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Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay
April 2 - 8, 2020
HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer
IN THIS
ISSUE
CARES Act provides relief to local businesses, page 3
Food distribution program begins in Birch Bay, page 6
Nature’s Path is hiring at its Blaine facility, page 10
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
D Street Shell station giving away milk and bread 11 Stafholt residents, two health care workers test positive for virus By Oliver Lazenby
(See Stafholt, page 15)
FIND OUT
s In order to help the Blaine community, the owners of the Shell gas station at 360 D Street have decided to give away free milk and bread to local families until at least April 7. See our story on page 16.
Photo by Oliver Lazenby
Inslee prohibits in-person city council meetings Audience participation also removed from agenda By Jami Makan Blaine residents who wish to personally attend the next city council meeting on April 13 will not be able to do so, after governor Jay Inslee suspended key provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act and prohibited in-person attendance at city council meetings and meetings of other public bodies. The Open Public Meetings Act generally requires the deliberations and actions of public bodies to be conducted openly, so that citizens can oversee the conduct of the people’s business. “The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies which serve them,” the Act begins. “The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed so that they may retain control over the instruments they have created.” In a March 24 proclamation, Inslee used his emergency powers to suspend a key provision of the Act which states, in
WHAT’S OPEN
part, that “all persons shall be permitted to attend any meeting of the governing body of a public agency,” which includes city councils. Inslee’s Proclamation 20-28 “waived and suspended” this provision until midnight on Thursday, April 23. “Violators of this of this [sic] order may be subject to criminal penalties,” Inslee’s proclamation stated. The proclamation allowed city council meetings to go on if they provide options for the public to attend remotely by telephone or otherwise, and if they also provide “the ability for all persons attending the meeting to hear each other at the same time.” Blaine residents’ voices won’t be heard at the April 13 council meeting. In a separate decision made by Blaine city manager Michael Jones, audience participation has now been removed from city council agendas until “we get back to normal,” Jones said. His decision was announced on March 20, prior to Inslee’s March 23 stay-at-home order and March 24 proclamation. Specifically, Jones modified Rule 15 of the Council Rules of Procedure by removing the audience participation portion
from council’s regular agenda. His decision was conveyed to Blaine councilmembers in a memo, and the decision was made pursuant to Resolution 1800-20, which councilmembers had passed at a special meeting on March 16. Their resolution affirmed Jones’ March 13 proclamation of a local emergency related to the COVID-19 (See City council, page 3)
INSIDE
Good Samaritan Society – Stafholt in Blaine has 13 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, including 11 residents and two health care workers, a spokesperson for the Good Samaritan Society said in an email on April 1. Two medical professionals and two Stafholt residents initially tested positive for COVID-19, the Good Samaritan Society confirmed to The Northern Light on March 30. Additional testing at the facility revealed nine more cases. Shawn Neisteadt, a spokesperson for the South Dakota-based nonprofit provider of senior care and assisted living services, couldn’t say anything about the condition of the infected individuals or when the initial tests came back positive. The facility has notified all residents and their families and is working with the Washington State Department of Health to implement its guidance on isolating residents, Neisteadt said. Stafholt is masking all employees and “following droplet precautions for symptomatic residents, and caring for ill residents in designated areas within our facility,” he said. “Our team is taking extra precautions to monitor the health of staff and residents who may have been exposed. The health and safety of our residents, employees and the community remain our highest priority as we serve during this unprecedented pandemic,” Neisteadt said. On March 30, Neisteadt said all employees and residents were offered tests for the virus and were tested one at a time in a tent in the parking lot. When questioned about testing the following day, the Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based spokesperson said he heard testing was still in process. The Washington State Department of Health, in its guidelines for long-term care facilities, recommends prioritizing ill health care workers for COVID-19 testing and for facilities to “have a low threshold for COVID-19 testing” for residents. Throughout the county, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases more than doubled over the past week, going from 64 on March 24 to 139 on March 31.
Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Crossword . . . . . . 14 Police/Sheriff . . . 14 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14
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SEE WHAT’S OPEN AT: thenorthernlight.com
The Northern Light • April 2 - 8, 2020
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April 2 - 8, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
City council ... From page 1
pandemic and gave Jones various emergency powers. “I decided after consulting with the mayor to remove the audience participation time, because it meant people share a microphone and podium, and it encouraged more people to be in the room,” Jones explained. “At that time we were trying to reduce social contact. Now, of course, we are mandated to completely avoid contact if possible. We don’t intend to try to have audience participation on a conference call meeting. It is just too difficult to manage, and since audience participation is optional, not required, we can leave it off.” Jones continued: “As soon as we get back to normal, that is, once the risk of infection is lower and we are having in-person meetings, we’ll add audience participation back on the agenda. People can send emails and letters for now. That allows participation and it can be very effective. Council has time to read the email and think about what’s been sent, rather than just hearing it in the meeting for the first time.” For the April 13 meeting, a “very limited number” of city staff planned to be physical-
ly present in the Blaine council chambers on the fourth floor of 435 Martin Street, said city clerk Samuel Crawford. Councilmembers will participate remotely. Those Blaine residents who wish to express an opinion may still submit comments prior to the meeting, but their written communications will not be read aloud during the meeting. (At city council meetings, the city clerk normally reads a very brief description of written communications and their dates, but not their actual content. “I will continue the normal practice,” Crawford said. “The entire written communication can still be found on the city’s website on the agenda.”) As of March 26, city staff were testing out different methods for remote observation of the April 13 council meeting by Blaine residents. A March 26 planning
commission meeting utilized the online meeting software GoToMeeting, which allowed people to listen in by dialing a telephone number, visiting a website or downloading a computer application. The instructions for the April 13 council meeting were expected to be posted to the city’s website, cityofblaine.com, once available. “The information will definitely be available to the public in advance of the meeting,” said Crawford. Members of the public who wish to submit written comments to Blaine city council can do so by emailing citycouncil@cityofblaine.com or mailing a letter to city hall, 435 Martin Street, Suite 3000, Blaine, Washington 98230. Comments should be addressed to Blaine city council. Remember to state your full name and residential address for the record.
The CARES Act recently passed by the U.S. Congress should benefit local businesses, independent contractors and the self-employed who have taken a hit from the coronavirus pandemic. The bill authorizes the expenditure of $349 billion in emergency loans to support small businesses with fewer than 500 employees. The amount of money available to businesses is two and a half times their average monthly payroll costs up to $10 million, whichever is lower. The loans can be used for payroll, group health benefits, salaries and commissions, mortgage interest, rent and utilities and other miscellaneous costs. The loan will be eligible for loan forgiveness
High Quality, Delicious
Easter Chocolate
s At the March 23 meeting, several Blaine councilmembers attended remotely. All of them are expected to dial into the April 13 meeting. Photo by Jami Makan
equal to the amount spent by the borrower during an eight-week period after the origination date of the loan on payroll costs and other specified costs. The interest is capped at four percent; payments can be deferred up to six months and the loan is due in two years. The Act also creates a temporary Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program beginning January 27, 2020 through December 31, 2020, to provide payment to those not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits (the self-employed, independent contractors, those seeking part-time employment, those with limited work history and others) who are unable to work as a direct result of the coronavirus public health emergency.
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The bill also provides funding to support “short-time compensation” programs, where employers reduce employees’ hours instead of laying off workers and the employees with reduced hours receive a prorated unemployment benefit. This provision would pay 100 percent of the costs they incur in providing short-time compensation through December 31, 2020. Small businesses can begin applying for these loans this Friday, April 3 and the application is now online at bit.ly/3aCDHJI. More information can be found at bit.ly/2JwnKZL. If you’re a borrower, go to bit.ly/2wScPXy. Borrowers can apply through any SBA-approved lender and the loans are not subject to the regular SBA rules.
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The Northern Light • April 2 - 8, 2020
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 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 Reporting Intern Grace McCarthy prpintern@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 Contributors In This Issue Mike Kent The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200 Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXV, No 41 Circulation: 10,500 copies
Circulation Independently Verified by:
Next issue: April 9 Ads due: April 3
Letters The Editor: I would like to urge my fellow readers of The Northern Light to answer the recent call for help from the newspaper’s management by contributing $24 for the continued local mailing of the paper. The source of funding is necessary as the local advertising market has collapsed because of the business shutdowns caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The sudden revenue shortfall has jeopardized the paper’s future. I have a special reason for understanding this dilemma. I spent virtually my entire professional life working for newspapers. My local hometown paper bought freelance articles from me as a college student and hired me full-time in the summer of 1958 as their police reporter as long as I promised to complete my journalism degree in college. The paper allowed me to work a double shift every Saturday during the school year, which sustained me until I earned my B.A. degree in 1961. They then hired me and gave me one of the paper’s best jobs, covering county government. Because of the solid training I received from my professional editors and colleagues at my hometown paper, I went on to become a reporter for a metropolitan daily, The San Jose Mercury News, promoted eventually to a regional news bureau chief position in charge of all news coverage of Silicon Valley, Stanford University, NASA’s Ames Research Center and some of Northern California’s hottest news stories. In 1977, I became the newspaper’s television editor and a nationally syndicated columnist whose columns were distributed to more than 125 papers in the U.S. and Canada. I stayed with daily journalism until my retirement in 1999. During all those years, I never lost my respect for the hard work and valuable contribution made by small town dailies and weekly newspapers like The Northern Light. I have been a steady reader of our local paper since my wife and I moved to Blaine in 2001 and consider it a vital asset to living here. For that reason, I am happy to join what I hope will be a large number of readers who will rally to support our hometown paper in this time of serious need. Ron Miller Blaine The Editor: This letter is in response to the opinions made by Mr. Leering of White Rock, B.C. in the March 26 issue concerning how the United States is handling the COVID-19 virus. Stating that “the Republican administration has been slow to react to the COVID-19 pandemic” does nothing to help the situation. Mistakes were made and are being corrected. On March 14, while our borders were still open to Whatcom County, flights from China were still landing in Vancouver, B.C. Why didn’t the Canadian government stop the flights sooner? That was a mistake. On television, we observed two Democratic New York officials telling their citizens to go to the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It was a mistake. The Canadian health care system isn’t perfect. Unfortunately, it’s likely there are many more infections and deaths in Canada than Mr. Leering indicated. It is a terrible situation for both our countries and there is no value in making negative comparisons relative to health care systems. People claim they would handle the pandemic differently than the present administration. It is convenient to be critical after the fact, and it is easier to criticize from the outside looking in. I am confident that our people in charge are doing
their best. Pointing out mistakes is not helping. Overall, I have always been proud of how the United States of America has performed in dire situations. People are sacrificing their lives to help others and I am grateful for that. Can we agree to keep our negativity to a minimum, even to ourselves, and work at being part of the solution instead of the problem? Let’s pray for those who are ill, and that this pandemic will end soon. Peter and Susan Werner Blaine The Editor: Sinclair Lewis authored “It Can’t Happen Here” in 1935. Lewis’ novel was propelled to popularity by a sense of urgency that the United States, as some countries of Western Europe, might unleash unimaginable dark forces. Fast forward to COVID-19. While the issues are different, there are parallels between Lewis’ terrifying certainty that “it” could happen here to what is happening in Italy as it attempts to tame COVID-19. Italy has a good medical system. The overwhelming catastrophe unfolding in Italy’s wealthy Lombardy region could happen anywhere, even here in Whatcom County. Italy is learning that hospitals might be the main COVID-19 carriers. Infected patients pass the contagion to uninfected patients. Ambulances and personnel become vectors. Health workers are asymptomatic carriers. There must be rigorous hospital and population surveillance. Test hospital workers first. Use mobile testing units. Surveil the community and every corner of our county. Family Care Network (FCN) was quick to utilize more telemedicine, as one step, to keep staff and patients out of harm’s way. FCN also quickly implemented parking lot temperature and symptom checking before patients enter their clinics. For the mildly ill, deliver early oxygen therapy, pulse oximeters and nutrition to where they live. Hospitalization would be limited to the severely ill. We’re in a humanitarian and public health crisis. It is not just an intensive care crisis. In hospitals, protection of medical personnel must be prioritized. As one local emergency department physician stated, citing his concerns about provider safety going unaddressed, “We don’t need more donuts and pizza, we need protective equipment.” That sentiment is repeated around the country. How did the world’s wealthiest nation get caught so flat-footed? Let’s all do our part to help frontline providers stay safe. And then, when this current pandemic is over, let’s prepare better. Because it can happen here and there will be a next time, and a next time after that. Micki Jackson Bellingham The Editor: I am a nurse, working at the Veterans Administration. I’ve worked at PeaceHealth, so I am familiar with their corporate culture. Dr. Ming Lin, a 17-year emergency department physician at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, was fired for speaking out publicly about the lack of proper safety protections and policies for frontline doctors and nurses. Dr. Lin, a physician for about 30 years, worked at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City when 9/11 happened – he has experience in public health crisis situations. There is widespread outrage about Dr. Lin’s firing, specifically in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, when we need experienced physicians. The public deserves honest, transparent
information. PeaceHealth must re-evaluate how they have mishandled communications and preparedness. This isn’t about recriminations, it’s about reminding PeaceHealth – now – that they must be honest going forward. The truth will always emerge, so it makes more sense to be transparent. Admitting you haven’t done everything right is never easy, but it is a sign of strength and leadership. Nurses at St. Joe’s have filed complaints with the Washington State Nurses Association pertaining to PeaceHealth’s actions and the hospital’s failure to provide a safe work environment. The American Academy of Emergency Medicine issued their own position and statement on Dr. Lin’s firing. A foundational principle in health care is, “If you see something, say something.” That’s precisely what Dr. Lin did, but he was fired for honoring his sense of duty. PeaceHealth must abide by its mission statement. Sadly, they are not. Rebecca Rech Cutler, RN, BSN Bellingham The Editor: “Stay at home” or “shelter in place” has provided, for Americans, an abundance of precious time that previously may not have been allocated toward viewing cable news stations. This time allocation has taught me an invaluable lesson about American politics and America whether left, moderate or right. Be it CNN on the left or Fox on the right, each venue has a shocking slant. The only difference is that the left tends to present more verifiable facts with fewer inaccuracies than those proponents of right-wing cable positions. It is time for Americans to stop listening to what they think they want to hear to justify their personal beliefs and positions and to stand up and demand from the cable stations more authentic, truthful and neutral news presentations similar to those of most network news. I am as displeased with CNN as I am with the misinformation and dishonesty on Fox. I listened as I heard a very soft CNN interview with the former surgeon general following a tough and direct interview of a Republican senator covering the same topic, COVID-19. Left, right or moderate, all stations should be fact-checking government officials. It is one thing to report verbatim what an official says, accurate or inaccurate, and it is another to not verify the information and present the statement as being factual, which is dangerous, especially now. The same concept applies to social media. Facebook, for example, is not a reputable news source. It is a social source to connect people and families with similar goals and interests. A perfect example is the deadly and inaccurate misinformation it has spread regarding vaccines. America, as you work from home, educate your children from home, help others from home and further protect yourselves and your families by separating fact from fiction. Sadly, people have been and are sick and dying, in part due to the last month of continual misinformation from the same sources over and over again. There is a clear difference between not knowing the answer or an outcome and purposefully fabricating information. Social distance and stay well. Beth Tableman Blaine
Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
April 2 - 8, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
Thank You to our Donors and Advertisers! We continue to be awed at the support shown to The Northern Light and its employees through contributions and kind words. We have to date received donations from 362 readers or families; a list of the most recent is shown below. We’d also like to give a shout-out to our advertisers who have helped us in our goal of providing solid news reporting about what’s happening in our community. We ask our readers to support not just these businesses but also all of our local businesses who are struggling to stay open and serve their clientele. If you can, please support our local charities such as the food banks and faith-based organizations that are helping people in need. Working together, we’ll get through this crisis as best we can. In that vein, please avoid passing on dubious information and rumors on social media. Practice good personal hygiene and social distancing and follow the guidelines provided by our knowledgeable medical authorities. Everyone has a role in reducing the rate of infection; by doing so, you can and will save lives.
Here is what some people have told us: “Thank you for your fine; informative newspaper.” Maria Kompaniet
“Thanks for all that you have done to stand beside us over the years. Please accept this donation as a token of our gratitude for your support!” Pacific Arts Association
“Thank you for the excellent work you do for our community! You not only keep us informed but bring us together! We hope and pray that you get the support you need to continue your valuable service to this area.” Dennis and Ann Olason
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The Northern Light • April 2 - 8, 2020
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BPD, WCSO urge voluntary compliance with stay-home order By Jami Makan The Blaine Police Department (BPD) and Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) are urging local residents to voluntarily comply with governor Jay Inslee’s stay-home order to help curb the spread of COVID-19. “The governor’s order allows for people to be out of their homes to perform essential tasks, including exercise and other exceptions,” explained BPD sergeant Michael Munden. “It also asks them to maintain a safe distance from others while doing so. Because of this, the Blaine Police Department is not stopping or questioning individual citizens in regards to the order.” Sergeant Munden continued: “Should we observe a large group congregating, we will educate the group about the order, advise them of the dangers associated with gathering in groups and ask them to disperse. If the group failed to disperse, we would act within the confines of the law which could result in a citation or an arrest if necessary. As of [March 27], we have not yet had to face this scenario.” Police chief Donnell Tanksley further emphasized: “Any time of
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Three weeks ago, volunteers at The Bridge Community Hope Center in Birch Bay started distributing free food to people in need. While they were planning to do it even before the current crisis hit, the new program comes
CITY OF BLAINE
NOTICE OF FLUSHING
Due to COVID-19 and the Governor’s Proclamation, meetings are now only open to the public telephonically. Information on how to listen to the meeting live will be on the City Council agenda which is located on the City’s website homepage under Your Government, City Council, City Council Agenda.
