July 4 - 10, 2019
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IN THIS
ISSUE
Q&A with Blaine’s new chief of police, page 7
July 4 book sale to be biggest ever, page 10
Tony’s Tavern in Custer turns 70 years old, page 13
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
Happy Fourth of July! Birch Bay man rescues infant who wandered into traffic, water By Jami Makan A Birch Bay man rescued an unattended infant who wandered away from home and darted across Birch Bay Drive into the waters of Birch Bay. On the morning of June 21, Kelvin Barton, 63, was at home on Lora Lane when he looked out the window and saw an infant unattended in a neighbor’s yard. He knew his neighbor wasn’t home and that the child didn’t belong to this neighbor, so he became concerned. “I thought there must be a mom around somewhere, but that I better go out and take a look,” he said. The young boy was wearing a diaper, a T-shirt and a sweatshirt but no shoes, and he was carrying a blanket. When Barton went outside, he looked in his neighbor’s yard and didn’t see any adults around. Meanwhile, the toddler had started wandering down the road. Concerned for the infant’s safety, Barton hurried over to nearby Francis Lane, where he believed the toddler’s parents lived. “I knew the lady there had a small child, so I went over to knock on the door. They had a child fence up, so I knocked on the window,” he said. There was no answer. Barton then had a tough choice to make. “It was either watch the child or find the parents, and I went with the child,” he said. As Barton tried to keep up with the wandering infant, he called 911 on his cell phone. “The child was pretty fast,” he said. “The child actually covered several blocks, and went out onto Birch Bay Drive.” Barton, who has back problems and sometimes uses a mobility scooter, did his best to catch up with the infant, who came dangerously close to traffic on Birch Bay Drive. The traffic was “jamming up” on the drive, said Barton, and at one point, a charter bus came to a halt near the toddler. Suddenly, Barton lost his cell phone connection, and the call with 911 dropped. As he observed the infant dart across the road and go straight into the waters of Birch (See Infant, page 6)
s Get ready to enjoy Independence Day with Blaine’s annual Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration. The festivities are expected to attract thousands of people, and will feature a fireworks display at 10:15 p.m. at Blaine Marine Park.
Photo by Walter Selden
Meeting to focus on bringing passenger rail to Blaine By Jami Makan An upcoming meeting in Blaine will focus on bringing an Amtrak passenger rail stop to the city. Hosted by All Aboard Washington (AAWA), the meeting is scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 13 at the Semiahmoo Resort. An AAWA board meeting will occur at 11 a.m. and a luncheon will start at noon, featuring a panel discussion and presentations. The luncheon is open to the public, but attendees will be responsible for the cost of their own lunch. AAWA is an organization dedicated to promoting the development of Washington’s passenger rail system. One of the organization’s priorities is to bring an Am-
trak passenger rail stop to Blaine. On the Amtrak Cascades service, there are currently no stops between Fairhaven Station in Bellingham and Pacific Central Station in Vancouver, B.C. Organizers believe a rail stop in Blaine would not only serve north Whatcom County, but would also serve those living in southern B.C. “For those who live in Surrey and White Rock, our theory is that it would be a lot easier for them to come across the border,” said Lloyd Flem, AAWA’s former director. For this reason, organizers have invited officials from B.C. to the meeting, in addition to local elected officials. “Local legislators from Whatcom County plus city officials from Blaine have to be
the pushers,” said Flem. “As a statewide rail organization, we are infamous for wanting more service and more stops, but what would be helpful is to get support from local elected officials, along with the municipalities of Surrey and White Rock.” Many businesses in downtown Blaine support the idea of having a station here, which would increase tourism and sales. “This is going to be an important meeting,” said Bill Becht of Horseshoe Coins and Antiques, 810 Peace Portal Drive, who emailed state senator Doug Ericksen on June 10 to invite him to attend. For more information, contact Luis Moscoso, AAWA’s government affairs director, at luism@allaboardwashington.org or 206/200-8663.
By Zoe Deal The Blaine Harbor Music Festival, a week-long celebration of music, is returning for its 17th year this summer. From July 7 to 13, a hand-picked selection of faculty from across the country will gather in Blaine to educate the next generation of young musicians. Organized by the Pacific Arts Association (PAA), the festival is unique; it is both a music camp and a community music festival.
The music education program includes a collection of lessons and workshops attended by up to 100 students from around the region. Students from ages 12 to 19 will register for a spot in one of four programs: instrumental jazz, vocal jazz, “let’s rock!” and “new directions.” They have the option of staying at Camp Horizon for the duration of the program. These students will train to join worldclass musicians and local artists at noontime and evening concerts held each day of the week.
These performances are unticketed, along with many other concerts from professional musicians. There are two ticketed events: master pianist Jovino Santos Neto on Monday, July 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jansen Art Center in Lynden, and the Big Band Benefit on Wednesday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Semiahmoo Resort. “It’s a pretty intense week of learning for the students,” PAA co-president Kitty King said. (See Festival, page 5)
INSIDE
Annual week-long music festival returns to Blaine Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Coming Up . . . . . 14 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14
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The Northern Light • July 4 - 10, 2019
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July 4 - 10, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com
Blaine’s Old Fashioned
JULY 4th Music Line-Up DOWNTOWN
D owntown B laine Pancake Breakfast
JULY 4th Music Line-Up
Show N Shine Car Show
CAR SHOW STAGE
ALL DAY FESTIVITIES INCLUDE:
Blaine Community & Senior Center • 8 AM to 11 AM
Martin & 4th Street
8 AM to 3 PM • Downtown
Blaine Library Book Sale 10 AM to 4 PM
Springman Family Band 10 AM - Noon
Arts & Crafts Street Fair 10 AM TO 5 PM
Downtown Blaine at Peace Portal & H Street
4TH OF JULY PARADE
STARTS @ NOON ALONG PEACE PORTAL DRIVE
Plover Ferry Rides
133d Army Band Corner H St. & Peace Portal
1 PM to 2:30 PM
Blaine Harbor • Noon to 8 PM
11 AM - Noon
Pizza Factory Parking Lot
Silver City Band
Seaside BBQ
@ Semiahmoo Resort 12 PM to 8:30 PM
Live Music FREE ALL DAY
10:30 AM at Pizza Factory Parking Lot • 1 PM at 4th & Martin
GenRAShun a Rock ‘n’ Roll Spectacular!
1:15 PM - 5 PM
BEER GARDEN 1 PM TO 5 PM
4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS! FIREWORKS 10:15 PM • BLAINE MARINE PARK
Moorage berths available. Please call 360-647-6176
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SPONSORS: BLAINE & BIRCH BAY NEWSPAPER
Photo: Ruth Lauman
Photo: Ruth Lauman
Parade
Photo: Ruth Lauman
in Blaine Marine Park Corner H St. & Peace Portal 10:15 PM www.BlaineChamber.com 360-332-6484 H H H DETAILS H HAT:H HHHHHH HHH
Pizza Factory Parking Lot
Plover Ferry Rides
Blaine
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & Visitor Information Center
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The Northern Light • July 4 - 10, 2019
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@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com Editor Jami Makan jami@pointrobertspress.com
s Repairs have been completed on a section of the new H Street Plaza wall that was damaged by a drunk driver in May. While the mason patched together some of the bricks personalized with plaza donors’ names, other bricks were damaged beyond recognition and had to be replaced without names on them, said Ravyn Whitewolf, Blaine’s public works director. “The hope is the finished product doesn’t look any different than it did the first time,” Whitewolf said.
Photo by Erasmus Baxter
Copy Editor Aly Siemion aly@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Oliver Lazenby oliver@pointrobertspress.com Reporting Interns Zoe Deal, Erasmus Baxter prpintern@pointrobertspress.com Social Media Intern Mataya Siemion socialmedia@pointrobertspress.com Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser production@pointrobertspress.com Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Adam Albert sales@pointrobertspress.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com Contributors In This Issue Meg Olson The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXV, No 3 Circulation: 10,500 copies
Circulation Independently verified by:
Next issue: July 11 Ads due: July 8
Letters The Editor: Congratulations on 24 years of bringing me (and the rest of the community) my news. You have done a super job and I love to see how you’ve grown. Hope you get time to enjoy your summer. Nancy Hobberlin Blaine The Editor: Over the next few years, our region will face many issues requiring timely planning and innovative strategies in order for us to continue to grow and thrive. Birch Bay/ Blaine and Ferndale are some of the most rapidly growing townships in our region. In these communities we will see play out the technical, economic and environmental challenges and changes that we face. These include the ongoing impacts of climate change, moving from a petroleum based, energy infrastructure to developing alternative fuels and continuing to build jobs to keep our place in a competi-
tive economy. It’s comforting to think that these issues are best addressed sequentially, but they are complex and tightly interwoven and will require skilled leadership from those in public office such as the Whatcom County Council in district 5. Natalie McClendon has demonstrated the experience and coalition building skills to be able to help our citizens manage and plan for these events. As a twotermed member of the Whatcom County Planning Commission, she has been deeply involved in learning the issues that will confront the county council. She knows that we must work together to transition to a new economy and safely adapt to the market changes as costs for renewable energy continue to drop – but attitudes are too often slow to change. Her experience as an educator also plays a significant role in how Natalie will provide informed leadership and build coalitions. She has been endorsed by Bobby Briscoe, Bellingham port commissioner; Satpal Sidhu,
Whatcom County councilperson; and Pinky Vargas from the Bellingham City Council. I believe our community will benefit greatly by having Natalie’s skilled leadership on the Whatcom County Council. Eliana Steele Point Whitehorn The Editor: Recently I read in your paper about a new ownership deal to the apartment complex that faces Peace Portal between Harrison and Blaine avenues. As a homeowner in the Salishan neighborhood I have always been pleased with the amount of effort that the previous owners went to in keeping the landscaping on this complex trimmed and cut. To me, this complex is Salishan’s “welcome (Continued on next page) 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.
