The Northern Light: August 5-11, 2021 by Point Roberts Press

August 5 - 11, 2021

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IN THIS

ISSUE

Boys and girls club gets big donation, page 4

Pirate Daze expands to Birch Bay this weekend

New BPD officer saves life, page 5

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

Preliminary primary election results, page 13

Russian ship docks in Blaine Harbor

Bus to run between Blaine Marine Park and Birch Bay every 30 min B y E m i l y F ee k

(See Pirate Daze, page 2)

s The Russian ship, Pomor lodya “Pilgrim,”docked in Blaine Harbor July 27 before leaving the next morning to complete its around-theworld voyage that began in 2017. Read the story on page 7. Photo by Ruth Lauman

Asian giant hornet nest will be shown at Lynden fair before heading to Smithsonian By Grace McCarthy What started with a Facebook message will end in the Smithsonian. “Hi, I’m Ruthie Danielsen, the beekeeper who organized the trapping for the Asian giant hornet for Whatcom County beekeepers. I understand you have the hornets and the nest discovered on your property and I was wondering what you were selling them for. If you’re interested in selling them, could you give me a call?” That’s how the first Facebook message went last February. Within two weeks, Danielsen was delicately packing the first nest found in the U.S. in the freezer of her Birch Bay home.

Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) retrieved the hornet nest the next day. Six months of research later, the nest will educate county residents at next week’s Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden before reaching its final destination – the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. Educating the public to help win the war against the hornet – first at home and then worldwide – motivated her acquisition. “It’s nest zero,” Danielsen said. “That’s the kind of thing you have in the Smithsonian, whether it’s a really big battle or the first woolly mammoth tusk.” Danielsen, a hobbyist beekeeper with six beloved hives, previewed Discovery Plus’

Woman pleads guilty to tampering with train tracks By Grace McCarthy Bellingham resident Samantha Frances Brooks pleaded guilty July 9 to one count of interfering with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) tracks last November, in what investigators suspect was environmental terrorism. A federal judge accepted the plea July 26 and Brooks is to be sentenced October 8. Brooks, 27 at the time of arrest, and Ellen Brennan Reiche, who was 23 and also of Bellingham, were arrested No-

vember 28, 2020, after allegedly placing shunts, which can cause train derailments and disrupt crossing systems warning of an oncoming train, on tracks in north Bellingham. Court records show Reiche is awaiting trial August 30. On July 23, Reiche’s attorney moved to suppress evidence from a grocery bag allegedly searched during her arrest without a warrant and statements allegedly made before she was read her Miranda rights. The grocery bag contained black wire, gloves, a cordless drill, scissors

and tape, according to the suppression motion. A hearing on whether this information will be used in her trial is set Friday, August 13. Brooks and Reiche were indicted in the U.S. District Court in Seattle last December on one count of violence against a railroad carrier, according to the indictment. Brooks faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, according to federal court re(See Tracks, page 2)

documentary “Attack of the Murder Hornets” a week before its February 20 release. One of the movie’s filmmakers had rented a Blaine house for the beekeeper, who lacks stable WiFi, to watch the 86-minute documentary before participating in a panel discussion. Danielsen, featured in the film, knew the storied hunt for eradicating the world’s largest hornet all too well, so most of the documentary came as no surprise. But the last scene proved she didn’t know the ending. During those final moments, she learned the landowner where the nest was found requested WSDA return the nest and its (See Nest, page 6)

INSIDE

Pirate Daze is returning to Blaine and expanding to Birch Bay this weekend with plenty of family-friendly activities for attendees. While Pirate Daze usually accompanies Drayton Harbor Days, which is canceled for 2021, the Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2) will host the event independently this year. Pirate Daze will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, August 7, at Blaine Marine Park and the Birch Bay Vogt Community Library location at 7968 Birch Bay Drive. “We’re really looking forward to being back out in the community,” BBBPRD2 activity coordinator Kaileigh Hubbard said. “Other than Splash Days, this is our first big event since Covid. We’re excited to bring Pirate Daze back to the community and be really creative about how we do it.” Both locations will have a variety of activities and will be accessible via the event’s Red Pearl bus shuttle to ensure all participants have access to both sites, Hubbard said. The bus leaves every half hour starting at 10:30 a.m. in Birch Bay and 11 a.m. in Blaine. The event will follow CDC recommendations, and shuttle riders will need to wear a mask if unvaccinated and strongly advised to wear a mask if vaccinated, Hubbard said. Other Covid-19 precautions are still being discussed. Activities at Blaine Marine Park include an art station, water balloon fights, the Whatcom County Library System’s popup library and the Blaine Community Theater’s performance of “The Pirates of Penzance.” The library location will make use of its proximity to the Birch Bay tide flats. The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce will be holding a buried treasure dig, burying

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

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The Northern Light • August 5 - 11, 2021

Tracks ... From page 1

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cords. The government recommended a low end of the applicable sentencing range as part of Brooks’ plea agreement. Shortly before midnight November 28, 2020, a game camera on railway tracks near Cliffside Drive alerted a BNSF officer that someone was standing and another kneeling on the tracks, according to court documents. The officer also noticed a track “in-

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dication,” which can be caused by a shunt or signal the track is obstructed by a train, in the area where the person was shown on camera, according to court documents. A Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived to find someone dressed in black and covered in dirt near the tracks, court documents state. The deputy saw two people attempt to run from the area, but they stopped after the officer yelled after them, according to court documents. In the plea agreement, Brooks

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said she followed the other person’s direction as they intended to cause train delays. The FBI Terrorism Task Force has been investigating at least 41 shunts placed on BNSF tracks in Whatcom and Skagit counties between January 19 and November 27, 2020, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. In mid-October, shunts caused a train carrying hazardous and combustible material to decouple from its engine after the device signaled the train’s automatic braking system, according to court documents. The October incident could have led to a train derailment in a residential area, the documents state. On 10 occasions, the shunts could have caused a crossing signaling malfunction that would have failed to block road traffic, according to court documents. Many of the shunts, including the one found November 27, were covered in rocks that made them difficult for authorities to find, according to federal court documents. Investigators believe the alleged attacks were furthering protests of construction of a B.C. pipeline that uses supplies BNSF transports through western Washington.

Pirate Daze ... From page 1

Pirate Daze is Back! Saturday, August 7 • 10 am-2 pm

coins and other treasures in the bay for kids to dig up, Hubbard said. The library location will also have activities like an obstacle course and temporary tattoos. Both Pirate Daze locations will have photo opportunities with mermaids, storytelling and food. BBBPRD2 will sell hot dogs at Blaine Marine Park, and food vendors will be set up at the Birch Bay chamber office at 7900 Birch Bay Drive. A majority of Pirate Daze activities will be free, with the exception of food vendors and Blaine Community Theater’s water balloon sales during their performances. Information about Pirate Daze can be found at bbbparkandrec. org or the Facebook event page at bit.ly/3ykduvq.

Free Family Fun! Two Locations! Blaine Marine Park Birch Bay Vogt Library

Games • Storytellers • Plays • Water Balloon Battles PlayLab for an interactive installation Treasure Hunt in Birch Bay • Pirate Food • & More! Hosted by:

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August 5 - 11, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

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

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Recent two-week case rates, cumulative counts and vaccinations Lynden Blaine Vaccination: 46% Vaccination: 61% Case rate: 134 Case rate: 190 New cases: 15 New cases: 25 Ferndale Meridian Vaccination: 57% Case rate: 182 Vaccination: 58% Case rate: 71 New cases: 33 New cases: 7

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WATCH US MAKE CANDY! s The case rate is the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people over the past two weeks. New cases are the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the last week. Vaccination is the percentage of the population that has had at least one vaccine shot. Rates were updated July 31.

