October 29 - November 4, 2020
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IN THIS
ISSUE
Community toy drive starts November 1, page 2
Record turnouts in early voting locally, page 6
Local ideas for a safe Halloween, page 7
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
One Asian giant hornet nest down, three to go? Program that helps with utility bills can’t keep up with need By Ian Haupt
(See Utilities, page 3)
s Sven Spichiger, Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) managing entomologist, displays a canister of Asian giant hornets vacuumed from a nest in a tree behind him on October 24, east of Blaine. WSDA officials suspect there are two or three more Asian giant hornets nests in north Whatcom County. See more on page 9. Photo by Elaine Thompson/AP
How to digitally track your ballot By Grace McCarthy Election season is upon us, which means if you’re a registered voter in Whatcom County, you’ve already received your ballot in the mail. (If you haven’t received it, contact the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office to get a replacement ballot.) Washington voters can visit voter.votewa.gov/wheretovote.aspx to track their ballot, as well as to check registration status and to see what’s on the ballot. All you need is your full name and birth date to find the information. Once logged in, you should see your registration status (online registration closed October 26, it can be done in person at the county auditor’s office at 311 Grand Avenue, in Bellingham, until Election Day) and the county where you’re registered to vote. Select “menu” on the top left corner and a drop-down box will appear where you can see your ballot status.
The status will show what day the ballot was sent. Note that it takes 3-4 days after returning a ballot for its status to be updated as “returned” online. Other items such as a voters’ guide, drop box locations and voting history are also available in the drop-down box. Voters can also see if their ballot is rejected at votewa.gov. The website votewashington.info is not an official site from the Secretary of State or county election partners, according to an October 27 Whatcom County Auditor’s Office press release. If a ballot envelope is challenged, the county auditor’s office will contact the voter. The auditor’s office will send voters with ballots rejected because of their signature a letter and call them after Election Day. Voters can have their ballot counted until Friday, November 23. To learn more on how ballots are counted and view a livestream of ballot pro-
cessing, visit co.whatcom.wa.us/3490/ballot-processing-live-webcam. For questions about the election, call the county auditor’s office at 360/778-5102 or email elections@ co.whatcom.wa.us.
INSIDE
On October 13, governor Jay Inslee extended his utility shutoff moratorium that was set to expire on October 15 until December 31. Though the moratorium will temporarily keep the water running and the lights on for the Blaine and Birch Bay residents falling behind on their bills, it doesn’t provide financial assistance, and those bills will come due eventually. The Birch Bay Water and Sewer District and city of Blaine have payment plan programs available for current residents behind on their water bills. The Blaine Community Assistance Program (CAP), an outreach of Blaine area churches that provides community-based social services to surrounding areas, also has some funds available for residents facing shutoffs when the moratorium expires, and is asking people to help their neighbors through donations. The Birch Bay Water and Sewer District has put together a one-year payment plan for customers behind on their water bills. Starting October 15, customers have a 60day window to pay the charges on their account or enter into a formal payment plan with the district, according to the district’s website. District finance director Sandi McMillan said 78 customers who were paying their bills prior to Covid-19 are currently two or more bills behind, and, on October 8, these customers owed a total of $18,100 to the district. The average bill for these customers is $105, and on average, they owe $266 each, McMillan said. The Birch Bay Water and Sewer District has nearly 8,000 accounts making those behind on their bills due to Covid-19 about 1 percent of the district’s customers. Each year the water district shuts off about 5-8 percent of its customers. But McMillan said that many shut-offs are due to customers forgetting their bill is due, then they pay within 24 hours and their water is turned back on. The water district rarely hears from residents who cannot afford to pay their overdue bill, McMillan said, and they refer those customers who can’t pay to the Community
Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Home & Garden . . 9 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Crossword . . . . . . 14 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14
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The Northern Light • October 29 - November 4, 2020
Fundraising for the community toy store toy drive starts November 1 By Grace McCarthy The Community Assistance Program is anticipating more demand this year as it prepares for the annual Community Toy Store this December. The program has seen more than double the number of last year’s families sign up to shop since registration opened October 13, said Community Assistance Program board member Laura Vogee. Thirty-two families with 93 children have signed up so far for this year’s program, opposed to the 12 families with 34 children that were signed up this time last year. “I don’t know how the overall numbers will play out but we have more people registered the first week this year,” Vogee said. “We’ll need more donations to cover the extra families we’ll be serving.” The toy store helps families with limited income buy new toys for 75-90 percent off retail price. Toys, and gift cards for youth 1118, are donated by community members and then displayed for parents to purchase with cash. Recommended toys for chil-
dren include Legos, K’nex, building toys, science kits, musical instruments, scooters, sports equipment and books. Gifts should not be wrapped and the retail price should be included. The program is seeking $25 gift cards from Barnes and Noble, Best Buy, Old Navy, Michaels, Happy Teen and discount stores such as TJ Maxx or Home Goods. Residents who donate gift cards should place the card in an envelope and drop it off at the Blaine Banner Bank, at 435 Martin Street, with a drive-through bank teller or night deposit box. Monetary donations are also accepted at blainecap.org by credit card or a check can be mailed to the Community Assistance Program at to P.O. Box 1067, Blaine, Washington, 98231, with “Community Toy Store” in the memo. Blaine school district families on free and reduced meals, or those who qualify with preschool or homeschooled children, who are not receiving other gift assistance are eligible to shop at the toy store. People unsure if they qualify can call the Family Service Center at 360/332-0740. Proceeds from this year’s toy
s Like last year’s Community Toy Store (pictured), donated toys will be marked down 75 to 90 percent and arranged in a store-like setting. Photo courtesy of Laura Vogee
store will benefit the Wildbird Charity Weekend Food Bag Program and The Bridge Community Hope Center’s emergency fund. Proceeds will also go to the Community Toy Store this year to help sustain its funds, which Vogee said paid for $5,500 of the $7,618 used for toys, gift cards and store supplies last year. Vogee said her favorite part of the program is seeing how excit-
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Blaine, Birch Bay & Semiahmoo
ed parents are to shop for their children. “In a lot of gift assistance programs the parents don’t get to choose the gift for their child,” she said. “Prices are marked down so low some parents are so amazed at what they can get for $10-20. It really empowers the parent.” In 2019, 888 toys and 244 gift cards were purchased at the toy store, Vogee said. The program’s donation drive runs Sunday, November 1 to Friday, December 4. The toy store has an Amazon wish list this year at amzn.to/3ovK7Sr to allow people to do contactless donations.
The program also has partnered with Launching Success Learning Store in Bellingham for residents to order toys online that volunteers will pick up. People buying for the toy store can use the promo code CTSHoliday2020 to receive 10 percent off their purchase. Collection boxes will be located in Blaine and Birch Bay at the Blaine Starbucks, Pacific Building Center and The Bridge Community Hope Center. The CAP leadership, made up of 14 people, has been planning the program since August, Vogee said. Families will be scheduled further apart with one family entering the store every 15 minutes. The store has also gotten rid of its gift wrap station because it caused long lines, and it will not offer Christmas cookies this year. “I love this program as a donor, because of the ripple effect it has in the community,” Vogee said. “As a donor, I love that my donations will have such a far-reaching effect.” The toy store will run Thursday, December 10 and Friday, December 11 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, December 12 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pre-registration is required by Sunday, November 29 and can be done at bit.ly/3owQG7d, or 360/820-6631 for those without internet. Those whose eligibility is approved will be contacted to confirm their acceptance.
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October 29 - November 4, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
Utilities ...
From page 1 Assistance Program in Blaine. The city of Blaine has asked those behind on their bills to fill out an application and enter into an agreement to pay off their outstanding balance in equal installments due on the 20th of each month for up to year. The deadline for that has been extended indefinitely, but finance director Jeffrey Lazenby encourages customers to get their applications in as soon as possible. Lazenby said the city has a total of 137 accounts with outstanding balances of 60 days or more, which is roughly 5 percent of the city’s 3,000 accounts. Lazenby said the sum owed to the city is $114,150. Inslee originally prohibited water and telecommunication companies from disconnecting customers due to nonpayment in
an April proclamation. On October 6, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission extended protections from disconnection to electric and natural gas customers affected by financial impacts related to the Covid-19 pandemic in Washington until April 30, 2021, according to a press release by the commission. The commission’s order did not protect customers from having their water turned off and phone lines disconnected. While the governor’s moratorium, which could be extended again, gave those residents another two and half months before possible shutoffs, January may be the worst time to lose water. But there are options for residents. The city of Blaine and Birch Bay Water and Sewer District are looking to CAP to assist customers suffering with utility expenses. CAP offers help with utility bills if a shut-off is impending
as part of its crisis assistance program, which is funded by donations. “We will be hoping they can help out,” said Dan Eisses, general manager of the Birch Bay Water and Sewer District. Dan DeMent, executive director of the Community Assistance Program, said the current number of residents with outstanding utility bills far exceeds the program’s ability to help. On average, the program provides assistance to about 10 residents a month, totaling from $800 to $1,100, depending on that month’s donations. But since the governor’s moratorium proclamation, the program has not provided any utility assistance; however, it’s likely many residents are accumulating large bills, he said. “We have had some people who have made some specific donations that we will use up first, but we don’t have a steady stream of income that is substan-
Volunteers tackle invasive species at Cain Creek
tial enough to manage this, what I call a ‘mini tsunami’ of need that’s going to come when the shutoff moratorium is lifted,” DeMent said. “And the longer it goes on, the bigger the bills are going to be.” The easiest way for individuals to help, DeMent said, is by using the donation option on their utility bill. Whether it’s $5 or $100, he said any donation will help. The assistance program also vets residents for the city of Blaine and the Birch Bay Water and Sewer District, and provides their funds if the residents meet the requirements, or the city or water district uses the war chest of funds donated to them. “I do know this, that January 1 is the absolute worst time of year in western Washington to lose your utilities,” DeMent said. “So, unless the government extends this again, we’re going to have a real sad time come January 1.”
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Volunteers weeded the section of Cain Creek that runs along the footpath between Peace Portal Drive and F Street, behind Edaleen Dairy, said Alex Wenger, city of Blaine economic development and tourism coordinator. The creek bed was previously choked with Himalayan blackberry and Japanese knotweed. Photo by Oliver Lazenby
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The Northern Light • October 29 - November 4, 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.
Photo of the Week: Vote!
Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com
s Election Day 2020 is Tuesday, November 3, and the League of Women Voters encourages everyone to vote.
