April 15 - 21, 2021
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IN THIS
ISSUE
WSDA seeks new hornet regulations, page 5
Lummi member selected as poet laureate, page 10
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
Lt. King retires from Blaine police, page 15
Woman arrested Ready, set, go! Racing through Birch Bay ... in connection to man’s body found in Semiahmoo By Grace McCarthy
(See Homicide, page 3)
s Birch Bay Road Race event organizers estimate about 280 people ran in a 5k, 15k and 30k that started and finished near Birch Bay Waterslides on April 10, while an additional 240 people participated in the virtual race. Photo by Chuck Kinzer/Ckimageart.com
Restaurants allowed to continue plaza use for extent of emergency proclamation By Grace McCarthy Restaurants can continue using the H and G Street plazas until the city’s emergency proclamation is rescinded, following a 7-0 Blaine City Council vote at its April 12 regular meeting. City manager Michael Jones had recommended to council that if they wished to allow continued use of the plaza, they should extend it until June 30 which would be 75 days after all adults are eligible to receive a Covid-19 vaccine. “I think it’s a workable option for the city manager, although it might not have been his top choice,” mayor Bonnie Onyon said during the meeting. “I think it’s certainly workable.”
After Whatcom County entered Phase 3 on March 22, Jones said he notified Drayton Harbor Oyster Company (DHO) – the only business using the plaza space – to remove its belongings before the end of the city’s 30-day compliance period on April 22. Councilmembers voted at their March 22 meeting to reevaluate the emergency order expiration date at the April 12 meeting. DHO co-owner Steve Seymour said later in a phone interview that the restaurant appreciates the extension for plaza use, and was prepared to stop using the H Street plaza by April 22. The plaza, he said, has allowed the restaurant’s employees to keep working because the restaurant can only seat 15 people inside with 50 percent
Birch Bay man arrested for alleged elder abuse By Ian Haupt A Birch Bay man was arrested April 3 for alleged elder abuse after a 71-year-old woman’s son and granddaughter found her lying face down on the floor in her own feces. Robert William Savage, 52, was arrested on suspicion of first-degree criminal mistreatment along with a warrant for an unrelated burglary case, according to the affidavit of probable cause (APC) filed by the Whatcom County prosecuting attor-
ney’s office. Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the 7000 block of Jackson Road after the woman’s son requested a welfare check. The woman’s son and granddaughter had not heard from the woman since mid-March, according to the affidavit. Savage, who lives in the trailer and takes care of the woman, spoke with the deputies when they arrived. He allegedly told deputies the woman was sleeping and he didn’t want to wake her. The affidavit says
deputies had no reason to doubt Savage and left. The woman’s granddaughter then called Savage and asked to speak to the woman. Over the phone, the woman made “a single groan,” according to the APC. The woman’s son and granddaughter visited the trailer the following day, April 2, and found the woman lying face down on the floor wearing a nightgown that was soiled in her own feces and urine while (See Elder, page 15)
capacity. “The extension gets us into the good weather time of the year, so hopefully we can accommodate our guests with the existing space we have,” Seymour said. “We try to do the best for our employees and the community.” Jones presented council with four options to extend the plaza use during the April 12 meeting, in order of Jones’ most desirable to least desirable options (council chose the second option). The first option was Jones’ recommendation to extend plaza use until June 30 and the second option, which council (See Plazas, page 3)
Coming Up . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 6 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14
INSIDE
Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) arrested a 62-year-old Bellingham woman after finding probable cause to charge her in connection with a man’s body found in Semiahmoo Park on April 7. The man had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Deputies booked Lynda Clare Mercy into Whatcom County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder around noon on April 13, according to Whatcom County Jail records. On April 7, Blaine Police Department (BPD) officers responded to a call around 1:30 p.m. about a man’s body, later identified as Thomas Flood, found in Semiahmoo Park. Flood, 67, was a resident of south Whidbey Island, WCSO reported. The Whatcom County medical examiner ruled the death as a homicide. WCSO assisted BPD in investigating the murder. Flood’s white 1994 Ford Econoline van was abandoned in Fairhaven around 4 p.m. on April 7. On the morning of April 8, deputies found the van and later asked the public for information on the vehicle’s whereabouts between 4 a.m. and 4 p.m. on April 7. Police are asking people to report if they saw anything unusual near Semiahmoo Park the early morning of April 7. On April 12, WCSO narrowed in on a person of interest, later identified as Mercy, when surveillance footage showed her driving Flood’s van around 3 p.m. the day his body was found. Footage from the AM/ PM gas station on Airport and Bennett drives showed Mercy, dressed in all black boots, pants, jacket and gloves making a purchase in the gas station. “This case is an excellent example of law enforcement and community members working together to identify and take the suspect in this case into custody,” WCSO undersheriff Doug Chadwick said in a statement. “Our investigators have worked day and night to piece together this case and follow up on tips provided
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April 15 - 21, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
Homicide ... From page 1
by multiple citizens in response to our request for information. We appreciate the assistance of both the Blaine and Bellingham Police Departments, who provided critical information that led to the suspect’s arrest. As we continue to investigate, our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends as we seek justice for Thomas Flood.” WCSO said that while deputies are not looking for other suspects, it is still an ongoing investigation and information on the case can be sent to the WCSO tip line at 360/778-6663. The last homicide within the city limits of Blaine was 39 years
ago, when a mother and her child died by arson in their mobile home, Blaine police chief Donnell Tanskley told The Northern Light in an email. Prior to the 1982 case, the last homicide in Blaine occurred in 1978 when a man traveling through Blaine decapitated his wife at a motel, Tanksley said. Washington state court records show that Mercy has appeared in courts in Snohomish County in 2006, Whatcom County in 2013 and Blaine in May 2020. A Blaine Municipal Court administrator said Mercy was charged with a hit and run and DUI for a May 9 incident. Mercy pleaded guilty to the hit and run and the DUI, which was amended to first-degree. Mercy is on probation for two years and was living in Bell-
ingham at that time, the administrator said. Mercy has lived in Bellingham, Blaine, Spokane and Arizona. An anti-harassment petition was filed against Mercy in Whatcom County District Court but the case was dismissed, court officials said. Mercy appeared in Snohomish County Cascade Division Court for not having a valid permit but Mercy was found not guilty, the court said. Mercy’s first hearing was scheduled for 3 p.m. April 14, a Whatcom County Superior Court clerk said. Jail records show Mercy is being held without bail.
s Lynda Clare Mercy at the gas station on April 7.
Photo courtesy WCSO
IT IREP ON! F H WIT G SO DEN COMIN R A G RE BEER URNITU D E ND NF EXTE FY’ LAW M & ‘CO
THE SUN IS OUT - OUR PATIO IS THE PERFECT SPOT FOR LUNCH AND DINNER s Drayton Harbor Oyster Company.
Plazas ... From page 1
selected, allows plaza use until the city manager or city council rescind the emergency proclamation when “normal” conditions return. Jones said this did not have a clear date. The third option would have extended plaza use until the city manager canceled the park special-use permit based on the conditions of society and the economy. The final option would have allowed plaza use until Whatcom County enters phase 4, which the state had yet to set perimeters for. Jones warned that he didn’t know if the state would have a Phase 4, in which case the city would need to take legal action to rescind the plaza use. Council could have also taken no action and DHO would have taken down its tent and tables as directed before April 22, Jones said. During the meeting, Jones clarified that the restaurant’s tent on the plaza is not related to extending the emergency order. “There happens to be a tent on the plaza, but that is not the matter,” Jones said. “If they’re allowed to use the plaza, they’d be allowed to use a tent. If they’re not allowed to use the plaza, there wouldn’t be a tent. But it’s not about the tent, it’s about the use of the space.” Councilmember Charlie Hawkins questioned when DHO planned to take down the tent, to which Jones replied, “You could amend the motion further and say it would be a requirement that any structures be removed on such date. It wouldn’t apply to the roped areas and tables but would apply to the tent.” Council ultimately voted not to amend option two. The city will allow temporary structures, such as the seating
File photo
outside Paso del Norte, until the end of the proclamation of emergency, Jones said. Jones first issued an emergency order on June 9, 2020 that allowed restaurants to use downtown plazas through a park special-use permit, which city council subsequently approved at the June 22 council meeting. The emergency order was set to expire in October but at their September 28 meeting, councilmembers approved a new resolution that allowed the emergency order to stay in effect until Phase 3 of the governor’s reopening plan.
Our patio is what helped us get through covid and the opening in December 2020. Now with the sun coming out, and staying longer in the day - the covered heated patio is the perfect place for lunch, or for dinner under the patio lights with great background music this week from the ‘50s and ‘60s! It’s also a great time for pizza - by positive feedback from our patrons we are keeping “The ‘Prosciut’ Of Happiness” pizza special on our menu for good. And for this week, our special is called “Great ‘Dough’ Of Fire!”
