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August 6 - 12, 2020
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City applies to close some Peace Portal parking, page 2
Asian giant hornet in Birch Bay, page 7
Health dept. recommends remote school, page 13
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
WCLS won’t New Birch Bay brewery opens this week pursue joint levy for Blaine, Birch Bay Libraries By Oliver Lazenby
EXPERIENCE THE
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s Beach Cat Brewing, at 101-7876 Birch Bay Drive in Birch Bay, plans to open at noon on Thursday, August 6. Read more in a story about the brewery on page 15
Photo by Kyra Planetz
Birch Bay feels absence of part-time residents By Grace McCarthy Crystal Anderton has been visiting Edgewater Trailer Park since she was an infant. Even before she was born, her great-great-grandparents rented a cabin one week every summer in Birch Bay, spurring a tradition that carried through generations – a story similar to many of her neighbors. What made Edgewater feel like home was the people who shaped those memories: The ones who were there when she potty trained and the ones who were at her wedding reception in the park 13 years ago. But now Anderton and her husband, Josh, are one of two American homes left at Edgewater, along with an essential worker from Canada – a stark difference from the dozens of homes normally occupied. And
with repeated border closure extensions since the first shutdown to non-essential travel on March 21, Anderton isn’t sure when her Canadian neighbors will return. When the border first closed, the Andertons got to work helping neighbors. They exchanged emails, collected spare keys, emptied fridges, turned off water and upgraded their phone plan for international calls. “In the beginning it was ‘don’t drink all of our beer,’ then it was ‘you better drink it, it’s going to get expired,’ and then it was ‘we’ll get you a 12-pack when we’re back,’” Anderton said. Anderton likens the quiet park to the aftermath of an atomic bomb. Bird feeders are overrun with yellow jacket nests, children’s toys are cluttered on a deck, and a Canadian flag is blowing in the wind. CBP spokesperson Jason Givens said in
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an email to The Northern Light that travel into the U.S. for visiting the personal property is not essential under the tempo(See Absent owners, page 3
Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Health . . . . . . . . . 8 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Election Results . 13 Puzzles . . . . . . . . 14 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14
INSIDE
In the face of Covid-19-induced fundraising challenges, the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) board of trustees decided not to pursue a joint levy to fund a new library in Birch Bay and a remodel to the Blaine library. The board of trustees voted to split the projects at its July 21 meeting so that it could focus on funding the future Birch Bay Vogt Community Library, at 7968 Birch Bay Drive. The Washington legislature set aside $2 million for the Birch Bay library project in April 2019 for its 20202021 budget, but the project will only receive the money if WCLS and the Friends of the Birch Bay Library can match that amount by June 30, 2021. Previously, the WCLS board was pursuing forming a single taxing district to fund both projects. It hoped to put two ballot propositions on the August 2020 special election ballot – one to form a taxing district and another to levy money for the projects. “We realized that with the challenges our communities are facing right now, there’s no way we could go out and ask voters to approve the levy to build both of those projects,” said Mary Vermillion, WCLS community relations manager. “We are going to make a push for the Birch Bay project.” WCLS and the Friends have a design for an approximately 7,600-square-foot library in Birch Bay, at a property that WCLS purchased in 2017. The Friends group has raised about $160,000 so far, said Dianne Marrs-Smith, president of Friends of the Birch Bay Library. Marrs-Smith said that the Friends group is grateful the library system is working with the group to match the $2 million in state funds, and that WCLS and the Friends are working on a plan to raise the rest of the money. So far, all options are on the table, she said. To learn more about future fundraising plans for the Birch Bay library, visit friendsofbirchbaylibrary.org. The Friends of the Blaine Library hired a design team last year and held a series of meetings to plan a remodel to the Blaine Library. The design team revealed a concept in February 2020 that is about 8,600 square feet, roughly twice the size of the current Blaine library.
TheNorthernLight.com
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The Northern Light • August 6 - 12, 2020
City of Blaine applies to use some parking on Peace Portal for outdoor dining, retail By Oliver Lazenby The city of Blaine has proposed temporarily closing select parking spaces on two blocks of Peace Portal Drive, between G Street and Martin Street, to provide additional space for restaurants and retailers to expand their services outside. The closures would allow restaurants and retailers more room to conduct business while maintaining space for social distancing. The city applied for approval from the Washington State De-
partment of Transportation for the closures on July 30, 2020, according to a notice from the city. It plans to close the parking spaces after getting state approval and keep them closed until October 5, 2020. This is the city of Blaine’s latest step to allow businesses more outdoor space. On June 9, city manager Michael Jones issued an emergency ordinance allowing businesses to use space at the H and G street plazas with a special permit. That order is in place until October 1. City of Blaine communi-
ty development director Stacie Pratschner said on August 5 that the city’s application had not yet been approved, and that the parking closures would not be mandatory for the adjacent businesses. The city of Blaine applied to T the Washington State Department of Transportation to close some parking on Peace Portal Drive near H Street (marked in red) to allow restaurants more space for outdoor dining and businesses space for retail. Image courtesy of city of Blaine
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August 6 - 12, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
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The C Shop broken into because alleged suspect couldn’t wait for it to reopen, shop says By Ian Haupt
s Crystal Anderton demonstrates how she cleans fridges in Canadian households. Anderton is helping take care of properties belonging to part-time Canadian residents in Birch Bay during the border closure.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
Absent owners From page 1
rary travel restrictions but if additional circumstances make the travel essential, then a traveler may be permitted into the country. Final determination on what is considered essential is made at the port of entry. Janice Massender, one of Anderton’s Canadian neighbors, said she grew up spending summers in Birch Bay and has owned her own property there for over 30 years. Memories like kayaking, swimming in the ocean, and the annual sand sculpture contest were put on hold this year. “We were just sick,” Massender recounted hearing of the border closure. “This is the first time in my whole life I haven’t been in Birch Bay. My whole life.” For Massender, the most frustrating element is that, even if she vows to make a non-stop trip, she can’t drive across the border to check on her property but can fly across the border, something she calls a double standard. Massender’s cousin, Linda Sharpe from Maple Ridge, B.C., has visited her Birch Bay home almost weekly for nearly 30 years. She visits often in the summer for the crabbing season and two times per week in the winter. “It’s my paradise,” she said. Sharpe said she would feel more worried if it were not for neighbors helping her out, but her husband, Cal, worries about servicing the lawnmower and other equipment that may not start when they return, and pesky intruders including ants and mice. Canadian property owners in Blaine and Point Roberts are also struggling to connect with their properties. About 2,367 properties in the 98230 zip code, which includes Birch Bay and Blaine, have taxpayers with a Canadian mailing address, according to the Whatcom County Tax Assessor’s Office. But the taxpayer is not al-
ways a complete indication of Canadian homeownership because properties will also have divided ownership with one address, said county assessor Rebecca Xczar. In Point Roberts, Canadians are petitioning to maintain or remove belongings from their American properties. Kevin McIntosh of Ladner, B.C. started a petition after the border closure was extended in May to allow Canadians to check on boats, horses and other property, which has gathered nearly 3,400 signatures to date, more than double Point Roberts’ population. Anderton and her husband said none of the homes contain valuables and there are many cameras on the property to help catch potential intruders. They’ve also had a great relationship with Birch Bay deputy Todd Damon, who they said will go out of his way to patrol the entirety of Edgewater. “My general feel is when the border opens up that we will get an increased number of calls from things undiscovered,” said Damon, who has seen more burglaries to homes that he
More Than ANTIQUES
knows are Canadian-owned than ones occupied. Damon recommends Canadians contact the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office to add their address to the office’s computer service system. That way, if there is a crime, the sheriff’s office will know whom to contact. “It’s setting up to be good if you’re a criminal, not so good if you’re a homeowner,” Damon said. The Andertons spend a few hours each week maintaining homes and mailing left-behind items like summer clothes but prepare for more work to winterize the mobile homes if the border isn’t open by the first freeze. “Our list is going to get longer,” Anderton’s husband, Josh, said. For now, the Andertons video chat with their cross-border friends, gathering for happy hour and reminiscing on the times when they were together. “It’s part of their life, their history,” Anderton said of her Canadian neighbors. “Not to be here is an odd feeling. It’s like something is missing.”
