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April 1 - 7, 2021
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Birch Bay Road Race is back, page 5
Hybrid students to return to class with 3-foot rule
Public offices up for election, page 6
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
Women’s trailblazer joins Christ Episcopal, page 10
Berm structure reaches completion, details remain
By Ian Haupt The Blaine school district expects to return all hybrid students to the classroom Monday, April 19, superintendent Christopher Granger announced in a March 29 community Q&A. Following the state Department of Health’s new K-12 guidance that reduces physical distancing between students to 3 feet, the district can increase class size by five to nine students. While the change in guidance helps the district get more students back into the classroom, it does not return class size back to normal. In the webinar, Granger said the 3-foot requirement does not allow the district to double the number of students in the classroom but does allow for all hybrid students to return to the classroom for the rest of the school year. Online students will remain online for the rest of the year, and the four-days-a-week, halfday schedule will not change. Granger and administrators across the state have advocated for months for such a rule change so they can get their schools back to full capacity. Granger said the district is planning to have all students back in the classroom in the fall, and said returning all students looks possible with the rule change, schedule rearrangements, classroom size adjustments and low enrollment. “Our goal for next school year is all students in the building, all day, five days a week,” he said. “We really feel like we can do that safely. We will build our schedules differently to accommodate for the 3 feet of space.” Governor Jay Inslee announced the change March 25 to align with the CDC’s revised guidance to allow at least 3 feet between students in classrooms from the previous 6-foot minimum. The revision only applies to students in the classroom. Six feet of distancing is required everywhere else in the building, and adults – teachers and staff – are to maintain 6 feet of distancing at all times, Granger said. (See 3-foot rule, page 2)
s County public works’ crew dig holes for signs that will remind community members to keep off the plantings along the Birch Bay berm path on March 31. See more on page 6. Photo by Ian Haupt
City and port prioritize Marine Drive remodel By Ian Haupt The city of Blaine and Port of Bellingham are seeking $4 million in transportation funding to reconstruct the westernmost section of Marine Dive that provides access to the Jorgensen Public Pier. The road has been closed to traffic since 2015. City manager Michael Jones said the city is asking for state funding because the unfinished stretch of Marine Drive is a high cost locale and serves as a breakwater for Blaine Harbor Boating Center and the city. “It’s the only thing protecting the city,”
Jones said. The road closure has also compromised access to nearby fish processing industries, with Starfish Inc. being particularly challenged, Jones said. Brian Pritchett, plant manager at Starfish Inc., said the project would dramatically improve their dockside capabilities. The eroding breakwater and road has prevented workers from using Starfish’s main service area and hoist, used to unload fishing vessels. “It would greatly improve truck access as well as safety for pedestrians and vehicle access to the pier,” Pritchett said
about the reconstruction. The project would provide bike, pedestrian and vehicle access to Jorgensen Pier as well. While the city and port have the project budgeted in their priorities, it’s up to the state to grant funding to make the project a go. “It’s all kind of grant funding dependent at this stage,” said Mike Hogan, public affairs administrator for the Port of Bellingham. “We, the port, are looking for money. The city of Blaine is looking for money.” Hogan said neither the port nor city have enough money budgeted to complete the
East Blaine sewer system in need of serious updates By Grace McCarthy Blaine City Council unanimously voted during the March 22 council meeting to authorize city manager Michael Jones to approve a contract between public works and engineering firm David Evans and Associates, Inc. to address sewer infrastructure problems in east Blaine. Concern over dilapidated east Blaine sewer lines was first brought to council’s attention during a March 8 study session when public works staff informed council
that sewage had leaked into the streets just west and southwest of the Blaine school district campus last summer. This highlights an extensive infrastructure update that has been recommended since the mid2000s and was supposed to be completed by 2009, public works staff said. “Essentially none of the improvements recommended in 2005 have been made in the sewer system,” said Rodney Langer, who works with David Evans and Associates, Inc., during the study session. “We need to understand the low-hanging fruit
to get ahead of this issue as quickly as possible.” City public works director Bernie Ziemianek said the department hopes to have engineering completed and designs ready by September, and will update council on estimated costs throughout the summer. Ziemianek said during the March 22 meeting that the contract will not exceed $530,000. The study, first done in 2004 and then (See Sewer, page 16)
INSIDE
(See Marine, page 3)
Coming Up . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14
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The Northern Light • April 1 - 7, 2021
3-foot rule ... From page 1
The definition of a close contact – being within 6 feet for 15 or more minutes in a 24-hour period – has not changed. Granger said if a positive case is detected
in the school, families should expect more students will be asked to quarantine due to the close proximity. If local transmission rates increase and Whatcom County falls back into Phase 2, the 6-foot rule will be reestablished, Granger
said. Although the state’s 3-foot rule change went into effect immediately, Granger said the district had to work with local labor groups to make sure the environment was safe for teachers. Hybrid students returning April
19 allows for all staff members receiving their second dose this week to be fully vaccinated. Granger said the school schedule will remain the same. The only change is A and B week students will combine and be in class together every week.
In the Q&A, Granger encouraged participation in the upcoming family survey in May that will provide an opportunity for feedback from families who wish to keep their students in online-learning next year. Participation will help administrators plan for next year, he said. Students will default to in-person learning next year if they do not request otherwise. “We’re really hoping the majority of students and families will choose to return to the in-building learning model,” Granger said. Granger also encouraged those who can to drive their children to school or have those who can drive themselves as transporting students remains a challenge. The district is also looking for bus drivers. More information can be found on the district website at blainesd. org/article/428633.
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April 1 - 7, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
3
Marine ... From page 1
project without aid from the state. This puts a timeframe for construction and completion up in the air since plans cannot be made until transportation funds are granted. On top of funding, Jones and Hogan mentioned the permitting process for a project of this magnitude can be extensive, especially with construction taking place on the waterfront. The proposed project includes a truck-compatible roadway to serve the industrial shipyard, according to the city’s 2021 legislative priorities. A single vehicle lane, bike and pedestrian lane, and a bulkhead will continue for the final 300 feet to provide access to the public pier. All of this acts as a breakwater for the harbor. The rocks and land that stretch out into the bay toward the Semiahmoo Spit protect the harbor and downtown shoreline by disrupting strong northerly winds and waves heading toward Drayton Harbor and Blaine, Hogan said. The rocks,
s Marine Drive. known as riprap, also protect the shoreline along Marine Drive from erosion. Jones said due to the erosion, the breakwater is failing and needs to be replaced. “It’s falling into the ocean.” Jones said the roadway from Marine Park needs repaving and that the city and port will take this project as an opportunity repave from the park to the barrier,
r e t s a E
W orship
D irectory
Photo by Ian Haupt
where reconstruction will occur. Repaving this portion would help semi-trucks transporting boats to and from On-Board Marine Services, president Brad Hooper and office manager Prudence Welch told The Northern Light in an email. On-Board, which offers boat repair, storage and other services, is the main drop off point for importing and exporting boats to and from
Canada. They said the current road closure does not affect On-Board’s operations but repaving the rough section of road from the park on and adding two lanes of traffic would improve access and safety for all users, their shipping vehicles and pedestrians alike. Jones said without funding guaranteed he did not want to estimate a completion date, but
CHRIST IS RISEN!
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reassured that this project is a priority. He said the city and port are hoping funding will be approved. “The relationship with the city of Blaine is good,” Hogan said. “We are both in agreement on the preferred alternative. Unfortunately it’s a very expensive project, but we’re hopeful we can get some grant funding to make it happen.”
(360) 332-6906 885 4th St. • Blaine, WA Pastor Sandy Wisecarver
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March 24celebrate at 7 p.m. Come the new life Good Friday that Jesus has given us! April 2 • 7pm
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4
The Northern Light • April 1 - 7, 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.