Blaine Park and Cemetery Board: Second Thursday, 9 a.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.
Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: ci.blaine.wa.us.
Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info: blainesd.org.
Blaine Planning Commission: Second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: blainepc@ cityofblaine.com.
North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Third Thursday, 1 p.m. Station 61. Info: nwfrs.net.
Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., location varies. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
July 4 - 10, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com (Continued from previous page) mat,” if you will. I am seriously hoping that the transfer of ownership is the only reason for the delay in keeping this property taken care of. Lately, when I drive by, it is very unkempt. The hedges in the front of the lower units seem to have grown past windows, the grass is quite long; simply, it is not looking its best. I look forward to the new ownership stepping up to bring this nice complex back to its traditional beauty. Stacy Berndtson Blaine The Editor: I read your recent article on the recent purchase of the Harbor Side Apartments. The property
Festival ... From page 1
Faculty are hand-picked by artistic director Ted DeCorso and come from as far away as New York City and Boston. Those chosen are professional musicians with a passion for teaching, King said. King recommends the community attend the festival’s kick-off
School board issues $4.5 million in bonds to start levy work early The Blaine school district board of directors voted unanimously on June 24 to issue $4.5 million in bonds to JP Morgan Chase, which will allow the district to get a head start on some construction projects. The district plans to use that money to fund a new grandstand at the high school. It will repay that debt with money it collects from the six-year, $12 million levy that voters passed in April 2018. JP Morgan Chase offered the lowest interest rate out of 10 bidders for the bonds. If the district pays off the debt on the planned schedule, it would pay $426,617 in interest between December 2019 and December 2024. That’s a 2.09 percent interest rate. “We had great rates,” said Amber Porter, school district finance director. “It’s better than we budgeted and planned for.” Porter said she would like to pay the bonds off early so that the district will spend less on interest. The $426,617 in interest will come out of the district’s general fund; the levy will pay the principal. Issuing the bond does not affect taxpayers in the district. No one spoke at a school board public hearing before the board of directors voted unanimously to issue the bonds.
there used to be well maintained and the pride of neighborhood. Now it is a disappointing eye sore to the residents of Blaine and more importantly to the Harbor Side tenants. Thousands of people come to Blaine each year for our 4th of July Celebrations. The Harbor Side Apartments is a focal point coming along the water into Blaine from the highway. This year, we are ashamed to have that site represent us as a city. We look forward to seeing positive changes from the new owners in the near future, that will restore Harbor Side Apartments to their previous beautiful condition – a place we can be proud to live and have represent our fantastic town. Liz Naber Blaine concert “Blue!” on Sunday, July 7. This “music extravaganza” will showcase the skills and varying styles of the festival faculty, and will take place at 7 p.m. at the Blaine Performing Arts Center, 975 H Street. Another highlight will be the Jazz-by-the-Sea Craft Fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 13 in downtown Blaine, where festival students will perform amid ocean views, food vendors and crafts.
FRIENDS OF BLAINE LIBRARY
CITY OF BLAINE Unless noted, all meetings are held at City Hall, 435 Martin Street, Suite 4000 and are open to the public. Agendas can be found on the City’s website.
Thursday, July 4 City Offices Closed
Book Sale! Thurs., July 4 • 10-4 Fri., July 5 • 10-6 Sat., July 6 • 10-5
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610 3 rd Street 360.305.3637
4th of July
Monday, July 8 6pm – Regular City Council meeting (Continued) Public Hearing – Multi-Family Property Tax Exemption Public Hearing: Considering the declaration of the property at 344 H Street to be surplus property.
Tuesday, July 9 8am – Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee
Thursday, July 11
October 21-29, 2019
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9am – Park and Cemetery Board Thursday, July 11 2pm – Public Works Advisory Committee Location: PW 1200 Yew Ave. U.S. PASSPORTS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.
www.cityofblaine.com
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REGULATIONS FOR
Fireworks in Blaine Lawful to discharge: July 4 between 10 am and midnight.
Except in these areas: • West Blaine: Area west of Shintaffer and all of Semiahmoo Spit. This includes all parks and beaches. • Blaine Harbor: All Port of Bellingham property plus water bodies north of Boblett and west of the railroad. • All public parks and public property in Blaine city limits excluding public streets outside West Blaine and Blaine Harbor areas.
Have a Safe and Sane July 4!
CITY OF BLAINE NOTICE OF PUBLIC BLAINE CITY COUNCIL Notice is hereby given that the public hearing for the Multi-Family Housing Tax Exemption that occurred on Monday, June 24, 2019, at 6:00pm, is being continued to the July 8, 2019, City Council meeting. This meeting will take place at 6:00pm in the City Council Chambers, Blaine City Hall, 435 Martin Street, Suite 4000. Pursuant to RCW 84.14.040, it is the intent of the Blaine City Council to designate the parcels zoned as the Central Business DistrictMarket, Town Portal, Waterview, and Garden subdistricts as a Residential Targeted Area, per Resolution 1759-19. Interested parties are encouraged to offer testimony at the public hearing, or submit written comments which will be included in the official record. Written comments shall be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, July 8, 2019. Written comments or questions regarding this notice should be directed to Community Development Services Director, Stacie Pratschner, 435 Martin St. Suite 3000, Blaine, WA, 98230 or SPratschner@cityofblaine.com. For further information, please contact Community Development Services Department, 360-332-8311. The meeting location is an accessible facility. Anyone wishing to attend and participate who may need special accommodation to do so should contact the City Clerk’s office no later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the scheduled meeting. Samuel Crawford, City Clerk/Assistant to the City Manager
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The Northern Light • July 4 - 10, 2019
Infant ... Blaine United Church of Christ "Where friendly people gather and become family"
Sunday Services 10:30 am didn’t turn people away
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esus
Neither do we. (360) 332-6906 885 4th St. • Blaine, WA 98230 Pastor Sandy Wisecarver
From page 1
Bay, he began yelling for bystanders to assist. People along the bay took notice and started approaching to help. Concerned that the infant might drown, Barton followed him into the water. “I was up to my knees in water,” he said. “That’s how deep the child was.” That’s when officers from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office arrived on scene. After Barton retrieved the infant from the water,
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an officer removed the child’s wet clothing and placed him in the front seat of the patrol car on full heat to warm him. “The child appeared to be uninjured and not in need of medical attention,” said the officer’s report. In the meantime, the child had been reported missing to 911. One of the child’s parents soon arrived on scene, where Barton was standing with the officers. She “appeared to be slightly under the influence of some substance,” said the officer’s report, and she “admitted she had smoked marijuana the night before.” The parent “said she was asleep
when the child left the house.” She then started insulting Barton, using the f-word repeatedly. The officer told her that Barton had potentially saved the child’s life, but she ignored the officer and continued to insult Barton. “I told her that Kelvin found the child and he was the hero, not the villain here,” the officer’s report stated. “She ignored my talk and continued to insult him. She also started insulting me.” A short time later, officers contacted the child’s other parent, who “was uncooperative and also appeared to be slightly under the influence of some substance. He
also admitted to smoking marijuana the night before. He said [the child] can reach up and turn the door knob and that is how he got out.” The officer suggested various child proofing devices to keep the same thing from happening in the future. However, the man “took no responsibility for the child walking off and continued to be rude to me.” The officer’s report noted that it will be forwarded to Child Protective Services. The child’s exact age was not disclosed by the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, but Barton estimates that the toddler was about 20 months old.
News from around Blaine By Jami Makan The Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee (BTAC) is offering grants to support events and festivals that increase the number of visitors to Blaine and result in more overnight stays. Grant funds are allowed to be used for the marketing and operation of events and festivals that take place in 2020 within city limits and are designed to attract tourists. In order to be funded, an event or festival “must show fundraising efforts in addition to receiving grant funding and must have a goal of becoming self-supporting,” read a June 24 press release from the city of Blaine. Interested applicants are required to complete a BTAC grant application form and submit it to the city clerk by Friday, July 26 at 4 p.m. Grant application forms are available at Blaine City Hall, 435 Martin Street, Suite 3000. Questions about the 2020 grant program can be directed to Deborah Harger at dharger@cityofblaine.com or 360/543-9982. BTAC’s annual grant program is supported by the lodging tax that is paid by guests who stay in Blaine’s hotels and motels. For the 2019 cycle, $89,000 was awarded for events and activities that enhance tourism within Blaine. ❦ H Street will be closed to all traffic between Harrison Avenue and Mitchell Avenue from
Monday, July 8 through Friday, July 12. The closure will allow Williamson Construction, under contract with the city of Blaine, to reconstruct H Street between the I-5 overpass and 6th Street. As part of the project, the contractor will also be updating all the crosswalk ramps to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements between 6th Street and SR-543. All work is expected to be completed in the month of July. Throughout construction, drivers can anticipate intermittent detours and delays. “We are thrilled we can address these important safety improvements while school is out of session,” said Ravyn Whitewolf, Blaine’s public works director, who noted that the project is being funded using state grant money, Transportation Benefit District funds and assistance from the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board. Drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians encountering the construction area are encouraged to avoid the area if possible, and are asked to be patient, proceed with caution, follow all traffic signs and obey flaggers at all times. Dates, times and work locations are subject to change due to inclement weather, work phasing and last-minute changes in work schedules. ❦ The city of Blaine is seeking to declare the old city hall building as surplus property, so that
it can be sold and redeveloped into a contributing part of the city’s downtown. As part of this process, a public hearing will be held on Monday, July 8 at 6 p.m. in the city council chambers at Blaine City Hall, 435 Martin Street. Interested parties are encouraged to offer testimony at the public hearing. Any comments or questions should be directed to city manager Michael Jones at mjones@cityofblaine.com or 360/332-8311. The former city hall building, located at 344 H Street, was officially closed in 2012. Since that time, the city has slowly decommissioned the building and disposed of city property located inside. “It’s been a long process decommissioning old city hall, building replacement facilities and moving all our records and miscellaneous functions to other spots,” said Jones. “Now that we are reaching the end of the process, we all look forward to seeing the old city hall property once again become a contributing part of our downtown. I’m interested to see the options that come forward when we offer the property for sale.” A public hearing is required to declare the building surplus property because its value exceeds $50,000. If the city later decides to sell the building, any purchase and sale agreement must be approved by city council in open public session.
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s Blaine’s former city hall building, located at 344 H Street, was officially closed in 2012. Since that time, the city has decommissioned the building and disposed of city property located inside. Photo by Jami Makan
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July 4 - 10, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com
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local flavor
rs e m r a Fj BLAINE
New police chief discusses his history, policing approach By Erasmus Baxter On June 24, Donnell Tanksley was sworn in as Blaine’s new police chief. Tanksley, or “Tank” as he says most people call him, was previously the chief of police for Portland State University in Oregon since 2017. Prior to that, he was the assistant chief of police for Western Washington University for over three years. Tanksley was with the St. Louis Metropolitan police department in Missouri from 1993 to 2014, and held the position of commander from 2007 to 2014. The week before his swearing in, Tanksley sat down with The Northern Light to discuss his interest in policing, how he hopes to approach his new job and how he learned to crab. Can you provide a little bit of your personal history, and how you got into policing? What made me really think about policing was after me and some friends and one relative of mine back in the late 1980s were going to go horseback riding and we were, what I believe today to be, racially profiled by the police outside of St. Louis. The people in my car decided, “Let’s get something to eat.” So I exited the interstate, we went to a restaurant, stayed about an hour, and then we attempted to get back on the interstate and were stopped by four or five police vehicles. The officer said I had failed to signal an hour ago, and somehow they had four or five police cars with him. They decided to put us all out of the car, and we all had ID, and they wanted to search the car, and I questioned that and that made them very mad. During this encounter, several times they called us n-words, they separated us and questioned us, and we all had the same story because it was the truth. They ended up arresting my cousin for what they said was a warrant for no fishing license. Which, in fact, he did get a ticket because he failed to display his fishing license while he was fishing although he had one. He paid the ticket, but the department of conservation failed to record the payment although he had a receipt. So he had this, wasn’t even a misdemeanor, it was like a citation warrant. Anyway, they took him to jail. It just messed our whole day up. I said to myself, there has to be a better way to police, there has to be a better way for law enforcement to engage with people. Because what happened to us was wrong. How does that affect your approach as a leader within a police department? Do you feel like you’ve been able to be successful in making a difference as a result? Eighty-nine percent of our job involves talking to people, contrary to what some people believe, that 89 percent of the time you might be pulling your gun or something. But it’s not. It’s talking to people, it’s trying to help people, it’s trying to assist people, it’s trying to defuse different situations, de-escalate situations as well. So even if you’re in a situation where it may seem hostile as a first
responder, as someone who works for law enforcement, you have to be able to communicate in a way that is not offensive to people. Although sometimes you may be in a situation where someone can be extremely hostile or extremely upset, we’re trained to be able to keep our cool. And that goes for anyone within the law enforcement field, not just police officers. So what I tell people is, “Just take your time and listen to people. You have to listen to people.” There are times as a law enforcement officer that you do have to control the situation, but most times I’ve learned people just want you to hear them. Do you have anything you want to say to the community in the wake of the previous police chief’s departure? Do you have any concerns about trust either from within the department, as a new chief coming in, or about the community? From what I’ve read, that was a tough time for not only the police department, but the city of Blaine at large. Not just for the community members, but for the other people who work within different departments in Blaine. Because the police department isn’t just a separate, standalone department; we’re a part of the city. So, what I will say is, my hope is to build upon mistakes people have made and achievements people have made. My job isn’t to go back in time, but my job is to take a look at those things. And even coming in as a chief, I’m a learner; I’m a lifetime learner. So, I have to learn the expectations of the community, the expectations of the members of the police department, expectations of the city council, the mayor, the city manager, internal stakeholders for the city of Blaine, external stakeholders, business owners, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, I could go on. I don’t have all the answers, but part of my job is to listen and to not make major mistakes. I think there’s a learning curve, but as I go about how I operate, I try to be as thoughtful as I can, and I know even the smallest decision could have a huge impact on a person. You talk about getting input from different stakeholders, getting to understand both the community and the local government. What does that process look like for you? I think the first thing is to take a look at how you balance it. How do you balance that process? You certainly don’t want to spend all your time out on the streets of the community and no time at the police department, and vice versa. For me, first and foremost, I have to get to know my team members at the police department. I’m not saying these other entities aren’t important, because they’re super important, but I have to get to know the team first. I think my best bet would be to come in and take things a bit slow and not to rush into any major changes. That’s never successful. But to come up with a plan, and not by myself either. When you talk about meeting the community, I could envision quarterly roundtables with anyone who wants to come. And they
wouldn’t necessarily be at the police department, because some people just don’t want to come to a police department. You could have it on a park bench. What I’ve found is, it doesn’t have to be anything fancy, because people just want to talk and do it on their terms, and most importantly, do it at different hours too. I’m not an advocate of every other Thursday at 2 p.m., because not everyone is going to be able to make that. So, to answer your question, just to be flexible, and to listen to those needs of all those entities and not just come up with this plan myself. What’s your commitment to the community of Blaine? Do you see yourself having a future here? I only have one job, and that would be with the city of Blaine. I’m committed to the city of Blaine and committed to the community. And not just to the city of Blaine and to the community, but to all of Whatcom County, I want to make that clear, and to the state of Washington. So I plan to be here for quite a while if they’ll have me. I am an at-will employee. You told The Oregonian you like crabbing. Do you have a boat? I do! A 19-foot Wellcraft. It’s a fishing boat, but I learned how to crab off of YouTube. How long have you been crabbing for? Since I was at Western. I got there in 2014, and I bought the boat in 2015. I bought the boat and I started going out just on small lakes. Then I was like, “Man, I want to crab,” so I started watching videos. I watched a lot of videos. I started taking notes and making a list, and then I went to a couple of different sporting goods stores in Bellingham and said, “This is what I want to do,” and I went and bought my license and everything for crabbing, and I just went to Bellingham Bay – a kid from the city out in Bellingham Bay crabbing – and started catching crab. Anything else you want to add? I do want people to know that I’m very thoughtful about how I go about things, and I’m always thinking about, “How does this affect people?” or “How does it affect something that people may do?” Or it might not affect that person directly, but it might affect the way they go about things. I do believe the purpose of law enforcement officers is to be guardians, not suppressors, and I believe that is important for not only the police to get to know the community, but the community to get to know the police. It’s important as law enforcement officers that we get out of our cars, it’s important that we’re proactive in meeting people, we’re proactive in explaining the programs we have, we’re proactive in explaining why we do what we do when we do it. And the more education we give to the public, the more the public understands what we do. If anything, just know that everyone matters, everyone is important and if you have a suggestion or idea or opinion, I want to hear it. I’m a people person, and that’s not just because of the position, that’s just who I am.
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s Blaine police chief Donnell “Tank” Tanksley was sworn in at the June 24 city council meeting.
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The Northern Light • July 4 - 10, 2019
HEALTH & WELLNESS Encouraging happy, healthy lives!
Unity Care NW significantly expands north county medical services By Erasmus Baxter When Unity Care NW opened its new north Whatcom County health center in Ferndale on July 1, it more than doubled the number of patients it’s able to serve in the north county area, responding to a growing need. As well as patient numbers and needs outgrowing the old Ferndale facility, the location at 6060 Portal Way was chosen because it is a central location for people who need community health services in the north county, said Jennifer Moon, communications and public relations associate. “We wanted something that would be accessible,” Moon said. Located next to I-5 and served by a Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) stop, the 23,000-square-foot facility has capacity for 9,500 patients total. This will include the around 4,000 patients currently served by the current Ferndale facility, and an additional 5,500 new patients. The city of Ferndale provided support for the project in hopes it would help serve as an economic anchor for the area, Moon said. When Unity Care NW opened
its Ferndale health center in 2008, it had five exam rooms and four dental facilities, according to the nonprofit’s annual report. The new center will feature 16 exam rooms, 12 dental facilities, a pharmacy and a laboratory. Moon said the center’s increased clientele is largely due to the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. As a federally-qualified health center, Unity Care NW offers care regardless of patients’ insurance coverage or ability to pay. With an increased number of its patients receiving coverage through Medicaid, the nonprofit has had to subsidize less services, allowing it to serve more patients. While people with any type of insurance can take advantage of Unity Care NW’s services, 64 percent of the over 21,400 patients it served in 2018 used Medicaid. This increase in demand is important to the expansion; the project was halted for a year while the future of the Affordable Care Act was uncertain. The total construction costs were approximately $15 million. While Unity Care NW sought to offset $3 million of that amount with a capital campaign, it ended up raising $5 million instead
from private foundations, individual donors, federal tax credits and state funding, allowing them to use less of their reserves, Moon said. Among the expanded offerings of the new center will be adult dental care, which Moon said is often a challenge. “We’re really excited about this opportunity,” she said. The new center will also offer expanded behavioral health services, including counseling available on a sliding scale and as part of regular clinical visits. It will also be able to offer expanded wellness services that help manage pain without prescription medicine. When the center is at full capacity, Unity Care NW is planning for the equivalent of 64 full-time positions: five full-time-equivalent medical providers, 8.5 full-time-equivalent dental providers, 6.8 full-time-equivalent behavioral health counselors and 1.2 full-time-equivalent pharmacists. A full-time-equivalent position means it is budgeted a 40hour work week. The first goal when the center opens will be to move north county patients who are traveling to Bellingham for services to the
s On June 27, members of the public attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Unity Care NW’s new health center in Ferndale. Photo by Oliver Lazenby
center. Then, in August, Unity Care NW plans on beginning a campaign to bring in new patients, Moon said. However, the center is accepting all patients for care current-
ly, and while the expansion has been largely driven by Medicaid coverage, Moon emphasized that Unity Care NW accepts all patients regardless of insurance type or lack thereof.
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How to combat dementia, memory loss Alzheimer’s Disease International says that there were approximately 50 million people living with dementia in 2017. Experts predict that number will roughly double every 20 years, highlighting just how pervasive dementia is across the globe. Dementia describes symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities. The Mayo Clinic says dementia can become so severe that it interferes with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of progressive dementia, though there are other causes as well. Dementias can result from frontotemporal lobar degeneration, vascular disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and Lewy Body disease. Depending on the cause, some dementia symptoms may be reversible. For example, medical professionals have discovered a link between insulin resistance and the development of dementia. Insulin resistance, which results from eating too many carbs and sugar and not enough fat, is a major factor that contributes to Alzheimer’s disease, accord-
ing to The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement. Some scientists now refer to Alzheimer’s as “Type 3 diabetes.” Cutting out sugar and refined carbs and adding lots of good fats may prevent and even reverse pre-dementia in many aging adults. Using an animal model, researchers at Temple University Health System discovered that a drug blocking inflammatory molecules known as leukotrienes can reverse tau pathology, the second most important lesion in the brain in patients with Alzheimer’s. This can bring hope that medication may help reverse Alzheimer’s instead of just mitigating symptoms. Other ways to prevent or reverse dementias involve preventing the brain pathology that occurs. For example, reducing the risk of stroke can prevent vascular dementias. Dementia risks linked to infections and immune disorders may be lowered by making dietary changes or taking appropriate medications for conditions. The Mayo Clinic also says nu-
tritional deficiencies, such as dehydration and not getting enough vitamins B1, B6 and B12, can cause dementia-type symptoms. Dementias linked to heavy metal poisoning also may be resolved with treatment. In addition, people can take proactive approaches to preventing aging of the brain even if they aren’t yet suffering cognitive decline. A proactive approach can include: – Getting adequate sleep. – Controlling stress levels. – Getting thyroid and reproductive hormone levels checked and treated, if necessary. – Exercising daily, aiming for at least 30 minutes. – Eating healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fatty fish, coconut oil, olive oil, whole nuts, eggs and some seeds. – Reducing consumption of sugar and processed carbohydrates. Combating dementia can involve an array of strategies aimed at helping people reduce their risk and possibly even reverse course.
ciety says that some risk factors can make a person more likely to develop these cancers. Certain genes carry the recipes for developing sarcomas, and these may be present in certain families. However, DNA mutations in soft tissue sarcomas are more so a result of exposure to cancer-causing chemicals or radiation, says the ACS. Some people may experience no symptoms, while others may develop a lump. Certain symptoms of sarcomas include: – Pain that affects the local tissues, nerves or muscles. – Inflammation from tumor growth. – Inability to move joints or mus-
cles, depending on the location of the cancer. Other symptoms depend on which soft tissue is affected. For example, tumors in the gastrointestinal system may produce blood that shows up in the stool. There are more than 70 types of sarcomas, so proper diagnosis and treatment is essential. Visit MayoClinic.org or Cancer. org for lists of the more common sarcomas. Imaging tests, biopsy, and then treatment with radiation, surgery, chemotherapy, or targeted treatments may be advised for people diagnosed with sarcoma, who can speak with an oncologist about their prognosis.
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Our Our Lynden Lynden office office still still remains remains atremains at 1610 1610 Grover Grover Street. Street. Lynden office Our Lynden still remains office still at 1610 at 1610 Street. Grover Street. OurOur Lynden office Our Lynden still remains office still atremains 1610 remains at 1610 Street. Grover Street. Our Lynden office still atGrover 1610 Grover Street. Our Lynden office still remains atGrover 1610 Grover Street.
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Understanding soft tissue sarcoma Cancer can affect various areas of the body. For those newly diagnosed with cancer, they may be unsure of what comes next, especially if the cancer isn’t well known. Sarcoma is a cancer that some people may have heard about but are unsure of how it affects the body. Sarcoma is the general term for a broad type of cancers that begin in the bones and in the soft, connective tissues of the body. These tissues include muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and the lining of the joints, according to the Mayo Clinic. Scientists aren’t entirely sure what causes soft tissue sarcomas. The American Cancer So-
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The Northern Light • July 4 - 10, 2019
HAPPY JULY 4! SNOW cones & ICE cream
Upcoming event to celebrate wrestler Gene Kiniski By Meg Olson Fans, friends and family of legendary wrestler Gene Kiniski will gather this summer to share stories and memorabilia from his tremendous life, recently captured in a new biography by Steven Verrier. Verrier will be speaking and reading from the new biography, as well as signing copies of the book, on Sunday, July 7 at Kiniski’s Reef Tavern in Point Roberts beginning at 5 p.m. “I had no idea what a complex character Gene Kiniski was and what an impact he had on so many people,” said Verrier, whose book Gene Kiniski: Canadian Wrestling Legend was released in January. “I aimed to tell the story of Kiniski, his complexities, his era and his setting in a way that satisfies a broad readership. Kiniski was much more than a wrestler, and his biography aims to be much more than a wrestling book.” Kiniski’s accomplishments in the ring and signature style were loved by generations of wrestling fans who remember him as “Canada’s Greatest Athlete.” He was a leading wrestler for a quarter century, with three years as National Wrestling Alliance champion. He was also the co-owner of a wrestling promotion company in B.C.
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s Gene Kiniski’s son, Nick, along with memorabilia from Gene’s long career. Photo by Louise Mugar The family built a house in Blaine in the early 1970s, and Gene Kiniski made many friends in town by offering people support when they needed it. “He made a lot of friends here and influenced a lot of people,” said Verrier. Nick and Kelly Kiniski will MC the July 7 event with James Cybulski from Sportsnet 650AM Vancouver and will be sharing stories as well as family memo-
758 Peace Portal Drive Blaine 360-332-4045
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Friends of the Blaine Library’s annual Fourth of July book sale promises to be bigger than usual,
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with more rare and vintage books, members of the friends group say. The sale, which is a fundraiser for Friends of the Blaine Library, will have 800 to 1,000 books – three times its normal size – thanks to several large donations, said Pat Kingshott, vice president of the friends group. “It has given us an overwhelming supply,” she said. “This is the biggest book sale we’ve ever had.” Thanks to the big inventory, books will be half the normal price: $1 for hardcover books and 50 cents for paperbacks, rather than $2 and $1. Recent donations include several rare sets of books dating back to 1908, Kingshott said. Some of
s Friends of the Blaine Library funds some furniture and equipment that the Whatcom County Library System doesn’t, such as the booths in the teen reading area. Photo by Oliver Lazenby those books won’t be included in the sale, as the friends group is working to properly price them. Most sale items are in good con-
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rabilia never seen by the general public. Kiniski’s Reef Tavern is open to all ages and food and beverages are available. Admission to the event is free. Verrier said that he is trying to put together a similar event for Blaine, but the plans are not yet finalized. “That’s really a place where we’d like to have an event,” he said, adding that he will also be visiting Alberta this summer to discuss his new book.
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Kiniski also played professional football with the Edmonton Eskimos and had a few stints on the silver screen, most notably in the cult classic Terminal City Ricochet. Verrier’s book draws from interviews with people who knew Kiniski in and out of the ring, including his sons Kelly and Nick Kiniski, and his many friends who knew him from his retirement years in Blaine and Point Roberts. “I joke with Steve he knew my dad better than I did,” Nick Kiniski said. Nick Kiniski has always been the owner of Kiniski’s Reef Tavern where the July 7 event will be taking place. “A lot of people thought Gene was the owner because he was such a visible presence there,” said Verrier. Until his passing in 2010, Gene Kiniski was active at Kiniski’s Reef Tavern, bartending and helping out. “He enjoyed getting out and meeting people,” said Verrier. According to Verrier, Gene Kiniski also had a deep connection to Blaine, settling in Blaine in the late sixties. “Although he would cross the border almost daily to do his work, Blaine was his home,” said Verrier. “From the late sixties until he passed away in 2010, his home was Blaine, although people often associated him with the Canadian side of the border.”
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dition and there’s a lot of variety, including DVDs, audiobooks and book bags, Kingshott said. The sale goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 4, and will continue on July 5 and 6 during regular library hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. All the money goes to the friends group, which advocates for the Blaine Library and funds things the Whatcom County Library System doesn’t, including potential library expansions. Recent purchases by Friends of the Blaine Library include new chairs, partition panels and a projector for the meeting room and booths in the teen reading area. Friends of the Blaine Library also has an ongoing book sale in the meeting room of the Blaine Library and a display case with rare collections and special items for sale. For more information, visit blainelibraryfriends.org or call the Blaine Library at 360/305-3637.
July 4 - 10, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com
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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: ELOISE RHONDA HASKINS, Deceased. No. 19-4-00307-37. 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: June 3, 2019 with Clerk of Court Date of First Publication: June 27, 2019 Name of Co-Personal Representatives: DEAN B. HASKINS and DARRYL S. HASKINS Attorney for Co-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: June 3, 2019 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Co-Personal Representative DEAN B. HASKINS and DARRYL S. HASKINS
BLAINE SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET On July 10th, the Blaine School District will have completed its preliminary budget for the 2019-20 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 2019-20 school year. For more information, please call 332-5881.
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Louis Auto Glass
Since 1929, Louis Auto Glass has been the leading auto & residential glass company serving Northwest Washington. The Adelstein family has owned & operated the company for four generations. Quality workmanship & customer satisfaction has remained as strong as ever.
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: LOMAN LEROY HANSEN, Deceased. No. 19-4-00345-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS Judge Raquel Montoya-Lewis 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: June 19, 2019 with Clerk of Court Date of First Publication: June 26, 2019 Name of Administrator: CAROL KELLEY 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: June 19, 2019 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator CAROL KELLEY
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The Northern Light • July 4 - 10, 2019
Real Estate 8365 Kickerville Rd. • Blaine
8045 Birch Bay Dr. Blaine, WA
360-371-7252 Century21BayProperties.com 4751 Birch Bay Lynden Rd #274
$69,000
$699,000
4810 Evergreen Way • Birch Bay
Amy Bremer • (360) 961-0620
Terry Conway • (360) 410-0503
THE PERFECT NORTHWEST HOME! NW design detail with open floor plan that perfectly captures views from deck, kitchen & casual NEW LISTING! LR w/FP. Excellent condition. Full MIL suite downstairs with it’s own kitchen & garage. Extensive paver patio. Gated amenity rich community.
8128 Kayak Way • Birch Bay Village
$316,000
7806 Birch Bay Dr. Unit #106 • Blaine
$775,000
1254 4TH Street • Blaine
SE HOU OPEN. 1-3 PM FRI
5592 Salish Rd. Birch Bay $489,000
Immaculately maintained, sweeping view of Mountains & Birch Bay area. Custom built 3+ bedrooms, 2520 sf, 2.5 bathrooms. Extra windows fills home w/abundant light, hickory cabinets, vaulted pine wood ceilings, oak hardwoods, French doors to inviting sun room, main floor master BD. Perfect deck for entertaining w/smoked glass railing, huge garage, fully fenced. Amenities include golf, private saltwater marina, clubhouse, private beaches, play grounds, 24/7 security. MLS #1481151
Birch Bay just outside the door. 300 ft from beach. right in the heart of the bay. Walking distance to all the fun. 2 bedrooms 1 and 1/2 bath. Some updates. Relax on your patio and watch the sunsets.Private beach access. Community swimming pool. Plenty of parking. MLS #1481402
Call Hugh -360.371.5800
$299,500
Billy Brown 360-220-7175 billybrown@windermere.com
Rentals - Rooms
CALL ME IF BUYING OR SELLING
29+ years of success assisting buyers & sellers!
Semiahmoo Marina boat slips AVAILABLE!
21 ACRES on Kickerville at Headwaters on Terrell Creek
$175,000
Owner contract is possible at 20% down, 6.5% 30 year Amortization Some residential zoning, currently in open space. Wet lands credit transfer? Recreational? Possible conservation easement opportunity. Great tax advantage. Call Hugh for the rest of the story.
$215,000
CeCelia Breivik 360-303-8161
360-961-0838
FOR ALL REAL ESTATE, RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL SERVICES PLEASE
Hugh Brawford
Lisa Sprague Owner/Agent
billybrown@windermere.com
$479,000
INVESTOR ALERT! Nice level lot, fully fenced yard, 2 bedroom, 1.75 bath ready to finish - ready for your upgrades & finishes! New carpet installed & NEW LISTING! new paint throughout! Nice big windows for peek-a-boo view of marina! Large 26’x26’ shop with alley access. This won’t last!
Heather Taylor • (425) 785-5771
7650 Birch Bay Dr. Unit Oak #8, Birch Bay $239,000
Call Lisa for a Market Evaluation
Billy Brown 360-220-7175
Ruth Skeete • (360) 358-5075
WATER VIEWS & BEACH ACCESS! West Facing Water View! Inspired design to enjoy the views. Main floor Master. Chef’s Kitchen, PRICE REDUCED! Huge deck. Lower level has HUGE media room, additional bonus, 2 guest BR and bath, 2nd deck, garden & fire pit.
BIRCH BAY SINGLE-FAMILY HOME
2-BD, 1-BA, located just off Birch Bays sandy beaches, with frontage on Terrell creek. Kayaking & crabbing from your own back yard. How cool is that? Nice back yard with plenty of privacy for the afternoon sun. Remodel and make it your own little custom getaway or just live the vacation. Plenty of parking. MLS#1451543
WATER VIEW! Fabulous remodeled upper unit with unobstructed views of the Bay from private patio! Enjoy all amenities Jacobs Landing has to offer; club house, year PENDING! round heated pool, hot tub, rec room and much more! Close to restaurants, cafes, golfing. This Birch Bay Gem awaits you!
Jeremy Porter • (360) 306-1794
8737 Charel Drive • Semiahmoo
9535 Semiahmoo Pkwy B301, Blaine • $868,000 Listing your property?
7531 Morrison Ave. • $159,000
Christy Imperio • (360) 201-4100
WATER VIEW! Perfect beach house hideaway! Enjoy expansive views of the bay & best sunsets on the west coast. Granite counter tops, pine plank ceilings lend rustic touch. OverNEW LISTING! sized shed offers storage space. Be it a first home, vacation getaway, or income producing investment, this private home is a rare and scenic treat!
5772 Salish Rd. • $134,900
2-BD, 2-BA home with roof & windows updat- 2-BD, 1-BA, home on large lot with plenty of room ed. Storage area in back. Partial fenced yard. for a garage/shop. Lots of nice cedar trees. Huge storage shed. MLS #1476343 MLS #1476434
NEWLY UPDATED! Remarkable 3520 SF, 5-BD, 3-BA home! Excellent condition, everything updated last 5 years. New furnaces, AC, updated bathrooms and PRICE REDUCED! more.Hardwood floors re-finished cabinets done. Lots of room downstairs boasts large bar area with tons of entertainment room. Roof 5 years new.
Carl W. R. Dufton • (360) 815-6637
5002 Cottonwood Court
5774 Salish Rd. • $169,000
$285,000
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Highly sought after “Lanes” recreational cottage within 200 feet of Birch Bay’s west shore offers 1-BD, 1.25-BA NEW LISTING! with bonus room sleeping accommodation for guests & spacious lot with shed, patio, & outdoor shower makes this an ideal Birch Bay “get away.”
$785,000
COME HOME TO BIRCH BAY VILLAGE, the most unique waterfront community with exceptional amenities: 24/7 security, private saltwater marina, golf course, private beaches, clubhouse, swimming pool & so much more! Call Billy at 360-220-7175 to view these 2 properties!
Julie Ward • (760) 522-2564
LATITUDE 49 ! Close enough to the beach to stick your toes in the sand! Sits near the back of the park in a quiet SOLD IN 1 DAY ! cul-de-sac. The lot comes with a paved pad for your travel trailer, parking space, shed, all utilities and plenty of outside space. The clubhouse & amenities are exceptional & include an outside pool and more!
5770 Nakat Way • Birch Bay
HOMES IN POPULAR BIRCH BAY VILLAGE!
HOME BUSINESS – DOGGY DAYCARE! Custom built home & turnkey business opportunity! Shy of pvt wooded 10 acres, convenient to I-5 freeway. Owners converted residence into popular/ UNIQUE! lucrative daycare/boarding w/exterior fencing. Interior home boasts generous rms w/beautiful refinished hardwood flrs.
www.CallHugh.com realestate/rentals estate/rentals advertising AllAllreal advertis-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, ing in this newspaper is subject color, religion, sex, handicap familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such prefertoence, the Federal Housing Act This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real limitationFair or discrimination. of 1968 as isamended, makes it illegal estate which in violationwhich of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are to advertise any preference, limitation or dis- of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246. available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain crimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. This E will not knowingly accept any OUS 3 PM Hnewspaper N E for real estate which is in viP :30O . 1advertisement 2 SAT olation 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.
NEW LISTING! 311 Cherry Street 8232 Birch Bay Drive MLS #1482938 • $399,900 Estate Sale July 4,5,6,7th • 9 am-4 pm MLS #1480122 • $249,900 Golden opportunity! Blaine WA: close to city center. Estate Sale! Built in 1905 and SE has poured concrete foundation. Timeless HOU 3 PM features in this 3 bedroom 1.5 bath home OPEN. 12:30with classic fir hardwood floors in nice SUN condition. May be an opportunity to add addition to garage as a income property. There may also be an opportunity to split this 13,939 sq. ft. home site into another 8783 Clubhouse Point Semiahmoo build-able home site that could support a MLS #1232342 home & garage with guest suite on top. Al$1,049,000 ley access. Cement pad side of garage / RV.
8628 Ashbury Ct • Blaine, WA 98230 • $639,000
Strategically tucked beside Loomis’ lucky 13th tee, this charmer enjoys a stellar golf course, Clubhouse & Mt. Baker view! All primary living on main. Rich cherry flooring welcomes. Den/office, stately dining rm flank entry. Spacious living room adjoins high end s/s/granite kitchen. Powder, laundry & expansive luxe master suite complete main. Upper level enjoys 2 generous guestrooms, full bath; glass french doors open to a generous Mt. Baker view bonus room w/wet bar! 3/2.5 + 2 flex rms
Beautiful properties with numerous amenities.
Rentals - Commercial
NELSON BUILDING 925 Ludwick Ave., Blaine
Leasing for Warehousing/Trucking. Have an 18,000 SF Fenced & Paved Yard Available Now for Vehicle Storage.
Don Nelson 360-332-2743 Email nelsbldg@msn.com
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8105 Birch Bay Square St. - Blaine, WA 98230
360-920-0563
GerryAllen@windermere.com
8324 Fawn Crescent • Birch Bay • $459,000
One of a kind quality home, no expense has been spared, hardwood floors, granite counter tops, trex decking along architectural accents. NW living at its best, large lot, peaceful setting, minutes to shared beach. Whether a vacation home, VRBO or full time living, large windows unique loft with room for two more beds, patio and decks makes a bird watchers paradise ED! DUC E R E PRIC
8139 Kayak Way Birch Bay • $445,000
Beautiful Designed BBV Home all on one level. High ceilings, granite counter tops. Large en-suite, walk-in closet. Completely landscaped, with $8000+ water retention system, over sized garage, on demand hot water. 24 security, swimming pool, private saltwater beaches, marina, tennis courts & golf course. THIS IS A MUST SEE HOME!
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July 4 - 10, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com
All in the family as Tony’s Tavern turns 70 Four generations keep his legacy alive By Oliver Lazenby While Tony’s Tavern, at 2920 Main Street in Custer, has weathered huge changes to the region and industry, the family that runs it and the philosophy of its founder, Tony Winski, remain the same. Winski bought the Custer Tavern on U.S. Route 99 in the then-booming logging and shingle-milling town in May 1949. He renamed it Tony’s Tavern and it’s been in his family ever since. Tony passed away in 1994, and since then his daughter, Tonia McDonald, has run the tavern. Tonia’s daughter Nicole McDonald has worked at the tavern for 21 years and is now a partner in the business. Nicole’s daughter Taylor McDonald – the fourth generation – recently turned 21 and started working at Tony’s. Through it all, the family aims to maintain the roadside tavern in a way that would make Tony proud. “Tony’s philosophy was everybody should have some place to go,” Tonia said. “On those days where most businesses are closed, such as Christmas, we are open and we are slammed.” Tony’s is open from 6 a.m. until 2 a.m. every day, and it can be busy at 6 a.m. with burgers sizzling, beer flowing and shift workers from the refineries playing the jukebox. The family isn’t the only thing that’s familiar to long-time customers. The interior, with its booths, collection of vintage beer cans, neon signs and other beer company wall hangers, has done little to fit such current fashions as raw wood furniture or hanging Edison bulbs. “There’s no frills or gimmicks here,” Nicole said. “We try to keep the nostalgia the same and the history is important and I think every generation can appreciate that.”
Much of the décor, including two large murals of mountain scenes with waterfalls, fir trees and glaciated peaks, has been on the walls for more than 50 years. There’s a story behind many of the pieces; an unknown artist in need of cash painted the two murals in 1956, Tonia said. “He was here a week or two and painted the murals and my dad gave him a case of Olympia and $50 bucks or whatever, I don’t know how much, and sent him on his way,” she said. Tony’s traditions and standards are working, the McDonald family said. On Friday nights, the tavern is packed for the deluxe burger special, when a staff of four might serve 175 burgers. On weekend nights, there may be a group of 21-year-olds celebrating a birthday next to a group of 80-year-olds, Nicole said. “Sometimes I catch myself standing here looking at the crowd and thinking, how many places can you go and see a crowd like this coexist and have such a good time?” she said. “I’m really proud of this place and our staff.” That success comes despite decades of change. When the original Tony bought the place and moved his family into an apartment in the back, Custer was a different place. The tavern is on Portal Way, which was U.S. Route 99, the main northsouth highway through western Washington. Tonia McDonald remembers the road being so busy it was hard to cross on foot, and many travelers would stop by for food and drinks. Compared to those days, Portal Way is pretty quiet now. Gambling has always been a part of Tony’s, and it was once all that the little tavern needed to stay afloat. “After my grandpa passed away we went through some of the cabinets and we found notebooks where they kept track of what
people were gambling,” Nicole said. “It got to be high stakes where people were putting up livestock, cars, boats.” Pull-tabs have long been the most popular form of gambling at Tony’s. The tavern still has a tradition of tossing pull-tabs on the floor, and 30 years ago they could pile up two-feet deep, Nicole said. “It used to be that pull-tabs were the money maker and that’s all we had to worry about,” she said. “We were normally top ten in the region for pull-tab sales for many, many years.” That dried up when casinos came to the region. The state smoking ban shook up life at Tony’s in 2005. Fluctuations in the Canadian dollar have added more stress to the business over the years. The McDonalds deal with it all by doubling down and focusing on all aspects of the business, from the food to the customer service. “We pay attention to every part of it,” Nicole said. “People come here to eat and we don’t skimp on the quality that we serve. My mom makes the chili and people love the chili. We have roasted chicken that we’re famous for that’s my grandpa’s original recipe.” They have made one change that Tony might not have liked. In 2011, the tavern began serving liquor. “My dad was against hard alcohol,” Tonia said. “When Nicole came in and said we need to do it I thought, no, never. Nicole said, well, mom, if we don’t get with it, we’re going to miss out. She was really the one that convinced me that we had to do that.” Though some years are better, Tonia said the little tavern has never had truly difficult years. “Tony’s is a landmark and people come from all over,” she said. “It’s just amazing. People from all over have been here at least once in their lifetime.”
13
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL
DIRECTORY
You’re Retired. Your Money Isn’t. To learn why consolidating your retirement accounts to Edward Jones makes sense, contact your Edward Jones financial advisor today.
Terrell V Goertz, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU® Financial Advisor
www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC
119 N. Commercial Suite 140 Bellingham, WA 98225 360-738-3454
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Sun.-Wed. 7am-2pm Thurs.-Sat. 7am-8pm s Nicole McDonald, l., and Tonia McDonald, r., are partners at Tony’s Tavern in Custer. Tony Winski, Tonia’s father, started the tavern in 1949. Photo by Oliver Lazenby
360-332-3540 234 D Street, Blaine
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The Northern Light • July 4 - 10, 2019
Coming up Birch Bay Community Meals: Wednesday, July 3, Christ the King North-Bay, 4895 Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Dinner, music, games and food pantry. To donate or volenteer contact: bbsummercommunitymeals@gmail.com.
Bees, The Incredible Pollinators: Friday, July 5, 3 p.m., Birch Bay State Park Wildlife Theater. Info: fobbsp.org.
draws. RSVP by 5 p.m. July 8 to B.J. Windrum, 817/600-4192 or young.drum@hotmail.com. Info: semiahmoowomensclub.org.
Summer Wine Tasting: Thursday, July 11, 5-7 Live Music at The Vault: Friday, July 5, 7–9 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar, 270 G Street. Featuring: p.m., Rawganique, 429 Peace Portal Drive. Live music on the deck, small bites and wine. Chad Petersen. Info: 360/392-0955.