A suspected thief from Bellingham allegedly broke into The C Shop late last week taking a twopound bag of sour patch kids, a handful of taffys and some truffles, the shop’s co-owner said. Patrick Alesse said he woke up Friday morning to the cops in his shop, a broken door and taffy jar lids and taffy strewn across the shop floor. “He was probably in a real hurry,” Alesse said. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office booked Samuel Matamua, 38, into Whatcom County Jail on July 31, on suspicion of second degree burglary, and jail records show he is being held in lieu of $10,000 bail. “It seems that some fellow was in such desperate need of candy because we haven’t been open, that he broke down the door to get some taffy and sour patch kids,” The C Shop wrote in a July 31 Facebook post. “He missed out on all the good homemade stuff that was on the lower shelf of the display case!” At approximately 7:30 a.m., deputies responded to a report of a burglary in progress at The C Shop, sheriff’s office spokesperson Deb Slater said in an email. A witness reported seeing a man kicking in the front door of the business, entering and leaving
with what looked like a big bag of candy. Another witness reported, at approximately 10:30 a.m., seeing a man who matched the earlier description of the man seen fleeing The C Shop in the 7800 block of Birch Bay Drive, Slater wrote. Deputies found Matamua, who admitted to entering the store and taking candy, taffy, chocolate and a big lollipop. Some of the items were found in the suspect’s backpack, Slater reported. Alesse said two envelopes with some cash in them sat visible on the counter in the shop but were untouched by the thief. He was grateful someone was driving by at the time of the robbery and called the police, he said. “We would love to know who called in the break-in so we could say thanks to them with some candy,” The C Shop’s Facebook post reads. Court records show Matamua had a preliminary hearing in Whatcom County Superior Court August 3, and has an arraignment hearing set for Friday, August 14 at 9 a.m. The C Shop has been closed during the Covid-19 pandemic and said in a July 26 Facebook post it would not open until Whatcom County is well into phase 3 and the Canadian border reopens.
Keith Alesse, The C Shop co-owner, making chocolate in 2016.
File photo
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The Northern Light • August 6 - 12, 2020
The Northern L ght More drive-in movies scheduled at Waterslides 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.
s Attendees prepare for the start of “Jurassic Park,” the first film in a series of drive-in movies at Birch Bay Waterslides presented by the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce. Upcoming films include “The Great Outdoors” on Friday, August 14, and “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” on Friday, August 28. The chamber plans to release additional movie dates. Learn more and get tickets at birchbaychamber.com
Photo by Doralee Booth
Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com Editor Oliver Lazenby oliver@pointrobertspress.com Reporter & Copy Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com Reporting Interns Kyra Planetz, Ian Haupt prpintern@pointrobertspress.com Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser, production@pointrobertspress.com Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst sales@pointrobertspress.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com Contributors In This Issue Beth Sanborn The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVI, No 8 Circulation: 10,500 copies
Circulation Independently verified by:
Next issue: Aug. 13 Ads due: Aug. 7
Letters The Editor: Last week, a letter linked Covid-19 mask protection with Orwell’s novel “1984.” I give the writer credit for a reading skill beyond 3rd grade. However, his reasoning skills are definitely questionable. First, the effectiveness of masks has been well-documented in other, more advanced, countries, given the state of the current federal administration’s disarray and ineptness. Second, masks also protect others from the wearer’s physical infections. Third, there are proper techniques for handling masks after use. If eliminating all masks weren’t such a risk for us normal folks, I would say the anti-maskers should all hug and kiss each other and let the Darwin principle do its work, benefiting the future of the human gene pool. Unfortunately, that would clog our hospitals and require the normal population to waste resources on treating anti-maskers until they croak. Don Starr Blaine The Editor: Football season will be delayed due to the virus. One and five dollar bills will go the way of the coins soon, discontinued. The results of the presidential election will be delayed, chaos will occur. Washington, D.C. will be on fire. Riots all over the U.S. Martial Law will be called. No, I am not drunk, wait until December 1 before you decide if I have lost my mind. September, October and November are going to test our mental strength. Pray that I am wrong. Edna Oldrich Blaine The Editor: I will be 85 years old in November and do not understand how racism is being tossed around so freely. My father and his parents and brothers and sisters came to this country from Italy and did not speak one word of English, yet they survived and became good citizens. So called ‘experts’ say racism is embed-
ded in our country and I strongly dispute that. I was raised a Catholic and attended Catholic grammar school, high school and university and we had some minorities attending each level of education and I don’t remember even one incident of racism, arguments or physical encounters. We all got along fine. After I went to work, I went to Torrance, California for Friday night drinking and one of the fellows in our group was Black and one of my very good drinking buddies and friends. I encountered no incidents of racism then, and from then to today. Being a low-income landlord, I experienced some of the issues of the Black tenants in California and some of the issues were the result of welfare programs causing women to make more money by having more children and husbands living apart from the wives again for more welfare money. The other issue that I think contributes to the state of affairs of minorities is the single-parent situation being so prevalent and a real burden on the single mother. But I get upset when these “protestors” burn our flag and vandalize stores owned mostly by small business people being victimized and forced out of business. Another factor is recently, a presumably young Black woman, posted a onepage article dictating to white people what they can and cannot do or say and of the 400-plus replies all were negative. She said Black Lives Matter over All Lives Matter, which I dispute because if you honor All Lives Matter, it includes all Black people. I don’t have the answer to all this and wish I did. Just take me back to my earlier days and this country will be fine. Mickey Masdeo Birch Bay The Editor: This is an invitation to The Northern Light readers over 18 to attend an uplifting and entertaining local event. Now that our weekly meetings are online, we’re open to visitors from around the world. But
we’re mostly Whatcom County folks and a few lovely Canadians. We get together on Tuesday evenings for Toastmasters, an organization that empowers people to become better communicators and leaders. It’s really a supportive gathering of interesting neighbors where we learn skills that grow our self-confidence. This may sound like hype, but it’s true, just drop in and meet our wonderful and varied members. We hail from different cultures, ages, religions and different viewpoints, but we all learn from one another, and always share a number of laughs. Toastmasters is about becoming more confident in public speaking. It’s the perfect way to gradually get comfortable speaking with others; think job review or just sharing about what you do. It’s also great for those needing to make work presentations. Many members practice their presentations before us, so we’ve learned about 3-D printing, petroleum production and Whatcom County history. One of the great things is you talk about whatever you like to talk about. We always learn so much from each other, often about interests we never knew existed. Now is your perfect time to check us out, from the safety of your own home via our internet meetings. You don’t have to talk, just be our guest and observe how a meeting unfolds. Each person explains their role so you’ll hear some impromptu two minute speeches and interesting prepared speeches. It’s one of the most enjoyable ways to spend 90 minutes all week. Join us at Birch Bay-Blaine Toastmasters on Tuesday nights 6:30-7:45 p.m. It’s fun. Call Pete, our vice president of membership, at 360/933-1671.We hope to see you there. Laura Sullivan Birch Bay
Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
August 6 - 12, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
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New Canadian border restrictions close “Alaska loophole” By Ian Haupt Americans traveling to Alaska through Canada for work or to return home will now face firmer rules to prevent what is being coined the ‘Alaska loophole,’ where Americans claim to be Alaska-bound to skirt the border closure to non-essential travel. To reduce the risk of importing Covid-19 cases from the U.S. and to minimize the time travelers spend in the country, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced the following rules for foreign nationals travel-
ing through Canada to Alaska, in a July 30 press release. As of July 31, travelers must: Enter Canada at one of the five identified CBSA ports of entry: -Abbotsford-Huntingdon (British Columbia) -Coutts (Alberta) -Kingsgate (British Columbia) -North Portal (Saskatchewan) -Osoyoos (British Columbia) -Will be allowed a reasonable period of time to carry out the transit -Will be limited to travel within Canada using the most direct route from the point of entry to
the intended point of exit, while avoiding all national parks, leisure sites and tourism activities -Will be required, before entering the U.S., to report to the nearest CBSA point of entry to confirm their exit from Canada Previously, Americans could travel through Canada, to or from Alaska, if they could satisfy a border services officer that they were traveling for non-discretionary purposes and did not exhibit any signs of Covid-19 symptoms. Examples of non-discretionary travel, according to the Canadian government’s web-
site, include work and study, critical infrastructure support, economic services and supply chain, and health, immediate medical care, safety and security. Travelers will also be issued a “hang tag” to attach to their rear view mirror for the duration of their trip to or from Alaska that will help border agents enforce compliance. The tag will include the conditions imposed upon entry, public health and safety measures to follow and the date they must depart Canada. The increased restrictions came after at least nine Ameri-
cans were each fined $1,000 for violating the Quarantine Act in Canada throughout July. All travelers must satisfy a border service officer that they meet the requirements for entry into Canada and are encouraged to have documentation that will demonstrate their purpose of travel when entering the country. The press release states that providing false information to a border service officer may lead to consequences such as being denied entry and/or being banned from returning to Canada.