NWFR donates emergency vehicles to Mexico
s North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) commissioner John Crawford, l., and nonprofit Firefighters Crossing Borders CEO Moi Castellon, r. NWFR donated an ambulance last April and two fire apparatus engines last summer to Unión de Tula, Mexico. The city recently recognized NWFR for the donations. Photo courtesy John Crawford
Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Ian Haupt ian@pointrobertspress.com Reporting Interns Nolan Baker, Sienna Boucher 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 41 Circulation: 10,500 copies
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Letters The Editor: Greatly appreciate the Olympia Highlights Column. All newspapers should print a similar column to promote transparency of government. It was interesting to note that in the March 25-31 issue that members of the same political party voted in opposition to each other on a particular bill. Most citizens assume that votes take place along party lines, which obviously they don’t. Richard Mollette Custer The Editor: Regarding your note in a letter of last week regarding the November elections: I think many of us have lost confidence in many government institutions, from the elections to the CIA to the FBI to the CDC and to the politicians and media, and certainly on the issue of free speech and big technology firms. Internationally, our elections were treated as a joke. Foreign newspapers criticized the apparent chaos, the millions of unaddressed mail-in ballots, the length the time required to determine an outcome, the Dominion Voting Systems (which are registered as a business in Canada but not used there), the practice of ballot harvesting, and other matters. The court cases you referred to in your note were generally not heard in court at all, based on techni-
cal issues like court standing. I think the real winner of the election was China, whose Communist Party, expects to supplant the U.S. economically and militarily in the next decade. Having a weak administration does not help us. Largesse will continue to flow to politicians, big business and the universities, with more control over us as a result. Lucy Chambers Blaine The Editor: I have a few questions. Have you met people in their 50s and early 60s who can’t wait to turn 65 so they can get Medicare? Why wouldn’t they want that care for their children? Why don’t we have a universal plan and why just restrict Medicare to seniors and those with disabilities? This would take the pressure off businesses now paying up to 25 percent of an employee’s salary for health coverage for their employees. With a federal program that amount will be less. Imagine, they could give their employees a raise. Why do so many people feel it’s OK for insurance CEOs to make many millions a year while these insurance companies deny care? The dozens of plans are so confusing it’s impossible to make an educated decision when deciding on a plan. Wouldn’t it be so much simpler to have one plan for everyone from birth to death?
We have social security numbers that stay with us over our lifetimes, why couldn’t this include healthcare for all? No co-pays or deductibles and premiums would be estimated to be no more than 8 percent of one’s income. The inequity in our system has become even more obvious thanks to Covid-19. The need for healthcare for all existed before this pandemic but it’s an emergency now. The money we save by streamlining and taking the waste out of the healthcare system could be spent on supporting a strong public health department that focuses on preventive health. Sheri Lambert Laurel The Editor: Blaine is negotiating a new police contract this year, along with several other cities. We need to make sure new contracts correct some of the problems found in previous agreements that hinder accountability. We researched all the contracts using the guidelines of national organizations such (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.
April 1 - 7, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
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Birch Bay Road Race set April 10, registration closes April 8 By Ian Haupt With the weather getting warmer and the state loosening restrictions, in-person events are on the way back. The Birch Bay Road Race, an event that used to see some 500 runners, is holding in-person and virtual racing Saturday, April 10. Online registration for the multi-distance running race closes Thursday, April 8 at 11:59 p.m. The race offers 5K, 15K and 30K distances. Runners can start on Harborview Road near the Birch Bay Waterslides or from their front door, as a virtual run option is offered as well. Walkers are welcome too. There will be no pre-race bib
pickup or in-person registration. All bibs will be mailed out ahead of time. Upon finishing, runners will be able to pick up their swag off a table. For virtual competitors, a shirt, bib, medal and custom buff will be mailed to the address provided upon registering before the race weekend. Early registration costs $46 for the 5K, $71 for the 15K and $86 for the 30K. Cheaper registration was available in February and January – something to keep in mind for next year. To register and find out more about the event, visit orcarunning.com/ birch-bay. Event promoter Orca Running has extra Covid-19 precautions in place for its upcoming events
to follow the state government’s response guidance, like mask wearing for all competitors preand post-race. A custom buff will be provided to participants to use during the race when coming within six feet of another participant. Other Covid-19 rules can be found at orcarunning.com/ covid-19. For those looking for more opportunities to show off their quarantine fitness, or maybe to just get back in shape, Orca Running has more races scheduled this year. The San Juan Island half marathon is scheduled for September 11, Seattle’s Orca half marathon is scheduled September 18 and 19. Find more at orcarunning.com.
s Participants running in the 2018 Birch Bay Road Race.
Blaine Senior Center to host vaccination clinic The Blaine Senior Center is now accepting appointments for an April 13 vaccination clinic that will vaccinate those eligible. The senior center needs at least 50 people to sign up before Monday, April 5. Bellingham’s Hoagland Pharmacy will be vaccinating people with the Moderna vaccine. On March 31, people in Phase 1b tier 3-4 became eligible for the vaccine. This includes people with two or more co-morbidities or
underlying conditions, people 60 years and older, and residents, staff and volunteers in congregate living settings like correctional facilities. High-risk critical workers in congregate settings such as restaurants, food services, construction and manufacturing. The senior center is located at 763 G Street. To register, call the senior center at 360/332-8040 or email director Kathy Sitker at Kathy@ blaineseniorcenter.org.
Kindergarten online registration now open Online registration for new kindergarteners to start at Blaine Primary School in the fall opened Monday, March 29. Children must turn 5 years old by August 31 to be eligible. The Blaine school district asks for proof of residency, medically verified immunization records and proof of age upon registering, according to its website. Un-
Letters ... From previous page
as Campaign Zero to identify language that gives unfair protections to officers, sometimes setting up one set of rules for police in contrast to those for civilians. The Blaine contract appears to contain three major provisions that deserve attention. It requires the city to pay for legal representation for lawsuits resulting from misconduct out of the city budget rather than the police budget. Plus, it allows unaccountable arbitrators to overturn disciplinary actions. This is common practice intended to be an unbiased solution; however, research shows this process is rife with problems and is often used to reinstate officers fired for misconduct. There is a bill in the state legislature right now trying to reform this process. Until we see how that plays out, it is crucial contracts be improved so they do not rely on arbitration.
official high school transcripts are optional but helpful, and any court documents, if applicable, will be required. All documentation will be uploaded upon registering. To register a new kindergartener for the 2021-22 school year, visit the district’s enrollment website at blainesd.org/page/ new-student-online-enrollment. The third issue in the current contract allows officers unfair access to information, such as taped interviews, during an officer misconduct investigation. This not only sets up situations not afforded civilians, but can be used for costly lawsuits brought by officers against departments. Negotiations on police union contracts this year are an important tool to ensure a more fair and equitable justice system. We cannot afford business as usual. Changing the language in union contracts is a starting place. We have sent a full summary of our findings to the mayor and council members. You may also want to join us by signing onto this letter that will be forwarded to elected officials. (To sign on, visit the Justice System Committee website at bit.ly/3m8fAJy). Elizabeth Hartsoch, Justice Committee Riveters Collective president Bellingham
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, April 8 9:00am – Park and Cemetery Board Meeting *Cancelled* 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
Tuesday, April 13 8:00am – Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee Meeting
Thursday, April 22 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting All City offices are currently closed to the public. Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website. Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.
www.cityofblaine.com
Photo by Chuck Kinzer/CKimageart.com
PETER RUFFATTO JOINS CHMELIK SITKIN & DAVIS P.S. AS A PRINCIPAL
Peter Ruffatto is joining the Bellingham law firm, Chmelik Sitkin & Davis P.S., as a principal. Peter is a well-known municipal lawyer having worked as the Bellingham City Attorney since July 2012. Peter joined the City Attorney’s Office in 2003, where he worked in the areas of Labor and Employment; Public Works and Contracting; Municipal Finance; Fire/ Emergency Medical Service; and Public Records. As the City Attorney, Peter served as the legal advisor to the City Council, the Mayor’s Office, and all City Departments, and held a variety of management responsibilities. Prior to joining the Bellingham City Attorney’s Office, Peter worked in the Civil Division of the King County Prosecutor’s Office and in private practice at the Reed McClure law firm in Seattle. Peter will join the firm’s port district and municipal law practice groups where he will focus on working with the firm’s municipal and port district clients located throughout the state. Peter has extensive experience in the areas of Municipal law, Labor and Employment, Litigation, Risk Management, Intergovernmental Transactions, Legislation, Criminal Justice Programs, and Human Resources. After a personally rewarding career with the City, he looks forward to continuing his problem-solving approach to legal matters in service to the firm’s clients. Peter graduated from the University of Washington School of Law in 1994. Peter has participated extensively in local and legal communities, including the Bellingham-Whatcom County Commission Against Sexual & Domestic Violence, the Bellingham City Club Board of Directors, Washington State Association of Municipal Attorneys, Whatcom County Bar Judicial Candidate Evaluation Committee, and Leadership Whatcom. Principal Seth Woolson said, “On a personal level, several of our firm members have been friends with Peter for a number of years. He is a very well-respected lawyer and a great leader. He will focus on our growing public port district and municipal entity practice. We recently completed an expansion of our offices to accommodate growth. Peter will be a great asset to our firm as we continue to manage that growth.” Chmelik Sitkin & Davis P.S. is a Bellingham based law firm which provides legal advice to municipal governments and business clients throughout Washington state. www.chmelik.com For more information contact Jon Sitkin @ 360-671-1796.