By Grace McCarthy Thirty-six cases of the Delta variant have been detected in Whatcom County since the first case was reported early July. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) said in an August 3 press release that Covid-19 hospitalizations are the highest they’ve been in 2021. State hospitalizations have increased more than 20 percent from last week, according to DOH. The Delta variant now makes up 76 percent of DNA sequenced cases of Covid-19 across Washington. Whatcom County has had a total of 10,452 confirmed and probable cases of Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic, according to August 2 DOH data. The county had one death in the past week, increasing the number of deaths to 109. PeaceHealth St. Joseph Hospital is treating nine people with confirmed Covid-19 cases, a two-person increase from last week, according to PeaceHealth. Covid-19 case rates increased in every school district, except for Mount Baker. Blaine school district increased from 121 to 190 cases per 100,000 people last week. The school district has had 25 confirmed cases since last week. As of August 1, 56 percent of all county residents are fully vaccinated and 5.2 percent are either waiting for their second dose or

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received their last vaccine dose less than two weeks ago, according to the department. The department reports 127,689 county residents are fully vaccinated and 11,833 are in the process of becoming fully vaccinated. Statewide, 8,179,883 vaccine doses have been administered. Right now, 52.8 percent of the state’s total population is fully vaccinated and 62 percent of people eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine are fully vaccinated. Washington state has had 481,357 confirmed and probable cases since the start of the pandemic (the 42,216 probable cases came from an antigen test). In all, 6,136 people in Washington with

the virus have died (80 in the last week, which is almost double the week before). In the state, 27,076 have been hospitalized (510 in the last week). Governor Jay Inslee announced late July the state will follow CDC guidance recommending people wear a mask indoors when Covid-19 may be transmitted more easily. For more Whatcom County information, visit whatcomcounty. us/covidvaccine and whatcomcounty.us/coviddata. State information is available at bit.ly/3r2URJj. Vaccine locations can be found at bit.ly/3nZiMqr. For CDC data, visit bit.ly/39Kt4qh.

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The Northern Light • August 5 - 11, 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. Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Ian Haupt ian@pointrobertspress.com Reporting Intern Emily Feek prpintern@pointrobertspress.com Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser, production@pointrobertspress.com Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst sales@pointrobertspress.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com Contributors In This Issue Doug Dahl, Mike Kent The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVII, No 8 Circulation: 10,500 copies

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Next issue: Aug. 12 Ads due: Aug. 6

Post 86 Legion Riders fundraise with BBQ

s American Legion Post 86 Riders hosted a BBQ fundraiser July 30 for the legion’s Christmas baskets given to veterans in the community. Last year, the group raised enough money to fund over 50 baskets. From l; Bryon Moler, Carl Bennett, Chris McBride, James Brown and Mark Waslohn. Photo by Grace McCarthy

Letters

Blaine Boys and Girls club receives $25,000 donation, donor wants to match

The Editor: I’m a Renton resident who has visited Point Roberts on many occasions in the distant past, with many fond memories of this unique enclave of Washington state. Today I contacted my U.S. Congress member, Adam Smith, on behalf of Point Roberts residents and property owners. I expressed my concern about the ongoing saga of Covid-related border restrictions facing your community. I cannot begin to comprehend the suffering experienced by the Point Roberts community, but I have been staying informed of events and, quite literally, praying on behalf of your community. I regard those of you who live in, or own property in, Point Roberts as Washingtonians. It is my fervent hope that the Canadian Border Services Agency and Department of Homeland Security will be authorized to specifically create reasonable access for Point Roberts residents and property owners, as promptly as possible. Ronald L. Bensley, Jr. Renton Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

By Grace McCarthy An anonymous Blaine donor gifted the Blaine boys and girls club $25,000 and is now looking for the community to match her donation. The donor will match every contribution a Blaine resident gives the club before September 30. The Blaine Boys and Girls Clubs of Whatcom County (BGCWC) provides meals and supports students with learning and activities outside of school hours. Heather Powell, CEO of BGCWC, said the majority of the donation will go to the Blaine chapter’s biggest expense, which is supporting high-quality, dedicated staff. “As we prepare to return to our after-school programs, after nine weeks of summer camp, we are immensely grateful for the generous support of this anonymous donor from Blaine,” Powell said in an August 2 news release. “Her matching gift challenge will help ensure we can continue to sustain our array of life-enhancing programs for kids in the Blaine community.” Twenty-five thousand dollars is the largest single donation the Blaine clubhouse typically receives in a year, Powell said. BGCWC was founded in 1946 for stu-

s A Blaine student makes a DIY lava lamp during boys and girls club summer camp. Courtesy photo

dents, especially those furthest from an equitable education, to reach their highest success. The organization has several clubhouses in the county including Bellingham, Ferndale and Lynden. Donations can be made on the BGCWC website at whatcomclubs.org or through BGCWC chief development officer Sara Maloney at 360/738-3808 ext. 304 or smaloney@whatcomclubs.org.

Civic Meetings Birch Bay Water & Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4 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.

August 5 - 11, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

New BPD hire receives life-saving service award By Ian Haupt Blaine Police Department (BPD) has honored officer Katelyn Weaver with a Life-Saving Service Award for helping save a man’s life. This is the first time a BPD officer has been formally recognized in this manner, BPD sergeant Tim Richardson wrote in an email. A date for the ceremony has yet to be announced as the original date, August 4, was postponed due to an unexpected BPD event. Weaver, 27, who joined BPD in June, received the award for pulling an unconscious man from a crashed vehicle and performing CPR on him until aid crews arrived on the scene. Around 10 p.m. July 19, Weaver observed a pickup truck driving 38 mph in a 25 mph zone

southbound on Peace Portal Drive, according to a July 30 BPD media release. Weaver pulled the vehicle over. While pulling over, the truck pulled far enough to the side of the road that it was in danger of rolling over into the ditch, Weaver observed. Weaver contacted the 30-yearold driver, who had slightly slurred speech and fumbled to find his driver’s license, according to the release. Seconds later, the driver went limp and pushed down the accelerator, lurching the truck forward and crashing into the ditch. Weaver quickly reached into the truck to turn it off and unlock the driver’s door. The driver was shaking and aspirating into the passenger seat, according to the release. Weaver pulled the man from the truck and safely to the ground. She then

began CPR as the man was not breathing and had no pulse. She continued until North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) arrived to relieve her. BPD spokesperson Tami Bhachu said in an email to The Northern Light NWFR arrived on the scene within 10 minutes. The driver was transported to St. Joseph’s Medical Center, according to the release, where it was said he was recovering. Bhachu said it is believed the driver was intoxicated but no charges are expected at this time, as it is currently a medical issue. These types of recognition were not a priority under previous administrations, Richardson said, and thus no records have been kept of other officers receiving similar awards. “There are plenty of stories of members going above and be-

CITY OF BLAINE Due to Governor Inslee’s proclamation in response to COVID-19, this City Council meeting will be conducted in-person and telephonically. Information on how to listen to the meeting live will be on the City Council agenda which is located on the City’s website homepage under Your Government, City Council, City Council Agenda. Please check the agenda prior to each meeting as the call-in number or location may change.

Monday, August 9 6:00pm – City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 10 8:00am – Blaine Tourism

s BPD officer Katelyn Weaver. Photo by Ian Haupt

yond in the line of duty, but most are lost to history,” he said. “Moving forward, we can and will decorate and acknowledge the bravery of our officers. These heroic acts are the best examples of public service we can provide.”

Real estate excise tax revenues soar amidst housing demand By Mike Kent With all the news about unprecedented housing demand at a time when we have little to no inventory, an overlooked windfall for taxpayers is the huge gain in Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) revenues. The spike should help preclude the need to raise taxes statewide as home prices hit numbers no one could have predicted. With 79.4 percent of REET going to the Washington Department of Revenue general fund, we should sleep well knowing taxpayers (our) reserves are in good shape. In simple numbers, the sales volume for all real estate as reported by the multiple listing service (MLS) for the last 12 months, exceeded 72 billion dollars statewide versus 49 billion dollars the year prior. In short, that produced a minimum of 400 million extra tax dollars, not counting the sales unreported to the MLS, which is estimated to be as high as 1 in 4 transactions due to buyer demand, whereby homes sell before they are even listed. So, it’s easy to expect that the real number is likely over half a billion in extra revenue statewide. The upper-end home market saw some of the greatest gains this past year and combined with the new “graduated real estate excise tax” rates, the final numbers only climb higher. Rather than the previous flat rate we used for years, changes have been implemented that break down as follows: • 1.1 percent excise tax collected for real estate sales to $500,000.00 • 1.28 percent for $500,000 to $1.5 million • 2.75 percent for $1,500,000 to $3 million • 3.0 percent for property sold above $3 million Of course, few homes sell for less than $250,000 in today’s market and the tax dollars gleaned from large sales has jumped tremendously. The recent sale of

Advisory Committee Meeting

Thursday, August 12 9:00am – Parks and Cemetery Board Meeting 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting

Monday, August 23 6:00pm – City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 24 3:00pm – Civil Service Commission Meeting Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website.

