September 24 - 30, 2020
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Blaine schools Groundbreaking at east Blaine development have phased 50 students into classrooms By Grace McCarthy
s Crews are clearing land at the East Maple Ridge housing development, east of Jerome Street. Plans for the project include about 350 homes on approximately 80 acres.
Photo by Oliver Lazenby
Housing projects underway will reshape Blaine By Oliver Lazenby Homes are already for sale at the first of three new housing developments in east Blaine that could bring about 1,400 new homes to the area over the next 15 years. Developers say they are the biggest projects on the horizon in Whatcom County, and they’ll increase Blaine’s housing stock by more than 50 percent, according to data from the state Office of Financial Management. The three projects are all north of H Street. From smallest to largest and west to east, they are called Bridges Plat, East Maple Ridge and Grandis Pond. The projects, years in the making, were spurred by the city investing in new water, sewer and electric lines to the area, making the projects appealing to developers who had been sitting on the land for years. “With the expansion of the sewer and the water line up the hill to East Maple
Ridge, and Lincoln Park, and eventually to Grandis Pond, we’re going to have a large land bank of buildable product in a beautiful area. It’s just going to be a great place to live,” said Blaine realtor Ron Freeman, in a city of Blaine press release on the projects. The developments Bellingham-based Skeers Construction is nearly finished with the first houses at Bridges Plat, just northeast of Lincoln Park. The project will consist of 18 single-family homes that will be complete in an estimated two to three years, said David Monks, vice president for Skeers Construction. Skeers began building utilities and roads in the development last year and started construction on homes this year. Seven houses are currently under construction, and some that are nearly complete have already sold. Those homes will be mostly between 1,800 and 2,200 square feet, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and two-car ga-
Blaine’s Holiday Harbor Lights Fundraiser Let’s light up downtown Blaine this holiday season by celebrating our seaside location with nautical theme street pole ornament displays. Blaine Chamber of Commerce and Wild Bird Charity are teaming up to accept (tax deductible) donations to purchase these light displays to decorate downtown this holiday season. Choose your display, your pole, or your block! For more info visit: blainechamber.com
rages. The project is Skeers Construction’s first in Blaine. “We’re just really excited to be up there. It’s a nice environment and a great location,” Monks said. (See Housing, page 2)
INSIDE
The Blaine school district welcomed a cohort of 50 students into the building on September 21 and has plans to open buildings to more students October 12. Blaine school district superintendent Christopher Granger said his favorite part of the day was seeing the four buses arrive to campus bringing students. “Although you can’t see under the mask, you can read nonverbal body languages,” he said. “It felt like a great first step in the right direction.” In the phase 2 plan, the district opened its doors to students most at risk of losing an equitable education during remote learning – students in life skills and preschoolers. Granger said the district hopes to phase kindergarteners in mid-October if Covid-19 cases remain low in the district. About 70 kindergarteners will be phased in to the building but they will learn in a hybrid model, alternating in groups every week between in-person classes and remote learning. As of September 23, Blaine had 28 confirmed Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people in the two-week period between September 6 and September 19, or five total cases during that period. (Ed. Note: The county health department breaks down cases geographically by individual school district boundaries. This figure does not refer to cases in schools themselves.) The district was the second lowest in the county after Meridian school district, which had a rate of 9 cases per 100,000 people. At this rate, Blaine is classified as “moderate” in Washington state’s Department of Health recommendations for phasing students into the classroom. This allows in-person learning for elementary school students and over time, if Covid-19 does not spread in schools, districts with “moderate” transmission rates can allow middle and high school students to attend hybrid classes in the buildings. Granger said it’s important for the community to help keep Covid-19 infection rates down in Blaine to allow the school district to continue opening schools. “We continue to remind people to do the right thing to follow safety protocol,” Granger said. “It’s important the larger community commits to that. It will allow us to move forward.”
Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Home & Garden . . 8 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Road Rules . . . . . 13 Puzzles . . . . . . . . 14 Police . . . . . . . . . 14
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s Three new developments in east Blaine, from west to east, are called Bridges Plat, East Maple Ridge and Grandis Pond.
Image courtesy city of Blaine
Housing ... From page 1
While the project is small compared to the others, it’s the first stop for a crucial link in utility infrastructure that will help the other projects connect to city water, sewer and electric lines. The preliminary plat for East Maple Ridge, a forested area between Jerome Street and Harvey Road, calls for about 350 homes on about 80 acres. Crews have started clearing land for that project. That development will include a mix of single-family, cottage and multi-family housing types, according to planning documents. It will also include a neighborhood commercial center with 24,000 square feet of commercial space. Owners and developers Skip and Katie Jansen said the development will include a city park, three ponds, bike and pedestrian paths, a sports field and hundreds of mature maple and evergreen trees. Of the three projects, the biggest and farthest from downtown
s Skeers Construction is nearly finished with several homes at Bridges Plat, east of Lincoln Park, the first of three new east Blaine developments.
Photo by Oliver Lazenby
is Grandis Pond. That project, east of Harvey Road, would develop 387 residential lots on about 119 acres in its first phase and about 1,000 total lots on 438 acres within 10-15 years, depending on market conditions, said owner and developer Ken Hertz, president of Blossom Management. Hertz said he will likely break ground in 2022, depending on utility infrastructure; the city is working to build infrastructure to the project, but doesn’t have
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funds to do it yet. “We’re looking at a couple of options for getting it to the site, but ultimately we would like to see some assistance,” Hertz said. The first phase for Grandis Pond would include seven neighborhoods with a mix of single-family homes and cottage homes, according to the project’s preliminary plat approval. Of the 438 total acres, 190 will be open space, wildlife corridors and parks, Hertz said in a press release. Hertz was Bellingham’s mayor from 1976 to 1982 and in his career has worked on other projects including parts of the Cordata area in Bellingham and Semiahmoo Resort. Blossom Management bought the Grandis Pond land in the mid-2000s, Hertz said. It’s currently the biggest project in the pipeline in Whatcom County, he said. “At this point in time it’s pretty rare to have a subdivision this size because there is not much land available with utilities,” he said. “That’s a thing of the past.” City planning The city of Blaine has long planned for development in the east Blaine area. The city annexed the east Blaine area into the city in 1996, according to its East Blaine Infrastructure plan. The east Blaine area is projected to support almost 40 percent of the city’s needed housing stock over the next 20 years, said Stacie Pratschner, city of Blaine community development director. While the area has seen interest from developers over the years, developers balked at the cost of bringing utility lines to the area. All three development projects received initial approval in 2010 and 2011, and connection to sewer, water and electricity is one (See Housing, next page)
September 24 - 30, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
High school sports may return in winter WIAA lays out criteria for restarting sports and other extracurricular activities By Ian Haupt While the Borderites welcomed their first group of students into the building this week, extra-curricular activities likely will not return until winter. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has outlined five steps that need to be taken in order for schools to bring back sports and other extracurricular activities. Those steps are: 1. Governor approval. 2. Guidance from the Washington state Department of Health (DOH). 3. WIAA’s risk management consultants to review any recommendation by the governor and DOH. 4. School leadership commitment to bringing back sports. In a press release, the WIAA said most districts would consider sports once students are able to return to school, even in a hybrid model. Coaches under collective bargaining agreements would also need to support sports returning. 5. The WIAA Executive Board to review schedule and guidelines.