PIZZA LOVERS ‘HAPPY HOURS’ SAVINGS! Order a pizza from 1:30pm-3:30pm or 7:00pm-8:00pm Wednesday or Thursday and receive $2 off your pizza! Special is only towards one pizza, if more than one ordered together, $2 will be deducted to one pizza only. This is for call in take-out orders only, not dine-in or delivery. This coupon must be presented when picked up. Call 360-332-4346 to order. Enjoy our regular menu or special pizza’s! (Cannot be combined with any other promos or specials • Expires April 29th, 2021)
Wednesday & Thursday 3pm-5pm check out our charcuterie board and bottle of wine special for only $25! For other promotions or to book reservations:
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Call ahead for ‘walk-in’ availability 360-332-4346
The Family Interactive Gallery is re-open. Bring your kids to the FIG!
CLOSED MONDAY • OPEN TUESDAY TO SUNDAY 11:30AM to 8:30pm (FRIDAY & SATURDaY UNTIL 9:30pm)
Live Entertainment at The Vault Live Music Fridays • 7-9 pm April 16 - Adrian Clark April 23 - Cameron Ferguson April 30- Trio Sueño May 7 - Alex Kelsh May 14 - JP Falcon No cover charge, but food/drink purchase required
French Wine Tasting
With Amy Pickering of Elliott Bay Wines Plus paired small plates Friday, April 23 • 5:30-7:30 • Reserve your table today!
Inside the Lightcatcher building: 250 Flora Street www.whatcommuseum.org
DINE IN ONLY
442 PEACE PORTAL DRIVE, BLAINE, WA. • 360-332-4346
Trivia Thursdays • 7-9 pm
We are excited to welcome families back to the FIG. Make a reservation and explore our fun, new exhibit areas. Reservations available Thurs. – Sat., noon – 2pm or 2:30 – 4:30pm for up to six people per group. Register at: https://v2.waitwhile.com/welcome/fig
Reservations Recommended • Walk-ins Welcome
Open Wednesday-Saturday 4-9 pm 277 G Street • Downtown Blaine www.TheVaultWine.com 360-392-0955 Follow us on log& log
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The Northern Light • April 15 - 21, 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.
Sidhu, FOBBL celebrate National Library Week
Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com
s Whatcom County executive Satpal Sidhu visited Friends of Birch Bay Library at the Birch Bay Vogt Community Library on April 7 to celebrate National Library Week. “I am grateful to the Friends of Birch Bay Library and Whatcom County Library System staff for their efforts to build the Birch Bay Vogt Community Library,” Sidhu said in a statement. “This is going to be an important gathering place for the community and will provide personal enrichment and development opportunities for people of all ages. My administration will be supporting this initiative.” Photo courtesy Whatcom County Government
Letters
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 Margo Vansynghel / Crosscut.com The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVI, No 43 Circulation: 10,500 copies
Circulation Independently verified by:
Next issue: April 22 Ads due: April 16
The Editor: Hmmm … shocking. One word that sums up the one and only “Letter to the Editor” in last week’s edition written by someone at The Northern Light. It stated, “We don’t see any benefit in printing letters discussing national events that contain no local context or issue and will not do so going forward.” Who ever heard of any local paper refusing to print a “Letter to the Editor” because it comments on national issues? As if national issues don’t directly affect us all no matter where we live. They also wrote, “We have always felt the letters column ‘belongs’ to our readers – it’s your space to talk to fellow community members.” Yes. As a writer to and a reader of Letters to the Editor … it is “my space” to have the freedom to express myself, and extremely important to be able to do so concerning what is happening on a national level in
America as well as locally. There are huge, monumental issues taking place in our nation that are in the process of shifting and changing. Of course, as Americans we are going to feel strongly one way or another about these issues that affect us all. To want to try and limit our voices is a huge red flag. Cindy Kisska Birch Bay The Editor: Perhaps not since the American Civil War has there been a time when the country has been so divided or when national events have had greater local context than today. Your readers obviously care a great deal about local events, which is why they discuss national events ... precisely because they have everything to do with what is happening locally. You have decided to make yourselves
the arbiters of what is considered “local context.” In doing so you will choose content that serves your own political purposes, locally and nationally. For four years during the Trump administration you permitted letters complaining about Trump’s crimes, whether real or imagined. But now, three months into Biden’s presidency you shut out what you yourself admit are a substantial portion of your readers. To those readers, your importance as a news source will only be proportional as their concerns are to you. If you do not care about their concerns, they will not care about your paper. Dan Rudolph Blaine 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 15 - 21, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
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WSDA seeks public input in adding hornets to a list of quarantined pests By Grace McCarthy Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is seeking public input on a proposal that would classify the Asian giant hornet, and all other hornets in the state, as quarantined pests. This would mean the state agency is guaranteed onto private property when eradicating a nest and state law will prohibit the sale and trade of live hornets. The public can give WSDA oral comment in a virtual conference or written comment by Tuesday, May 11. If passed, the proposed amendments to Washington Administrative Code’s chapter 16470 would go into effect June 18, just as queens are expected to begin foraging out of their nests. If a hornet nest is located, WSDA would alert any property owners within 20 meters of the nest that the area is designated as
an infestation site. No one could enter until WSDA declared the area clear of infestation, according to the proposal. People who live within 20 meters of the nest would still have access to their property, WSDA public engagement specialist Karla Salp said. The move to have all hornet species quarantined comes, in part, from the Asian giant hornet’s fall 2019 emergence in Blaine, but also because of detections of other hornet species, none of which are native in the U.S., Salp said. “Given that there are no native Vespa (hornet) species in the country, and that any of them could have potentially serious negative impacts to agriculture, it seemed prudent to include the entire genus, rather than going through the rule process each time one might be introduced,” Salp told The Northern Light.
Transporting and selling live Asian giant hornets would also become illegal under state law if hornets are classified as a quarantine pest, Salp said. The proposal states that scientists would be allowed to obtain live hornets for research on things such as lures, behavior and the movement of queens. “WSDA is not currently aware of any businesses within the state that sell or distribute hornet species,” the proposal reads. Violating the state’s quarantined pest law could result in fines such as $5,000 per offense, but Salp said every offense is situational and WSDA would choose to educate people over fines. The gypsy moth and apple maggot are the two other pests quarantined in Washington state, according to the WSDA website. For more information on how to join the WSDA public hear-
s An Asian giant hornet found in east Blaine last fall. Photo courtesy WSDA
ing on Microsoft Teams, visit bit. ly/32bWV6k. Written comments can be submitted by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 11 by emailing wsdarulescomments@agr.wa.gov, sending
mail to WSDA agency rules coordinator Gloriann Robinson at WSDA PO Box 42560 Olympia, Washington 98504-2560 or faxing 360/902-2092 to Gloriann Robinson.
Applications open for city of Blaine’s mural commission The city of Blaine is launching a downtown mural project and invites residents of the city to apply for membership to a newly created ad hoc arts commission. Visual artists and those with experience in art curation, public art programs and a strong interest in art and the community are encouraged to apply. The ad hoc arts commission will act as an advisory body to Blaine City Council as it pertains to the selection of qualified artists to install publicly funded murals in the city’s downtown waterfront. The downtown mural program project charter and the resolution authorizing the creation of the ad hoc arts commission are available on the city’s website at cityofblaine.com.
The city is recruiting new volunteer members for the ad hoc arts commission to begin in May. Positions are open to Blaine residents residing within city limits. Meetings will take place on an “as needed basis,” and will be held online (Zoom or GoTo Meeting) during the city’s regular business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday). Exact dates and times are yet to be determined. Members will be appointed by the city manager; confirmed by city council; and serve a one-year term. The work program for the ad hoc arts commission will include recommending qualified mural artists to the city council. The commission will review examples of artists’ work and forward
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a recommendation of up to three artists for council’s consideration. There is no deadline for applications, but interested citizens are encouraged to apply by 5 p.m. May 7. Positions remain opened until filled. To apply, go to city-
ofblaine.com and follow the prompts to the application. For questions, contact community development services director Stacie Pratschner at 360/332-8311 or spratschner@ cityofblaine.com.