READ IT ONLINE.

Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.

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s Real estate excise tax is increasing with high housing demand. Photo by Grace McCarthy

the Horizon project, for example, at $14.3 million resulted in $448,555 in excise tax collected. These significant tax contributions not only should help contain state tax increases, but also help on the local level as cities can collect as much as .5 percent as well. So, what are these tax dollars actually used for? Beginning in January 1, 2020, 1.3 percent of the state REET collected by counties is retained to cover administration costs. Of the net proceeds to the state: • 1.7 percent goes to the public works assistance account; • 1.4 percent goes to the city-county assistance account; • 79.4 percent goes to the general fund; •And remaining amount goes into the educational legacy trust fund. The prospect for continued increases in property values over the next several years should keep growing our reserves in both education and the general fund in particular. Many taxpayers believe the temptation to spend it should be contained as the general fund should also be our rainy day account. The biggest downpour to date was certainly Covid-19 and the strain it placed on many segments of our economy. Ironically the real estate sales boom did, and continues to, come to the rescue thanks to the REET revenues generated from rising property prices.

360-332-7100 360-332-7100

Another reason the state realtor association continues to push back on raising REET percentages even higher to homeowners is that the past year clearly demonstrated that taxing property owners more is not necessary. Had the real estate market collapsed as a result of Covid-19 the discussion may be different, but instead, real estate soared and in turn benefited every taxpayer. Mike Kent is a realtor with Windermere Real Estate. Every Saturday at 10 a.m., he hosts the weekly “Radio Real Estate” program on 790 KGMI.

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The Northern Light • August 5 - 11, 2021

Nest ...

From page 1 hornets to him so he could sell them online. State entomologists clad in space-like suits seized the east Blaine nest as neighbors watched from lawn chairs during the early morning of October 24, 2020. The invasive hornet was discovered nearby just a year earlier, catalyzing a frenzy among scientists and the public to keep the hornet from spreading past Whatcom County. If left uncontrolled, researchers believe the hornet could cause serious harm to honeybee colonies, impacting everything from pollination services to increasing food prices. The state, residents and beekeepers like Danielsen spent months hanging traps and looking for the apex predators around their sheds, porches and trees. Danielsen first asked WSDA

how she and other members of the local club Mt. Baker Beekeepers Association could help the plight, even before the hornet rippled through headlines. The beekeeper bonded with state entomologists, hungry to learn about the insect, which she deemed fascinating but destructive. Dressed in an “Asian Giant Hornet Hunter” hat, Danielsen could be spotted around town with a hornet entomologists gave her to educate all who would listen – butchers, grocery store clerks, bank tellers and the neighboring church. “We have to get humans to care,” said Danielsen, who hopes to bring her hornets to county schools. “Usually when people see these, they have a significant emotional event. They go, ‘Oh my god. I didn’t know they were that big.’” So, it was only natural that she was crushed when she learned the nest would potentially not be

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used for education, and instead, sold online. But then Danielsen said she tried to understand the landowner’s perspective – he didn’t own honeybees or invested a year to capture the hornets. The nest was on his property, so he justified they were his. “What are you going to do about it?” she asked. “Are you going to go, ‘There’s nothing I can do about it’ or are you going to say, ‘Yeah, there is. I can buy them.’” After watching the film, Danielsen logged onto Facebook and scrolled until she found the landowner, Jaime Polinder. After exchanging a few messages, she was on the phone with the man, who wanted to wait until after the documentary debuted. Danielsen wasted no time after the movie’s release to retrieve her nest, a few queens, pupae and larvae on February 22 after paying a price she won’t disclose. “I didn’t want him to change his mind,” Danielsen said. Polinder declined to comment but said he donated the remaining hornets to local beekeepers and kept a few for himself. The hornet hunter kept her purchase under tight wraps, not even letting WSDA know until it was in her freezer. “I wanted it out of here as soon as possible. I didn’t want it to get damaged,” Danielsen said. “As soon as I had it, I texted [the state entomologists]. They had no idea I was doing this. I had no idea I was doing it until I did it.” Ted McFall, Mt. Baker Beekeepers Association president and owner of McFall Beeyard in Custer, was one of the few let into the secret. McFall was particularly invested in eradicating the hornet after one of his best honeybee hives was the first believed to be decapitated by the predator in fall 2019. “She gave me a call and said, ‘Hey, guess what?’” McFall said. “That was a pretty exciting moment for everyone involved in the Asian giant hornet eradication. The nest has huge value and I’m not talking about monetary value. It has great importance for the scientific community.” McFall describes Danielsen as “a good kind of stubborn.” “If there’s something that needs to be done, even if it’s impossible, she goes after it,” McFall said. “When a goal seems unattainable

s One of the six combs in the first Asian giant hornet nest found in the U.S. The nest will go to the Lynden fair before being displayed in the Smithsonian. Photo courtesy Ruthie Danielsem most people just throw in the towel, but she is loaded full of energy and just doesn’t quit.” State entomologists initially rushed to do nest analysis in November before returning it to the landowner, WSDA public engagement specialist Karla Salp said in an email to The Northern Light. Danielsen lending the nest to the state after her purchase allowed researchers at Washington State University to examine and test the nest more, Salp said. The scientists sequenced the DNA found in the larval hornets’ feces to learn what the hornets were preying upon in addition to honeybees. Such findings included a dragonfly, yellow jackets and paper wasps. Scientists also created a 3D scan of the nest to go online and plastic models for public use. “Neither of these could have happened without access to the nest after it was acquired by Danielsen,” Salp said. “There wasn’t time to do the scanning during our initial analysis, and we didn’t know about the possibility of analyzing the feces for prey until the nest had left our possession.” WSDA’s second chance at analyzing the nest highlights why well-preserved biological collections are so important for scientists to revisit as research develops, Salp said. WSDA returned the borrowed hornet nest to Danielsen in late July. For now, each of the six combs are individually sealed in Tupperware and locked in her workshop. Next week, the nest will be at the Lynden fair, and

beyond that, displayed behind a glossy case in one of the world’s most famous museums. “I wanted to be able to use the nest at our Lynden fair where it’s all of the locals,” Danielsen said. “The hornets are here and the locals are the ones who need to know about it.” This winter, WSDA staff plan to hand carry the nest to Washington, D.C. to be displayed in the Smithsonian. “I’m proud I did it,” Danielsen said. “But what’s important is it’s going to be somewhere that’s safe and somewhere that it can be used.” During the fair that runs August 12-21, the nest will be in the old cow barn where ice cream is usually served. Mt. Baker Beekeepers Association will also have the Asian giant hornets, larvae, pupae and native species for size comparison. Although no hornets have been found this year in the county, the group hopes the nest reminds residents to keep an eye out as workers are expected to emerge in late August. Danielsen’s newfound retirement passion helped scientists locate the nest last year and will continue to educate people nationwide about the predatory hornet. “Amongst us beekeepers, we call Ruthie a modern-day Indiana Jones because Indiana Jones would find priceless relics and save something to be preserved in a museum,” McFall said. “Ruthie is definitely a hero without a cape.”

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s Birch Bay beekeeper Ruthie Danielsen purchased the first Asian giant hornet nest found in the U.S. to help advance understanding of the invasive species. View more photos at thenorthernlight.com. Photo by Grace McCarthy

August 5 - 11, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

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s The Russian ship, Pomor lodya “Pilgrim” in Blaine Harbor July 28.