Thousands of masks donated to Whatcom seafood processing employees Whatcom County’s maritime sector employs 6,000 people, representing 7 percent of the county’s jobs, and the Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County believes in keeping these essential workers safe during the pandemic, the organization said in a press release. The coalition, in partnership with the Department of Commerce and the Maritime Sector Lead through the Washington Department of Enterprise Services, donated 6,000 regulation cloth masks to several seafood processing facilities in Whatcom County. Each mask can be washed up
Newsstand Copies of The Northern Light are available at: Drayton Harbor Oyster Company accepted masks for its harvesters and front-line retail store staff. Image courtesy of Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County
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to 15 times, making them safe for re-use. Companies receiving the complimentary masks include Drayton Harbor Oyster Company, Boundary Fish Company, Bornstein Seafoods, Home Port Seafoods, Taylor Shellfish Samish Bay and Barlean’s Fishery Inc. Deborah Granger, program manager of the coalition, said in the press release that each facility “expressed gratitude for the masks and that they would be well used.” Christie Benson, manager of Home Port Seafoods, was also thankful. “With over 70 workers currently, and expecting to ramp up to over 100 in a few weeks,
Blaine United Church of Christ
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CITY OF BLAINE Due to COVID-19 and the Governor’s Proclamation, meetings are now only open to the public telephonically. Information on how to listen to the meeting live will be on the City Council agenda which is located on the City’s website homepage under Your Government, City Council, City Council Agenda. Please check the agenda prior to each meeting as the call in number or location may change.
Monday, August 10 6:00pm – Regular City Council Meeting
Tuesday, August 11 *CANCELED* 8:00am – Blaine Tourism
"Where friendly people gather and become family"
Advisory Committee Meeting
Sunday Services 10:30 am
Cemetery Board Meeting
esus
Thursday, August 13 9:00am – Parks and Thursday, August 13 6:00pm – Planning
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225 Marine Dr. • Blaine, WA 360 -332-1777
these free cloth masks are such a welcome gift for our workers,” Benson said in the release. “We are working so very hard to keep everyone safe, comply with all the guidelines, and keep our customers and consumers happy.”
Commission Meeting
J
By Kyra Planetz
(360) 332-6906 885 4th St. • Blaine, WA 98230 Pastor Sandy Wisecarver
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
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The Northern Light • August 6 - 12, 2020
WIAA modifies high school sports calendar
Fall team sports move to spring, seasons shortened with “alternate seasons” to provide flexibility By Ian Haupt The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) moved moderate- and high-risk team sports, originally scheduled for fall, to spring in order to follow governor Jay Inslee’s Safe Start plan for mitigating the spread of Covid-19. For the Borderites, the changes mean all fall sports – football, volleyball, cross country and girls soccer – will play their competitive seasons in the spring, and sports seasons will be shortened by about 30 percent for the 202021 school year. The WIAA created four sanctioned seasons, and schools can schedule 70 percent of typical allowable contests for each sport in all seasons, according to a July 21 press release on the WIAA website. The WIAA board emphasized that the proposed schedule is tentative and likely to change if cases rise. At a Blaine school district board of directors meeting on July 27, superintendent
Christopher Granger said the WIAA board will meet frequently in the next few weeks to continue efforts toward providing student athletes with the hope of competing this school year. The proposed sports schedule, with the first week of each season designated to practice, for the school year is: Season 1 (September 7 to November 1) -Cross country (alternate season) -Golf (alternate season) -Tennis (alternate season) Season 2 (December 28 to February 28) -Basketball -Bowling -Wrestling Season 3 (March 1 to May 2) -Volleyball -Girls soccer -Football (practice starts February 17 and playoffs go till May 9) -Cross country -Golf (alternate season) -Tennis (alternate season) Season 3 (April 26 to June 27)
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s Under the latest plan from the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association, the first football season on Blaine High School’s new turf field would be delayed until spring.
Photo by Ian Haupt
-Tennis -Softball -Track & Field -Baseball -Golf -Boys soccer The WIAA executive’s board ruled July 28 that the new fall sports for season 1, will act as alternate seasons with those sports’ culminating events taking place in season 3, according to a July 28 press release on the WIAA website. In a WIAA staff video presentation on July 29, WIAA executive director Mick Hoffman said alternate seasons allow, but do not force, schools and leagues to schedule the majority of their competitive seasons within them while two additional contests and the culminating events are held during the traditional season. This gives schools and leagues some flexibility in their calendars if contests are canceled due to the effects of Covid-19. The board also approved an out-of-season training window, which allows for student athletes to coordinate their own practices without coaches, during the fall for all sports. It will run from August 17 to September 27 with an out-of-season coach-
ing period from September 28 to November 30. This fall practice window allows football 20 days of contact practice during the coaching period. Granger said he suspected to see a pause on high school sports until January 4, 2021, based on what he heard in a virtual WIAA board meeting. If many more schools make the switch to online learning for the upcoming school year, Granger said he thinks the district and the WIAA need to be cautious about sending conflicting messages about sports. Telling students that it is unsafe to come to school for math class, but safe for a student to come to school to play basketball or have cross country practice would be contradictory, he said. Granger said all 295 districts in the state are grappling with athletics being possibly delayed or canceled. “We know that students need to be active,” he said. “We also know that the engagement in athletics, and band, and choir, and all those other extracurriculars, is what motivates a lot of students to do well in school. So, if they lose any hope that there isn’t going to be a season, it’s potential
that they will be disengaged and we don’t want that.” The WIAA executive board and planning committees are working under the “Return-To-Activity Guidelines,” which provides Covid-19 guidance for opening high school athletics and activities. It was supported and co-authored by the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS), Washington Department of Health, the Governor’s Office and WIAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committees (SMACs). The guidelines include: Workouts should be conducted in groups of no more than six people (five students and one coach), students should be encouraged to wear cloth face coverings, and face coverings are mandatory for all coaches, officials and other contest personnel. Due to the near certainty of recurrent outbreaks this coming school year, the guidelines state that schools must be prepared for periodic closures and the possibility of some teams having to isolate or quarantine for two to three weeks during the season. More information about the guidelines for opening athletics and activities can be found here: bit.ly/3kdXpRi.
First annual Chalk Up the Town with Hope starts August 17 By Ian Haupt On Monday, August 17, Birch Bay-Blaine Thrives invites community members to share messages of hope and positivity through street art in the first-annual Chalk Up the Town with Hope event. Facilitator Geof Morgan said anyone interested in creating a chalk design is welcome. Chalk and instructions will be provided from 9-11 a.m. and from 4-6 p.m. in the courtyard area between Blaine high school, middle school and elementary school, and outside the Boys and Girls Clubs of Whatcom County Blaine clubhouse. Those with their own chalk are welcome to bring
it, as well. “We’ll talk to people about what messages of hope and positivity we’re looking for,” Morgan said. But, otherwise, it’s a self-guided event. Birch Bay-Blaine Thrives, a collective impact initiative facilitated by the Whatcom County health department, is promoting the event through the community with the help of the Blaine school district, Morgan said. So far, they have heard from six people interested in making designs, so there is still plenty of space for others. He said there is enough space on the walkway behind the high school gym from the parking lot
to the cafeteria that physical distancing will likely not be an issue but face masks will be available. It’s encouraged for participants to bring their own face masks as well. Morgan said he’s also setting up a viewing day on August 22 for people to walk through the design areas. In an email with design ideas and instructions, Morgan said he would like to set up a short meeting next week to go over the event with those interested in supporting it. For more information, Morgan said people interested in participating in the event or supporting it can call him at 360/927-6300.