Editor Oliver Lazenby oliver@pointrobertspress.com Reporter & Copy Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com Reporting Intern 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 20 Circulation: 10,500 copies
Circulation Independently verified by:
Next issue: Nov. 5 Ads due: Oct. 30
From the archives LWV.org
Letters The Editor: I would like to thank our local UPS driver and a lady motorist for helping me with a traumatic incident yesterday on H Street and Ronald Drive. I was walking my dog at the nearby cemetery, when she took off after a deer, tried to cross H Street and got hit by a car. These two good Samaritans kindly carried my dog and stayed with her while I ran to my house to get my car. They then helped me carry her gently into the back of my vehicle. Unfortunately, my Molly passed away this morning as she had been hit hard and her injuries were severe. My heart is broken, but I am so grateful for the kindness of these two strangers, that got me through the initial shock of the accident. It’s comforting to know there are still many good people today. To the UPS driver and lady who helped me yesterday, I just want to say thank you. Eloisa Townsend Blaine The Editor: Newspapers, television, magazines, and social media present endless remedies to change political and social platforms for leaders, followers and the in-betweens. I reminisce the days when signs read, “Peace not war,” and songs chorused, “All we need is love,” and that infamous Coca-Cola commercial where a chorus crowd sang, “I’d like to teach the world to sing (in perfect harmony).” We all knew that drinking Coca-Cola would not stop the world’s problems, though some would debate this, but the message was clear: Love one another. There lies within all of us three commonalities: Our blood is red; our heart has
the ability to love regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, and political and social stance; and in the deepest reaches of our heart is soul, that incredible place that defines us as a unique individual unlike any other. It is here, that the heart of man births love and guidance of thought and action. A current theme in communities is the statement, “We’re in this together.” Yes, despite our differences or commonalities, we are. The ’80s song writer, Wayne Watson, penned, “Baby, it all comes back to you and me.” What does? The prevailing wind of our radical love for one another. There is a story told that in 1900, The London Times posted a question to its audience of readers: “What is wrong with the world?” Of the responses received, one held the reader captive in thought. G. K. Chesterton, English writer, philosopher and poet, replied, “Dear sirs, I am.” Shirley Sell Blaine The Editor: On Tuesday, October 20, my friend and I were meeting in front of Starbucks to walk our dogs. I had three in the car and was leashing my whippet when my saluki leaped past me and onto the sidewalk. He proceeded to run at a slow pace down the sidewalk and then decided to cross the street a few times back and forth. People who were outside tried to corral him but no dice. I noticed a Border Patrol truck coming toward where we were. He saw what was going on and immediately parked his vehicle and stood in the middle of the street to try to control traffic. Eventually, we got my saluki back into my vehicle and I thanked everyone for their help. However, I did not get a name of the
Border Patrol agent who stopped traffic and tried to help. Whoever he is, if he reads this, I would like to thank him from the bottom of my heart. Traffic was not going fast but if a dog darts out, it is still dangerous being hit by a car. I am grateful for all the help. It was very scary. Marie Anti Custer The Editor: More than 69 million babies have been aborted since the 1973 Roe v Wade Supreme Court decision. Here are a few facts regarding one of the most contentious and profoundly important issues of our time. Less than 8 percent of abortions are performed due to medical risk to mother or child, or rape and incest. More than 93 percent of all abortions are elective. Quoting from an Alan Guttmacher Institute source, a staunchly pro-choice organization, “The reasons most frequently cited [for having an abortion] were that having a child would interfere with a woman’s education, work or ability to care for dependents (74 percent); that she could not afford a baby now (73 percent); … she did not want to be a single mother or was having relationship problems (48 percent). Nearly four in 10 women said they had completed their childbearing, and almost one-third were not ready to have a child” Prior to 1973, less than 6 percent of women who were considering abortion chose to put their baby up for adoption. By 2002 that number dropped to less than 1 percent.(National Council for Adop(See Letters, page 5)
October 29 - November 4, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
5
Birch Bay berm budget increased, questions answered By Ian Haupt
Letters ... From page 4
tion, 2002 CDC report on Adoption statistics). Quoting from an American Adoption website article “Abortion or Adoption – Know the Facts Before Making a Decision,” “from Oct. 1, 2015, to Sept. 30, 2016, the organization [Planned Parenthood] performed 321,384 abortions and only 3,889 adoption referrals.” (Planned Parenthood: 2016 – 2017 annual report). What happened in the U.S. that it has become common that the decision to end the life of a child could be equated to a career decision? Consider the rights of unborn children when you vote this year. Consider that every day in the U.S. more than 1,600 babies will die unknown in their mother’s wombs; unwanted, torn apart, put in bags and thrown out. But not forgotten. Not by the God, who made them, and not by the millions of people who would love them if they had the chance. Dan Rudolph Blaine The Editor: Whatcom County Executive Satpal Singh Sidhu and Mayor Seth Fleetwood, through their recent listening sessions on race and social justice, launched an open and transparent process that is identifying essential issues of race and social justice. I admire their openness and awareness that such controversial and sensitive topics benefit from widespread community input and a structured process that allows equitable input. I hope this will be only the beginning of efforts toward more inclusive formats as our democratically-minded community (and society) wrestle with many issues we have ignored for too long and are now committed
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, November 2 4:30pm – Study Session – East Blaine Sewer and Power Cost Allocation Analysis
Monday, November 9 4:00pm – Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee (BTAC) 2021 Budget 5:00pm – 2021 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) 6:00pm – City Council Meeting Public Hearing (continued) – Proposed Property Tax Levy Public Hearing – 2021 Budget
s Granite Construction crew lay and level limestone for the Birch Bay berm bicycle and pedestrian pathway on the south side of the bay on October 27.
Photo by Ian Haupt
The project, officially called the Birch Bay Drive and Pedestrian Facility Project, is in the second phase of construction. The county’s contractor, Granite Construction, is currently installing stormwater basins along to confronting. I agree with the county executive’s statement that joint problem solving is when governments work best. Working together on the many issues that face us will bring us into conflict as we seek pathways and solutions. Conflict is inevitable and can be a constructive and very powerful force. It is not something we can or should avoid. October is Conflict Resolution Month: A time we celebrate the many who are working to resolve conflicts of their own or working as professionals to manage and reduce conflict. October could also be a time when Whatcom County residents try to build our conflict resolution skills as parents, partners, activists, group members, health care providers, teachers, or just concerned citizens hoping to have a positive influence from the side-lines. The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center offers many short skill-building workshops for the public and professionals, as well as more extensive training for those wishing to become professional mediators. Information can be found on the web, whatcomdrc.org, and Facebook at facebook.com/whatcomdrc. The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center also offers mediation services for those seeking assistance with a current or chronic ongoing conflict in their lives. For these mediation services, which are offered on a sliding scale, contact the WDRC at email: Wdrc@whatcomdrc.org or by phone 360/ 676-0122. Currently, all workshops and services are offered in online formats. Catherine A. Riordan, board member, Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center Bellingham
Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
the west side of Birch Bay Drive on the north end of the bay and laying a limestone path for bicycles and pedestrians from Terrell Creek to the Bay Breeze Restaurant and Bar, at the south end of the project.
The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce hosted this phase of the project’s second “Coffee with the Contractor” meeting via Zoom on October 22 for residents (See Berm, page 6)
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Whatcom County Council added funds to the Birch Bay berm’s project budget on October 13. The budget increase will ensure that any construction, cultural and Covid-19 issues that may arise won’t affect the project’s completion, according to the ordinance. After the $841,786 increase, the project budget is now $15,291,786. Public works secured those additional funds from the Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management fund and the Surface Transportation Block Grant federal fund along with $500,000 from the 2020 Road Fund Capital Budget, according to the ordinance. Whatcom County engineering manager Jim Karcher said in an October 22 meeting that public works wants to have enough money in the project budget to handle any unforeseen construction issues or delays. If it’s not needed, the money would go back into the road fund when the project is completed, he said.
Neither do we. (360) 332-6906 885 4th St. • Blaine, WA 98230 Pastor Sandy Wisecarver
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The Northern Light • October 29 - November 4, 2020
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Whatcom County is voting early at more than double the rate in 2016 By Oliver Lazenby People across the state and country are voting earlier than usual in this election, and Whatcom County is no exception. On October 27, one week before Election Day on Tuesday, November 3, the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office had received 82,765 ballots. That’s more than half of all ballots from the 157,715 registered voters in the county and more than double the number of ballots that had been returned at the same point in the 2016 presidential election. One week before Election Day in 2016, about 39,318 people had cast their ballots, according to data from the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office. The rush to vote early is a break from the norm. County auditor
Berm ... From page 5
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to ask the project’s contractor questions. In the meeting, Gairrett Orelup with Granite Construction and Karcher gave updates on the project and answered a few questions from residents. “I think in general, both the community and the county and Granite have been working very smoothly together,” Karcher said. There are single-lane closures on Birch Bay Drive while crews work on the berm. Public works staff said wait times should be less than five minutes. Starting in November, the crew will likely be working night shifts for the remainder of the project to maximize construction time during low tides, Orelup said. According to tide-forecast.com, the lowest low tides in Birch Bay
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Number of employees: In Bloom Homestead is a family-run business of two sisters, March and Ema and their mother Natalya. March Samoylenko manages the business. How long in business: They have been selling bouquets and their bath and body products for a little over five years. Description of business: In Bloom Homestead is a florist and gift shop that offers floral arrangements to the community primarily made of local, in-season flowers that are sourced from their own farm and other farms in Washington. They offer their floral service for weddings and special occasions. They also offer artisan bath and body gifts of soy candles and handcrafted soaps made with essential oils. Currently they are selling their products at Home Farm UPick in Birch Bay, Pure Bliss Desserts in Bellingham, and The Green Barn in Lynden. How the business started: Natalya had a beautiful garden that grew over the years and filled almost two acres. They would collect flowers and arrange small bouquets to sell at their stand off of Birch Bay Lynden Road. Natalya also started to make her own natural bar soap for their family and soon people from the community requested to buy it from her. March worked at a local floral shop to learn the craft of floral designing. She found the flowers used at the stand were so much more fresh and beautiful than the ones that arrived in boxes from Australia. From that point on, March dreamed to expand the little flower stand into a home-based flower studio with local flowers and gifts that were natural and free of chemicals. Future Goals: Continue offering their wedding floral service and bouquets for larger holidays, specifically Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. They will also continue offering their bath and body products on their website and at many more local retail shops. 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!
Diana Bradrick said that in a typical election, about half the ballots come in four days the week of the election. Election workers are thankful that people are voting early, Bradrick said. “It really helps even out the process so we’re not so buried on election week. We seriously appreciate it,” she said. Whatcom County has nearly 19,000 more registered voters now than in November 2016 – 157,715 versus 138,962. Bradrick attributed that to population growth and efforts to register more young people. In the 2016 election, 82.7 percent of registered Whatcom County voters returned their ballots. For the current election, voter turnout was just over 52 percent as of October 27. Statewide, 46.4 percent of
people, or about 2.3 million, had voted by the end of the day on October 26, according to the Washington Secretary of State website. That’s more than double the number of people who had voted at the same point in the 2016 election, when just under a million people had voted. Returns were highest in Ferry County (61.4 percent), Pacific County (60.1 percent), Columbia County (59.9 percent) and Jefferson County (58.7 percent). There’s a big range in turnout, as just 26.6 percent of voters in Klickitat County had cast their ballot by October 27. Learn more about the current election at the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office website: Co.whatcom.wa.us/auditor. See voter turnout numbers across the state at bit.ly/35GVZbt.
during November occur from about 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. During the day in November, crews will start paving a path on the south end of the project and planting along it. That work will start to give the project a finished look, Orelup said. Below are some questions and answers from the October 22 “Coffee with the Contractor” meeting, edited for length and clarity. Q: Has a new material been found for the pathway? Orelup: We have, yes. We were originally going to use what’s called gravel paving. It was essentially a sand that had this additive put into it that had cementitious properties. However, when we tested it out, it didn’t perform very well when it was saturated with water. So, being that we are in the Pacific Northwest and this is going on a beach, I think everyone thought it would be wise to move in a different direction. Now, we are going to be putting down a crushed limestone. If you’ve ever hiked any trails in Bellingham, this is a pretty popular product out there, but it holds up well. It’s a nice firm walking surface, and I think it will look very good on this project. Karcher: And it will be ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] compatible. Q: How will berm construction be affected by those properties along Birch Bay Drive that did not want the project? Karcher: The berm will transition in. There’s 900 feet of where property owners did not want the project. And so we have the berm transitioning into the existing beach area. In consideration of their concerns, it is a wider beach area. It has more feet down there than any other area along our project limits. So, we will transition the berm in and then transition back out after we leave that 900 feet in. I think the transition out until the terminus of the project is fairly short. We’re feeling pretty comfortable about it. I don’t think that’s a dramatic concern. But, you know, that’s me talking, and the weather and other things can happen, with a different intention.
Q: When will work be done in the north Cottonwood Beach area (at the north end of the project)? Orelup: Probably not what you want to hear, but the berm will not be complete in that area until probably early December. We will be making a haul road [on the west side of Birch Bay Drive] heading that direction earlier, probably mid-November. So, there will be some buffer there to help dissipate the waves. But, yeah, I understand everyone’s concern with the storms coming in. We’re doing everything we can to import as much of the material as fast as we can so we can get this project buttoned-up before the storms hit. Q: How do we get through the storm season, with the berm unfinished, and not be swimming in our residences? Karcher: We don’t have any guarantees. All I can say is that, and I don’t mean to be smug about this, we’re doing the best we can, and it’s better than what we have. We’re pursuing the project diligently. Granite is on it and that’s the best commitment we can make. Because of the timing and everything, and where we were left when we ended [construction] last season, and our commitment to the community to [not work] during the summer months and resume back in September ... I know we talked about maybe working during the summer. That wasn’t feasible for Granite because they bid the job for the schedule that we talked about. And they had other work in those summer months that they were committed to. It’s really hard to say, ‘we’re going to change your schedule,’ without a great impact on them. That’s why we did not work during the summer. So, we will just hope for the best, and, like Gairrett mentioned, there are some parts of the construction process that will help protect and facilitate this. When they put in the haul road, that will at least be some material that will ramp up that beach profile a little bit higher. Not to avoid your question, but I really don’t think there is anything we can do.