According to a September 19 news release by the WIAA, high school sports and extracurricular activities can resume under governor Jay Inslee’s Safe Start plan when the majority of students are back for some form of in-person learning. Blaine school district superintendent Christopher Granger said in a best-case scenario high school and middle school students will return to a hybrid learning model by December or January. The WIAA partnered with risk consultants Washington Schools Risk Management Pool and ClearRisk to devise steps, guidelines and considerations necessary for high school sports to resume this year after talks with the Governor’s Office and DOH. The Governor’s Office recommendation to resume extracurricular activities when most students return for either hybrid or full-time learning could change as the office, health department and state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction stated they would periodically review guidelines as more infor(See Sports, page 7)
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Housing ... From page 2
reason they didn’t begin earlier. The city invested more than $300,000 from its wastewater capital fund to build about 1,500 feet of water and sewer line through Lincoln Park to the Bridges Plat project in 2017. The city submitted a proposal to state legislators for additional funding that same year. The state allocated $1.2 million for new utility infrastructure in east Blaine in 2018 and an additional $500,000 for the project the following year. A city press release on the new developments praised District 42 legislators for their work in securing the funds. “They saw the need to increase housing availability in Whatcom County and the city’s desire to fulfill our growth plans as a perfect match,” city manager Michael Jones said. “Through their help and the dedication of the city council, we were able to get the funding to make the east Blaine infrastructure expansion a reality.” Currently, water and sewer lines reach North Harvey Road, and electric lines terminate at East Maple Ridge, Jones said. For all three projects, the developers are responsible for the cost of building utility infrastructure within the developments, as well as internal roads. Impacts When approving preliminary plats for the project, some city council members said they hoped
the developments would ease the local housing shortage. As of August, Whatcom County had 1.1 months of housing inventory, according to the Northwest Multiple Listings Service. That means no houses would be left on the market in 1.1 months without new homes coming up for sale. A rule of thumb in real estate says that six months of inventory is a balanced market. In addition to the east Blaine projects, there are about 100 other homes in the pipeline elsewhere in Blaine, Pratschner said, with nearly 40 on the way at the Drayton Reach development south of Montfort Park and another 40 at a couple of other projects currently underway at Semiahmoo. Filling all those units would mean tremendous growth for Blaine, a town with an estimated population of 5,607, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 estimate. The state Office of Financial Management (OFM) estimates that Blaine currently has 2,689 total housing units. According to OFM data, Blaine has added 343 housing units since 2010, when there were 2,346 in city limits. The accompanying population increase will have good and bad effects for Blaine, Jones said. It will add tax base to the city and customers to local businesses, but it will increase the requirements for city services. “It will substantially increase the number of people in the area, which has both positive and negative effects,” he said.
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4519 Grandview Road, Blaine, WA 98230 www.bp.com Number of employees: 850 How long in business: Since 1971 Description of the business: Refinery How the business started: When the facility first opened nearly 50 years ago, it primarily refined crude oil brought by tanker ships from the North Slope of Alaska. Since then, Cherry Point has diversified its capabilities, and today it accepts and refines feedstocks from around the world. bp’s Cherry Point Refinery is the first and only refinery in the Pacific Northwest capable of manufacturing diesel made from biomass-based feedstocks, which are processed alongside conventional feedstocks in an existing ultralow-sulfur diesel unit. The refinery helps fuel cars, trucks and airplanes throughout the Pacific Northwest. Future goals: Cherry Point is ready to support bp’s new purpose of reimagining energy for people and the planet. The site has been a cornerstone of the local community since it first opened in 1971 and has always valued being a good neighbor. Both bp and refinery employees devote considerable resources to help preserve the natural environment. For example, bp owns more than 2,500 acres of rural land at Cherry Point that is managed for a variety of uses, including ecological restoration, habitat preservation and recreation. bp also provided resources for the development of the bp Heron Center at Birch Bay State Park, supporting environmental education programming for more than 2,500 students, community members and park visitors each year. bp Cherry Point looks forward to continuing to support the community where our employees live and we do business for many years to come. Featured businesses are selected randomly from the Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce membership.
This is a monthly feature sponsored by the Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce www.blainechamber.com • (360) 332-4544 • Join the chamber today ... membership has its privileges!
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The Northern Light • September 24 - 30, 2020
Opinion
The Northern L ght The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc. Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors. Letters Policy The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Consumer complaints should be submitted directly to the business in question or the local chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com. Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com 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 Doug Dahl The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVI, No 15 Circulation: 10,500 copies
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Beach Cat Brewing ribbon cutting
s The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony at Beach Cat Brewing, at 7876 Birch Bay Drive # 101, on September 19. Pictured, from right, are brewery owners Darin Hamm and Jake Gobeille, chamber executive director Liz Thornton and chamber secretary and treasurer Doralee Booth.
Photo by Molly Ernst
The Editor: With the presidential election taking most of our attention, it is important not to shortchange the “down ballot” races. There is nothing “down” about them. Who we send to the state legislature has huge impact on our daily lives. The races for the state house from our district offer clear choices. It all depends on what kind of Washington you want to see. All four candidates are good people with sincerely held beliefs. There are, however, big differences on the issues. How they vote will shape what Washington will look like. I hope you have the time to compare the candidates’ positions and the voting records of the two incumbents for yourself. Here is my take. If you want state government that cares and is working on reasonable ways to make people’s lives better, protect the most vulnerable, if you believe that government has a legitimate role in setting reasonable boundaries and rules of the road for all and should work to protect us against the Covid-19 pandemic, you should vote for the Democratic candidates, Sharon Shewmake and Alicia Rule. If on the other hand, you believe that government has little or no role in protecting the vulnerable and to help find affordable housing for low-income earners and homeless, that all regulation is by definition unnecessary and bad, that taxes should be cut further even when the safety net is fraying – in other words, everyone for themselves – their opponents are for you. I cannot find what the positions of Sharon’s and Alicia’s opponents are on climate change. This is an important issue in itself, and more so now, with fires burning all along the West Coast. Given their apparent adherence to Republican doctrine, I fear they do not see any role for state government while the federal government takes us in the wrong direction. It is clear what kind of Washington I pre-
Letters
fer and why I strongly support Alicia Rule and Sharon Shewmake. If you agree, please join me in sending them to the state House to represent our district. Arthur Abercrombie Blaine The Editor: I have been so ill from suffering through having the virus. It is not just an attack to your body that is very scary, but the loneliness from not being able to be around others. It has been a wakeup call for us all, as we live our lives and something like this happens and we realize how good we all had it. I am sure everyone wants to get back to work and a routine for our children and grandchildren back in school. I am a writer, author and poet. Writing poetry gives me the courage to live my life. I hope that this poem finds meaning in your life. The placeholder fades … the beauty within glows There is nothing beautiful about pain. Nothing pretty, watching a healthy body deteriorate. The absolute heartache, of it all. Some can display an ocean size of courage The beauty can come from one’s mind of wisdom Words from a masterpiece quoted for all to hear The wonder that comes from someone who survives illness The person who shows such astounding bravery When losing so many pieces of themselves Witnessing their vulnerability Turns into the most beautiful sight of all Through the depths of their struggle Radiates light for all to see! The beauty of life is not found In the vain way humans look at one another. It is the brightness from within That gives the bravery to someone To share their scars.