The City of Blaine Water Division started flushing the City's water distribution system. This is accomplished by opening hydrants along the system (starting at the well fields) to move fresh water throughout the distribution system.
Monday, April 13 6:00pm – Regular City Council
The purpose of flushing the system is to remove any grit and debris in order to improve water quality through the distribution system.
Meeting
During the city flushing program city water customers may experience a temporary low water pressure and/ or cloudiness when flushing is going on. The cloudiness condition (caused by air) should be only temporary, and can be cleared by running a cold water tap for a few minutes to clean and flush your service line. If the condition continues for an extended period of time please contact the Blaine Public Works. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you have any questions, feel free to call Public Works at (360) 332-8820. Blaine Public Works.
encouraging voluntary compliance with the governor’s order. Sheriff Bill Elfo said: “Consistent with the governor’s statement and orders, the direction we are providing deputies is to emphasize public education during current operational periods and seek voluntary compliance.” In further comments, WCSO chief deputy Kevin Hester said that a deputy stopping and speaking with someone does not generate a call or a data point to collect. “We stop and talk with people all the time,” he said. “I can tell you that no one has been arrested or cited or anything like that. Our primary role is to help educate people about how to comply with orders to stay at home. We are not being asked to detain, arrest, ticket or establish checkpoints for compliance. Our primary role is one of education: educating residents on how to keep themselves safe, how to keep their families safe and most importantly, to keep the rest of the community safe, especially vulnerable populations.” The governor’s stay-home order went into effect on March 23 and will last for at least two weeks. The order may be viewed in its entirety at governor.wa.gov.
The Bridge begins new food distribution program in Birch Bay By Jami Makan
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arrest would be an absolute last resort after many attempts to educate. We do not expect this to happen at all.” In addition to continuing to patrol neighborhoods, BPD officers are also performing “courtesy checks” of local businesses. Specifically, BPD officers are checking the perimeters of local businesses to ensure they are secure. The goal of the initiative, led by sergeant Brent Greene, is to provide peace of mind to business owners. “The people who own many of these businesses are being forced to stay at home, as their livelihood is not considered ‘essential,’” sergeant Munden explained. “Criminals, on the other hand, rarely abide by the rules. It is likely that some might attempt to take advantage of this situation and see some of these closed businesses as easy targets.” At each business they check, BPD officers will leave a notice stating the date and time the business was visited and whether it was found to be secure or unsecure. The notice will also state the name and badge number of the officer who performed the check. In Birch Bay, WCSO was also
Meeting
Monday, April 27 6:00pm – Regular City Council Monday, May 11 6:00pm – Regular City Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 26 (Monday the 25th is Memorial Day) 6:00pm – Regular City Council Meeting
All City offices are currently closed to the public. Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website. Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.
www.cityofblaine.com
at an especially critical time. In the first week of the program, 15 families were served, said volunteer Rosemary Connors. In the second week, 32 families were served. In the third week, 54 families – 187 people – were served. Connors expected demand to grow further. “The goodness in people’s hearts is coming out now,” she said. “People are reaching out to others and caring more. They are not letting this virus stop us from being caring people. I’m seeing that in a real way.” The program is supported by 7 to 10 volunteers at The Bridge. Food comes from Sustainable Connections in Bellingham and Miracle Food Network in Ferndale, which collect unused food from restaurants, delis and other sources. According to some estimates, 40 percent of all food in the United States ends up being wasted. People in need of food can register for the program by calling The Bridge at 360/366-8763 or sending a message to its Facebook page. Registration should be done before Friday morning, because food comes in on Fridays and is distributed on Fridays
from 3 to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from noon until 4 p.m. When food is distributed, the six-foot rule is observed, said Connors, and food will be brought out to your car. It can also be delivered to you if you are elderly, disabled or otherwise unable to leave your residence. In addition to the new food program, The Bridge is also home to the Grace Core Chaplaincy, a team of eight chaplains who help meet the immediate needs of those in crisis. For example, the chaplains recently assisted an elderly woman from Ferndale who was going through chemotherapy and had her water shut off. They also recently assisted some low-income families by paying for a week’s worth of gas and propane. This kind of help is typically given following a screening interview with a chaplain, explained chaplain Lee Connors. “We’re there to help people who have fallen through the cracks, who can’t get the services they need,” he said. For more information about The Bridge and its programs, or to make a donation or inquire about volunteering, please visit thebridgehope.com.
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7
On-Board Marine Services plans to expand Blaine shipyard
Worship Directory
By Jami Makan
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s Brad Hooper, owner of Blaine’s On-Board Marine Services, in front of the historic Plover ferry, which his company recently hauled out of the water for inspection and servicing.
Photo by Jami Makan
doors will be 24 feet high.” Hooper would also like to add a fuel dock to the property, which would be used for fueling recreational and commercial boats. While those plans are still up in the air and haven’t been finalized yet, he said he’s had some productive discussions with the Yorkston and Coleman oil companies about bulk-purchasing fuel for resale. While his plans for the new building have already been drawn up and received governmental approval, construction won’t start until the Port of Bellingham tears down a weblocker building that currently sits on the property. The demolition was originally scheduled for May, but will likely be pushed back due to the coronavirus outbreak. “Things are kind of on hold until further notice,” Hooper said. During the crisis, the company is available to shuttle people back and forth between Blaine and Point Roberts if necessary. As local boat owners shelter-in-place at home, the company can also pick their boats up from Birch Bay and Semiahmoo, transport them to the yard and haul them out of the water for any necessary repairs or inspections. The crisis hasn’t kept the firm
from seeking to expand its array of services. The company is currently working to secure contracts to service U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security boats, such as Coast Guard “cutters” that require bottom paint and maintenance of their propellers, shafts, engines and electrical systems. On-Board Marine Services also recently got approved to bid on contracts from the Marine Spill Response Corporation (MSRC), whose boats provide oil spill response services to the Cherry Point refineries. A senior MSRC executive recently visited Blaine Harbor from Washington, D.C. in order to make sure Hooper’s facility was capable of handling the work. One of Hooper’s most recent clients was the historic Plover ferry, which had to be hauled out of the water in order to receive a Coast Guard inspection. While the Plover is in the yard, the company will also paint the bottom of the ferry and service its propeller and rudder. Hooper was optimistic about the future and what it holds for Blaine’s boating community. “We’re going to bring some nice projects here to Blaine,” he said. “It’ll be some good employment for local people in town.”
Port of Bellingham closes Jorgensen Pier The Port of Bellingham has closed several of its recreation areas, including Jorgensen Pier at the end of Marine Drive in Blaine. To follow COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, the port is closing Bellingham’s downtown waterfront bike park, the playground at Zuanich Park, workout stations along the Squalicum Promenade, the picnic shelter at Fairhaven’s Marine Park and Jorgensen Pier in Blaine. “Within these active recreation areas, it could be difficult to maintain social distancing guidelines of a minimum six feet at all times,” noted the port’s March 24 press release. Port spokesperson Mike Hogan said that the closures will continue until public health authorities advise that it is safe to reopen. “We’re waiting until we get notice from the professionals
s A group of teenagers braved the chilly water at Jorgensen Pier in Blaine on June 3 last year.
Photo by Mataya Siemion
that it’s safe to resume business as usual,” he said. Most port-managed parks, trails and open spaces remain open, the port’s release noted. “People who choose to enjoy these amenities should practice social distancing of a minimum six feet at all times
to protect themselves and others,” the release said. It also suggested staying home if you have symptoms, washing hands before visiting outdoor facilities, carrying hand sanitizer and bringing a suitable trash bag in order to leave no waste and protect park workers.
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After relocating in January from Bellingham to the old Walsh Marine site at Blaine Harbor, OnBoard Marine Services has big plans for the future. The company, a one-stop shop servicing recreational and commercial vessels, plans to double the size of its shipyard and construct a new shop and office building on the site. It might even install a new fuel dock. With assistance from the Port of Bellingham and others, the entire property will eventually be modernized, with updated cranes, a new travel lift and new docks. At one point, there was even some talk of bringing in a new restaurant, something like Blaine’s old Harbor Café, to the property at 218 McMillan Avenue. It’s all very ambitious, but On-Board Marine Services owner Brad Hooper hopes to help revitalize the working waterfront in Blaine, a city with a long and proud history of boating, fishing and seafaring. It won’t be easy. “It’s taking a lot of elbow grease and a lot of money,” Hooper said. Hooper, a marine diesel mechanic, previously operated his company out of Bellingham’s Squalicum Harbor. The company, which currently has 10 employees, does everything from repairing boats, rebuilding and replacing engines and electrical work to fiberglass work, woodwork and welding. After completing some projects in Blaine, the company became so busy up here that the firm decided to shutter its Bellingham shop and relocate. After Walsh Marine closed down, On-Board Marine Services renegotiated a contract with the Port of Bellingham and acquired Walsh Marine’s site through a new 15-year lease. The company also acquired more land to the north, where it plans to build a new facility. “It’s going to be a big, two-story building with a shop and offices in it,” Hooper explained. “Down the middle will be a big bay so you can bring boats inside and work on them. The bay
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The Northern Light • April 2 - 8, 2020
HEALTH & WELLNESS Encouraging happy, healthy lives!
