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September 16 - 22, 2021
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IN THIS
ISSUE
Run with the Chums race, page 10
NWFR levy on November ballot, page 13
Bellingham train shunt conviction, page 13
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
Unofficial memorial remembers 20 years since 9/11 Investigators cite vandalism as likely in Custer train derailment By Grace McCarthy
(See Train, page 3)
s An unofficial 9/11 memorial held at Peace Arch State Park honored people who died and put their lives on the line during the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. September 11 first responders, state senator Doug Ericksen (R-Ferndale), U.S. Consul General Brent Hardt and U.S. and Canada emergency workers were in attendance. See more on page 10. Photo by Grace McCarthy
City council approves first East Maple Ridge plat, setting east Blaine development in motion By Ian Haupt A portion of a 353-unit development received final plat approval from Blaine City Council during its September 13 meeting, allowing land developer Skip Jansen to turn 48 single-family lots and 12 multi-family parcels that will contain 48 units over to independent construction companies. In June 2020, city council approved a preliminary plat for East Maple Ridge, a 88-acre development area north of H Street, east of Jerome Street and west of Harvey Road, near Pipeline Field, that would consist of 353 units. According to
the application, final plats of the preliminary plat will be submitted for approval in up to 13 phases. This first approval consisted of phases 1 through 3. “It’s a relief,” Jansen said. “Oh man, what a long haul.” Jansen said the development, which has been in the works for decades, will include a city park, three ponds, bike and pedestrian paths, a sports field and hundreds of mature maple and evergreen trees. The proposed development plan also includes a neighborhood commercial center with 24,000 square feet of commercial space. The expected $6 million east Blaine sewer system update – one of the largest
Third hornet nest eradicated, another found By Grace McCarthy Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) eradicated the third Asian giant hornet nest in the U.S. ever during the early morning of September 11. This comes as entomologists discovered a fourth nest in east Blaine and are planning for another eradication, according to the state agency. The nest eradicated September 11 had four combs, but WSDA has not yet released the number of hornets found in the
nest. For comparison, the nest eradicated August 25 had nine combs and the nest eradicated in October 2020 had six combs. “This is starting from citizen reports,” WSDA public engagement specialist Karla Salp said. “People getting photos and reporting is one of our best ways to get hits. We really appreciate people sending in information.” On the morning of September 8, east Blaine resident Dean Tjoelker captured a hornet attacking a paper wasp nest on his back deck. He knew it was a hornet, be-
cause he had seen one last year and, knowing it was only useful to scientists if kept alive, captured it with a 1-liter soda bottle. By mid-afternoon, WSDA entomologists arrived from Olympia and attached a radio tag to track the hornet, fed it Tjoelker family homemade jelly and started tracking it back to its nest. “They don’t do a lot of good dead,” Dean Tjoelker said. “[Entomologists] have to track them.” (See Nests, page 8)
projects the city is currently tackling – and contractor negotiation issues initially delayed approval. Public works director Bernie Ziemianek said in a project study session that public works is scheduled to start construction on the six-month sewer project in spring 2022. Jensen of East Maple Ridge LLC currently owns half of the preliminary plat while Doug and Louise Connelly own the other half, according to the Whatcom County Assessor’s Office. The East Maple Ridge project began in 1996 after the city annexed the property. (See Approval, page 2)
INSIDE
Investigators are considering vandalism as a likely factor in the Custer train derailment December 22, 2020, according to a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) report released September 9. The report did not determine a cause for the derailment. The FBI is still investigating. The 108-car train was carrying highly flammable Bakken crude oil from North Dakota to the Phillips 66 oil refinery in Ferndale when 10 rail cars left the track around 11:40 a.m. Fire burned into the night, forcing the evacuation of 120 people and shutting down I-5 for four hours. No injuries were reported. The derailment occurred less than a month after two Bellingham women were arrested for tampering with BNSF tracks in north Bellingham. FRA released its report September 9; the same day one of the Bellingham women was convicted in federal court for one count of violence against a railroad carrier. The FBI announced in November an investigation into over 40 shunt placements, which can derail trains, in Whatcom and Skagit counties since January 2020. In addition to vandalism, FRA cited three possible contributing factors in its September 9 report: BNSF not notifying crews of track vandalism in the area; BNSF didn’t follow federal requirements to secure the train before it was left unattended between crews; and the new crew did not properly check the train. “In both instances, vandals had opportunities to tamper with the couplers and brake pipe angle cocks,” the report reads. “FRA’s investigation determined that two crews failure to comply with train check requirements established the foundation for this derailment.” The report ruled out weather, crew fatigue and drug and alcohol use as factors in the derailment. A crew from Everett left the train at a
Coming Up . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 7 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14
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The Northern Light • September 16 - 22, 2021
Friday & Saturday, September 17 & 18, 10am-4pm
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Approval ... From page 1
The city adopted its east Blaine infrastructure plan, which guided the development of utilities to the area, in 2009. City manager Michael Jones said during the meeting the city invested over $2 million for a water and electric extension to connect the east Blaine area. “Tonight, with the approval of that final plat, is kudos to many folks,” Jones said. “It’s a big step in the process of developing east Blaine. I don’t want that to go unnoticed because it’s been a long time coming.” City councilmember Charlie Hawkins noted the annexation in 1996 was the first thing his wife Marsha voted on when she came on council. Community development director Stacie Pratschner said during a presentation last June on the preliminary plat that the east Blaine area is projected to support almost 40 percent of the city’s needed housing stock over the next 20 years. If Grandis Pond, a housing project east of Harvey Road, is approved, it would develop 387 residential lots in its first phase and about 1,000 total within the next 20 to 30 years. The first phase for Grandis Pond would include seven neighborhoods with a mix of single-family homes and cottage homes, according to the project’s preliminary plat approval. Of the 438 total acres, 190 will be open space, wildlife corridors and parks, according to the project website. The next phase of the East Maple Ridge project, which will consist of 67 single-family units and eight multifamily parcels, is scheduled to be completed by early summer 2022, Jansen said. “It’s an exciting project and a beautiful piece of property,” he said.