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The Northern Light • April 1 - 7, 2021
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tion fence along the path will be removed eventually but is remaining for now to protect the plants. The nearly completed $15 million project, officially called the Birch Bay Drive and Pedestrian Facility Project, has been under construction since December 2019. Along with Karcher, Roland Middleton and Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office deputy Derek Jones answered questions from the meeting. Jones said deputies will be out more often enforcing traffic now (See Berm, next page)
NOTICE OF
FLUSHING The City of Blaine Water Division started flushing the City's water distribution system. This is accomplished by opening hydrants along the system (starting at the well fields) to move fresh water throughout the distribution system. The purpose of flushing the system is to remove any grit and debris in order to improve water quality through the distribution system. During the city flushing program city water customers may experience a temporary low water pressure and/or cloudiness when flushing is going on. The cloudiness condition (caused by air) should be only temporary, and can be cleared by running a cold water tap for a few minutes to clean and flush your service line. If the condition continues for an extended period of time please contact the Blaine Public Works. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you have any questions, feel free to call Public Works at (360) 332-8820, or visit www.cityofblaine.com for weekly area updates.
running or re-running as the case may be, must file for office during the candidate filing week, May 17-21.
For more information, contact the Whatcom County election office at 360/778-5102 or elections@co.whatcom.wa.us.
Term
Incumbent
Council at-large Pos. A County council Dist. 1 County council Dist. 2 County council Dist. 3
Whatcom County 4-year term 4-year term 4-year term 4-year term
Barry Buchanan Rud Browne Todd Donovan Tyler Byrd
Commissioner Position 1 Commissioner Position 2
Port of Bellingham 4-year term 4-year term
Michael Shepard Ken Bell
Council at large Pos. 7 Council at large Pos. 2 Council at large Pos. 4 Council at large Pos. 6
Blaine City Council 4-year term* 4-year term 4-year term 4-year term
Sukhwant Singh Gill Bonnie Onyon Charlie Hawkins Eric Davidson
Blaine School District 4-year term 4-year term
Joan Lotze Laura McKinney
Position
Blaine Public Works.
berm, Karcher said. This means public works and Granite Construction are responsible for maintaining the plants for a year, which was a requirement of the permit for the project. Since the project altered the shoreline, he said public works is responsible for returning it to its natural state. Some limestone has been added to the existing access points along the berm, Karcher said. Those are small paths through the plants perpendicular to the pathway for community members to access the beach without disrupting plant growth. He said the orange construc-
Elected offices coming up for a vote
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s Walkers, two-legged and four, enjoy the nearly completed Birch Bay berm on March 30.
Director Dist. 3 Director Dist. 5
Blaine/Birch Bay Blaine-Birch Bay Park & Recreation District Commissioner Pos. 1 Commissioner Pos. 2 Commissioner Pos. 4 Commissioner Pos. 1 * Short and full term
4-year term* 4-year term 4-year term
Jesse Creydt Sheli Moore Billy Brown
Birch Bay Water & Sewer District 6-year term
Jeff Benner
April 1 - 7, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
BERM TIMELINE
Berm ... that the berm is complete and more traffic is expected along Birch Bay Drive, especially with summer on the horizon. “So make sure you watch your speedometers,” he said. The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce will hold a community celebration Saturday, August 21 to mark the completion of the berm. Last week, crews put up signage, monitored the vegetation to see if any areas need replanting and demobilized equipment. At the previous “Coffee with the Contractor” meeting February 25, Granite Construction’s Gairrett Orelup said the project would be completed by early April. He said at the meeting Granite crews had finished importing 205,000 tons of berm material and for the next month would be planting, finishing swale work, paving curbs and parking spaces, and extending the pathway on the northern end of the berm. Since the end of February, Granite has completed this work and demobilized most of its equipment from the area. Below are some questions and answers from the meeting, edited for length and clarity. To listen to the whole meeting, visit the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce’s YouTube page at bit.ly/2PIK3Sm. Question: Will the driftwood be removed from the north Cottonwood area? Middleton: We’re not removing the logs. And this goes right into the next question, which was about the boat launch, right in that same area. We didn’t do anything to the boat launch. It’s covered in logs right now. That is a function of the wave action and the wind, and the amount of logs that were in the water. If someone is down there and they want to move a log out of the way to get their boat down to the boat launch, public works has no opinion about that. Logs are controlled by the Department of Natural Resources. Question: How many handicap spaces will be assigned? Middleton: There are two new spaces added to south Cottonwood and two new spaces south of Mariner’s Cove condominiums. There is one new one down from Bay Breeze Restaurant. Question: Are there any plans for surveillance cameras after vandalism on a new bench on the berm? Jones: There are no plans for any surveillance cameras. Honestly if we did, it would be hard to catch a suspect. It’s a crime of opportunity. It looked like it says, “Ghost.” So if you see that anywhere, please report it. That’s how we caught the last suspect, through repetition. Question: Will there be any delineation between the enhanced shoulder and the swale? Karcher: The only problem with the “lip-up” is that the swale is designed to treat road runoff before it gets into the bay. So the answer is probably no.
Sources: Whatcom County planning documents, permits and staff.
A brief history of the Birch Bay Drive and Pedestrian Facility Project
From previous page
10,000 YEARS AGO
1950-52
Coast Salish people begin visiting summer villages at Birch Bay for clamming, crabbing, fishing, foraging and hunting.
2006
Phase 1 of a feasibility study for the berm is completed.
JUNE 6, 2015 Open house #2
1986
2007
Phase 2A of feasibility study, which included a preliminary cost estimate, is completed.
DEC. 2012
The combination of a storm and a high tide flood Birch Bay Drive and damage Via Birch Bay Cafe and Bistro.
MARCH 2014
LATE 2013
Discussions with Reid Middleton break down and the county terminates its contract and hires Environmental Science Associates to replace Reid Middleton as lead engineer.
Reid Middleton begins preliminary engineering.
The county once again announces that construction on the berm will not start in the fall, citing easement negotiations and permitting issues.
SEPT. 2017
Whatcom County announces, for the second time, that the project will be postponed due to difficulties with easement negotiations and permitting issues.
JULY 2016
Planned date to have needed right of way negotiations complete, according to schedule presented at the third open house.
AUG. 2020
Construction restarts in phase 2.
APR. 2020
Whatcom County budget cuts – to prepare for an expected revenue shortfall due to the coronavirus – do not affect project construction.
SEPT. 2020
JAN. 2020
Granite Construction starts adding sediment to the beach. Project scheduled to finish in spring 2021. Granite Construction agree to not work between Memorial Day and Labor Day as to not disrupt Birch Bay’s summer tourism season.
Public works request additional $500,000 for the project’s budget. Public works staff says extra funding will serve as insurance in the case of any issues that arise causing a possible change or delay in construction.
NOV. 2020
Limestone path completed on the south end of the berm.
County officials confirm that construction will be delayed another year. Construction was previously planned to begin in September 2016.
Property easement negotiations stall due to third-party property value appraisals taking longer than expected. Easements about one-third complete in November 2016.