By Grace McCarthy Blaine Harbor received an unexpected visit last week from a Russian ship heading home after a four-year voyage around the world. The ship is now en route along Canada, to Alaska and then through the Bering Strait to return where its journey began in western Russia. The ship’s captain, Sergey Sinelnik, said in a message to The Northern Light that he expected the boat to reach Alaska Thursday, August 5. The 42-foot, 18th century replica ship, Pomor lodya “Pilgrim,” began its journey crossing the Atlantic Ocean from Russia in 2017, according to the crew’s Facebook account “Historic Boat Pilgrim” that’s documenting the journey. Blaine harbormaster Andy Peterson said the ship docked in Blaine Harbor the night of July 27 and left the next morning. After a brief conversation with Sinelnik, the crew gave Peterson a small token. “Not often do these ships come through, but we have interesting guests,” Peterson said. “This is probably one of the more inter-

on a Nordic island and one of the world’s northernmost residences. Pomor trade, which mostly exchanged fish between Russia and

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Health & Wellness Local choices in health, healing & fitness.

Bellingham’s Recreation Northwest shifts focus to outdoor recreation, nature-focused education programs

s Recreation Northwest executive director Todd Elsworth takes in Woodstock Farm’s view of Chuckanut Bay.

By Ian Haupt If you sign up for one of Recreation Northwest’s Nature Immersion courses at Fairhaven Park, at some point, while strolling the 18th Street Connector Trail – built by the nonprofit organization – you’ll come upon a large, darkly-painted wooden gate. On the other side of the gate everything seems a little calmer, clearer, serene. The gate, influenced by the

Japanese Torii style, symbolizes the transition from the mundane to the sacred, and Recreation Northwest executive director Todd Elsworth’s goal for the organization’s future. Most people know Recreation Northwest as the past organizers of fun, salmon-themed races, like the Bellingham Traverse, Northwest Traverse Multi-Sport Series and Quest Adventure Races. While others might know them from events like the Recreation

Northwest EXPO that would fill up the Bellingham Cruise Terminal with outdoor recreation businesses, clubs and nonprofits. All of which took last year off – who knows why. But, even before the pandemic, Elsworth was taking the organization in a different direction. The organization started its Parkscriptions program in 2017 that focused on highlighting the mental, emotional and community health benefits of nature, a

Photo by Ian Haupt

philosophy the new outdoor recreation and nature education programs are built on. “We are excited that the time has finally come to reengage with the public in a safe manner as we enter summer outdoors,” Elsworth said. “Over the course of the past year, we have witnessed resounding recognition for the value that the outdoors holds and the healing powers nature provides.” While all outdoor activity pro-

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vides respite, the Nature Immersion courses might be the best example of this idea in practice. Community health professional Elizabeth Nelson, director of programs and previous Parkscriptions program manager, will teach attendees how to use their five senses to connect to nature, reconnect with themselves and their place in the community. “People will learn methods for (See Recreation, next page)

August 5 - 11, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

Health & Wellness Local choices in health, healing & fitness.

PeaceHealth asks people to avoid the emergency room PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center asks that Whatcom County residents with non-emergent health issues opt to visit their primary care physician or a drop-in clinic to preserve the facility’s emergency room for those patients seeking care for critical health issues. The emergency room is the appropriate care location for individuals experiencing serious or potentially life-threatening injury or illness. Examples include severe burns; serious lacerations; or

s Recreation Northwest offers guided nature walks through Fairhaven Park and Woodstock Farm. Courtesy photo

Health screenings at Life Impact Church on August 10 Life Impact Church is hosting health screenings to inform residents their risks of certain diseases on Tuesday, August 10. Life Line Screening is a national company that provides preventative health screenings to people. Life Line’s screenings for chronic diseases include cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and diabetes. Screenings look for things such as the level of plaque buildup in arteries, HDL and LDL choles-

s Recreation Northwest guides and attendees gather on Recognition Rock Bench in Fairhaven Park. Built by the organization, the bench celebrates project partners, donors and volunteers. Courtesy photo (See Recreation, previous page) mindfulness in nature, essential outdoor recreation skills, and familiarity with the landscape,” Nelson said. “As stewards of our public lands we will also demonstrate how to recreate responsibly, leave no trace, and show respect for others as we enjoy our public parks, open space and waterways.” These new programs, oriented around small groups of six to 12 people, will offer a variety of beginning and intermediate level classes and tours of curated outdoor educational experiences. Adventures and park tours will be available by foot, bike and paddleboard. Along with Fairhaven Park, Recreation Northwest will center its classes around Bellingham public parks Woodstock Farm and the Sehome Hill Arboretum. The Nature Crafts class invites community members to a guided nature walk around Woodstock Farm to collect inspiring nature materials for art projects, like a three-dimensional nature suncatcher, painted-stick wind chimes, twirling twig mobile or anything else imaginable, according to the organization’s website. The Native Plants/Ethnobotany class includes a short hike

around Fairhaven Park while a guide identifies native plants and their medicinal values and properties. The class ends with a tea tasting using plants found on the hike. There’s also a camping skills course. A guide will show what items are essential for both backcountry and front country camping, while also demonstrating the skills necessary to survive in

the wilderness: how to filter water, operate a stove and deal with waste. Recreation Northwest also offers bike tours that start in Bellingham and travel along the Waterfront Trail to Woodstock Farm and back. For more information on Recreation Northwest or to sign up for a course, visit its website recreationnorthwest.org.

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Health & Wellness Local choices in health, healing & fitness.

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Ship ... From page 7

Norway, started during the Middle Ages but became established in the 18th century, according to Norway’s Gamvik Museum website. The Russian Revolution ended pomor trade in 1917. The boat was made to be a floating museum, and has been displayed at art showcases around the world. Onboard the ship are wooden crafts, ship models, Russian Orthodox paintings and photographs of wooden shipbuilding, according to the Historic Boat Pilgrim account. The wooden ship was made from drawings of an 18th century pomor ship found in Solovetsky Monastery on the Solovetsky Islands in northwest Russia. The boat was built in Petrozavodsk, about 270 miles northeast of St. Petersburg, between 2016 and 2017. On July 22, 2017, the Pilgrim left Petrozavodsk to begin its journey, where it will return four years later. After leaving Russia, the ship traveled through Europe, down the coast of Portugal, and across the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Islands. The Pilgrim crew decided the best route for the rest of the trip was to travel to Washington, D.C., through the Hudson River to New York and then into the Great Lakes. Other options debated, according to the Facebook page, included traveling through the Panama Canal to the Galapagos Islands or through the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi River. After traversing New York to the Great Lakes, the ship docked August 31, 2020 in Loon’s Port in Duluth, Minnesota. By the time it reached Duluth, the boat had traveled over 12,000 miles from its starting point. Duluth, on Lake Superior, was declared the sister city for Petrozavodsk in 1987. In honor of the cities’ ties, Duluth’s mayor named September 9 Lodya Day. Loon’s Foot Marine owner Zachary Crosby said he considers Sinelnik and his 47-year-old twin brother, also aboard this ship, family after their boat was docked in the marina for nearly a year. Memories like the men jumping into a cold Lake Superior every morning are times Cros-

by will never forget. “They’re a marvelous couple of guys. It was great having them here,” he said. “The language barrier caused some interesting times. They’re characters and definitely adventurers.” On July 6, The Pilgrim’s crew made a three-day, nearly 2,000mile journey by land to Everett, Washington – but not without difficulty. Laying the large mast proved difficult and the nose didn’t fully fit onto the truck, so the crew decided the best option was to cut it. The ship arrived in Everett July 9 after traversing North Dakota, Montana and Idaho. After having its three masts stripped earlier while moving through the Hudson River, the ship is finally sailing in its entirety from Washington to Russia. The Pilgrim’s expedition has received over $2,500 in donations to accommodate for lost sponsors during the pandemic, according to its GoFundMe page. This isn’t the first time the Sinelnik twins have explored the world. Sinelnik and his brother, Alexander, sailed a 10th century replica ship, the Rusich, from 2010 to 2012. The two were born in Kazakhstan and, attracted to adventure, studied as helmsmen in Russia. A storied career has brought the two on adventures from walking over 600 miles in the western Sahara by foot to sailing 4,500 nautical miles from Australia to Africa, according to their website sinelniki.ru. That life of adventure, of course, included the barque’s quick stop in Blaine. “One of the benefits of living in a seaside village,” harbormaster Peterson said, “is the treasures it leaves at your doorstep.”