September 16 - 22, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
In 2017, Ericksen proposed legislation that would create longer sentences for people protesting illegally to cause economic disruption. “Certainly, we must respect the right to peaceful protest,” Ericksen said. “But when protests cross the line and threaten injury, death and property damage, the legislature needs to acknowledge we have a serious problem on our hands.” To read the Federal Railroad Administration report, visit bit.ly/2Xuelwi.
$100,000 in track damage in the FRA report. Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) reported responders recovered most of the 29,000 gallons of oil that spilled, leaving 5,400 to 8,000 gallons in the ground. A DOE spokesperson previously told The Northern Light oil contamination didn’t leave the derailment site and didn’t harm wildlife. State senator Doug Ericksen (R-Ferndale) called for legislative hearings into potential sabotage in the Custer derailment.
Steak
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The Best or Nothing at All! s Ten train cars carrying Bakken crude oil derailed in Custer on December 22, 2020, forcing 120 people to evacuate and I-5 to be closed for four hours. Photo courtesy NTSB
Train ...
From page 1 Custer substation unattended for nearly three hours before another crew arrived. The crew started the train northbound at 11:29 a.m.; the train derailed a halfmile away, near the 7500 block of Peace Portal Drive. “… The unlocked coupler pins caused the train to separate, and the closed or partially closed angle cocks prevented the train from experiencing an emergency application of the air brakes upon movement,” according to the FRA report. A Bonneville Power Administration security camera in Custer recorded the decoupled train in motion, separated between cars 64 and 65 in the 108-car train. Footage showed about 17 seconds of space between the two sections. The front section was traveling 7 mph and the back section was traveling 21 mph when the BNSF crew used the emergency brake. The collision between the two ends of the train caused the cars to accordion and leave the track. “Upon impact, the train experienced an undesired emergency application of the train brake system and came to a stop,” according to the FRA report. The crew aboard signaled an emergency over the radio, to which the train’s brakeman, who was not aboard the train, responded he would pick up the conductor and investigate. Nearby crewmembers of another train radioed the crew to make sure they were OK and informed them of a smoke plume rising from the train, according to the report. In June, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a report detailing the accident and closed its investigation. The NTSB report said the derailment caused estimated damages of more than $1.5 million. The railroad reported $751,880 in equipment damage and
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The Northern Light • September 16 - 22, 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.
New administrators at Blaine school district
s From l; Blaine school district welcomes Kristen Morris, elementary school vice principal, and Beth Eide, new dean of students for 6-12 grade. Photos courtesy Blaine school district
Letters
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 Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser production@pointrobertspress.com Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Gary Lee sales@pointrobertspress.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com Contributors In This Issue Doug Dahl The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVII, No 14 Circulation: 10,500 copies
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Next issue: Sept. 23 Ads due: Sept. 17
The Editor: In response to Doug Ericksen’s invitation to small businessmen about improving opportunities, I wrote to his office: Please inform Doug that one reason small businesses are having problems is that the majority of buyers, shoppers, diners, travelers, workers etc. are still wanting safe masked environments. Right now it is not regulation and rules making business difficult, it is workers not feeling safe to return to work and a wary consuming public. The best way to inject momentum into the economy is to make sure consumers and workers feel safe and have the money to spend on consumerism. When he suggests a friendly environment, he should think of requiring all Washingtonians to get the vaccine shots and wear masks. The great upsurge in infection is a result of not being vaccinated and the variant allowed to spread because of lack of masking requirements. I just returned from Alameda, California where all citizens were masked at parks, walking the mall and beaches, etc. Yet consumerism was up and business was thriving with people confident in being safe to participate in normal life and demonstrating the love and respect of neighbors, friends and society in general. Donna Starr Blaine
The Editor: In November, the residents in the Birch Bay Library Capital Facility Area (LCFA) will decide the Birch Bay Vogt Community Library project’s success. As a resident in the LCFA, I want to encourage you to vote on this important issue. I am looking forward to having access to a full-service library in our community. Our meeting room, with after-hours functionality, will be available for classes, meetings, trainings and other activities. Library programs that are educational, cultural, creative and fun will be part of regular library service. We will have a good-size collection of materials to browse and use. Having access to printing, scanning and computer service that doesn’t take a trip out of Birch Bay is something we don’t have now. Students will have easy access to library materials and homework help west of the railroad tracks during the week. Reference and research assistance will be available by knowledgeable library staff. The library will be so close, you might be able to ride a bike, take a golf cart or walk to the new library if you don’t want to drive. Our library will give all ages opportunities to connect, learn, and grow separately and together. The Birch Bay Vogt Community Library will give us a stable, yearround gathering place. Our community has an opportunity to
get our library built for a small property tax. We can hold onto and use our $2 million state appropriation, which we will lose if the LCFA doesn’t pass. The longer we wait to build the library the more costs will escalate. We will not have an opportunity like this again. For these reasons, I encourage you to vote “yes” on Proposition 14. Di Marrs-Smith Birch Bay The Editor: Over the last year, volunteering with Friends of Birch Bay Library and Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce functions, it has become extremely apparent to me the need for a Birch Bay community hub to service residents and visitors with access to essential services. For Birch Bay business and resident experiences to be successful and efficient, access to basic internet, printing, staff assistant and a free community room could go a long way to provide essential services that could otherwise pull its residents and visitors out of the area along with their shopping and dining, working and even living for convenience and better assistance. Even when people and businesses (See Letters, next page) Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Civic Meetings Birch Bay Water & Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4 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.
