The Northern Light: March 25-March 31, 2021 by Point Roberts Press

March 25 - 31, 2021

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ISSUE

City council approves mural commission, page 6

Road Rules, page 9

New pastor at Northwood Chapel, page 10

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

Wings Over Water educates local children U.S./Canada border closure extends until April By Grace McCarthy

s Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival educated children at Blaine Marine Park on birds that migrate through the Blaine area. The virtual 19th annual festival, which ran March 19 through March 21, held a socially distant activity for kids, with help from Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 and pirate Dorothy Copeland. See more photos on page 9. Photo by Donna Raimey

City’s emergency Covid-19 provisions set to expire By Grace McCarthy Now that Whatcom County is in Phase 3 of governor Jay Inslee’s Roadmap to Recovery, city manager Michael Jones updated council with the city of Blaine’s emergency provisions during the March 22 council meeting. Whatcom County entered Phase 3 on March 22 and will have its Covid-19 metrics re-evaluated by the state on April 12 to determine if the county remains in Phase 3, moves back to Phase 2 or advances to a currently undefined Phase 4. Phase 3 al-

lows for 50 percent indoor occupancy at restaurants. “Some have become obsolete and have already passed or been rescinded by me,” Jones said of the orders, resolutions and directives issued over the last year. “Others were self-limiting with time components.” The emergency resolution that allows businesses to use the H Street and G Street plazas by a special-use permit was set to expire when the county entered Phase 3, after being updated from its original October 1 deadline. Jones issued the emergency resolution last June.

WSDA asks public to continue hornet outreach By Grace McCarthy It’s that time of year again: The days are getting longer, spring flowers are blooming and Asian giant hornets are waking up from winter hibernation. Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) asks Blaine residents to continue reporting sightings of the world’s largest hornet now that queens are expected to emerge any day from their winter nests. In the springtime, the queens will search for a nest location, forage and pre-

pare for workers expected to start emerging in July. “We want to make sure we continue with our messages of, ‘If you see it, report it,’” said WSDA managing entomologist Sven-Erik Spichiger. Although the first nest in the U.S. was eradicated in east Blaine last October, WSDA officials warn more could still be in the area. Spichiger previously said they found the nest just in time because new queens were preparing to leave and start their own

nests. Entomologists said during the press conference it is also possible if two additional nests exist after hornet sightings in Birch Bay and Blaine proper last year. Not including the hornets found in the eradicated nest, there were 31 confirmed hornet sightings in the U.S. last year – 15 trapped by WSDA and 16 found by Whatcom County residents. All of the six confirmed hornet detections in B.C. and half of Washington’s detections came from (See Hornets, page 5)

Drayton Harbor Oyster Company is the only restaurant using the space for outdoor dining, said Jones, who sent a letter to the restaurant asking its owners to take down the tent within 30 days. Thirty days is a normal compliance time period, he added. Councilmember Richard May proposed council take action so the emergency provisions continue until a higher indoor business capacity is allowed. “In retrospect, I think we should have specified Phase 4 and not Phase 3 because (See Phase 3, next page)

Coming Up . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 7 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14

INSIDE

The U.S./Canada border closure to non-essential travel has been extended for the 12th time with a continued closure until at least April 21, 2021. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the extension in a March 18 tweet. “Informed by science and public health guidance, we will work with our counterparts to identify an approach to easing restrictions when conditions permit and with the protection of our citizens from COVID-19 at the forefront of our minds,” a DHS spokesperson tweeted following the announced extension that will also affect the U.S./Mexico border. Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau also publicized the 30-day extension on Twitter March 18. The U.S. is further ahead in vaccinating residents than Canada. As of March 23, 13.7 percent of people in the U.S. were fully vaccinated and 25.3 percent had received at least one vaccine dose. In Canada, just 1.57 percent of the population had received two doses while only 6.8 percent of people had received one dose. The U.S. has 29,708,385 confirmed cases of Covid-19, according to March 23 CDC data. The increase of Covid-19 cases in the U.S. over the past seven days, 385,581, is 40 percent of Canada’s 942,320 total confirmed cases during the pandemic, according to CDC and Canadian government data. The U.S. has a rate of 8,948 confirmed cases per 100,000 people since the start of the pandemic, which is more than three times higher than Canada’s rate of 2,479 cases per 100,000, according to data from CDC and the Canadian government. People traveling to Canada by air are required to quarantine for two weeks after arrival and provide a negative Covid-19 test taken no later than three days before leaving. The U.S. also requires air travelers entering the U.S. to submit proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken three days before flying. Government officials have not given a timeline or plan for reopening the border.

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The Northern Light • March 25 - 31, 2021

Phase 3 ... From page 1

being open at 50 percent capacity doesn’t put our businesses at the high level of success we’d like to see them all at,” May said. “I’m thinking if 50 percent capacity is

as good as it’s going to go, we still need some mitigation.” Mayor Bonnie Onyon said action couldn’t be taken during the March 22 meeting, but it could be voted on during the council’s next meeting on April 12. Extending the waiver would require drafting a new resolution, Jones

advised council. “We’ll have to make a decision whether we want to extend this mostly for the benefit of one restaurant,” Onyon said. “It’s going to benefit one restaurant more than others.” This resolution is only for plaza space and most other restaurants

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with tents are on private property, Jones said. The city had also waived fees for temporary loading zones in front of restaurants, which are set to expire May 1, when regular parking will resume. Some city employee policies relating to the pandemic like a mandatory working from home after travel directive have been rescinded, while others such as working remotely could stay after the pandemic, Jones said. “Things like temporary wearing of face coverings in all the public buildings will stick around for a while, I think,” Jones said. Jones said he expects city offices to open to the public June 1, which is when he said public

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meetings will likely resume. “It depends on the direction we’re getting from the health department and the pace of vaccines,” he said. “We also need some transition time for getting back to that normal arrangement.” Jones also said he expects the proclamation of emergency, which he originally declared March 13, 2020, to be eliminated in the near future. “I presume not too distant in the near future we’ll eliminate the proclamation of emergency as well,” Jones said.

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March 25 - 31, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

Covid-19 in Whatcom County, by school district boundaries:

Recent two-week case rates and cumulative counts Blaine Rate:80 Ferndale Rate: 188

Lynden Rate: 301 Meridian Rate: 111

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s The rate is the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people over the past two weeks. Rates were updated March 20.

By Grace McCarthy As of March 20, Whatcom County has had a total of 7,094 confirmed cases of Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic and 198 probable cases (7,292 total cases), according to Washington State Department of Health (DOH) data. There has been one death in the past week, making the number of deaths 86; the percent of deaths per total confirmed cases is 1.2 percent. Every school district’s case rates dropped for a second week in a row. Lynden school district had the highest rate of new cases in the past two weeks, with 301 confirmed cases per 100,000 people followed by Nooksack (190), Ferndale (188), Meridian (111), Blaine (80), Bellingham (76) and Mount Baker (51). The county health department reported case rates are higher than similar-sized counties and Whatcom County has the second highest number of U.K. Covid-19 variant cases at 25, trailing behind King County with 93 cases of the variant. Neither the South African nor the Brazilian variant have been detected in the county. The county should receive vaccine shipments of 3,470 doses from DOH, according to prelim-

inary data from the county health department. About 13 percent of county residents are fully vaccinated and 25 percent have received at least one shot of Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson and Johnson, according to the department. The Johnson and Johnson vaccine only requires one shot to be fully effective. The department reports that 29,298 county residents are fully vaccinated and 56,526 have received their first shot. Whatcom County is ranked 25 out of 39 for having the most number of people vaccinated per 100,000, according to DOH data. Whatcom County’s number is 13,003 per 100,000; Jefferson County is the most vaccinated per 100,000 with 26,470; and Stevens County is the least with 7,568. Statewide, 2,824,937 vaccine doses have been administered. About 13.8 percent of people in Washington are fully vaccinated and 24.1 percent have received one dose. In the past seven days, the state has averaged administering 46,103 vaccines daily, surpassing its goal to vaccinate 45,000 people daily. County health department officials said 15,000 people over the

age of 65 still need to be vaccinated. Washington state has had 334,841 confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic and 21,695 probable cases (probable cases come from an antigen test). In all, 5,186 people in Washington with the virus have died as of March 22 and 20,195 have been hospitalized. The health department will hold its third appointment-only Covid-19 vaccination clinic on Saturday, March 27. People can make an appointment at prepmod.doh.wa.gov but people who don’t have internet access or who need translation can call 360/778-6075. On Wednesday, March 31, people working in restaurants, food service, manufacturing and construction will be eligible for the vaccine, as well as people 60 and over and anyone with two or more comorbidities. Governor Jay Inslee announced the updated vaccine eligibility March 18. For more Whatcom County information, visit whatcomcounty.us/covidvaccine and whatcomcounty.us/coviddata. State information is available at bit. ly/3r2URJj. Vaccine locations can be found at bit.ly/3nZiMqr. For CDC data, visit bit.ly/39Kt4qh.

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The Northern Light • March 25 - 31, 2021

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.

Dancing the night away on the bay

Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com

s The Birch Bay ballroom nears completion on June 7, 1955. Photo by Jack Carver/courtesy Whatcom Museum

Letters

Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Ian Haupt ian@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 40 Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

Next issue: April 1 Ads due: March 26

The Editor: It saddens me to read letters that perpetuate misinformed perspectives. Let’s work together to understand why the 2020 election was not a fraud. If that were true, all candidates down the ballot, Republican or Democrat, were not lawfully elected. Every court dismissed every election fraud case filed. Let’s work together to understand the psychological and economic implications of constantly being exposed to four years of hate-speak, racial slurs, social media misinformation and a dangerous alternative reality. Let’s work together to understand the meaning of white privilege and the luxury of unearned access to social power based on membership in a dominant social group. Let’s work together to understand, according to the five doctors in my family working on the Covid-19 frontlines in the U.S., how the media has actually underplayed the significant dangers of Covid-19. Let’s work together to understand the negative human and environmental effects of the Keystone XL Pipeline and why we

should be investing in environmentally sound energy projects to create jobs. What happens to the petroleum-based jobs when car manufacturers finish converting to electric in the next 10 years? Let’s work together to understand why each political party has passed a stimulus plan focusing on its voter constituency. The Republican/Trump backed CARES Act distributed $140 billion to state and local governments giving the largest per capita benefits to Republican states. The Democrat stimulus focused on urban areas, which tend to be Democrat. These are not failed states as falsely stated over the last four years; these are states with problems that differ vastly from rural states. Let’s work together to understand the complexity of immigration issues that both political parties have failed to properly address over the last 30-plus years. Let’s work together to understand why public health mandates are not freedom restrictions but instead promote respect for our fellow human beings and science. Freedom means responsibility to others. Beth Cassel Blaine

The Editor: I read with interest and appreciation the letter in the March 18-24 edition written by Anne Freeman of Birch Bay and must admit that she has a very appropriate last name. She obviously loves our country. To continue, I must say that I do take exception to the attempted “fact check” by the person or persons who wrote the publisher’s note. In their note they chided Ms. Freeman that she was “not entitled to her own facts.” Well, I must chide the publishers note folks that they are not entitled to their own facts either. The facts are that all the courts including the U.S. Supreme Court did not adjudicate the numerous cases brought forth, they all declared that the litigation had “no standing” which is a legal dodge used to refuse to see a case without determining any aspects of the case. Further research by the publisher’s note people will validate that. The truth is that Biden’s Presidency was jammed (See Letters, next page) Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Civic Meetings Birch Bay Water & Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4:30 p.m., district offices, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info and Zoom meeting link: bbwsd.com.

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., location varies. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. Virtual meeting info: bbbparkandrec.org/board-meetings/

Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info and virtual meeting login: ci.blaine.wa.us.

Blaine Park and Cemetery Board: Second Thursday, 9 a.m., virtual meeting. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.

Blaine Planning Commission: Second and fourth Thursdays, 6 p.m. Info: blainepc@cityofblaine.com. Info for joining Zoom meetings: bit.ly/2CiMKnk.

Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info and virtual meeting link: blainesd.org. North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Third Thursday, 1 p.m. Info: nwfrs.net.

March 25 - 31, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

Hornets ... From page 1

public reporting, WSDA public engagement specialist Karla Salp said during a media conference. “The importance of participation from local residents really cannot be overstated,” Salp said. Over 1,200 Washington residents hung homemade hornet traps made of orange juice and rice wine vinegar last year. When trapping begins again in July, WSDA will give citizen scientists the choice of using the orange juice mixture or a 1:1 ratio of brown sugar and water that entomologists said works just as well and is less expensive. The brown sugar lure will only need to be turned in once every two weeks, instead of weekly like the orange juice mixture, Spichiger said. WSDA will start with 1,500 traps, one trap for every square kilometer grid, but will put up more traps if there are more detections. The agency will con-