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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 22 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting
Monday, April 26 4:30pm – Study Session:
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Tuesday, May 11 8:00am – Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee 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.blaineimmigration.com• •435 435Martin MartinSt., St., Suite Suite2010 1010 ••Blaine, www.blaineimmigration.com Blaine,WA WA
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Part-Time Activities Coordinator The Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District is currently seeking a PT Activity Coordinator (30 hours a week) to plan, organize, coordinate, administer, and promote athletic, fitness and recreation programs for the community’s youth and adults. • Plan, implement, supervise and promote recreational programs and activities for people of all ages. • Ensure a safe and fun environment at the Birch Bay Activity Center and Blaine Pavilion Building. • Clean and maintain recreational equipment and light janitorial work. • Assist with office tasks, scheduling and fee structures. • Collect admission fees for recreational activities, facility or equipment rentals. • Check out equipment. • Work with Program Manager to create and implement new activities and programs. • Promote programs sponsored by BBBPRD2 • Perform other duties as assigned. • Optional: Be an instructor for activities. • Certified Instructors are encouraged to teach classes!
Starting Pay: Negotiable, based on experience. Full application and details can be found at bbbparkandrec.org.
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The Northern Light • April 15 - 21, 2021
Sports Borderites bats back in action after spring break
s Justin Saunders looking to make connection in the teams first loss of the season April 13. The boys lost 8-4 to Ferndale.
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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. Blaine Public Works.
By Ian Haupt With spring break over, Borderites spring sports are back in full swing. Here’s where the teams are playing next. Baseball The Borderites lost their first game of the season April 13 against Ferndale. The score was 8-4, making their record 2-1. The boys will travel to Lynden Thursday, April 15, and Sehome Friday, April 16. Boys soccer The Borderites were to play April 13 but the game was canceled. Next, the team is set to travel
to Burlington-Edison Wednesday, April 21. Softball The Borderites are set to travel to Lynden for a double-header Thursday, April 15. Track and Field Boys and girls track and field were planned to host Bellingham April 14. The team will travel to Anacortes Thursday, April 22, for a three-school meet with Anacortes and Burlington-Edison. Golf Boys and girls golf has a conference game next week at Shuksan Golf Course. The boys will play Monday, April 19, and the girls
CITY OF BLAINE PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of Electrical Work Starting April 23rd and continuing through June 30th, the City of Blaine Electrical Crews will be completing work to improve the electrical system. These modifications will require short outages. The outages will primarily affect residential areas within the central part of Blaine and will not affect the Semiahmoo area. We recognize that any duration without electricity is an inconvenience. To minimize the impact Public Works will be notifying affected residents 2-3 days before the outage occurs. Our crews will reach out to residents in person or with door hangers with information regarding when the outage will occur and the duration of the outage. We will also provide updates on our website @ www.cityofblaine.com. These modifications will help to meet our goal as an electrical utility to provide reliable and continued electrical service. We appreciate your support of our efforts and apologize for the inconvenience.
For more information, please call 360.332.8820 or visit our website at www.cityofblaine.com.
Photo by Janell Kortlever
will play Tuesday, April 20. Girls tennis The Borderites will host Anacortes Friday, April 16, and travel to Oak Harbor Monday, April 19.
s Jake Miller eyes a pop fly on April 13. Photo by Janell Kortlever
County transit survey open until May 30 Whatcom Council of Governments (WCOG) is asking the public for its opinion in a survey regarding the county’s 20-year transportation plan. The survey will be open until May 30. WCOG estimates more than 60,000 people will move to Whatcom County within the next two decades. “The transportation plan will discuss and document our region’s goals and priorities for future transportation investments as our population grows,” the media release states. The transportation plan, last updated in 2017, is set to be adopted again in 2022, according to the WCOG website. To participate in the survey, also available in Spanish, visit wcog.org/survey.
April 15 - 21, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
Covid-19 in Whatcom County, by school district boundaries: Recent two-week case rates and cumulative counts Fun For Kids! Blaine Nooksack Lynden Rate: 108 Rate: 138 Valley Count: 450 Count: 1256 Rate: 136 Ferndale Meridian Count: 724 Rate: 126 Rate: 167 Count: 1494 Count: 399 Bellingham Rate: 122 Count: 2722
T-Ball for the Little Tikes!
Run, catch, throw and more! This mini clinic is designed to teach the beginner basics of T-ball to your little one. Outside so dress for weather. APRIL 20 (4 week series), 3:30-4PM ($10) • AGES 3 & 4
Combo Dance/Cheer
BUILDING SKILLS AND CONFIDENCE Jumps, kicks, dance and cheer. This mini class will teach your child how to cheer on any team or game. End of session performance. APRIL 20 (4 week series), 4-4:30PM ($10+$10 FOR COSTUME) CHEER DANCE, AGES 4 & 5
Mt. Baker Rate: 139 Count: 419
Combo Dance / Cheer
BUILDING SKILLS AND CONFIDENCE Time to move our arms, legs and more! Hip Hop/Pop Dance will get your child movin’ and a groovin’ to the newest songs out! End of session performance. APRIL 20(4 week series), 4:30-5:15PM ($15+$20 FOR COSTUME) HIP HOP/POP DANCE, AGES 6-9
s The rate is the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people over the past two weeks. Rates were updated April 10.
By Grace McCarthy Whatcom County will remain in phase 3 after meeting the state’s metrics that require no more than 200 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people in the past two weeks (Whatcom had 182.6) and no more than 5 hospitalizations per 100,000 in the past week. The next phase evaluation is scheduled for May 3. As of April 12, Whatcom County has had a total of 7,578 confirmed cases of Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic and 274 probable cases (7,852 total cases), according to Washington State Department of Health (DOH) data. The number of deaths remains at 88; the percent of deaths per total confirmed cases is 1.1 percent. Blaine school district’s case rates nearly doubled this week; Bellingham, Meridian and Mount Baker also increased. Meridian school district had the highest
rate of new cases with 167 confirmed cases per 100,000 people followed by Mount Baker (139), Lynden (138), Nooksack Valley (136), Ferndale (126), Bellingham (122) and Blaine (108). The county should receive vaccine shipments of 6,440 first doses of vaccine. About 23 percent of county residents are fully vaccinated and 34.6 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 52,418 county residents are fully vaccinated and 78,862 residents have received their first shot. The state department of health (DOH) announced April 13 that it would halt the use of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine across the state to follow federal guidance from the FDA and CDC.
CDC advises against travel to Canada, amid surge CDC issued its highest Covid-19 alert for travelers April 7 advising that Covid-19 levels in Canada were at Level 4: Very High. The advisory stated that travelers should avoid all travel to Canada and that “because of the current situation even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading Covid-19 variants and should avoid all travel” to the country. It further advised that if indi-
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viduals must travel to Canada, they should get vaccinated and wear a mask, stay six feet away from others, avoid crowds and wash their hands. While much of Canada has seen a recent surge in cases, the top three provinces in terms of active cases are Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. B.C., in particular, is a hotspot for the Brazil variant of Covid-19 which is feared for its virulence and increased infectiousness.
The decision comes after blood clots in the brain were detected in six people who received the vaccine in the U.S. Statewide, 4,189,884 vaccine doses have been administered. About 22.2 percent of people in Washington are fully vaccinated and 34.1 percent have received one dose. Washington state has had 353,147 confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic and 25,909 probable cases (probable cases come from an antigen test). In all, 5,340 people in Washington with the virus have died as of April 12 and 21,184 have been hospitalized. For more Whatcom County information, visit whatcomcounty. us/covidvaccine and whatcomcounty.us/coviddata. State information is available at bit.ly/3r2URJj. Vaccine locations can be found at bit. ly/3nZiMqr. For CDC data, visit bit.ly/39Kt4qh.
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8
The Northern Light • April 15 - 21, 2021
Blaine author strives to make workplaces more inclusive
s Barbara Adams.
Courtesy photo
By Sienna Boucher Blaine resident Barbara Adams aims to help businesses become more inclusive in her book “Women, Minorities, and Other Extraordinary People.” “A very diverse and inclusive workforce will outperform a more homogeneous one,” she said. “If you have a group of people with different kinds of ideas, then you’re going to be more innovative. You’re going to be more creative than with everybody
thinking alike.” The 256-page book won the Bronze Medal at Axiom Business Book Awards in 2019 and was a top 10 finalist out of 10,000 books at the international getAbstract Book Awards in Frankfurt, Germany. “The idea [for the book] struck me in 2015. Research began in 2016 and the actual book writing took about six months from late 2017 to early 2018,” Adams said. Greenleaf Book Press published the book on September 18, 2018.