August 6 - 12, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
7
First Asian giant hornet trapped in Birch Bay Department of Ag says the invasive hornets have established a nest in the area The next steps will be to follow a hornet back to its nest using sightlines or by attaching a tracking tag. The agency has given itself a deadline of early to mid-September to locate the nest before the colony begins creating new reproducing queens and male hornets, Spichiger said. “We absolutely do not want this species in North America. People need to pay attention,” Danielsen said. “This is not a good thing. It’s not just for us little hobbyists, this is not a good thing for North America.” For more information on the hornet, visit agr.wa.gov/departments/insects-pests-and-weeds/ insects/hornets.
Ruthie Danielsen tends to the six beehives on her Birch Bay property, about a mile from where the Asian giant hornet was caught in a WSDA bottle trap.
By Grace McCarthy The hunt for the invasive Asian giant hornet ramps up after Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) officials announced that the first Asian giant hornet in Birch Bay had been trapped just north of BP Cherry Point Refinery on July 14. This comes after WSDA, cooperating agencies and the public set over 1,844 bottle traps for the world’s largest hornet. In a citizen science effort, the public set 1,080 of the traps. The traps use orange juice and rice cooking wine, and mirror similar traps used in the hornet’s native habitat in Japan. “This is encouraging because it means we know that the traps work,” said WSDA managing entomologist Sven Spichiger in a news release. “But it also means we have work to do.” In a July 31 press conference, Spichiger said capturing the hornet, which the agency presumes is a worker but will be confirmed after testing, was not unexpected. The agency knew there was a nest late last year that had likely produced queens and male hornets, creating opportunity for hornets to escape and produce new colonies. Five hornets had previously been confirmed in Washington and there were three detections in Canada after the invasive species arrived in North America for the first time last fall, probably by cargo ship. The last hornet was discovered in Custer in late May and confirmed to be a mated queen. Spichiger said the detections of this, and the queen found in June in north Bellingham, helped eliminate the threat of possible new nests from those queens. “This detection unfortunately means that we did get a nest that was able to establish somewhere in the Birch Bay area,” he said. The hornets are known for their large size that reaches up to 2 inches, orange and black bodies, and aggression towards honey bees. The hornets have made a buzz among concerned citizens,
Ruthie Danielsen maintains seven Asian giant hornet traps, three near her home and four on nearby properties. The traps, made of orange juice and rice cooking wine, were proven to work after a hornet was caught in July in a WSDA trap. even those outside Washington state, and stakeholders like Birch Bay beekeeper Ruthie Danielsen. “I treat the bees like I do my goats, my dogs and my kitties,” said Danielsen, who became a beekeeper five years ago after retiring. “They’re a part of our family. That’s probably what’s so devastating about another thing that can come in and kill them. It’s really distressing.” Danielsen said it’s not the hornet alone that worries her, despite the fact that the Cherry Point hornet was trapped about a mile from her six honeybee hives. The hornet is an added stressor on top of pesticides, other bees trying to rob her hives and Varroa mites. Varroa mites are invasive species that came to Washington in the ’80s and carry diseases that can kill hives. One unmanaged hive threatens all of the other hives, said Danielsen, who treated her hives four times last fall. The additional pressure of the hornet is especially dangerous for commercial pollinators, which use their honey bees to help pollinate fruits and nuts. “It’s a domino effect,” Danielsen said. “I don’t think that’s an alarmist view. That’s a potential.” Danielsen, who was one of the
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first members of the Mt. Baker Beekeepers Association to spur the group into action in February, said she’s working with her former employer, BP Cherry Point Refinery, to put additional traps on its wooded property. Danielsen has three traps at her home and four others that she maintains on neighbors’ properties. She’s also been calling on state representatives to co-sponsor the “Murder Hornet Eradication Act of 2020” bill that was introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives in May by U.S. House Natural Resources Committee chairman Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ). The bill directs the Department of the Interior to provide $4 million each year from 2021 to 2025 to states to provide a program for management, research and public education to help eradicate the hornet and restore affected bee populations, according to the bill. Currently, Representative Derek Kilmer from Port Angeles is the only co-sponsor from Washington. “If the participation from the general public wanes, they’re going to need a lot more funding to keep this going,” Danielsen said, noting the labor it takes for WSDA workers to inspect over a thousand samples weekly. WSDA plans to add about 40 more traps in Birch Bay that will be monitored daily, Spichiger said. The agency has been preparing to track the hornet locally.
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8
The Northern Light • August 6 - 12, 2020
Health & Wellness Local choices in health, healing & fitness.
Lifeline Connections offers mental health treatment through telehealth By Grace McCarthy Lifeline Connections is providing behavioral mental health care to Whatcom County residents through telehealth during Covid-19. The nonprofit started in Vancouver, Washington, in 1962 as the Clark County Council on Alcoholism before expanding to become a community-based behavioral health treatment organization specializing in mental health and substance use treatment. Lifeline Connections has
nine offices across the state today, including one in Bellingham that serves about 200 of its 950 weekly patients. “The impact [of Covid-19] on people’s mental health hasn’t been good,” Lifeline Connections CEO Jared Sanford said. “There’s help available and Lifeline Connections is one of those options.” When Covid-19 emerged, Lifeline switched its services to telehealth within a week, he said. All treatment, including the initial assessment patients take, can be done online. Some inpatient
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care is still available for individuals who need a higher level of care, including residential and detox programs. The company has seen both people who haven’t sought care for anxiety or depression before, as well as people who are seeking treatment for the first time. Although Sanford has seen a higher demand for mental health treatment across the state, he said one positive outcome from Covid-19 is it has made treatment more accessible to people through online services. The organization also provides youth care through work with youth in the criminal justice system and partners with school districts on school-based substance abuse treatment, among other services, according to the Lifeline Connections website. The focus of the nonprofit is to provide care for people who might not otherwise have access to quality treatment, Sanford said. Services provided at the Bellingham location, located at 4120 Meridian Street Suite 220, include medical assisted recovery, substance use disorder, alcohol drug information school, and problem gambling treatment, ac-
cording to the Lifeline Connections website. The nonprofit helps over 5,000 adults and youth per year seeking substance use and mental health treatment, according to its 2019 annual report. The nonprofit is licensed by the Washington State Department of Health and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. People looking for care should reach out by visiting the organization’s website, lifelineconnections.org, or calling 360/9223030 to learn how to access the care they need. Those interested in service
will then receive an assessment on substance use, mental health, or both. A licensed behavioral health nurse will identify the level of treatment needed and once the recommendation is made, the patient will start receiving care from a counselor. “The important thing is that you receive care, not so much where you receive it,” Sanford said. Sanford encourages anyone interested in treatment to reach out. “We’re here. We’re available,” Sanford said. “We want to ensure folks struggling with behavioral treatment receive help.”