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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Matter of PETITIONER, AMANDA HAMEL AND RESPONDENT, RODEL M. PASAOA, PRESUMED FATHER No. 21-3-00161-37. SUMMONS SERVED BY PUBLICATION To: RODEL M. PASAOA: Petitioner has started a court case by filing a petition. The name of the Petition is Petition for a parenting plan, residential schedule and/or child support. You must respond in writing if you want the court to consider your side. Deadline! Your Response must be filed and served within 60 days of the date this Summons is published which is July 1, 2021. If you do not file and serve your Response or a Notice of Appearance by the deadline: No one has to notify you about other hearings in this case, and The court may approve the requests in the Petition without hearing your side (called a default judgment). Follow these steps: 1. Read the Petition and any other documents that were filed at court with this Summons. Those documents explain what the other party is asking for. 2. Fill out a Response on this form: FL Parentage 332, Response to Petition for Parenting Plan, Residential Schedule and/or Child Support You can get the Response form and other forms you may need at: * The Washington State Courts’ website: www.courts.wa.gov/forms * Washington LawHelp: www.washing tonlawhelp.org, or * The Superior Court Clerk’s office or county law library (for a fee). 3. Serve (give) a copy of your Response to the person who filed this Summons at the address below, and to any other parties. You may use certified mail with return receipt requested. For more information on how to serve, read Superior Court Civil Rule 5. 4. File your original Response with the court clerk at this address: Whatcom County Superior Court Clerk 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 301 Bellingham, WA 98225 5. Lawyer not required: It is a good idea to talk to a lawyer, but you may file and serve your Response without one. This Summons is issued according to Rule 4.1 of the Superior Court Civil Rules of the state of Washington. Dated: June 23, 2021. Casie C. Rodenberger, WSBA# 54348 Attorney for Petitioner Mailing address: PO Box 1258 Service address: 289 H Street, Suite A Blaine, WA 98231

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Dianne Mulligan, Deceased.) NO. 214-00558-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: Evan P. Jones The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: July 22, 2021 Personal Representative: Jillene Mulligan 519 East 3rd Street Sumas, WA 98295 Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 21-4-00558-37

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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: NICOLE RENE HURTUBISE, Deceased. No. 21-4-00569-37. 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: July 21, 2021 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: July 22, 2021 Name of Administrator: JULIE HURTUBISE 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: July 21, 2021 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator JULIE HURTUBISE www.averyelderlaw.com IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of: Darryl L. Ehlers, Deceased. NO. 21-400596-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030). JUDGE: Evan P. Jones The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: August 5, 2021 Personal Representative: Louise J. Ehlers 2366 Halverstick Road Lynden, WA 98264 Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 21-4-00596-37. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS CITY OF BLAINE PROPOSED ANNEXATION OF 4.89 ACRES, Boundary Review Board FOR WHATCOM COUNTY File No. 2021-02 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Washington State Boundary Review Board for Whatcom County will hold two Public Hearings; the preliminary/procedural hearing on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. and a substantive hearing on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. The hearings will take place at Northwest Regional Council, Lakeway Conference Room, 600 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham, WA 98225. The purpose of the two public hearings is to consider the proposed annexation, submitted by the City of Blaine to annex 4.89 acres. The Boundary Review Board conducts all meetings in accessible facilities. Any person needing special accommodations to participate in the meetings should contact Boundary Review Board staff at (360) 6766749 extension 1055 or (800) 585-6749 48 hours in advance of the scheduled meetings.

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM No. 21-2-00755-37 SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION ROLAND DUMONT, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF LYDIA BALANE KREEFT, DECEASED; Plaintiff v. ESTATE OF JACOB KREEFT, DECEASED; ROBERT KREEFT, IN HIS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, IF LIVING, AND IF DECEASED THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF ROBERT KREEFT; LEENDERT JACOB KREEFT, IN HIS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, IF LIVING, AND IF DECEASED THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF LEENDERT JACOB KREEFT; PAUL HENDRIKUS KREEFT, IN HIS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, IF LIVING, AND IF DECEASED THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF PAUL HENDRIKUS KREEFT; JACOB PETER KREEFT, IN HIS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, IF LIVING, AND IF DECEASED THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF JACOB PETER KREEFT; THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF JACOB KREEFT; JANE DOE KREEFT, IN HER INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY AND MARITAL ESTATE, IF LIVING, AND IF DECEASED THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF JANE DOE KREEFT; AND ALSO ALL OTHER PERSONS OR PARTIES UNKNOWN CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, INTEREST, ESTATE, OR LIEN IN THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN, Defendants. TO THE DEFENDANTS: ESTATE OF JACOB KREEFT, DECEASED; ROBERT KREEFT, IN HIS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, IF LIVING, AND IF DECEASED THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF ROBERT KREEFT; LEENDERT JACOB KREEFT, IN HIS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, IF LIVING, AND IF DECEASED THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF LEENDERT JACOB KREEFT; PAUL HENDRIKUS KREEFT, IN HIS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, IF LIVING, AND IF DECEASED THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF PAUL HENDRIKUS KREEFT; JACOB PETER KREEFT, IN HIS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, IF LIVING, AND IF DECEASED THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF JACOB PETER KREEFT; THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF JACOB KREEFT; JANE DOE KREEFT, IN HER INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY AND MARITAL ESTATE, IF LIVING, AND IF DECEASED THE UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF JANE DOE KREEFT; AND ALSO ALL OTHER PERSONS OR PARTIES UNKNOWN CLAIMING ANY RIGHT, TITLE, INTEREST, ESTATE, OR LIEN IN THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN, YOU, AND EACH OF YOU, ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to appear within sixty (60) days after the date of first publication of this Summons, to wit; within sixty (60) days after the 5th day of August, 2021, and defend the above-entitled action in the above-entitled court, and answer the Verified Complaint of the Plaintiff ROLAND DUMONT, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF LYDIA BALANE KREEFT, DECEASED and serve a copy of your answer upon the undersigned attorney for Plaintiff, Mark W. Stowe of Stowe Law PLLC at their office stated below; and, in case of your failure to do so, judgment will be rendered against you according to the demand of the Verified Complaint in this action, which has been filed with the Clerk of said Court. The object of this action is to quiet title in the Plaintiff to real property located in Whatcom County, Washington, described as: The West one-half of the West one-half of the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of Section 24,Township 40 North, Range 3 East of the W.M., EXCEPT the West 30 feet deeded to the County for Road Purposes under Auditor’s Nos.1159172 and 1185884. SITUATE IN WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON against any and all claims of the Defendants and any one of them, and as otherwise stated in said Verified Complaint. DATED this 30th day of July 2021. By: Mark W. Stowe, WSBA# 16655 Attorney for Plaintiff Stowe Law PLLC P.O. Box 129, 276 Boundary Bay Road Point Roberts, WA 98281 Phone (360) 945-0337 Email: stowelawpllc@outlook.com

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For the health & safety of our clients, Windermere Real Estate is pleased to follow the State of Washington’s mandate to not hold Open Houses. We are, however, available to show you your dream home by virtual tour or private appointment. Please call your Realtor for assistance.

Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom Inc. 8105 Birch Bay Square St. #101, Blaine, WA I-5 Exit 270 • 360.371.5100 L I S T I N G S - B I R C H B AY

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MLS #1804027 $279,000 Welcome to Birch Bay. Enjoy miles of warm sandy beaches, Bike rides, or walk along the new promenade enjoying spectacular Pacific Northwest Sunsets. Easy Walk to restaurants, live music, beaches, water slides, & festivals. Unit has been recently remodeled with new granite counters, bamboo floors, cabinets, paint, bathroom, ss steel appliances, gas fireplace, wiring, plumbing, Maint. free composite decking, newly insulated Sub floors, Sunny rear deck with a Bay view.