After seeing many work environments lack accommodation for diverse cultures, Adams was inspired to make a change. In 2016, she founded her company Gender, Age, and Race Diversity Consultancy. Data from research institutes such as McKinsey Global Institute showed Adams that inclusive workplace practices can benefit those who are historically underrepresented, and benefit every aspect of a company by giving it a competitive, creative edge. After working as a director in the national diversity and inclusion office at healthcare company Kaiser Permanente for nine years and leaving in 2015, Adams said she had first-hand experience seeing the benefits of working for a company geared toward inclusion and diversity. “I have learned a lot about what’s required to succeed in this space,” Adams said. “I have a real commitment to helping women into helping people who are underrepresented in many industries, to advance further.” Adams said throughout her career, she’s seen businesses suc-
ceed with hiring a diverse group of employees, but then struggling to retain them. “Diversity alone is not enough,” Adams said. “The environment has to be inclusive. People have to know and feel like there’s a sense of belonging, [otherwise] they won’t want to be there.” There will continue to be a high turnover rate if employees don’t feel comfortable, Adams said. “Too often it becomes just lip service,” Adams said. To improve employee retention, Adams suggests employers communicate clearly to employees that the company will deal with any inclusion or bias concerns. She also notes, as the social climate is constantly changing and new social issues arise, employers should address these events. “Most companies stay away and separate the social world from the industrial world,” Adams said, advising against it. “But then there are the ones that are willing to send a positive message to their minority employees that they matter. They matter enough for [employers] to be
brave enough to hold these kinds of conversations.” Adams said the reason why some companies do not hold these conversations is largely due to a lack of experience dealing with social issues, which she said is why training is essential. But not much progress can be made if people don’t address their implicit biases, even when putting in efforts to make employees feel comfortable, Adams said. These biases can be deeply subconscious, she said. “There’s something called the implicit association test (IAT). It’s online and anybody can take it,” Adams said. “I think that’s been one of the biggest eye opener because our implicit biases tend to run counter to what we believe to be true about ourselves.” While Adams mentions that she possibly sees herself writing another book in the future, she does not have plans to start on another. “I learned that no level of expertise makes a knowledge base complete,” Adams said. “Only a commitment to and desire for lifelong learning.”
ADVICE FROM THE P Q: I’m interested in building a
Q: What is a fiduciary financial advisor? A: A fiduciary financial advisor is an advisor who
Deka Wiebusch CFP® AIF® CRPC®
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
is bound by fiduciary duty to act in your best interest. While it may seem that all financial advisors would be fiduciaries, they are not. John C. Bogle, Founder of Vanguard Group, explains it like this, “It should be made clear to clients whether they are relying on (1) trained investment professionals, paid solely through fully disclosed fees to oversee their investments; or (2) sales representatives who sell the products and services of the companies that they represent. Simply put, the first group is representing its clients; the second group is representing its employers.” Ask your financial advisor if they are a fiduciary, at all times, on your behalf. At Skyline Advisors we are an independent Registered Investment Advisory firm, and we are bound by fiduciary duty to our clients.
new house. What should I know about new-construction loans?
A: New construction loans typically involve more paperLoren Adkins Senior Real Estate Loan Officer NMLS# 643779
Office: (360) 647-4425 Cell: (360) 303-8599 loren.adkins@peoplesbank-wa.com
work, time, expense, and consideration than your average home loan. That’s why it’s important to establish a relationship with a bank with an active construction loan program before you even find a builder. Despite the extra effort required, there’s no question that building a new home can be an attractive option. A limited supply of available housing inventory is creating greater interest in new home building, and we’re seeing more new construction loan applications in recent months.
Skyline Advisors, Inc. is a Registered Investment Adviser. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Skyline Advisors, Inc. unless a client service agreement is in place.
405 32nd Street, Suite 201, Bellingham (360) 671-1621 www.myskylineadvisor.com
Q: Are employers eligible for additional COVID-relief with the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC)?
A: The ERTC is a refundable tax credit that businesses can claim for qualified employee wages paid. There are significant changes to the ERTC that can benefit employers.
3 PPP recipients are now eligible to claim the ERTC if they meet the qualifications. Businesses can retroactively claim the credit for 2020. Wages cannot be used for both ERTC and PPP forgiveness, so tax planning is important when taking advantage of both.
3 The ERTC has been extended through 12/31/2021 and the credit increased drastically. Employers could qualify for a credit of up to $5,000 per employee for 2020, and $7,000 per employee per quarter in 2021. That is an annual maximum credit per employee of $28,000 in 2021! A business may qualify if it experienced a partial or full suspension of operations or if it experienced a specific decline in gross receipts for the quarter compared to the corresponding quarter in 2019. The reduction requirement in 2020 is 50% and 2021 is 20%. Contact us for more information.
Cynthia Polley, Enrolled Agent 8105 Birch Bay Square St. • Suite 102
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Bellingham Real Estate Loan Center • 3100 Woburn St. • Bellingham WA, 98226
Advice
from the
PROS
You are the expert and you have the answers for our readers... Your Potential Clients This monthly feature provides you an opportunity to speak to the Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo community and answer some of their specific questions or some general questions from your business that almost every new client wants to know. Your ad will be 5” wide x 4” tall, in full color with your photo and contact information plus your question and answer.
EXCLUSIVITY - Each business category is limited to one advertiser.
Here’s your opportunity to voice your expertise! To reserve space call 360-332-1777 Community Newspaper for Blaine & Birch Bay
April 15 - 21, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
9
Phase 3 offers more relief while restaurant owners await border reopening By Nolan Baker As Washington enters Phase 3 of governor Jay Inslee’s “Roadmap to Recovery” plan to safely reopen the economy, restaurant owners are hopeful that easing restrictions could lead to a busier future for Blaine businesses. For Miguel Ramos, owner of Paso del Norte, the past year has been filled with challenges and tough decisions. Before the pandemic, Ramos had 23 employees on staff. Today he can nearly count his staff on two hands. “Right now,” Ramos says as he counts his fingers, “Twelve. So I lost eleven.” He said that even with the added help of alcohol to-go sales and online ordering, the restaurant is still not operating at its preCovid clip. “It’s one of the hardest things to let go of an employee,” Ramos said. “We lost some very good employees because I couldn’t keep them on payroll.” Ramos says he’s used his personal savings and took out multiple paycheck protection loans to stay in business. Since the state
entered Phase 3 of the reopening plan on March 22, Ramos said he has seen a slow but steady uptick in business. “The last two weeks we’ve been up about 15 percent on sales,” Ramos said. While the switch to Phase 3 is seen by restaurant owners as a sign of hope for a safe and prosperous future, “back to normal” may rely on more than just Washington being open for business. “I don’t think it’s really possible to go completely back to normal without seeing the Canadian customers come down,” said Kylie Bestul, co-owner of the Peace Arch City Café. Before the border was closed on March 21, 2020 in a mutual agreement between the Canadian and American federal governments, Bestul said Canadian travelers accounted for 35 to 40 percent of her customer base. Ramos said that during lunch hours, Canadians account for about 60 percent of his business. “Closing the border, it was like day and night,” Ramos said. “The first day they shut the border, we got like five customers by lunch-
time.” On March 18, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau announced the 12th extension of the closure, this time until at least April 21. Neither government has offered a timeline for reopening the border. Both Bestul and Ramos said that having a schedule to estimate when the border might be open again would be invaluable
for revamping their businesses to pre-Covid levels. But after 12 extensions of the border closure, Peace Arch City Café isn’t holding its breath. “We’ve tried to not have any sort of expectation as to when the border’s going to reopen,” Bestul said. “We haven’t rehired people calculating that it would be reopened by the summer.” Despite the financial woes that local business owners have been facing, one thing that has kept
s Menus from local eateries on display at G Street Plaza.
PROS
published monthly on the 3rd Thursday of the month
Q: With all of the shut downs, inability to socialize and to have family gatherings there is so much stress, anxiety and depression right now. What can we do to reduce these feelings?
A:
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skips their mortgage payments does Q: Iftheirsomeone homeowners insurance get cancelled? A:
No, if you skip your mortgage payment because you cannot afford your insurance, it will not get cancelled. The mortgage company has an insurable interest in the property, however, the lender can put forced place insurance on your home which is more expensive and has less coverage than the insurance policy you were paying on. If you cannot pay the forced place insurance and your home goes into foreclosure the monies owed will come from the sale of your home. Christine Roubidoux Personal Lines Manager
Christine.Roubidoux@fortiphi.com
288 Martin St. Downtown Blaine (360) 332-7300 (604) 256-1384
Photo by Nolan Baker
A Special Section of
Q: As a buyer, do I have a chance in this market?
Julia Mullenix
both Ramos and Bestul hopeful throughout this year has been the love and support shown by the local community. Ramos said during the slowest months of the pandemic, regulars would buy gift cards, send direct checks or even deliver homemade food to the restaurant. “I want to cry just thinking about it,” Ramos said. “Those little things make big memories, but that’s what Blaine is like, you feel that local support.”
Q: How can physical therapy help
with headaches?