JAN. 2019
A windstorm and tidal surge ripped up asphalt and damaged several waterfront businesses along Birch Bay Drive. The storm did $2 million in damage throughout the county, mostly in Birch Bay, Point Roberts, Kendall and Maple Falls. One lane of Birch Bay Drive remained closed for six months after the storm.
Granite Construction finishes the first of two rounds of construction.
SEPT. 2016
NOV. 2016
DEC. 2018
MAY 2020
Whatcom County selects Reid Middleton as the project’s lead engineer. Whatcom County staffers hope the project will start in fall 2014.
A letter from Whatcom County to Birch Bay Drive property owners says burying utility lines along the length of the berm will be part of the project. Later in 2013, Reid Middleton estimates that burying the lines would cost $25 to $30 million, far more than the cost of the berm project itself, and the county drops that from the plan.
Whatcom County and Environmental Science Associates hold the third of three open houses and present a 90 percent level design for the project that includes a schedule for construction.
60 percent level surveying and engineering plans complete.
JAN. 2013
MARCH 2013
FEB. 1, 2016
SEPT. 24, 2015
JUNE 2018
A flood spurs community and governmental review of the infrastructure at Birch Bay Drive.
Whatcom County establishes a fund for the Birch Bay Drive and Pedestrian Facility Project.
Planning for the project gets underway and county officials estimate that it will be finished by about 2020.
Whatcom County and Environmental Associates holds the first of a series of three open houses on the project to gather public feedback on the berm and walkway design. More than 100 people attend.
1982
Whatcom County commissions a preliminary engineering study that estimates the project, including burying utilities, will cost roughly $2.3 million.
OCT. 2012
JULY 2012
NOV. 8, 2014
The Birch Bay Drive and Pedestrian Facility Project is included in Whatcom County’s Birch Bay Comprehensive Plan.
1984
A test section of berm just north of the mouth of Terrell Creek is completed and is effective with ongoing maintenance.
The beach is “renourished” with sand and gravel eight times during this period, according to a 2006 study by Coastal Geologic Services and others.
A request for the berm project is made in the 2004 Birch Bay Subarea Plan, which is adopted by the Whatcom County Council as a part of the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan in September 2004.
1977
A report by hydrologist Wolf Bauer recommends a sand and gravel berm to replace ineffective seawalls and groins and restore the beach at Birch Bay. The current design is adapted from Bauer’s work.
1989-1998
2004
Timeline graphic by Doug De Visser
1975
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers excavates between 200,000 and 300,000 cubic yards of gravel and sediment from Birch Bay for the Blaine Air Force Station and other facilities, creating a “sediment deficit” in Birch Bay.
7
JAN. 2021
NOV. 2019
Whatcom County public works awards an $8.7 million contract to Granite Construction to build the berm.
Public works says the berm performed well – protected Birch Bay Drive – during a storm with high tides and strong winds. The storm caused flooding in areas not protected by the berm and threw some debris onto the roadway.
The Lummi Indian Business Council signs off on the cultural resources section of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permit, at the time called the biggest remaining hurdle for the project. The county also still needed to complete one easement negotiation, but the property owner’s approval hinged on the NEPA permit.
APRIL 2019
Whatcom County hearing examiner Michael Bobbink approves the shoreline substantial development permit, clearing the way for construction to begin.
FEB. 2021
Granite Construction workers finished importing 205,000 tons of material for the berm.
MAR. 2021
Granite Construction finished the pedestrian path and all other landscaping and paving. The berm nears completion with only minor additions, like signs and finish striping, left.
8
The Northern Light • April 1 - 7, 2021
Health & Wellness Local choices in healt Local choices in health, healing & fitness.
Know your risks for kidney disease: Are you the 1 in 3 people affected?
File photo
The Mount Baker Foundation is sponsoring a Kidney Health Awareness Initiative to help reduce the number of people in Whatcom County who experi-
ence kidney disease. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is called the silent epidemic because symptoms often do not appear until the disease is advanced. The on-going public awareness campaign began in March to coincide with National Kidney Month. Bill Lombard, past medical director, Mt. Baker Kidney Center and MBF board member, said “One in three, or 33 percent of adults are at risk for kidney disease and most of us don’t know it. We want to change that through community education.” According to Mount Baker Foundation, 37 million people in the U.S. have kidney disease, but only one in 10 people know they have it. So what is the big deal with kidneys? Although people only need one, most have two kidneys
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that filter 150 quarts of fluid from blood and absorb everything we need – water, nutrients and electrolytes – while the rest, such as toxins, are excreted through urine. Lombard asks the community to take a one minute quiz to check their risk for kidney disease at minuteforyourkidneys. org and share the results with their primary care provider. He emphasized that diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of kidney failure. Kidney failure is also more common in people 60 and older, those with heart disease and people who are Black, Hispanic and Native American. “We hope to reduce the number of people arriving for dialysis, particularly without having seen a nephrologist first,” he said. “We can do this by increasing awareness of the importance of kidney health and by encouraging primary care providers to review risk factors with their patients periodically.” Dialysis is a medical treatment for kidney failure that helps people’s bodies remove toxins through filtering blood by a machine. People who need dialysis can be treated at a healthcare fa(See Kidney, next page)
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9
Health & Wellness Local choices in health, healing & fitness. continued
Kidney ... From previous page
cility, which is 3-5 hours three times per week, or they can be treated at home. People who are treated at home can expect shorter treatments more frequently, 5-7 days per week. Those seeking dialysis treatment need to restrict the amount of food and fluid entering their body. In Bellingham, 40 percent of people who start dialysis have never seen a kidney specialist, Lombard said during a recent presentation on kidney disease. Lombard stated that 48 percent of people with severely reduced kidney function and not on dialysis are not aware of having CKD. With proper treatment, it is possible to slow the progression of kidney disease but if kidneys fail, treatment options include dialysis, a transplant, or palliative care in certain circumstances. The kidney awareness initiative
FOR REAL NEWS
will encourage living donor participation. Last year only 21,000 donor organs were available for transplant, but there were more than 100,000 people in the United States on the kidney transplant list, with a 3-4 year wait. A key goal of the foundation’s initiative is to demystify the amazing 24/7 work that kidneys do to ensure the best quality of life possible. For details on the initiative, visit mtbakerfoundation.org. The Mount Baker Foundation is a not-for-profit formed as a legacy board and beneficiary of the community benefit from the sale of the Mt Baker Kidney Center to DaVita Health Partners. The vision of the founders is to contribute to “Individuals, families, neighborhoods, and communities becoming stronger, healthier, more resilient and more compas-
sionate, generation after generation.” The foundation’s mission is to “Identify and fund catalytic, transformative initiatives that result in sustainable change.” It focuses on early childhood care, development, and education; upstream factors leading to chronic disease; and quality of life and quality of care of kidney disease and dialysis patients. “It’s really important to find out early because then you can prevent or delay the progression of kidney disease and kidney disease’s nature is progressive,” Lombard said during his presentation. “If you have chronic kidney disease, you tend to lose function overtime and ultimately end up with kidney failure. But treating it early can delay that.” This article was written by information compiled from Mount Baker Foundation
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The Northern Light • April 1 - 7, 2021
Women’s rights trailblazer joins Christ Episcopal Church as pastor By Grace McCarthy Christ Episcopal Church recently welcomed the church’s new reverend, Susan Mills, a trailblazer for women’s rights being one of the first women ordained by the Episcopal Church back in 1976. “These are people who care about the community,” Mills said of Christ Episcopal Church. “The community of Blaine, but also the greater community. These are people who are involved in the world and caring for the world. They’re thoughtful, kind and hardworking people and I’m grateful to be a part of this community.” Mills started her journey with the church in the mid ’70s. Through her time in ministry, Mills worked in small churches from the east coast to the Diocese of Southeastern Mexico, where she spent nine years of her retirement serving in a small congregation. After serving in Mexico, Mills served as an associate priest at two small congregations in Berkeley, California, and then moved to Indiana before finding her position in Blaine. “I enjoy the idea that small churches are a microcosm of the greater church,” Mills said. “They are people who are deeply involved and people of deep faith. When you’re in a small church, people are really a family and