Letters ... From previous page

through regardless of the legality of the process. Everyone ran out of time. I must say that history will probably write about the amazing similarity of this election and the elections of many third world countries, and how it all came about. Or they may not because the U.S. will have become one of those “third world countries.” What a shame. Paul McFadden Blaine (Publisher’s Note: Standing, or locus standi, is enshrined in Article III of the U.S. Constitution which establishes the judicial branch of the federal government. In order to bring a case to court, a party must show that he or she is sufficiently connected to and harmed by a law or action; in other words, the party must have standing. Without standing, a federal court cannot hear a case. Of the 55 post-election lawsuits brought to court, 14 were dropped by plaintiffs, 30 were dismissed, 2 have ongoing appeals, 2 have ongoing trials and 6 have been ruled against. Many, but not all, of the dismissals were due to lack of standing or jurisdiction.) The Editor: Regarding the railroad crossing at Bell Road, I propose a writein campaign to Warren Buffett, owner of BNSF Railways, asking for his help in solving our life-threatening problem caused by his trains. Explain that we’ve explored many ways to solve the problem, but as a border community, with the Canadian border closed this past year, we do not have the means to remedy this crisis situation. BNSF trains are not restricted from crossing between the U.S. and Canada. Blaine does not have the finances to do what is necessary to save lives at these train crossings. The ambulance coming to transport my husband to the hospital was severely delayed as all traffic was stopped while the train crawled past the inspection checkpoint.

tinue most of its work in north Whatcom County near areas that had detections last year, Spichiger said. Even if no hornets are found this year, WSDA will need to have three consecutive years without detections to declare the area free of the invasive hornet. Paul van Westendorp, provincial apiculturist for B.C., said during the press conference that there have been six sightings in B.C. after the first hornet nest in Canada was destroyed in Nanaimo in September 2019. Van Westendorp, who leads B.C.’s hornet response, said he will focus on trapping in Fraser Valley, from White Rock to Aldergrove. “This is not just a B.C. problem or a Washington problem, this is a collective problem that we try to address,” van Westendorp said. The invasive hornet is thought to have arrived in North America by cargo from its native habitat in Asia. The hornet measures up to 2 BNSF workers assured me years ago that they were moving the checkpoint to avoid the danger at Bell Road. Obviously that did not happen. Fire engines, police and ambulances have all been stopped and severely delayed by these trains. How many people need to die before something is done? The reach Mr. Buffett, email berkshire@berkshirehathaway. com. The company’s general mailing address is 3555 Farnam Street, Omaha, NE 68131. Please address Mr. Buffet personally in the first sentence. I believe the more appeals he receives the stronger our impact. Next is rave for Toastmasters. If you would like to feel more comfortable and confident talking about who you are, what you do or what interests you, Toastmasters is a great way to accomplish that in a very supportive and fun atmosphere. We meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., leaving the rest of the evening for dinner and whatever. The first section of our meeting has impromptu 1-2 minute talks and the second half is for prepared speeches. We have an entertaining mix of personalities, backgrounds, ages and intentions. We are still using zoom for now, so it is very easy to visit and check us out. Call or email Pete for the Zoom link. 360/933-1671, pcorcorran@gmail.com. We would love to see you there. Laura Sullivan Birch Bay The Editor: In response to the various, often negative, letters to the editor over the past months, I was prompted to send a different type of perception. With all the harmful rhetoric and divisiveness in the U.S. today, this passage from an ancient scholar can provide valuable insight: From the cowardice that shrinks from new truth, From the laziness that is content with half-truths, From the arrogance that thinks it knows all truth,

s An Asian giant hornet, pictured above, can grow up to 2 inches and is recognizable by its large, orange head with almond-shaped eyes. Photo courtesy Washington State Department of Agriculture inches and has a large, orange head with almond-shaped eyes. If left uncontrolled, scientists worry the hornets could threaten honeybees with their ability to wipe out an entire hive. WSDA asks for people with suspected sightings of Asian giant hornets, dead or alive, to submit a report forum to bit.ly/3cYpOId, email hornets@agr.wa.gov or call O God of Truth, deliver us. Carol Park Blaine The Editor: Donald Trump ravaged our country and took advantage of all it had to offer. He devoured our treasury coffers as fast as a bucket of chicken, then wiped his greasy hands with the Constitution and his mouth with our flag. Aided and abetted by the majority Senate and screaming crowds of fringe lunatics, Trump threw out, along with all of the chicken buckets and bones, our democracy and the dignity of the office he swore to uphold. Now those who continue to worship Trump want President Biden to undo the damage overnight and they have “flip flopped” on all the issues they stood for under Trump. They are now taking the high ground and are blaming the Democrats and liberals for the wrongdoings of Trump and the Republican party. How do the Republicans and fervent Trump followers expect Biden to undo the damage overnight? Remember Covid-19 and January 6; Trump was president then. It takes minutes to bomb a country, and years to rebuild. A Stanford University study done in 1979 showed it is easier

800/443-6684. When reporting a hornet sighting, WSDA asks for people to include their name, contact information, location and date of the sighting, direction the hornet was seen flying away, and a photograph of the hornet. If there is no photograph, WSDA asks for a description of the hornet.

to con a person that it is to convince them that they have been conned. No one works this better than Trump and his Republican Cohorts. No one works this better than Trump and his Republican cohorts. Linda Peterson Blaine The Editor: I travel over to Blaine often; this time, not only to enjoy the harbor but to acknowledge in your surrounding area some distinguished businesses that choose to fly our nation’s American flag daily. Our Custer post 9474 would hope that your paper might choose to support the nation’s flag which symbolizes their ser(See Letters, page 16)

CITY OF BLAINE Due to COVID-19 and the Governor’s Proclamation, meetings are now only open to the public telephonically. Information on how to listen to the meeting live will be on the City Council agenda which is located on the City’s website homepage under Your Government, City Council, City Council Agenda. Please check the agenda prior to each meeting as the call in number or location may change.

Thursday, March 25 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting Study Session: Amend Central Business District standards to eliminate a Conditional Use Permit process for use of public plazas.

Thursday, April 8 9:00am – Park and Cemetery Board Meeting 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting

Monday, April 12 4:30pm – Special City Council Meeting: Closed Record Hearing – Community Assistance Program CUP Appeal 6:00pm – City Council Meeting All City offices are currently closed to the public. Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website. Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.

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The Northern Light • March 25 - 31, 2021

Blaine Library bids farewell to Macheras after 32 years of helping readers By Grace McCarthy After 32 years at the Blaine library, Patty Macheras is retiring from a devoted career as a public service assistant that allowed her to share her love for storytelling with the community. “It helped to know a little about a lot of stuff, rather than to know a lot about a little,” she said. “We’re sort of detectives and mystery solvers. Whether it’s looking for stuff people need, or looking for a book that’s misplaced, there’s always a challenge.” Macheras first joined the library in 1989, two years after moving to Blaine to be closer to family in B.C. She joined the new library at 610 3rd Street only a few months following the library’s move from its spot in the police department, which Macheras describes as smaller than the current children’s section. On an average day, Macheras organizes curbside bags, answers patrons’ questions and helps people navigate information online. But of all of Macheras’ roles, she says she favors working with youth the most. From hosting Halloween library parties to be-

ing there when the last school bell rings, Macheras said she’s worked to entertain Blaine youth. “I can still remember that age 14,” she said. “I still remember how it felt, so I get it.” Macheras said she enjoys seeing youth return to the library as adults, with one teenage girl standing out in particular. Macheras overheard the girl bragging about going to juvenile detention and approached the girl to ask why she thought going to jail was cool. Years later, the girl visited Macheras after applying for a professional job. “I’ve had people return many times over the years,” Macheras said. “Or you see them come back, and they’re kids you knew when they were little, and now they’re bringing their kids.” Blaine Library branch manager Debby Farmer first met Macheras when Farmer first moved to Blaine. She was looking for a home and Macheras, who also has a real estate license, offered to be Farmer’s agent. Little did they know, Farmer would work with Marcheras when Farmer started at the library in 2003. “She really was invested in this place. It was a part of her and she

s Patty Macheras is retiring from the Blaine Library after 32 years of working as public service assistant. Photo by Grace McCarthy

was a part of it,” Farmer said. “She has such a desire to help people with whatever they need help with. It was her mission to find the correct information for someone and she would research something to death. She was so thorough because she cared about getting the correct information to folks.”