A:
Stephanie Carlson, DPT Physical Therapist Capstone Physical Therapy
1733 H Street, Suite 400 Blaine, WA 98230 360-332-5111 www.capstonept.com
There are several types of headaches, however one of the most common types are categorized as cervicogenic headaches. Cervicogenic headaches originate from the cervical spine, often resulting in radiating pain from the neck or shoulder towards the forehead, temple, face or eyes in addition to symptoms of stiffness, dizziness or even nausea. Typically, this type of headache occurs with quick movements of the neck or after a prolonged activity, like working at a computer. Cervicogenic headaches originate from postural changes and muscular imbalances. At Capstone Physical Therapy we will work with you to identify the source of your symptoms and prescribe specific exercises and workspace modifications to address the root cause of your symptoms. 825 Birch Bay Square Street, Suite 248 Blaine, WA 98230
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10
The Northern Light • April 15 - 21, 2021
Washington state names its first Native American poet laureate By Margo Vansyng h e l / C r o ss c u t . c o m This article has been edited for length by Grace McCarthy After years of entering poetry contests and submitting to literary journals, Rena Priest had developed a habit: She would slip a copy of a New Yorker cartoon into the envelope along with her work. The image showed a car with a driver and passenger stuck in a sea of traffic. The caption: “Try honking again.” Though the cartoon was mostly for laughs – and to soften the potential blow of rejection – that’s how it felt trying to make it as a poet: Honking into the void, hoping to make progress. These days, Priest, 42, is breezing through the fast lane. April 1, the Bellingham-based poet has been named the new Washington state poet laureate, the state’s highest honor in poetry. The author of two poetry books and a member of the Lhaq’temish (Lummi) Nation, Priest is the sixth poet and first Native person to be selected for the two-year term, a program of the Washington State Arts Commission and Humanities Washington. “When I got the news, it was a moment of elation – and then relief,” Priest says. “If you’re not having any success with the thing that you’re doing and love to do, and you’ve made sacrifices for it,
it starts to feel like ‘what if I was wrong?’ ... Now, I feel this huge sense of relief that I did follow my calling – and that it was not for naught.” Despite her writerly self-doubt, Priest has had her share of literary success: Her debut, “Patriarchy Blues” (2017), was honored with an American Book Award and recently won a Vadon Foundation Native Artist Fellowship worth $10,000. Priest’s term as poet laureate, appointed by the governor, officially starts April 15 and runs through April 14, 2023. With a virtual Passing of the Laurel ceremony, Priest will take over from Seattle poet Claudia Castro Luna. Poet laureate selection panelist Jasmine Mahmoud, an assistant professor of arts leadership at Seattle University, says she was “endlessly impressed” with Priest’s work and application. “Ruminative and meditative, her poetry weaves thoughts, feelings, and insights about the earth, its peoples past, present, and future, and our practices, including as they concern the environment,” Mahmoud wrote in a statement. The poet laureate is not just tasked with producing new work, but expected to be an ambassador of poetry itself, lifting up other poets and connecting with readers and writers across the state through readings, workshops and lectures. “Washington state has very
s Rena Priest, a Bellingham poet and member of the Lummi Nation, will officially become the state’s first Native American poet laureate on April 15. Photo courtesy Rena Priest rich poetry communities across the state, not just in the Puget Sound, but in eastern Washington, Ellensburg and the peninsula, Vancouver,” the outgoing poet laureate Castro Luna says. It was during a poetry event in Ellensburg that Castro Luna heard Priest read for the first time. “She’s so expressive and so warm,” Castro Luna says. “That will serve her very well as she
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travels and engages with communities across the state.” During her tenure, Priest plans to draw attention to the importance of preserving “the beauty and integrity of the natural world” in Washington, particularly as it concerns tribal lands. A leading theme will be “solastalgia,” the anguish and grief caused by environmental change. “Washington is such a beauti-
ful place. I’ve grown up here and spent most of my life here,” Priest says. “My reservation where I grew up, my homeland, is beautiful beyond compare. I’ve seen how the state, the landscapes [surrounding the reservation] have changed. Right now, that’s an important discussion to be having, without feelings of guilt (See Poet, page 13)
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NEXT ISSUE: April 22
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NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Superior Court of the State of Washington, In and for the County of Whatcom, In re the Estate of Freda Garetta Visser. Probate No. 21-400278-37 Judge: Lee 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 Clerk of this Court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice (twenty-four (24) months if notice is not published). If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of first publication: 4/15/21. Personal Representative: Robert Visser. Attorney for the Estate: Keith Bode, WSBA #7791 314 5th Street, P.O. Box 688, Lynden, WA 98264-0688, Tel. (360) 354-5021
NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Superior Court of the State of Washington, In and for the County of Whatcom, In re the Estate of Shirlee Joyce Meyers. Probate No.21-400277-37 Judge: Robert 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 Clerk of this Court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice (twenty-four (24) months if notice is not published). If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of first publication: 4/15/21. Personal Representative: David Meyers. Attorney for the Estate: Keith Bode, WSBA #7791 314 5th Street, P.O. Box 688, Lynden, WA 98264-0688, Tel. (360) 354-5021
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: RONALD JOHN DASCH, Deceased. No. 21-4-00272-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS Judge Evan Jones 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: April 14, 2021 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: April 15, 2021 Name of Administrator: JOSEPH EDWARD LEIGHTON 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: April 15, 2021 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator JOSEPH EDWARD LEIGHTON
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Matter and Estate of: ROBERTA MARIE NOTAR, Deceased. No. 21-4-00246-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.40.030 The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Notice of First Publication: April 8, 2021 Personal Representative: Robert Notar Presented by: Whatcom Law Group, P.S. Roger L. Ellingson, WSBA #19292 Attorney for Personal Representative PO Box 1258 / 289 H Street Blaine, WA 98231-1258 (360) 332-7000; Fax: (360) 332-6677
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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of John Ernest Norling, Deceased. NO. 21-4-00280-37. NONPROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.42.030) JUDGE: David E. Freeman The notice agent named below has elected to give notice to creditors of the abovenamed decedent. As of the date of the filing of a copy of this notice with the court, the notice agent has no knowledge of any other person acting as notice agent or of the appointment of a personal representative of the decedent’s estate in the state of Washington. According to the records of the court as are available on the date of the filing of this notice with the court, a cause number regarding the decedent has not been issued to any other notice agent, and a personal representative of the decedent’s estate has not been appointed. 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 11.42.070 by serving on or mailing to the notice agent or the notice agent’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 notice agent’s declaration and oath were filed. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the notice agent served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.42.020(2)(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 11.42.050 and 11.42.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: April 15, 2021 The notice agent declares under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Washington on April 7, 2021, at Bellingham, Washington, that the foregoing is true and correct. Notice Agent: Ronnie Truitt PO Box 28397, Bellingham, WA 98229 Attorney for notice agent: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Court of notice agent’s Declaration and Oath: Superior Court of Whatcom County Cause Number: 21-4-00280-37
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12
The Northern Light • April 15 - 21, 2021
Real Estate
BLAINE, BIRCH BAY & SEMIAHMOO
Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom Inc. 8105 Birch Bay Square St. #101, Blaine, WA I-5 Exit 270 • 360.371.5100
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.
F E A T U R E D L I S T I N G S - B I R C H B AY
F E AT U R E D B L A I N E
6885 Holeman Ave 8370 Harborview Road #11 8159 Comox Rd 4619 Anderson Road 5550 Salish Road 7382 Halibut Drive MLS #1734392 $799,500 MLS #1725056 MLS #1745121 $899,000 MLS #1713783 $329,000 MLS #1735916 $400,000 MLS #1755949 $259,900 $650,000
Popular gated community of Birch Bay Village! Expansive open plan with vaulted ceilings, lots of natural light, views of Mt. Baker, room to garden. Recently updated kitchen flows into dining area & family room, large 450+ sq ft deck. Main level has 3 bedrooms includes spacious master suite that features en-suite bath & walk-in closet, great mountain views & peekaboo bay view. Downstairs is huge great room, a bedroom, a 3/4 bath, great MIL Suite potential! Nicely updated, a huge 725 SF garage, don’t miss this home!
Ben Tucker 360-393-5726
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 main house. All sitting on majestic park like parcel cleared from home to street & wooded to back. Main home has been stripped to studs for investor/owner to finish project. Unique opportunity to acquire beautiful estate parcel with a gated entry, driveway & main home in place along with finished 2nd home. Large barn on property, with additional out buildings.
Mike Kent 360-815-3898
Spectacular north facing waterfront view lot on Point Whitehorn. Situated amongst upscale homes, lot overlooks Birch Bay & Canadian mountains. Site features waterfront access to enjoy clamming, crabbing, beach combing, kayaking, & everything Birch Bay has to offer. Build 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 & build later.
Matt Berry 360-389-0104 or Gerry Allen 360-920-0563
F E AT U R E D B L A I N E
Built in 2005, 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, sauna, granite counter tops, Cedar siding, covered patio & deck, 5 zone in-floor radiant heat including 3-car garage. Kitchen has maple cabinets, slate backsplash, granite counter tops, ss appliances. Main level has Great room, kitchen, dining room, 2 guest beds & full guest bath, deck. Garden Level has family room, master bed with en-suite, patio.