October 29 - November 4, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
Local ideas for a safe Halloween Blaine, Whatcom County get creative with Halloween celebrations By Ian Haupt The Whatcom County Health Department recommends that residents avoid higher-risk Halloween activities like parties and door-to-door trick-or-treating to slow the spread of Covid-19. In a media briefing on October 14, health department director Erika Lautenbach said, since the end of September, cases are on the decline. Lautenbach expressed her appreciation for continued community efforts to wear masks, stay a safe distance from each other and limit gatherings, and she asked for continued diligence in these areas since the county has seen declines in case rates followed by spikes in the past seven months of virus response. With Halloween coming up, Lautenbach expressed her concern for a possible increase in case rates and encouraged community members to celebrate safely. Covid-19 data shows that the county has had spikes in cases after previous holidays, she said. “We can celebrate differently [this year], while honoring our traditions and important holidays,” she said. “And I know for some, Halloween is one of those important holidays, especially for our kids.” Lautenbach encouraged people to avoid higher-risk activities like costume parties and door-to-door trick-or-treating. “We do encourage individuals to celebrate outdoors with a small group or find creative, lowrisk activities you can do at home like a virtual costume contest, or other fun activities,” Lautenbach said. Here are some socially distanced Halloween activities to celebrate this spooky season safely: Whatcom County Trip-or-Treat Friday, October 30, from 3 to 7 p.m. With five stops in Birch Bay, the Whatcom County Trip-orTreat allows parents to get their kids out of the house and into their cars for a drive around the county. The socially-distanced event, run through the chambers of commerce in Whatcom County, has stops in Birch Bay, Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Nooksack and more. There is also a virtual costume contest that will take place on the Facebook event page. Post your best costume picture by 5 p.m., and winners will be announced by 6 p.m. and contacted to receive their prize. For more information, visit whatcomtriportreat.com. Blaine Food Bank Spooktacular Saturday, October 31, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Blaine Food Bank, 500 C Street A fun, family evening of ghosts and ghouls, pirates and witches, pumpkins and scarecrows, and of course, treats. Enter the Northwood Alliance Church parking
lot by driving east on C Street, attendants will direct you to the car queue. If you don’t have a vehicle, please call 360/332-6350 to schedule a walk-through time. Carnival of Clowns Saturday, October 31, 5 to 8:30 p.m. Freemans’ House on C Street The Freeman family has decided to stick to tradition and
hold their outdoor yard carnival, just socially distanced this year. Groups will enter the carnival one at a time and multiple booths will be set up for the kids to stay six feet apart between each carnival game. For more information, visit the event page on Facebook: bit.ly/35K04f8 (See Halloween, page 8)
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The Northern Light • October 29 - November 4, 2020
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From page 7 Vinyl Night and Trivia at The Vault Thursday, October 29. Music at 5 p.m., trivia at 7 p.m. The Vault Wine Bar, 277 G Street The trivia theme for the week is “spooky.” Plus, there will be a costume contest with prizes. For more information, visit thevaultwine.com. Virtual Halloween Trivia Online on Thursday, October 29 at 7 p.m. Test your knowledge on Halloween facts, lore, music and more with the Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District’s virtual Halloween trivia. Pre-register by 6 p.m. For more information, visit bbbparkandrec.org.
We’re in this together VOTE Alicia Rule Currently serves on Blaine City Council. Co-Founded Blaine Downtown Alliance to help preserve and grow small businesses. Will push for help for restaurants, retail stores, and offices to create safe work environments, and for them to have the resources they need, like P-P-E.
Paid for by Vote Alicia Rule (D) PO Box 444, Blaine, WA 98230
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October 29 - November 4, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
A monthly special section in The Northern Light
First Asian giant hornet nest found in U.S. eradicated in east Blaine Despite national attention, locals find the “murder” hornet not so murderous By Grace McCarthy Philip Bovenkamp was the first to arrive. At 4 a.m. he pulled his lawn chair 100 feet behind the yellow caution tape on his neighbor’s east Blaine property. He drank black coffee in the 30-degree weather, and waited. It was eradication day. “I didn’t know what to expect,” said Bovenkamp, whose reports of Asian giant hornet sightings late September catalyzed the first U.S. Asian giant hornet nest eradication on October 24. “I didn’t know if the hornets would be swarming around and mad, or tamed, but we decided to stay way, way back.” A few neighbors trickling in became dozens as Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) officials arrived around 5:30 a.m. to put on their eradication suits, thick enough to protect from the 6 millimeter stinger of the world’s largest hornet. Face shields also protected the entomologists’ eyes from spraying venom as the Blaine neighbors sat mere yards away, sipping coffee. Before sunrise on October 24, these early risers would see four scientists vacuum 85 hornets from the first nest spotted in the U.S., located in a tree in a backyard off Burk Road. The nest was found October 22 after scientists successfully tracked one of four live hornets caught that week with a new, long-range radio tag. Although the invasive hornets venom is no more toxic than a honeybee’s, the pests deliver multiple doses that can cause necrosis (the premature death of cells), WSDA managing entomologist Sven Spichiger said in a press conference the Monday following eradication. In Japan, the hornets are known to kill about 50 people per year. This, paired with their ‘slaughter’ phase in fall, when a few hornets can decapitate around 30,000 honeybees, has dubbed them ‘murder hornet.’ International headlines spotlighted east Blaine in what many consider its biggest claim to fame. From trending on Twitter to news stories that read, “Murder hornets that will haunt your nightmares,” much of the U.S. has grappled with the idea of these killer hornets since they arrived in North America last year. But neighbors said they didn’t find the hornets too murderous. Over the last several weeks, the hornets have ingrained themselves in this community. Bovenkamp’s 14-year-old neighbor Childrey DeJong saw the large hornet with a distinctive orange head fly by her kitchen window
the night of Bovenkamp’s first sighting. Even though a hornet remained near her family’s new honey bee colony during WSDA’s second tracking attempt on October 7, they dismissed its presence after it appeared to ignore their hive. Around the same time, Matthew Furdyk, an 18-year-old Lynden senior, spotted a hornet on his family’s garden shed. The hornet, the size of his finger, made a deep humming noise as it pestered wasp nests but the teen said he was only concerned because of his mother’s bee allergies. He wasn’t about to change his daily routine. Bovenkamp had been eyeing the nest before WSDA started its removal. He said he never felt in danger, and even took his 10-year-old daughter to visit the nest the day before. When he noticed the property owner inch toward the scientists’ eradication that morning, Bovenkamp and a dozen other neighbors felt safe to scoot their lawn chairs closer. The eradication drew neighbors together who had been dealing with their separate experience of hornet sightings, Bovenkamp said. “It was a community gathering,” he said. “We were sitting out there talking about the excitement of the week.” WSDA staff planned their attack for when the most hornets would be inside the nest. The scientists stuffed the entrances of the nest, which was 10 feet high, with foam and wrapped the tree with cellophane. They then vacuumed the hornets from the one opening not blocked. To oust more hornets, scientists hit the tree with a board and then pumped carbon dioxide into the tree to kill the remaining hornets. Once the tree was sprayed again with foam and wrapped, scientists added traps for potential survivors or hornets that had been away from the nest. Josie Shelton, whose 40-acre wooded property served as a launch zone on October 22 when scientists successfully tracked the hornet, likened the experience to the 1982 sci-fi film “E.T.” Many who attended the eradication had followed the hornet with WSDA staff since the agency began knocking on their doors after Bovenkamp’s hornet sightings in late September. Shelton, Bovenkamp and a Discovery Channel film crew documenting their lives, followed WSDA entomologists to the nest on October 22. Shelton described finding the nest as intense, as the scientists raced against the clock in late afternoon to beat the next day’s rain. Both recount the excitement
least one nest in Birch Bay and possibly another in Custer and one in the city of Blaine. The agency has been stumped on leads to the suspected nests, especially the one in Birch Bay, where multiple hornets were found this summer but have since disappeared. “While this is certainly a morale boost, this is only the start of our work to hopefully prevent the Asian giant hornet from gaining a foothold in the Pacific Northwest,” Spichiger said in an October 26 press release. “We suspect there may be more nests in Whatcom County.” What’s next The state agency plans to excavate the east Blaine nest by cutting down the dead tree. Spichiger said he hopes this will locate the Free Cordless Lift queen, which was not found during removal. Dissecting the nest will also help entomologists know if the tree started producing WSDA entomologist Chris Looney fills a tree cavity with carbon dioxide after vacuuming a nest of Asian giant hornets from inside it. new queens. Citizen scientists trapping will Photo by Elaine Thompson/AP end October 31. The public has of hearing Spichiger say, “there’s population becomes unmanage- set over 1,500 traps since it startone, and another one” when he able, but continues to warn about ed trapping in July. Whatcom, UPLIFTING UPGRADE looked up and realized the nest their destructive habit of decapi- Skagit, Island and San Juan counFree Cordless Lift was above ground, rather than tating pollinators. (See Hornets, page 10) on Gorgeous Graber Pleated, Natural, underground, as scientists anticSpichiger believes at 31, 2020Fresco Roman, and Fabric Shades* Valid there October 15 –is December Roller, Solar, UPLIFTING UPGRADE ipated. Plus, all cellular shades come standard with cordless lift every day! Free Cordless Lift Following the nest detection UPGRADE on Gorgeous GraberUPLIFTING Pleated, Natural, going viral, neighbors say they’ve FreeFresco Cordless Roller, Solar, Roman, andLift Fabric Shades* Free Cordless Lift received calls from people they on Gorgeous Graber Pleated, Natural, know from New York to Finland. Roller, Solar, Fresco Roman, and Fabric Shades* “2020 has been such a hard year, but this is something I think everyone can get behind,” Bovenkamp said. “It’s so good to have what I think is a feel-good story at the end of the day.” But WSDA entomologists agree that while the eradication is a long-awaited victory, there’s still Valid October 15 – December 31, 2020 Valid October 15 – December 31, 2020 work to be done. And fast. The Plus, all cellular shades come standard with cordless lift every day! agency is working against the clock as the hornets are expected Plus, all cellular shades come standard with cordless lift every day! to start mating and creating new Valid October 15 –October December 31, 2020 31, 2020 Valid 15 – December 410 W Bakerview Rd. Ste 101 • Bellingham • (360) 738-8175 colonies by the end of October. www.LorrainesWindowCoverings.com Spichiger said there’s not a definall cellular shades come standard with cordless lift every day! Plus, all cellularPlus, shades come standard with cordless lift every day! ing number for when the hornet UPLIFTING UPGRADE
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The Northern Light • October 29 - November 4, 2020
Hornets ... From page 9
ty residents can keep their traps through November, and should only submit their findings if they capture an Asian giant hornet. Following the eradication, Josie Shelton walked along her wooded east Blaine property with her husband, Max, and 6-year-old daughter, Lily. “I was nervous because at first they said it was a ground nest. We have five kids who run and play on the property, we didn’t know where it was,” Josie Shelton said. “If they didn’t eradicate it, we would be surrounded by murder hornets.” Josie pointed to experimental traps WSDA hung on her property, along the path in which the hornets flew from their nest to the Bovenkamp’s property. The new traps contained the orange juice and rice cooking wine mixture, but also had water with a honey-
bee comb boiled in it and a lure with acetic acid and isobutanol designed to catch the pests before they hit their slaughter phase. “I always thought that we were fortunate because we didn’t have any venomous critters,” Bovenkamp said, reflecting on the neighborhood’s experience with the deadly hornets. “Over time, we’ve gotten used to it and it’s just like anyone else who lives in an area with dangerous animals.” Residents who’ve gotten near the hornets in the past few weeks echo similar sentiments. “I felt like it was just any other hornet wasp or bee, unless if you’re out to get them, they’re not going to bother you,” said Stephanie DeJong, who watched the hornets fly in and out of their nest the day before eradication. “People were getting so freaked out about these killer murder hornets. They’re not something to be fearful of, they’re something to be aware of because we don’t want them in our area.”
s Washington State Department of Agriculture outreach and education specialist Cassie Cichorz is assisted in putting on a protective suit before assisting to eradicate a nest of Asian giant hornets. Photo by Elaine Thompson/AP
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WSDA entomologist Chris Looney captured an Asian giant hornet at the base of the nest on October 23. Looney gave the vile with the live hornet to Philip Bovenkamp, above, and his neighbor Stephanie DeJong to see up close.
Photo courtesy Philip Bovenkamp.
October 29 - November 4, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
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12
The Northern Light • October 29 - November 4, 2020
Real Estate
Bay Properties Semiahmoo homeS, inc.
NW LUXURY REAL ESTATE AT A HIGHER LEVEL
8026 Kayak Way, Birch Bay Village $690,000
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY!
429 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine $788,000
VIEW! VIEW! VIEW!