Standing ready to relieve your joint pain For those who suffer joint disease, orthopedic care is essential. Rather than riding out this pandemic in pain and discomfort, contact the experts at PeaceHealth Medical Group Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. We specialize in surgical and non-surgical treatments for shoulder, hand, hip, knee and ankle pain and injuries. And, we are committed to providing the safest environment for your care – be it an in-person appointment or video visit. (Visit peacehealth.org/coronavirus to learn about our COVID-19 safety measures.) For more information, call one of our convenient locations. Bellingham | 360-733-2092
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August 6 - 12, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
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Downtown Blaine B y B e t h S a n bo r n It’s summer in Whatcom County. That generally means pleasant weather, usually not too hot or rainy, and longer daylight hours. Add in the coronavirus pandemic and many people are getting their daily exercise outdoors, often with walking or running. Using a fitness tracker to monitor activity levels is popular, often with a goal of taking 10,000 steps each day. For some people, that goal of 10,000 steps is motivating and helps them be physically active. But for others, especially if they aren’t reaching their goal, it’s discouraging, reduces motivation and may lead to less physical activity. Have you wondered how scientists came to recommend 10,000 steps per day as a fitness goal? Well, the truth is, the idea has little to no scientific research behind it. In 2019, Harvard Medical School researcher I-Min Lee looked into the history of the 10,000 steps a day goal and discovered that it most likely originated in the ’60s when a Japanese company marketed a pedometer called Manpo-kei, which in Japanese means “10,000 steps meter.” Most likely the name was chosen because the Japanese character for 10,000 looks a little like a man walking. Ads for the step counter said, “Let’s all walk 10,000 steps a day.” This idea has persisted through the decades. While there’s nothing wrong with that goal, it may not be necessary for achieving health and longevity. Multiple researchers have concluded that while 10,000 steps is a good goal, there is nothing magical about that number and even 7,000-8,000 steps can improve health and longevity. (The average American adult takes about 3,0005,000 steps a day.) Or, looking at exercise goals another way, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has done, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week (which correlates to 7,000-8,000 steps a day). (See Steps, page 10)
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The Northern Light • August 6 - 12, 2020
Steps... From page 9
The human body was designed for movement and physical activity is important for good health. Physical activity like walking can help control blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol lev-
els. It can also stimulate creative thinking and is associated with living longer and healthier. So if using a step counter or fitness tracker motivates you to exercise and you reach 10,000 steps a day (or more), that’s great. But don’t be discouraged if you don’t reach that number.
Make it your goal to be physically active above the level of your normal daily activity and enjoy the beauty of summer in the Pacific Northwest. Beth Sanborn is a licensed nutritionist who lives in Birch Bay and holds a master’s degree in public health nutrition.
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August 6 - 12, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
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Legal IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Matter and Estate of: REAH lOLA FREEMAN, Deceased. No. 20-400347-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.40.030 The Co-Personal Representatives named below have been appointed as Co-Personal Representatives of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative's attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent's probate and nonprobate assets. NOTICE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: July 23, 2020 Co-Personal Representatives: PATRICIA ANN PARRISH, BRUCE W. FREEMAN, TERRI L. HANSEN, PRESENTED BY: Whatcom Law Group, P.S. Roger L. Ellingson, WSBA #19292 Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives PO Box 1258 / 289 H Street Blaine, WA 98231-1258 (360)332-7000, Fax (360)332-6677
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Matter and Estate of: ELEANOR IRENE TROTTNER, Deceased. No. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.40.030 The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative's attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)( c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the Decedent's probate and non-probate assets. NOTICE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: July 30, 2020 Personal Representative: TERESA FLAHERTY PRESENTED BY: Whatcom Law Group, P.S. Roger Ellingson, WSBA #19292 Attorney for Personal Representative PO Box 1258 I 289 H Street Blaine, WA 98231-1258 (360) 332-7000; Fax: (360) 332-6677
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12
The Northern Light • August 6 - 12, 2020
Real Estate
BLAINE, BIRCH BAY & SEMIAHMOO
8745 Oertel Drive MLS #1627557 $2,500,000
Coveted waterfront residence that’s EZ to get to & hard to leave. Spectacular West facing saltwater sunsets & city lights w/ gentle meandering walkway to your privately owned beach w/one-of-a-kind boathouse. Dramatic open design with exquisite appointments throughout. Owners & guest suites along w/almost every other room offer sweeping marine views of Inland Pacific. Features Chefs kitchen, vaulted ceilings, media & games room +++ & is offered Fully furnished! Tour photo gallery & be amazed., Enjoy!
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Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom Inc. 360.371.5100 8105 Birch Bay Square St. I-5 Exit 270, Blaine
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.
5440 Wood Duck Loop 7714 Birch Bay Drive #103 8217 Chehalis Road MLS #1599646 $439,000 MLS #1563744 $698,000 MLS #1589430 4751 Birch Bay Lynden Rd #113 $840,000 Classic craftsman in Semiahmoo--peek-a- Enjoy unobstructed front & center VIEW of Come home to this remarkable “Weibe” $295,0000 MLS #1636879
boo view! Main floor living with ample custom features. Stainless kitchen counters, hand-made cabinets, & live edge granite counter bar top. Red oak hardwood through main floor--plush carpet in the bedrooms. Enormous master bath with soaker tub & walk-in shower. 3rd garage bay is wired for 220, perfect shop space! Spacious bonus room makes for the perfect office/flex space. Completely covered outdoor sunroom makes outdoor entertaining ideal.
Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718
Birch Bay from this ground floor oceanfront condo. This sunny west facing residence features 9 ft ceilings, AC, custom cabinets, slab granite counters, tile & wood flooring & open concept living area. Exceptional quality throughout this 2-bedroom, 2 bath condo. Luxurious bathrooms include radiant heated flooring & jetted tub. A beautiful spacious patio for entertaining accessible from living area & master. Assigned covered parking, & Deeded private beach.
Randy Weg 360-305-5704
built custom home w/features galore. Spectacular golf course & Mtn views. Glass railed sundeck, resort style private patio w/fountain, gardens & hot tub. Inside find magazine quality appointments, colors & creativity. From luxurious owners suite to gourmet kitchen no detail overlooked. Family/media room, oversize garage & huge storage. In popular Birch Bay Village guard gated golf, pickleball, tennis & marina community. Home Warranty & first yr HOA dues paid
Mike Kent 360-815-3898
Two for the price of one! Spectacular 800 sqft quality home on a 365-day lot, with an adjoining 180-day lot #4001302103950012 included in the sale. Park your RV, Motor Home or use second lot for entertaining or rental income. Home exterior is long lasting hardi plank siding and metal roof. Interior has Corian countertops, gas fireplace, vaulted ceilings, cherry cabinets, tons of storage and 4 sky lights for lots of natural light. Too many great features to list!
Gerry Allen 360-920-0563
4751 Birch Bay Lynden Rd #293 $69,500 MLS #1620907
Spectacular 180-day lot, well situated in the park. Bring your motor home / fifth wheel and enjoy the pool, club house, hot tub and exercise center. Latitude 49 is perfect for a weekend getaway, spot to park and enjoy you RV or as a long term rental RV spot when not in use, Park has gated security, close to the beach, I-5 and CDN border.
Gerry Allen 360-920-0563
NEW
9049 Shearwater Road MLS #1613807 $1,998,000 Beautiful Birch Bay View Cottage
XXX Holeman Ave MLS #1405680 $399,000
Gorgeous views from this high bank Birch Bay waterfront, gently sloped .36 acre homesite ready for your dream home. One 860 sq. ft. 2 bedrooms, one bath, of the last remaining waterfront lots with fully fenced, lovingly cared for, water spectacular views of Birch Bay, Coastal Canadian mountains and sparkling city lights. view, Birch Bay cottage in the heart of Enjoy private neighborhood beach access, Birch Bay. Too many upgraded items beach combing, minutes’ walk to the State Park and a short distance to I-5. to mention.
4968 Cottonwood Court MLS #1640564 $319,500
Brian Southwick 360-815-6638
Ingrid Andaluz 360-961-0488
Dramatic west facing WATERFRONT home w/striking Bay/Islands/Mts & Sunset views. Inspired Architectural Design w/highest quality finishes/amenities. Easy main floor living. Spacious open floor plan. Chef’s dream kit, mstr bdrm retreat w/spa-like bathroom. Wine rm, MIL suite & more. Private shy acre w/lrg flat yards. Broad/level driveway w/no-step entry. Stairs to beachscenic walks/seafood harvest/water sports. Gated community-paved trails, golf, marina, resort hotel/spa/eateries 1:45min/Seattle, 40min/Van. BC.
Lucy Saldana 360-303-6838
E!
PRIC
9086 Chickadee Way 5517 Maple Way MLS #1640077 $539,000 MLS #1617183 $675,000
8287 Beachway Dr MLS #1623351 $259,000
Birch Bay is a prime location for recreation and summer fun! Clamming, crabbing, fishing, and beach combing a five-minute walk from your front door!