Macheras said she decided to retire now, in part, because the pandemic provided the right timing but saying goodbye to the children and regular patrons has been the hardest part. In retirement, she hopes to play tennis in Semiahmoo, sell more real estate and visit four grandchildren in Tacoma.

Her last day is Wednesday, March 31. “It’s in her DNA to find the right read for someone and she really takes pride in that,” Farmer said. “She loves to have conversations. She’s been great for the library and she’s been great for the community. She’s really touched a lot of lives.”

Blaine City Council approves commission for downtown murals By Grace McCarthy Downtown Blaine will soon have more artwork adorning building walls after Blaine City Council voted 7-0 to create a commission bringing three murals to the city. The ad-hoc arts commission, approved in a resolution during the March 22 council meeting, will serve as council’s advisory

board for selecting artists. Each artist will propose at least three murals. The three murals with the most votes are expected to be installed before May 2022, according to the project’s timeline. The murals will be installed to promote Blaine by the Sea, the city’s marketing program that highlights its maritime history. Mural examples outlined in city documents include artwork of

the Alaska Packers Association, beaches, First Nations’ history, historic local industries, old downtown, the U.S./Canada border, music and maritime-related art. According to the project timeline, the commission could have its first meeting as soon as early May. The public would likely vote on mural ideas in November through an online survey and

Member of the Month Pacific Building Center True Value 2677 Bell Road Blaine, WA 98230 360-332-5335 www.pacificbuilding.com Number of employees: 21 How long in business: Since 1997. Description of the business: Hardware store, lumberyard, garden center, and equipment and party rentals. How the business started: The Christianson family purchased the business in January of 1997. They expanded to their current location in 2000. Future goals: To continue to serve the community that has supported us each and every day over the past 24 years. We appreciate all who come through our doors and we look forward to what the future holds. Featured businesses are selected randomly from the Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce membership.

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murals would be installed between March and May 2022. In the city council meeting, Blaine community development services director Stacie Pratschner said she’d look into making a survey option for those without internet after councilmember Charlie Hawkins raised concern about an internet-only survey. Previously, at the January 25 city council meeting, councilmembers asked the Community Development Services Department to establish a mural commission. The Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee (BTAC) recommended in its March 9 meeting that council approve the resolution establishing the commission. Murals for the city were recom-

mended in 2001 from the Blaine Tourism Marketing and Development Plan. The city of Blaine’s 2021-22 budget reserved $15,000 of lodging tax funds for the murals and city manager Michael Jones authorized an additional $15,000 of 2021-22 economic development funding to help establish the program, according to the resolution. The commission will have five to nine members who have art backgrounds and serve one-year terms. Members will be appointed by Jones and voted on by council, according to the resolution. A commission chair and vice chair will be elected during the commission’s first meeting.

Homeowner finds mysterious meat in outdoor dog kennel By Ian Haupt The Blaine police department will increase patrol around south Blaine after a homeowner reported last week someone had thrown a frozen piece of meat into an outdoor dog kennel on their property. On March 15 at 1:45 p.m., a Blaine police officer was sent to the 1100 block of 4th Street where a homeowner reported finding a frozen piece of raw pork in an outside dog kennel, spokesperson Tami Bhachu said in an email to The Northern Light. According to Bhachu, the dog kennel is not near the road, and a person would have to walk on the property to “toss” meat into the kennel.

The homeowner said they saw fresh footprints in the dirt around the kennel. They believed the incident must have occurred no more than 30 minutes before calling 911. The dog was caught carrying the meat around in its mouth but did not eat any of the meat. The homeowner was concerned there might be poison in the meat. The homeowner told police that they had no problems with any of their neighbors and some were already told about what happened. The homeowner said they plan to put up a game camera to capture future incidents. The homeowner also requested extra patrol, which will be given as possible. Police did not have any suspects as of March 22.

March 25 - 31, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

Sports Spring sports season competition begins next week, baseball delayed a week By Ian Haupt Practice began this week for all Blaine spring sports, except for baseball, in the upcoming second season of high school athletics. Due to a positive Covid-19 case ending the football team’s season early and many players also playing on the baseball team, the athletic department decided to post-

pone the team’s season a week to allow for those players to quarantine the necessary 14 days. “Baseball had a lot of overlap with the football team so we delayed their season a week,” athletic director Sean Linville said. The second season of high school sports will consist of baseball, boys soccer, softball, girls tennis, golf and track and field.

Recap of the fall sports season

High-risk winter sports like basketball and wrestling will be postponed until the third season. Baseball will start competition after the Borderites return from spring break on Monday, April 5. The first home game is 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 6 at Pipeline Field against Squalicum. Boys soccer kicks off its season

at Lynden on Tuesday, March 30. The first home game of the season is 7 p.m. Thursday, April 1 against Bellingham. Softball will start competition at Ferndale on Monday, March 29. The Borderites host its first home game at Pipeline Field against Ferndale at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 31.Girls tennis starts

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its season in Skagit Valley against Burlington-Edison on Monday, March 29. The first home match is Wednesday, March 31 against Sedro-Woolley starting at 4 p.m. Track and field hosts Ferndale in its season opener Thursday, April 1. Linville said a golf season schedule will be out soon.

COVID-19 vaccination gives us a chance for health, healing, and recovery.

Check your eligibility: FindYourPhaseWA.org

Find a vaccine provider with the Vaccine Locator: CovidVaccineWA.org s Junior Briseyda Nolasco, 11, in the Borderites’ scoreless draw at home to Bellingham on February 27.

Make an appointment: Schedule with your healthcare provider or a Vaccine Locator provider. Or call the COVID-19 hotline at: 1-800-525-0127 or 1-888-856-5816 for assistance.