Billy Brown 360-220-7175 or Tonya Wahl 541-707-0196

6885 Holeman Avenue

MLS #1734392 $345,000 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, & everything Birch Bay has to offer. Build a dream home & take advantage of the gentle slope with daylight basement to capitalize on beautiful view & great evening sunsets. These lots are getting harder to find, buy now & build later. Price increase due to Geo Test survey of property.

Gerry Allen – 360-920-0563

5097 Fern Street

MLS #1810137 $650,000 Simply stunning sunsets! Birch Bay gem... flexible floor plan creates fantastic work from home scenario or vacation rental opportunity in sought-after beach location. 2010 construction features upscale finishes: maple hardwood & laminate flooring, granite counters, custom cabinetry, soft close drawers, under cabinet lighting, movable kitchen island, cozy gas fireplace, 9’ vaulted ceilings, heat pump, super insulated, 18’x14’ Trex deck/stairs & Hardie siding. Maximized water views from all levels.

Leah Crews 360-305-4747

4970 Morgan Drive

MLS #1808249 $389,000 Very cute Cottage by the sea. 2 bedroom, 1 bath, carport 1160 sq. ft. Roof one year old with new interior paint & carpet. One bedroom has newer laminate flooring. Feel charmed by this sold block home with family room addition that opens up to spacious fenced back yard. Great location to the center of Birch Bay. Living room & family room. Propane forced air heat, wood stove, utility room. Fenced backyard with storage. Enjoy Birch Bay amenities including new Berm project. Minutes from beach, berm & water slides.

Brian Southwick 360-815-6638

LISTINGS - BLAINE

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4823 Alderson Road #105

MLS #1812705 $130,000 Ideally located, affordable commercial space in the heart of Birch Bay. 15 min drive from I-5 & 2 minute walk from the beach, this is a perfect spot for a medical, dental, retail or office space. This unit is a finished with ADA Bathroom, finished waiting room/ office in the store front, located in a highend building with residential condos and townhouses above. Don’t miss this opportunity to buy and build your business Buyer to verify all information. Dues are $257 per month and cover water, sewer and garbage

Matt Berry – 360-389-0104

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8262 Breeze Loop

MLS #1818041 $469,900 Welcome to Breeze Loop home of 16 great houses, located a 1/2 mile from the beach and the waterslides. This home is on a large corner lot in a much desired neighborhood. Looking for a two story with an extra bonus room? Look no further. This home has a nice open floor plan with nice patio just outside the back slider. Large 8300 +/- sq.ft. lot; 3 bedroom 2 and a half bath. Partial fence on one side. So many possibilities. Get in and take a look.

Christy Imperio 360-201-4100 ELIZA ISLAND

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8160 Comox Road

MLS #1812807 $725,000 Beautiful Birch Bay & Mt Baker views from this quality “Johnson Construction” built home in PNW’s premier guard-gated community of Birch Bay Village. Master on main w/jetted tub & main floor guest suite, 2 bedrooms & 2nd kitchen downstairs. 2 gas fireplaces, slab granite kitchen, large garage. Full width deck. Ideal home for multigenerational living with addl. full guest suite arrangement in daylight basement, lots of storage. Enjoy the “Village” lifestyle w/golf, marina, pool, pickleball, & clubhouse.

Mike Kent 360-815-3898

4369 Harborview Drive

MLS #1813161 $420,000 Peaceful setting in fantastic location just minutes to the downtown core, welcome to 4369 Harborview Drive! 3,000+ square foot home on almost 34K square foot lot is an ideal candidate for the handy homeowner looking to earn instant equity by making cosmetic updates. Main level has Primary suite, 2 bedrooms, kitchen/dining/living areas & enclosed sunroom with views. Additional lower level bedroom, bonus room with sliding doors to backyard & utility room/ shop area. High speed internet available.

Jen Freeman 360-815-0803

9870 Foxhurst

MLS #1799868 $1,175,000 19+ acre mini-farm zoned R5A. Open concept Craftsman-style masterpiece is 2500+ sf, 5 bed/2.5 baths, large kitchen w/granite counters, SS appliances & walk-in pantry. Large Master w/ensuite, attached 2 car garage, 32 solar panels, 12x40 outdoor patio w/hot tub & 30x40 shop has double 14ft doors. Custom-built hemlock/cedar barn with loft situated next to a pond & fenced chicken coop, with turnout pasture. Fully fenced 40x104 ft. garden boarding orchard.

Jessica Bates 360-371-5100

5419 Quail Run

MLS # 1796965 $1,190,000 Double wide South facing fairway view. Quiet, cul-de-sac location walking distance to Golf & Country Club & Great Blue Heron Grill. Northwest Contemporary style features 3 car garage, main floor living, stunning window design & fir trim. Open floor plan. Library/office on main floor has 3/4 bath. Spa master w/fireplace, private patio, oversized soak tub & custom closets. Two upstairs bedrooms with large windows feel like you’re living in a treehouse. Level lot professionally landscaped & great for gardening.

Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718

5500 Puffin Place

MLS #1814578 $300,000 Welcome to the gated community on Puffin Place, a special Semiahmoo location, with panoramic view potential. Only 3 single family homesites left. 28,899 sq ft. +/home site is over 1/2 acre. Looking back to Drayton Harbor, Semiahmoo Marina, the Inn at Semiahmoo, Heath Spa & fitness center, Canadian mountain range & city lights of Blaine & Whiterock. Amenity potential from Inn, Marina, Arnold Palmer Designed Semiahmoo Golf & country club, walking trails, biking, kayaking, boating, San Juan’s.

Brian Southwick 360-815-6638

42 Eliza Island

MLS #1772844 $750,000 Spanning views of Bellingham Bay. Beachfront, no-bank, tideland-rights cabin located on uber private Eliza Island. Best-kept secret in San Juan Islands! Northwest-facing home has OutBack solar/battery-powered inverter system, propane, & instant hot water tank. Beautiful touches throughout, such as Hickory & Montana Slate flooring, granite & Brazilian Cherry counters. Master ensuite with soaking tub & balcony deck. Close to private airstrip WA93 & island dock. No VRBOs/rentals allowed.

Brandi Coplen 360-201-3951

www.windermere.com

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Gerry Allen 360-920-0563

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2015 PARK MODEL Timber Ridge 40L park model. 1 BD, step down loft, cathedral ceiling. 11’x35’. Furnished. $49,000. Parked at Birch Bay RV Resort. Email rozannemcbride@gmail. com. All real estate/rentals advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246.

August 5 - 11, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

Rules of the Road: How exactly do you navigate roundabouts?

O B I T U A RY C E L E B R AT I O N O F L I F E Joy Darlene Dalry August 8, 1942–May 22, 2021 The family of Joy Darlene Dalry wish to invite you to a celebration of her life on August 7, 2021 from 1–5 p.m. at Birch Bay Village clubhouse.

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

DIRECTORY

s A car navigates the roundabout at Peace Portal and Marine drives.

By Doug Dahl Question: We’ve all driven through the roundabouts and while I feel like the general idea is to alleviate congestion I cannot help but feel like I’m fighting for a spot before I’m smashed by the oncoming vehicle. I’m curious if there has ever been any official statement or even suggestion on how to navigate roundabouts correctly? I could be wrong but it sure seems like if everyone let the car at the next entrance freely come into the circle (please just go! There is no stop sign!) we’d all move along more efficiently. Can you please tell me if the roundabout is set up on basic common sense and common courtesy or is it a kill-or-be-killed system? Answer: Oh boy, where do I start? Let’s begin with this: I’m confident that our traffic engineers aren’t out there designing kill-or-be-killed infrastructure. Actually, when it comes to roundabouts, the data show the exact opposite. Roundabouts reduce total crashes by 37 percent, injury crashes by 75 percent, fatal crashes by 90 percent and pedestrian collisions by 40 percent compared to traditional intersections. Beyond safety, roundabouts can handle more cars per hour than a light-controlled intersection, im-

proving transportation efficiency. They’re also more cost-effective to maintain and they still work when the power goes out. However, if I were put in front of a tribunal to argue that some drivers still don’t understand roundabouts, your question would provide the convicting evidence. First of all, credit to you for admitting you could be wrong. In fact, your driving recommendation completely contradicts what our traffic laws (and the signs on the road) require. Before we get to the laws, though, I want to answer the first part of your question. Yes, repeatedly yes; official statements on how to navigate roundabouts abound. The Department of Transportation has written instructions along with a five-part video series. The Washington Driver Guide has a section on how to drive in a roundabout. The Washington State Patrol has multiple videos online; even local governments have information about roundabouts on their websites. And I seem to end up writing an article on roundabouts almost every year, so I guess this is the one for 2021. To be clear, the drivers already in the roundabout are not supposed to stop to “let the car at the next entrance freely come into the circle.” You’re right that there are no stop signs in the ap-