Enjoy beautiful sunsets and views of the San Juan Islands from the BIRCH BAY VILLAGE HOME! spacious deck on each level of this 3162 SF 3BD, 2.5 BA Birch Bay Village home. Features include a completely finished main area, updated flooring throughout, new windows, upgraded kitchens, sauna, two fireplaces and an all season hot tub! Come and enjoy all that Birch Bay Village has to offer: golf course, marina, outdoor pool, tennis courts, playgrounds and miles of beach!
GATEWAY ENTRANCE TO BLAINE!
Commercial/retail property welcoming border crossing traffic to booming downtown Blaine! Exquisitely remodeled retail/cafe offering views to harbor through picture windows & expanded covered sundeck. Premiere location on highest traffic corner for your business/office/cafe. 2,300+ SF retail/cafe space plus a deck and a 2,400+ SF basement for storage/ office/shop space.
SEMIAHMOO’S BOUNDARY RIDGE!
9099 Chickadee Way, Semiahmoo $795,000 SPECTACULAR WATER VIEW HOME!
4720 Tidal Way, # 102K Birch Bay $329,900
7806 Birch Bay Drive #302, Jacob’s Landing • $281,000
Each of these Bay Rim Condominiums features Offering Pacific Northwest splendor! Located in Semiahmoo’s secure, gated Boundary Ridge neighborhood with private beach access and only minutes from marine, golf and recreational amenities. This 3153 SF remodeled/updated quality finished 4 BD, 3 BA home offers ample living space! Move right in and enjoy all the Resort Semiahmoo has to offer!
tled in the quiet setting of beautifully landscaped grounds. Enjoy the back deck for quiet morning coffee or private dinners and the front deck for basking in the sunshine. Features of this condo include wood floors, wall to wall carpet and stainless steel appliances. Enjoy as your primary residence or weekend get-away! A rare find - don’t miss out on making this your new home!
Jeremy Porter • (360) 306-1794
Ruth Skeete • (360) 358-5075
WN UR OCH BAY O Y OWNE OF BIR PIEC
8361 Semiahmoo Dr. Birch Point $1,680,000
ONE OF A KIND WATERFRONT IN BBV!
Flawless Masterpiece w/timeless design-no expense spared! Just shy of an acre, a private sanctuary offers 3,419 sq. ft & spectacular 139’ of waterfront w/views of Bay, Canada & San Juan Islands. NW Asian design delivers a rare opportunity to experience refined living at its best! Thoughtful details into the Chef’s kitchen, expansive great room and open floor plan all on one level. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets every evening while surrounded by the Feng Shui inspired landscape. YOU have arrived!
Heather Taylor • (425) 785-5771
“
WEST FACING WATERFRONT!
ON”
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8611 Great Horned Owl Ln. • Blaine $139,500 MLS # 1585810 Sunny, open, level, easily accessible homesite in Semiahmoo’s highly regarded “Royal Troon” neighborhood.
briansouthwick@gmail.com
see more pictures at www.briansouthwick.com
925 Ludwick Ave., Blaine
Near Truck Route & Shopping Mall
LEASE SPACES FOR:
Warehousing & Distribution Manufacturing or Retail Yard Storage for Vehicles
Market Analysis CALL ME...
Lisa Sprague Owner/Agent
360-961-0838
80.7%
360-332-2743
call 360-332-1777 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.
frequently purchase products or services from ads seen in Community Newspaper of Blaine, Birch Bay & Semiahmoo
Call or email to advertise: 360-332-1777 or sales@thenorthernlight.com
5520 Canvasback Road, Semiahmoo, on 17th Fairway, 3490 SF of Grand Living Space, 3 en-suite bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3 car garage, formal dining, bay window. Living room large enough for grand piano.
$739,000
NEW LISTING!
CALL HUGH TO VIEW 360.371.5800
www.CallHugh.com
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 Rentals - Residential GATED BIRCH BAY VILLAGE 3-BR, 2-BA home in secure, gated Birch Bay Village. Plus 2-car garage, gas, forced heat, like brand new. No pets, no smokers. $1,950/mo. Call 360371-5800.
D
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HOUSE NEEDED Responsible ARTress/Healer needs 3 BD house/finished barn in rural Whatcom. Guaranteed rent to $1450. Uncarpeted, mold/wififree. Katannya 360-809-3333
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.
Retail/ Office Space
Email nelsbldg@msn.com
CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE
GRAND LIVING SPACE
FOR LEASE
of readers
Please Call Don Nelson For Availability & Rates
Place your ad in
Your Local Expert For All Real Estate, Residential Or Commercial Services!
Hugh Brawford, Managing Broker
Listing your property? Call Lisa for a
Location, Location!
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Call Hugh :
360.371.5800
Thinking of
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Rentals - Commercial
or
Julie Ward • (760) 522-2564
8284 Shintaffer Rd. • Blaine $749,000 MLS #1668032 • 3-BD, 3-BA, 2,150 Sq. Ft.
Remodeled Ocean view turn-key Beach Home with panoramic view. 82 feet of deeded private beach, and great sun exposure, on large 19,948 sq. ft. home site. 2150 sq. ft. with 650 sq. ft. unfinished workshop area at the garden level. Features 2 bedrooms, office/den, great room, kitchen, utility room, wall of windows and access to 600 sq. ft deck area with natural gas fireplace. 650 sq. ft Bedroom suite at the garden level includes kitchen, laundry and 3/4 bath. Enjoy new Birch Bay Berm!
callhugh.johnlscott.com/home-evaluation
BEACH ACCESS!
8033 Quinault Road Birch Bay Village Very unique opportunity to own the largest property in BBV with direct SW views to San Juan Islands, Birch Bay and Mt. Baker. Situated on .65 acre with unlimited possibilities for expansion of current home or building your dream estate. Main floor entry has great open floor plan for stunning views at any angle. Master + 2 more guest rooms on main w/upper level guest suite, bonus room & patio for sunsets. Bring imagination and create your oasis now!
RO AL T Y O R
MOVE IN READY!
Carl W. R. Dufton • (360) 815-6637
SOLD!
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DESIRABLE UPPER END UNIT AT JACOB’S LANDING! This 900 SF 2 BD, 1.5 BA unit is nes-
NEW 3 BD/2.5 BA CONDO!
The Tides... BRAND NEW! Birch Bay’s premier community of craftsman townhome condos nestled on 11 acres above the bay. Beautiful & private unit is 1,500 +/- SF, 3 BD, 2.5 BA, superbly finished w/quartz counters, rock gas fireplace, SS appliances, on-demand HW, quality fixtures, designer flooring & much more! Clubhouse, pool, & spa! Close to all Birch Bay offers. Secure your place in this wonderful beach community.
Terry Conway • (360) 410-0503
CeCelia Breivik • (360) 303-8161
What is your house worth?
8045 BIRCH BAY DRIVE, BLAINE, WA 360-371-7252 BAYPROPERTIESNW.COM
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800 - 1600 s.f. Prime ground floor office and retail space in The Northern Light Cannery-style building at Blaine Harbor. For leasing info, contact Pat Grubb
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October 29 - November 4, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
13
O B I T U A RY Ronald (Ron) Martinez
November 18,1959–October 17, 2020
As of October 26, Whatcom County had a total of 1,577 confirmed cases of Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic and 50 deaths, according to the Washington State Department of Health. Fifty-three of those cases were diagnosed in the past week. The Ferndale school distrct area had the highest rate of new cases in the past two weeks, with 81 per 100,000 people. Blaine had a rate of 34 per 100,000. In total, 108 people have been hospitalized with the virus in Whatcom County and three in the past week. Washington state has had 104,027 total confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic, with 4,877 of those coming in the past week, and 2,337 with the virus have died as of October 26. Learn more at the Washington State Department of Health’s Covid-19 data dashboard at bit.ly/37uiCT2.
Birch Bay Village has lost a resourceful, patriotic and interesting member of the community and proud veteran. Ron led a full life and was thankful for having retired early enough to smell the roses and pursue his many interests including over 2000 skydiving jumps, gold panning, photography, fishing and automotive restoration. Ron had a number of adventurous and sometimes dangerous professions including commercial fishing in Alaska’s Bering Sea and most impressive enlisting in the U.S. Army at only 17 years of age and insisting on joining the U.S. Army’s 2nd Calvary Regiment Stryker infantry unit. He was an army scout with the cavalry while stationed in Germany during the end of the Cold War. He later was based at Ft. Bliss, Texas finishing with honors at the nuclear, chemical and biological warfare school. Ron eventually completed his working life at the Conoco Phillips refinery in Ferndale and enjoyed his home of 31 years in the “Village.” He was extremely courageous as he faced the challenge of terminal cancer and encouraged those around him to take the time to enjoy their short time here on earth and reminded others not to procrastinate in living their dreams. He had no regrets retiring at the early age of 55 and having filled his days with numerous hobbies. Ron Martinez died a spiritual, thankful and brave man. Ron in death generously supported “Heroes and Horses” and “Bellingham Technical College” believing that serving our country and learning a valuable trade are each a valuable endeavor. Donations can be made designated to the “Ron Martinez Endowment” at www.BTC.edu/donate in the “Fund Space.”
Image courtesy of the Whatcom County Health Department
Rules of the Road: The skinny on chains and all-wheel-drive vehicles
DIRECTORY Louis ’ 2011 Large Business of the Year
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By Doug Dahl Q: The Washington State Patrol lists “alternative traction devices” that are approved for use when “chains required” signs are posted. However, the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) states that when chains are required “AWD vehicles will be exempt … provided that tire chains for at least one set of drive tires are carried in the vehicle.” Does this mean I still need to carry chains and not just “alternative traction devices” when traveling on roads where chains are required, even if chains don’t work on my vehicle? A: It’s been said that the most difficult job on a movie set is that of the script supervisor. It’s this person’s job to make sure that from shot-to-shot there is continuity to the film. They watch for, and sometimes miss, things like bullet holes that are already in the wall before the shooting happens (“Pulp Fiction”), a smashed up Porsche that is flawless in the next scene (“Commando”) and a sword injury that promptly heals itself (“Die Another Day”). I sometimes wonder if there’s the equivalent job in the legal world; the person who makes sure that when a law is being written or updated, all the other related laws still make sense. I suspect there is, but like the movies, the laws don’t always come together as neatly as we’d like. After multiple readings of the several sections of the law covering traction devices, along with checking resources from the state patrol and the Department of Transportation, I can understand the confusion. The law has a provision for approved alternatives to tire chains
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(and they’re listed on the state patrol website). These products differ from metal chains in construction, material or design, but provide traction equivalent to that of traditional chains. They’re sometimes referred to as snow socks. As you mentioned, when “chains required” signs are posted, approved alternative traction devices can be used instead. And the law allows all-wheel drive vehicles to hold off on installing chains when “chains required” signs are posted as long as the vehicle is equipped with snow tires or studded tires and chains are onboard. In this situation though, it doesn’t clearly state that you can have alternative traction devices on hand instead of chains, but just that you can use them on your tires instead of chains. Thus, the most literal understanding of the law goes like this: If you drive an AWD car into an area where chains are required, and you install your snow socks, then you don’t have to carry chains. But if you have your snow socks in the trunk, you also have to have a set of chains right next
to them (even if your vehicle can’t use chains). That doesn’t make any sense, so I don’t think that’s the intention of the law. However, I’m not sure “because the law doesn’t make sense” works as a courtroom defense strategy. Here’s what I think is intended by the law: If you have traction tires on your AWD car, you don’t need to install your snow socks in a “chains required” area, as long as you have them with you. However, I’m not the one who gets to state that conclusively. That’s up to the judicial branch of government and, as far as I know, this question hasn’t come before any judges in Washington. That would suggest that either every driver passing through a “chains required” area in an AWD car carries a set of chains next to their snow socks, even if the chains don’t fit, or law enforcement is interpreting the law the same way I am. The real takeaway, though, is that whether it’s chains or an alternative traction device, make sure you’re prepared for whatever driving conditions you may encounter.