Local counselors share tips for coping during COVID-19 By Oliver Lazenby The coronavirus crisis and all that comes with it is a potent mix of mental health challenges: anxiety from following cable news, health concerns, social isolation, lost income, disrupted routines and more. “People are under so much stress right now,” said Erika Creydt, director of behavioral health at TouchStone Health Clinic in Blaine. “People have a lot less support than they did before because of the social distancing.” Much of what Creydt now does with her clients, who she sees through online video meetings, is “crisis work,” or responding to this specific situation. Creydt has worked with clients on a variety of mental health challenges related to the current crisis and she and Rives Thornton, clinical supervisor and licensed mental health counselor at TouchStone, have some coping tips for everyone. Make a list of people you can reach out to That way, “If you’re feeling anxious and concerned, you know you have people right there at the ready,” Thornton said. Creydt suggested trying to call three people a day to stay connected. After
all, they’re most likely at home and not doing much. Exercise Keep up with exercise, especially if you can do it outside – being outside comes with additional mental health benefits. “Get outside. Maintain social distancing but get outside,” Thornton said. And think outside the box; planting a garden is exercise, and research shows that it also comes with additional mental health benefits. “Growing things is really empowering,” Thornton said. Avoid alcohol and drugs Alcohol and drugs may seem like good ways to relieve stress, but they “actually make the crisis much worse in the long term,” Creydt said. Make a list of things you’ve always wanted to do If the coronavirus and stay-athome order have left you with a lot of time, come up with a list of things you’ve always wanted to learn or try that you can do at home. Now might be a good time to study a new language, read the books you’ve always wanted to read or learn to cook or bake. Find a way to make this time useful. Making a list is important: “When people feel overwhelmed, parts of the prefrontal cortex start
s Rives Thornton, supervisor and licensed mental health counselor at Blaine’s TouchStone Health Clinic, has been using telehealth for the past five years.
Courtesy photo
shutting down, so trying to decide between a bunch of things is more difficult,” Creydt said. “If you have a list, you don’t have to think about it.” Maintain your spiritual practice “Maintaining whatever spiritual practice you have is a great tool for people who find that calming or a source of strength,” Creydt said. For everyone, focused breathing and meditation can be
calming, and Creydt suggested YouTube as a source of meditation and yoga videos. Reach out to professionals Like the counselors at TouchStone, mental health professionals around the state have adapted to social distancing, and many are working to make themselves available during this crisis. To find professional help, Thornton recommends going to psychologytoday.com, where one can enter
a zip code and what kind of help they’re seeking to get a list of local mental health professionals. Keep things in perspective It’s okay to not feel okay, and it’s okay to grieve lost safety, routine and social connections. And while this crisis has changed life profoundly, it isn’t forever: “Keep in mind that while no one can pinpoint how long this is going to go on for, there will be an end,” Thornton said.
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Stay Active! s Dank of America, the cannabis retail store located at 2530 Peace Portal Drive in Blaine, recently installed plexiglass screens to protect the store’s employees and customers. Cannabis stores are allowed to remain open during the statewide COVID-19 lockdown, having been deemed “essential” businesses by officials. Photo by Molly Ernst
Flags in council chambers offer snapshots of U.S. history By Grace McCarthy Star-spangled banners decorate the side wall of Blaine’s council chambers, with three framed American flags representing different eras of U.S. history. Below each flag is a brief note about the flag’s history. Located on the fourth floor of 435 Martin Street, the trilogy begins with a 48-star flag encased in a gold frame and yellowed with age. The 1912 flag was created after Arizona and New Mexico gained statehood under President William Taft. It is the second longest-running flag in U.S. history. “The flag is iconic in a way because there were 48 states at the time I was born and since then two states have been added,” said Mike Myers, who was born in 1932 and donated the three American flags while serving on Blaine city council from 2000 to 2008. Myers, who was also the mayor of Blaine during the end of his council term from 2006 to 2008, said the flags were most likely given to him while he was serving as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy, although he doesn’t remember their exact origins. The next flag in the series, the 49-star flag, is distinguished by an extra star that symbolizes the addition of Alaska in 1959 under President Dwight Eisenhower. This flag’s tenure was cut short just one year later, when the American flag was updated yet again to reflect the addition of the nation’s most recent state, Hawaii, in 1960. For Myers, the flags represent American pride. “I’m proud to be an American and I think our flag is very representative of our country,” he said. Before donating them to the city of Blaine, Myers found the flags in his house, where he also keeps a calendar to remind him of all the flag days on which to display America’s stars and stripes. Memorial Day, Independence Day and
Veterans Day are holidays guaranteed to have the American flag hanging outside of Myers’ home. America’s current flag is found not only in Blaine’s council chambers, but also throughout the nation’s schools, neighborhoods and government buildings. Faded versions even exist on the moon’s surface. The 50-star flag is the current flag of the U.S. and holds the re-
cord as the longest-running flag in U.S. history. It was created under President Eisenhower and became the official flag on July 4, 1960. Together, the three flags framed in the Blaine council chambers represent over a century of American history. During this time of crisis, as the council chambers are closed off to the public, the flags are a reminder of the country’s history, its grit and its enduring promise.
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s The framed 48-star flag in Blaine’s council chambers. Photo by Jami Makan
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Pickrell called them due to their role in feeding families in Blaine and beyond. “We’re grateful to be able to offer a job for folks especially in these times,” he said. “One of the things we’re seeing is the need to get food out there. One of the last things people want to be worrying about is what they are going to eat tomorrow. Healthy food is essential for our community.” Meanwhile, Nature’s Path has rewarded all of its Blaine employees with a one-time $250 bonus and increased its employee referral bonus to $1,000. The company, which was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Richmond, B.C., has also increased hourly wages for all of its employees in Blaine. Those interested in applying should visit naturespath.com or call the Blaine plant directly at 360/6037200 ext. 2 for more information.