September 16 - 22, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
5
Wildbird Charity prepares to start weekend backpack program By Grace McCarthy Wildbird Charity is gearing up to start its weekend backpack food program for Whatcom County students by the end of September. To help kick off the new school year, the Blaine nonprofit recently received a $10,000 donation from the Jerry H. Walton foundation in Sedro-Woolley. Wildbird Charity executive director Mark Moder said this year’s program will likely need a $160,000 budget to serve 350 students two breakfast, two lunch, two dinner meals and snacks each week. The program has $25,000 so far to feed children; Moder said it’s common for the nonprofit to start with
Letters ... From previous page
provide their own internet and meeting space, connectivity situations and complications in both technology and face-to-face meet-ups still crop up requiring a secondary reliable resource, which a library could provide as well as a beautiful view with a good book to boot. Birch Bay also has a rich history of providing all of Whatcom County and beyond with a place to escape and take in a fresh serenity. To better meet the needs of those looking to take full advantage of the bay’s tranquility and fun, on either a part-time or full-time basis, requires basic access to resources a physical library provides, beyond what can be found just on Wednesday afternoons off the Bookmobile and/ or a Wi-Fi-equipped parking lot. Printing, scanning and staff assistance are often resources people don’t think of as people don’t need them as frequently. When you do, such as for access to processing taxes, purchase/rental housing documentation, unemployment benefit submission, medical planning/information, arranging childcare/visitation, tutoring help/appointments, citizenship documentation, and any number or other life essential situations, it is good to have library facility and staff on your side to
little and rely on fundraising and donations throughout the year. Blaine Food Bank also contributes food to Wildbird Charity. Backpack program meals consist of things like mac and cheese, soup, milk, granola bars and fruit. “We try to make the food as healthy as economically feasible,” Moder said. The number of students the program served skyrocketed during March 2020, when the nonprofit went from serving 200 to 900 students. Wildbird Charity served over 200,000 meals in Whatcom County in 2020, Moder said. Since school just started, Moder said Blaine school district is still trying to determine the num-
ber of students the program can help. The program serves Blaine, Bellingham and Mount Baker school districts. “We want to serve all of the school districts but don’t want to overcommit,” Moder said. Wildbird Charity started the backpack program in 2018 to feed children experiencing food insecurity in Whatcom County. The program was modeled after a similar program in Abbotsford called the Starfish Pack Program. “I hear great stories from food coordinators about giving bags of food to kids, some people just go hungry,” Moder said. “These kids get food in school but when they go home for the weekends,
they’re still experiencing food insecurity.” On Friday, November 5, Wildbird Charity will host “Wines of Whatcom,” a wine-tasting event at Bellewood Acres. Attendees will sample Whatcom and Skagit county wines while supporting the nonprofit. The 21-plus event runs 6-9 p.m.; tickets for unlimited tastings are $35 per person or $60 for two. “It’s a labor of love for people,” Moder said. “There’s a lot of people in Whatcom County who care about kids and want to help.” To volunteer or donate, visit the Wildbird Charity website at wildbirdcharity.org, or contact Mark Moder at wildbirdcharity1@gmail.com and 208/660-
help facilitate your life needs as well as provide a good reading recommendation. November is the resident’s opportunity to approve a Birch Bay library as a community hub and a step toward a more convenient and well-rounded way of life. Wendy McLeod FOBBL secretary Ferndale
to introduce themselves and make us both feel very welcome to our new community. I am a retired police officer and mental health counselor; my wife is an educational consultant. It has been our life’s work to improve the communities, families and individuals around us. After meeting Mr. Gill, we knew immediately his goals were the same. The details of Mr. Gill’s successes and his contributions to this community are many. He is currently successfully serving on the Blaine City Council having been selected from a pool of other highly successful and competent applicants. In addition to this experience, Mr. Gill has 25 years of experience managing large budgets and fostering economic development. He currently operates several businesses within Blaine, employing numerous Blaine residents. His expertise extends to cross-border advertising and marketing. Moreover, Mr. Gill brings 18 years of experience as paymaster for a municipal electricity department. While Mr. Gill’s professional experience speaks for itself, it may not reveal the many qualities that a healthy, thriving community cannot live without: Generosity and warmth. One example of Sukhwant’s generosity to this community was shown during the pandemic
when he gave away food through his many businesses. He is warm, caring and soft-spoken and always quick to inquire about how we and our families are doing. When we combine Mr. Gill’s extensive and relevant professional experience with his empathic, warm and caring soul, we are convinced that Sukhwant Singh Gill is the best candidate for the position of Council AtLarge Position 7 for the city of Blaine. Kevin and Terri Faulkner Blaine
The Editor: It would appear that the Blaine area is most attractive to the giant Asian hornet, so much so that they have built three nests here. What I am most curious about is what have the Canadians discovered on their side of the border as you never report on that. Inasmuch as the nests were found within less than a mile south of the border, what is going on on the north side? Is the American cuisine more attractive for the hornets’ diet? As the younguns say, “Wassup?” Richard Mollette Custer The Editor: We will be voting for Sukhwant Singh Gill for the position of Council At-Large Position 7 for the city of Blaine. We want to encourage you to do the same. My wife and I moved to Blaine during the winter of 2017 and were fortunate to have moved in next door to Mr. Gill and his family. He and his family were quick
Point Roberts Press welcomes new sales consultant
s Gary Lee.