they respect each other as family members.” In 1961, Mills graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in music education and later earned her master’s degree, also in music, in 1965. Mills began playing the piano by ear when she was 3 years old and then began taking piano lessons when she was 8. After school, she worked as a music teacher in Indiana, upstate New York and New York City. Mills later earned her master’s degree in divinity from General Theological Seminary in New York City in 1976. Mills also studied pastoral counseling at Louisville Presbyterian Seminary, according to a church press release. “I’m excited that we’ve found someone who is such a good fit for our congregation, and was so excited to move here,” Doug Dahl, Christ Episcopal Church’s senior warden, said in a statement. “I feel confident in the future of Christ Church and the excellent match we’ve found to lead us into that future.” In 1974, while studying for her master’s degree in divinity, Mills traveled to Philadelphia to watch the Philadelphia Eleven, 11 Episcopalian women who presented themselves for ordination before women could legally be ordained into priesthood. The women had been approved by their own dio-
ceses but the church had not officially ordained them, as it was still illegal during that time. “It was one of the most moving experiences I think I’ve ever had to receive communion from a newly ordained woman priest,” Mills said. “I wept because it was a catharsis that really showed me this could truly happen and barriers were being torn down. It was a very moving time.” Mills went on to be ordained by the Episcopal Church when the church legally ordained the first wave of women in 1976, who were officially recognized in 1977. “Things have come such a long way. It’s sort of like our ordinations have opened the door,” Mills said. “It was exciting to be a pioneer, but it was also a little frightening because we didn’t know what was in store for us.” Mills said that although now some people have grown up in the Episcopal Church not knowing a time when women couldn’t be priests or bishops, there was a time when she faced strong pushback. During the first few weeks and months after her ordination, Mills said every woman received hate mail. To counter the pushback, Mills said she surrounded herself by supportive people who encouraged her to overcome the negativity. Mills said she’s received less pushback in years since as
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people’s minds and theology changed, although some people initially left the church. As for Christ Episcopal Church, Mills said she’s excited to pour what she’s learned over the years into the Blaine community through her sermon and music. “I am very, very happy to be here and I am happy that God is still calling me to do work with
his church,” Mills said. “It’s a privilege to serve in the church.” Christ Episcopal Church is located at 382 Boblett Street and strives to be an inclusive religious environment, according to its website. Sunday service is streamed at 10 a.m. on Facebook Live every week. To watch church service, visit the church’s Facebook page at bit.ly/3lZaLCs.
Insurance commissioner bans credit scoring for three years By Nolan Baker On March 23, Washington state insurance commissioner Mike Kreidler issued an emergency rule prohibiting insurance companies from using credit scores to determine rates on automobile, homeowners and renter’s insurance policies. The order will be in place for the next three years and is effective immediately, according to a press release from the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. The ban is in preparation for the eventual end of the federal CARES Act, which had placed a temporary ban on reporting of negative credit information. Kreidler argues that once the CARES Act expires and the protections from negative credit reporting are lifted, there will be a huge volume of negative credit corrections, lowering credit scores and increasing insurance premiums for countless Washington drivers, renters and homeowners. “The results of the CARES Act is that all credit bureaus are collecting a credit history that is objectively inaccurate for some customers,” Kreidler said. “This untrustworthy credit score degrades any predicative value that may be found in a consumer’s credit-base insurance score.” The practice of using credit
scores to determine insurance rates has been a hotly contested issue around the country, and has been outlawed entirely in four states. It is seen by many as unfairly discriminatory to people with lower incomes and communities of color. “There is evidence that the negative economic impacts of the pandemic have disproportionately fallen on people of color,” Kreidler said. “When the CARES Acts protections are eliminated, and negative credit information can be fully reported again, credit histories for people of color will have been disproportionately eroded by the pandemic.” A bill prohibiting the use of credit scores to determine insurance rates was introduced in the state Legislature by the request of the insurance commissioner on December 10, 2020, but was amended heavily and is now stuck in committee in the Senate. The bill, 5010, received widespread support from civil rights groups like the NAACP, WA Build Back Black Alliance, AARP and many others. “The insurance industry’s dependency on the discriminatory practice of credit scoring has always been unfair,” Kreidler said. “But given that the federal protections from plummeting credit scores could end soon, we need to take action now to protect the public.”
April 1 - 7, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
NEXT ISSUE: April 8
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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.
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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
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
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: 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: 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
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
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.
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
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The Northern Light • April 1 - 7, 2021
REAL ESTATE
BLAINE, BIRCH BAY & SEMIAHMOO
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE For the health & safety of our clients, Windermere Real Estate is pleased to follow the State of Washington’s mandate to not hold Open Houses. We are, however, available to show you your dream home by virtual tour or private appointment. Please call your Realtor for assistance.
Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom Inc. 8105 Birch Bay Square St. #101, Blaine, WA I-5 Exit 270 • 360.371.5100 F E A T U R E D L I S T I N G S - B I R C H B AY
6885 Holeman Ave 4619 Anderson Road 5550 Salish Road MLS #1734392 $799,500 MLS #1713783 $329,000 MLS #1735916 $899,000
8455 Catalina Court 8239 Cedar Avenue MLS #1746484 $429,000 MLS #1671430 Welcome to Harborview Estates in Birch $295,000
Birch Bay & Island views, upgrades & finishes, deeded beach access & community garden next to property. Fantastic 2019 remodel. Big deck, vinyl windows, new paint & flooring. Ideal snowbird getaway & very affordable primary address w/views in heart of Birch Bay. Best priced & coolest retreat on market. Furnishings are negotiable. EZ to make bonus room into 3rd bedroom. Water is 1 minute away. Stunning South facing Inland Pacific Sunsets fill the picture windows.
Mike Kent 360-815-3898
Bay! Charming 3bed/2bath rambler style home located minutes away from sandy beaches with easy access to I-5. Nestled in private cul-de-sac, ready for you to bring your personal touches. House features large master bed with en-suite bath & spacious walk-in closet. Entertain guests on private deck surrounded by fully fenced manicured yard. New roof in 2013 & new hot water tank. All offers will be reviewed on March 30th, schedule a showing before it’s gone!
Amy Bremer 360-961-0620
W 88th, Blaine MLS #1723631 $125,000
Level & private 1.34 acre homesite on quiet dead-end street only minutes from I-5 shopping & services in nearby City of Blaine & Birch Bay Square shopping center only 5 minute drive. Ideal for your custom built or manufactured home. Rare opportunity to own over an acre at an affordable price in rapidly appreciating Whatcom County.
Lisa Kent 360-594-8034
F E AT U R E D B L A I N E
19+ acre estate with large 3500 sq. ft. main house needing remodel completion & additional 988 sq. ft. house for guest/ caretaker or live in while finishing the main house. All sitting on park like parcel cleared from home to street & wooded to the back. Main home has been stripped to the studs for investor/owner to finish project. Unique opportunity to acquire estate parcel with gated entry, driveway & main home in place along with finished 2nd home. Large barn also sits on the property.
Mike Kent 360-815-3898
Don’t miss spectacular north facing waterfront view lot on Point Whitehorn. Situated amongst upscale homes, lot overlooks Birch Bay and Canadian mountains. Site features waterfront access to enjoy clamming, crabbing, beach combing, kayaking. Build your dream home and take advantage of the gentle slope with a daylight basement to capitalize on the beautiful view and great evening sunsets. These lots are getting harder to find, buy now and build later.
Matt Berry 360-389-0104 or Gerry Allen 360-920-0563
2005 built, but looks just completed. 3258 sq ft mostly turn-key home. Every room is spacious. 3 bed, 2 full baths, dining room, great room, family room, nook, sauna, granite counter tops. Cedar siding, composition room, covered patio & deck, 5 zone in-floor radiant heat including 3-car garage. Kitchen has maple cabinets, slate backsplas, ss appliances. Main level: Great room, kitchen, nook, dining room, 2 guest beds & 1 full guest bath, deck. Garden level: family room, master bed with en-suite, utility room, patio.