It is found in the face of people showing How resilient and courageous they are! To me that is living life Bringing me to the depth of everything I know. Who we are as we evolve Is something you can’t buy, or find, or duplicate. It’s watching someone suffer on the outside As the beauty pours out of every cell. The placeholder fades … but the beauty within glows. The power of the element is all that is left An utter undeniable awe of true beauty. Julie Hanft Birch Bay The Editor: On September 18, 2020, this nation lost a loved and revered civil rights, women’s rights, and human rights icon and leader, Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She may have been tiny in stature, but stood tall and was a powerful force in her lifetime battle for justice and equality. Even though the country knew she had been gravely ill, we have been left stunned by the gravity of the loss at this most perilous time in our country’s history. I personally was brought to tears by the news. My admiration for this great lady was unbounded. This feeling of grief is supplemented by a cold fear and dread at the effect her loss will have on our democracy. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s last and dying wish was to not be replaced until a president had been chosen by the people of this country. To honor her memory, her last wish should be granted. This is the least this country can do for a woman of her great stature, who gave so much to her country. Joyce M. Menard Blaine (See Letters, next page)
September 24 - 30, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
Letters ... From page 4
The Editor: When I read the letter submitted by Dave Berry last week I saw that it left out a lot of inconvenient truths about Donald Trump’s racist behavior and actions. I think most of us can agree that racism is when a group of people is treated unfairly because of their race. Individual racism refers to an individual’s racist assumptions, such when Donald Trump tweeted that several Black and brown members of Congress (representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib) are “from countries whose governments are a complete and total catastrophe” and that they should “go back” to those countries. It’s a common racist trope to say that Black and brown people, particularly immigrants, should go back to their countries of origin even though three of the four members of Congress that Trump targeted were born in the U.S. Racist behavior does not have to include explicit mentions of people’s race or nationality to be racists. Although Donald Trump has done this as well like when he argued in 2016 that judge Gonzalo Curiel – who was overseeing the Trump University lawsuit – should recuse himself from the case because of his Mexican heritage. There is also the fact that David Duke, a neo-Nazi anti-Semite and white supremacist who founded a Ku Klux Klan chapter in the 1970s, supported Donald Trump both in 2016 and is now supporting him again in 2020. I wanted to write in, not to defend Biden, because the issue of racism in the U.S. is larger than a single election or candidate but because it’s truly upsetting to see people in my hometown succumb
to a single story rather than listening to people who have different life experiences than them. People seem more worried about being called a racist than they are about the fact that so many people are standing up and saying the racism that still exists in the U.S. is hurting them and their loved ones. Martell Hesketh Blaine The Editor: These are hard times. As a hospice nurse, I’m fortunate to have a job that I love and have been able to remain healthy to do it. It is rewarding, hard and emotionally draining work. In my time off, it is crucial to do what I can to recharge my batteries. One way I do that is to walk with my dog in peaceful places. Lincoln Park has been a place of peace for me. It was distressing when they cut down many ancient trees and placed hideous day-glo orange fixtures throughout the park for frisbee golf. However, not wanting to be an old fuddy-duddy, I continued to enjoy this special park while ignoring the eyesores. Without exception, folks playing the course have been polite and I’ve not been beaned yet. On Saturday, after an especially rough week, I was enjoying a walk with my dog. Because it is an offleash park, and he is a friendly and well-behaved dog, he was not on a leash. At one point, a couple walking two dogs on leash began berating me loudly for not having him on a leash and when I said that it was an off-leash park, they repeatedly insisted that it was not. The man said sarcastically: “Strange how just because there is no sign saying dogs must be leashed, you assume that it is an off-leash park.” I replied that I did not assume this, but had believed it to be so for years. I found this interaction very upsetting and checked to ensure I was correct as soon as I got home.
This was confirmed to be so on Blaine’s parks and recreation site. To be clear: My dog did not bark at, run at, or in any way threaten them or their dogs. Just a reminder: 1) Know your facts before you accost someone and ruin their peaceful afternoon and 2) If your dogs are poorly behaved or unsocialized, please stick with parks where all dogs are leashed. Thanks. Erika Werdal Blaine The Editor: The Semiahmoo Residents Association (SRA) homeowners will soon be receiving their annual SRA ballot. It includes candidates for election to the board, and possibly other initiatives proposed by the board. However, this year is different because a group of independent SRA homeowners have placed an initiative requiring that any future SRA debt and loan obligations be approved by a vote of the homeowners. Board leadership does not favor this initiative. The sponsors of this initiative believe that taking out debt should be avoided whenever possible. For 30-plus years the SRA operated without taking out any significant loans or debt. None of the neighborhood homeowner associations have ever taken out loans. Both the Gleneagle and Beachwalker HOAs have taken on major improvement projects without loans, not to mention other Semiahmoo HOAs. These HOAs are in excellent financial condition today. The SRA is another story. The SRA Board was caught off guard when their office space agreement with the fire district was terminated. They ended up agreeing to paying a “healthy price” for land on Semiahmoo Drive before they had
even finalized financing. Then they erected a building that involved multiple change orders and cost increases. The result? A facility that cost about $750,000 and a loan with an interest rate of 5.5 percent. Ouch. SRA homeowners, you are on the hook for this debt. Now if all of this is not bad enough, we come to today. The board hired a consultant to make recommendations for improving the SRA. One recommendation is to institute a “buyer paid” real estate transfer fee of 0.5 percent of the sale price any property plus $250 to help retire the debt on the building. Problem is the recommendation does not restrict what the fee can be used for, and there is no provision for eliminating the transfer fee. It can just go on forever and be used for anything. Double ouch. Justification? Lots of other HOAs have a transfer fee. Our response? Well good for them. This is the tale of one single loan. Do I want them taking out any more loans without our approval? Absolutely not. I suspect you agree, so vote accordingly and vote yes. Joel Green Blaine The Editor: Our “Say No to Socialism” sign beside our Trump sign has been trashed three times, obviously by someone who opposes the First Amendment and has no idea of what a socialistic government would be like. Ask anyone who has immigrated here from a communist country (I see my sign as a “public
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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.
Thursday, September 24 *CANCELED* 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting
Monday, September 28 6:00pm – City Council Meeting Public Hearing: Old Mill Street Vacation
Thursday, October 8 9:00am – Park and Cemetery Board Meeting
2:00pm – Public Works Advisory Committee Meeting 6:00pm – Planning Commission 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
(See Letters, page 15)
PLANNING COMMISSION – VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
1. ONE POSITION TO FILL A PARTIAL TERM ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2020. 2. ONE POSITION TO FILL A PARTIAL TERM ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2022. REGULARLY MEETS AT 6:00 PM ON THE SECOND AND FOURTH THURSDAYS OF EVERY MONTH FOR ABOUT TWO HOURS. If you are interested in serving on a board or commission, applications and descriptions of duties are available online at www.cityofblaine.com. First review of applications will be Friday, October 2, 2020. Position will remain open until filled.
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The Northern Light • September 24 - 30, 2020
Port reverses wholesale crab buying agreement at harbor By Grace McCarthy
6th Annual
Animal Blessing Sat., Oct. 3, 2020 at 2pm Blaine United Church of Christ
885 4th Street, Outside
It’s a drive-by! (please wear your face masks)
Call 360-332-6906 for more information.
ALL animals welcome!
Port of Bellingham commissioners unanimously voted during their regular September 15 meeting to reverse their previous decision on who can buy and sell crabs wholesale at the Blaine Harbor. This decision comes after port tenants brought up concerns that the agreement would adversely affect their businesses. During a September 1 port meeting, representatives of the Tulalip Tribes and Boundary Fish, Inc. expressed concern after seeing non-leaseholding tenants selling wholesale crab at Blaine Harbor. Company representatives said they didn’t have fair competition with other buyers who don’t have the same expenses leaseholders pay. The port granted business licenses to two non-leaseholding tenants, one in Whatcom County and one in Seattle, to purchase
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wholesale crab at the Sawtooth Dock this August. Before August, the port had not allowed the buying and selling of wholesale crab in Blaine, although it’s been permitted in Bellingham’s Squalicum Harbor since 2016. Port of Bellingham executive director Rob Fix said the port has gone back and forth about crab buying in the Blaine Harbor over the years. More buyers are better for fishermen but if too many people use port property, then it crowds the harbor, he said. Tulalip Tribes purchased its 8,000-square-foot Blaine building from Sound Pacific Seafoods LLC last December that sits on land leased by the Port of Bellingham. “We spent a considerable amount of money purchasing this property, setting up lease and operating this business to be completely undermined by box trucks that have no cost overhead coming in and competing against us within eyesight,” said Jason Gobin, fish and wildlife director for Tulalip Tribes Natural Resources, during the September 1 port meeting. Port staff provided two options for commissioners to vote on during the September 15 meeting. The first option aimed to manage fair wholesale operations in Blaine for lease holding and non-leaseholding tenants. Busi-
nesses without leases in this agreement would have paid 25 cents per pound of crab to the Port, which Fix said was a higher fee to deter outside companies from crowding the harbor. Alan Birdsall, manager of marinas for the Port of Bellingham,
“We spent a considerable amount of money ... to be completely undermined by box trucks that have no cost overhead coming in and competing against us within eyesight.” said during the September 15 meeting that staff found there isn’t a uniform model for wholesale crab buying agreements at neighboring ports. Arrangements at neighboring ports range from not having agreements to having a per-pound fee, but those didn’t
exceed 10 cents per pound, he said. Port staff then contacted Blaine tenants in leases with the port, who said they didn’t want other businesses tenants operating wholesale in Blaine, Birdsall said. Commissioners ultimately voted 3-0 on a second option to immediately prohibit non-leaseholding tenants from wholesale purchasing and sales in Blaine. This will also mean immediate termination of the two wholesale crab buying licenses that started in August. The port will lease the south pier to an additional buyer starting October 1. Fix said he will begin the search for a fifth Blaine Harbor tenant, with hopes of finding someone who will operate well with existing tenants and follow port rules. Commissioner Michael Shepard said during the meeting that the commissioners took the tenants’ concerns to heart and he believes the per-pound fee did not fully address their worries. “I believe this second option will allow us to make best use of our port property, to maximize business interaction at Blaine Harbor, while still respecting and appreciating those tenants we still have agreements with and really want to continue having a long-term relationship with,” Shepard said.