Point Roberts Press Inc. welcomes Gary Lee as their new sales consultant for their publications, including The Northern Light, Mount Baker Experience, Pacific Coast Weddings, Waterside and regional maps. Originally from Minneapolis, Lee has lived in Bellingham since 1991 and has 30 years of local and national sales experience. The last 15 of those years spent were in print industries in Whatcom and Skagit counties. He has worked for the Bellingham Herald, Superfeet and Lithtex Printing Solutions.
s Wildbird Charity’s new executive director Mark Moder started August 1. 8000. For more information on “Wines of Whatcom” and to purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/2Xawm2s.
CITY OF BLAINE Due to Governor Inslee’s proclamation in response to COVID-19, this City Council meeting will be conducted remotely. Information on how to watch 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 location may change.
Tuesday, September 21 8:00am – Blaine Tourism Advisory
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Monday, September 27 4:30pm – Study Session: East Blaine
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The Northern Light • September 16 - 22, 2021
Covid-19 in Whatcom County, by school district boundaries: Recent two-week case rates, cumulative counts and vaccinations Lynden Vaccination: 51% Case rate: 896 New cases: 76
Blaine Vaccination: 65% Case rate: 694 New cases: 66 Ferndale Vaccination: 62% Case rate: 589 New cases: 107
Nooksack Valley Vaccination: 47% Case rate: 601 New cases: 32
Meridian Vaccination: 60% Case rate: 249 New cases: 9
Mount Baker Mt. Baker 43% Vaccination: Vaccination: 44% Case rate: 354 Case rate: 317 New cases: 30 New cases: 30
Bellingham Vaccination: 73% Case rate: 320 New cases: 188
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 September 11.
By Grace McCarthy Whatcom County has had 13,528 probable and confirmed Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic, according to September 13 Washington State Department of Health data. The death toll in Whatcom County is
now 129 for Covid-19 deaths. Three people died from Covid-19 during the week of August 29: A vaccinated man in his 80s, an unvaccinated woman in her 30s and an unvaccinated man in his 50s. In total, eight fully vaccinated people have died from Covid-19 in Whatcom County.
Covid-19 deaths make up 1 percent of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Whatcom County. Three fully vaccinated individuals were hospitalized the week of August 29, and 23 unvaccinated individuals were hospitalized, according to the health department’s weekly Covid-19 data re-
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port that was released September 9. Since the start of the pandemic, 660 people have been hospitalized for Covid-19. On September 15, 34 people at PeaceHealth had either been admitted for Covid-19 or tested positive for Covid-19 after being admitted for another reason.
The Covid-19 case rates for unvaccinated people was 506 per 100,000 people, while the case rates for fully vaccinated people was 152 per 100,000. Of the 609 Covid-19 cases reported for the week of August 29, 151 were breakthrough cases. The Blaine school district area has the second highest Covid-19 case rate in the county at 694 cases per 100,000 people. Blaine school district has had 66 confirmed cases since last week. Covid-19 case rates remain the highest among 24-44 year olds with 639 cases per 100,000 people. Children under 17 years old have the second highest Covid-19 case rates among age groups with 573 cases per 100,000 people. As of September 9, 58.5 percent of Whatcom County residents are fully vaccinated and 5.7 are in the process of being vaccinated. Whatcom County has 52,000 residents who are eligible for the vaccine but have not had their first shot, according to the health department. For more Whatcom County information, visit whatcomcounty.us/covidvaccine and whatcomcounty.us/coviddata. State information is available at bit. ly/3r2URJj. For CDC data, visit bit.ly/39Kt4qh.
The Northern Light reporter places at Mt. Baker Hill Climb
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s Ian Haupt, reporter for The Northern Light and editor of Mount Baker Experience, a Point Roberts Press Inc. publication, placed 11th in the competitive division at the Mt. Baker Hill Climb on September 12. The 22-mile race started in Glacier and ended at the top of Artist Point. Photo by Louise Mugar
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Sports Fall sports continue with positive starts for football and soccer BHS football game canceled
s Peyton Dixon, 15, makes a diving tackle in the first quarter of the Borderites 48-14 win over Bainbridge September 11.
By Ian Haupt Blaine High School’s football and girl’s soccer team continue a winning start to its return to a “regular” fall sports season, as both teams are undefeated. Football With another quick start, the Borderites beat the Bainbridge Spartans 48-14 at home September 11 after senior quarterback
Avery Dohner tied a school record before halftime. Dohner threw five touchdown passes putting the Borderites up 35-6 and placing himself amongst Daniel Gorze (2008), Sean Allen (2010) and Nathan Kramme (2013) in school history as the only quarterbacks to throw five touchdown passes in a game. Dohner’s first three pass attempts of the game resulted in
touchdowns, and he finished completing 14-of-17 passes for 294 yards. Senior wide receivers Jaxon Kortlever and Scott Baldwin helped Dohner’s game. Kortlever finished with six receptions for 177 yards and three touchdowns, and Baldwin caught four passes for 66 yards and two touchdowns. In the second half, junior Larry Creasey’s running game finished off the Spartans. The 180-pound running back ran for 66 yards and two touchdowns. Middle linebacker Spencer Dalry had a huge game defensively with 14.5 tackles, including a
Blaine High School football was forced to cancel its game this week after one of the players tested positive for Covid-19 and all unvaccinated players were quarantined. Assistant athletic director Sydney Johnson said the athletic department was canceling the Borderites away game this Friday, September 17, in Anacortes. The Borderites have had a strong start to the season being undefeated with two games played. Last Friday, the team had a game against Bellevue Christian High School canceled. With some quick rescheduling, the team played Bainbridge at home Saturday afternoon. The Borderites beat the Spartans 48-14. Photo by Janell Kortlever
tackle for loss and a quarterback sack. Blaine also got sacks from seniors Jonathan Puha and Alex Welch, and interceptions from Kortlever and sophomore linebacker Hunter Vezzetti. Statistics and play-by-play thanks to whatcompreps.com. Girls soccer Following last week’s home-opener win against University Prep, the Lady Borderites had a September 9 home game against Sehome canceled. This week, the team traveled to Sedro-Woolley September 14 and beat the Cubs 3-1. Next, the girls travel to Mount
Vernon Thursday, September 16. They host Oak Harbor Tuesday, September 21 at 7 p.m. Volleyball The volleyball team is 1-1 this season with a loss on the road following an opening win at home. The Lady Borderites beat Sehome in three straight sets in their home opener September 8. They then traveled to Sedro-Woolley September 14 where they lost in three sets. The team goes on to play Mount Vernon away Thursday, September 16 and host Oak Harbor Monday, September 20. Both matches are at 7 p.m.