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14
The Northern Light • October 29 - November 4, 2020
Sheriff’s Reports
October 26, 11:10 p.m.: Music in progress on West Road. October 26, 10:49 p.m.: Mental cold call on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. October 26, 10:53 p.m.: Whatcomm Record on Bay Road. October 26, 10:42 p.m.: Whatcomm Record on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. October 26, 10:24 p.m.: Assist citizen on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. October 26, 9:37 p.m.: Suspicious person on Lincoln Road. October 26, 8:00 p.m.: Mental cold call on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. October 26, 7:47 p.m.: Civil problem cold call on Alder Way. October 26, 6:37 p.m.: Mental on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. October 26, 6:16 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle cold call on Sherwood Drive. October 26, 5:44 p.m.: Mental on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. October 26, 5:53 p.m.: Disorderly conduct on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. October 26, 5:53 p.m.: Hot rod on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. October 26, 4:50 p.m.: Mental on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. October 26, 4:41 p.m.: Disorderly conduct on Aldergrove Road. October 26, 4:31 p.m.: Vehicle theft cold call on Loomis Trail and North Enterprise roads. October 26, 3:01 p.m.: Mental on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. October 26, 1:59 p.m.: Vehicle abandoned cold call on Cotterill Boulevard and Birch Bay Drive. October 26, 12:59 p.m.: Civil problem on Portal Way, Custer. October 26, 12:40 p.m.: Civil problem on Portal Way, Custer. October 26, 11:03 a.m.: Non-blocking, non-injury motor vehicle accident cold call on West Badger Road, Custer. October 26, 10:26 a.m.: Death investigation on Glendale Road, Custer. October 26, 10:11 a.m.: Watch for on Glendale Road, Custer. October 26, 8:12 a.m.: Welfare check on Jackson Road. October 26, 7:35 a.m.: Non-blocking and non-injury motor vehicle accident on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. October 25, 10:57 p.m.: Refer to other agency on Custer School and Creasey roads, Custer. October 25, 5:52 p.m.: Non-blocking, non-injury motor vehicle accident on Birch Bay-Lynden Road and West 30th Crest, Custer. October 25, 4:09 p.m.: Welfare check on Loomis Trail Road.
Reports provided by WSCO.
Crossword Answers at thenorthernlight.com
ACROSS 1. Upright post on a boat 5. Sentimental person 10. Native American tribe 12. Wear away 14. Where you’re going 16. Doctor 18. Popular Chinese dialect 19. One point east of due south 20. Northern sea duck 22. Note 23. Wives (law) 25. Trigonometric function 26. A way to communicate (abbr.) 27. Swiss river 28. No (Scottish) 30. Commercials 31. Large instrument 33. __ Chantilly, __ de Menthe 35. Small, saclike cavities 37. High and thin in tone 38. Treat extremely well 40. Famed track star Usain 41. Secure web connection (abbr.) 42. Rob of energy 44. Paving material 45. Cool!
48. Tip of Aleutian Islands 50. Indicates silence 52. Water in the solid state 53. Security interests 55. Popular hoopster Jeremy 56. Shed tears 57. Low frequency 58. Harmful bacterium 63. Common language: lingua __ 65. Standards of perfection 66. They consist of two parts 67. A detailed description of design DOWN 1. More (Spanish) 2. A subdivision of a play 3. Japanese title 4. More jittery 5. Fabric 6. Luke’s mentor __-Wan 7. Cleaving tool 8. Ancient city of Egypt 9. 36 inches 10. Farewell 11. Second to last 13. Improved by critical editing 15. Defensive weapon (abbr.) 17. Fancy attire 18. __ Farrow, actress
21. Completely opposed 23. Supervises flying 24. Pouch 27. True firs 29. Mistake 32. Computing platform (abbr.) 34. Snakelike fish 35. Greatly horrify 36. Despicable person 39. Tell on 40. Ballplayer’s tool 43. Central Brazilian town 44. Court game 46. Land 47. “The Partridge Family” actress Susan 49. Retract a statement 51. Data executive 54. Capital of Yemen 59. Portable computer screen material 60. Electronic data processing 61. “Matt Houston” actor Horsley 62. Resinous substance 64. Rural delivery
Coming up Please wear masks and follow physical distancing guidelines.
Holiday Gift Assistance: Families living in the Blaine School District who have limited financial resources can now register for the Community Assistance Program’s Community Toy Store. For more info and to register, visit blainecap.org or call 360-820-6631. Registration deadline is November 29. Blaine Primary and Elementary School Supply Drive: Thursday, October 29, 1:30–4:30 p.m. Donate at whatcomskagit.ciswa.org or drop by new items to the Dollar Tree parking lot. Items needed: pencils, markers, crayons, colored pencils, binders, scissors, pencil pouches/boxes, erasers, watercolor paints, wide-rule spiral notebooks and composition books. Info: britt@ciswhatcom-skagit.org. Vinyl Night and Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, October 29, The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s trivia theme: Spooky trivia and costume contest with prizes. Music starts at 5 p.m., trivia at 7 p.m. Info: thevaultwine.com. Virtual Halloween Trivia: Thursday, October 29, 7 p.m. Test your knowledge on Halloween facts, lore, music and more. Free. Individuals or teams preregister by 6 p.m. on October 29 at bbbparkandrec.org. Whatcom County Trip-Or-Treat: Friday, October 30, 3–7 p.m. Just like trick-or-treat, but in your car. Pull up to a location, stay in your vehicle and a volunteer will hand you a goody bag through your window. For more info and participating locations, visit whatcomtriportreat.com. Spooktacular: Saturday, October 31, 4–7:30 p.m., Blaine Food Bank, 500 C Street. A fun family evening of ghosts and ghouls, pirates and witches, pumpkins and scarecrows, and of course, treats. Enter the Northwood Alliance Church parking lot by driving east on C Street, attendants will direct you to the car queue. If you don’t have a vehicle please call 360/332-6350 to schedule a walk thru time. Dance/Cheer Mini-Camp: Thursdays, November 12–December 17, Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Kids 6–8 years old build skills and confidence in this combo dance/cheer class. $10 plus optional $15 costume. Info and registration: bbbparkandrec.org.
are experiencing financial difficulty. Pre-registration required by November 13. Info and registration visit the Thanksgiving Basket page on blainecap.org or call 360/383-8444. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program Ongoing: Blaine’s Holiday Market By The Sea: Saturdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Sundays 12–4 p.m. inside 648 Peace Portal Drive. Local crafts, art, décor and goodies. 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:360/3326350 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. The Bridge Clothing Bank Boutique: Open Wednesdays 3–5 p.m. and Fridays 12–5 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road. Donations by appointment, call 360/366-8763. Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce Virtual Meetings: Third Thursdays, 1 p.m. Meeting ID on birchbaychamber.com. Coffee With The Contractor Virtual Meetings: Fourth Thursdays, 8 a.m. Learn the progress of the Birch Bay berm project with members of Granite Construction, Whatcom County Public Works and the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce. Meeting ID on birchbaychamber.com Blaine Chamber of Commerce Virtual Meetings: First Wednesday, noon. Meeting ID on blainechamber.com. Blaine Library: 610 3rd Street. Curbside holds and pick up and returns. Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Info 360/305-3600. Meals on Wheels & More: Wednesdays 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Adults 60+ pick up one fresh and six frozen meals. Suggested donation $5 per meal. First come first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040.
Toastmasters Virtual Meetings: Tuesdays 6:30–7:45 p.m. Info: 360/933Soccer Skills Clinic: Tuesdays, November 10–December 15, Birch Bay 1671. Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Kids 5–7 years old learn soccer skills. $10. Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to Info and registration: bbbparkandrec.org. calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Thanksgiving Baskets: Tuesday, November 24. Free, ready-to-cook turkey Monday. dinners available for pick-up for families in Blaine, Birch Bay and Custer who
Weather
Police Reports
Precipitation: During the period of October 19–25, 0.55 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2020 year-to-date precipitation is 29.35 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 62°F on October 20 with a low of 30°F on October 25. Average high was 54°F and average low was 39°F.
October 17, 6:12 p.m.: Officers were called to the Blaine Skate Park for a fight. Officers determined the altercation was mutual. Case forwarded to the juvenile prosecutor. October 18, 10:24 p.m.: During routine patrol a Blaine officer located a vehicle being driven with what appeared to be a falsified trip permit. Upon stopping the vehicle, the officer learned the trip permit had been altered and the driver of the vehicle had a suspended license. The driver was arrested and a Bellingham K9 unit responded to assist with a narcotics sniff. The driver was cited and released and the vehicle was impounded pending a search warrant. October 19. 10:05 a.m.: A woman called police to report the theft of her vehicle overnight. The vehicle was later recovered by the owner. The owner no longer requested police assistance in the matter.
Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
Tides
October 19, 6:16 p.m.: During routine patrol Blaine Police came across a vehicle accident where a truck drove into the back of a fifth wheel parked on Ludwick Avenue. No parties were injured although the fifth wheel was heavily damaged. The party who was at fault was issued an infraction. October 19, 10:39 p.m.: Blaine Police Department officers responded to a reported collision where a vehicle had struck a residence. Upon arrival officers determined a shed had been struck and the driver of the vehicle involved was intoxicated. The driver was taken into custody during the investigation where a search warrant for blood was obtained. The driver was booked into Whatcom County Jail. October 20, 12:27 a.m.: Blaine Police responded to a report of a loud shouting in the 600 block of A Street. Officers contacted a couple who explained they had gotten into a heated argument over their two dogs. Neither party reported having been assaulted or had any apparent physical injury. October 20, 3:01 p.m.: Police were dispatched to a group of juveniles physically fighting near the 500 block of Peace Portal Drive. Police arrived and contacted the parties that were still in the area. The case will be forwarded to the juvenile prosecutor’s office for possible charges. October 21, 7:42 p.m.: During routine patrol a Blaine police officer located a vehicle being driven with expired registration. Upon stopping the vehicle the officer discovered the driver had forged a trip permit which was placed in the rear window. The driver was arrested, cited and released for the violation. October 22, 2:31 p.m.: Officers responded to the 1600 block of Bayview Avenue to a report that a vehicle had been driven into the ditch. The male driver was reported to have a medical emergency and was unconscious with his foot on the gas pedal with the vehicle still running. Officers arrived and determined North Whatcom Fire Rescue had already medically cleared the man and advised he was OK. Officers contacted the driver, who advised he was OK, but had a medical emergency. Officers contacted Meridian Towing to have the vehicle removed from the ditch.
October 30–November 5 at Blaine. Not for navigation. 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W
DATE
TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT
Fr 30
5:56 am 7.8 11:21 am 4.1
5:13 pm 8.7 11:58 pm 1.0
Sa 31 6:42 am 8.3 12:03 pm 4.7 Su 1
5:33 pm 8.6 2:27 am 0.5
6:25 am 8.7
11:42 am 5.3
4:54 pm 8.4
11:55 pm 0.14
Mo 2 Tu 3
7:07 am 8.91
2:22 pm 5.8
5:14 pm 8.3 12:25 am -0.1
7:51 am 9.1
1:04 pm 6.3
5:32 pm 8.0
We 4 12:57 am -0.2
8:39 am 9.1
5:48 pm 7.8
1:52 pm 6.8
Th 5
1:33 am -0.2
9:31 am 9.2
2:50 pm 7.1
6:02 pm 7.6
October 22, 11:32 p.m.: A citizen reported that someone turned his water off earlier today. He contacted Blaine Utilities, and they came to his house. Utilities turned his water back on and placed a lock on the valve. Later in the night, he noticed somebody turned the water off again. He went outside and noticed that someone broke the valve and took the lock. He placed another lock on the valve. The victim did not know who would turn his water off. At this time, there is no suspect. October 22, 1:08 p.m.: An individual found a credit card outside of a local business. An officer contacted the credit card company to advise the owner the credit card was found.
Reports provided by Blaine Police Department
Don’t forget, Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. Drop your ballot in an official drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day for your vote to count.
October 29 - November 4, 2020 • thenorthernlight.com
2020
Washington’s Newspaper Publishers Associations
Better Newspaper Contest Awards
2020
WINNER OF
31 AWARDS The Northern Light
“I am really pleased that our staff received recognition for a full range of expertise in ad and publication design, editorial writing and web design,” said publisher Patrick Grubb. “We have a great team here who work hard for our readers and customers and are constantly upgrading their skills to meet the evolving challenges of technology and the marketplace.”
This year’s winning entries are... The Northern Light won 31 awards at the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association’s Annual Better Newspaper Contest on October 11, 2020.
