, built in 1975, 546 s.f. 5481 Tsawwassen Loop, Blaine carport, 1,000 s.f. patio, .21 acres land, 54 feet waterfront; marine views. 2-story house with 1,546 s.f., 3 BR, 3 BA, built in 1908, remodeled in 1993, 418 s.f. attached garage, 1,187 s.f. patio, .26 acres land, 75 feet waterfront; marine views.

1443 Edwards Drive, Point Roberts

1-story house with 1,667 s.f., 1,573 s.f. finished basement, 3 BR, 3 1648 Harbor Seal Drive, Point Roberts BA, built in 1993, 484 s.f. attached garage, 880 s.f. deck, .27 acres land, waterfront; good marine and territorial views. 1-story house with 1,994 s.f., 2 BR, 3 BA, built in 2009, 918 s.f. attached garage, 711 s.f. apartment, 504 s.f. attic, 778 s.f. deck, 612 s.f. patio, 1,540 s.f. shop, .75 acres land, waterfront; good marine and territorial views. 1-story house with 3,438 s.f., 3 BR, 3 BA, built in 2006, 1,255 s.f. attached garage, territorial view, .35 acres land. 1-story house with 1,553 s.f., 3 BR, 2 BA, built in 1989, 592 s.f. deck, 1.83 acres land, 100 feet waterfront; marine views. 2-story house with 3,884 s.f., 2 BR, 3 BA, built in 2003, 683 attached garage with 434 s.f. bonus room above, 456 s.f. deck, .17 acres land, 60 feet waterfront, 60 feet tideland; marine views. COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES: Golf Course with a total of 11,674 s.f., includes: clubhouse, basement with golf cart storage, office, two sheds, restrooms, pump house, 166 parking spaces, built in 2001, remodeled in 2005, 173.24 acres land; marine view. 1-story warehouse/office with 8,604 s.f., built in 1982, remodeled in 2001, .60 acres land. LAND: 19.97 acres, (60 lots) residential land

Residential lot with marine view.

You can make a difference! Email: petrica@wsdot.wa.gov Gary Markusen Maple Falls

but in certain situations they can save lives. One such place would be the Blaine Road at Alderson Road corner. With past fatalities and numerous accidents, it would be a welcome relief to many to make it safer. The school bus episode magnifies what could happen in the future and when things are fogged in next time and no one can see, it’s not going to be good. I met a wonderful woman, Andrea Petrich, with WSDOT communications, who coordinates traffic roundabouts for the state. She did not hesitate to try to help with this dangerous corner as it is on State Route 548. Encourage Andrea with emails to take up this issue with WSDOT and make this corner finally safe for all, including school kids on the Blaine bus. Include State Route 548 in your message.

The Editor: In the August 13 Bellingham Herald, Republican Representatives Van Buys and Van Werven attempted to put lipstick on a pig (no offense to pig lovers here). The pig is the Republican hostage taking of a bipartisan capital budget bill in order to tack on a poor runaround to the Hirst Decision (the State Supreme Court requirement to perform water resource assessments in order to uphold water conservation laws). The lipstick is Buys and Van Werven’s contention that the Republicans did this hostage taking “knowing it would be unfair (See Letters, page 15)

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL