The Northern Light: December 12-18, 2019 by Point Roberts Press

December 12 - 18, 2019

FREE

Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer

IN THIS

ISSUE

Community leader honored with lifetime award, page 6

Construction of Birch Bay berm begins, page 10

Blaine to install new signs for visitors, page 13

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

Bright start to season at Holiday Harbor Lights Bay Medical Clinic to remain open following acquisition By Jami Makan

s There was a high turnout for the Holiday Harbor Lights celebration in Blaine’s G Street Plaza on December 7. Hundreds of people gathered to listen to performances by Blaine school band members and a student choir. Following a countdown, Blaine’s 20-foot Christmas tree was lit. Santa soon arrived in a horse-drawn carriage and greeted children in the crowd. The day’s other attractions included a family-friendly run and walk in Lincoln Park, an art show and history museum at the Blaine Pavilion and a petting zoo and winter wonderland at Border Town Pizza.

Photo by Molly Ernst

Blaine man struck by vehicle after single-car crash By Jami Makan A Blaine man is recovering after he was struck by a vehicle on I-5 after getting out of his car following a single-vehicle collision. Peter Kovtun, 26, was traveling southbound on I-5 near milepost 241 in Skagit County at about 2:05 a.m. on December 7. His vehicle, a white 2014 BMW 428, lost control, struck a barrier to the right side and came to rest in the left lane of the highway. According to Washington State Patrol (WSP), Kovtun exited his vehicle and was standing next to it when he was then struck by a black 2018 Toyota Highlander driving

in the same lane. The Toyota was driven by 61-year-old Fu Ren of Vancouver, B.C., who was not injured or cited in the collision. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation’s WSDOT North Traffic Twitter feed, the collision resulted in the closure of all southbound lanes while WSP and WSDOT’s Incident Response Team attended the collision scene. Kovtun was transported from the scene to the University of Washington’s (UW) Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where a nursing supervisor told The Bellingham Herald that he was in critical condition on the morning of December 7.

Blaine man allegedly trapped, raped 13-year-old girl By Jami Makan A 43-year-old man allegedly trapped a 13-year-old girl in a bathroom in Blaine and sexually molested and raped her on multiple occasions in November. Jeremy Michael McDaniel was arrested and booked into Whatcom County Jail on December 5 on suspicion of second-degree child rape, second-degree child molestation and unlawful imprisonment. Blaine police were alerted to the sus-

pected crimes after the victim’s mother came forward and reported them, said Blaine officer Tim Richardson. He said the family was personally notified after McDaniel was arrested. McDaniel was arrested following an investigation that took several days. The investigation included a thorough interview with the victim, said Richardson. The investigation found that McDaniel trapped the girl in a bathroom by closing the door, preventing her from leaving. He

then forced her to perform sexual acts with him. The attacks allegedly occurred on multiple occasions starting in early November, with the last occurring around November 20. “We believe it occurred several times,” said Richardson. In order to protect the identity of the juvenile victim, Richardson declined to release the location of the bathroom or other details of the investigation. “We’d like to do our best to protect her,” he said.

Traffic was redirected to the exit at Nulle Road to get around the collision scene, until the scene was cleared around 4:41 a.m. Contacted by The Northern Light on December 9, a spokesperson for UW Medicine said that Kovtun was in “satisfactory condition.” WSP cited “speeds too fast for conditions” as the cause of Kovtun’s initial single-vehicle collision. WSP’s press memo stated that drugs or alcohol were not involved in the incident. A GoFundMe page has been created for Kovtun by a friend and is located online at gofundme.com/f/peter-i-kovtun.

INSIDE

Bay Medical Clinic, which was set to close at the end of December, will remain open following an acquisition by SuperTrack, a group of Whatcom County medical clinics. SuperTrack plans to operate the Blaine clinic starting on January 1 and will eventually expand the practice to include urgent care services. Bay Medical Clinic was opened by Drs. Marta Kazymyra and husband David Allan 39 years ago in Blaine. Its closure would have left the city without any MDs or Medicare doctors. “I still can’t believe that this is happening,” said Dr. Kazymyra, who is retiring. SuperTrack partner Dr. Sean Bozorgzadeh, MD, known to his patients as “Dr. Sean,” said that Dr. Allan will stay on part-time and that Bay Medical Clinic’s current staff will remain on board. “They know the patients and the patients know them,” he said. Dr. Sean said the transition should hopefully take two to three months and will involve bringing in new software for electronic recordkeeping. “We are excited to take over the clinic,” said Dr. Sean. “It’s a really good thing for the people of Blaine and a good thing for us.” Dr. Sean holds a degree in genetics and cell biology from the University of South Florida. He completed medical school at the University of British Columbia and a family medicine residency at the University of Toronto. He previously served as director of the emergency room at PeaceHealth United General Medical Center in Sedro-Woolley, and lives in Bellingham with his wife, who is also a family physician. They have three kids. Dr. Sean helped start SuperTrack about two years ago. It has a team of about seven medical providers who rotate through its locations in Bellingham and Point Roberts and accept most insurance plans. “Our philosophy of practice is to take care of patients in a one-stop shop,” he said. “We strongly believe in efficiency of care and accessibility.” Patients who have questions about the upcoming transition should call Bay Medical Clinic’s office at 360/332-6327.

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

TheNorthernLight.com TheNorthernLight

@TNLreporter

@TheNorthernLightNews

The Northern Light • December 12 - 18, 2019

The Windermere Agents, Owner, Broker and Staff from the Birch Bay Square office wish you a holiday season full of hope, peace, gracious moments and good tidings. We appreciate your past business and look forward to working with you in 2020.

Brenda Mills 360-319-0072

Brian Southwick 360-815-6638

CJ Stauffer 360-306-2328

Gerry Allen 360-920-0563

Ingrid Andaluz 360-961-0488

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December 12 - 18, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com

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The Northern Light • December 12 - 18, 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, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors. Letters Policy The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Consumer complaints should be submitted directly to the business in question or the local chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com. Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com

s Members of Cub Scout Troops 4025 and 4038 from Blaine and Birch Bay selling Christmas trees in the Birch Bay Waterslides parking lot at 4874 Birch Bay Lynden Road. The scouts will be selling trees every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Christmas while supplies last. They have all sizes and varieties including Douglas, Fraser and Noble fir trees ranging from four to nine feet tall. The scouts are also selling simple and decorated wreaths, and will be doing tree pick-up on Saturday, January 4. To arrange a pick-up, local residents can send an email to blainecubscouts@gmail.com.

Photo courtesy of Harmanpreet Narli

Letters

Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com Editor Jami Makan jami@pointrobertspress.com Copy Editor Aly Siemion aly@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Oliver Lazenby oliver@pointrobertspress.com Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser production@pointrobertspress.com Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Kristin Siemion sales@pointrobertspress.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com

The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200 Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXV, No 26 Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently Verified by:

Next issue: Dec. 19 Ads due: Dec. 13

The Editor: We are all so thankful for the support of our volunteer staff, donors and this newspaper. I cannot say thank you enough to all of the people who helped make this year’s Thanksgiving Baskets Program a success. Between our donors, volunteers and this very publication that helped bring attention to our cause, I am in awe. This year, we were able to provide baskets for Thanksgiving dinners to 230 families in Blaine, Birch Bay and Custer. Through the commitment of volunteers and the generosity of this great community, 1,332 people (824 adults and 508 children) enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner. We are grateful to the many individuals, social clubs and businesses that provided generous financial support and product donations to ensure the success of this annual tradition. We are grateful to Edaleen Dairy for their milk, and to Bedlington Potato Warehouse for their potatoes. And of course, we cannot give enough thanks to the firefighters of North Whatcom Fire and Rescue. Year after year, they

continue to have a vital role in our success and we are so thankful. Lastly, we are especially thankful to all of the volunteer team members who took time out of their busy lives to take the reservations, bag the groceries, set up the baskets, manage the distribution and help the whole operation run smoothly. We deeply appreciate your heartfelt generosity. Rhyan Lopez Blaine The Editor: There was an article recently about the availability of healthcare assistance in Blaine. I wanted to let those of you who are not familiar with TouchStone Health Clinic and Dr. Liz Schnippel, naturopath, know how wonderful her services are. She is an amazing source of knowledge regarding health concerns and can also offer suggestions for general well-being and health maintenance. I have been seeing her for over two years now and can highly recommend her services. Maureen Kelly Birch Bay

The Editor: I suggest that a pumpkin recycling center be opened in Blaine. I have six pumpkins on my front porch. What to do with them? Set up a recycling center and folks from all over will bring their pumpkins to recycle. The pumpkins must be valuable to someone. This will bring folks from Lynden and Ferndale into town and likely bring some business, too. Tell the local papers, like The Northern Light and you’ll get lots of publicity. Send those stories to Seattle TV stations and you’ll get more press and likely start a new movement. Every city has the same problem with what to do with pumpkins. Pumpkin recycling centers will then be in towns all across America. And they will all say the movement started in Blaine, Washington. Otherwise, pumpkins will end up in the trash and landfills and be a waste. Lance Ferguson Blaine 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, 6 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.

December 12 - 18, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com

Local theater to present live mashup of Hallmark movies

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.

CANCELLED

Thursday, December 12 10am – Public Works Advisory

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Thursday, December 12 6pm – Planning Commission Public Hearing: 2019 Docket Public Hearing: Shoreline Substantial Development Permit – Sundance Yachts

Monday, December 23 9am – Regular City Council meeting Wednesday, December 25 City Offices Closed – Christmas Day

Thursday, December 26 6pm – Planning Commission – CANCELLED

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If you enjoy the Hallmark Channel’s cheesy Christmas movies, you’ll definitely get a laugh out of Blaine Community Theater’s (BCT) upcoming production, “The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon.” Written by Don Zolidis and directed by Deborah Manley, the production is a zany mashup of six Hallmark movies live on stage. The show, which features 18 local actors age nine and up, is one of the biggest productions that BCT has ever put on. “We were discussing putting up a Christmas show, and a bunch of us perused some scripts and came across this one,” said Manley. “It’s hysterical and unbelievably funny. Just imagine six Hallmark movies crammed into one show.” BCT chose “The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon” because it is “a little bit lighter” and “something that people could relate to,” said Manley. She said that the production features tacky, romantic plotlines about boys and girls meeting each other, discovering their true selves and coming together through a series of unfortunate events. “The stories are fun and innocent,” said Manley. To prepare for the production, the actors and actresses have been rehearsing four nights a week for the last four weeks. It is the first time that Manley is directing a theater production in Blaine. Manley, who first became

involved with BCT in its early years, has more recently directed at the Bellingham Theatre Guild and the Claire vg Thomas Theatre in Lynden. “The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon” will take place on Fridays and Saturdays, December 13–14 and 20–21 at 7 p.m. and on Sundays, December 15 and 22 at 2 p.m. The shows will take place in the Blaine High School Black Box Theater, with tickets at the door costing $15 for adults and $13 for students and seniors. Manley said that the production even features a snowball fight, and that some snowballs may find their way into the audience. “It’s good, wholesome family fun,” she said. “It’s just a lighthearted way to spend an evening.”

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The Northern Light • December 12 - 18, 2019

Active S eniors

Community leader Jim Jorgensen honored with lifetime achievement award Community leader Jim Jorgensen was recently presented with a lifetime achievement award to honor his contributions to Blaine and Whatcom County. At the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 15th annual awards dinner on December 5, Jorgensen received a lifetime achievement award sponsored by Salish Wealth Management. The award recognized Jorgensen’s career as an educator, business owner and port commissioner. Jorgensen began his career as a teacher with the Blaine school

district. He later ran a charter and marine sales business out of Blaine Harbor. He helped establish the Wings Over Water birding festival, and was instrumental in the creation of Blaine Marine Park, which saw a 10-acre dump site transformed into a thriving community space. Recently, the Port of Bellingham honored Jorgensen by naming the pier at the end of Marine Drive after him. Jorgensen was joined at the ceremony by his wife of 56 years, Patricia, as well as their son Chris.

s Jim Jorgensen received a standing ovation when he accepted a lifetime achievement award on December 5.

Photo by Louise Mugar

s Jorgensen after the awards ceremony with his wife Patricia and their son Chris.

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Smart ways to embrace retirement Retirement is on the horizon for a significant number of people. Around 10,000 people retire each day in the United States, according to a study by Merrill Lynch and Age Wave, a consultancy studying the cultural and economic impacts of aging. But many soon-to-be retirees are not fully prepared for life after their work life ends. Shedding new light on this next chapter can make retirement something to look forward to even more. How retired are you? Retirement may no longer mean what it once did. Some retirees remove themselves entirely from the active employment market, while others prefer to keep at least one toe in professional water. Some retirees change fields and do part-time work. Others may volunteer their time without getting paid. Still, some choose to use retirement as an opportunity to spearhead a new business venture that may not have been possible beforehand. Retirees should reflect on their goals, as well as their finances, and make plans accordingly. Don’t neglect health care Retiring may involve finding

health insurance and preparing for other types of health care later in life. The U.S. Census Bureau says that employment-based insurance covered 55.4 percent of the population in 2015, the most recent years for figures, followed by Medicaid (19.5 percent) and Medicare (16 percent). Residents of other countries may be covered by government standardized health programs. It pays to know the rules of each plan to avoid unnecessary expenses that can eat into retirement dollars. For those Americans who will be relying solely on Medicare, find a counselor who can spell out the intricacies of the plan, or use the free tool on Medicare.gov. See retirement as a beginning, not an end Quite often soon-to-be retirees focus on the end of a career or the end of a stage in life without putting enough focus on the possibilities ahead. This is a prime time to find a new social network, travel, join a ministry, and much more. Choose your living space Retirement can be an opportunity to shed an old skin and try on a new one – especially

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as it pertains to housing. There are options to downsize for empty-nesters or even to secure resources to “age in place.” According to United Income, a money management service, retirees should try out particular scenarios and locations prior to jumping in. Rent in a particular neighborhood, or house sit and try things on for size. Airbnb and other types of services can make this trial easy. A new outlook on retirement can open up a world of opportunities.

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The Northern Light • December 12 - 18, 2019

Community matches donor’s pledge

Sign up for free CPR classes By Kira Erickson North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) has been offering free CPR classes every month for the public to attend. The classes cover CPR, choking and the use of AEDs, or automated external defibrillators. “We’ve taught over 3,000 people in the past five years and we cover CPR for adults, children and infants along with how to deal with someone who is choking,” NWFR training captain Kris Jorgensen said. “We see a lot of results from the classes.” Jorgensen said there have been several cases in the Blaine and Birch Bay communities where CPR has saved someone’s life. The monthly classes are open to those age 13 or older. If a student is under 18 years old, a parent or guardian must accompany them to the class. A donation of non-perishable food items is recom-

mended but not required. Upon completion, participants will receive certification through an American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) CPR/AED card. “We typically have classes in Blaine, up in Semiahmoo and classes near Bellingham,” Jorgensen said. “We do try to put our classes in different areas to reach out to as many people as possible.” Upcoming 2020 classes include sessions in Bellingham from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 18 and Saturday, March 7. There will also be a session at Station 61 in Blaine on Saturday, February 1 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Station 61 is located at 9408 Odell Road. Additional first aid classes, which focus on bleeding, burns and other emergencies, are offered twice a year by NWFR. Those interested in signing up for future classes are encouraged to enroll early, as space is limited and the classes tend to fill up quickly. In order to sign up, visit nwfrs.net/resources/classes.

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702 G St. blaine-grace-lutheran.org

The Blaine

United Church of Christ

Invites you to join us for

Christmas Eve, December 24 7:30 pm Christmas Eve Service & Play 11:30 pm Candlelight Communion Service with ringing of bells at midnight Blaine United Church of Christ • Pastor Sandy Wisecarver 885 4th St. • Blaine, WA 98230 • (360) 332-6906

Come Join Us

Sunday Worship 10 a.m.

Custer Caroling

Wednesday., December 18 6 pm

Christmas Eve in the Country Candlelight Service Tuesday, December 24 7:30 p.m. Pastor Bing C. Canlas

Custer United Methodist Church 2996 Main Street • Custer

360-366-5181

Members of the community responded generously to one Blaine resident’s fundraising challenge in support of the Blaine Boys and Girls clubhouse. In late September, an anonymous donor in Blaine called for donations to match the $20,000 she was pledging to the Blaine Boys and Girls clubhouse. Those interested in donating had a deadline of November 30 to match the $20,000. In a December 9 news release, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Whatcom County announced that the Blaine community responded generously to the challenge by exceeding the goal and raising an additional $24,850 on top of the anonymous donor’s original $20,000 pledge. “The Boys and Girls Clubs of Whatcom County continue to be committed to leading the way in Blaine, ensuring that every young person who enters the club has an opportunity to achieve a great future,” said Heather Powell, chief executive officer of the Boys and Girls Clubs

of Whatcom County. “With the community’s support, the Blaine clubhouse can open its doors every day after school to 218 members. Together, we do whatever it takes to make it possible for every child in Blaine to reach their full potential.” According to a Boys and Girls Club spokesperson, the new funds will be invested locally. “The funds will be used at our Blaine club to support all of our programming initiatives, with an emphasis on academic success and healthy lifestyles,” said the spokesperson.

Christmas Worship Directory Zion Lutheran Church

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 5 PM A caring, country congregation north of Ferndale between Grandview and Bay Rds. 7215 Valley View Rd. • 360-366-5567 www.zionlutheranwhatcom.org

Live Nativity Friday, December 20 6-8 pm

Please Join Us • Hear the story of Christ’s birth • Manger scene with live animals • Ride in a horse-drawn hay wagon • Listen to live music

• Hot dogs • Cider & cookies • Toast marshmallows • Sing carols

Northwood Alliance Church 580 C Street, Blaine • 360-332-8610

Christ Episcopal Church Christmas EvE sErviCE

We invite you to join our celebration of Emmanuel, God with us! Worship Service - Sunday, Dec. 22 • 11am Carols Service - Sunday, Dec. 22 • 7pm

Tuesday, December 24 5:30 pm 382 Boblett, Blaine christchurchblaine.org

Christ Community Church 4310 H Street, Blaine

December 12 - 18, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com

Girl’s bake sale to support Birch Bay library By Jami Makan A young girl who loves reading books is holding a bake sale to raise money for a new library in Birch Bay. This year, Bailey Black, 10, has been riding her bike to the Whatcom County Library System’s (WCLS) bookmobile every Wednesday, when the bookmobile makes its weekly stop in Birch Bay from 3 to 7 p.m. “At the bookmobile, she heard that they were raising money for the new Birch Bay library,” said Lisa Black, Bailey’s mother. “She wanted to do a fundraiser and came up with the idea to do a bake sale.” Bailey and her family, who live in Birch Bay’s Sea Links community, usually organize a charity drive around the holidays. For the past six years, they have conducted a local toy drive benefitting the Bellingham foster care charity Skookum Kids. Bailey and her three younger brothers would set up a table, sell hot chocolate and collect toy and cash donations from neighbors. “The neighbors were always so supportive,” said Bailey’s mother. This year, Bailey decided to support the Birch Bay library project. After Bailey shared the idea with friends and neighbors, “it just kind of took on a life of its own,” said her mother. Bailey

is now partnering with Friends of Birch Bay Library (FOBBL) and several local businesses to put on the bake sale featuring cookies, cupcakes, cakes, muffins, pies, hot chocolate and other treats, including gluten-free options. Bailey’s Holiday Bake Sale will take place on Saturday, December 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. indoors at 7968 Birch Bay Drive, the site of the future Birch Bay Vogt Community Library. The event will also feature a book sale by FOBBL volunteers. All proceeds will go directly to FOBBL, which is seeking to meet a July 2021 deadline to fully fund the library project with WCLS. “The money raised will go towards our building fund,” said FOBBL board president Dianne Marrs-Smith, who praised Bailey’s enthusiasm. “It’s going to become an annual event. We plan to do this holiday book sale every year as a fundraiser.” One of the participating local businesses is The Market in Birch Bay Square. “Bailey just went into The Market and asked for the store manager, who kindly agreed to donate baked goods,” said her mother. Another donor is The C Shop, whose owner happened to be at the bookmobile during one of Bailey’s visits and gladly agreed to participate. The owner of Calypso Kitchen

is a neighbor and will be donating a special Caribbean Christmas drink for the event. Meanwhile, a fellow church member is opening the forthcoming Scottzer’s Scratch Bakery in downtown Blaine and will be donating homemade cookies. In preparation for the bake sale, Bailey will be going door to door to hand out flyers and ask neighbors to bring donations. She’ll also come up with a price list and go shopping for baked goods the day before the big event. “Bailey’s just so wonderful,” said Marrs-Smith.

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Give the Gift of Summer Fun! s Bailey Black, 10, is holding a bake sale for the Birch Bay library project on Saturday, December 14. Photo courtesy of Lisa Black

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The Northern Light • December 12 - 18, 2019

Birch Bay berm construction started Monday By Oliver Lazenby After decades in the works, preparatory work on Birch Bay’s long awaited beach restoration project began this week. Whatcom County officials called it a rolling start: the contractor, Granite Construction, is moving equipment to Birch Bay Drive and putting erosion control measures in place at the beach. The project, called the Birch Bay Drive and Pedestrian Facility Project or the Birch Bay berm, will add about 210,000 tons of sand and gravel to a 1.6-mile stretch of beach between Lora Lane and Cedar Avenue. The project’s goals are to restore the beach to a natural state by replacing a series of sea walls and other concrete structures, protect Birch Bay Drive from storm surges, and improve bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure along the road. Granite Construction antici-

pates bringing 80,000 tons of sand and gravel to the project site between January 6 and February 15, 2020, according to a project update on Whatcom County’s website. That’s enough sand and gravel to complete the berm from Lora Lane to the Bay Breeze Restaurant, on the project’s south end. Traffic impacts will be minimal through December while Granite Construction tackles preparatory work, according to the county’s update. Starting in January, traffic impacts will include a single lane closure and/or flagging for truck traffic between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., when most of the work will take place. The project will be built over two winters, finishing in April 2021, according to the current construction schedule. For updates on the project, or to sign up for Whatcom County’s online notifications on the project, visit bit.ly/2XtznGW.

School district sends replacement levy to voters By Oliver Lazenby Though the state legislature met its supreme court ordered obligation to fully fund basic education for public schools, the Blaine school district will ask voters to renew a four-year maintenance and operations levy to cover about 15 percent of the district’s day-today expenses. The school district board of directors voted unanimously at a November 25 meeting to put a replacement property tax levy on a February 11, 2020 special election ballot. The four-year levy will replace one that expires at the end of 2020. Taxpayers would pay less for the replacement levy than the current levy. Currently, property owners in the Blaine school district pay about $1.39 per $1,000 of assessed value annually for the maintenance and operations levy. The replacement levy would tax voters at approximately $1.26 per $1,000 in assessed value in 2021, and rise to $1.30 per $1,000 by 2024. School district superintendent Christopher Granger said the average maintenance and operations levy for school districts in Whatcom County is $1.49 per $1,000 in assessed value. Levy rates are approximate and depend on the assessed value of all property in the district in the coming years. According to meeting documents, the replacement levy would bring in $6 million in 2021, $6.4 million in 2022, $6.8 million in 2023, and $7.25 million in 2024. The district would use the money to “support the district’s educational maintenance and daily operations, including teachers, staff, classroom materials and textbooks,” according to a resolution the school board passed on November 25. “We just want the community to know that we do appreciate

their continued support of the district because without this, some of the things the community is used to seeing in our schools would be impacted,” Granger said in a phone interview. The Blaine school district also collects a six-year “technology and capital projects levy” that voters passed in 2018. That levy collected about $0.51 per $1,000 in assessed value this year. In 2017, state lawmakers passed a new education funding plan that increased state funding and limited the amount that school districts could levy for basic education. With the plan, lawmakers intended to make school funding more equitable across the state. The plan reduced the amount that the Blaine school district could levy for maintenance and operations by about $2 million, while also raising the amount local taxpayers pay to the state for education. From those state education taxes, the Blaine school district is getting about $5.24 million annually, Granger said. So while the district has more money, the state funding came with some stipulations that increased operating costs, such as higher starting teacher salaries. The bulk of the extra revenue is going toward salaries. Also, the state’s formula for fully funding basic education doesn’t always work in practice, said Lisa Moeller, the district’s new public relations specialist. “They say it’s fully-funded, but it’s based on their model, which has some big gaps.” For example, Moeller said, the state’s formula gives the district funding for 0.057 school psychologists for the entire district. Not only is it difficult to hire 0.057 of a school psychologist, it’s also not enough to meet the district’s needs, Moeller said. “That’s a good example of the way the state’s funding formula leaves some gaps for us,” she said.

BERM TIMELINE A brief history of the Birch Bay Drive and Pedestrian Facility Project

10,000 YEARS AGO

1950-52

Coast Salish people begin visiting summer villages at Birch Bay for clamming, crabbing, fishing, foraging and hunting.

1986

A letter from Whatcom County to Birch Bay Drive property owners says burying utility lines along the length of the berm will be part of the project. Later in 2013, Reid Middleton estimates that burying the lines would cost $25 to $30 million, far more than the cost of the berm project itself, and the county drops that from the plan.

Whatcom County selects Reid Middleton as the project’s lead engineer. Whatcom County staffers hope the project will start in fall 2014.

Discussions with Reid Middleton break down and the county terminates its contract and hires Environmental Science Associates to replace Reid Middleton as lead engineer.

County officials confirm that construction will be delayed another year. Construction was previously planned to begin in September 2016.

Phase 2A of feasibility study, which included a preliminary cost estimate, is completed.

DEC. 2012

The combination of a storm and a high tide flood Birch Bay Drive and damage Via Birch Bay Cafe and Bistro.

NOV. 8, 2014

Whatcom County and Environmental Associates holds the first of a series of three open houses on the project to gather public feedback on the berm and walkway design. More than 100 people attend.

JUNE 6, 2015 Open house #2

Planning for the project gets underway and county officials estimate that it will be finished by about 2020.

Whatcom County establishes a fund for the Birch Bay Drive and Pedestrian Facility Project.

SEPT. 24, 2015

60 percent level surveying and engineering plans complete.

FEB. 1, 2016

Planned date to have needed right of way negotiations complete, according to schedule presented at the third open house.

Property easement negotiations stall due to third-party property value appraisals taking longer than expected. Easements about one-third complete in November 2016.

JULY 2012

OCT. 2012

JULY 2016

NOV. 2016

Whatcom County and Environmental Science Associates hold the third of three open houses and present a 90 percent level design for the project that includes a schedule for construction.

SEPT. 2017

Whatcom County announces, for the second time, that the project will be postponed due to difficulties with easement negotiations and permitting issues.

JUNE 2018

The county once again announces that construction on the berm will not start in the fall, citing easement negotiations and permitting issues.

DEC. 2018

JAN. 2019

The Lummi Indian Business Council signs off on the cultural resources section of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permit, at the time called the biggest remaining hurdle for the project. The county also still needed to complete one easement negotiation, but the property owner’s approval hinged on the NEPA permit.

2007

Phase 1 of a feasibility study for the berm is completed.

JAN. 2013

MARCH 2014

SEPT. 2016

2006

A request for the berm project is made in the 2004 Birch Bay Subarea Plan, which is adopted by the Whatcom County Council as a part of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan in September 2004.

MARCH 2013

The Birch Bay Drive and Pedestrian Facility Project is included in Whatcom County’s Birch Bay Comprehensive Plan.

A flood spurs community and governmental review of the infrastructure at Birch Bay Drive.

2004

The beach is “renourished” with sand and gravel eight times during this period, according to a 2006 study by Coastal Geologic Services and others.

1977

1982

Whatcom County commissions a preliminary engineering study that estimates the project, including burying utilities, will cost roughly $2.3 million.

1989-1998

Reid Middleton begins preliminary engineering.

A report by hydrologist Wolf Bauer recommends a sand and gravel berm to replace ineffective seawalls and groins and restore the beach at Birch Bay. The current design is adapted from Bauer’s work.

1984

A test section of berm just north of the mouth of Terrell Creek is completed and is effective with ongoing maintenance.

LATE 2013

1975

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers excavates between 200,000 and 300,000 cubic yards of gravel and sediment from Birch Bay for the Blaine Air Force Station and other facilities, creating a “sediment deficit” in Birch Bay.

A windstorm and tidal surge ripped up asphalt and damaged several waterfront businesses along Birch Bay Drive. The storm did $2 million in damage throughout the county, mostly in Birch Bay, Point Roberts, Kendall and Maple Falls. One lane of Birch Bay Drive remained closed for six months after the storm.

NOV. 2019 APRIL 2019

Whatcom County hearing examiner Michael Bobbink approves the shoreline substantial development permit, clearing the way for construction to begin.

Sources: Whatcom County planning documents, permits and staff.

Whatcom County public works awards an $8.7 million contract to Granite Construction to build the berm.

DEC. 2019

Granite Construction begins prep work on the south end of Birch Bay Drive.

Timeline graphic by Doug De Visser

December 12 - 18, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com

NEXT ISSUE: Dec. 19 - The last issue of 2019.

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Four suspects arrested for two late-night burglaries in Custer area Four suspects were arrested and booked into Whatcom County Jail in relation to two burglaries that were committed during the early morning hours of December 3. Shortly after midnight on December 3, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) responded after receiving a call from the owner of Sunrise Grocery in the 8000 block of Sunrise Road in the Custer area. The owner reported that someone had broken through the door of his closed business. The suspects had stolen a specific brand of cigarettes and made an attempt to access the ATM that

was located in the store. “The owner was able to observe a late model Dodge Ram pickup truck with a construction rack over the bed fleeing the scene and heading southbound on Sunrise Road,” stated a WCSO news release. A short time later, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the owner of Delta Grocery in the 1300 block of Birch Bay-Lynden Road reported an alarm at his business. Through a live video feed, the owner was able to observe that the front door of the business had been pried open. At attempt was also made to access the ATM machine, and later investigation re-

vealed that the suspects were able to steal several Washington State Lottery scratch tickets. While responding to the second burglary, a WCSO deputy observed a Dodge Ram pickup truck that matched the description provided by Sunrise Grocery’s owner and was traveling southbound on Enterprise Road. The vehicle attempted to turn and enter a field but its path was blocked by a gate. With assistance from the Ferndale Police Department, deputies contacted and detained the four occupants of the truck. “Inside the truck, in plain view, were cartons of the specific brand

of cigarettes stolen from Sunrise Grocery,” said the WCSO news release. “A large blue pry bar was found in the bed of the truck which appears to have been used in attempts to access the ATM machines at both stores. In addition, three of the suspects’ shoe patterns matched those left at the scene of Sunrise Grocery, and each contained embedded glass from the broken door.” The news release continued: “As one of the suspects exited the truck, Washington State Lottery tickets fell to the ground that the suspect had in possession. These lottery tickets later matched in

sequential numbers the ones stolen from Delta Grocery.” The four suspects were Dylan Sielicki, 38, of Stanwood; Alena Sharp, 33, of Bellingham; Treven Elgersma, 22, of Bellingham; and Brent Cheney, 29, of Bellingham. All four were arrested for two counts of second-degree burglary; second-degree malicious mischief for $1,000 of damage to Delta Grocery; third degree malicious mischief for $500 of damage to Sunrise Grocery; second-degree theft for the Delta Grocery lottery tickets; third-degree theft for the Sunrise Grocery cigarettes; and criminal conspiracy.

City of Blaine to spend $140,000 on new signage for visitors By Jami Makan The city of Blaine will spend up to $140,000 as part of a county-wide signage program intended to help tourists and visitors find their way to various attractions within the city. At their November 25 public meeting, Blaine city councilmembers voted 7-0 to authorize city manager Michael Jones to enter into an interlocal cooperation agreement with Whatcom County and other cities in the county. The non-binding agreement allows the participants to jointly develop “wayfinding” signage in a coordinated effort, saving the cities some money and delegating much of the work to the county level. Signs would be located both within and outside the city of Blaine. The signs would help direct vehicles and pedestrians to points of interest in Blaine, where it is hoped that visitors will remain for longer periods of time and spend more money on meals and hotel stays. The pro-

gram was developed by MERJE, a team of design professionals based in West Chester, Pennsylvania, following a 2015 tourism assessment of Whatcom County by Roger Brooks International. “The signs are oriented towards people who are unfamiliar with the community,” Jones told councilmembers prior to the vote. “From an economic development perspective, it drives longer visits, and that encourages more spending and more stops.” The agreement establishes a program for cooperation between Whatcom County, Bellingham, Blaine, Ferndale, Lynden, Sumas and Everson; Nooksack opted out. The agreement proposes that the county manage interactions with WSDOT; obtain final engineering design for the signs; manage the installations; develop a maintenance program; and manage billing and reimbursement. “The county is paying for all of that for everyone,” said Jones. “We’ll all use the same engineering, we’ll all use the same design specs, we’ll all

use the same bid documents and we’ll all presumably use the same maintenance schedule.” Under the terms of the agreement, the city of Blaine will make the final determination of all sign locations – as well as the number of signs – within the city. The city will have veto authority over any signs proposed within city limits. Once installed, signs within the city would become the property of the city. The city can withdraw from the program at any time after providing 90 days’ notice to Whatcom County. Jones urged councilmembers to take advantage of a rare opportunity to install local signs with county support and funding. “If we don’t participate, it’s not likely that we would be eligible later to do the same thing,” said Jones. “We’re doing it now, comprehensively, to hopefully save money and have one big package.” The city of Blaine’s share of the cost of the program would be about $240,000. Fifty percent of the vehicular signs would be eligible for

a $100,000 grant from Whatcom County’s Economic Development Investment (EDI) Program, bringing the actual cost down to $140,000. Of the $140,000, about $100,000 would be spent on vehicle-oriented signs and $40,000 on pedestrian-oriented signs. To help pay for them, the city would be eligible for a five-year EDI loan at a low interest rate. The loan would be repaid from the city’s lodging tax revenue. The new signs would add to existing signs, which would not be taken down except in a few instances – where they appear “out of context,” said Jones. Pedestrian signs could possibly include kiosks in the G Street and H Street plazas, while vehicular signs would include signs on city streets, state roads and the I-5 freeway. “The county will take the lead with working with the state to change some of the freeway signage and other state route signage,” said Jones. Blaine’s signs would be blue in order to reflect Blaine’s location in

s Examples of the types of signs that will be installed throughout Blaine as part of a countywide program developed by design consultancy MERJE.

the coastal region of the county. The signs would each have a circular icon on top, branded with a stylized sailboat indicating the city’s proximity to marine waters. The sailboat icon is not meant to replace the city’s official logo, said Jones. The back of the icons would say “Whatcom County.” Councilmembers reacted positively to Jones’ presentation. “I think one benefit of this is that the county will take over the job of dealing with the state for signs on the freeway as well as county signs, and we won’t have to be getting too involved in that,” said mayor Bonnie Onyon. “That’s a huge thing, really. That takes a lot of staff time to get all those approvals.” Mayor Onyon continued: “I think that in time, we will see some benefit in terms of increased sales tax revenue. I think people just feel more comfortable in a community where they can tell where they are going and they are pointed in the right direction. They get more of a sense of place and where things are.”

Image courtesy of city of Blaine

The Northern Light • December 12 - 18, 2019

Coming up

Cub Scout Tree Sale: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 thing priced $5 or less. Info: 360/305-3637. a.m.–4 p.m., Birch Bay Waterslides parking lot, 4874 Birch Bay Lynden Road. Douglas and Fraser fir trees. Bailey’s Holiday Bake Sale: Saturday, December 14, 1–4 p.m., 7968 Birch Bay Drive. Gluten-free Info: blainecubscouts@gmail.com. options available. Proceeds benefit the new library Drayton Harbor Shellebration: Friday, December in Birch Bay. 13, 4–6 p.m., 685 Peace Portal Drive. Celebrate healthy waters and fresh harvest with grilled oysters Teen Art Sale: Saturday, December 14, 2–5 p.m., and chowder and watershed steward awards at 4:30 Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Artists in grades 6-12 display and sell original art. Info: 360/305-3637. p.m. Info: 360/778-6230. 10th Annual Christmas Carol Sing-Along: Saturday, December 14, 7-9 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 382 Boblett Street. $7 donation at the door (no one is turned away). Proceeds from concert go to Loads of Love Laundry Program in Blaine. Presented by Backstage @ the Border.

The Holiday Channel Christmas Movie Wonderthon: Fridays and Saturdays, December 13–14, and 20–21, 7 p.m., and Sundays, December 15 and 22, 2 p.m., Blaine High School Black Box Theater. Presented by Blaine Community Theater, written by Don Zolidis, directed by Deborah Manley; a zany mashup of six “Hallmark” movies live on stage. $15 adults, $13 students/seniors at door. Info: blainecommunitytheater.com. Silver City Band: Friday and Saturday, December 13 and 14, 7:30–11:30 p.m., American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. Wine Tasting at The Vault: Friday, December 13, 3–7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar, 277 G Street. Candace Kiersky, Whatcom sales representative for Vehrs Distributing presenting Spanish wines. Info: 360/392-0955. Live Music at The Vault: Friday, December 13, 7–9 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar, 277 G Street. Featuring: Chad Petersen. Info: 360/392-0955.

Crossword Answers at thenorthernlight.com 53. Unit of loudness 54. Increase in velocity 56. Mesoamerican religion 58. Early multimedia 59. Forearm bone 60. An unprincipled person 63. Swarming with 64. Shellfish 65. Root of taro plantDOWN 1.More silly 2. Adult beverage 3. Iron used for lofting 4. Noses 5. Smile 6. One who examines closely 7. Lethal dose 8. Denotes past 9. “This Is Us” actor Fitch 10. Dabbling ducks 13. Polish beer 14. A type of cat 15. Shows respect for 20. Of I 21. Commercial 22. Chai and chamomile are two 23. Lodging option 27. Geological times 29. Unit of electrical

Let’s Make Presents: Wednesday, December 18, 3:15–4:15 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Make great gifts for family and friends. Everything you need will be provided. For grades K-5. Info: 360/3053637. Open Mic at The Vault: Wednesday, December 18, 7–9 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar, 277 G Street. Featuring Chuck Dingee and friends. Info: 360/392-0955.

Semiahmoo Men’s Breakfast: Thursday, December 19, 7:30 a.m., The Great Blue Heron Grill, 8720 Semiahmoo Parkway. Coffee, big breakfast $15. All men are welcome. This week is our annual Christmas program Live Music at The Vault: Saturday, December 14, with musical guest Dana Cohenour. RSVP required. 7–9 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar, 277 G Street. FeaturLive Nativity: Friday, December 20, 6–8 p.m., Northing: Free Harmony. Info: 360/392-0955. wood Alliance Church, 580 C Street. Hear the story of 3rd Sunday Breakfast: Sunday, December 15, 9 Christ’s birth, view a manger scene with live animals, a.m.–noon, American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, carols and refreshDrive. Open to the public. Adults $6, children 6 years ments. Info: 360/332-8610. and under $3. Eggs to order, French toast, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, ham or sausage, coffee, milk, Once Upon a Winter’s Walk: Saturday, December 21, 7 p.m., Blaine Performing Arts Center, 975 H Street. and orange juice. Info: 360/371-7311. Presented by Day-to-Day Dance. Tickets: $10, children 22nd Annual Old Fashioned Caroling: Sunday, under 4 free. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., tickets at door. December 15, children’s program at 5 p.m., main carol sing-along, 5:45 p.m., Semiahmoo Resort, San Juan Annual Christmas Bird Count: Saturday, December Ballroom, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway. Free; donations 28, 7:30 a.m., Starbucks, 530 Peace Portal Drive. Count for the Blaine Food Bank encouraged. Refreshments begins at 8 a.m. and goes until 3:30 p.m. Hosted by the White Rock and Surrey Naturalists Society. To participate provided. Cash bar. Sponsored by the Semiahmoo or for more information: 604/576-6831. Resort Association and Resort Semiahmoo.

Pancake Breakfast with Santa: Saturday, December 14, 9 a.m.–noon, American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. Free for children under 12 years – all Census 2020 Jobs Recruiting: Monday, Decemothers by donation. Info: 360/371-7311. ber 16, 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Blaine Public Library, Holiday Craft Bazaar: Saturday, December 14, 11:30 610 3rd Street. Census recruiters will be available to a.m.–1:30 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. answer questions and take applications for employKids ages 5-13 sell homemade crafts and treats. Every- ment. Info: 360/305-3637.

ACROSS 1.Database management system 5. Soft blue-gray mineral 11. Algerian coastal city 12. A healthy redness 16. El __, border town 17. Part of the mind 18. Female body part 19. Atrocities 24. You can call Paul Simon this 25. Copyread 26. Large integers 27. Large, flightless bird 28. Bread and whiskey are two 29. Indicate pain or discomfort 30. Worry 31. Wild goats 33. Belittle 34. More supernatural 38. Wakes up 39. Intestinal pouches 40. Popular dance 43. American state 44. CSI actor 45. Having a keen enthusiasm for 49. Swiss river 50. Restaurant item 51. Intense unhappiness

Loads of Love: Monday, December 16, 5–7:30 p.m.,The Washhouse, 715 3rd Street. Laundry costs covered.

inductance (abbr.) 30. Where G-men work 31. Hot beverage 32. One of the six noble gases 33. Southern constellation 34. South American nation 35. Suitable for use as food 36. The back 37. I (German) 38. Blood group 40. Fit to stand trial 41. Praise excessively 42. Female’s title 44. EU predecessor 45. Acutely insightful and wise 46. Disguised 47. Improved the appearance of 48. Generator 50. The real __, the genuine article 51. Male’s title 52. Home of the Hawkeyes 54. About aviation 55. At all times 57. Military peace officer 61. College degree 62. Indicates position

Ring of Fire and Hope: Tuesday, December 31, 7 p.m., Birch Bay waterfront. Ring out the old year with a ring of fire around Birch Bay. Pick up a flare (limited quantities available) starting at 5 p.m. at the Birch Bay Visitor Center, 7900 Birch Bay Drive, or bring your own

(without a spike). Info: birchbaychamber.com. Polar Bear Plunge: Wednesday, January 1, noon, in front of Birch Bay Visitor Center, 7900 Birch Bay Drive. Register online or day-of after 10 a.m. T-shirt and sweatshirt sales plus warming pits, hot drinks and costume contest at 11 a.m. Info: birchbaychamber.com. Loads of Love: Monday, January 6, 5-7:30 p.m., The Washhouse, 715 3rd Street. Laundry costs covered. Al-Anon Meetings: Mondays, noon, United Church of Christ, 885 4th Street. Info: Call M.J. 360/920-3679 or Bob 360/920-3676. ArtScape Teens: Tuesdays, 3–5 p.m., Soul Space Studio, 264B H Street. A safe place for teens to set their imaginations free through art. Free studio time. Sponsor: Healthy Youth Coalition. Info: 435/704-1598. Toastmasters Meeting: Tuesdays, 6:30–7:45 p.m., 382 Boblett Street. Improve your public speaking skills. Community Meals: Wednesdays, 5–6:30 p.m., Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street. Through May, except holidays. Info: blainecap.org. The Alaska Packers Museum: Saturdays and Sundays, 1–5 p.m., 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway. Info: 360/371-3558. Teen Nite: Saturdays, 5–9 p.m., Border Town Pizza, 738 Peace Portal Drive. Kids ages 13–18 come enjoy open mic, karaoke and games. Free pizza at 5 p.m. Narcotics Anonymous Meeting: Sundays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 382 Boblett Street, entrance on 4th Street. Nwwana.org. Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Police Reports

Weather

December 2, 9:54 a.m.: Blaine Police Department officers responded to a reported theft of services in the 1300 block of H Street. The complainant did not want to pursue charges but wanted the individual involved trespassed.

Precipitation: During the period of December 2–8, 0.87 inches of precipitation were recorded. The 2019 year-to-date precipitation is 28.67 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 52°F on December 3 with a low of 26°F on December 2. Average high was 49°F and average low was 41°F.

December 2, 12:06 p.m.: A person reported that someone has been using her debit card and making purchases without her knowledge. The person filed a fraud complaint with her bank and had the debit card canceled. December 2, 3:08 p.m.: Blaine police assisted U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with contact of a CBP officer. The employee was not home at the time.

Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

December 3, 8:03 a.m.: Blaine Police Department officers responded to a welfare check in the 600 block of A Street. Officers contacted the individual who called 911 and verified all was well. December 3, 10:30 a.m.: Blaine Police Department officers responded to a reported violation of a court order. Officers spoke with the complainant who advised the violation occurred in cyberspace. Officers reviewed the order and determined that a violation of the order did not occur with the provided circumstances. December 3, 3:28 p.m.: Blaine Police Department officers responded to a report of trouble with customers at a local business in the 1700 block of H Street. The problematic customers left prior to the arrival of officers. December 4, 8:19 a.m.: Blaine Police Department officers responded to an assist citizen request by phone regarding a civil matter. December 4, 4:48 p.m.: A woman called police to report harassing phone calls. An officer arrived and documented the incident. The incident was forwarded to the city of Blaine prosecutor’s office for review. December 4, 7 p.m.: Officers were called to the Peace Arch port of entry to investigate a possible case of reckless endangerment. A person applying for entry into Canada hid a handgun in a local park. The handgun was located and seized; charges for reckless endangerment will be following. December 4, 8:30 a.m.: A person reported that she put up a Christmas lights timer outside her garage to make her lights come on at night. The person checked on the light timer in the morning because the lights were acting funny. She believed someone had tampered with the switch. She determined there was no damage, but feels someone changed the time on the switch. Extra patrol was requested and will be provided as available. December 5, 4:53 p.m.: Police were dispatched to service a temporary protection order. The respondent on the order was contacted and served at his address. Police stood by while the man collected his belongings and left the home. Police cleared without incident. Office staff will enter the order as served. December 5, 6:05 p.m.: Officers were called to a report of threats. The reporting party requested that no action be taken. Officers spoke with the suspect and no probable cause was established. Officers cleared. December 5, 10:39 p.m.: Officers on patrol observed a vehicle with a defective headlight and no working license plate light. The vehicle was stopped for the defective equipment and the driver was discovered to have a suspended license. The driver was arrested, cited and released with a mandatory court date.

Reports provided by Blaine Police Department

Tides DATE TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT December 13–19 at Blaine. Not for navigation. 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W Fr 13

7:14 am 10.13 12:21 pm

4:31 pm

Sa 14 12:10 am

-1.91

7:58 am

1:13 pm

7.25

5:07 pm

Su 15 12:50 am

7.20

8.82 10.37 8.56 \

-1.86

8:42 am

10.47

2:09 pm

7.12

5:51 pm

8.15

Mo 16 1:32 am

-1.49

9:26 am

10.47

6.71

6:43 pm

7.55

-0.78 10:08 am

10.41

3:13 pm

Tu 17

2:18 am

4:21 pm

7:57 pm

6.81

We 18 3:08 am

0.25 10:48 am

10.31

4.93

5:27 pm

5.98

9:37 pm

6.16

Th 19 4:02 am

1.52 11:28 am

10.21

3.63 11:29 pm

5.96

6:25 pm

S The Blaine Food Bank has raised $18,000 towards its goal for its matching funds campaign. If the food bank raises $30,000 by Friday, December 20, a local resident will match community donations up to this amount. Photo courtesy of Joan Smith

December 12 - 18, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com

Southbound border crossings into Blaine down three percent from last year By Oliver Lazenby In October 2019, the most recent month with available data, 645,299 people crossed the border southbound into Blaine. That’s about 3.3 percent less than the same month in 2018, when 667,505 crossed southbound into Blaine. Southbound crossings into Blaine at Peace Arch and Pacific Highway have been lower every

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month this year than last, though by just a few percent. “The numbers always differ from year to year somewhat, but there does seem to be a trend for 2019 being consistently lower than 2018,” said Laurie Trautman, director of Western Washington University’s Border Policy Research Institute. The exchange rate, a common factor in the number of Canadian’s crossing into the U.S. in the

past, changed little since October 2018. Trautman noted that there have been some high profile news articles recently about Canadians being banned from entering the U.S. CBC reported on December 4 that between October 2018 and September 2019, the number of Canadians hit with long-term bans when trying to enter the U.S. nearly doubled when compared to the previous 12-month period.

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The Northern Light • December 12 - 18, 2019

Environmental stewardship is part of our business. BP believes that we can balance providing energy with protecting the environment. That’s why we focus on being good stewards of the 2,500 undeveloped acres around our Cherry Point Refinery. BP provides resources for the development of the BP Heron Center at Birch Bay State Park, supporting environmental education programming for more than 2,500 students, community members and park visitors each year. Surrounded by mountains, forest, wetland and shoreline habitats, Cherry Point devotes considerable resources to help preserve the natural environment. For more on what BP’s doing to help Washington keep advancing, go to: bp.com/Washington

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