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s In December 2019 the Tulalip Tribes of Washington purchased the Sound Pacific Seafoods building at 285 Marine Drive.
File photo
Sports ... From page 3
mation becomes available. Granger said school districts and WIAA are trying to get some clarity on how much of the student body needs to return to reach this requirement. “It’s just one of those things we need to keep an eye on,” he said. At the end of July, the WIAA executive’s board changed the 2020-21 sports calendar to account for the possibility of all fall sports being canceled. The board created four sanctioned seasons that moved all fall sports competitive seasons to be played in season 3 in early spring, with the
option for low-risk sports; like cross country, golf and tennis, to be played in season 1 in the fall. By this adjusted WIAA schedule, the winter sports season will begin December 28 if the required steps are met. In a message to students on the WIAA website to answer the question of why Washington schools are not allowed to play sports this fall while other states are, WIAA executive director Mick Hoffman said Washington is in a different environment than other states and that the WIAA is still planning to play all fall sports in the spring starting in late February. Hoffman said the state is in a terrible situation regarding high school athletics that nobody is at
fault for. The WIAA is learning from athletics associations of states that are playing fall sports to see how it can prevent and respond to outbreaks. Last week, the WIAA hosted a panel with athletics directors from Utah who spoke about Covid-19 protocols for things like transportation, fans, ticketing, and other related topics. A link to the conference can be found on the WIAA website. “The WIAA is fully committed to working with the partners previously mentioned to give students every opportunity to participate and enjoy the value of education based athletics,” Hoffman said.
September 24 - 30, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
Blaine Middle School student publishes dystopian novel
s Kaatri Glanzer, a 14-year-old at Blaine Middle School, published her first book, “The White Scandal,” on August 12. Photo courtesy Megan Muse Photography
By Grace McCarthy There are many things 14-yearold Kaatri Glanzer enjoys doing outside her Blaine Middle School curriculum. She attends dance classes, practices clarinet and likes to play with her Golden-doodles, Indie and Jax. But in between her ordinary middle school endeavors, Kaatri has also managed to accomplish an extraordinary goal for her age: Writing a novel. Kaatri self-published her first novel, “The White Scandal,” on August 12 and is already gearing up for future novels to come. “I think it’s really cool because people get to see my hard work that I put in the last couple of years and that feels real to me,” Kaatri said. “The White Scandal” is a 218page science fiction book that centers around two sisters, Cadence and Ellie, living in a pandemic-stricken world. The plot follows Cadence’s journey to find Ellie, who has superpowers, after she is kidnapped. “I wanted to write the perspective of two young girls who are living in a time like we are now, and how challenging that can be, especially if one has special powers that are hard to control,” Kaatri said. The young author said she started brainstorming her novel three years ago in fifth grade. Her love for reading blossomed in early elementary school after reading series like “Harry Potter” and “Shatter Me,” which are a few of the hundreds of books that line her bookshelves at home. Kaatri wrote half the novel over the past few years but ramped up
writing when the pandemic started and finished the second half of the book in five months, said her father, Brandon Glanzer. Through writing the novel, Kaatri was introduced to Kelli Estes, a local author who has published “Today We Go Home” and “The Girl Who Wrote in Silk,” and whose books have appeared on the USA Today bestsellers list. Estes consulted Kaatri on ideas and read Kaatri’s first draft. Brandon then agreed to be Kaatri’s publisher, where he’d help give her ideas, she’d write more, he’d edit and give her more ideas. Brandon, who is a seventh grade language arts and social studies teacher at Blaine Middle School, said he saw talent in Kaatri when she’d write 20-page stories.
because someone drinks too much... Al-Anon Family Groups can help.
person with a male main character because she wants to explore writing in those perspectives. “We’re excited to read the next book,” Brandon said. “And then next one after that and the next one after that.” To purchase a copy of the $25 book, visit https://bit.ly/32VEMLp.
Learn more by attending a confidential meeting in your community.
Whatcom County Al-Anon - Online Video Meetings Available (Zoom & GoToMeeting)
Information at http://whatcomafg.org
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There May Be Help! NEW Whatcom County Housing Assistance Program To support Whatcom County households financially impacted by COVID-19
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“[Writing] is something I know a little bit about and have some passion for,” Brandon said. “A lot of it’s been transferred to her before she even knew what I did as a job.” Kaatri’s writing was published in Young Reporters, a section in The Northern Light that ran for eight weeks starting April 21, which her father said helped her visualize that she could be published. “That helped motivate her, too, in this process to come to an end point because when you’re in the middle of it, you’re never quite sure what you’re going to get,” Brandon said. Kaatri said she wants her next book to be realistic fiction in third
Call for submissions: Your life, in just six words Supposedly, Ernest Hemingway was once challenged to write a story in just six words. His response? “For sale: Baby shoes. Never worn.” It turns out that Hemingway’s role has never been confirmed. Nevertheless, it’s a great example of what some people call “flash fiction.” Larry Smith, founder of Smith Magazine, has taken the concept and, calling it “six-word memoirs,” promotes it as a way to spur creativity and encourage people to express themselves.
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(until 12/31/20) • Household must earn no more than 50% of area median income. (See table below) • Household must be renter(s). • Household must lack resources to pay for housing. • Household must have lost income because of COVID-19 pandemic.
s Kaatri Glanzer’s first novel, “The White Scandal.”
Instead of fiction, we’d like you, our readers, to tell us, in just six words, about your life and experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic. Six words, no more, no less. Entries may be chosen for publication in this newspaper. Here are some examples: Six words, no more, no less. • Shut up. Put on your mask. • I want a divorce. Blame coronavirus. • Zoom makes me go truly crazy. You can do better than those so go ahead and start writing. To submit, go to conta.cc/3hRd7PR.
7
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The Northern Light • September 24 - 30, 2020
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A monthly special section in The Northern Light
In retirement, Blaine man spreads love of rare trees
s Local horticulturist Marvin Berson poses next to his garden in the front yard of his property.
Has COVID Made It Hard to Make Your Mortgage Payment?
There May Be Help!
NEW Whatcom County Housing Assistance Program to support Whatcom County households financially impacted by COVID-19
CARES Housing Assistance Program (until 10/31/20)
• Household must earn no more than 80% of area median income (see table below). • Household may be supported for rent or mortgage payments. • Household must lack resources to pay for housing. • Household must have lost income because of COVID-19 pandemic.
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To apply, contact: LAW Advocates 360-671-6079 x14 Program coordinated by
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Ad sponsored by: City of Blaine with CARES Act funding
Photo by Kyra Planetz
By Kyra Planetz Blaine horticulturist Marvin Berson, 73, has been interested in plants since he was six years old. As his father owned a nursery, Berson grew up around plants. Since then, he’s spent most of his life learning about plants and teaching horticulture as well as planting an array of species and donating to charity. When he went to college, Berson’s mother pushed him to attend medical school. But after briefly trying it out, he changed his major to botany. After graduating, Berson moved around the country, living in Michigan, Florida and Nevada before finally settling in Washington state. He grew plants, mostly trees, wherever he went but found the climate in the Pacific Northwest to be the most hospitable. “I don’t care if I never see a palm tree in my life ever again,” Berson said of his time living in
the desert. Berson has run a nursery, taught horticulture at Santa Fe College in Florida and taught high school agriculture and biology in Abbotsford, B.C. But these days, Berson spends his retirement planting trees; some are endangered species from around the world. He sells them at local farmer’s markets and donates 90 percent of the profits to the Blaine Community Orchards for Resources and Education (CORE) program. The rest is donated to the city of Blaine, local kids gardening programs and tree restoration projects, as Berson doesn’t keep a cent. “I just want to see this stuff planted, I’m not interested in making money. This is my hobby and it’s cheaper than a gym membership,” Berson said with a chuckle. Berson currently maintains 25 different species of trees on his property, including eastern white
“I just want to see this stuff planted, I’m not interested in making money.”