Jeff Carrington 360-220-3224
A Northwest classic! This timeless home in Boundary Ridge is a true testament to the PNW. With private green space as your backyard, enjoy neighboring cedars & firs, while also soaking up the sun from the wall of west facing windows. Custom floor plan includes spacious kitchen with breakfast bar, beamed vaulted ceilings, spacious master suite with spa-like bath, cabinetry galore, & 1000+ sqft. of deck space. With neighborhood beach access just down the street, this home is sure to please!
Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718
Premier Southwest sun exposure greets you at this most precious waterfront property. First time on the market in 50 years. Summer cottage offers two bedrooms, one bath, open floor plan with the kitchen open to the Great room, and access to a spacious deck. Newer roof and architectural cedar shakes on the outside of the cottage, with coastal decor on display. Generous front and backyards. Hear and see the whales and sea lions from the property. Panoramic views of the San Juan and Gulf Islands.
Brian Southwick 360-815-6638
7545 Sunset Dr 8783 Clubhouse Point 5574 Salish Road 7714 Birch Bay Drive #402 3388 Haynie Road MLS #1622292 $1,049,000 MLS #1232342 $370,000 MLS #1639712 $429,000 MLS #1597528 $620,000 MLS #1628098 Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase a beau- 3935 sf. Last paired home at Semiahmoo’s 14 Views of water and mountains located in Birch Bay Enjoy sunsets from this deluxe top floor waterfront $609,000
A wonderful opportunity awaits: private + peaceful equestrian property set back from the road, updated 4 bedroom/2.5 bathroom house, massive 30x60’ heated shop with power + 2 stall horse barn! Home features vaulted ceilings, modern updated flooring, cabinets, quartz counters, s/s appliances & gas fireplace. Zip down Valley View for quick & easy I-5 access or US/CAN border access. Don’t delay, this one checks all the boxes and won’t last long!
Leah Crews 360-305-4747
tiful water view property w/ in home elevator to all floors! 3 bed/4 bath home has been very lightly lived in & would be an ideal full-time residence or vacation rental. Open concept kitchen/dining/living features gas fireplace, 10’ ceilings + leads directly to massive wraparound bay view deck. No detail overlooked: Credo built & rock solid - wide & bright spaces, skylights, solid core doors + just steps to Birch Bay State Park & The C-Shop
Jen Freeman 360-815-0803
residence “Clubhouse Point”. Premium Southern exposure. Elevated, lake & green views of Palmerdesigned 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 gar.
Linda Kiens 360-815-6640
Village! Enjoy marina, golfing, private beaches, many other amenities include clubhouse, swimming pool, sports courts, playgrounds, miles of beaches, peace of mind with 24/7 security, miles of low speed-limit paved roads, home is extremely cute with new flooring and paint throughout, new split heating and cooling system keeps you cozy warm & cool when it’s hot. Large detached garage, lots of parking. Come and enjoy a vacation like lifestyle.
Billy Brown 360-220-7175
condo. This sunny west facing residence features 9ft ceilings, custom cabinets, slab granite counters, tile & wood flooring & open concept living area. Exceptional quality throughout this 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo with elevator access. Luxurious bathrooms include radiant heat tile flooring & jetted tub. A beautiful extra deck for entertaining & 1 assigned covered parking. Deeded beach access. Amazing ocean view...start living the dream!
Randy Weg 360-305-5704
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20+ ACRES - $175,000 Homesite on Kickerville with beautiful, meandering Terrell Creek.
Build your home here!
Owner contract possible AT 20% DOWN, 6.5% 30 year Amortization. Some residential zoning, currently in open space. Great tax advantage.
Semiahmoo Marina Boat Slips Available!
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NELSON BUILDING PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • Vacation Properties WE DO • Residential Properties ! IT ALL • Commercial Properties Call Phill Esau Today!
Nimbus Property Management
360-594-8600 225 G Street, Suite 102
Downtown Blaine (Across from Hill’s Chevron)
www.NimbusRealEstate.com
925 Ludwick Ave., Blaine
Near Truck Route & Shopping Mall
LEASE SPACES FOR:
Warehousing & Distribution Manufacturing or Retail Yard Storage for Vehicles Please Call Don Nelson For Availability & Rates
360-332-2743
Email nelsbldg@msn.com
Find it in the Classifieds!
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT Chapter 18.27.100 of the Revised Code of Washington requires that all advertisements for construction services include the contractor’s registration number in the advertisement. To verify a contractor’s license, call the Dept. of Labor and Industry’s contractors registration at 1-800-647-0982.
All real estate/rentals advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246.
August 6 - 12, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
13
Health department recommends local school districts start remotely By Grace McCarthy Whatcom County health officer Dr. Greg Stern recommended to county superintendents and private school administrators that schools plan to start the school year with remote learning, according to a press release from the county health department. “I do not feel it is safe to open schools in September for traditional classroom learning,” Stern said in the press release. “I expect that our current infection rate and its ongoing increase will not slow or reverse enough to allow for safe operations in the fall. Given this, and the lead time needed to prepare for school operations, I strongly recommend schools prepare for remote learning to start the school year.” In his decision, Stern considered the potential impact reopening schools could have on the continuing increase of Covid-19 cases in the county, according to the release. The risk for staff and students with underlying medical conditions also impacted the decision. The Blaine school district
planned to discuss the recent recommendations at an August 5 special school board meeting. Blaine school district superintendent Christopher Granger has repeatedly said during meetings this summer that the school district will prepare for starting the year with remote learning, despite its current plan for families to choose either a hybrid model of learning or online classes. Lisa Moeller, school district public relations specialist, said she believes the district will be prepared to start the year remotely, if needed, because that was already an option for families. Erika Lautenbach, Whatcom County Health Department director, acknowledged and thanked the school districts in the county that worked this summer to plan for reopening in the fall. Health officials in Snohomish and Pierce counties have issued similar guidance, according to the release. As of August 3, Whatcom County had 941 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 38 deaths, according to data from the Washington State Department
Image courtesy Whatcom County Health Department
of Health. Washington state had 59,379 cases and 1,619 deaths, according to state health data.
Preliminary results for August 4 primaries B y P a t G r u bb An estimated 36 percent of eligible Whatcom County voters submitted ballots in the August 4 primary election. A total of 53,750 votes were counted by election eve with approximately 14,500 left to count. Statewide, governor Jay Inslee, D., received 649,074 votes (51.86 percent) with the next closest candidate, Republican Loren Culp, receiving 209,517 votes (16.7 percent). Including Culp, the 15 Republican candidates had a vote total of 542,790. In Whatcom County, Inslee received 27,637 votes (51.8 percent) versus the next closest candidate, Loren Culp, who received 9,788 votes (18.3 percent). Democrat Congresswoman
Suzan DelBene received 74,273 votes (56.4 percent) statewide versus Republican Jeffrey Beeler, Sr. who brought in 42,374 votes (32.2 percent). In the county, DelBene received 10,819 votes (39.7 percent) versus Beeler’s 13,864 votes (50.9 percent). In the Lieutenant Governor’s race, Democrat Denny Heck received 12,948 (24.8 percent) while his closest competitor, Republican Ann Davison Sattler, received 11,115 (21.3 percent) in the county while in the state, the two received 334,117 (27.7 percent) and 139,341 (11.5 percent), respectively. Statewide, Secretary of State Kim Wyman, R., received 617,425 votes (50.2 percent) and will face Democrat Gael Taleton with 549,124 (44.6 percent)
in the general election. Attorney General Bob Ferguson, D., cruised home to a primary victory with 697,273 votes (56.6 percent) against Matt Larkin, R., with 289,292 votes (23.5 percent). Luanne Van Werven, R., pulled in 19,701 votes (53.0 percent) against Blaine’s Alicia Rule, D., with 17,380 votes (46.8 percent) for state representative District 42, Pos. 1. Jennifer Sefzik, R., received 19,121 votes (51.5 percent) for the Pos. 2 seat, leading Sharon Shewmake, who received 17,934 votes (48.4 percent). For more election results, go to bit.ly/2PrrPBx. The next vote count will be announced at 5 p.m. on August 5 and on subsequent days as ballots come into the election office.
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14
The Northern Light • August 6 - 12, 2020
Games and Puzzles
Sheriff’s Reports August 3, 8:26 a.m.: Vandalism cold call on Castlerock Drive.