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In the Superior Court of the State of Washington In and for the County of Snohomish In the Matter of the Estate of: WILLIAM FRANK PEPPEREL, Deceased. NO. 20-4-00422-31 PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.40.030 THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE NAMED BELOW has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative's attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty (30) 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 (4) 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 non-probate assets. Date of first publication: SANDRA LYNN McMILLAN Personal Representative Attorneys for Personal Representative/ Address for mailing or service: Mark A. Jelsing, WSBA #46398 JELSING TRI WEST & ANDRUS PLLC 2926 Colby Ave, Everett, WA 98201
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advertising All real realestate/rentals estate/rentals 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, color, religion, sex, handicap status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our ing in thisfamilial newspaper is subject readers are hereby informed that to the Federal Fair Housing Actall 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. of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby in-
11
Public Notices IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM No. 20-2-00464-37 SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION JAMES LAWRENCE CLARKE, in his individual capacity and as Co-Personal Representative of the ESTATES OF RICHARD BONIFACE CLARKE and ELLEN BERYL CLARKE, Deceased; GERARD JOSEPH CLARKE, in his individual capacity and as Co-Personal Representative of the ESTATES OF RICHARD BONIFACE CLARKE and ELLEN BERYL CLARKE, Deceased; RICHARD JAMES CLARKE, in his individual capacity; PAUL ANTHONY CLARKE, in his individual capacity; PATRICK JOHN CLARKE, in his individual capacity; JOHN TIMOTHY CLARKE, in his individual capacity; FRANCES ALVIN CLARKE, in his individual capacity; ANDREW THOMAS CLARKE, in his individual capacity; and ELLEN MARIE FAIRN, in her individual capacity, Plaintiffs v. ETHELWYN A. TURNBULL and JOHN DOE TURNBULL, in their individual capacities and marital estate, if living, and if deceased the unknown heirs of ETHELWYN A. TURNBULL and JOHN DOE TURNBULL; ETHELWYN A. MERCER and ARTHUR F. MERCER, in their individual capacities and marital estate, if living, and if deceased the unknown heirs of ETHELWYN A. MERCER and ARTHUR F. MERCER; and ALSO ALL OTHER PERSONS OR PARTIES UNKNOWN CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, INTEREST, ESTATE, OR LIEN IN THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN, Defendants. TO THE DEFENDANTS: ETHELWYN A. TURNBULL and JOHN DOE TURNBULL, in their individual capacities and marital estate, if living, and if deceased the unknown heirs of ETHELWYN A. TURNBULL and JOHN DOE TURNBULL; ETHELWYN A. MERCER and ARTHUR F. MERCER, in their individual capacities and marital estate, if living, and if deceased the unknown heirs of ETHELWYN A. MERCER and ARTHUR F. MERCER; and ALSO ALL OTHER PERSONS OR PARTIES UNKNOWN CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, INTEREST, ESTATE, OR LIEN IN THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN. YOU, AND EACH OF YOU, ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to appear within sixty (60) days after the date of first publication of this summons, to wit; within sixty (60) days after the day of March 19, 2020, and defend the above-entitled action in the above-entitled court, and answer the Verified Complaint of the Plaintiffs JAMES LAWRENCE CLARKE, ESTATES OF RICHARD BONIFACE CLARKE and ELLEN BERYL CLARKE, Deceased, GERARD JOSEPH CLARKE, RICHARD JAMES CLARKE, PAUL ANTHONY CLARKE, PATRICK JOHN CLARKE, JOHN TIMOTHY CLARKE, FRANCES ALVIN CLARKE, ANDREW THOMAS CLARKE, and ELLEN MARIE FAIRN, and serve a copy of your answer upon the undersigned attorney for Plaintiffs, Mark W. Stowe of Stowe Law PLLC at their office stated below; and, in case of your failure to do so, judgment will be rendered against you according to the demand of the Verified Complaint in this action, which has been filed with the Clerk of said Court. The object of this action is to quiet title in the Plaintiffs to real property located in Whatcom County, Washington, described as: LOT 7 AND THE EAST ONE-HALF OF LOT 8, BLOCK 6, MAPLE BEACH ADDITION, POINT ROBERTS, ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF ON FILE AND OF RECORD IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY AUDITOR OF WHATCOM COUNTY, STATE OF WASHINGTON, RECORDED IN VOLUME 6 OF PLATS, PAGE 22. SITUATE IN WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON. against any and all claims of the Defendants and any one of them, and as otherwise stated in said Verified Complaint. DATED this 6th day of MARCH 2020. Stowe Law PLLC By: Mark W. Stowe, WSBA# 16655 Attorney for Plaintiffs Stowe Law PLLC P.O. Box 129, 276 Boundary Bay Road Point Roberts, WA 98281 Phone (360) 945-0337 Email: stowelawpllc@outlook.com
MORE REAL ESTATE LISTINGS on page 12
12
Real Estate
The Northern Light • April 2 - 8, 2020
Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom Inc. 360.371.5100
8105 Birch Bay Square St. I-5 Exit 270, Blaine
BLAINE, BIRCH BAY & SEMIAHMOO For the health & safety of our clients, Windermere Real Estate is pleased to follow the State of Washington’s mandate to not hold Open Houses. We are, however, available to show you your dream home by virtual tour or private appointment. Please call your Realtor for assistance.
3187 McGee Road • $729,000
MLS #1547733 Almost complete! With limited availability in Whatcom Co, this “one of a kind” find offers custom touches. It all starts with location & quality custom conXX Birch Bay Lynden Rd • struction and this has both. This home is MLS #1567509 your modern farmhouse dream with shiplap $404,000 32 acres with possibility of subdividing into accent walls. Exceptional presentation, ad6 residential acreage lots. Quick access jacent to a Whatcom Land Trust nature preto Birch Bay Square, Outlet Mall, and I-5. serve. Well thought out design showcases Located less than 15 minutes from Blaine, this home with southern exposure. All main Ferndale, Lynden, and Canada. Water pro- floor living & efficient use of space. Plenty of room for your shop with no critical areas. vided by Custer Water Association.
Gerry Allen 360-920-0563
Brandi Coplen 360-201-3951
7909 W Golf Course Drive • MLS #1537352 $699,00
Perched above beautiful Birch Bay in popular gated SeaLinks community is this remarkable custom residence. Soaring ceilings, tremendous natural light w/70+ windows! 4 viewing decks to enjoy amazing inland Pacific sunsets. A short walk to miles of pristine beaches, restaurants & area attractions. Highest quality materials & luxurious appointments throughout & spacious greatroom design w/gourmet kitchen. 3 gas fireplaces, sumptuous owner’s suite, den & oversized garage. A must see home & location!
Mike Kent 360-527-8901
724 B Street • $375,000
MLS #1585067 Blaine is the place to be, here’s your chance to be minutes from the action! Sought after 3 bedroom/2.5 bathroom remodeled home in fantastic walkable location to the schools, downtown & the waterfront! Updated eat in kitchen w/ poured resin counters, newer appliances + separate living & family rooms. Hard to find almost 9K sq ft lot, 2 car attached garage, hooked up to natural gas + the flexibility of living in a no HOA neighborhood. Easy I-5 & US/CAN border access & steps to Kilmer Park.
Leah Crews 360-305-4747
4455 Castlerock Drive • MLS #1584543 $538,500
Stunning single level living (plus upper level bonus room w/ wet bar) in the sought after Greens at Loomis Trail! Soaring ceilings, popular open concept design & all the ‘must haves’ on your list: maple cabinets, bamboo floors, granite counters, s/s appliances, fully tiled walk in shower + Jacuzzi in luxurious Master en suite, covered back patio, wired for Cat 5/surround sound, built in vacuum on almost 12K sq ft beautifully landscaped fenced lot. Rare tree lined streets + gated community!
Jen Freeman 360-815-0803
5358 Canvasback Road • 5503 Castlerock Road • 9121 Pintail Loop • $749,500 5061 Fern Street • $459,900 8146 Skeena Way • $599,900 8783 Clubhouse Point Dr. • $1,100,000 MLS #1576574 MLS #1559972 MLS #1579146 Small private gated com- MLS #1542646 Brand NEW! Farmhouse MLS #1433689 Pre-sale New: Single $1,049,000 MLS #1232342 Spectacular, bespoke showhome at Semi$379,900
Beautiful ocean & Mt view home in Birch Bay. Large kitchen with stainless appliances, granite counter-tops & lots of windows for water views. 9 ft ceilings throughout. Home includes formal living, dining & great rooms. Master bedroom with large ensuite and 2 bedrooms. Over sized two car garage and solar panels (very energy efficient). Solar panels keep the electric bill to around $15.00 a month. Huge deck with pergola and sweeping views of the bay and Mt Baker. Please come and take a look!
Lisa Sprague 360-916-0838
munity of Drayton Cove serves as the backdrop for this welcoming home. From the covered front porch to the single story living this home features light capturing high ceilings & large windows framing the picturesque view of Drayton Cove’s fountain pond--an ideal home for all your feathered friends. Well cared for property offers covered outdoor space with fireplace, private deck with hot tub and 3 car garage. Spacious bedrooms/lots of storage with open loft. A must see.
Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718
style 1570sf home w/fabulous ocean view! (currently under construction) All the modern conveniences of open floor plan, AC, kitchen island, covered deck, open staircase, vaulted ceilings, walk-in-closets, upstairs laundry room. Large windows with tons of daylight. View from nearly every room with additional large uncovered deck. Breath-taking views from spacious master bedroom on 2nd story. Close to U.S. Canadian Border, 20 min to Bellingham, plus a 2 min walk to the Beach!!
Randy Weg 360-305-5704
level ADA-compliant Craftsman style home. Craftsman 96” tall vertical grain Douglas Fir doors & trim. 9’ or higher ceilings. Custom window seat, exposed wood beam ceilings & double-sided fireplace in L/R, Stainless appliances, Custom cabinetry, quartz counter-tops & breakfast nook table with bench seating & storage in Kitchen, hardwood, carpet and ceramic tile floors. Exterior cedar shingles and painted trim. Exposed aggregate concrete patios/porch. Views of Beaver Pond.
Brian Southwick 360-815-6638
3935 sf. Last paired home at Semiahmoo’s 14 residence “Clubhouse Point”. Premium Southern exposure. Elevated, lake & green views of Palmer-designed 18th fairway. Primary living on main. Spacious office opens to your private interior courtyard. Expansive covered decks, walls of windows bring the outdoors in. Super pantry, Stainless appliances, white cabinets, quartz counters, juxtaposed w/gloss charcoal island to match massive stone tiled FP. Gloss white cabinets in laundry & baths. 3 car garage.