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proach to a roundabout, but there are yield signs. As a refresher, the law states that when a driver approaches a yield sign “the driver shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another roadway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard ...” As to whether roundabout rules are common sense or common courtesy, there’s a lot of debate as to whether common sense even exists, and what’s courteous seems to be somewhat dependent on cultural values, but I can say that roundabouts have a common practice (established by the law). So let’s go over the rules for driving in a roundabout: Slow down as you approach the intersection and watch for pedestrians. Enter when there is a gap in traffic, yielding to traffic already in the roundabout. Once inside, do not stop. Follow directions on signs or pavement markings about which lane to use. Exit at your street or continue around if you miss your exit. I know most of us have roundabouts figured out. To the rest, I believe you have what it takes to get the hang of it. We can do this, Washington.

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By Grace McCarthy An estimated 23.8 percent of eligible Whatcom County voters submitted ballots in the August 3 primary election, 12 percent less than last August’s primary. A total of 37,943 votes were counted by election eve with approximately 2,000 left to count. The results are up-to-date as of the morning of August 4. Results can change until they are certified on August 17.

For the Blaine City Council Ward 2 Position 4 seat, Rhyan Lopez was ahead of Colin Hawkins 55.6 percent (184 votes) to 35.05 percent (116 votes). Steven Tojek, who had 9 percent of the votes, will not advance to the general election in November. The Blaine City Council Ward 3 Position 6 seat was a squeaker, with Barbara Sturdivant ahead 35.75 percent (212 votes) and Eric Davidson receiving 33.4 percent (198 votes). Jennifer Plom-

bon, who had 30.5 percent of the votes, is not expected to advance. The proposed levy for fire protection district 21, also known as North Whatcom Fire and Rescue, received a majority of votes against at 52.5 percent (3,129), opposed to the 47.5 percent (2,825) of people who voted in favor. For more election results, visit bit.ly/3ftFg10. The next vote count will be announced 5 p.m. August 4.

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The Northern Light • August 5 - 11, 2021

Sheriff’s Reports July 25, 5:05 p.m.: Theft on Maple Crest Avenue. July 25, 5:58 p.m.: Mental on Surf Place. July 25, 7:45 p.m.: Landlord tenant dispute on Birch Bay Drive. July 25, 10:32 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Sagebrush Lane and Goldenbrook Way. July 26, 4:03 a.m.: Trespass on Birch Bay Drive. July 26, 5:49 a.m.: Disorderly conduct on Harborview Road. July 26, 8:22 a.m.: Burglary on Birch Bay Drive. July 26, 11:05 a.m.: Fraud on Coastal Loop. July 26, 4:35 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident injury on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. July 26, 6:38 p.m.: Assault with a weapon on Jackson and Bay roads. July 26, 7:05 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Harborview Road. July 26, 9:46 p.m.: Domestic physical on Breeze Loop. July 27, 12:53 p.m.: Burglary on Morrison Avenue. July 27, 4:50 p.m.: Civil standby on Breeze Loop. July 28, 12:46 p.m.: Harassment on Harborview Road. July 28, 1:14 p.m.: Threat on Birch Bay Drive. July 28, 6:11 p.m.: Fraud on

Birch Bay Drive. July 29, 12:27 p.m.: Theft on Legion and Blaine roads. July 29, 2:22 p.m.: Fight on Anderson Road. July 29, 6:33 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Moonlight Way. July 30, 6:02 p.m.: Parking problem on Bridger Road. July 30, 6:26 p.m.: Death investigation on Sweet Road. July 30, 7:14 p.m.: Domestic physical on Loomis Trail Road, Custer.

July 22, 7:50 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances on G Street. July 22, 5:48 p.m.: Theft investigation on Boblett Street. July 22, 8 p.m.: Civilian ridealong. July 22, 9:29 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on D Street. July 22, 9:40 p.m.: Burglary report on H Street. July 23, 2:53 p.m.: Domestic dispute, no assault, on 10th Street. July 23, 5:49 p.m.: Disorderly conduct on Martin Street. July 24, 5:47 a.m.: Hit and run on 11th Street. July 24, 5:54 p.m.: Commercial alarm on Boblett Street.

47. Buenos Aires capital La __ 49. Dab 50. Singers who perform together 53. Pirates’ saying 57. OK to allude to 58. Somaliland diplomat 59. Has to pay back 60. Felix is one 61. Intestinal pouches DOWN 1. Harsh cries of a crow 2. Type of horse 3. __ fide: authentic 4. Doctors’ group 5. Fugitives are on it 6. Forged 7. Wild goat 8. Influential American president 9. Calls for help 10. Repents 11. Palm tree with creeping roots 12. Black powder used in makeup 13. Happy New Year 16. Stretched out one’s neck

18. Whale ship captain 22. Atomic #20 23. Border 24. River that borders India and Nepal 25. After B 27. Fencing swords 28. Where researchers work 29. Expression of satisfaction 30. Broadway actor Nathan 31. Heavy, heat-retaining stove 33. A way to eliminate 35. Type of tree resin 36. Russian river 37. Children’s TV network 39. Troublemaker 42. Averts or delays 43. Self-immolation by fire ritual 44. It cools your home 46. Satisfy to the fullest 47. Stinks! 48. Popular board game 49. Attack by hurling 50. A vale

July 26, 11:32 p.m.: Assault – misdemeanor – on Peace Portal Drive. July 27, 2:50 p.m.: Theft on D Street. July 27, 5:44 p.m.: Assist citizen on Marine Drive. July 27, 6:04 p.m.: Trespassing on D Street. July 27, 6:39 p.m.: Hit and run on Evans Drive. July 28, 4:48 p.m.: Domestic violence on 4th Street. July 28, 8:31 p.m.: Malicious mischief on Adelia Street. July 29, 3:44 p.m.: Found property on 12th Street. Report by Blaine Police Department.

51. Type of acid 52. Tasmania’s highest mountain 53. No seats available 54. Licensed for Wall Street 55. Family of genes 56. Constrictor snake ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

Tides

Trivia at the Vault: Live Music at The Vault: Thursday, August 5, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: fun true or false facts. Info: thevaultwine.com. Live Music at The Vault: Friday, August 6, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring: RJ Rex - Blues-Jazzicle guitar. Info: thevaultwine.com. Pirate Daze: Saturday, August 7, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Two locations Blaine Marine Park and Birch Bay Vogt Library. Free. Kids have a swashbuckling good time of family fun with games, storytelling, plays, water balloon battles, treasure hunt and more. Hosted by Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W HEIGHT

TIME

Second Sunday Breakfast: Sunday, August 8, 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 $8, kids 4–7 $4, 3 and under free. Open to the public. All proceeds support the American Legion and our veterans. Info: 360/371-7311. Affordable Health Screenings: Tuesday, August 10, Life Impact Church, 1733 H Street #260. Learn about your risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and other chronic conditions. Preregistration required at 877/237-1287 or lifelinescreening.com. Live Music at The Rustic Fork: Thursday, August 12, 6 p.m., The Rustic Fork Eatery, 442 Peace Portal Drive. Featuring Mark Williams and Thomas Sandblom. Info: therusticforkeatery.com. Trivia at the Vault: Thursday, August 12, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: general knowledge. Info: thevaultwine.com. Live Music at The American Legion: Friday, August 13, 3 p.m., Blaine American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. Featuring: Billy Shears. No cover charge, must be 21 or over to attend. Burger night 5:30-7:30 p.m. Live Music at The Vault: Friday, August 13, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring: Trio Sueño. Info: thevaultwine.com. Dive-in Movie at Birch Bay Waterslides: Friday, August 13, gates open at 7:30 p.m., movie starts around 9 p.m., Birch Bay Waterslides, 4874 Birch Bay Lynden Road. Drive-in movie-style, showing Rogue One. Cost $20 per car. Purchase tickets at birchbaychamber.com. Haynie Opry: Saturday, August 14, 7 p.m., Haynie Grange, 3344 Haynie Road, Custer. Join Matt Audette and the Circle of Friends band for a tribute show to country legend Marty Robbins. Gospel matinee at 3 p.m. Tickets at the door $5 for matinee, $10 evening show at the door. Info: 360/366-3321. Third Sunday Breakfast: Sunday, August 15, 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 $8, kids 4–7 $4, 3 and under free. Open to the public. All proceeds support the American Legion and our veterans. Info: 360/371-7311. Salishan Neighborhood Picnic: Sunday, August 15, 1–4 p.m., Salishan Park, corner of Blaine Avenue and Alder Street. Pot luck with hot dogs and lemonade provided. Bring chairs.