August 2, 8:22 p.m.: Drugs on Alderson Road.
August 3, 10:30 a.m.: Harassment cold call on Seashell Way.
August 2, 9:25 p.m.: Motor vehicle injury on Blaine Road.
August 3, 11:09 a.m.: Welfare check on Nightingale Court.
August 2, 9:44 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Custer School Road, Custer.
August 3, 11:12 a.m.: Welfare check on Semiahmoo Lane. August 3, 11:29 a.m.: Domestic physical on West Badger Road. August 3, 12:29 p.m.: Mental cold call on Sunset Drive. August 3, 12:59 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute cold call on Fir Way. August 3, 1:30 p.m.: Welfare check on Lincoln Road. August 3, 1:32 p.m.: Domestic order violation cold call on Harborview Road.
August 1, 3:09 a.m.: Fireworks on Sunset Drive.
August 1, 12:22 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Petticote Lane.
August 3, 5:23 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Alderson Road.
August 1, 2:33 p.m.: Theft cold call on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer.
August 3, 7:30 p.m.: Civil problem on West Badger Road.
August 1, 2:58 p.m.: Civil problem on Peace Park Drive.
August 3, 7:35 p.m.: Domestic physical on West Bager Road, Custer.
August 1, 5:17 p.m.: Subject stop on Birch Bay Drive.
August 3, 9:53 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Alderson Road.
August 1, 7:01 p.m.: Landlord tenant dispute cold call on Peace Park Drive.
August 2, 2:11 a.m.: Suspicious person cold call on East Street. August 2, 9:18 a.m.: Refer to other agency on Drayton Harbor Road. August 2, 12:21 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute cold call on Ironwood Court. August 2, 1:11 p.m.: Watch for on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. August 2, 2:56 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Harborview Road. August 2, 6:30 p.m.: Mental on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. August 2, 8:17 p.m.: Noise on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.
27. Bolivian river 29. South Dakota 30. Wonderful 31. Supervises flying 32. Commercial 33. More (Spanish) 34. Even distribution of weight 35. “Arabian Nights” hero 36. Compact mass of a substance 37. Bachelor of Laws 38. Halfback 40. Some of it is ground 41. They play in the trenches 42. Atomic #18 44. Chinese Prefecture 45. Fabrics 46. Being in a direct line of descent from an ancestor 47. In slow tempo 48. Flood 50. Long-necked bird 51. Secondary school 52. Artificial intelligence 54. Structure by the water 55. Lather 57. What happens there stays there 61. A bone 62. The Great Lakes State
August 1, 2:00 a.m.: Fireworks on Birch Bay Drive.
August 1, 10:03 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Birch Bay Drive.
August 3, 10:15 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Stein Road, Custer.
53. The Fighting Irish 54. Skilled, paid worker 56. Eyelashes 58. The 12th letter of the Greek alphabet 59. Large, stocky lizard 60. Made poisonous 63. Former US Secretary of State 64. Sticky substances 65. A type of gin DOWN 1. To return an echo 2. Displace 3. Japanese religion 4. Predilections 5. Partial 6. Poisonous plant 7. Road open 8. Atomic #81 9. Accomplished American composer 10. Oh, God! 13. Potato state 14. Most melancholic 15. Supportive framework 20. Hollywood’s Pacino 21. A title for women 22. Popular Grammys alternative 23. Check
August 1, 12:06 a.m.: Domestic physical on Dean Drive, Custer.
August 1, 8:27 a.m.: Assist citizen on Stein Road, Custer.
August 3, 5:07 p.m.: Civil problem on Alderson Road.
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August 2, 11:12 p.m.: Trespass on Alderson Road.
August 3, 3:16 p.m.: Whatcomm Record on Helweg Lane. August 3, 5:00 p.m.: Civil problem on Peace Park Drive.
ACROSS 1. Corrode 5. Jean Paul __, author 11. Hebrew unit of dry measure 12. A type of scientist 16. Greek goddess of discord 17. For Red Sox MVP 18. It checks your speed 19. Made dirty 24. The First State 25. Lodgings 26. Spiritual leader 27. Bradley Int’l Airport code 28. Native American people 29. Sharp pain 30. Touch 31. Slowly disappears 33. Indigenous Russian people 34. Narrative poem 38. Some are bad 39. Small quill feathers 40. Tattles 43. Popular Easter entree 44. Beneficiary 45. Clothed 49. Payroll firm 50. Lower Normandy’s largest city 51. Binary compound of halogen
August 2, 10:26 P.M.: Watch for on Stein Hill Lane.
August 3, 1:56 p.m.: Shots cold call on Kickerville Road. August 3, 3:44 p.m.: Civil problem cold call on Sea Breeze Court.
Crossword
August 2, 10:16 p.m.: Watch for on Alderson Road.
August 1, 10:58 p.m.: Fireworks on Alderson Road. August 1, 11:04 a.m.: Fireworks on Sunburst Drive. July 31, 12:30 a.m.: Domestic verbal on Semiahmoo Park. July 31, 12:52 a.m.: Whatcomm Record on Chehalis and Comox roads. July 31, 6:08 a.m.: Vehicle prowl on Birch Bay Drive. July 31, 6:54 a.m.: Hazard on Grandview and Point Whitehorn roads. July 31, 7:38 a.m.: Burglary on Alderson Road.
Police Reports
Reports provided by WCSO
Weather
Precipitation: During the period July 25, 3:05 p.m.: Blaine officers responded to a drug seizure at the of July 27–August 2, no precipitation Peace Arch point of entry. Customs officers discovered 5.1 ounces of marijuana in the trunk of a vehicle. Blaine officers arrested the suspect was recorded. The 2020 year-to-date and transported him to the Whatcom County Jail. precipitation is 23.1 inches. July 25, 10:57 a.m.: A Blaine police officer located a vehicle with exTemperature: High for the past pired registrations and a driver who had a suspended driver’s license in week was 83°F on July 27 and July the 2100 block of Peace Portal Drive. The driver was later determined 30 with a low of 53°F on July 29. to be a suspect in another crime that occurred last month. The man Average high was 81°F and average was arrested for driving on a suspended license and later booked into low was 57°F. the Whatcom County Jail for malicious mischief and theft regarding an incident that occurred on Marine Drive in June. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist. July 26, 3:22 p.m.: Police across Whatcom County were advised to be on the lookout for a vehicle associated with felony threats and a felony DV order violation that had occurred in Bellingham. A Blaine officer on patrol located the vehicle as it was exiting the Blaine skate park. The suspect driver was safely taken into custody and transported to Bellingham. Once in Bellingham, the man was handed over to a August 7–August 13 at Blaine. Bellingham police officer. Not for navigation. July 27, 12:51 p.m.: A woman called police requesting assistance with constantly barking dogs in the neighborhood. When asked if the 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W dogs were currently barking, the woman said no. Police advised the woman to call police when the dogs are barking again. DATE TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT July 27, 12:53 p.m.: A man called police reporting a theft that Fr 7 3:04 am 4.9 7:46 am 7.0 occurred from his boat. The man left the boat docked in the Blaine Marina for several months. During that time several boxes of marine 2:27 pm 0.8 9:37 pm 9.1 equipment were stolen from the boat. Police are investigating the theft Sa 8 3:46 am 4.4 8:40 am 6.6 and awaiting a property list from the victim. 2:59 pm 1.8 10:01 pm 8.9 July 27, 6:02 p.m.: A police officer on routine patrol located a door to an old abandoned residence unsecured. The police checked the Su 9 4:30 am 3.8 9:44 am 6.2 interior of the residence and found no one inside, but there was new 3:33 pm 2.9 10:25 pm 8.7 graffiti all over the walls. A neighbor reported the door had been open for over a week. An officer contacted the owner and advised him the Mo 10 5:14 am 3.2 11:00 am 6.0 house needed to be properly boarded up. 4:11 pm 4.1 10:49 pm 8.5 July 25, 4:30 p.m.: Blaine police responded to a burglary that Tu 11 6:02 am 2.6 12:32 pm 6.1 occurred over the weekend. An officer documented the damage to the home but there are no suspects at this time, but police are actively 4:53 pm 5.1 11:15 pm 8.4 investigating the incident. We 12 6:50 am 2.0 2:20 pm 6.5 July 28, 12:38 p.m.: Blaine Police Department officers responded to 5:51 pm 6.0 11:47 pm 8.3 a suspicious vehicle report in the 100 block of Parkview Street. Officers determined the vehicle was associated with a house party in the 2600 Th 13 7:42 am 1.3 3:46 pm 7.2 block of W 99th Street. Officers were requested to remove everyone at 7:13 pm 6.7 the party by the person responsible for the home at the time. During this, it was determined a firearm was taken. This firearm was recovered in the brush near the household. July 28, 3:02 a.m.: Blaine Police Department officers responded to a reported assault in the 2600 block of West 99th Street. This call for service was related to a party call officers were at previously. Based on statements taken during this assault report, it was determined an assault had not occurred, but was only a verbal argument between two people. July 28, 10:16 p.m.: Blaine Police Department officers responded to a reported verbal dispute in the 400 block of B Street. Officers determined this event was a juvenile problem involving juveniles babysitting juveniles. The parents returned home and were advised of the call. July 29, 9:02 a.m.: Blaine Police Department officers responded to a reported injury collision in the 9200 block of Semiahmoo Parkway. Officers were advised of a fallen motorcycle rider and a subsequent investigation into the event revealed the rider was intoxicated. The rider In the 2019 Paddle to Lummi, canoe families visiting from was significantly injured and transported to the hospital. Due to the Washington, B.C., Alaska and beyond were welcomed injuries resulting from the collision, the rider was cited and released. ashore by the Lummi Nation.