Linda Kiens 360-815-6640
ahmoo Resort features captivating views of Drayton Harbor & coastal mountains. Timeless design, luxe details & fine craftsmanship. 5000+ sf of highly flexible living space will accommodate every need. Huge sauna w/walk-in shower, impressive wine cellar. Covered patio & decks accessible from many rooms, efficient water-radiant heat, 3-car garage. Enjoy beautiful gated neighborhoods, golf club, marina, fitness center/ spa, fine dining, quiet beaches & walking trails. Virtual Tour: DraytonVista.com
Brenda Mills 360-319-0072
www.windermere.com
How COVID-19 is affecting local real estate By Mike Kent
s Blaine’s annual Wings Over Water birding festival was canceled this year, but that hasn’t stopped local photographer Chuck Kinzer from going on birding walks and taking his camera along. “Birch Bay is a great place to take a walk, and many species of birds can be found on our waterways at this time,” he said. Above, a pair of yellowlegs in the water within a block of Kinzer’s home. Photo courtesy of Chuck Kinzer/CKimageart.com
Like so many industries, the challenges arising from the coronavirus pandemic have caused those of us in real estate to be creative and innovative. The buyers who were in the market several weeks ago are still looking for their new address, and sellers are still counting on literally moving on. The Northwest Multiple Listing Service made the prudent decision to curtail posting open houses even before the state order to stay at home. Properties already in escrow are making their way to successful closings as title and escrow companies are deemed “essential” services under the financial category. Their staff continue to serve us and our clients while utilizing communication technology. Realtors are now appreciating the value of virtual tours and professional photos allowing consumers to research, explore and evaluate homes online and be poised to take action when the current restrictions are safely relaxed. In some cases, offers are being made, accepted and headed to escrow totally online. In essence, while real estate is paused on the ground, the cloud
is allowing commerce to continue even if at a reduced pace. Platforms like Authentisign and DocuSign allow us to gather contractual signatures as approved by the state to seamlessly move purchase and sale agreements through the process, and “wet” signatures at closing are being conducted with careful social distancing practices having been implemented by title companies and notaries. A very common question realtors are being asked: What will happen with property values as a result of the current economic climate? While a clear percentage up or down would be impossible to predict at this point, we do know that we entered this crisis with low inventory and increasing numbers of out-of-area buyers arriving. Now construction has been stalled but the buyers who were looking a few weeks ago are still looking and planning to move here. Surprising to all in the industry locally is that the pending totals did not ease in the first couple weeks of the stay-at-home order. That will certainly change as a result of business closures, job losses and as consumers’ finan-
cial brakes are applied. One day, when this is behind us and hopefully soon, it would seem logical that homeowners would place added value on living in smaller communities with less density and easy access to wide-open spaces. The home (or nest) became much more important after 9/11 and we saw a very quick rise in interest in places like Blaine and Birch Bay. This will likely repeat once again. The coronavirus will probably not make living in highly packed and stacked housing located in large cities as attractive as before. Consider the thousands of companies and employees who have now switched to telecommuting. These factors provide a backstop for our local real estate market, but it’s important that, whenever possible, we all support our local businesses including this newspaper, which in turn will be supporting our neighbors so that they too can continue to realize and retain the American dream of homeownership. Mike Kent is a realtor with Windermere Real Estate. Every Saturday at 10 a.m., he hosts the weekly “Radio Real Estate” program on 790 KGMI.
April 2 - 8, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
Blaine councilmembers, BBWSD suspend utility shut-offs and late fees By Jami Makan Blaine city councilmembers have temporarily suspended utility shut-offs and late fees for all of the city’s utility customers. Separately, the board of Birch Bay Water and Sewer District (BBWSD) also suspended late fees and shutoffs on delinquent accounts. Blaine city council At their regular meeting on March 23, Blaine councilmembers voted 6-0 to provide utility shut-off relief for Blaine residents who have trouble paying their utility bills during the COVID-19 emergency. Those residents will be able to apply to the city to stop their utilities being cut off. Their regular utility bills will still accrue, but there won’t be any disconnection of service. The decision to disconnect or not would be made by the city’s finance department, said city finance director Jeff Lazenby, introducing the action item to councilmembers. While the application process is still being finalized by Lazenby’s department, applicants may potentially be required to sign or give a statement in good faith stating that they need relief due to financial need. “The department could develop something like that,” Lazenby said in response to a question from mayor Bonnie Onyon. “We just don’t want it being an administrative burden on the department’s part.” Originally, Resolution 180420 was written so that late fees would still be assessed and mailed for past-due accounts. Late fees are typically $5 for electric, water and sewer and $1 for stormwater, totaling $16 for customers who have all four. However, councilmembers had a lengthy discussion on whether penalty fees were appropriate during the COVID-19 crisis. Administratively, penalty fees must be charged across the board or not at all, Lazenby explained; the city can’t waive them for only some people, such as those who apply for and receive shut-off relief. Councilmember Alicia Rule took a strong position in favor of waiving penalty fees for everyone in the city, regardless of their ability to pay. “I am in favor of including a provision that would not include penalties for paying late,” Rule said. “We have many members of our community that are severely impacted by not being able to work. And looking at the demographics of the folks who live here, there are many people
who are month-to-month.” Rule continued: “Although [$16] doesn’t seem like a lot of money, if you’re poor, every bit of that matters. … It will be the difference of some groceries for a family who needs it when they are trying to get back on their feet.… That $16 might buy them a couple of loaves of bread and a gallon of milk and I think that it’s worth it.” City attorney Jon Sitkin described the potential pitfalls of suspending late fees en masse. “There’s isn’t a criteria that can easily be implemented nor is it easily administered by your utilities staff to say, well who’s low-income, who’s not, who should have the benefit of a waiver of any late fees or who shouldn’t,” Sitkin said. “That’s an incredibly burdensome process … You need a bright-line rule on that for your staff to administer. Either the late fee exists to everybody or there is no late fee, and the concern was that if you don’t have a late fee, … there is no reason for someone to pay because they can just wait to pay until all of sudden the emergency’s lifted.” Sitkin also noted that the city’s municipal code already contains senior and low-income discounts. Councilmember Mary Lou Steward said that her main priority was to suspend shut-offs, and that a discussion on late fees could wait until a later date. However, Lazenby said that it would be an “administrative nightmare” to retroactively waive any late fees charged in the meantime. “I’m leaning towards Alicia’s position of not having a late fee because of the good it’ll do for the community, rather than worrying about the downsides,” said councilmember Richard May. Councilmember Garth Baldwin agreed. “If we’re not going to cut somebody off, we’re also not going to charge them late fees,” said Baldwin. “That’s how I feel.… Another $16 is adding insult to injury to people in that situation.” Mayor Onyon concurred that it was worth the risk of some customers delaying their utility payments despite being able to afford them. “I think it’s worth the risk of businesses or individuals that can afford it trying to take advantage of the system,” she said. “They are going to have to apply for it, and that should be embarrassing enough if they come in knowing they can afford it and actually asking for relief of that when they are fully capable of paying.” Councilmembers amended the resolution to waive late fees for
13
O B I T U A RY
every customer in the city, and the amended resolution passed by a 6-0 vote. The meeting was personally attended by councilmembers Onyon, May and Baldwin, while Charlie Hawkins, Rule and Steward attended remotely. Eric Davidson was excused. Also regarding utilities, councilmembers temporarily eliminated credit card processing fees for the city’s utility customers. Normally, when paying utility bills online or by phone, customers are charged a $4.95 per transaction processing fee by the city’s third-party credit card processing vendor, nCourt. Going forward, customers will receive credit adjustments on their utility accounts waiving these fees. This process became effective on March 16 and will remain in place until the city’s state of emergency is lifted. Because nCourt is still contractually entitled to charge and retain the fees, the city will absorb these costs in its budget, and a future budget amendment may be required to reflect the additional cost to the city. Councilmembers took this action at the March 23 meeting as part of their consent agenda, in which a variety of typically unrelated items are voted on all at once without separate discussion. Their goal was to incentivize customers to pay their utility bills remotely in order to curb the spread of COVID-19. BBWSD On March 26, the BBWSD board adopted two resolutions. Resolution 760 declared a local emergency related to COVID-19. It gives the general manager expanded authorities; waives competitive bidding requirements; and allows telephonic and electronic board approval signatures. Resolution 761, meanwhile, temporarily suspends certain district policies to provide customer relief from economic conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic. It suspends late fees or shut-offs on delinquent accounts; suspends liens and foreclosure proceedings; and suspends NSF fees. BBWSD finance director Sandi McMillan reminded the public not to flush disposable wipes. “They are not flushable and really create a problem for both the city and the district wastewater treatment plants,” she said. Disposable baby wipes, disinfecting “pop up” wipes, paper towels and even small makeup remover wipes are the leading cause of clogged sewer lines, according to BBWSD.