Brian Southwick 360-815-6638
F E AT U R E D L I S T I N G S - S E M I A H M O O
8735 Oertal Drive 9146 Turnstone Lane #25 9131 Chickadee Way 9085 Chickadee Way 8370 Harborview Road #11 MLS #1729790 $1,390,000 MLS #1747981 $1,190,000 $259,900 MLS #1725056 $1,950,000 MLS #1730785 $1,300,000 MLS #1749351 Check out pictures of modern remodeled cottage in 55+ community of Birch Bay Retirement Inc. Purchase includes home and 1/18th share in Birch Bay Retirement Inc, 18 home development with common areas that include RV parking. May be least expensive place to live in Birch Bay on a monthly basis. Monthly dues of $120.00, include expenses for not only Birch Bay Water and Sewer but all expenses for Birch Bay Retirement Inc. Great location with perfect sun exposure and enjoy the benefits of a completely remodeled property creating a Beach Cottage with modern outbuilding.
Brian Southwick 360-815-6638
A RARE FIND....Ocean beachfront home with commanding sea & skyscape views from nearly every room with world class sunsets! Steps from beach, luxurious 5,400 sq ft custom home is stunning yet comfortable, spacious yet cozy. Bright & light throughout soaring walls of windows. Multiple living areas including game & theater rooms, plus a large loft over-looking the great room. 3 expansive decks & patio with hot tub. Mature landscaping & manicured level yard. Ideally located, minutes from Semiahmoo Resort Hotel & Spa, and 2 award winning golf courses.
Chet Kenoyer 360-676-9229 or Gina Kenoyer 360-303-7653
Sunsets & delightful water view are captured at their best in gracious & spacious 3 bedroom + office property in Semiahmoo’s waterfront community of Boundary Ridge. Main floor living features vaulted ceilings & glass doors all across back of home. Deck spans entire length of house, with covered areas, privacy screening--ideal for lounging and outdoor entertainment. Home has been lovingly cared for and is a timeless design. Updated stack stone exterior/new paint. Interior updates in all baths, flooring and paint. If you are looking for a waterview--then this well-built-solid “bones” house might just be perfect for you.
Rare opportunity in the coveted Semiahmoo Shore development. Exceptional quality, rarely used, immaculately maintained, and packed with special features including under floor heating, vaulted ceilings, and numerous smart home features. Spectacular saltwater views from front and back of home. Relax by the elegant fireplace or on the expanded patio while gazing at views of Drayton Harbor and Mt Baker. Beaches on both sides of home to stroll at sunrise and sunset. Walkable location with parks, paths, restaurants, Semiahmoo Resort, Semiahmoo Marina.
Matt Berry 360-389-0104 or Gerry Allen 360-920-0563
Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718
Sunsets & waterview of Boundary Bay serve as backyard to this spectacular location. Exceptionally well maintained & recently remodeled single-story home has efficient use of space! Think turn-key cottage-perfect amount of room. Ideal for someone looking for high quality downsize! Built & remodeled by Dykstra--a Whatcom County legend when it comes to detailed craftsmanship--this home shows well. Charming architectural integrity with vaulted ceiling, high windows & walls of windows on the view side. Tucked inside a unique location in Boundary Ridge-private cul-de-sac with neighboring lots landscaped.
Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718
www.windermere.com Help Wanted DISHWASHER, LINECOOK, & SERVERS CJ's and Black Forest restaurants in Blaine and Birch Bay. Available immediately. Ask about bonuses. Call between 11am12pm. 360-746-8775. EXPERIENCED LEADER & HELPER Responsibilities include but not limited to, running a mower, edging, trimming, blow cleanup, leaf and debris removal. Must have valid WA Drivers License. Send resume to birchbaylawncare@ yahoo.com TAILOR SEAMSTRESS required to sew pillows and drapes on contract basis. Experience with blind hemmer preferred. Phone 360-3123173.
Janitorial evening part-time - Blaine $15 per hour • part-time Hiring IMMEDIATELY night janitor Mon-Fri: 1 hour per shift, 5 hours per week Start time: clean any time after 6:00pm Candidate must possess valid state issued DL or ID, working cell phone (at all times), pass background and E-Verify check to confirm eligibility to work in the U.S.
Reply to: info@ybswa.net or call 425-583-3015
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All All real real estate/rentals estate/rentalsadvertising advertisin this newspaper is subject to the ing in this newspaper is subject Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as to the Federal Fair Housing amended, which makes it illegal toAct anyamended, preference, which limitationmakes or discriminaofadvertise 1968 as it illegal based onany race,preference, color, religion, sex, handicap totionadvertise limitation or disfamilial status or national origin, or an intention crimination on race,limitation color, religion, to make any based such preference, or discrimination. This familial newspaper will or notnational knowinglyorisex, handicap, status accept advertisement for realany estate gin, or any an intention to make suchwhich prefis in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby erence, limitation or advertised discrimination. This informed that all dwellings in this newsnewspaper will not accept any paper are available on anknowingly equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free advertisement for real estate which is inatvi1-800-877-0246.
olation 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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April 1 - 7, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
Rules of the Road: Driving with your children By Doug Dahl What if I could guarantee you a 47 percent improvement in the quality of your daily commute? Yeah, I can’t do that, but it would be great if I could, right? That doesn’t mean there’s no hope for a better drive, especially if you’re a parent or you regularly have kids in the car with you. No, I’m not suggesting you leave them home 47 percent of the time. My kids are adults now, but I still remember that not every drive with the kids was perfect. Sure, we had plenty of drives that involved singing songs together and talking about our day, but there were also the ones that involved lines like, “Dad, his hands are on my side of the seat. Make him stop!” Followed by, “No they’re not. I’m touching the center part. That’s no man’s land.” This inevitably resulted in both kids putting their hands in “no man’s land” and literal hand-tohand combat. Now I don’t want to over-promise and under-deliver, but I do think I can offer a strategy that might help minimize problems from the back seat. Here it is: Talk with your kids about distracted driving. And don’t wait until they’re almost old enough to get their driver license. Do it when they’re young.
Let them know how important it is that you pay attention to your driving. Talk with them about what safe driving looks like and give some examples of things that can distract a driver. Distractions include more than phones. It’s anything that takes your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road or your mind away from driving. Share with them that passengers (like them) can be a distraction. Yes, if you slip up and grab your phone while you’re driving they’re likely to point it out, but that’s okay, because they’re right. Of course they are; you taught them that. Here’s a great outcome of teaching your kid about distracted driving: When the kids in your car know that some of their behaviors can be distracting, and that avoiding distractions helps keep everyone in the car safer, they may be more inclined to listen when you ask them to stop. Next time they’re throwing paper airplanes at the driver’s face, you can let them know that projectiles inside a vehicle qualify as distractions, and that they’re riding in a distraction-free car. Hopefully that’ll go over better than “because I said so,” or “because you’re bugging me right now.” More than calming your drive, you’ll all be safer.
At any given moment, less than one in 10 drivers on the road are distracted. In the most recent observational survey, 93 percent of observed drivers were giving their attention to driving. And yet, about a quarter of all fatal and serious injury crashes in our state involve distraction, suggesting that driving distracted more than triples your chance of a serious crash. And not all distractions are equal; texting increases your risk of crash by as much as 23 times. Getting your kids on your team right now makes your drive safer today, and you’ll set them up for success when they become drivers. This April law enforcement agencies across Washington will be putting extra emphasis on distracted driving. But don’t let the fear of a ticket be the only reason to put down your phone or that loaded taco. Giving up distractions will improve the quality and safety of your drive, and it sets a good example for everyone else in your car. Some day that example will pay off in the next generation of drivers.