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s Junior Aiden Vezzetti, 17, makes a leaping catch in the Borderites’ first win of the season against Nooksack Valley on March 11.

s Senior Myrthe Scheepens, 10, in the Borderites’ three-set loss at home to Meridian on February 27. Photos by Janell Kortlever

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The Northern Light • March 25 - 31, 2021

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Road Rules: The secret of back-in parking Q: In a parking lot, I observed another driver stop and then back into a parking space. The driver behind him shook his fist because he had to wait. One organization for which I’m a volunteer driver recommends backing in because they say it’s safer to pull out of a space rather than backing out. What are your thoughts about heading in versus backing into a parking space? A: Let’s start by acknowledging that backing up isn’t natural. For thousands of years we’ve walked forward. If we want to change directions we don’t walk backwards; we turn around. About the only time we walk backwards is when we get the bad end of the deal moving a couch. But in cars, we’re stuck with the design restraints and sometimes we have to back up. It’s less than ideal. Visibility is poor and, unless you’ve practiced a lot, maneuverability is, well, you’ve probably seen someone make nine consecutive attempts at parallel parking. Backing up causes more than its share of crashes, too. Many backing up crashes involve only minor damage to other vehicles, but backing up is bad for humans. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration es-

timates that 292 pedestrians and cyclists are killed and 18,000 injured each year from back-over crashes. When we’re talking about backing into or out of a parking spot (in lots where you have the option), it’s not a debate of safe versus unsafe. Backing up inherently has increased risk. We’re debating which way is less dangerous. In my own study with a sample size of one parking lot, 65 of 72 cars parked nose first. Remember when your mom asked, “If all your friends jumped off a cliff, would you do it too?” Yeah, when it comes to parking, we probably would. The experts (driving instructors, fleet managers, AAA, the International Parking Institute, parking lot architects) say that if you have the option, backing in is better. Here’s why: When we back in, we drive past the parking spot first, giving an opportunity to make sure it’s clear. At that point it’s unlikely that someone will walk into your parking spot. And when it’s time to pull out, we have much better visibility to spot cars and people moving through the parking lot. Backup cameras are helpful if you have them, but they’re not perfect at identifying pedestrians, so you can’t depend on them to

r e t s a E

spot a person when you’re backing out. Yes, backing into a parking spot is trickier than backing out. You’re fitting your car into a ninefoot wide gap when backing in. It takes practice. If you’re new to backing into parking, don’t make your first attempt on a Saturday afternoon in the closest parking spot to the Costco entrance. Backing in is safer than backing out, but sometimes there’s a better option. If you can find two parking spots head to head, pull through the first one and park in the second. Then you’re set up to pull forward out of the parking stall without having to back up. Alternatively, you can reduce your risk by parking farther away from the entrance to the store; that’s where all the pedestrians and vehicles get congested. A great way to avoid a collision is to not be close to people and things you could hit. Whichever way you choose to park, your best tool for safety is paying attention to your surroundings. And to the drivers shaking their fists at the back-in parkers, yes waiting is annoying. Maybe find a kinder way to deal with it. It’s a parking lot reality. Doug Dahl is a manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.

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Neither do we.

(360) 332-6906 885 4th St. • Blaine, WA Pastor Sandy Wisecarver

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Come celebrate the new life that Jesus has given us! Worship Service: 10 am, Face coverings and social distancing required D St D St Children 4 and up will have a special children’s message within the main celebration! 5th St

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(360) 332-8610 There’s plenty of room and no need to sign up, we hope to see you there! northwoodchapel.o 580 C Street • Blaine northwoodchapel.org Search: northwoodc 360-332-8610 • northwoodchapel.org Livestream northwoodchapel “Northwood Chapel” @churchblaine Search: @churchblaine

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s Local children participating in the outdoor birding adventures for kids activity at the 19th annual Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival. Photo by Donna Raimey

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Palm Sunday: Liturgy with the Reading of the Passion • 10 am (36 Morning Prayer: Monday through Friday of Holy Week • 8:30 am D St Maundy Thursday: Reading and Reflection • 6 pm northwoodchapel.o Good Friday: Walk the Labyrinth Stations of the Cross • 9 am-5 pm (360) 332-8610 (In the church yard. Please wear a mask & observe social distancing) Search: northwoodc Holy Saturday: Liturgy • 10 am @churchblaine Easter Sunday: Festival Liturgy • 10 am northwoodchapel.org 5th St

Search: northwoodchapel @churchblaine

Christ Episcopal Church, 382 Boblett St., Blaine • The Rev. Susan Mills, Vicar

s The Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 activity had four stations for children to visit, including Blaine Marine Park. Photo by Donna Raimey

The Northern Light • March 25 - 31, 2021

Start of pandemic employment recovery shown in insurance claims By Ian Haupt

s Bicycles are a common form of transportation in the mostly rural country of Rwanda. Photos courtesy of Terry Mahoney

Donated bicycles to go to children in Rwanda By Ian Haupt That forgotten bike on the side of the house or in the back of the garage you haven’t ridden in years now has a home. From Thursday, April 1 to Monday, April 5, the Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club will be accepting bicycle donations in the club parking lot that will be given to kids in Rwanda, a country in East Africa. Right now, there is a 40-footlong shipping container in Surrey, B.C. that has about 250 bicycles neatly packed into it. When it reaches 500 bicycles, Washington state coordinator Terry Mahoney said the container will be sent to Kigali, Rwanda, where the bikes will be reassembled and given to local children. The shipping container will then be converted into

a sustainable bike shop, creating local employment and a place for the community to go for maintenance, he said. “There’s hundreds of people that have bicycles that they don’t know what to do with and this is a perfect opportunity to make some real use out of them,” Mahoney said. The program was modeled after Bicycles for Humanity, which is a global organization that has donated over 325,000 bikes to people in various countries in Africa. This specific branch and container that will be shipped to Kigali was motivated by Rwandan efforts around children like the Rwanda Bookmobile, which spreads love of reading through storytelling and providing one book to each child, Mahoney

said. The 450 to 500 bikes donated will be repaired and shipped over to Kigali along with parts, tools and setup for the bike shop. Mahoney said the total project costs around $20,000. According to information Mahoney provided, bicycles allow people who primarily walk to travel twice as far, twice as fast and carry four times the load. Bikes can be dropped off near the bag drop area at the club and employees will place the bicycles in a trailer, which Blaine trucking company Kam-Way Transportation will provide. Kam-Way will transport the bikes to the shipping container in Surrey. For more information or to donate to the project, email Mahoney at glassmt@yahoo.com.