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September 24 - 30, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
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pines, Oriental spruce trees and Siberian firs. Among the endangered species are west Himalayan firs, Tibetan firs and Asian spruce trees. He buys seeds from Europe and Asia, looking at a climate map beforehand to select species that typically grow in a climate similar to the Pacific Northwest. Berson said that in order to grow trees, one has to have patience. Each tree typically reaches maturity, depending on the species, in four to six years, at which time they are ready to be sold. He starts by letting the seeds sprout in an outdoor seedbed, then, depending on the species, moves them to a small one-gallon pot and eventually a larger three-gallon pot. Berson said he only sells the “hardy” plants that
are able to survive the winter. “I let Darwin do my selection for me,” Berson said. Next year Berson plans to plant sassafras, which is used to make root beer, and ginkgo trees from China, if he can find the seeds. He will also have paulownia trees available for purchase in the spring. Berson encourages people to plant trees, as deforestation continues to cause problems for our ecosystem, and create landscapes how you – not your neighbors – want them. “If you love plants, but aren’t interested in making a pile of money, it’s a great thing to do,” Berson concluded. For inquiries about purchasing a tree, contact Kelle Sunter from the CORE program at fruit@blaine-core.com.
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The Northern Light • September 24 - 30, 2020
Blaine Welcome Center reopening with limited hours
Blaine Chamber of Commerce program and events coordinator Donna Raimey at the Blaine Welcome Center at 546 Peace Portal Drive. Photo by Louise Mugar
By Oliver Lazenby Starting Friday, September 25, the Blaine Welcome Center will open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The welcome center, which the Blaine Chamber of Commerce manages on a contract basis for the city of Blaine, closed in March at the beginning of the pandemic. Chamber program and events coordinator Donna Raimey said with the reopening, the chamber hopes to provide local informa-
tion to a different crowd of tourists – it’s now working to market Blaine to the south, as the U.S./ Canada border has been closed since March 21. “We’ve definitely realized that we can’t just count on northern traffic coming through and being so dependent on that,” Raimey said. “Our focus has really shifted to how to bring people up from the south. That’s important; we’ve just got to get on with life the way it is.” Prior to the pandemic, the cen-
ter at 546 Peace Portal Drive, was open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Though the welcome center has been closed, the Blaine chamber hasn’t been idle, Raimey said. When Covid-19 hit, Raimey switched her focus to supporting businesses with safety regulations and other pandemic-related challenges. The chamber operates the Blaine Farmers Market, which has grown from approximately five vendors a week last year to around 25 this year.
The chamber also mails out two or three “relocation packets,” filled with information for would-be Blaine residents, per week. That’s up from approximately one packet every other week a year ago, Raimey said. “I’m here throughout the week working and the phone is ringing constantly,” she said. “The phone calls I get are from people looking for a place to hide out.” The chamber also plans to start selling Blaine merchandise made by farmers market vendors soon.
Border closures extended to October 21 Non-essential land travel between the U.S./Canada border will remain closed until at least October 21, said Bill Blair, Canada’s minister of public safety, in a September 18 tweet. This is the sixth border closure extension since the border closed to non-essential travel March 21 to limit the spread of Covid-19. Land ports between the U.S. and Mexico are also included in the extension. As of September 23, the U.S. has had more than 6.8 million confirmed cases of Covid-19, or about 2,078 cases per 100,000 people, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and more than 200,000 with the virus have died. In Canada, more than 146,000 people have tested positive for Covid-19, a rate of about 388 per 100,000 people. About 9,234 people with Covid-19 have died in Canada. To date, Whatcom County has had 1,287 confirmed cases. Non-essential travel across the border is prohibited while essential travelers such as health professionals and transportation services continue unimpeded. In normal times, approximately 75 percent of border crossings are made by Canadians traveling to and from the U.S.
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NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION OF CORPORATION
The Washington State Corporation South Beach House, Inc. has been dissolved. Any person having a claim against South Beach House, Inc. must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present a written notice in the manner as provided in RCW 23B.14 by serving on or mailing to the Registered Agent at the address stated below a copy of the claim against South Beach House, Inc. Information included in the claim must contain the following: a) a general description of the known facts relating to a matured and legally assertible claim or liability, or b) an identification of the executory contract with respect to which unmatured, conditional, or contingent claims or liabilities are sought to be disposed of. The written notice of such claim must be delivered to South Beach House, Inc.’s Registered Agent no fewer than 120 days of the publication date of this Notice. Any claim or any executory contract on which the claim is based may be rejected by the dissolved corporation, in which case the holder of the known claim will have a limited period of 90 days from the effective date of the rejection notice in which to commence a proceeding in Court to enforce the claim. The claim may be delivered to South Beach House, Inc.’s Registered Agent. Any claim against the Corporation may be barred in accordance with RCW 23B.14 if not timely asserted. Registered Agent: Rajeev Majumdar 289 H Street/PO Box 1258 Blaine, WA 98231-1258
SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM, No. 18-2-00707-37. SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION. Green Truck Financial, LLC, Plaintiff, v. CallN-Haul Transport, LLC, and Richard Lee Castleman. Call-N-Haul Transport, LLC, and Richard Lee Castleman, are hereby summoned to appear within sixty days after the date of the first publication of this summons, to wit, within sixty days after the twenty-seventh (27) day of August, and defend the above entitled action in the above entitled court, and answer the complaint of the plaintiff Green Truck Financial, LLC, and serve a copy of your answer upon the undersigned attorneys for plaintiff, at their office below stated; and in case of Call-N-Haul Transport, LLC’s, and/or Richard Lee Castleman’s, failure so to do, judgment will be rendered against Call-N-Haul Transport, LLC, and/or Richard Lee Castleman according to the demand of the complaint, which has been filed with the clerk of said court. The purpose of this lawsuit is to obtain a judgment for Defendants’ breach of contract and for the collection of monies due and owing. This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Plaintiff’s attorneys: Andersson Cross Border Law Corp., R. Dallan Bunce, WSBA #47213, 1305 11th St. STE 304. Bellingham, WA 98225.
SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM, No. 18-2-01850-37. SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION. Green Truck Financial, LLC, Plaintiff, v. Reginald Chandra, You are hereby summoned to appear within sixty days after the date of the first publication of this summons, to wit, within sixty days after the twentieth (20) day of August, and defend the above entitled action in the above entitled court, and answer the complaint of the plaintiff Green Truck Financial, LLC, and serve a copy of your answer upon the undersigned attorneys for plaintiff, at their office below stated; and in case of your failure so to do, judgment will be rendered against you according to the demand of the complaint, which has been filed with the clerk of said court. The purpose of this lawsuit is to obtain a judgment for Defendant’s breach of contract and for the collection of monies due and owing. This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Plaintiff’s attorneys: Andersson Cross Border Law Corp., R. Dallan Bunce, WSBA #47213, 1305 11th St. STE 304. Bellingham, WA 98225.
SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM, No. 18-2-01673-37. SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION. Green Truck Financial, LLC, Plaintiff, v. Iqbal Singh Samra, You are hereby summoned to appear within sixty days after the date of the first publication of this summons, to wit, within sixty days after the twentieth (20) day of August, and defend the above entitled action in the above entitled court, and answer the complaint of the plaintiff Green Truck Financial, LLC, and serve a copy of your answer upon the undersigned attorneys for plaintiff, at their office below stated; and in case of your failure so to do, judgment will be rendered against you according to the demand of the complaint, which has been filed with the clerk of said court. The purpose of this lawsuit is to obtain a judgment for Defendant’s breach of contract and for the collection of monies due and owing. This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Plaintiff’s attorneys: Andersson Cross Border Law Corp., R. Dallan Bunce, WSBA #47213, 1305 11th St. STE 304. Bellingham, WA 98225.