Senate Democrat spending plan increases state spending by 12 percent By Sydney Brown Funding for health care, education and efforts to curb houselessness are promised in a $59.2 billion state budget proposal from the Washington Senate Democrats unveiled March 25. “This is an ambitious set of priorities that will guide a sustainable recovery. It is a budget that meets the moment,” said Christine Rolfes (D-Brainbridge Island) the chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. The Democrat-led 2021-23 budget increases spending from 2019-21 by about 12 percent, not counting federal relief. The state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council assumes there will be an upswing in revenue in the next two years, but a more optimistic economy has not stopped the momentum of a controversial capital gains tax. The 7 percent tax on capital gains of more than $250,000, which passed the Senate and is on its way to the House, would generate an estimated $357 million between 2021 and 2023 to fund the Fair Start for Kids Act. Republicans are opposed to the tax, which they say is unconstitutional and unnecessary. “The Democrats have chosen to hitch their budget to a revenue source that is even less reliable – a capital-gains income tax which has a 50-50 chance of being found constitutional,” senator Lynda Wilson (R-Vancouver) said. While other proposed tax col-
lections were scrapped, including an increase on healthcare premiums and a tax on sugary drinks, the Senate majority assumes that taxes on carbon and the Low Carbon Fuel Standard will both pass the Legislature. The cap-andtrade tax, also known as Senate Bill 5126, is estimated to bring in over $500 million by 2023. This plan would also take about $1.8 billion from the state’s rainy day fund, which Republicans had planned to use for Covid-19 efforts. In addressing houselessness, about $850 million in federal money to support affordable housing is included, with $495 million toward rental assistance. Another $201 million would fund foreclosure prevention. The Office of Independent Investigations, to be created by House Bill 1267, would get $26 million from this budget, a measure to hire a panel of independent experts to evaluate findings from police investigations. The proposal includes $12 million for other police reform legislation passed this session. More than $1 billion in onetime federal funding would go toward vaccination efforts and other pandemic health responses, especially with funds set aside to safely reopen schools. The proposal dedicates another $150 million of state money to public health services. The budget differs from the Senate Republicans, whose $55.5 billion proposal this February
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Doug Dahl is a manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.
focused more on tax relief. Still, both sides prioritized funding for the Working Families Tax Credit and small business relief. The Democrats suggested $500 million in unemployment insurance tax cuts for the small businesses, and Republicans expected to spend $33 million specifically for small employers. Each budget also includes more money toward wildfire services and expanded behavioral health. “Our state budgets always spend a lot of money, but this money is being used to stabilize our economy, to stabilize our healthcare, to stabilize our schools,” Rolfes said. Other programs funded by this proposal include: $300 million for additional Immigrant Relief Fund payments to individuals $59 million in federal dollars for mental health and substance abuse grants. $200 million in federal money for expanded Paid Family Leave for individuals forced out of work during the pandemic. $100 million to reduce rates on the Washington Health Benefit Exchange. $170 million in combined funding for crisis response, additional beds in community-based settings and increased Medicaid reimbursement. The Washington State Journal is a non-profit news website managed by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation. Learn more at wastatejournal.org.
13
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14
The Northern Light • April 1 - 7, 2021
Sheriff’s Reports March 21, 2:51 a.m.: Death investigation on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. March 21, 8:08 a.m.: Assist other agency on Harborview Road. March 21, 9:17 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Harborview Road. March 21, 9:37 a.m.: Mental on Surf Place. March 21, 11:01 a.m.: Watch for on Drayton Harbor and Harborview roads. March 21, 11:03 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. March 21, 11:11 a.m.: Animal problem on Stein Road. March 21, 12:22 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Stadsvold Road. March 21, 11 a.m.: Follow-up on Harborview Road. March 21, 4:27 p.m.: Security check on Birch Bay Drive. March 21, 5:46 p.m.: Welfare check on Birch Bay Drive. March 21, 6:11 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Fawn Crescent Road. March 22, 12:05 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. March 22, 10:57 a.m.: Forgery on Birch Bay Drive. March 22, 11:28 a.m.: Theft on Ocean Cove Lane.
March 22, 3:10 p.m.: Vandalism on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. March 22, 4:58 p.m.: Assist citizen on Blossomberry Lane. March 23, 2:39 a.m.: Subject stop on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. March 23, 7:34 a.m.: Domestic verbal on Birch Bay Drive. March 23, 9:32 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Anderson Road. March 23, 2:07 p.m.: Welfare check on Stein Road, Custer. March 23, 3:08 p.m.: Alarm panic on Clamdigger Drive. March 23, 7:45 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Bay and Blaine roads. March 23, 8:05 p.m.: Suspicious person on Harborview Road. March 23, 8:45 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident, non-blocking and non-injury, on Valley View Road, Custer. March 24, 10:03 a.m.: Civil standby on Loomis Trail Road, Custer. March 24, 12:31 p.m.: Impound private on Highland Drive. March 24, 1:38 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident, non-blocking and non-injury, on Birch Point Road. March 24, 11:02 p.m.: Domestic physical on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. March 25, 7:21 a.m.: Alarm audible on Shintaffer Road.
Crossword ACROSS 1. Ocean surface indicator (abbr.) 4. American time 7. Satisfaction 8. Diving duck 10. Very small amount 12. Metrical units 13. An ignorant or foolish person 14. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.) 16. It may sting you 17. Turn outward 19. Perform on stage 20. “CSI” actor George 21. Localities 25. Make a choice 26. Indicates position 27. One of Thor’s names 29. Indian musical rhythmic pattern 30. “The Raven” author 31. Take in solid food 32. Legendary QB 39. Sorrels
41. Organization of nations 42. Texas pharmaceutical company 43. Mathematical term 44. Expression of disappointment 45. Abba __, Israeli politician 46. Hide away 48. Salad restaurant 49. Daughters of Boreas (mythology) 50. Men’s fashion accessory 51. Political action committee 52. Unhappy DOWN 1. Make unhappy 2. Heard the confession of 3. Capital of Taiwan 4. Fiddler crab 5. Brazilian dances 6. Fit with device to assist breathing 8. Brother or sister
9. Pastries 11. “Lone Survivor” director Peter 14. Boat type (abbr.) 15. Apertures (biology) 18. Suffix 19. Creative endeavor 20. Icelandic poem 22. Spanish dances 23. Town in Central Italy 24. Cars need it 27. Mimics 28. Rocky peak 29. Cigarette (slang) 31. One point south of due east 32. Soap actress Braun 33. Large domesticated wild ox 34. Island nation 35. Appear 36. Addictive practices 37. Loss of control of one’s body 38. Type of poster
March 25, 7:27 p.m.: Property found on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. March 26, 9:16 a.m.: Hit-andrun on Birch Bay Drive. March 26, 9:39 a.m.: Hit-andrun on Anderson Road. March 26, 11:45 a.m.: Theft on Birch Bay Drive. March 26, 1:46 p.m.: Forgery on Ronald Drive. March 26, 9:08 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Beachcomber Drive. March 27, 12:34 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Loomis Trail Road, Custer. March 27, 4:23 p.m.: Domestic order violence on Harborview Road. March 27, 5:12 p.m.: Trespass on Ham Road. March 27, 7:23 p.m.: Noise on Fir Street. March 27, 7:53 p.m.: Extra patrol on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. March 27, 8:35 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident, blocking, on Birch Bay-Lynden and Blaine roads. March 28, 12:04 p.m.: Parking problem on Birch Bay Drive. March 28, 5:08 p.m.: Littering on Legion Drive. March 28, 7:50 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Shipyard Road.