Claims for unemployment insurance in Whatcom County hit a pandemic low in the week of March 7 to March 13. With claims steadily decreasing since the New Year, the county has notched its lowest number of claims filed since before the pandemic. According to data released by Washington’s Employment Security Department (ESD), 332 initial claims for unemployment insurance were filed between March 7 and March 13 with previous two weeks being the next lowest. The fourth lowest recorded week since the state went into lockdown was 380 claims filed in the week of October 25, 2020, to October 31, 2020. The same can be said statewide, where the last three weeks have seen the lowest number of initial claims filed since this time last year before the pandemic, the next closest coming in October as well. From March 7 to March 13, 11,699 claims were filed statewide with the ESD, while 14,198 – higher than the total filed in each of the last five weeks – were filed from October 18, 2020, to October 24, 2020. Throughout the pandemic, the ESD has seen a correlation be-

tween restrictions and the number of claims filed. Claims hit record numbers in Washington when the state went into lockdown a year ago, with one week in March 2020 totaling over 180,000 claims. From there, claims slowly decreased into the summer, but always remained at least twice the number filed in the corresponding weeks of the prior year. In the fall, claims increased following governor Inslee’s announcement of tighter restrictions, but with the move into Phase 2 of the new reopening plan, claims have fall again. With the move into Phase 3 and expected seasonal spring hiring, ESD regional labor economist Anneliese Vance-Sherman said she expects to see unemployment claims continue to trend down into April. However, she warned to expect an increase in claims filed if infection rates start to rise and restrictions are reinforced. When compared with the corresponding week in 2020, the number of claims filed statewide in the most recently recorded week was actually less. This is also the week when rumors started to spread that Inslee was pre(See Claims, page 16)

New pastor Todd Gallahar joins Northwood Chapel By Grace McCarthy

lege and master’s degree at Cornerstone University. Gallahar has been married to his wife, Amanda, for 24 years and has two sons, Zach, 21, and Logan, 18. The family all play instruments, and Gallahar and his wife record albums in their free time with unique instruments like the hammered dulcimer and banjo. When he’s not at church or making music, Gallahar said he likes to spend his time outdoors kayaking and hiking. Gallahar also has a strong background in helping people through recovery, and is involved in Celebrate Recovery, an international organization he describes

as a faith-based AA but for people with a variety of struggles. “There’s a lot of potential for people to experience healing where they need healing, especially with hardships that people are coming out of from Covid,” he said. “I think Northwood is positioned to be very helpful with the community.” Northwood Chapel is located at 580 C Street. The church is currently conducting both in-person and remote church services at 10 a.m. on its YouTube channel. The church also hosts a 7 p.m. Wednesday prayer on Zoom. For more information, visit northwoodchapel.org.

s Todd Gallahar.

Courtesy photo

Brandon Sawaya I Soulcraft Allstars

Northwood Chapel, formerly known as Northwood Alliance Church, recently hired pastor Todd Gallahar to bring new changes to the C Street church. “They’re looking for someone to freshen things up and reach the community and family ministries,” he said. “It excited me that they wanted revitalization.” New changes will include improving the quality of the church’s online presence, creating a treehouse theme upstairs for children and bringing new music to the church, Gallahar said. Ken Crandall served as the

church’s interim pastor after Charles Gibson retired from 25 years of serving as pastor last winter. Gallahar’s path as pastor began 15 years ago as an assistant pastor at Kalamazoo Community Church in Michigan. He later moved to Pitt Meadows, B.C. in 2014 to become the teaching pastor at Burnett Fellowship Church before being hired at Northwood. Gallahar said he was looking for a pastor position in Whatcom County so he could be close to family in Anacortes but still maintain friendships in B.C. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music from Grace Bible Col-

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We Cancel Timeshares for You Many people believe their timeshares cannot be canceled, but they often can be. Our founder and CEO, Chuck McDowell, has successfully fought in federal court for the right to help timeshare owners — like you — out of their “binding” agreements. Whether you were misled or pressured, you may have an easy exit.

How Does the Cancellation Process Work? • Start with a FREE consultation to discuss your needs. • If we see that the circumstances of your agreement qualify you to exit the timeshare, you’ll be assigned a specialist to walk you through gathering documentation. • Our Resolution Department then works quickly to have your timeshare and related fees permanently terminated.

BARRY L.MATT WIENS WIENS

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ERICK WIENS AUTO GLASS phone: (360) 332-6300

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Louis Auto Glass

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Cleaning

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Electric

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Legal

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FOR SALE

We are able to help most timeshare owners that contact us. You could be one phone call away from complete peace of mind.

Kitchens & Baths • Custom & Spec Homes Decks, Garages & Additions

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EliteLandscapeExcavation.com *ELITELM817BB 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.

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Plumbing

Find it in the Classifieds!

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM, IN RE THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM WAYNE STUURMANS PROBATE NO: 21-4-00149-37 JUDGE: DAVID E. FREEMAN. The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the Clerk of this Court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice (twenty-four (24) months if notice is not published). If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of first publication: 3/11/2021. Personal Representative: Harry Stuurmans. Attorney for the Estate: Keith Bode, WSBA #7791 314 5th Street, P.O. box 688, Lynden, WA 98264-0688, Tel. (360) 354-5021

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.

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Frederick E. Willits, Deceased. NO. 21-4-00166-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030). JUDGE: Lee P. Grochmal. The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: March 18, 2021 Personal Representative: Marjorie Willits 3925 40th Street Bellingham, WA 98229 Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 21-4-00166-37

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Mardel Larson, Deceased. NO. 21-400165-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030). JUDGE: Robert E. Olson. The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: March 18, 2021 Personal Representative: Iris Kingston PO Box 127 Bellingham, WA 98227 Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 21-4-00165-37

Find it in the Classifieds!

The Northern Light • March 25 - 31, 2021

Legal IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: JAY JON LUND, Deceased. No. 21-4-0018037. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Evan Jones. SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 AND 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: March 15, 2021 with Clerk of Court Date of First Publication: March 18, 2021 Name of Administrator: CINDY MAXWELL Attorney for Administrators: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262 Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com DATED: March 15, 2021 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator CINDY MAXWELL www.averyelderlaw.com

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: MICHAEL CLAIR CHRISTOPHER, Deceased. No. 21-4-00153-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Robert E. Olson SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1 The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 AND 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: March 10, 2021 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: March 18, 2021 Name of Administrator: JULIANNA LYON Attorney for Administrators: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262 Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com DATED: March 10, 2021 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator: JULIANNA LYON www.averyelderlaw.com

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: BETSY SCHULZ (AKA FRIEDA) WEAVER, Deceased. No. 20-4-00579-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge The Personal Representative named below has been appointed and has qualified as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: March 1, 2021 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: March 18, 2021 Name of Personal Representative: STEVEN DALE WEAVER Attorney for Personal Representatives: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262 Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com DATED: March 1, 2021. AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Personal Representative: STEVEN DALE WEAVER

Real Estate

Bay Properties Semiahmoo homeS, inc.

NW LUXURY REAL ESTATE AT A HIGHER LEVEL

240 Vancouver Street, Sumas $338,000 LOCATED ON A QUIET STREET!

This well maintained 3 BD, 2 BA 1134 SF home features an open floor plan, a nice bright NOW SOLD! kitchen, a high efficiency heating system with air conditioning and laminate flooring throughout. Located on a quiet street with a beautiful partially fenced backyard overlooking the creek! Close to schools and restaurants!