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The Northern Light • September 16 - 22, 2021
Nests ... From page 1
On September 8, WSDA captured its first hornet in a bottle trap for this year, and another hornet was detected in east Blaine, WSDA spokesperson Amber Betts said. The next day, Heather Tjoelker, Dean’s wife, noticed the hornet being tracked hunting paper wasps on her back deck and alerted entomologists, who were able to locate the nest around 5 p.m. “They are very loud,” Heather Tjoelker said of the hornets. “You see and hear their presence. When they appeared, the paper wasps scattered. There was terror going on when it showed up.” Entomologists found the nest in a rotted alder tree on east Blaine resident Rod Bierlink’s property, about 100 yards from his house. Before the eradication, Bierlink saw a hornet on his property when he was tending to the cows. He saw paper wasps flying around and noticed the hornet, but it escaped before he could
step on it. “When you see them, you know because they’re big,” Bierlink said. “I want to eradicate these things as much as [WSDA] does because we don’t want them around.” Bierlink said the new nest didn’t come as a surprise to him because the first Asian giant hornet nest was found about a mile away, near Burk Road, in October 2020. After visiting the Asian giant hornet booth at the Northwest Washington fair in Lynden last month, Bierlink said he was prepared to set traps. “The size of them overwhelms you. It freaks you out,” Bierlink said. “It’s twice the size of any wasp you’ve seen.” On September 10, just a day before the third nest eradication, entomologists found a live hornet in a bottle trap and tracked it to the fourth Asian giant hornet nest in east Blaine. WSDA scientists are still working out the details on eradicating the nest, Salp said. The nest is in an alder tree and is at least twice as high as the 2020 nest that was found about
s A third Asian giant hornet nest found in east Blaine was eradicated September 11.
(See Nests, next page)
Courtesy photo Heather Tjoelker
ADVICE FROM THE P Q: Does Capstone make custom shoe orthotics/inserts?
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All clinics at Capstone have clinicians that are trained in casting and fitting patients with custom shoe orthotics. Orthotic inserts can be very helpful for correcting mechanical deviations such as pronation, supination, etc. and also provide increased foot support and correct movement of the foot. Often, proper foot mechanics can resolve knee, hip and back pain symptoms. Therapists at Capstone also work with this patient population to help improve balance, strength, flexibility and walking. Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists at Capstone are therapy specialists and have advanced training to offer you the very best care for your individual therapy needs. Capstone is accepting new patients at our new Birch Bay Square location and our Blaine clinic on H Street.
Q: Can I opt out of the new WA State Long Term Care tax? A: The Washington State Long Term Care Trust Act was passed into law in 2021. The new law mandates a tax on all employee’s wages to pay for long term care benefits for Washington state residents. The tax will begin January 1, 2022.
Some citizens prefer to have private Long Term Care insurance instead of through the state. Here is how to opt out of the state program. • Obtain a private long-term care policy through a private insurer by November 1, 2021 • Apply for an exemption from the state between October 1 and December 31 attesting that you have long-term-care insurance at the time of your application • Show your employer the letter from the state that says your exemption has been approved to avoid the tax. The tool to opt out of the state program will be available on the WA CARES FUND website at www.wacaresfund.wa.gov starting October 1, 2021.
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September 16 - 22, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com (See Nests, previous page) 10 feet in an alder tree. The new nests come after two hornet nests were eradicated in east Blaine in August 2021 and October 2020. In mid-August, east Blaine residents submitted a photograph to WSDA of an Asian giant hornet eating a paper wasp nest on their property. State entomologists followed a hornet with an attached radio tag and located the nest August 19, before nearly a week later eradicating the nest that contained 1,500 hornets in different life stages. The invasive hornets measure up to 2 inches and can be identified by its orange-and-black body
and almond-shaped eyes. Originally from Asia, the hornet was first detected in the U.S. in fall 2019. Canadian officials haven’t detected any hornets in 2021, although they are trapping across the border. WSDA has not detected any live hornets outside of east Blaine in 2021, Salp said. More information on the two nests will be available, according to WSDA. “We still expect to see hornets flying for another month-and-ahalf,” Salp said. “But the earlier we catch them, the better we’ll be able to eliminate the nest.” To report a suspected Asian giant hornet detection, visit agr. wa.gov/hornets, email hornets@ agr.wa.gov or call 800/443-6684.
s Asian giant hornets WSDA staff vacuumed from the third nest. Courtesy photo Heather Tjoelker
s WSDA staff and east Blaine residents track the Asian giant hornet.