Brian Southwick 360-815-6638
Lovely 3 bed, 2 bath home in sought-after Bay Crest Community. Open floor plan with vaulted ceilings, beautiful landscaping & large partially-covered back deck. Spacious master bedroom with walk-in closet & ensuite bathroom. Recent updates include new flooring in kitchen & hallway, interior paint & new appliances in 2019. Short walk or drive to everything in Birch Bay. Explore Birch Bay State Park, enjoy shops & restaurants, go clam digging, take a walk along the new berm project, Birch Bay is great place!
Ben Tucker 360-393-5726
Modern, remodeled cottage in 55+ community of Birch Bay Retirement Inc. Purchase includes home & 1/18th share in Birch Bay Retirement Inc. 18 home development with common areas include RV parking. May be least expensive place to live in Birch Bay on monthly basis. Monthly dues of $120/ month, include expenses for all expenses for Birch Bay Retirement Inc. Great location with perfect sun exposure, remodeled property creating Beach Cottage with modern outbuilding. See it today.
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
9146 Turnstone Lane #25 656 F Street 217 11th Street 8668 Blue Grouse Way 9085 Chickadee Way 9290 Molers Lane MLS #1747981 $689,000 MLS #1754546 $498,000 MLS #1754661 $598,500 MLS #1755430 $1,190,000 MLS #1749351 $1,300,000 MLS #1746831 $425,000
Updated, super clean 3bd (could be 4bd) 2.5 bath home on quiet “small town” feel street in Blaine. 2316sf, vaulted ceilings, lots of big double pane windows, 2 fireplaces. Multilevel w/good separation. Recently updated kitchen, beautiful custom cabinets, spacious master bdrm with 3/4 bath, newer waterproof vinyl plank flooring & carpet, oversize 2 car garage, covered deck & fenced yard in back, alley access. 2 blocks to schools & Senior Center, EZ walk to downtown & marina. New Roof & exterior paint 3 years ago.
Dawn Durand 360-739-3380
Located on massive 15K+ sq ft lot, Unlimited potential with rock solid 4 bed/1.75 bath home. Just shy of 2,900 sq ft, recent upgrades include new ss steel appliances & addition of natural gas furnace. Completely livable as is or continue updating & customize to your exact taste. Primary living + cozy fireplace on main level + an additional bedroom, bathroom & bonus spaces down. Rare to find home with this much property that is walking distance to schools, downtown Blaine, waterfront & border. 2 car garage.
Jen Freeman 360-815-0803
Single-level home on Semiahmoo’s 7th green. Open floor-plan, modern white trim & doors, vaulted ceilings, teak flooring, french doors, granite island + 2 separate dining areas. Primary suite features luxurious ensuite bathroom with dual sink vanity & separate tub/shower + slider to backyard. Fantastic, covered patio, pavers & garden space. This thoughtfully designed home has been executed to perfection! Fabulous Stonehaven @ Semiahmoo location walk to golf & country club, tennis courts & pool. New roof in 2020.
Leah Crews 360-305-4747
Sunsets & waterview of Boundary Bay serve as backyard to spectacular location. Exceptionally well maintained & recently remodeled single-story home! Think turn-key cottage--perfect amount of room. Built & remodeled by Dykstra--a Whatcom County legend in detailed craftsmanship. Charming architectural integrity, vaulted ceiling, high windows & walls of windows on the view side. Tucked inside unique location in Boundary Ridge--private cul-de-sac with neighboring lots with park like landscapes.
Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718
Rare opportunity in the coveted Semiahmoo Shore development. Exceptional quality, rarely used, immaculately maintained, under floor heating, vaulted ceilings, & numerous smart home features. Spectacular saltwater views from front & back. Elegant fireplace on expanded patio, views of Drayton Harbor & Mt Baker. Beaches on both sides. Walkable location with parks, paths, restaurants, Semiahmoo Resort & Marina. View ASAP to discover this little bit of paradise.
Matt Berry 360-389-0104 or Gerry Allen 360-920-0563
One of a kind--15 acre parcel ready & waiting. 2 bedroom septic--private well already in place. Add solar panels & you are living off the grid but minutes from I-5 and border. Property comes with 2 RV hookups, dry storage, 3,000 sqft. shop, 2,000 sqft. of storage space & cozy 1 bed studio with 2 south facing decks. Open meadow might be ideal place to build dream home. Well-maintained --a unique property in superior Whatcom County location. Well-built home/shop even has a fire suppression system!
Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718
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real estate/rentals advertisAllAllreal estate/rentals advertisinginin this this newspaper is subject ing newspaper is subject the Federal Federal FairFair Housing Act Act totothe Housing of 1968 1968 asasamended, whichwhich makesmakes it illegalittoillegal of amended, advertise any preference, limitationlimitation or discrimito advertise any preference, or disnation based onbased race, color, handicap crimination onreligion, race,sex, color, religion, familial status or national or an sex, handicap, familialorigin, status or intention national orito make any such preference, limitation or disgin, or an intention to make any such prefcrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly erence, limitation or discrimination. This accept any advertisement for real estate which newspaper will not knowingly accept any is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby advertisement real estate which is in viinformed that all for dwellings advertised in this olation of are theavailable law. Our are hereby innewspaper on readers an equal opportunity formed that allofdwellings advertised basis. To complain discrimination, call HUD toll-in this newspaper are available on an equal opporfree at 1-800-877-0246. tunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246.
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April 15 - 21, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
Poet ... From page 10
or blame around how these beautiful places have been altered, but how we can fix it [and] get back to a healthier ecosystem and environment.” Though she hasn’t settled on her projects yet, she has a few ideas brewing. She would love to add poetry to scientific flora-and-fauna placards at beaches and parks. She’s also hoping to visit tribes and tribal schools throughout the state to build mini-anthologies of locally written poetry for each community, as well as a statewide anthology of Native writing. Priest also dreams of asking various tribal and other communities across the state to submit “salmon poems” for a collection. Her first endeavor is launching this month, which is National Poetry Month – a free letterpress-printed handout conceived as a “Poem in Your Pocket.” The poem is by youth poet Sadie Olsen, written in English and also translated into Xwlemi Chosen (Lummi language). Its title, “Thank You Poem,” proved challenging to translate: There’s no direct word for poem in the Lummi language, Priest says, but the director of the Xwlemi Chosen program, Ted Solomon, told her either “prayer” or “song” would convey the closest meaning. Perhaps that’s because the poetry is embedded in the language. “The language itself is so poetic and beautiful,” Priest says. “The magic contained in certain words, it’s just so pretty. the word for cottonwood tree is a ‘dancing tree.’ And the word for river is the
same as the word for the Milky Way.” Priest didn’t grow up speaking Xwlemi Chosen, but was always a “writerly kid,” as she puts it, fond of rhymes and poems. She wrote her first poem at age 7, inspired by the prompt “springtime.” After a detour in theater studies, returning to poetry by way of a class at Western Washington University taught by Bellingham poet Jim Bertolino felt like a homecoming. She then moved to New York to get an MFA in poetry at Sarah Lawrence College. The poems in “Patriarchy Blues” were shaped by her time in the city. In many of these poems, Priest takes herself out of the equation by acting as an observer of society’s strange tendencies, using snippets of conversation to make characters come alive to humorous effect. “I’m terribly amused at the world all the time,” Priest says. Some of her work starts out with a serious tone “and then all of a sudden it’s really funny. Because life is like that,” she says. “I feel like, in order to survive, I had to use [humor] to my advantage.” After her studies, Priest moved back West to Bellingham where her poetry once again molded itself around the natural surroundings. In her second book, “Sublime Subliminal” (2018), she gravitates toward themes that bring her more pleasure: Nature, matriarchy, playing with language itself. “I feel like there’s a lot of, maybe accidental, censorship of Native writers by editors, and [audience] expectations of what Native poetry should be,” Priest says. She hopes poems like “Super-Sacred” can “challenge and broaden a reader’s ideas of Indi-
geneity beyond the limited range of topics that are considered appropriate for American Indian literature to address.” Take, for example, “Daffodils,” which kicks off like this: The Indigenous poet writes life-affirming poems about daffodils. Her audience says, “But you’re oppressed.” The Indigenous poet writes poems of outrage about oppression. Nobody cares. She gets depressed. On one hand, she wants to write about daffodils – have it be just a poem about daffodils and whatever makes her heart sing but the non-Indigenous reader expectations are always looming. At the same time, as an Indigenous poet, she also feels an internal imperative to talk about “the extinction and disappearance of species, and erosion of the quality of life and degradation of the environment, all impacting my tribal community,” Priest says. From the loss of the fisheries to unkept promises of treaties to the thinning of salmon and orca populations, “it hasn’t quite hit the average person in America the way that it has hit tribal communities who have relied on the integrity of the natural environment,” Priest says. Still, through the grief over climate change and the loss of vital natural resources, Priest’s poetry has shifted into a more reverential gear. “I’m trying to celebrate the natural world,” she says. “Show how it was, so that people can have an idea of how it could be again.” Visit crosscut.com/donate to support nonprofit, freely distributed, local journalism.