Community Service Award 2
The Northern Light • September 26 - October 2, 2019
Special Sections
Blaine High School Athletic Hall of Fame
Special Introduction of Inductees Friday, September 27 approx. 8 pm
Halftime during Blaine High School football game
Induction Ceremony
Luke Ridnour: Athlete (1996-00) Basketball, Tennis
Golf
1978 Football Team • Won the state 1A title
Rob Ridnour: (1989-18)
Varsity Boys’ Basketball, Track & Field Coach
• Nine state appearances placing 8th (1993), 6th (1994, 1997), 4th (1991), 3rd (1990), 2nd (1998), 1st (1999, 2000) • Produced seven allstate players and one All-American • Won eight league, three WIBCA and two state 2A coach of the year awards • As pole vault coach, led five vaulters to state championships • Bellingham Slam head coach from 2005-2013, winning American Basketball Association Conference title and three International Basketball League Championship titles (2008, 2012, 2013) • Named the IBL coach of the year three times
• Radio broadcast Western Washington State College baseball games • Broadcast Wenatchee Chiefs, hydroplane races, wrestling, hockey, soccer, roller derby, boxing, a numerous variety of high school games • Announced Pacific Coast League (baseball) games • Voice of Washington State University Cougars for 54 years.
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Websites
• Won several league, district and regional titles • Placed 3rd (2009), 2nd (1993, 1996, 2008) and 1st at state (2014) • Eighty-two of his wrestlers placed at state, 11 winning state titles • State coach of the year awards (2005, 2008, 2009, 2014) • NWCA Washington and Northwest coach of the year (2008) • Washington State Coaches Hall of Fame (2014)
Tim Evans: Athlete (1972-74)
Cherish Morrison:
• Placed 3rd at state (1974), state MVP (1974), two-time Whatcom County League, all-district and all-state 1974, chosen no. 3 all-time player in state 1A tournament history (2003) • Played at University of Puget Sound 1974-1979, won national title 1975, Ben Cheney Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year for 1977, UPS Hall of Fame 1993 • Drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1979, Played pro ball three years in Europe and two years in Australia
• Set six school, four league, four district and two state records • Placed 1st at state 14 times • Team state champs (2009), placed 2nd at state (2010), placed 3rd at state (2011), placed 5th at state (2010) • Ran sprints, relay and hurdles at New Mexico State University (2013-2014)
Richard (Handshake) Hanson: Athlete (1962-64) Basketball
• Placed 7th at state (1963), placed 5th at state (1964), three-time first team selection for league, district and state teams • Played at Skagit Junior College (1964) and Central Washington State College (1965-1968), Central Washington University Hall of Fame in 1987 • No. 1 class A Washington State basketball player to ever play in the tournament
FIRST PLACE WatersideNW.com Aly Siemion, Louise Mugar, Doug DeVisser, Ruth Lauman
ADVENTURES IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Soccer, Basketball, Track & Field
• Soccer: Three-time All-County team, co-MVP Whatcom County League (1997) • Basketball: Whatcom County champs (1996 and 1997) Placed 8th at state (1996) • Track & Field: Placed 7th at state (1996), placed 3rd at state shot put (1997) • Track & Field at Pacific Lutheran University, Woman of the Year (2001), placed 5th nationally hammer throw (2001)
Jan. 30 - Feb. 5, 2020
Local family restores historic firetruck, page 3
Mural at Hill’s Chevron features Blaine, page 7
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
Source provides directive telling CBP officers to detain Iranianborn travelers
Online Ad
FIRST PLACE Beyond Fairway Tours Doug DeVisser, Louise Mugar
Video
s The city of Blaine plans to build a new road on the lower level of the Peace Portal corridor between F and H streets in downtown Blaine, roughly parallel to the BNSF railroad tracks, to encourage the development of a new enclave of mixed use properties.
M Bake S ush Cup O ve Lazenby
5 1st and 2nd grade concert, 1:30 p.m., MS PAC 9 Late start at 10:20 a.m. 10 5th grade concert, 1:30 p.m., MS PAC School board meeting, 12 p.m., district office 12 HS community concert, 7 p.m., MS PAC 13 MS academic assembly, 8:30 a.m., MS PAC 17 7th and 8th grade/community concert, 7 p.m., MS PAC 19 – Jan. 2 Winter break
JANUARY
1 PS PTO meeting, 6:15 p.m., PS library 2 HS FAFSA Night, 6 p.m., HS library 7 Late start at 10:20 a.m. 9 HS FAFSA Night, 6 p.m., HS library 16 HS picture retakes HS Honor Society inductions, 6:30 p.m., MS PAC 24 MS picture retakes 26 PS PTO Harvest Festival, 1 p.m., MS cafeteria 28 Late start at 10:20 a.m. MS second sports season begins School board meeting, 6 p.m., district office
APRIL
Environmental Story
MAY
7 PS PTO meeting, 6:15 p.m., PS library 13 Late start at 10:20 a.m. 17 MS MLK, Jr. assembly, 8:30 a.m., MS PAC ES MLK, Jr. assembly, 2 p.m., MS PAC 20 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – no school 21 MS third sports season begins (volleyball) 27 MS third sports season begins (wrestling) School board meeting, 6 p.m., district office Teacher workday — no school 30 6th grade concert, 7 p.m., MS PAC
4 LID Day – no school 5 PS PTO meeting, 6:15 p.m., PS library 7-9 HS spring drama performance, 7 p.m., HS theater 9 HS spring drama performance, 2 p.m./7 p.m., HS theater 7 1st and 2nd grade concert, 1:15 p.m., MS PAC 13 HS recognition night, 6 p.m., MS PAC 19 – 20 HS senior boards HS early dismissal at 11:50 a.m. 21 6th grade spring concert, 7 p.m., MS PAC 25 Memorial Day – no school 26 School board meeting, 6 p.m., district office 28 Evening of the Arts, 6:30 p.m., HS cafeteria
FIRST PLACE OCTOBER
Dr. Christopher Granger Superintendent Blaine School District
12 7th - 12th grade choir concert, 7 p.m., MS PAC 19 Nightingale choir concert, 7 p.m., MS PAC 23 Late start at 10:20 a.m. MS fourth sports season begins (track) School board meeting, 6 p.m., Point Roberts 28 Washington State math championships
6-10 Spring break – no school 13 MS fourth sports season begins (boys baseball/girls soccer) 14-15 HS student led conferences, 1 pm., HS cafeteria 14 PS PTO meeting, 6:15 p.m., PS library 15 MS academic awards. 1 p.m., MS PAC 16-17 HS drama performances, 7 p.m., HS theater 18 HS drama performances, 2 p.m./7 p.m., HS Theater 20 Late start at 10:20 a.m. 21-24 PS Class Informances, PS 23 7th – 12th grade band concert, 7 p.m., MS PAC 27 School board meeting, 6 p.m., district office
DECEMBER
FEBRUARY
Arts and Jazz Festival, 7 pm., MS cafeteria Late start at 10:20 a.m. PS PTO meeting, 7 p.m., PS library 3rd grade concert, 1:30 p.m., MS PAC Kindergarten concert , 1:15 p.m., MS PAC Mid-winter break – no school Presidents Day – no school Late start at 10:20 a.m. School board meeting, 6 p.m., district office 27 7th - 12th grade band concert, 7 p.m., MS PAC 29 Whatcom County math championships 1 3 4 6 11 14 17 24
NOVEMBER 5 8
PS PTO meeting, 6:15 p.m., PS library 7th and 8th grade concert, 7 p.m., MS PAC MS Veterans Day assembly, 9 a.m., MS PAC ES Veterans Day Assembly, 1:30 p.m., MS PAC
NOTE: Dates printed here are subject to change. An up-to-date calendar of events can be found on our website (www.blainesd.org) and mobile app (Blaine SD).
MARCH
2-6 K-8 parent – teacher conferences – early dismissal at 12:50 p.m. 3 PS PTO meeting, 6:15 p.m., PS library
School starts Wednesday, August 28
Have a great year!
HEALTH CLINIC, PRIMARY CARE & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
288 Martin Street • Downtown Blaine
360-788-4228
Ghandi Vwich, Agent
FIRST PLACE
JUNE 1 MS band concert, 7 p.m., MS PAC 4 4th grade concert, 1:30 p.m., MS PAC 5 7th – 12th grade concert, 7 p.m., MS PAC 9 8th grade tea, 6 p.m., MS PAC 10 Last day of school 11, 12, 15 Closure make up days 24 School board meeting, 6 p.m., district office
Apprehensions Rise at the Canadian Border Go Borderites! Zoe Deal
BLAINE HARBOR MUSIC CAMP
July 5-11
Vwich Agency 341 H Street, Blaine 360-332-4444
blaineharbormusicfestival.org
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THIRD PLACE
Iranian-American Series Patrick Grubb & Jami Makan
Fatal Collision at Border Zoe Deal
Effective Use of Small Space
Photo by Jami Makan
City plans to develop alley below Peace Portal Drive By Jami makan
The city of Blaine has plans to develop the alley that is located below and to the west of Peace Portal Drive and is roughly parallel to the BNSF railroad tracks. By building a road on the lower level of the Peace Portal corridor between F and H streets, the city hopes to encourage mixed uses in the area, bringing in more sales tax and other revenue. With the development of the west side of Peace Portal Drive proceeding at a steady pace, development of the lower level could be an interesting next step. The project could create a hidden enclave of businesses, offices and even residential spaces, adding an exciting new dimension to Blaine’s downtown core. The alley next to the railroad tracks that will be developed is known as the “Peace Portal West Alley” or the “BNSF Alley,” a reference to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway company that operates cross-
border freight trains that run through downtown Blaine. Using a grant from the Port of Bellingham, the city of Blaine hired an engineer in 2017 in order to study the project. The grant came from the port’s Small City Economic Development Fund, and it funded 50 percent of a $30,000 design for a road along the lower section of Peace Portal Drive between F Street and H Street. “The fact that we were able to get grant funding for the design was terrific,” said Blaine public works director Ravyn Whitewolf. The engineering firm, Bellingham-based Pacific Survey and Engineering Inc., did a topographic survey and developed plan drawings for the city’s access easement that is adjacent to the BNSF mainline. “They took that [access easement], surveyed it and essentially developed plan drawings for bid in that easement,” said Whitewolf. The new road adjacent to the railroad tracks would be funded entirely by the city of Blaine, using revenue from the city’s
FIRST PLACE
Transportation Benefit District (TBD). “With Hughes Avenue and [the second phase of] the Peace Portal Community Trail done, we decided to go ahead and fund this entirely with local funds for (See BNSF Alley, page 2)
SECOND PLACE (See CBP, page 13)
INSIDE
Letters . . . . . . . . . . 4 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 6 Classifieds . . . . . . 11 Coming Up . . . . . 14 Police . . . . . . . . . . 14 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14
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Semiahmoo Resort Doug DeVisser, Louise Mugar Giora Schmidt, violin
TIX: (360) 734-6080 OR WWW.BELLINGHAMSYMPHONY.ORG
Best Single Ad for Sale or Event Larger than 1/2 page Birch Bay Chamber Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst
SECOND PLACE
SECOND PLACE Fox Hall Events Center Ruth Lauman, Kristin Siemion
Color Smaller than 1/2 page FIRST PLACE
Donut Hole, How the Skagit River is threatened by BC’s clearcut logging and mining proposal. Oliver Lazenby
Effective Use of Clip Art FIRST PLACE
Semiahmoo Resort Ruth Lauman, Louise Mugar
Black Forest Steak House Ruth Lauman, Doug DeVisser, Molly Ernst
SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
FEB 9, 3PM MT BAKER THEATRE
FIRST PLACE
BHS Crab Dinner Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst
Multiple Advertisers
FINLANDIA
Branding Ad
Semiahmoo Spit Kite Flying Ruth Lauman
11 Veterans Day – no school 15 Teacher workday — no school 14-15 HS drama performance, 7 p.m., HS theater 16 HS drama performance, 2 p.m./7 p.m., HS theater 21– 27 K-8 parent – teacher conferences – early dismissal at 12:50 p.m. 21 K-12 early dismissal at 12:50 p.m. 26 School board meeting, 6 p.m., district office 28 – 29 Thanksgiving break – no school
We are pleased to welcome back all returning staff members, as well as a number of new teachers and classified staff that will join our great team. We will continue to work hard for every student every day with a robust academic offering and hands-on experiences to help make Blaine the best place in Washington for our students to get a well-rounded education that prepares our youth to be college, career, and citizenship ready.