39. Greek mountain 40. Funny person 44. One and only 47. Pouch
49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W DATE
TIME
Fr 2
3:33 am 5.9
4:00 pm -1.0 11:38 pm 9.1
HEIGHT
TIME
HEIGHT
8:35 am 8.9
9:11 am 8.4
4:58 pm -0.8
Su
1:00 am 9.0
6:01 am 7.0
10:01 am 7.9
6:02 pm -0.4
Mo 5 2:18 am 9.1
7:53 am 6.8
11:13 am 7.3
7:10 pm 0.0
Tu 6 3:16 am 9.1
9:21 am 6.1
8:18 pm 0.4
We 7 4:02 am 9.1 10:09 am 5.3
2:27 pm 6.8
9:20 pm 0.8
Th 8 4:38 am 9.1 10:47 am 4.3
Live Music at the Vault: Friday, April 2, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring JP Falcon. Reservations recommended. Info: thevaultwine.com. Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 3, noon–2 p.m., American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. Free for kids 12 and under and includes free hot dog lunch. All other lunches by donation. Info: 360/371-7311. Easter Services: See ads on pages 3 and 15. Blaine Chamber Virtual Meeting: Wednesday, April 7, noon. Featuring Cassie Cichorz, Asian Giant Hornet Community Outreach and Education specialist for the Plant Protection and Pest Program at the Washington state Department of Agriculture. Cassie will share information about the Asian Giant Hornets (aka Murder Hornets). There will be a question and answer session for the public. Zoom info at blainechamber.com. Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, April 8, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: General knowledge. Reservations recommended. Info: thevaultwine.com. Live Music at the Vault: Friday, April 9, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring Lefty and the Right Hand Band. Reservations recommended. Info: thevaultwine.com. Haynie Opry: Saturday, April 10, Haynie Grange, 3344 Haynie Road, Custer. Join Matt Audette and the Circle of Friends band for a gospel matinee at 3 p.m. and a country rock night evening show at 7 p.m. Tickets $5 for matinee, $10 evening show at the door. Info: 360/366-3321. Moderna Vaccine Clinic: Tuesday, April 13, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Hoagland Pharmacy will distribute the shots to those in phase 1b, tier 3. To find your tier, visit doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1600/ coronavirus/VaccinationPhasesInfographic.pdf. At least 50 appointments needed. Register by Monday, April 5 by calling 360/332-8040 or email Kathy@blaineseniorcenter.org.
Live Music at the Vault: Friday, April 16, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring Adrian Clark. Reservations recommended. Info: thevaultwine.com.
Ongoing:
April 2 – 8 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
12:49 pm 6.9
Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, April 1, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: The ’60s. Reservations recommended. Info: thevaultwine.com.
Strengthening Families Virtual Program: Tuesdays, April 20–June 1, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Free for caregivers and youth aged 10–14 years old. Families learn communication skills, stress management tools and ways to connect with trained facilitators. Info and registration: Kate.Foster@ wsu.edu.
Tides
Please wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.
Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, April 15, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: Disney. Reservations recommended. Info: thevaultwine.com.
ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
Sa 3 4:37 am 6.7
Coming up
3:45 pm 7.0 10:10 pm 1.3
Weather
Precipitation: During the period of March 22 to 28, 0.52 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2021 year-to-date precipitation is 10.83 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 60°F on March 26 with a low of 36°F on March 23. Average high was 48°F and average low was 45°F.
Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
Boys & Girls Club After School Care: Monday–Thursday until 5 p.m. Serving students in grades 1–6 at Blaine schools. Registration required weekly. Info: parentportal.whatcomclubs.org or contact the Club at 360/332-3008. Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Mondays 9 a.m.–noon, Wednesdays 5–7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.–noon. Delivery options available. Info:360/332-6350 or blainefood@hotmail.com. The Bridge Food Distribution Program: Fridays 3:30–5 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road. Registration required at thebridgehope.com or call 360/366-8763. Volunteers welcome. 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. Blaine Chamber of Commerce Virtual Meetings: First Wednesday, noon. Meeting ID on blainechamber.com. Blaine Library: 610 3rd Street. Open to in-branch visits, Monday–Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Curbside holds and pick up, Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Info 360/3053637. Meals on Wheels: Thursdays 11:30 a.m.–12 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Adults 60+ pick up one hot and six frozen meals. Suggested donation $5 per meal or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040. Toastmasters Virtual Meetings: Tuesdays 6:30–7:45 p.m. Entertaining and educational. Have fun speaking, learn to overcome fears. Info: Call Pete 360/933-1671 or visit toastmastersclubs.org. Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Police Reports March March March March March March March
21, 21, 22, 22, 22, 23, 23,
11 a.m.: Trespass on E Street. 11:36 a.m.: Juvenile problem on E Street. 10:47 a.m.: Juvenile problem on E Street. 3:30 p.m.: Auto collision on H Street. 9:59 p.m.: Assist other agency on I-5 Northbound. 10:36 a.m.: Suspicious circumstance on D Street. 1 p.m.: Traffic stop on Peace Portal Drive.
April 1 - 7, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
15
Covid-19 in Whatcom County, by school district boundaries: Recent two-week case rates and cumulative counts Blaine Rate: 57
Lynden Rate: 227 Ferndale Rate: 140
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By Grace McCarthy As of March 28, Whatcom County has had a total of 7,256 confirmed cases of Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic and 227 probable cases (7,483 total cases), according to Washington State Department of Health (DOH) data. There was one death in the past week, making the number of deaths 86; the percent of deaths per total confirmed cases is 1.2 percent. After every school district’s Covid-19 case rates decreased for two weeks in a row, Nooksack, Bellingham and Mount Baker saw increases this week. Lynden school district had the highest rate of new cases with 227 confirmed cases per 100,000 people followed by Nooksack (217), Ferndale (140), Mount Baker (95), Bellingham (92), Blaine (57) and Meridian (56). The county should receive vaccine shipments of 6,040 first doses and 1,670 second doses. About 16.9 percent of county residents are fully vaccinated and 27.9 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 37,969 county residents are fully vaccinated and 62,954 residents have received their first shot. Statewide, 3,245,982 vaccine doses have been administered. About 16.3 percent of people in
Washington are fully vaccinated and 27.4 percent have received one dose. Washington state has had 340,371 confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic and 22,864 probable cases (probable cases come from an antigen test). In all, 5,237 people in Washington with the virus have died as of March 29 and 20,490 have been hospitalized. The health department will hold its next appointment-only Covid-19 vaccination clinic on Saturday, April 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This will be the largest clinic so far, with 700 Johnson and Johnson vaccine doses available, according to the health department. People can make an appointment at prepmod.doh. wa.gov but people who don’t have internet access or who need language translation can call 360/778-6075. People in Phase 1b tiers 3-4 – anyone over 60, people with two or more underlying conditions, people working or living in congregate settings and highrisk workers in food service, construction and manufacturing. The health department estimates 38,000 people in Whatcom County are now eligible in Phase 1b tiers 3-4. 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.
Sunny days on the beach ...
LOOKING FOR THINGS TO CHANGE? DISCOVER HOW EASTER BRINGS THE CHANGE WE NEED Join us Sunday, April 4th at 9:00 & 11:00 AM at Christ The King North Bay! Across from the Birch Bay Waterslides More info at ctk.church/northbay
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Call 888-754-8798 Call 888-754-8798 ext. 1 e Call 888-754-8798 1 at Call 888-754-8798 ext. 1 Visit us online Visit atusext. https://ddetf.wa.gov online https://dd Call 888-754-8798 ext. 1 Visitat us online at https://ddetf.wa.gov Visit us online https://ddetf.wa.gov Visit us online at https://ddetf.wa.gov s A family walks on the tidal flats in Birch Bay during low tide on March 30. Photo by Ian Haupt
16
The Northern Light • April 1 - 7, 2021
Sewer ... From page 1
updated a year later in 2005, predicted sewer overflow northwest of Blaine schools, north of the truck crossing, north of Blaine schools on G Street and along multiple sewer lines in east Blaine. The sewage leak west of the school district was predicted in the 16-year-old study, Langer said. “Here we find ourselves, some 10 or 15 years since the 2005 General Sewer Plan with no action whatsoever until this point,” Ziemianek said during the study session. “We’ve got to find a fix here or we’ve got some serious things that could take place in the
next three to possibly five years.” Upgrading 1.2 miles of dilapidated sewer lines is estimated between $5 and $6 million, but public works staff emphasized this number is still being calculated. Untouched repairs could also stunt east Blaine growth, where some of Blaine’s biggest projects are being developed, including the Gateway development at the former airport site and large housing projects. “This is going to necessitate fixing these problems or basically, we’re going to have a very strong chokehold here in east Blaine,” Ziemianek said. Public works recommended improvements include replacing sewer lines near I-5, SR 543, 8th
Street, along I-5 between G Street and Boblett Street, F Street, and adding a new line on part of G Street. Public works staff is already working on the G Street sewer line so it can be constructed soon and design plans are coming for the sewer line that runs along I-5 between G Street and Boblett Street, Jones said during the study session. While public works focuses on design, Jones said the finance department is proposing funding now that an estimated budget has been set. “We are moving toward solutions but we are still a bit of a ways off,” Jones said.
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