Marjorie Henry
February 6, 1939 - March 22, 2020 Marjorie Henry, age 81, passed away in Blaine, WA on March 22, 2020. She was born on February 6, 1939 in Burlington, WA to Henry and Josephine Henry. Marjorie was raised in Mount Vernon, and graduated from Mount Vernon High School and Western Washington University in Bellingham. After college, she taught for two years in Kennewick, WA, and then spent the next 46 years of her life teaching elementary education in Blaine. Teaching was the center of Marjorie’s life, and she helped educate and guide generations of children in Blaine. She particularly loved helping children learn how to read. Marjorie loved to travel, and would walk miles and miles gathering rocks. She enjoyed birds and animals of all kinds, reading and gardening. She is preceded in death by her sister, Beryl Henry Vail Marshall. Marjorie is survived by nieces, Linda (Dan) Lorz, Nancy (Son) Trans; and three great-nieces, Denise, Debbie and Dana. As Marjorie’s instructions, no services will be held. A picnic will be held at a later date for her friends, neighbors and former students. Memorials may be given to the charity of your choice. You may offer your condolences and share memories of Marjorie to her family online at www.kernfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are through Kern Funeral Home, Mount Vernon.
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14
The Northern Light • April 2 - 8, 2020
Games and Puzzles
Crossword Answers at thenorthernlight.com
ACROSS
41. Exist
1. Revolutions per minute 42. Passed by
12. Leader 13. Hindu queen
4. Hymns
48. Very unpleasant smell
17. Proofreading mark
10. Brew
50. Graduates
19. European country
11. Did not acknowledge
51. Seedless raisin
12. Atomic #77
52. Self-protection
20. Greek mythological nymph
14. Partly digested food
53. Clue
15. Not one
54. Life-savers
16. Lesotho capital
55. Ingest too much
18. Copyreading
56. Misrepresented
22. Living organism that feeds on organic matter
58. Small Eurasian deer
23. One’s biological father 24. An aggregate of molecules 26. Equally 27. Khoikhoi people 28. Jump in figure skating 30. Lantern 31. TV network 34. Georges __, French philosopher 36. Sharp, shrill bark 37. Albanian monetary units 39. Launched Apollo 40. One who graduated
59. Most mocking 60. Soviet Socialist Republic DOWN 1. Flower cluster 2. A form 3. Inner organ regions
21. Grandfather 25. Clears 29. Amount of time 31. Mollusks 32. German municipality 33. Body part 35. City of Angels hoopsters 38. Suffocate 41. Pleasing to the eye 43. Poplar trees (Spanish) 44. Ship officer
4. Local law enforcement
45. Individual investment account (abbr.)
5. A citizen of Senegal
46. Prefix meaning within
6. Positively charged electrodes
47. Ceased to live
7. Connects granules 8. Business practice 9. The Mount Rushmore State
49. Day by day 56. Not color 57. Condition of withdrawal (abbr.)
Sheriff’s Reports March 26, 7:44 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Birch Bay Drive. March 26, 8:45 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle cold call on Lora Lane. March 26, 8:52 a.m.: Suicidal subject on Masterson Road. March 26, 10:26 a.m.: Follow up on Koehn Road. March 26, 11:47 a.m.: Property lost cold call on Birch Bay Square Street. March 26, 12:48 p.m.: Music on Beach Way Drive. March 26, 2:34 p.m.: Custodial interference cold call on Lateener Lane. March 26, 3:35 p.m.: Assist citizen on Hillvue and Mountvue roads. March 26, 4:19 p.m.: Vehicle prowl on Frances Lane. March 26, 4:40 p.m.: Prowler on Birch Bay Drive. March 26, 4:55 p.m.: Welfare check on Richmond Park Road. March 26, 5:28 p.m.: Serve warrant on Alderson Road and Sunset Drive. One arrest for warrant. March 26, 6:54 p.m.: Whatcomm record on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. March 26, 8:51 p.m.: Assist citizen on Birch Terrace Drive, Custer. March 26, 9:02 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident blocking on Haynie Road, Custer. March 27, 9:25 a.m.: Welfare check on Birch Bay Drive. March 27, 9:40 a.m.: Parking problem on Bruce and Arnie roads, Custer. March 27, 10:30 a.m.: Watch for on Birch Bay Drive and Harborview Road. March 27, 11:12 a.m.: Extra patrol on Birch Bay Drive. March 27, 1:27 p.m.: Domestic verbal on California Trail and Harbor Drive. March 27, 1:45 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Bruce Road, Custer. March 27, 1:48 p.m.: Trespass on Anderson Road. March 27, 2:47 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Harborview Road.
March 27, 3:04 p.m.: Extra patrol on Selder Road. March 27, 6:22 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Salish Lane. March 27, 6:41 p.m.: Welfare check cold call on Blossomberry Lane. March 28, 1:04 a.m.: Domestic verbal on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. March 28, 1:35 a.m.: Watch for on Gulf Road. March 28, 2:10 p.m.: Mental cold call on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. March 28, 2:57 p.m.: Shots on H Street and Peace roads. March 28, 3:02 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Birch Bay Drive. March 28, 5 p.m.: Security check on Anderson Road. March 28, 6:43 p.m.: Trouble with guest on Sea Breeze Court. March 28, 6:39 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Kickerville Road, Custer. March 28, 7:50 p.m.: Assist citizen cold call on Creasey Road, Custer. March 29, 12:54 p.m.: Refer to Washington State Patrol on NB I-5 SO & MP 27. March 29, 1:17 p.m.: Child problem on Portal Way, Custer. March 29, 3:08 p.m.: Trespass on Kickerville Road. March 29, 3:13 p.m.: Alarm panic on Semiahmoo Drive. March 29, 3:54 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute cold call on Kickerville Road. March 29, 4:11 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute cold call on Pine Drive. March 29, 4:54 p.m.: Suspicious person on Harborview Road. March 29, 5:01 p.m.: Property found on Frances Lane. March 29, 8:49 p.m.: Watch for on Birch Bay-Lynden and Custer School roads, Custer. March 29, 9:40 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Sweet Road. March 29, 11:14 p.m.: Whatcomm record on Leeside Drive.
Reports provided by WCSO
Police Reports March 21, 12:30 p.m.: A person reported they found a cell phone near the end of Marine Drive. A police officer located the owner and returned the phone. March 21, 2:21 p.m.: Officers received multiple 911 calls from an individual asking for an officer to contact his mother, who resides on the east coast of the United States. An officer informed him that is not what 911 is used for and instructed him to no longer call 911 unless it is an emergency. March 23, 9 a.m.: Officers were dispatched to contact a man by telephone regarding a civil matter. The man advised he entered a civil agreement for home audio installation and the individual installing the equipment overbilled him. They also agreed on a refund but he can no longer get a hold of the installer who is now dodging his phone calls. Officers advised this is a civil matter and will need to be handled in civil court. Officers documented the matter and provided the complainant with a Blaine police case number. Officers cleared with no further incident. March 23, 9:39 a.m.: Blaine Police Department officers responded to a theft of services complaint in the 1700 block of H Street. Officers arrived and began their investigation; the complainant was advised other shifts would be notified of the ongoing problem. March 23, 4:02 p.m.: Blaine police responded to a report of a suspicious circumstance in the 200 block of C Street. An unknown person came on to a man’s property and motioned for him to follow him. The property owner called the police and the unknown person fled on foot and was not located. March 23, 6:24 p.m.: Officers responded to a suspicious person walking around a closed business. Officers checked the area and were not able to locate the person. The building was secure and officers cleared with no further action. March 24, 8:20 p.m.: Officers responded to a complaint of loud music and shouting. Officers determined it was a group of kids returning home and the noise had stopped. Officers cleared with no further action. March 24, 9:30 p.m.: The police responded by phone to a civil case involving a local motel and a tenant. Management wanted the person to leave the motel at the end of the week when their contract was up. The tenant had questions about his rights about staying at the motel. The officer informed him it was a civil matter. The officer cleared the call. March 25, 2 p.m.: A person who wished to remain anonymous found several pieces of identification under a bridge near Blaine. The person dropped the property off at a gas station. The police located the owner of the identification and turned it over to them. The owner said they lost the wallet a year ago, which contained all her identification. March 25, 3:37 p.m.: Officers were called about a neighbor dispute regarding their dogs. Officer took the report but referred them to the Humane Society as well. As of this time, the dogs did not lunge or attempt to attack anyone. Information only at this time. March 25, 9 p.m.: A woman called police to report receiving a strange post to her Craigslist ad. The officer agreed the comments were strange but informed her nothing criminal had occurred. The woman thanked the officer and requested a report number. March 25, 9:25 p.m.: A juvenile called 911 to report they had attempted suicide by taking a large amount of prescription medication. Police arrived and spoke with the person to keep her calm until aid crews arrived. The victim was transported to the hospital. March 26, 6:34 p.m.: Officers were dispatched to a physical domestic at an unknown location in Blaine. Dispatch advised the reporting party does not know where the victim was but knew they were staying in a hotel in Blaine. Officers and dispatch checked the hotels with negative results. An officer contacted the reporting party and told them to call 911 if they were to hear from the victim to get a location. Officers cleared unfounded.