7806 Birch Bay Drive #302, Jacob’s Landing $278,900 DESIRABLE UPPER END UNIT AT JACOB’S LANDING!

This 900 SF 2 BD, 1.5 BA unit is nestled 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!

Ruth Skeete • (360) 358-5075

8739 Oertel Drive, Birch Point $2,150,000

TOES IN THE SAND!

LOW BANK BEACHFRONT!

Rare, no bank waterfront facing west NEW LISTING for sunsets over the BIRCH BAY BEACHFRONT! bay! Just steps from the beach where you can launch your kayak, beachcomb, drop a crab pot or go for a swim! This 1689 SF 3 BD, 3.25 BA is a 2 story half duplex unit in the Haven Condominium complex. Bring your beach buckets and enjoy this most amazing location that is within walking distance to restaurants and all that Birch Bay has to offer!

BEACH HOUSE ON SEMIAHMOO BAY!

with 125’ of easy & direct beach access! 180 degree westerly views of sunsets, the San Juan & Gulf islands, the north shore mountains & White Rock, B.C.. Crab, fish & kayak off your own private beach! Ageless & tasteful décor & finishes in this 2,532 SF +/- 3 BD, 2.5 BA home. Gas artisan fireplace insert, 2 car garage, paver driveway & walks, rock wall &auto sprinkler system on this 3/4 acres of beautiful mature landscaping. Master with jetted tub, gourmet style kitchen with granite, SS GE/Monogram/Bosch appliances! 3+ acres of beach/deeded tidelands.

Terry Conway • (360) 410-0503

XXXX East Smith Road $199,000

TOES IN THE SAND! LISTED & PENDED Rare opportunity for 60 ft. of IN 1 DAY! waterfront in Birch Bay Village. Unbelievable views of Mt. Baker, Twin Sisters & Birch Bay from every angle. Step right out to beach for endless days of enjoyment. Main floor of this 2582 SF home offers 3 BD & 3 BA with great open living for entertaining. Loft space has 2 “flex” rooms, perfect for office, gym, media & more. Complete re-build in 2012 so just bring your bags & relax. Chef’s kitchen, dry bar, hot tub & trex decking on the patio. Added features include invisible fence, irrigation, extra deep garage for storage. Highly desirable community with private marina, beaches, parks, golf, pool, tennis and gated security!

20+ acres on Kickerville Road • $179,000 2040 Ponderosa Ct, Bellingham,

3 bedrooms, 2 baths $419,000

SOL

Call Hugh : 360.371.5800 Your Local Expert For All Real Estate, Residential Or Commercial Services!

www.CallHugh.com

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!

3.13 ACRES READY FOR YOUR DREAM HOME!

Build your dream home on this 3.13 acre parcel! Property already has a 3 bedroom Glendon Biofilter septic system installed, an existing “groomed” road, a power vault close to the property plus a brand new steel bridge installed over a nice stream flowing to Anderson Creek! This is a great property that is just minutes from Bellingham!

Heather Taylor • (425) 785-5771

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: WILLIAM A. CASSIDY, Deceased. No. 21-4-00179-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Lee Grochmal. SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1 The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 AND 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: March 15, 2021 Date of First Publication: March 18, 2021 Name of Administrator: MICHAEL PATRICK CASSIDY Attorney for Administrators: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262 Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com DATED: March 15, 2021 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator MICHAEL PATRICK CASSIDY www.averyelderlaw.com

Thinking of

Listing your property? Call Lisa for a

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Lisa Sprague Owner/Agent

Carl W. R. Dufton • (360) 815-6637

5455 Tsawwassen Loop $1,325,000

Semiahmoo Marina Boat slips: C-33, 40’ Slip for $46,500 D! C-24, 44’ Slip for $52,500 SOL I-16, 44’ Slip for $53,500

Hugh Brawford, Managing Broker

8045 BIRCH BAY DRIVE, BLAINE, WA 360-371-7252 BAYPROPERTIESNW.COM

7605 Birch Bay Drive #B, Birch Bay $750,000

CeCelia Breivik • (360) 303-8161

LIVE THE BEACH LIFE!

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Wesley Bernard Blow, Deceased. NO. 21-4-00211-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030). JUDGE: David E. Freeman The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: March 25, 2021 Personal Representative: Elizabeth Blow PO Box 274, Everson, WA 98247 Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 21-4-00211-37

Julie Ward • (760) 522-2564

STI I L W E

360-961-0838 Rentals - Rooms SEEKING ROOM TO RENT Lifetime Blaine resident gentleman, non-smoker, seeking room to rent. Meal preparation not needed. References available. Call 360527-6724.

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR WHATCOM COUNTY Estate of JERRY H. TEGARDEN, Deceased. NO. 21-4-00150-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030). PLEASE TAKE NOTICE The above Court has appointed me as Personal Representative of Decedent’s estate. Any person having a claim against the Decedent must present the claim: (a) Before the time when the claim would be barred by any applicable statute of limitations, and (b) In the manner provided in RCW 11.40.070: (i) By filing the original of the claim with the foregoing Court, and (ii) By serving on or mailing to me at the address below a copy of the claim. The claim must be presented by the later of: (a) Thirty (30} days after I served or mailed this Notice as provided in RCW 11.40.020(1)(c), or (b) Four (4) months after the date of first publication of this Notice. Ifthe claim is not presented within this time period, the claim will be forever barred except as provided in RCW 11.40. 0 51 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective for claims against both the Decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication of this Notice: March 25, 2021 Personal Representative: Jeffery F. Daffron 2821 Martin St. Bellingham, WA 98226 Probate Notice to Creditors RCW 11.40.030

Public Notices Blaine Fortune Holding, LLC, Ivan Kovtun, is seeking coverage under the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Construction Stormwater NPDES and State Waste Discharge General Permit. The proposed project, 1149 Boblett Court, is located at 1149 Boblett St in Blaine in Whatcom county. This project involves 3.56 acres of soil disturbance for Commercial, Utilities, Other (Parking Lot) construction activities. The receiving waterbody is Gateway Pond. Any persons desiring to present their views to the Washington State Department of Ecology regarding this Application, or interested in Ecology’s action on this Application, may notify Ecology in writing no later than 30 days of the last date of publication of this notice. Ecology reviews public comments and considers whether discharges from this project would cause a measurable change in receiving water quality, and, if so, whether the project is necessary and in the overriding public interest according to Tier II anti-degradation requirements under WAC 173-201A-320. Comments can be submitted to: ecyrewqianoi@ecy.wa.gov, or Department of Ecology Attn: Water Quality Program, Construction Stormwater P.O. Box 47696, Olympia, WA 98504-7696

Rentals - Commercial

NELSON BUILDING 925 Ludwick Ave., Blaine

LEASE SPACES FOR:

Warehousing-Distribution Manufacturing or Retail Vehicle Storage Yards Near Truck Route & Shopping Mall Email or Call Don Nelson For Availability & Rates

360-305-0286

Email nelsbldg@msn.com

5550 Salish Road Birch Bay Village $839,000

Rentals - Residential

MLS # 1732008

LIKE NEW! Built in 2005, but if you went in the home today you would think it was just completed. 3258

square feet mostly turn-key home. Every room in the home is spacious. 3 bedroom, 2 full baths, dining room, great room, family room, nook, sauna, granite counter tops throughout, Cedar siding, covered patio & deck, infloor radiant heat including the 3 car garage. Enjoy amenities; 24/7 security, private marina and more! Location, Location!