13
OBITUARIES Gregory Alan Krenz
August 29, 1953 – March 31, 2021 Gregory Alan Krenz, 67, of Blaine, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2021. Greg was a charismatic person who had a spirit of youth that surrounded him through friends and acquaintances. He enjoyed the recreational and leisurely ways of life, camping, hiking, road trips or just hanging out. Greg was preceeded in death by his parents Ernie and Maude Krenz. He is survived by two daughters, Vanessa (John) LeMaster of Port Orchard, WA, and Kristi Krenz of Grand Portage, MN; and three grandsons Joseph, Hudson and Jacob. Greg’s final resting place Greenacres Memorial Park in Ferndale, WA.
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Incarcerated people to regain right to vote By Sydney Brown Formerly incarcerated people will immediately regain the right to vote after governor Jay Inslee signed into law this automatic right, marking passage for one of the first criminal justice reform bills this session. “The right to vote we know is a key component to a successful reentry into society following incarceration,” Inslee said as he signed House Bill 1078 April 7. “This might seem a small thing to some people, but it’s a giant step for civil rights,” representative Tarra Simmons (D-Bremerton) said in a statement as the bill’s primary sponsor. Simmons advocated for the bill as a formerly incarcerated person herself. Washington joins 19 other states in immediate restoration of voting rights after completing a prison sentence, according to 2020 data from The Sentencing Project. This law will restore the right for more than 45,000 disenfranchised people in the state, according to data on Washington state from The Sentencing Project. Nationally, Maine and Vermont remain the only two states to allow individuals in prison to vote and have no voting restrictions based on felony convictions.
Eleven states still deny the vote to anyone who was in the prison system, even after they finish confinement and parole. “While there were states restricting the right to vote, I’m glad that in Washington here, we’re expanding our access to democracy,” Inslee said. The bill did not have much bipartisan support, with some Republican lawmakers saying people convicted of felonies should finish their entire sentence before the right to vote is restored. “It should be restored, absolutely. But it should be restored after 100 percent of their fine or debt to their society is paid,” senator Ann Rivers (R-La Center) told the Senate during its floor vote March 24. Also in criminal justice reform, Inslee signed a bill to change the arbitrator selection process when a law enforcement officer faces disciplinary action. SB 5055 creates a rotating pool of qualified and independent arbitrators from which the Public Relations Employment Commission can choose. The law also requires agencies to collect data on disciplinary action hearings. “This bill improves the approach we use when a law enforcement officer faces a disciplinary action,” Inslee said.
A study on police arbitration found that 46 percent of the time, the arbitrators would force agencies to rehire officers even if a disciplinary hearing found they had engaged in misconduct on the job. Senator Joe Nguyen (D-West Seattle), the bill’s primary sponsor, said in a statement the bill took another step toward more transparent law enforcement. “It may not be a silver bullet to fixing our criminal justice and policing systems, but this is a massive step toward comprehensive reform and a fairer process,” Nguyen said. Nguyen’s bill garnered some support from Republicans as it passed the House in a 60-38 vote March 24. Some who opposed it said certain parts of the bill would actually increase bias in the arbitrator process. “The intent of the bill is to avoid those, so I would have preferred to see more of an open slate for the arbitrator pool that we develop,” representative Larry Hoff (R-Vancouver) said during the debate. The Washington State Journal is a non-profit news website managed by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation. Learn more at wastatejournal.org.
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14
The Northern Light • April 15 - 21, 2021
Sheriff’s Reports April 6, 12:02 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Valley View Road, Custer. April 6, 10:10 a.m.: Domestic verbal on Holly Lane. April 6, 11:22 a.m.: Burglary on Birch Bay Drive. April 6, 7:01 p.m.: Property found on Birch Bay-Lynden Road and Holiday Drive. April 6, 7:30 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Jackson Road. April 7, 11:09 a.m.: Missing person on Loomis Trail Lane. April 7, 1:30 p.m.: Burglary on Birch Bay Drive. April 7, 1:42 p.m.: Vehicle theft on Portal Way, Custer. April 7, 2:34 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. April 7, 4:30 p.m.: Theft on Maple Way. April 8, 4:46 a.m.: Domestic verbal on Clematis Lane. April 8, 12:37 p.m.: Forgery on Delta Line Road. April 8, 2:23 p.m.: Alarm audible on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. April 8, 4:38 p.m.: Harassment on Harborview Road. April 8, 5:31 p.m.: Domestic order violence on Bayshore Drive. April 8, 7:14 p.m.: Attempted suicide on Willeys Lake Road, Custer. April 9, 2:47 a.m.: Domestic physical on Harborview Road. April 9,11:09 a.m.: Mental on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.
April 9, 11:24 a.m.: Vandalism on Harbor Drive. April 9, 5:33 p.m.: Assault simple on Birch Bay Square Street. April 9, 5:29 p.m.: Hit and run on Grandview Road. April 9, 6:57 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Cedar Avenue. April 9, 8:01 p.m.: Burglary on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. April 10, 8:07 p.m.: Suspicious
circumstances on Clamdigger Drive. April 11, 12 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident injury on Anderson Road and Glendale Drive. April 11, 2:45 p.m.: Landlord tenant dispute on Seaview Drive. April 11, 5:32 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident injury on Richard Way. April 11, 8:02 p.m.: Attempted suicide on Harborview Road.
Police Reports April 2, 12:41 p.m.: Residential security check on Harrison Avenue. April 2, 1:02 p.m.: Found property, likely lost in transit on Semiahmoo Parkway. April 2, 3:15 p.m.: Business requested an individual be trespassed on Peace Portal Drive. April 2, 3:17 p.m.: Assisted citizen in locating a family member on H Street. April 2, 4:46 p.m.: Harassment report on D Street. April 2, 6:47 p.m.: Officers assisted Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and North Whatcom Fire and Rescue on Jackson Road. April 2, 8:17 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Great Horned Owl Lane. April 3, 9:48 a.m.: Citizen assist, transport to hospital, on Alder Street. April 3, 7:05 p.m.: Parking complaint with inactive vehicle on E
Street. April 4, 9:13 a.m.: Business alarm on Fir Avenue. April 4, 4:55 p.m.: Vehicle registration sticker damaged on C Street. April 4, 10:10 p.m.: Assist U.S. Customs on Peace Portal Drive. April 5, 8 a.m.: A trespass warning was issued on McMillan Avenue. April 5, 9:20 a.m.: Security check on H Street. April 5, 9:07 p.m.: Violation of a court order. Suspect arrested on Peace Portal Drive. April 6, 3:26 p.m.: Trouble with a person on Peace Portal Drive. April 6, 8:21 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Marine Drive. April 7, 3:42 p.m.: Suicidal threats on Clark Street. April 9, 8:13 a.m.: Civil issue over vehicle on 4th Street. Report by Blaine Police Department.