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Courtesy photo Heather Tjoelker
s WSDA entomologist Chris Looney attaches a radio tag to an Asian giant hornet before tracking it back to s An Asian giant hornet found in the nest eradicatits nest. Courtesy photo Heather Tjoelker ed September 11. Courtesy photo Heather Tjoelker
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The Northern Light • September 16 - 22, 2021
Run with the Chums rings in Whatcom Water Week on September 11
s Whatcom Conservation District hosted the ninth annual Run with the Chums 5k race at BP Highlands September 11. Competitors raced along the track and visited stations set up to inform people on water conservation. Run with the Chums kicked off Whatcom Water Week, which runs September 11-19. Photos by Grace McCarthy
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By Meg OlsOn Whatcom County Council has approved changes to county code that will eliminate exemptions to mandatory garbage pickup in Point Roberts. At their June 5 meeting, council heard from an almost evenly split 15 community members on the proposal, which would establish a mandatory minimum service level of a 32-gallon can of garbage to be picked up twice-monthly and billed through the property tax roll. Opponents of the proposal cited a number of reasons for their opposition, priFREE Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay September 9 - 15, 2021 marily that the minimum service level was too high. “This exceeds the needs of 80 HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer PRSRT STD percent of those surveyed (in a 2016 onU. S. Postage PAID line survey sponsored by the county solid IN THIS Permit NO. 87 waste division) who self-haul or use tags,” Blaine, WA 98230 Kimberly Butts said. Ken Calder, also opposed to the chang- s Back in 1976, a group of civic-minded people got together to plan a 4th of July celebration, the first since 1916. On June 20, they had a reunion at Ruby White’s house. See story, page 16. Standing, from l.: Fred DeHaan, Rosy Negron, Carla Scherer, Pauli DeHaan, George es, submitted a petition signed by 364 sea- Scherer, Pat Jorgensen, Doreen Peltier. Seated: Norma Peltier, Ruby White, Kris Manning. Photo by Shelley Damewood sonal and full-time residents asking that council delay the decision until September to allow a recently formed solid waste subcommittee of the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee to continue to look at the issue. Cites client base and “increasing erts hospital district on June 26 that Unity according to Unity Care. Those in favor of the change as well as Care NW would end its contract to proThe number of people being served at community turmoil” county staff pointed out that PRCAC had vide services on the Point as of December the Point Roberts Clinic, as well as the 31, 2018, but would provide services on a number of visits, have been declining, acB y G r a c e M c c a r t h ybeen pondering the garbage collection B y M e g O l s O n for over two years, held numerous public a n d P a t g r u B B month-to-month basis if needed until June cording to the resolution. The number of If you struggle to balance a healthy bud- sponsored an online survey and meetings, 30, 2019 and help with a possible transi- visits per year shrank from 1176 to 1033 get, local nonprofits are here to help. sent out a mailer. Unity Care NW is done with the Point tion to an alternative service provider. between 2015 and 2017, which is deFinancial literacy nonprofit Whatcom “There have been numerous opportuni- Roberts clinic. According to the June 25 resolution, the (See Hospital, page 8) Dream will offer six money management ties for people to put in their two cents’ Citing declining use, a disproportionate Point Roberts Clinic does not fit with classes from Tuesday, September 28 until Arthur Reber said. “This process administrative burden and “communi- the other clinics Unity Care NW operworth,” Tuesday, November 2 at the new Commuhas been very thorough and collaborative,” ty turmoil,” the board of directors of the ates in Ferndale and Bellingham, which nity Assistance Program (CAP) building, said taxpayers’ association president Mark non-profit health care provider voted at its it described as “patient centered medi508 G Street. Classes will be held 6:30- Chamber of commerce president June 25 meeting to discontinue the con- cal homes.” Close to half of the visits to Robbins. allpointbulletin.com 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday. Dee Gough said her association also sup- tract to operate the Point Roberts Clinic. the Point Roberts clinic are for urgent facebook.com/allpointbulletin Whatcom Dream is a nonprofit thatthe proposal, agreeing that mandaported Notice was delivered to the Point Rob- care, and not for primary medical care, started in Bellingham in 1999 to tory educate trash pickup was the obvious solution residents struggling with finances. The to the perennial problem of dumping garnonprofit’s founders realized thebage reason on the roadsides. Classifieds ........................................ 20 why their working low-income neighbors Jeff Hegedus with the Whatcom County Coming Up ...................................... 19 remained in poverty was because they Health Department said by establishing a B y M e g O l s O n running three weekends in August. didn’t know how to manage money propGarden ............................................. 15 mandatory minimum service level for all Kiniski’s Reef Tavern is partnering with erly, said Kevin Stray, a Whatcom Dream Library ............................................ 18 developed properties, as determined by “The Point Roberts Arts and Music the foundation, offering a location, planvolunteer who will teach the Blaine classes which properties have a water connection, Festival is back on the water,” says Arts ning assistance and funds for this year’s Obituaries ........................................ 22 this fall. it would lead to vendor stability because Foundation founder and festival organizer event. “We decided to make it longer so Opinion .............................................. 4 “We think finances are an important more users would support the system. Craig Jacks. more people can enjoy it,” said tavern slice of everyone’s life and if we can hanSeniors ............................................ 18 After being put on the shelf for a year, manager Allison Calder. The first weekend dle [money] well, we can make everyone’s Tides ................................................ 10 (See Garbage, page 7) the festival will be back for its 23rd year, (See Arts & Music, page 14) lives better,” he said. The classes will teach budgeting, handling new and old debt, credit scores and history, achieving and maintaining finan- s Birch Bay’s seaside festival offered another weekend of family fun September 3-5. The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce hosted the cial stability, retirement planning and the fun-filled event, with help from Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 and Friends of Birch Bay Library. Attendees enjoyed activities such as a pancake breakfast, outdoor kid games and rubber duck derby. More photos on page 16. psychology behind money. AFTER Photo PARADE ACTIVITIES: BEGIN THE DAY AT THE by ChuckFAMILY Kinzer/CKimageart.com Stray, who has a business degree from St. Martin’s University, said he sees peo- Community Center 1437 Gulf Rd. H Breakwaters Bar & Grill STARTS AT 12 NOON along POINT ROBERTS MARINA ple struggle the most with debt, long-termPancake Breakfast 7:15-11:15 am PREP benefit at Point Roberts Marina. Gulf Rd. from Marine Dr. to Tyee Dr. planning and responsible spending. Flag Raising Ceremony 11:30 am featuring PR Winds AT 10:30 PM H Kiniski’s Reef Tavern Financial classes are geared toward people earning low incomes, but Stray said all are welcome. Classes will be offered to about 20 people, but there’s not a set limit. Scheduling foot warehouse in September 2020 that al- cused on what he can control. in advance is recommended, but attendees B y G r a c e M c c a r t h y lowed it to store over 20,000 boxes awaitTodd Robinson, Security Mail Services can also show up to the classes. Over a year-and-a-half after the U.S./ ing cross-border customers. manager, echoed