360.815.6638

briansouthwick@gmail.com

see more pictures at www.briansouthwick.com

FOR RENT Brand New Construction in Blaine 4BR, 2.5BA, 1600 s.f., duplex. 616 E. St. $2,400/mo. Call Linda 360-808-3838

March 25 - 31, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

Olympia highlights: How did your 42nd district representatives vote? How are your 42nd district representatives voting in Olympia? WashingtonVotes.org is a Washington Policy Center initiative that shows votes from state lawmakers during the legislative session. The week ending on March 19: House Bill 1477, Implementing the national 988 system to enhance and expand behavioral health crisis response and suicide prevention services. Passed the House on March 17, 2021 by a vote of 78-18, two members excused. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) – Yes Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) – Yes The week ending on March 12: Senate Bill 5096, Concerning an excise tax on gains from the sale or exchange of certain capital assets. Passed the Senate on March 6, 2021 by a vote of 25-24. Doug Ericksen (R-Ferndale) – No House Bill 1236, Limiting the reasons for eviction, refusal to continue, and termination a tenant’s lease by a landlord. Passed the House on March 7, 2021 by a vote of 54-44. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) – No Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) – Yes Senate Bill 5237, Expanding accessible, affordable child care and early childhood development programs. Passed the Senate on March 6, 2021 by a vote of 28-21.

Doug Ericksen (R-Ferndale) – No House Bill 1213, Expanding accessible, affordable child care and early childhood development programs. Passed the House on March 9, 2021 by a vote of 58-38, two members excused. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) – Yes Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) – Yes House Bill 1310, Concerning permissible uses of force by law enforcement and correctional officers. Passed the House on March 6, 2021 by a vote of 55-42, one member excused. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) – No Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) – Yes The week ending on March 5: House Bill 1091, Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the carbon intensity of transportation fuel. Passed the House on February 27, 2021 by a vote of 52-46. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) – No Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) – No House Bill 1054, Establishing requirements for tactics and equipment used by peace officers. Passed the House on February 27, 2021 by a vote of 54-43, one member excused. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) – No Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) – No Senate Bill 5066, Concerning a peace officer’s duty to intervene.

Passed the Senate on February 23, 2021 by a vote of 28-21. Doug Ericksen (R-Ferndale) – No House Bill 1141, Increasing access to the death with dignity act. Passed the House on February 25, 2021 by a vote of 60-37, one member excused. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) – Yes Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) – Yes The week ending on February 26: House Bill 1068, Exempting election security information from public records disclosure. Passed the House on February 24, 2021 by a vote of 61-37. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) – No Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) – Yes House Bill 1009, Concerning student health plans. Passed the House on February 23, 2021 by a vote of 57-40, one member excused. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) – Yes Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) – Yes Senate Bill 5038, Prohibiting the open carry of certain weapons at public demonstrations and the state capitol. Passed on February 25, 2021 by a vote of 28-20, one member excused. Doug Ericksen (R-Ferndale) – Excused Senate Bill 5051, Concerning state oversight and accountability of peace officers and correc-

A bill moving through the Washington legislature would allow workers to bring legal action if labor laws are not upheld. House Bill 1076 would allow a person to bring suit as a whistleblower on unfair labor practices. The process, called a qui tam action, allows a private party to sue on behalf of the state. If a settlement is awarded, the whistleblower gets a share of the award and the rest goes to the state. Retaliation against an employee for engaging in a qui tam action would be prohibited. Opponents say the bill could open the door for unnecessary lawsuits against businesses, but Representative Drew Hansen (D-Bainbridge Island), the bill’s primary sponsor, said it allows workers in the state to enforce laws designed to protect them. “But even with these laws ... we still know that workers in the state don’t always get paid all the money that they’re owed, and they don’t always work in environments that are safe and free from discrimination. That’s where this bill comes in,” Hansen said. Hansen said the point of HB 1076 is not meant to give “big ‘gotcha’ fines” to employers. The bill ensures workers get the wages they are entitled to and that their work environment is safe

and free from discrimination, he said. “I think this (bill) will be a very powerful tool,” Hansen said. Senator Mark Schoesler (R-Ritzville) said he is adamantly opposed to HB 1076. Those who testified in support of the bill referred to employers as “evil people,” he said, who did not allow employees to have breaks, among other things. “I think it was very poor form for people to come in and blanketly accuse all employers of some really bad things,” Schoesler said. There are already mechanisms in place for workers – like the state Department of Labor and Industries – if their employers do not treat them properly. HB 1076 “enriches the trial lawyers” and harms employers, Schoesler said. HB 1076 passed the House in a 53-44 vote March 5 and is moving ahead in the Senate. Paúl Quiñonez Figueroa, political director at the Fair Work Center, said many employees have contacted his organization about being made to work off the clock and having to work in unsafe conditions. “We know that these ... concerns have increased since the pandemic began,” he said. Fair Work Center is a non-profit organization based in Seattle that “empowers workers to achieve fair employment,” according to the organization’s website. The organization provides public resources outlining employee rights.

Although the state has been improving its labor standards over the years, many workers still face barriers, Quiñonez Figueroa said. HB 1076 can help by enforcing workers’ rights, he said. Bruce Beckett, a lobbyist for the Washington Retail Association, said HB 1076 might harm small businesses even further. The bill would remind businesses are at risk of facing lawsuits or “frivolous claims,” he said. “[The bill] doesn’t solve any problems,” Beckett said. “It opens the door to new lawsuits, [and] it’ll hinder getting our people back to work.” Shellea Allen, co-president of Pride at Work, said many workers have been fired, demoted or harassed because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Even if there are laws on the books protecting workers, there is “no capacity for enforcement,” Allen said. HB 1076 would give workers, especially those who identify as LGBTQ, another avenue to enforce anti-discrimination laws, she said. Pride at Work is a non-profit, national organization that “represents LGBTQ union members and their allies,” according to the organization’s website. Washington has two chapters; one in Seattle and another in Tacoma. The Washington State Journal is a non-profit news website managed by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation. Learn more at wastatejournal.org.

members excused. Doug Ericksen (R-Ferndale) – Did not vote

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The Northern Light: March 25-March 31, 2021

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