Crossword ACROSS 1. Engine additive 4. A hearty laugh 8. Restrain 10. Dried coconut kernels 11. Nefarious 12. Elderly 13. Central part of a church building 15. Throw into confusion 16. Intestinal 17. Qualities of being religious 18. Live up to a standard 21. Seize 22. Go quickly 23. Automated teller machine 24. Bowling necessity 25. One point east of due south 26. Japanese honorific 27. A way to induce sleep 34. Makes cash register rolls
35. A city in S Louisiana 36. Make more cheerful 37. Manicurist 38. Consents 39. Network of nerves 40. Mocking smile 41. It covers the body 42. Partner to pans 43. Perform in a play DOWN 1. Beautiful 2. Polynesian island country 3. Shrub of the olive family 4. Self-governing Netherlands territory 5. Shared one’s view 6. Tailless amphibians 7. Charge passengers must pay 9. Sound sheep
make 10. Known for sure 12. Filled with unexpressed anger 14. Student (abbr.) 15. Criticize 17. Gathering place 19. Informal alliances 20. One’s mother (British) 23. Landholder 24. Peter’s last name 25. Parties 26. Title of respect 27. Red wine 28. Pearl Jam’s debut 29. Shaft horsepower (abbr.) 30. Frosts 31. Cry of joy 32. Induces vomiting 33. Mother or father 34. Dal __: Musical navigation marker 36. Door fastener part
49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W HEIGHT
Fr 16 2:52 am 6.0
7:30 am 7.8
7:44 am 7.6
3:31 pm 0.4 11:33 pm 8.4
Su 18 4:42 am 6.9
HEIGHT
2:53 pm 0.3 10:33 pm 8.5
Sa 17 3:40 am 6.5
TIME
7:54 am 7.3
4:17 pm 0.5
Mo 19 12:39 am 8.4
6:04 am 7.0
8:04 am 7.1
5:09 pm 0.6
Tu 20 1:41 am 8.5
6:10 pm 0.8
We 21 2:30 am 8.7
9:03 am 6.1
11:17 am 6.2
7:12 pm 1.0
Th 22 3:06 am 8.9
9:25 am 5.2
8:16 pm 1.2
1:23 pm 6.2
Birch Bay Chamber Chat: Thursday, April 15, 2 p.m. Please note the new time for this month. Guest speaker: Pam Brady, director of government and public affairs at BP Cherry Point Refinery. Zoom link information at birchbaychamber.com. Birch Bay-Blaine Community Conversations: Thursday, April 15, 6:30 p.m. Topic: Youth voice matters. Two local writers talk about how they use creative writing to empower youth voice. Info: geof.morgan@communityresilienceresearch.com. Sponsored by Birch Bay Blaine Thrives. Understanding Conflict with Teens: Thursdays, April 15, 22 and 29, 5:30–6:15 p.m. Participants can sign up for any or all sessions; parents are welcome to join with their child to learn as a family. Email amc@whatcomdrc.org with questions. 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. 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. Movie Night: Friday, April 16, 8:15 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Playing family friendly movies every Friday. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and watch the movie on the big screen. Free popcorn. Masks and social distancing required. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. Third Sunday Breakfast: Sunday, April 18, 9 a.m.–noon, American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. Serving eggs to order, biscuits and gravy, French toast, pancakes, ham or sausage, coffee, milk and orange juice. Adults $7.50, kids 6 and under $3.50. Open to the public. All proceeds support the American Legion and our veterans. Masks and social distancing required. Info: 360/371-7311. Understanding Conflict with Kids: Tuesdays, April 20 and 27, 5:30– 6:15 p.m. Participants can sign up for any or all sessions; parents are welcome to join with their child to learn as a family. Email amc@whatcomdrc. org with questions. 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.
Terrell Creek Micro Work Party: Thursday, April 22, 9–11 a.m. Plant native trees and shrubs on Earth Day. Free t-shirt for attending. Info and preregistration: bit.ly/3gfJuL1.
April 16 – 22 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
TIME
Please wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.
Books on the Bay: Thursday, April 22, 8 a.m. Learn more about the Birch Bay Library project via a presentation by Christine Perkins, executive director, Whatcom County Library Service to the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce virtual meeting. Contact Friends of Birch Bay Library President Dianne Marrs-Smith at fobblpresident@gmail.com or 206/850-8590 for details and Zoom info.
Tides DATE
Coming up
ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
D.E.A. National RX Takeback: Saturday, April 24, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Birch Bay Visitor Center, 7900 Birch Bay Drive. Dispose of unwanted medications in a contactless, drive up format. See birchbaychamber.com for a list of medication that can be collected. Hosted by the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. Blessing of the Fleet: Sunday, May 2, 1:30 p.m., Blaine Harbor, outside gate 2. Rain or shine. Please wear a mask and socially distance. Ongoing: 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: https://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. Blaine’s Market by the Sea: Saturdays, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., G Street Plaza. Featuring high quality arts and crafts vendors selling handcrafted merchandise. Info: info@blainechamber.com.
Weather
Precipitation: During the period of April 5 to 11, 0.26 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2021 yearto-date precipitation is 11.2 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 62°F on April 6 with a low of 32°F on April 11. Average high was 48°F and average low was 43°F.
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, 10 a.m.–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 360/305-3637. 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 https://590628.toastmastersclubs.org.
Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
April 15 - 21, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
15
Lieutenant King retires after 29 years with Blaine Police Department
s Lieutenant Ryan King is retiring April 16 after 29 years with the Blaine police department. Photo courtesy Ryan King
By Ian Haupt After 29 years of service protecting the city of Blaine, lieutenant Ryan King will be missed. “Twenty-nine years of faithful employment at one agency is rare and I truly appreciate his dedication to the city of Blaine,” Chief Donnell Tanksley said about King. “That amount of institutional knowledge is hard to replace and will be missed. I wish
him and his family the best in retirement and hope every day is a Saturday for him.” With the first homicide investigation in Blaine in nearly 40 years ongoing, King sat at the Blaine police department conference table, sipping a cup of hot cocoa, struggling to recount the almost three decades spent with the department he chose at random. On April 7, King, assisting the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office,
responded to a report of an apparent dead body with multiple gunshot wounds in Semiahmoo Park that was later identified as 67-year-old Thomas Flood. Only a day later, he said it would be difficult for it not to overshadow his career. “It just seems kind of ironic that that’s the last thing you’re going to be doing before you actually retire,” he said. But since King joined the department in 1992, he’s done a lot. He’s been a detective for the past Whatcom Inter-Agency Narcotics Team, acting chief, training instructor and made the first DUI arrest while on bicycle patrol in Whatcom County in the late 1990s. Originally from Port Angeles, King started his law enforcement career with the Makah tribal police, assigned to the Clallam County Drug Task Force for four of his five years there. After “putting some pretty bad folks” into prison, he decided it was time to move on. King picked up a law enforcement digest with a listing of police departments that were hiring at the time, closed his eyes and pointed to three. He called them all looking to apply, Blaine being the third.
The lines for the first two were busy, he said. King said he’s always been drawn to smaller towns because it’s easy to get to know the community. He said he prefers it to a larger agency, where officers can get stuck responding to multiple calls in a row and have less time to connect with the community they serve. “And it’s kind of a sea port, which reminds me of my hometown of Port Angeles,” he said about Blaine. King said in his early years as an officer, traffic enforcement was his favorite part of the job. He also said he enjoys the freedom officers have in the department. “We’re not so rigid that you’re directed to do this, this and this,” he said. “There’s control of the officers but they’re allowed to go out and do their job.” Now, as a lieutenant, King said he’s on patrol far less. Most of his time is taken up by paperwork and representing the department in meetings. “Once in a while I can sneak out,” he said. But King said he likes the current administrative role that he’s in now, too. “You need challenges,” he said. “It makes you a better person.” Once in a while, King said he
returns to Neah Bay to work patrol for the Makah tribal police. King said the Covid-19 pandemic had nothing to do with his decision to retire. “I’ve been doing this for 34 years and there comes a point in time when you have to say enough is enough,” he said. King said recent changes in case law and court decisions, naming the legalization of marijuana as one, played a role in his decision. He said officers feel really restricted right now. “But there’s a way to do business,” he said. “It makes everybody better.” King said Blaine, as a community, has always been very supportive of its police department. “We don’t get thanked often but when we do it’s very appreciated,” he said. King retires Friday, April 16, and said he will be staying in Blaine for the foreseeable future as his wife, Raylene King, will continue working as court administrator for the Blaine Municipal Court. And he said he thinks she’ll be keeping him busy. “I think my wife has a long list of things for me to do,” he said. “But I think I’m going to have to take some sick leave and remind her that I’m retired.”
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s From l; Blaine firefighter Leslee Smith, King and BPD officer James Glover on bicycle patrol for the Fourth of July circa 2008.
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s King in 2002. The photo was taken for police department trading cards that showed officers’ hobbies. The cards were handed out to school children. King takes interest in rotary and fixed wing aircraft. Photos courtesy Ryan King
Elder ... From page 1
Savage slept. Medical personnel were called to the scene and the woman was taken to the hospital for concerns of septic and dehydration. The woman was in satisfactory condition as of April 8, according to a PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center spokesperson. It took the woman’s son and granddaughter 15 minutes to wake Savage. When asked why he didn’t help the woman, Savage allegedly said he couldn’t pick her up. A doctor who examined the woman at the hospital told deputies it was possible the woman had burns on her body and could
have been on the floor between one and four days, according to the affidavit. She was admitted to the hospital due to her injuries and condition, and the doctor listed her diagnosis as elder abuse. The affidavit says deputies had responded to the woman’s trailer on March 28, after Savage told a friend the woman had been lying on the ground for four days. The friend called 911, and first responders helped the woman. The case was forwarded to Adult Protective Services, according to the affidavit. Savage is being held in Whatcom County Jail in lieu of a $23,000 bond with the criminal mistreatment and unrelated burglary charge, according to the jail roster. His arraignment is scheduled for April 16.
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s King gives a tour to students around 2006.
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The Northern Light • April 15 - 21, 2021
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