Birch Bay Carnival and Fireworks: Wednesday, July 3, 6:30 p.m., Birch Bay Bible Community Church, 4460 Bay Road. Carnival games, cake walk, mini golf Annual July Picnic and B.B.Q.: Saturday, July 6, Depression Bipolar Support Group: Thursday, and bake sale. Licensed pyrotechnics fireworks show 1 p.m., Blaine American Legion Post 86, 580 Legion July 18, 6–7:30 p.m., downstairs at Blaine United Drive. Burgers, hot dogs, coleslaw, baked beans and Church of Christ, (Use doors on Clark Street, elevaat 10 p.m. Free entry. Info: 371-2300. chips $7 adults and $3 for 6 years and under. Open tor available). No cost, but donations accepted. Friends of the Blaine Library Annual Old Fash- to the public. Info: 360/371-7311. Birch Bay Rollback Weekend and Sand ioned 4th of July Book Sale: Thursday, July 4, 10 Live Music at The Vault: Saturday, July 6, 7–9 Sculpture Competition: Saturday, July 20, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Friday, July 5, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday, July 6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar, 270 G Street. Featuring: a.m.–7 p.m. and Sunday, July 21, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Birch Bay Beach Park, 7930 Birch Bay Drive. Sand 3rd Street. Find some fantastic summer reads while JP Falcon. Info: 360/392-0955. sculpture competition, car show, live music, beer supporting library improvements. Hunters of the Sky: Saturday, July 6, 7 p.m., garden, food vendors, craft fair. Info and registraBirch Bay State Park Wildlife Theater. Live raptors tion birchbaychamber.com. Community Pancake Breakfast: Thursday, July from the Sardis Raptor Center. Info: fobbsp.org. 4, 8–11 a.m., Blaine Senior Center. 763 G Street. Big Bucks Bingo: Saturday, July 20, 1-3 p.m., Choice of pancakes, French toast or waffles, biscuits Blaine Harbor Music Festival: Mon, Tues, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Open to the and gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee and Thurs and Friday, July 8, 9, 11 and 12. 7 p.m. public. Early bird game at 12:30 p.m. and regular orange juice. Adults $6, kids $4. Info: 360/332-8040. at PAC. Free, donations accepted. Monday, July bingo at 1 p.m. cost $15 for 8 games with 3 cards 8–Friday, July 12, noon, free concerts on the G per game. Cash prizes. Lunch at noon for $6. Info: Blaine’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July: ThursStreet Plaza. 360/332-8040. day, July 4, downtown Blaine. Show ’n shine car show 8 a.m.-3 p.m., arts and crafts street fair 10 Jovino Santos Neto and Special Guest: ArtScape Teens: Tuesdays, 3–5 p.m., Soul Space a.m.–5 p.m., parade at noon, live music all day, Monday, July 8, 7:30 p.m., Jansen Arts Center, Studio, 264B H Street. A safe place for teens to beer garden 1–5 p.m., fireworks at 10:15 p.m. Info: 321 Front Street, Lynden. Tickets: jansenartscen- set their imaginations free through art mediums. blainechamber.com. ter.org. Benefits the Blaine Harbor Music Festival. Free studio time. Sponsor: Healthy Youth Coalition. Info: 435/704-1598. 4-H Club Rhinestone Wranglers Fundraiser: Camping in the Library: Wednesday, July 10, July 4, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., H Street in front of the War 1–2 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Teen Nite: Saturdays, 5–9 p.m., Pizza Factory, 738 Memorial and Blaine Police Department. A program Join us as we sit around the “campfire” and Peace Portal Drive. Kids ages 13–18 come enjoy of The American Legion. Cheeseburgers, hamburgers, listen to scary stories, sing camp songs and eat open mic, karaoke and games. Free pizza at 5 p.m. hempler’s hot dogs, corn on the cobb, water, soda, s’mores in a cup. For grades K-5. chips. Plover Ferry Rides: Fridays and Saturdays, 12–8 Big Band Benefit: Wednesday, July 10, 7:30 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Departs from Blaine 4th of July at The Vault: Thursday, July 4, The p.m., Semiahmoo Resort, 8720 Semiahmoo Park- Harbor gate 2 on the hour/Semiahmoo dock on Vault Wine Bar, 270 G Street. Enjoy live music on the way. Dine and dance to a full big band sound in the half-hour. Adults $5, kids $1. Info: draytonhardeck with Trio Sueño at 1 p.m., Mary Ellen Lykins and the beautiful outdoor pavilion. Featuring Blaine bormaritime.com. Craig Adams at 4 p.m. and Lefty and the Right Hand Harbor Music Festival faculty and jazz diva Greta Band at 7 p.m. Info: 360/392-0955. Matassa. Tickets: blaineharbormusicfestival.org. APA Museum: Through September, Friday–Sunday, 1–5 p.m., 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway. Learn Benefits Blaine Harbor Music Festival. Birch Bay Beach Clean Up: Friday, July 5, 9 about the area’s commercial fishing history with a.m., Birch Bay Visitor Information Center, 7900 Semiahmoo Women’s Club Luncheon: antique machinery, historic photos and an original Birch Bay Drive. Help pick up firework debris. Thursday, July 11, 11:15 a.m., Palmer Room, sailboat. Info: draytonharbormaritime.com. Meet for coffee, garbage bags and assignments. Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club. Local historiInfo: birchbaychamber.com. Junior Ranger Program: Friday, July 5, 2 p.m., Birch Bay State Park Wildlife Theater. Fobbsp.org.
an, Marjorie Reichhardt presents an audio-visual account of the pre 1918 Alaska Packers Association “Cannery Girls” through their old photo albums and poems. $25 buffet lunch, free
Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Crossword
Weather
Answers at thenorthernlight.com
ACROSS
1. Cash dispenser 4. Air pollution 8. Illegal seizure 10. Shop 11. Besides 12. Spanish dish 13. Protective covering of seeds 15. Greedy eater 16. Existing only in the mind 17. Make rough 18. Cooperation 21. A way to consume 22. Strike out a batter in baseball 23. Swiss river
24. 2K pounds 25. Domesticated animal 26. Surrounds the Earth 27. Legendary actress 34. Seattle ballplayer 35. Bluish greens 36. Carrying of a boat 37. Having a particular shape 38. Takes advantage of 39. The Destroyer (Hindu) 40. Basmati and saffron are two 41. Leak slowly through 42. Parrots 43. Midway between south and southeast
DOWN
1. Vinegary 2. Ohio town 3. Bivalve mollusk 4. Type of hat 5. Liquefied by heat 6. Synthetic acrylic fiber 7. Wild or sweet cherry 9. Flower segment 10. Lizard-like 12. What politicians stand on 14. Pie _ __ mode 15. Indian city 17. Old TV part (abbr.) 19. Assaults 20. Paddle 23. Types of photos
Precipitation: During the period of June 24-30, 0.81 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2019 year-to-date precipitation is 14.75 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 76°F on June 30 with a low of 50°F on June 25. Average high was 74°F and average low was 55°F.
24. Dorothy’s friend was made of this 25. Soirees 26. Scottish port 27. Percussion instrument 28. Auto industry icon Iacocca 29. Type of drug 30. Historic city in Germany 31. Animal disease 32. Some like them in martinis 33. Get away 34. Entertainment 36. Where ballgames are played
Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
Tides DATE TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT July 5–11 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
Fr 5
2:23 am
2:00 pm -2.40
9:40 pm 10.52
Sa 6
3:21 am
7:31 am
2:46 pm -1.57 10:20 pm 10.43
6.00
5.19
6:31 am
8:41 am
8.32
7.74
Su 7
4:23 am
3:34 pm -0.38 10:58 pm 10.28
7.03
Mo 8
5:25 am
4.17 10:05 am
4:24 pm
1.07 11:36 pm 10.11
Tu 9
6:27 am
3.01 11:43 am
5:16 pm
2.63
6.35
5.98
We 10 12:14 am
9.92
7:25 am
1.81
6.13
6:16 pm
4.13
1:33 pm
Th 11 12:52 am
9.74
8:19 am
0.69
6.82
7:26 pm
5.41
3:17 pm
Police Reports More police reports can be found online at thenorthernlight.com June 22, 9:16 p.m.: Officers responded to a report of a possible DUI. A white Jeep Wrangler had been seen swerving and striking some traffic barriers. No license plate or additional descriptions were given and the caller no longer had the vehicle in sight. Upon arriving in the area officers located multiple damaged traffic barriers blocking a construction zone. Officers checked the surrounding areas but the vehicle had already fled the area and was not located. No further actions were taken, officers cleared. June 23, 9:26 p.m.: Blaine police were dispatched to the Peace Arch port of entry for a woman obstructing law enforcement. The suspect had to be physically removed from her vehicle by customs officers after attempting to fail to stop at the primary inspection booths. The woman then defecated in a secure holding room at the port. Police were called and arrested the woman for obstructing and malicious mischief. The woman was cited and released due to overcrowding at the jail. June 24, 7 a.m.: Officers were dispatched to a disorderly conduct at a business on Yew Avenue. Upon investigation it was determined statements were made towards another that amounted to the crime of felony harassment. Officers located the suspect, arrested and booked them into the Whatcom County jail. The suspect was also trespassed from the business. June 24, 8:25 p.m.: An officer was parked near an intersection in a fully marked Blaine police car. A vehicle traveling south bound towards the intersection was speeding and slammed on the brakes, squealing its tires and leaving approximately 25 feet of black marks on the pavement. The vehicle was stopped near the intersection and the driver freely admitted to being DWLS 3rd. The driver was arrested, cited and released for DWLS 3rd. June 24, 10:02 p.m.: Blaine police were dispatched to a verbal domestic occurring at a home between a father and 17-year-old son. Police arrived and spoke with both parties. No crimes were found to have occurred. Both parties agreed to try and settle matters peaceably. Police cleared without incident. June 24, 10 p.m.: Blaine police were called to a business
in the 1700 block of H Street for a report of a person stealing multiple items and then fleeing area in a tan Chevy Suburban. Officers were not able to locate the vehicle but were able to document the incident and gather a suspect description. Case is under investigation.