NOTICE OF PRIVATE SALE
The following property will be sold by written bid by 9:00 a.m. MST on 9/25/2020. 2017 Volvo VNL64T 670 4V4NC9EJ0HN986927. 2018 Vanguard R8000B 527SR5328JL012916. To inquire about this item please call Bret Swenson at 801-624-5864. Transportation Alliance Bank 4185 Harrison Blvd Ogden, UT 84403.
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STATE OF WASHINGTON, WHATCOM COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT, In Re the Matter of: JOAN DUCHENE (DOB: 12/24/35) A Vulnerable Adult (Protected Person), RICHARD DUCHENE (DOB: 12/31/71), Respondent (Restrained Person), NO. 20-2-00749-37. Summons by Publication (SMPB). The State of Washington to: RICHARD DUCHENE (Respondent). You Are Summoned to appear at a hearing on November 9, 2020 at 9:00 a.m., at Whatcom Superior Court, located at 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington, 98225. The date of the hearing is 60 days past the date of the first publication of this summons. At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to respond to the petition that alleges that the respondent threatened or committed acts of abandonment, abuse, exploitation, neglect, or financial exploitation against the alleged vulnerable adult listed above. The petition requests relief that will restrain the respondent from further such threats or acts, from coming near or having any contact with the vulnerable adult, from transferring the vulnerable adult’s or the respondent’s property. It may also require an accounting of the alleged vulnerable adult’s property. If you fail to appear, the court may grant the relief requested in the petition and enter an order for protection that lasts up to five years. A copy of the petition, the temporary order for protection, if one has been entered against the respondent, the notice of hearing, and/or the notice to vulnerable adult has been filed with the clerk of this court. Dated August 12, 2020 Petitioner: If you wish to keep your residential addr confidential, you may list an alternate address for receiving legal documents. ANNIE HONRATH, WSBA #46789 Assistant Attorney General 2211 Rimland Avenue, Suite 325 Bellingham, WA 98226 Summons by Publication (SMPB) WPF VA-9.030 Mandatory (11/2011) - CR 4, RCW 74.34.120, .135, RCW 4.28.110 ATTORNEY GENERAL OF WASHINGTON Regional Services Division 2211 Rimland Drive, Suite 325 Bellingham, WA 98226 (360) 676-2037
SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM, No. 20-2-00615-37. SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION. Green Truck Financial, LLC, Plaintiff, v. Edwin Calvin Torrence Jones. Edwin Calvin Torrence Jones, is hereby summoned to appear within sixty days after the date of the first publication of this summons, to wit, within sixty days after the tenth (10) day of September, and defend the above entitled action in the above entitled court, and answer the complaint of the plaintiff Green Truck Financial, LLC, and serve a copy of your answer upon the undersigned attorneys for plaintiff, at their office below stated; and in case of Edwin Calvin Torrence Jones’s, failure so to do, judgment will be rendered against Edwin Calvin Torrence Jones according to the demand of the complaint, which has been filed with the clerk of said court. The purpose of this lawsuit is to obtain a judgment for Defendant’s breach of contract and for the collection of monies due and owing. This is an attempt to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Plaintiff’s attorneys: Andersson Cross Border Law Corp., R. Dallan Bunce, WSBA #47213, 1305 11th St. STE 304. Bellingham, WA 98225.
More Real Estate Listings are on page 12
12
Real Estate
The Northern Light • September 24 - 30, 2020
BLAINE, BIRCH BAY & SEMIAHMOO
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.
B I R C H B AY L I S T I N G S
7545 Sunset Drive 7714 Birch Bay Drive #402 6885 Holeman Avenue MLS #1622292 $429,000 MLS #1597528 4751 Birch Bay Lynden Rd #113 $599,950 MLS #1645390 Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase Enjoy sunsets from this deluxe top floor $280,0000 MLS #1636879 $329,000
Don’t miss this spectacular north facing waterfront view lot on Point Whitehorn. Situated amongst upscale homes, this lot overlooks Birch Bay and the Canadian mountains. The site features waterfront access for you to enjoy clamming, crabbing, beach combing, kayaking, and everything else Birch Bay has to offer. Build your dream home and take advantage of the gentle slope with a daylight basement to capitalize on the beautiful view and great evening sunsets.
Matt Berry 360-389-0104
a beautiful 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
B I R C H B AY L I S T I N G S
waterfront 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
Amy Bremer 360-961-0620
Gerry Allen 360-920-0563
SEMIAHMOO LISTINGS
8804 Osprey at Semiahmoo, is located right behind the 10th Green of this Private, World Famous Arnold Palmer Design. The home is 3111 sq. ft. located on a quiet dead-end cul-de-sac with circular driveway. Featuring soaring ceilings, impressive views, 3 or 4 bdrms depending on how you want to use it, & a remarkable entertaining layout. Natural gas, hardwood floors, granite, stainless, tile and carpet. Enjoy the new centerpiece of the deck, a sensational new stone horizontal fireplace! See it soon!
Brian Southwick 360-815-6638
Spectacular sunsets, deluxe top floor waterfront condo. Sunny west facing, fully furnished home features 9 ft ceilings 3 bedWaterfront condo is perfect for a weekend room,2.5 bath, custom cabinets, slab grangetaway or the ultimate downsize! Premier ite counters, tile & wood flooring. Excepthird story unit at the Sands in Birch Bay has tional quality throughout, recent remodeling. the ideal sunset view. Cozy fireplace, private Lower level has it’s own entrance for use as deck provides great use of space & is ideal an office or artist studio. Luxurious baths infor beach living. Only 10 mins. to I-5 & the clude radiant heat, tile flooring & jetted tubs. Border North to BC, this unit is in a prime lo- 2 decks for entertaining,2 assigned covered cation. Building & grounds well-maintained. parking spots, deeded beach access & Promenade. Amazing ocean views. Elevator makes for easy access.
8075 Harborview Rd Unit #305 $430,000 MLS #1657972
Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718
Billy Brown 360-220-7175
BLAINE LISTINGS
7450 Sunset Drive 8804 Osprey Road 9540 Semiahmoo Pkwy #D28 MLS #1625343 $769,000 MLS #1641328 $38,000 MLS#1532325 $220,000
A Birch Bay Getaway with a Water View! Enjoy stunning sunsets from this home by the beach. Easy beach access only a short distance away and close to all the amenities Birch Bay has to offer. The home comes fully furnished and has 2 beds/2 bath with an extra large bonus room that is used as a 3rd bedroom, newer appliances, tankless hot water heater and an amazing back yard with patio and fire pit! The home is Move-In ready and would make a great place for full time living, vacation or rental.
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!
7714 Birch Bay Dr Unit #405 $619,900 MLS #1664824
Semiahmoo Marina! History, majesty, mystery...what a great place to moor your boat! Semiahmoo’s historic water tower stands sentinel. To the East, majestic Mt. Baker... and mystery, why are all those cars cruising Marine Drive in White Rock?! Semiahmoo Marina is only 16 nautical miles from the legendary, mystical San Juan Islands. Canada’s Gulf Islands and the Inside Passage are favorite nearby destinations. Golf, tennis, and swimming are available for a fee @ Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club.
Linda Kiens 360-815-6638
307 Whitetail Loop 4313 Bay Road 3388 Haynie Road MLS #1651777 $499,000 MLS #1665272 $589,000 MLS #1628098 Welcome to 307 Whitetail Loop one of 16 $539,900
Classic farmhouse on 9.7 acres zoned R5A. Main floor has 2 bedrooms with additional 3 in finished basement. Remodeled kitchen w/granite tile countertops. Solid early construction w/some original wood flooring, vinyl windows, breakfast bar. Natural gas heat& more. Fenced & cross fenced, 7 stall barn, large shop, fruit trees, RV parking. Great location on high ground. Minutes to I-5, Birch Bay & easy drive to Ferndale or Blaine.
Mike Kent 360-815-3898
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!
in the circle with paved roads and walking sidewalks. Looking for brand new then look no further, get inside & take a look at this 4-bedroom, 2.5 bath home, excellent floor plan with the master on the main floor. Large open floor plan vaulted ceiling with very large rooms and natural sunlight, fully landscaped yard, all stainless high-end appliances. Quartz counter tops. Get in and take a look you will love it. Close to school, border & I-5.