Baron’s sentiments. The “We hope a lot of people will be inter“We used up all of the creativity we had last year-and-a-half has been hard but with ested, come out, learn more about money Canada border closure and Blaine mailbox and how to deal with it,” Stray said. “We’re stores wait patiently for the return of loyal to maximize the space we had, which is boxes stacked high around him, he said always excited to put on another class in Canadian customers, all while they’ve set- what prompted renting the warehouse,” he’s in a much better place than he would tled into an adapted business routine. Baron said. have predicted. Blaine.” Mail Boxes International owner Brant Baron and other mailbox operators are “When [the border] first closed down, I The program will offer free financial mentoring to people who finish the course. Baron said his parcel store has changed its mostly catering to Canadian companies would have never anticipated being closed No childcare is available during the eve- business strategy to stay busy during the that need products from the U.S. forward- this long. I thought three months, maybe, ed. Although business has been better, he tops,” Robinson said. “I’m pleased with ning classes, so people will need to plan border closure. To deal with parcels yet to be picked up, emphasized his situation is not detrimen(See Financial classes, page 4) (See Box stores, page 2) the H Street business rented a 4,800-square- tal and he has leaned into his faith and fo-
ISSUE
Former BHS student wins big with tuba, page 5
Borderite sports are back, page 7
YEARS HEADING EAST TO THE SAGEBRUSH SEA
Blaine featured in new novel, page 10
Discover Birch Bay Days brings community fun Free financial Unity Care NW decides against renewing clinic contract literacy class offered in Blaine
Online
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YEARS
LARRABEE BOULDERING GUIDE MINING CONTINUES TO THREATEN SKAGIT
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Inside
Arts and music fest makes a comeback
A special publication of The Northern Light
Point Roberts July 4 Happy Birthday USA PARADE
2021 - 2022
Mt. Baker WASHINGTON
FIREWORKS:
Single-use plastic bags ban starts October 1 By eMily Feek Sales of single-use plastic bags will be banned in Washington state beginning on October 1 after governor Jay Inslee rescinded the proclamation delaying the original January 1, 2021 start date. The ban prohibits the sale of single-use plastic bags for grocery stores, restaurants, small vendors and retail businesses, according to a department of ecology (DOE) press release. Instead of using these bags, businesses can either sell customers bags
that are compliant with the ban or customers can bring reusable bags. Stores can sell paper bags or more durable plastic bags for eight cents. The eight-cent charge, mandated by law, is not a tax, but is kept by the merchant both to encourage customers to bring their own bags and to account for the increased cost of compliant bags. While the ban goes into effect on October 1, businesses can implement changes sooner, said Dave Bennett, DOE solid waste management program spokesperson.
“Nothing is preventing a business from charging a fee and using compliant bags right now,” Bennett said. “We encourage those businesses to do that and start making those changes now.” The bag ban is intended to cut down on pollution caused by plastic bags, which are difficult to recycle and can clog recycling sorting machines, according to the DOE. In addition to the ban, Inslee signed a new state law regarding plastics use and (See Plastic bags, page 4)
INSIDE
Blaine mailbox stores use creativity as they wait for the U.S. to open Canada border
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Legal NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Superior Court of the State of Washington, In and for the County of Whatcom, In re the Estate of Karen Faye DeRuyter. Probate No. 21-400603-37 Judge: Lee Grochmal. The Co-Personal Representatives named below have been appointed as Co-Personal Representatives 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 Co-Personal Representatives 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 Co-Personal Representatives 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. Co-Personal Representatives: Brent DeRuyter & Alyssa Bos. Date of first publication: 9/02/21. 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 Julia Beatrix Zylstra. Probate No. 21-4-0065737 Judge: David Freeman. The Co-Personal Representatives named below have been appointed as Co-Personal Representatives 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 Co-Personal Representatives 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 Co-Personal Representatives 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. Co-Personal Representatives: David Zylstra & Brian Zylstra. Date of first publication: 9/02/21. Attorney for the Estate: Keith Bode, WSBA #7791 314 5th Street, P.O. Box 688, Lynden, WA 98264-0688, Tel. (360) 354-5021
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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 Vernon R. Greenstreet, Deceased. NO. 21-4-00722-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030). 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 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: September 16, 2021 Personal Representative: John Greenstreet 104 Augusta Drive Mount Juliet, TN 37122 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. 21-4-00722-37
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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT FOR THE STATE OF WASHINGTON, KING COUNTY Estate of PATRICIA DOLORES ANING SHIRAS, deceased. Case No. 21-4-06011-4SEA. NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any persons 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 will be 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 non-probate assets. DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: September 16, 2021 PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Robert Swift Shiras ADDRESS FOR MAILING OR SERVICE Heather S. de Vrieze, WSBA#28553 de VRIEZE | CARNEY, PLLC 3909 California Avenue SW #101 Seattle, WA 98116-3705 COURT OF PROBATE PROCEEDINGS: King County Superior Court CAUSE NUMBER: 21-4-06011-4SEA PHONE: (206)938-5500 WWW.WESTSEATTLELAW.COM
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to 23,600 readers weekly in the Public Notices IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In the matter of the Estate of FRED PAUL HOLTON, Deceased. No. 21-4-0073637 PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above estate. Any person having a claim against the deceased FRED PAUL HOLTON must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner provided by RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s Attorney at the address stated below, a copy of the claim, and filing the original of the claim with the Court in which the probated proceedings have commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative 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 this notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim will be forever barred except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 or 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the probate and nonprobate assets of the Decedent. DATE OF FILING NOTICE TO CREDITORS WITH THE CLERK OF THE COURT: September 3, 2021 DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: September 9, 2021 PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: ELEANOR HOLTON ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Mark W. Stowe, WSBA #16655 ADDRESS FOR MAILING OR SERVICE: Stowe Law PLLC, 276 Boundary Bay Rd, P.O. Box 129, Point Roberts, WA 98281 Phone: (360) 945-0337 Email: stowelawpllc@outlook.com DATED this 3rd day of September 2021. STOWE LAW PLLC: Mark W. Stowe, WSBA# 16655, Attorney for Personal Representative
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT Chapter 18.27.100 of the Revised Code of Washington requires that all advertisements for construction services include the contractor’s registration number in the advertisement. To verify a contractor’s license, call the Dept. of Labor and Industry’s contractors registration at 1-800-647-0982.