Aug 6 – 12 at Blaine. Not for navigation.

DATE

TIME

Fr 6

2:57 am 8.2 10:50 am -0.9

6:48 pm 9.1 11:41 pm 7.0

HEIGHT

Sa 7 3:45 am 8.2 11:30 am -1.2

Live Music at The Rustic Fork: Thursday, August 5, 6 p.m., The Rustic Fork Eatery, 442 Peace Portal Drive. Featuring solo artist Ron Hardt. Info: therusticforkeatery.com.

Explore the Shore Beach Walk: Saturday, August 7, noon–2 p.m., Birch Bay State Park. Free. Meet at the BP Heron Center. Join Us at Birch Bay State Park to learn about the critters that call this shore their home. Learn Clam identification and so much more. Info: fobbsp.org.

Police Reports

Crossword

ACROSS 1. Secret clique 6. Earliest in and out 10. Ancient Egyptian symbol of life 14. Olfactory property 15. Kidnapping 17. Golf prize 19. Helps little firms 20. Cast a spell on 21. Panama is one 22. Dishonorable man 23. Sea eagle 24. Part of the healing process 26. Vin’s last name 29. Wings 31. Made older 32. Political device 34. Looks like a rabbit 35. Gurus 37. Philippine Island 38. Not or 39. Hindu model of ideal man 40. Exam 41. Making less difficult 43. Without 45. Dravidian ethnic group 46. A baglike structure

July 30, 9:19 p.m.: Hot rod on Sunrise Road, Custer. July 30, 10:50 p.m.: Prowler on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. July 31, 1:51 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Castlerock Drive. July 31, 1:58 p.m.: Shots on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. July 31, 3:02 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Sunburst Drive. July 31, 9:42 p.m.: Domestic physical on Clamdigger Drive.

Coming up

7:16 pm 9.4

Live Music at The Rustic Fork: Wednesday, August 18, 6 p.m., The Rustic Fork Eatery, 442 Peace Portal Drive. Featuring Wicked Timing. Info: therusticforkeatery.com. Live Music at The Rustic Fork: Thursday, August 19, 6 p.m., The Rustic Fork Eatery, 442 Peace Portal Drive. Featuring solo artist Ron Hardt. Info: therusticforkeatery.com. Trivia at the Vault: Live Music at The Vault: Thursday, August 12, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: local history. Info: thevaultwine.com. Family Beach Walk: Saturday, August 21, noon–2 p.m., Birch Bay State Park. Free. Meet at the Heron Center or look for volunteers in green vests on the beach. Info: fobbsp.org.

Su 8 12:25 am 6.7

4:33 am 8.1

12:06 pm -1.3

7:44 pm 9.5

Mo 9 1:03 am 6.2

5:23 am 8.0

Birch Bay Berm Celebration and Ribbon Cutting: Saturday, August 21, 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Ribbon cutting at noon on the beach across from Birch Bay Beach Park, 7930 Birch Bay drive. Poker run from 1:30–3:30 p.m. along the berm. Info: birchbaychamber.com.

12:42 pm -1.2

8:10 pm 9.6

Ongoing

Tu 10 1:43 am 5.7

6:15 am 7.8

1:18 pm -0.8

8:36 pm 9.6

We 11 2:23 am 5.0

7:09 am 7.5

Summer food program: Blaine school district will have no charge meals available for all students up to 18 years of age, or 21 if enrolled in a program and not graduated. Meals are to be picked up on Wednesdays between 1 and 5:30 through the summer. Visit the Food Services page at blainesd.org for more information.

1:56 pm 0.0

9:02 pm 9.6

Th 12 3:05 am 4.1

8:11 am 7.2

9:26 pm 9.5

2:34 pm 1.1

Weather

Precipitation: During the period of July 26 to Aug. 1, no precipitation was recorded. The 2021 yearto-date precipitation is 14.1 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 87°F on July 28 and 30 with a low of 53°F on July 28. Average high was 72°F and average low was 66°F.

Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

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. CAP Clothing Bank: starting July 19, Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m. - noon and Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m. 508 G Street. The CAP Clothing Bank will reopen in our new location in the basement of the CAP Center providing free clothing and linens. Donations accepted only during open hours or by special arrangement. Info: blainecap.org or 360/392-8484. Friends of Birch Bay Library Board of Directors Meetings: Second Monday, 6:30 p.m. All who are vaccinated are welcome to attend in person. Non-vaccinated or those with limited mobility are asked to request Zoom access. Info: FOBBLsecretary@gmail.com. Alaska Packers Association Cannery Museum: Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, 1–5 p.m., 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway. Free, donations welcome. Masks required Info: 360/371-3558. Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

August 5 - 11, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

Drug seizures up dramatically with border closure, RCMP reports increase over 2019, according to the report. “It’s undeniable that officers working in both a covert and overt capacity along the border, results in a noticeable and measurable impact on the local drug supply while disrupting organized crime activities,” Ferreira said. “I commend all employees who have worked tirelessly during the pandemic, resulting in such a successful year. “Working with CBSA, and other local police departments, we will continue to do our part to ensure the safety and security of Canadians and build on recent successes gained from drug seizures, prosecutions, disruptions and excellent intelligence gathering.” The U.S./Canadian border closed to non-essential travel March 21, 2020, in an effort to slow the spread of Covid-19. The Canadian border is set to reopen to non-essential travel August 9, whereas the U.S. extended its closure – for the 16th time – to August 21. Throughout the pandemic, trade and other travel between the two countries deemed essential has been allowed. The Border Integrity Program is also responsible for intercepting individuals entering the country illegally, according to the release, and saw a 54 percent decrease in 2020 from 2019. But the RCMP speculates that number will return to what was seen before the pandemic. There were also 14 firearm seizures at the points of entry last year.

By Ian Haupt After increasing its resources last year, Canadian border enforcement saw dramatic spikes in border investigations and methamphetamine seizures in 2020, while cocaine seizures dropped substantially when compared with the previous year. A British Columbia Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) news release reported that more than 600 kg (about 1,323 pounds) of drugs were seized at the province’s points of entry. Methamphetamine seizures made up 58 percent of that total, which saw the greatest increase from the year before. In 2020, methamphetamine seizures at the points of entry were up 110 percent in 2020 from the year before. RCMP, working with the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), seized 52.5 kg (nearly 116 pounds) of methamphetamine more than it did in 2019. According to the report, cocaine seizures were down 82 percent, 129.5 kg (285 pounds), from 2019 totals. In response to the border closure to non-essential travel, superintendent Bert Ferreira, officer in charge of B.C. RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime – Border Integrity Program, said in the release RCMP added enforcement at the province’s points of entry, which led to a successful year of disrupting organized crime. There were a total of 942 border investigations at the points of entry in 2020, a 304 percent

Summer Fun Park in the

Saturday, August 28

5-10 pm

Blaine Marine Park Playground

Fun for the Whole Family!

FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE AT DUSK:

Food Trucks Beer & Wine Garden Live Music Music by Gladstone

The Northern Light: August 5-11, 2021

Articles inside

Boys and girls club gets big donation