By Patrick GruBB In a bulletin issued by the tactical analytical unit (TAU) in U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Seattle Field Office, officers were instructed to conduct vetting on all individuals who met certain criteria, including being Iranian nationals or having traveled to Iran. The bulletin, labeled “Iranian Supreme Leader Vows Forceful Revenge After U.S. Kills Maj. General Qassim Suleimani in Baghdad – Threat Alert High,” presented updated procedures described as being “best practices learned in the last 24 hours.” Suleimani was killed in the early hours of Friday, January 3 by a U.S. drone strike near the airport in Baghdad, Iraq. The undated bulletin was given to The Northern Light by local immigration attorney Len Saunders, who said he received it from an anonymous source. The document has been reviewed by an individual familiar with CBP communications who described it as being consistent with previous agency directives. The individual said that such directives would normally be emailed or read aloud at briefings that occur at the beginning of shift changes. The fact that it was given to someone outside CBP was “shocking,” said the individual. Presumably, the directive was published following a teleconference on or about January 3 between field office directors and CBP Acting Commissioner Mark Morgan and Deputy Commissioner Robert Perez “where the field was asked to remain vigilant and increase their situational awareness given the evolving threat environment,” according to CBP. The following day, Blaine-area ports of entry conducted “extreme vetting” of more than 60 travelers with Iranian backgrounds including U.S. citizens and permanent residents, in some cases detaining them for up to 12 hours. Following attention by local, national and international media, the operation was suspended. At the time, a national CBP spokesperson stated that there had been no directive to detain Iranian-Americans based on their country of origin. A local CBP press officer said that he had nothing to add to the comments made by the national office. The directive obtained by The Northern Light states: “Effective immediately, TAU will
Semiahmoo Shore Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst
SECOND PLACE
2 Labor Day – No school 4 HS picture day 11 PS PTO Meeting, 6:15 p.m., PS library 12 MS open house, 6 p.m., MS PAC 6th grade band parent meeting, 7 p.m., MS cafeteria 16 Late start at 10:20 a.m. 19 MS picture day ES curriculum night, 6 p.m., MS PAC 20 MS back to school color dance, 5 p.m., PS field 23 School board meeting, 6 p.m., district office 25 HS FAFSA night, 6 p.m., HS theater 26 PS open house, 6 p.m. 27 MS academic assembly, 10:45 a.m., MS PAC 28 BHS hall of fame inductions, TBD, MS PAC
will return to campus with a new office and counselor space, an updated library and classrooms, as well as a new courtyard. Please be watching the district’s website (www.blainesd. org) for information on a community open house and dedication ceremony to take place at the high school later this fall. In addition, the grandstand project is progressing well and will be an impressive upgrade to our existing stadium.
News Story, Short
Comprehensive Coverage
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Arts & Jazz fundraiser this weekend, page 13
F RST PLACE
Canadians Increasingly Face Five-year Bans Jami Makan
Best Single Ad for Sale or Event Smaller than 1/2 page PacificCoastWeddings.us Aly Siemion, Louise Mugar
committed to partnering with families and community members to continually improve our schools, and we hope that you will participate in upcoming outreach events to build meaningful relationships and communication with all stakeholders. It has been an eventful summer around the Blaine School District. With the completion of Phase III of the Blaine High School project, staff and students
SEPTEMBER
News o he We rd
Back to School Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst, Louise Mugar
Welcome to the New School Year! My name is Dr. Christopher Granger. My family and I are so pleased to have been given the opportunity to join this tremendous community and to serve as superintendent of the Blaine School District. I would like to thank Dr. Spanjer for his 36 years of service to public education, and the last 13 years of service to the Blaine community as superintendent. I was blessed by the opportunity to meet many of you through the search process, and we look forward to continuing to meet the students, parents, staff, and community members in our district. We are all
26 Freshman student orientation, 8 a.m., BHS Freshman student/parent orientation, 5 p.m., football field School board meeting, 7 p.m., district office 27 All staff day 28 First day of school (except kindergarten), 8:20 a.m. MS first sports season begins 29 HS fall parent meeting, 6 p.m., MS PAC
THIRD PLACE
• Volleyball: Threeyear MVP and 1st team all-league, 2nd team all-state (2004) • Track & Field: Placed 8th and 5th at state discus in (2003 and 2004) • Basketball:1Placed 8th, 3rd and 5th at state (2002-2004), 1st team all-state (2003), state tournament MVP (2009) • Played basketball for University of Idaho and Western Washington Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch University Bay
HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer
IN THIS
ISSUE
• URBAN HIKING
News Story, Long
Jessica Summers: Athlete (2000-04) Basketball, Volleyball, Track & Field
Directive to Detain Iranian-Americans Patrick Grubb
Wrestling, Football, Baseball, Track & Field
• OPENING DAY
SECOND PLACE
2019-2020
Find the school district online at www.blainesd.org
AUGUST
FIRST PLACE
• League, district, and regional wrestling champ (1971, 1972, 1973) • Placed 5th (1971), 2nd (1972), 1st (1973) at state • All-American team • Two-time Whatcom County All-Star
Blaine School District
2019-20 20 Calendar
Breaking News
David Wiens: Athlete (1971-73)
• GRANT GUNDERSON INTERVIEW
Topical, In-paper
9
Back to School
Mount Baker Experience Winter 2020 Grant Gunderson, Oliver Lazenby, Doug DeVisser
Leslie Seelye: Athlete (1993-97)
News
Athlete (2009-12) Track & Field
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WINTER 2020
Special Section Covers
Advertising
SECOND PLACE
2020
August 22 - 28, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com
Doug DeVisser, Molly Ernst
Digital (1991-16) Varsity Wrestling Coach
• Track & Field: School record holder for several years in high hurdles, school record holder for 52 years in long jump • Played track & field at Everett Community College (19621963), broke school record in high hurdles
Pacific Coast Weddings Aly Siemion, Louise Mugar, Ruth Lauman, Doug DeVisser
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NORTHERN LIGHT
BHS Athletic Hall of Fame
Basketball
Craig Foster:
Ken “Bud” Markusen: Athlete (1959-62) Track & Field, Football, Basketball
FIRST PLACE
Discover the best of Coastal Washington and British Columbia
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Bob Robertson:
(1947) Contributor
• Basketball: Placed 6th (1997), 2nd (1998), and 1st at state (1999, 2000), four-time league player of the year, four-time all-district first team player, four-time all-state tournament player and three-time state tournament MVP. McDonalds All-American, Parade All-American, Gatorade Player of the Year, and Rival Player of the Year. He was also a two-time A.P. State Player of the year • Played at University of Oregon (2000-2003), Pac 10 Freshman of the Year (2001), Pac-10 Player of the Year (2003), third-team All-American (2003), first team All-Pac 10 (2002, 2003), two NCAA tournaments including one Elite Eight appearance. • No. 14 pick of NBA draft (2003) • Played for Seattle Sonics (2003-2008), Milwaukee Bucks (2008-2010), Minnesota Timberwolves (2010-2014), Charlotte Hornets (2013-2014), Orlando Magic (2014-2015)
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Waterside Aly Siemion, Louise Mugar, Ruth Lauman, Doug DeVisser
B l ai n eAt h let ic B o osterC l u b.co m
• State champion (1989) • Played for Washington State University (1989-1994), Washington State Amateur Champ (1991), runner up (1992), a Hudson Cup Team member (1992), won both Pacific NW Men’s Amateur (1993) and Public Links Amateur (1994) • Played professional NGA Hooters Tour (1994), 1999 PGA Tour Qualifying School Finals earning Nike Tour membership, won the Eastern Washington Open (1999), won the Cascade Port Ludlow Open (2001), runner–up at the Oregon Open, and had three season wins on the Cascade Tour (2002) • Set course record at North Bellingham Golf Course (2016)
CROSS-BORDER TRAVEL
FIRST PLACE
Saturday, September 28 • 1 pm Blaine Performing Arts Center
Reception to follow in the Blaine High School cafeteria
Chris Jorgensen: Athlete (1986-89)
waterside.
Tourism Special Section
weddings Pacific Coast
Holiday Harbor Lights Ruth Lauman, Doug DeVisser, Molly Ernst
Scampi Osteria Italian Cuisine Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst
10
10
The Northern Light • September 26 - October 2, 2019
Bay Builders From Cherry Point to the Peace Arch
You h-Or en ed Con en
Great Kids Doing Great Things
F RST PLACE
Color Full Page THIRD PLACE
Samson Estates Winery Ruth Lauman, Kristin Siemion
Jackson Jackson Bray, Bray, 12th 12th grade grade Ingrid Aosved, 12th grade he Jackson Jackson works works hard hard inineverything everything he Jackson 12th grade Jackson Bray, 12th 12th grade gradeBorderite Jackson Bray, 12th grade Ingrid embodiesBray, the qualities every
Seth Seth Blomeen, Blomeen, Maxim Yuryev,Seth 7th grade 8th 8th grade grade Blomeen, Seth Blomeen, Seth Blomeen,
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SECOND PLACE
SECOND PLACE Custom Rx Shoppe Ruth Lauman, Louise Mugar
TH RD PLACE
a student pick up dropped items, while others just walk on by. Keep up the great work, Maxim!
School Calendar
Destination Cultus Ruth Lauman, Louise Mugar
18 19 21 24 24 26 26 28 28 28 30
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OCTOBER 2019
THIRD PLACE
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does. does. To Toworks have haveaahard student student ininyour yourclass class Jackson in Jackson Jackson works hard hard in ineverything everything everything he he Jackson works hard in everything he should striveworks to demonstrate. She is he who who gives gives 100 100aaapercent percent isis so amazing amazing does. To in your class does. does. To Tohave have have student student in inso your your class class does. To have astudent student in your class thorough, precise, and dedicated to and and makes makes teaching teaching worthwhile. worthwhile. Jackson Jackson who gives 100 percent is who who gives givesas 100 100 percent percent is isso so soamazing amazing amazing who gives 100 percent is so amazing learning much as she can. Never provides provides aapositive positive vibe vibe to tothe theclassroom classroom and makes worthwhile. and and makes makes teaching teaching worthwhile. worthwhile. Jackson Jackson and makes teaching worthwhile. Jackson one to beteaching daunted by challenge,Jackson she and and isisaagreat great classmate classmate to tothe others. others. provides aaaapositive to classroom provides provides positive positive vibe vibe to to the the classroom classroom will dive in to anyvibe material put before provides positive vibe to the classroom and aaaagreat to and andis is isher great great classmate classmate to toothers. others. others. and classmate tirelessly work to discover and is great classmate to others. the meaning behind the words she reads. She is always enthusiastic and brings a pleasant energy to any environment she enters. Ingrid personifies leadership itself, and sets a strong example for her classmates to follow. BHS is fortunate to have her!
BP Bay Bu de s S uden s Ru h Lauman Lou se Muga
Bo de e Repo Ru h Lauman Lou se Muga
Color Half Page
Featuring students of the Blaine School District
Winter Ride Meeting & Sign-ups, fun! 6pm
NOVEMBER 2019
B ch Bay Wa e s des Ru h Lauman Doug DeV sse
has a warm sense of humor and always comes to class with a “let’s get after it” attitude regarding her studies. It is an honor to work with her on a daily basis; she is one of the reasons that BHS is such a rewarding place to work.
Morgan Morgan Zasccheo, Zasccheo,
Sydney Waite,Morgan 7th grade 7th 7th grade grade Zasccheo, Morgan Zasccheo, Morgan Zasccheo, While she will probably admit that Morgan Morgan has hasschool shown shownhasn’t her her 7th grade 7th 7th grade grade 7th grade always beenMorgan her favorite place to be, dedication dedication to toshown academics. academics. has her Morgan Morgan has has shown shown her her Morgan has shown I see a seventh grader who isherand She She isisincredibly incredibly bright bright and dedication to dedication dedication to toacademics. academics. academics. dedication to academics. beginning to blossom and thrive articulate. articulate. She Sheis isbright willing willing She She Sheis is isincredibly incredibly incredibly bright brightand and and She is incredibly and in the classroom. I see bright awhich student to to share shareher herShe ideas, ideas, which articulate. is articulate. She is willing articulate. She iswilling willing articulate. She is willing who is starting to believe she enriches enriches the thework work ofofthe the to her which to share her ideas, which toshare share herideas, ideas, which her ideas, which cantodoshare the difficult work of Itisis whole whole class. class. enriches the work enriches the work of the enriches the workItof ofthe the the work of learning. enriches This, insuch my opinion, isthe such aapleasure pleasure whole class. ItItItItis whole class. is whole class. is whole class. is the epitome of a star student! to tohave have her herinin such aaaapleasure such pleasure such pleasure such pleasure Someone who can alter their class! class! to have in to have her in to have her in to have her in self-perception andher learn class! class! that class! to tackle class! problems once would have been considered too hard. Continue to push yourself, Sydney! We believe in you.