June 25, 10:26 p.m.: An officer on patrol stopped a vehicle for various violations. The driver was found to be DWLS 3rd and had a warrant for his arrest out of Lakewood, WA. The warrant was not extraditable. The driver was arrested, cited and released with a mandatory court date. June 26, 1:09 p.m.: A passerby reported seeing a business
49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W 6.58
s The Blaine Harbor Music Festival, a week-long celebration of music, is returning for its 17th year this summer. Photo courtesy of Kitty King
with a large door standing open. An officer checked the building and did not find anyone inside. An employee was contacted and secured the door. Police cleared without incident.
June 26, 1:37 p.m.: Officers on routine patrol observed a motorcycle whose registered owner had no valid operator’s license. Officers stopped the motorcycle and identified the driver as having a suspended license and a required ignition interlock device. Officers also determined the individual had two outstanding warrants for his arrest. The individual explained he was retrieving food and water for his father who is immobile at home. Officers contacted the suspect’s father at his residence who denied needing any help at all and refused assistance from officers. Officers arrested and booked the driver into the Whatcom County jail. Officers cleared with no further incident. June 26, 3:22 p.m.: Officers were dispatched to a shoplift that occurred at Cost Cutter. Officers located the suspect in the park hiding in the bushes. He was detained and during the investigation for shoplifting and trespassing from the store, the person was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. Case is under investigation.
Reports provided by the Blaine Police Department
July 4 - 10, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com
Gateway parcel deal to close in early July By Jami Makan A deal for part of Blaine’s Gateway parcel is expected to close in early July. IK Truck Repair, owned by Ivan and Marina Kovtun, will be acquiring about four acres on the south end of the city-owned Gateway parcel, in order to expand their business. Their new property will be located on the southwest side of the Boblett Court cul-de-sac. The sale price was $613,218 according to city manager Michael Jones. “Overall the property is selling for about four dollars a square foot,” he said. The deal is expected to close during the first week of July. The new space will allow the company to offer secure trailer storage services to its customers. “We’re going to allow people to rent a spot to leave their truck and trailer,” said Rachel Wydur, office manager of IK Truck Repair. “We will offer a secure storage facility for when they go out of the country, or away for a weekend.” IK Truck Repair will retain their current facility at 2490 Bell Road in Blaine, where they will continue to perform heavy mechanical work. The business is a full-service truck and trailer maintenance and repair shop,
which employs nine individuals plus the two owners. “We repair trucks and trailers from top to bottom,” said Wydur. The deal has been in the works for quite some time. According to Jones, there was an extended “feasibility period” because the city of Blaine needed to design a regional stormwater pond in the area before the sale could proceed. “It is a pond that mitigates runoff from development areas, primarily the redeveloping of the airport property,” he said. The Gateway parcel was formerly the site of the Blaine Municipal Airport. It is owned by the city of Blaine and consists of approximately 28 acres of fully serviced, flat, prime commercial, industrial, manufacturing and warehouse property within Blaine city limits. The Gateway parcel is situated in an ideal location with easy access to I-5, and has been sought after by many potential buyers. Since listing the approximately 28-acre Gateway parcel, the city has sold 3.2 acres to warehousing and distribution business Mercer for use by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to inspect commercial cargo and 2.3 acres to Chuckanut Bay Foods to build an 18,500-square-foot production facility. Meanwhile, city council voted
to decline an offer from an investment firm to purchase six acres on the north end of the parcel to build a truck fuel stop, a coffee shop, a fast-food restaurant and a 20,000-square-foot grocery store. There are about 7.1 acres of the Gateway parcel that remain unsold, located at the north end of the old airport. According to Jones, discussions are ongoing with Family Care Network and Chewters Chocolates. Family Care Network is interested in potentially opening a healthcare facility in Blaine, and recently signed a non-binding letter of intent to purchase 2.5 acres of the Gateway parcel. In January, Blaine City Council declined a $1.6 million offer from Chewters Chocolates to purchase seven acres of the Gateway parcel bordering H Street and recommended the company propose an alternative plan on five acres. Following city council’s decision, “there was a period of time when we didn’t hear much from them” but discussions have resumed in recent weeks, said Jones. “They have renewed interest,” he said.
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Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 234 D St. • Blaine • I-5 Exit 276 Sun-Wed 7am-2pm Thurs-Sat 7am-8pm Locally Owned & Operated by the Gill Family
BREAKFAST SPECIALS
HAPPY HOUR
BIG AL’S HOMEMADE CORNED BEEF HASH
Cocktails $4 Mojito, Martinis, Margaritas $3
Thurs-Sat 3pm-8pm
Mon-Fri 7am-12pm
served w/ 2 eggs & toast
KIDS EAT FREE!
9
$ 99
Thur-Sat 12-8pm, Sun-Wed 10-2pm
Fri-Sun 7am-12pm
PANCAKE COMBO SPECIAL
2 buttermilk pancakes w/ egg, bacon & choice of ham OR Sausage patty - $8 OR w/ Mimosa or Bloody Mary - $10
Sun – Wed 11am to 2pm
Half turkey or ham sandwich with cup of soup & small green salad - $7(NO Substitution)
Thu & Sat 3-8 pm
One kid ice cream with purchase of adult entree
DINNER SPECIALS Fri 3-8pm
BIG AL’S SIGNATURE PRIME RIB
Hand-cut Steak topped w/sautéed mushrooms, onions, w/choice of baked or mashed potato & garlic bread $12 OR w/glass of wine or bottled beer $14
360-332-3540
FREE ICE CREAM Daily 11am-2pm
LUNCH SPECIALS
COOK’S STEAK SPECIAL
Kids eat free from kids menu meals with each adult entree purchase. One kid per entree. Cannot be combined with other offers.
8oz Prime Rib w/ mashed or baked potato, corn & garlic bread $1799 OR w/ glass of wine or bottle beer $1999
Thurs & Sat 11-8pm:
BUY 1 GET 1 BURGER FREE
www.BigAlsDiner.com
ON SALE NOW!
s Christine Perkins, executive director of the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS), speaking at the annual general meeting of Friends of Birch Bay Library on June 24. Perkins spoke about the value of libraries, the resources that WCLS provides throughout the area and activities related to the 75th anniversary of WCLS, which is ongoing this year. Photo by Chuck Kinzer
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CELEBRATING OUR 25 YEAR ANNIVERSARY With Flashback 90’s Prices! • Saturday, July 13 • Noon-8 pm
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WELLS
$2.50
DOMESTIC Pints & Bottles
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MICRO Pints & Bottles
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16
The Northern Light • July 4 - 10, 2019
Port of Bellingham requests changes to wharf district plan By Oliver Lazenby Later this year, the city of Blaine will consider updates to its Wharf District Master Plan, a long-term planning document for the area surrounding Marine Drive that’s a joint effort by the city and the Port of Bellingham. The Port of Bellingham is asking the city for several changes, including a change to a planned trail and to some zoning in industrial area at the west end of Marine Drive, between Sigurdson and McMillan avenues.
The zoning update would increase the size of the area known as “shipyard industrial park,” which is near the sawtooth dock. The area zoned industrial would expand slightly north, toward Marine Drive. Greg McHenry, senior planning analyst for the Port of Bellingham, said marine-related industrial use is already allowed in that area and called the proposed change a clarification. “It’s just a clarification that industrial uses can still be there and can continue to grow there,”
he said. “There has been a resurgence of our fish processors down there and they’ve shown an interest in expanding.” McHenry said Boundary Fish is interested in expanding and a potential new industrial tenant is also interested in that area. The port also requested removing a pedestrian trail that, in the current plan, would pass through that industrial area. “I would hate to have public access through some of those industrial areas,” said Ken Bell, port commissioner, at a June 18
commission meeting. “We’re asking for disaster; we’re asking for accidents. It’s going to be in the way, so just from my perspective as a port commissioner I would hate to see that loop go through there.” The port requested several other changes that it characterized as “updates to housekeeping items,” including renaming the end pier to Jorgensen Pier and adding references to new design standards. The Wharf District Master Plan has had few updates since
2007, when it was originally adopted. The last major update came in 2017, when the port asked for a change to allow marine-related use at the east end of the wharf district and to increase height limits from 45 to 55 feet in one area and from 35 to 45 feet in another, both east of Milhollin Drive. Alex Wenger, city of Blaine community planner, said the city would hold public hearings on proposed changes to the plan before the end of the year.
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