Reports provided by Blaine Police Department
Weather Precipitation: During the period of March 23–29, 1.1 inches of precipitation were recorded. The 2020 year-todate precipitation is 16.4 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 61°F on March 29 with a low of 37°F on March 25. Average high was 55°F and average low was 41°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
Tides April 3–9 at Blaine. Not for navigation. 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W
DATE TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT Fr 3 Sa 4
3:18 am
8.8
8:57 am
6.3
12:41 pm
7.0
8:18 pm
0.2
3:58 am
9.1
9:47 am
5.5
2:19 pm
7.2
9:20 pm
0.2
Su 5
4:32 am
9.3
10:29 am
4.3
3:39 pm
7.7
10:14 pm
0.4
Mo 6
5:06 am
9.5
11:11 am
3.1
4:51 pm
8.3
11:08 pm
1.0
Tu 7
5:38 am
9.6
11:51 am
1.7
5:57 pm
8.8
11:58 pm
1.8
We 8
6:08 am
9.6
12:35 pm
0.5
6:59 pm
9.3
Th 9 12:48 am
2.8
6:40 am
9.5
-0.4
7:59 pm
9.5
1:17 pm
s Peace Arch State Park and other state parks closed on March 25 for at least two weeks. Photo by Len Saunders
April 2 - 8, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
15
Unemployment insurance claims spike in Whatcom County By Jami Makan Initial claims applications for unemployment insurance soared in Whatcom County during the week of March 15 to 21, according to data released by Washington’s Employment Security Department (ESD). There were 4,428 initial claims during that week, compared to 238 claims the week before. Since the start of the year, the most initial claims filed during any given week was 474. Statewide, 133,464 new claims for unemployment benefits were filed with ESD during the week of March 15 to 21, which was an increase of 119,310 new claims over the previous week, when just 14,154 claims were filed. “This data shows the enormity of the situation unfolding in our state,” said ESD commissioner Suzi LeVine. “The velocity and volume of the impact of COVID-19 has created a crisis that is unprecedented in the history of the program – going back to the 1930s when it was established.” LeVine said that her department was working on getting benefits out more quickly to those who are eligible; expanding eligibility for those who can utilize this benefit; and helping employers find staff for essential jobs. “The entire department is doing everything we
Stafholt ... From page 1
Seven in Whatcom County have died from COVID-19. As of March 31, 15.3 percent of COVID-19 tests in Whatcom County came back positive. That’s about double the statewide average of 7.5 percent, according to Washington State Department of Health data. The county health department didn’t respond to questions about the significance of the county’s high rate of positive tests.
can to meet the needs of this situation and our fellow Washingtonians,” she said. New claims include individuals who filed first-time claims as well as additional claims filed by individuals as a result of a new unemployment event. New claims include claims that are still being reviewed for eligibility. Counts for new claims are not indicative of the number of claims that will result in monetary compensation. “Counts are estimated due to the unprecedented volume of claims,” said ESD’s March 26 news release. Statewide, the industry sectors that experienced the highest percentage of new claims from March 15 to 21 were accommodation and food services (41,309 new claims, up 1,033 percent from the previous week), health care and social assistance (18,902 new claims, up 2,103 percent from the previous week), retail trade (8,700 new claims, up 1,189 percent from the previous week) and manufacturing (5,276 new claims, up 434 percent from the previous week). Nationwide, in the week ending on March 21, there were 3,283,000 initial claims, an increase of 3,001,000 from the previous week’s revised level, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). “During
the week ending March 21, the increase in initial claims are due to the impacts of the COVID-19 virus,” DOL noted in a March 26 news release. “Nearly every state providing comments cited the COVID-19 virus’ impacts. States continued to cite services industries broadly, particularly accommodation and food services. Additional industries heavily cited for the increases included the health care and social assistance, arts, entertainment and recreation, transportation and warehousing and manufacturing industries.” Anneliese Vance-Sherman, a regional labor economist with ESD, said she expected the number of unemployment insurance claims to continue rising in Washington state. “This is going to continue to
Michael Ryan, executive director of the World Health Organization’s Health Emergencies Program, told NPR that a 10 percent rate of positive tests is a benchmark for a system that’s doing enough testing to pick up all cases. In the article, he noted that in some communities, the majority of tests come back positive. The Washington State Department of Health reported 4,896 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 195 deaths in Washington as of March 28. At that time, the state had published results from more
than 65,000 tests. As of April 1, the state hadn’t released new numbers in days, saying its data reporting system was overwhelmed with the number of test results. British Columbia had 970 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 19 deaths as of March 30, according to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control. Early on April 1, the U.S. led the world in its number of confirmed cases, with 190,000, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. At that time, Johns Hopkins was tracking 885,000 cases around the globe.
Image courtesy of Anneliese Vance-Sherman
Property tax deadline extended to June 1 By Oliver Lazenby Whatcom County treasurer Steve Oliver signed an order on March 30 extending the due date for first-half property tax payments. Individuals and businesses that pay property taxes themselves must pay by June 1, more than a month later than the original deadline of April 30, according to a press release from the treasurer’s office. Those who participate in the county’s auto-pay program will have their accounts debited on June 1. Mortgage companies and other intermediaries that pay property taxes on behalf of their customers still must pay by April 30. The treasurer’s office also announced that it will offer payment plans for property taxes on primary residences and small businesses with extraordinary circumstances, and that it will suspend property tax foreclosure for one year. Property taxes are only subject to foreclosure after
three years of delinquency. The county treasurer’s office is closed. For information on how
to pay online or by mail, phone, cashier’s check or money order, visit whatcomcounty.us/treasurer.
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“Just because of the increasing restrictiveness, I expect that to show up in the numbers next week,” Vance-Sherman said. The next round of unemployment insurance statistics was due to be released publicly on Thursday, April 2. Vance-Sherman said that while earlier figures showed a heavy impact on the tourism and hospitality sectors, such as bars, hotels and restaurants, she is now seeing unemployment insurance claims across all industries. “One thing that struck me is that when I’m looking at the data, every single industry is showing up. I was expecting to see more of a disparate pattern, but it really showed up in all industries. This is unprecedented for the numbers to rise as high and as quickly as they are.”
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climb,” she said. “There’s a bit of a regional progression happening, and it coincides with a lot of the guidelines issued by the governor.” During the most recent reporting period, March 15 to 21, school closures went into effect. Governor Inslee also ordered all bars, restaurants, entertainment and recreational facilities to close and prohibited all gatherings of more than 50 people. “That’s when we saw the floodgates open,” Vance-Sherman said. “For every county in the state, we saw a huge influx of unemployment.” But the most recent statistics do not reflect Inslee’s March 23 stayat-home order, which allowed people to leave home only for necessities and permitted only “essential” businesses to stay open.
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16
The Northern Light • April 2 - 8, 2020
D Street Shell station owners giving away milk and bread to help local families By Oliver Lazenby
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TheNorthernLight.com/newsletter Servicing Blaine • Birch Bay • Semiahmoo
Since about March 21, Sukhwant Singh Gill and his son Gury Gill have been giving away milk at their Shell gas station at 360 D Street in Blaine, and more recently they started giving out free bread as well. “My son and myself, we thought we need to do something for the community during this hardship,” Sukhwant Singh Gill said. “We were feeling like we shouldn’t always make money. This is a time to support the local community.” As the new coronavirus and the effects of social distancing snowballed in March, Sukhwant Singh Gill, who is also president of a Lynden Sikh temple, looked for a way to help the community. After talking with a friend, he got the idea to start giving away milk and bread to those who need it, he said. The Gills are currently giving away two cartons of milk and one loaf of bread per family. They are making exceptions for those taking home extra for neighbors. Milk is a popular item at local stores and gas stations. Canadians who come south to buy cheaper gas also take advantage of U.S. government-subsidized dairy. With border restrictions in place as of March 21, Canadian demand vanished. But the Gills are not just giving away surplus milk from a drop in business – they’ve ordered more to keep up with the local need for free milk
and they’re trying to source more bread, Sukhwant Singh Gill said. “I am asking other businesses … we all should do it. We all should help the local community, because the local community helps us,” he said. “They give us business and we should give them something back in a hard time.” Business at the Shell station has surely dropped off with border restrictions and the state’s stay-athome order, but Mr. Gill wasn’t in-
s Cherry blossom trees in bloom on Drayton Harbor Road in Semiahmoo on March 30.
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terested in talking about that. “I’m not thinking about the business right now,” he said. “It’s not time to think about business, it’s time to think about how we can fight the coronavirus, how we can help the community, how we can help the needy.” The D Street Shell’s current temporary hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Its owners plan to give away milk and bread until April 7, but that could be extended, they said.
Photo by Jami Makan