Jennifer Jennifer LaFoy, LaFoy, 4th 4th grade grade Jennifer Jenniferisis an anamazing amazing young Jennifer LaFoy, 4th grade Jennifer LaFoy, 4th 4thyoung grade grade LaFoy, 4th grade Lilly Ivanenko, Jennifer lady. lady.Every Every day day she shecomes comes Jennifer is amazing young Jennifer Jennifer is isan an an amazing amazing young young Jennifer is an amazing young 4th grade to to class class early early to help help pass pass lady. Every day she comes lady. lady. Every Every day dayto she she comes comes lady. Every day she comes Lilly is a kind, considerate out out Chrome Chrome books. books. She She has has to early to pass to toclass class class early early to tohelp help help pass pass to class early to help pass and hard-working student. aaout positive positive attitude attitude about about Chrome books. She out out Chrome Chrome books. books. She Shehas has has out Chrome books. She has She has already made everything we we do doand and always always aaeverything about apositive positive positiveattitude attitude attitude about about attitude about many friends in class thisa positive encourages encourages others others to to everything we everything we wedo do doand and andalways always always everything we do and always year. Her gentle, calm everything do dotheir theirbest best work. work. encourages others to encourages encourages others others to to encourages others to personality makes We We look lookbest forward forward to to do their work. do do their their best best work. work. do their best work. her an asset to seeing seeing Jennifer’s We look forward We We look lookJennifer’s forward forwardto to to We look forward to any group, and smile smiledaily. daily. seeing Jennifer’s seeing seeing Jennifer’s Jennifer’s seeing Jennifer’s her smile lights smile smile smiledaily. daily. daily. smile daily. up the room.
ThanksOctober Lilly, for17 - 23, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com always being a ray of sunshine!
Borderite Report
Evan isisan attentive, kind hearted, AbrilHe doing an I amazing would love to hear He always always works works on on task task and andyour comments or feedback. and hardworking first grader! and and hardworking hardworking first first grader! grader! She isis attentive, She She ishelpful, helpful, helpful,first attentive, attentive, hardworking first grader! She is helpful, attentive, Send to: borderitenews@blainesd.org Jackaais a delightful grader! job inand first grade! Sheto stays focused focused to complete terrific terrific job job ofofShe creating creating high high He always works task He Hestays always always works workson on oncomplete task taskand and and and kind. isis smart smart and and kind. kind. She She isdoing doing doing He always works on task and smart and kind. She is doing Hesmart greets everyday with is bright and attentive, assignments assignments ininaatimely timely manner. manner. quality quality work work and and working on onatask. task. stays to stays staysfocused focused focused to tocomplete complete complete aaaaterrific job of creating high terrific terrific job jobworking of ofand creating creating high high stays focused to complete terrific job of creating high smile, he kind helpful, she onskills task,are and His Hisworks reading reading skills are blossoming blossoming I’m I’mis especially especially impressed impressed assignments in aaaatimely manner. assignments assignments in in timely timely manner. manner. quality work and working on quality quality work work and and working working on ontask. task. task. assignments in timely manner. quality work and working on task. and has insightful points to add does a quality job! Abril because because ofofskills his his hard hard work. What What with with Carrie’s Carrie’s reading reading ability. ability. His reading are blossoming His His reading reading skills skills are arework. blossoming blossoming I’m impressed I’m I’mespecially especially especially impressed impressed His reading skills are blossoming I’m especially impressed to our She class discussions. always looks for ways really really impresses impresses me mework. about about She loves loves totoreading read read and and isis because of his because because of of his hishard hard hard work. work.What What What with Carrie’s ability. with with Carrie’s Carrie’s reading reading ability. ability. because of his hard work. What with Carrie’s reading ability. He starting likes to to complete to helpisisher peers and Evan Evan his his math math ability. ability. starting to read read longer, longer, really impresses me really really impresses impresses me meabout about about She loves She She loves loves to toread read readand and andisis is really impresses me about She loves to read and is his work and is ato me. She is a great He loves loves to tosolve solve more more challenging challenging books books Evan is math ability. Evan EvanHe is ishis his his math math ability. ability. starting to starting starting to toread read read longer, longer, Evan is his math ability. starting to read longer, good listener! It is longer, addition to our problems problems and and with with enthusiasm! enthusiasm! He loves to solve He He loves loves to to solve solve more challenging books more more challenging challenging books books He loves to solve amore joy tochallenging be Jack’s books class! find findsolutions. solutions. IIlove love problems and problems problems and and with enthusiasm! with with enthusiasm! enthusiasm! problems and with enthusiasm! teacher! At about the same time that the Class of 2020 was entering kindergarhaving having Evan Evanininclass! find Iclass! find findsolutions. solutions. solutions. IIIlove love love find solutions. love ten, planning for a new high school facility in Blaine got underway. As those having having havingEvan Evan Evanin in inclass! class! class! having Evan in class! same students began their senior year of high school, at the beginning of the
Completion of Blaine High School’s Core Facility
2019-2020 school year, the new facility was finally completed. After failed bond initiatives in 2008 and 2011, voters overwhelming1 M.S. Monster Mash Dance, 5:30pm ly supported the passage of bonds in 2012 and 2015 which included funding to make this goal a reality. We are so thankful to the BP BPNW NW Fuels Value ValueChain Chain 3 Daylight Saving Time ends voters Blaine District for supporting construction of Fuels this state-of-the-art facility on our high school campus. We WeWe are areare pleased pleased to topresent present aamonthly monthly look lookSchool at atalook afew few of ofathe the many many pleased to present a of monthly at few of thethe many Cherry Point Refinery 5 P.S. PTO Meeting, 6:15pm BP Value Chain BP NW Fuels Value Chain Blaine High School now has the ability to provide students and Fuels staff with a safe, responsive, adaptive, and inspiring facility that local youthsto inpresent the Blaine School District who enhance our society BPNW NW Fuels Value Chain We are pleased aaamonthly look at few of We are pleased to present monthly look at few of the many We are pleased to present monthly look ataaenhance aenhance few ofthe the many 360/371-1500 local youths youths ininthe the Blaine BlaineSchool School District District who who our ourmany society society 5Quality 7th/8th Grade Falllocal Concert, 7pm producer will by serve to support both individual and collective and our lives, as selected their teachers or school staff. teacher and learner needs and interests for decades to come. Continuity of the fuels Daylocal 8 of ARCO M.S. Veterans Assembly, 9am in program is improved, as high staff. school students will no longer need to leave their facility to eat lunch and attend classes that were youths the Blaine District who our local youths the Blaine School District who enhance our society local youths inas the BlaineSchool School District who enhance oursociety society 360/371-1500 360/371-1500 and and our our lives, lives,in as selected selected by bytheir their teachers teachers or orenhance school school staff. 8 E.S. Veterans Day Assembly, 1:30pm spread out in other areas of the campus. The new facility includes a single public entry point for increased security. Aging and in360/371-1500 360/371-1500 360/371-1500 and our lives, and our lives, as selected by their teachers or school staff. and(No our lives,as asselected selectedby bytheir theirteachers teachersor orschool schoolstaff. staff. 11 Veterans Day Holiday School) efficient heating and ventilation systems have been replaced, 12 Special Board Meeting, 6pm and new infrastructure will support 21st century technology 12 E.S. PTO Meeting, 6pm requirements. In addition to the increased and renovated 14,15 H.S. Drama Performance, 7pm classroom spaces, students now enjoy the benefits of a new 15 Teacher Workday (No School) cafeteria, new band, choir, and art rooms, a small theater, CTE 16 H.S. Drama Performance, 2pm & 7pm shops, a culinary arts classroom, tennis courts, a new green21-27 K-8 Conferences (12:50pm Release) house, a renovated library, and updated offices. 25 School Board Meeting, 7pm Blaine School District students and staff recognize the ex27 K-12 Early Release, 12:50pm tensive level of community ownership and involvement that is in place at all levels of our program, and we remain greatly appre28-29 Thanksgiving Holiday (No School) ciative of this support for the ongoing growth and success of all students. Patrons and families from Blaine, Birch Bay, and Point Roberts are invited to attend a Community Open House on Friday, October 18, at the new entrance at 1055 H Street. Blaine School DECEMBER 2019 District will formally dedicate the new high school with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:00pm, followed by refreshments and tours 5 1st/2nd Grade Concert, 1:30pm of the new campus. We hope you will join us for this important celebration! 6 E.S. PTO Dance, 5:30pm
Cherry Cherry Point Point Refinery Refinery Cherry Cherry Cherry Point Point Point Refinery Refinery Refinery
9 Student Late Arrival (10:20am) 10 School Board Meeting, 12pm 10 5th Grade Concert, 1:30pm 10 E.S. PTO Mtg, 6pm 12 H.S. Community Concert, 7pm 13 M.S. Academic Assembly, 8:30am 17 7th/8th Grade Community Concert, 7pm 23-Jan. 3 Winter Break (No School)
Dear Blaine School District Community
READ LOCAL!
Members:
of this long needed endeavor will wonderful new Blaine High School. Your support Thank you for voting for the approval of our are excited for the experiences our for our current and future Borderites. We forever change the education and opportunities be proud of for decades to come. Thank world-class facility that our community will students will now have in a high-tech and our students’ futures and help them we will strive to enhance and provide for you for your investment in our children. Together, that supports the Borderites! students are thankful to live in a community reach their fullest potential. As always, our
Community Newspaper of Blaine & Birch Bay Since 1995 www.TheNorthernLight.com
Scott Ellis High School Principal
Stadium Complex Update
225 Ma ne D ve • S e 200
B a ne WA 98230
360 332 1777
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Brought To You By The Blaine School District
Evan Evan Larsen, Larsen, 1st 1stgrade grade Evan Evanis is an anattentive, attentive, kind kind hearted, hearted, Evan Larsen, 1st grade Evan Larsen, 1st 1st grade grade Evan Larsen,first 1st grade Abril Diaz-Vargas, 1st grade TINA PADILLA, EDITOR and and hardworking hardworking first grader! grader! Evan attentive, hearted, Evan Evanis is isan an an attentive, attentive,kind kind kind hearted, hearted,
Carrie Carrie Balback, Balback,1st 1stgrade grade Carrie Carrie isisaadelightful delightful first firstgrader! grader! Carrie Balback, 1st Carrie Balback, 1st 1stgrade grade grade Carrie Balback, 1st grade Jack Troutman, She She isishelpful, helpful, attentive, attentive, Carrie isis aaaadelightful first grader! Carrie Carrie is delightful delightful first first grader! grader! Carrie is delightful first grader! 1st grade smart smart and andkind. kind.She Sheisisdoing doing
THE
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Dawson Construction’s work on the grandstand’s underlying structure and surrounding area is nearly complete. This includes new walkways, a ticket booth, a concession stand, restrooms, and storage space for the athletic program. Southern Bleacher has installed the skeletal structure for the seating area and roof, as well as putting the press box into place. Detailed installation work will continue over the next several weeks. Once the bleachers are fully installed, final work will be done on electrical, lighting, and fencing around the complex with full completion anticipated in December. During grandstand construction, the adjacent parking lot will remain closed. Planning work, including preliminary soils testing, is underway in anticipation of field turf installation which is tentatively scheduled to begin after the spring athletic season in 2020. We look forward to the completion of these improvements to our stadium complex, and the benefit they will bring to our Borderite athletic programs.
Winter Weather Information
Sometimes weather conditions create the need for a late start, or the cancellation of school for the entire day. There are a number of ways that you can access school schedule information on inclement weather mornings. Push notifications and automated calls will be sent through the “Blaine SD” mobile app. The Blaine School District website (www.blainesd.org), KGMI, and Seattle TV Stations will have updated details as early as 5:30am and no later than 6:00am. Parents may also call the Schedule Hotline at 360-332-0789 for school schedule information. Severe weather bus route schedules can be found on the Blaine School District website. When school is closed, all school activities, including after school athletic practices, are also canceled. Student and staff safety remains our primary concern.
a e @ heno he n gh com
Pay Attention to Attendance
Showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic success starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school. Even as children grow older and more independent, families play a key role in making sure students get to school safely every day and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and on the job. What can you do? • Make school attendance a priority • Find out if your child feels engaged and safe in school • Stay on top of academic progress and seek help from teachers or tutors if necessary • Be aware of your child’s social contacts • Encourage meaningful after-school activities, including sports and clubs • Know the school’s attendance policy • Talk to your child’s teacher if you notice a sudden change in behavior • Don’t let your child stay home unless they are truly sick Absences, even if they are excused, can add up to academic trouble. Please ask for help from school officials, after-school programs, or community agencies if you are having trouble getting your child to school. We know you want your child to succeed and we want that as well. We’re here to help you and your chil
Check out our district website: www.blainesd.org
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The Northern Light • October 29 - November 4, 2020
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