Tides
Reports provided by Blaine Police Department
Photo courtesy of Children of the Setting Sun Productions
August 6 - 12, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
15
Beach Cat Brewing to open this week in Birch Bay “Nano brewery’s” opening is a longtime coming for the owners, who aim to serve unique beer as well as standards
s Beach Cat Brewing owner Jake Gobeille preparing the brewery for opening.
By Kyra Planetz Whatcom County’s newest brewery, Beach Cat Brewing in Birch Bay, will open its doors and start serving craft beer this Thursday, August 6, according to a post on the company’s Facebook page. It’s a long time coming for Darin Hamm and Jake Gobeille, who plan to serve unique beers brewed on a small scale. Hamm, president of the Bellingham Homebrewers Guild, has been home brewing for 20 years while Gobeille picked up the hobby four years ago. Gobeille previously worked in mental health, but quit his job to pursue a brewing career. Soon after, he was diagnosed with cancer and after chemotherapy treatments he went into remission and began working at Illuminati Brewing Company, in Bellingham. It was there he met Hamm and the two, both with dreams of owning their own small brewery, partnered to start Beach Cat Brewing earlier this year. Beach Cat Brewing is located at 101-7876 Birch Bay Drive, just south of CJ’s Beach House. Gobeille said it is the perfect location for a brewery called Beach Cat, a name that is dear to his heart. Growing up, Gobeille and his high school friends would call
Water Wisely Schedule
each other “beach cats.” “It was our little club,” he said. When Gobeille started home brewing, he named his hobby Beach Cat Brewing and the name stuck. Around the same time, a friend drew the artwork that would become Beach Cat’s logo today. Beach Cat will be the smallest brewery with the smallest brew system in the county, a “nano brewery,” according to Hamm. The brewery will serve craft beer, which Gobeille defines as any beer brewed at a facility that produces no more than 60,000 barrels a year. With a one-barrel system, Beach Cat will only produce 12-14 barrels each month. “Sometimes people will see the new breweries come in and think it’s going to be bigger and shinier than the last one. This is sort of a different approach from what I think people are used to,” Hamm said. The owners believe brewing at such a small scale will allow them to experiment with unique flavors in their beer. Gobeille said he is most excited about a summer ale named “Mr. and Mrs.” which is made with honey and lavender. It is special to him, he said, because the first batch was brewed with lavender from bouquets used at his wedding. Hamm is also working on a unique beer; a stout infused with Reese’s Puffs
Even-Numbered Addresses
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NO
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Now through Sept. 15
Photos by Kyra Planetz
breakfast cereal. Along with these two, Beach Cat Brewing will also produce light beers, IPAs, porters and reds. “One of the best things about craft beer is that there’s so much variety,” Gobeille said. “There’s a beer for everybody out there.” Both Gobeille and Hamm agree that Beach Cat Brewing will be more than just a bar, but a place for community members to meet and learn about craft brewing. All the brewing equipment will be near the taproom, visible to Beach Cat patrons. “We really want to educate people on what beer is and how it’s made. It doesn’t just come in a bottle where the mountains turn blue,” Hamm said. Construction on the inside of Beach Cat’s building began in March, but starting a business during a pandemic came with its challenges. During phase one
FOOD
NO
Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Saturday
of the state’s phased re-opening plan, Gobeille said they were unable to hire anyone to help with construction. The two owners did 90 percent of the work inside the building, Hamm said. They also lost a bank loan, making their budget very tight, Gobeille said. At Beach Cat Brewing, community members can expect a family-friendly atmosphere with a variety of beers, as well as beverages
for all ages, and a scenic view. “At the end of the day, Darin and I are both just waiting to see what people think of everything that we’ve done and the beer we’re able to create in this space,” Gobeille said. Beach Cat Brewing will be open Thursday through Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. For more information about Beach Cat Brewing, visit beachcatbrewing.com.
Thank you to all our customers who put their trust in us! Servicing Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish & Island Counties
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s Beach Cat Brewing owner Jake Gobeille shows off a tap handle at Beach Cat Brewing.
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16
The Northern Light • August 6 - 12, 2020
WCLS boosts WiFi signal at future Birch Bay library By Ian Haupt
WiFi is now available from the parking lot of the future Birch Bay library site, at 7968 Birch Bay Drive.
Photo by Kyra Planetz
The future Birch Bay Vogt Community Library now has a boosted WiFi signal for community use that reaches the beach across the street from the site. The Whatcom County Library System has enhanced the drive-up WiFi service at four of its branches and the future site of the Birch Bay library, according to a press release from the Whatcom County Library System. This site is currently the Birch Bay Bookmobile Stop at 7968 Birch Bay Drive. In July, the library system installed new WiFi routers and service extenders to improve ser-
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vice at five locations – Birch Bay, Deming, Everson, Ferndale and Sudden Valley – according to the press release. Christine Perkins, executive director of the Whatcom County Library System, said in the press release they’ve always offered public WiFi access from their parking lots, but in these locations, the service was spotty. “When library buildings were closed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, we were concerned about the impact on patrons who rely on us for computer and Internet access,” Perkins said. “As we thought about how we could support our community during this time, improved access to the Internet was one of the solutions that rose to the top.” The library system bought the Birch Bay property in 2017 and plans to build a branch library on site when funds allow. The press release says community members do not need a library card to access the Internet, but they may need one to use digital content and resources. Although libraries are closed, library cardholders may check out laptops for up to one hour a day in their personal vehicles or other spaces outside the library branches. Community members use the library’s Internet service to search and apply for jobs, write and send emails, attend online classes, conduct research, and for entertainment, the press release says. For more information on this and other library services, call 360/3053600 or visit wcls.org/info.
Marine Life Center to host online Salish Sea Scavenger Hunt By Grace McCarthy The Port of Bellingham Marine Life Center is organizing its first annual Salish Sea Scavenger Hunt on Tuesday, August, 18 and Wednesday, August 19. The online event will help people explore intertidal marine life in lieu of regular low tide events that won’t occur this year due to Covid-19, according to a press release from the Port of Bellingham. Scavenger hunt participants will use the free app GooseChase to take photos and send responses to earn points and prizes. Participants will scout for things, such as local creatures, and then upload a photo to GooseChase. The hunt is limited to 20 teams but there is no limit on the number of participants per group. Registration ends Sunday, August 9. If more than 20 groups register, people unable to join will be contacted by the end of registration. Teams will then receive an email with instructions. To register for the scavenger hunt, visit form.responster .com/GEIT9Q.
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