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.
for REAL NEWS
Leah Crews 360-305-4747
Christy Imperio 360-201-4100
www.windermere.com I’m always available to show you by private appointment all Residential, Commercial, Vacant Land & New Construction Properties!
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20+ ACRES - $175,000 Homesite on Kickerville with beautiful, meandering Terrell Creek.
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • Vacation Properties WE DO • Residential Properties ! IT ALL • Commercial Properties
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Owner contract possible AT 20% DOWN, 6.5% 30 year Amortization. Some residential zoning, currently in open space. Great tax advantage.
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Nimbus Property Management
360-594-8600 225 G Street, Suite 102
Downtown Blaine (Across from Hill’s Chevron)
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NELSON BUILDING 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
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Retail/Office Space Ground floor space with fantastic waterfront views of Blaine Harbor!
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In Print & Online thenorthernlight.com
September 24 - 30, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
Road Rules: Why allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yields is better for everyone
13
O B I T U A RY Judith McChesney Wiedenman March 17, 1943 - September 5, 2020
Judith McChesney Wiedenman passed away after losing her battle with Alzheimer’s on September 5, 2020 in Issaquah. Her family was close by. Judi was born on March 17, 1943 in Marshall, MN to Cecil and Barbara McChesney. She married the love of her life, Gregory Wiedenman on June 19, 1966 and enjoyed 52 years of marriage with Greg. In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Judi pursued a career in nursing, obtaining degrees from the University of Utah and Gwynedd Mercy College. Judi held various positions in the nursing field and was dedicated to caring for others. Judi had many interests, including golf, water aerobics, hiking and traveling. She especially loved time spent with family and friends. Judi was a beloved mother and grandma. Judi is survived by her two daughters, Teri (Michael) and Kati of Seattle; her son Tom (Mary) of Philadelphia, PA; her 6 grandchildren, Carli, Bryce, Haley, Taylor, Nora and Siena; her great-grandson Colton; her sister Debra (Marlo) Moon; and her brother Duane (Thau) McChesney. She was preceded in death by her husband Greg, her parents, Cecil and Barbara and her brothers Dennis and Bruce. She was truly loved by all who knew her, for her kindness, concern for others, her wonderful laugh and sense of humor. In lieu of flowers, please kindly make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL
DIRECTORY
Proud supporters of the Blaine Community! Starting October 1, cyclists in Washington state can legally treat stop signs as yield signs. Traffic columnist Doug Dahl writes about why that’s good for everyone.
Last week I announced the upcoming change to the law that allows cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs. It takes two parts to give it proper consideration, so if you haven’t already read part one, do that now. It’s okay; I’ll wait. I’m in no hurry. Now that you’re all caught up on the history and data we covered in part one, part two looks at how this law works in the real world and why you might like it, even if you don’t ride a bike. While blowing through a stop sign is a low occurrence event for cyclists who want to survive (there are always a few outliers), I’ve spoken to cyclists who intuitively sense that coming to a complete stop at an intersection when there is a clear path through feels less safe than rolling across the stop line. That feeling is backed up by the research of Jason Meggs, the transportation researcher we met in part one. As counterintuitive as it seems, yielding at stop signs increases cyclist safety. In his studies, he found that, “bicyclists rely on their momentum to find windows of opportunity, traversing intersections more quickly at times of minimum risk. Momentum affords a bicyclist myriad options to maneuver so as to avoid danger. Lack of momentum means being a “sitting duck.” He calls it “clearing the danger zone.” And that’s a good name for it, as crashes in intersections make up a large portion
of cyclist fatalities. I wondered how much time I could really save by entering an intersection at 5 mph (the speed of a moderate jog) instead of coming to a complete stop, so I did a test at an intersection in my neighborhood (one without a stop sign in my direction, just to keep it legal – there are two more weeks before the law takes effect). I rode through the exercise several times to make sure my results were reasonably accurate. Here’s how it worked: • Coming to a complete stop: 5.4 seconds to clear the intersection • Slowing down to five mph: 3.8 to clear the intersection Less than two seconds doesn’t sound like much, but it’s 30 percent less time spent in one of the most dangerous places for a cyclist (and driver); the intersection. Here’s another factor in the favor of the stop-as-yield law: It turns out that even when a cyclist doesn’t come to a complete stop, they spend more time assessing the safety of crossing an intersection than drivers do. That’s because with the exception of the people competing in Tour de France, cyclists approach intersections at a much slower speed than cars, giving them more time to look for traffic and other hazards. Cyclists also don’t have to deal with visual obstructions that are part of cars themselves. The pillars that hold the roof of the car create blind spots for drivers. As we add more airbags to vehicles (a good thing) those pillars get
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bigger and bigger (a bad thing), blocking more of the view, and it’s often the vulnerable road users, like cyclists and pedestrians, who suffer for it. I still haven’t addressed the concern I mentioned about the unfairness of letting cyclists follow different rules than car drivers. I think the problem here is making a false equivalence between fairness and sameness. This isn’t the first time we’ve adjusted the rules for safety based on the type of vehicle. Car drivers already get to follow different rules than bus drivers and truck drivers. A couple of examples that come to mind: Buses have to stop at all railroad crossings, while cars can drive on through (if there’s no train coming, obviously), and on some stretches of roadway cars are allowed a faster speed limit than trucks. But it’s not just about fairness; the stop-as-yield law also increases traveling efficiency for both bikes and cars. That little experiment I did shows that cyclists and, by extension, the cars behind them save about two seconds by yielding rather than stopping at a stop sign. I’ll be the first to say that if you’re concerned about a few seconds on your commute time you’re doing it wrong but consider it a return for the time you waited a few seconds for a cyclist instead of passing in a curve. Doug Dahl is a manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.
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14
The Northern Light • September 24 - 30, 2020
Games and Puzzles
Coming up Please wear masks and follow physical distancing guidelines.
Winter Coat Drive: Through September. New or gently used coats, hats, gloves and socks for adults and children. Collection locations: Cost Cutter, Blaine Starbucks and Pacific Building Center. Used items must be freshly laundered and all items enclosed in a plastic bag. Complete list available at blainecap. org. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program. Vinyl Night and Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, September 24, The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s trivia theme: The 1970s. Music starts at 5 p.m., trivia at 7 p.m. Info: thevaultwine.com.
Ongoing: Blaine Farmers Market: Saturdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Blaine’s G Street Plaza. Local and fresh produce, crafts and goodies. Flea market on the last Saturday of the month. Info: blainechamber. com. Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Mondays 9 a.m.–noon, Wednesdays 5–7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.–noon. Delivery options available. Info:360/332-6350 or blainefood@hotmail.com. The Bridge Food Distribution Program: Fridays 3:30–5 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road. Registration required at thebridgehope.com or call 360/366-8763. Volunteers welcome.
Wine Cocktails Night: Friday, September 25, 4–9 p.m., The The Bridge Clothing Bank Boutique: Open Wednesdays 3–5 Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. Mixologist Alexine Langdon pouring special wine cocktails. Info: thevaultwine.com. p.m. and Fridays 12–5 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road. Donations by appointment, call 360/366Birch Bay Drive In Movie: Friday, September 25, gates 8763. open at 6 p.m., Birch Bay Waterslides parking lot, 4874 Birch Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce Virtual Meetings: ThursBay-Lynden Road. Double Feature: Wonder Park starts around days, 1 p.m. Meeting ID on birchbaychamber.com. 7:30 p.m. and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off starts around 9:30 p.m. $10 per car per movie with student (under 18), without student Blaine Chamber of Commerce Virtual Meetings: First $30 for both movies. Info and purchase tickets: birchbaycham- Wednesday, noon. Meeting ID on blainechamber.com. ber.com. Blaine Library: 610 3rd Street. Curbside holds and pick up and Winter Coat Distribution: Winter coats, hats, gloves and returns. Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–5 socks distributed throughout October. Preregistration required. p.m. Info 360/305-3600. Visit the coat page at blainecap.org for info, registration and and appointment or call 360-319-0269. Sponsored by the Meals on Wheels & More: Wednesdays 11:30 a.m.–12:30 Community Assistance Program. p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Adults 60+ pick up one fresh and six frozen meals. Suggested donation $5 per meal. First 6th Annual Animal Blessing: Saturday, October 3, 2 p.m., come first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040. Blaine United Church of Christ, 885 4th Street. Drive-by blessing (please wear face masks). All animals welcome. Info: Toastmasters Virtual Meetings: Tuesdays 6:30–7:45 p.m. 360/332-6906. Info: 360/933-1671.
Crossword Answers at thenorthernlight.com
ACROSS 1. Part of (abbr.) 4. Persons 9. Moved with a curvying trajectory 14. Bitterly regret 15. Cause to feel embarrassed 16. Type of toast 17. Bobby __, NHL champ 18. Analogies 20. Mixes 22. Beloved flowers 23. Clinton special prosecutor 24. Avoids 28. Innermost brain membrane: __ mater 29. Atomic #18 30. Remain as is 31. One who’s been canonized 33. Indian king or prince 37. The Bay State 38. Forms adjectives 39. Give off 41. Partner to flow 42. Biblical Sumerian city 43. Popular clothing material 44. Organism parts 46. Central US Native American people 49. Blood type
50. Wrath 51. Perennial tropical grass 55. Vetches 58. Buffaloes 59. Envelope type 60. Tuberculosis 64. Israeli city __ Aviv 65. Pops 66. Indo-European languages 67. Fiddler crabs 68. Large bank 69. Not fresh 70. Scientist’s device (abbr.) DOWN 1. High schoolers’ dances 2. Style of rock music 3. Maryland athlete 4. Softened by soaking 5. Native Aussies 6. Some are on it 7. Clairvoyance 8. Broken piece 9. Wrong 10. Starts over 11. Where to hang clothes 12. One point north of due east 13. Gov’t lawyers 19. Mass of eggs in a shellfish
21. Smile 24. Wrap 25. A citizen of Iran 26. Island off the coast of Tanzania 27. Knifes 31. Beloved “Doctor” 32. Type of turtle 34. Leg (French) 35. Indicates position 36. Self-doubt 40. Of I 41. Retired but allowed to retain title 45. Algerian port 47. African country 48. “Wayward Son” rockers 52. Bring out of sleep 53. Auburn legend Newton 54. Heavy wooden shield in ancient Greece 56. Choose to represent 57. Peace 59. Work hard 60. Reciprocal of a sine 61. Express delight 62. Explosive 63. Journalist Tarbell
Birch Bay Drive In Movie: Friday, October 9, gates open at 5:30 p.m., movie starts around 7 p.m., Birch Bay Waterslides parking lot, 4874 Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Featuring: Ghostbusters. $25 per car. Info and purchase tickets: birchbaychamber.com.
Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Weather
Police Reports
September 12, 2:45 p.m.: During routine patrol, officers located an illegally parked vehicle in the 800 block of Grant Avenue. The vehicle was marked and a parking infraction will be mailed to the registered owner. September 12, 9:24 p.m.: An officer responded to an injured raccoon hit by a car. The officer found the seriously injured raccoon. The raccoon was too severely injured to be saved and was euthanized. September 13, 1:39 a.m.: Officers responded to a theft at a gas station. The clerk advised they did not wish to pursue charges but wanted to report that a juvenile stole cigars. The suspect was not located. No further action was taken.
Precipitation: During the period of September 14–September 20, 0.15 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2020 year-to-date precipitation is 24.05 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 76°F on September 20 with a low of 50°F on September 14. Average high was 70°F and average low was 56°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
Tides
September 14, 1: 28 a.m.: Blaine Police Department officers were notified of a possible DUI in the area of Bayview Avenue and Clyde Street. A U.S. Border Patrol agent advised the driver was possibly intoxicated after hitting a curb. The agent located the vehicle and stopped it, waiting for the arrival of officers. A DUI investigation was conducted and the driver was taken into custody for DUI. September 14, 11:53 a.m.: Blaine officers were dispatched to a shoplifting incident in-progress at a convenience store. Officers arrived and contacted the suspect. She denied taking anything from the store without permission. After speaking with a store manager, police determined the best course of action was to trespass the suspect from the store. September 14, 1:00 a.m.: Officers were contacted by an individual who advised her vehicle was prowled the previous night at some point. The victim advised police an item was stolen from inside her truck. The investigation is ongoing. September 14, 8:51 p.m.: Officers working speed enforcement stopped a vehicle for speeding and failing to stop for a stop sign. Officers conducted a traffic stop and after further investigation, determined the driver was under the influence of alcohol. The driver was also determined to have a suspended license. Officers arrested and booked the man into the Whatcom County Jail. Officers cleared with no further incident. September 14, 9:52 p.m.: Blaine police were called to a residence in the 900 block of 3rd Street for a report of a man being very loud and banging on things. An officer contacted the man and spoke with him about it. The man agreed to quiet down for the remainder of the night. September 15, 7:00 p.m.: An individual called police to report he lost his prescription medication sometime after picking it up. The man wanted police to call his doctor and report it missing and refill the prescription for him. Officers advised the man he will have to call his doctor on his own and explain the situation.
49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W
September 25–October 1 at Blaine. Not for navigation. DATE TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT Fr 25 6:45 am 0.0
2:53 pm
8.9
Sa 26 12:06 am 7.4
7:53 am
0.2
9:38 pm
6.0
7.1
8:55 am
0.4
4:29 pm 9.1
10:26 pm
5.3
8:26 pm 6.6 3:49 pm 9.0
Su 27 1:34 am
Mo 28 2:54 am 7.1
9:47 am
0.7
5:03 pm 9.1
11:02 pm
4.6
Tu 29 3:58 am 7.3
10:33 am
1.0
5:31 pm 9.0
11:34 pm
3.9
We 30 4:54 am 7.5
11:15 am
1.4
2:04 am 3.2
5:44 am
7.7
11:53 am 2.0
6:19 pm
8.8
Th 1
5:57 pm 8.9
September 16, 9:20 a.m.: A business owner called to report a customer had allegedly made phone threats to cause damage to their business. The business is taking appropriate steps to notify other employees to call 911 if the suspect shows up. An officer documented the phone call. September 17, 1:19 p.m.: While Blaine officers were on scene for another call, it was discovered that a malicious mischief had occurred when an individual struck another person’s vehicle with an open hand. The vehicle’s owner pointed out damage to the vehicle that was alleged to have been caused by the suspect. The case was forwarded to the prosecutor for review. September 17, 9:00 p.m.: Blaine officers found a Chihuahua in the roadway. Officers caught the dog and were not able to locate an owner. The dog was turned over to the Whatcom Humane Society.
Reports provided by Blaine Police Department
Construction has started at the Muirfield development, a 10-lot subdivision east of Semiahmoo Parkway near Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club. Photo by Ruth Lauman
September 24 - 30, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
Letters ...
From page 5
service announcement”). Ayn Rand, raised in Russia, wrote: “There is no difference between communism and socialism, except in the means of achieving the same ultimate end: Communism proposes to enslave men by force, socialism – by vote. It is merely the difference between murder and suicide.” The Democrat Party has shifted farther to the left and has stopped denying that they advocate national and global socialism. They pretend to “protect” the average person, but have been successful in keeping them needy, victimized, dependent on the state and “on the plantation.” They have been successful in re-writing U.S. history to fit their ideology, beginning in elementary school and continuing through college. America’s history has had regrettable periods, but people in both parties have made great progress in improving our citizen’s lives. Great opportunities are open to those with self-determination and are obedient and law-abiding. Many Democrat governors and mayors have over-exercised their
powers during the Covid-19 pandemic to keep schools and many businesses closed and keep us regulated, more for political expediency, at this point, than for protection, in my opinion. They have done nothing to end the urban violence, looting and killing, but to pin the blame on entire police departments by defunding them. Criminals are immediately released into the neighborhoods, innocent people have been forced to move and the economy is reeling. Our border walls are regulated to admit those who wish to enter legally. Communist countries use walls to keep people trapped inside. Think about it. Nancy Breitbarth Blaine
15
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The Northern Light • September 24 - 30, 2020
If you haven’t yet, It’s time for a...
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