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The Northern Light • September 16 - 22, 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
5556 Whitehorn Way
MLS #1835946 $895,000 Incredible opportunity for multi-generational living with sweeping water views! Custom built light & bright 5 bedroom home in sought after Point Whitehorn neighborhood features a main floor primary suite, vaulted ceilings, deeded beach access, two decks, oversized garage + shop/weight room. Fantastic lower level potential with private entry, second kitchen, living space, two additional bedrooms and a bathroom. Located just steps to Birch Bay State Park or an easy drive to I-5 and US/Canada border access.
Leah Crews 360-305-4747
7553 Birch Bay Drive
MLS #1834955 $890,000 Don’t miss opportunity to create best vacation rental in Birch Bay. Potential for 2 units on 81 ft of direct, low-bank waterfront nestled between Birch Bay & Terrell Creek. Each level includes 2 beds, 1 bath, kitchen, dining, & living room. Separate entrances & electric metering, secure storage, & space for RV or extra parking. Unique opportunities for renting and/or hosting guests. Stunning south facing bay views. Private location on Tideland parcel included in sale. Moorage potential. Vacation rental stats available.
Gerry Allen 360-920-0563
7542 Birch Bay Drive
MLS #1835520 $359,900 Is this the time you secure your precious piece of Birch Bay, with this mostly turnkey cottage. Location, Location. Waterfront on Terrell Creek and across from the bay. Wake up and enjoy the morning sun. Sun exposure is one of the prime features this property offers. Close to the State Park and all Birch Bay amenities. Enjoy the new Birch Bay Berm project just completed and community park coming soon! Backyard is a special place. Low maintenance with lots of parking, enjoy.
Brian Southwick 360-815-6638
7806 Birch Bay Dr #301 MLS #1831814 $329,900
Billy Farrar 360-391-2654
F E AT U R E D L I S T I N G S - B L A I N E
8941 Dearborn Ave
MLS #1834969 $1,450,000 Sprawling 118 ft of PRIVATE low-bank waterfront with spectacular west facing views. Master on main with deluxe on-suite featuring digital shower temperature control. Huge remodeled gourmet kitchen with new granite, new appliances, updated cabinets, and storage galore. 3 beds upstairs with 2 full on-suite baths. Bonus flex space. 2 garages provide storage & space. Large windows offer panoramic views of Drayton Harbor’s sunsets & birds. 1 mile to I-5, close to border, Blaine. Beach Living at its best.
Matt Berry 360-389-0104
8403 Kickerville Road
MLS #1829414 $1,245,000 Equestrian waterfront dream home or sprawling 6.2 acre estate w/multiple use possibilities. Quiet & rural. Minutes to I-5. Completely remodeled w/slab granite surfaces & artisan quality tile work. Kitchen, spa quality main bath. Vaulted family room w/fireplace. Sunny South facing deck with pool. 4+ Big beds. High & dry barn: tack room, custom saddle racks, 12X12 stalls ea. w/removable walls, mats, & H2O. Fully vinyl fenced w/ outdoor riding arena. Over 800’ waterfront on California Creek.
Mike Kent 360-815-3898
8081 Niska Road
MLS #1828884 $579,000 Birch Bay Village custom home w/comBeautiful garden level condo available in manding view of Birch Bay. Large wrapJacob’s Landing. Condo is located as an End around composite deck, RV parking, beauUnit with One shared Wall and very Rare Pri- tiful grounds w/raised beds, greenhouse & vate Reserved Parking Space. New Floors, fenced yard. Vaulted great room design w/ Double Pane Windows, and Sliding Door; oversize picture windows to capture vistas, All Appliances stay. Come enjoy the Beach floor-to-ceiling true stone fireplace. Large Life and Amenities at Jacob’s Landing. kitchen w/island, natural light. Concrete & Short-term rentals allowed. Indoor Heated tall crawlspace for dry storage. Oversized Pool and Hot Tub, Game Room, Racquetball dbl. garage. The “Village” provides Guard Court, Tennis Courts, ETC. And Pets are Wel- Gated entry & Pickleball, tennis, golf, marina, clubhouse & private waterfront parks. comed.
Lisa Kent 360-594-8034
7910 Birch Bay Drive #3
MLS #1804027 $279,000 Welcome to Birch Bay. Warm sandy beaches, new promenade w/ spectacular PNW sunsets. Complex has 100 ft of private waterfront centrally located. Easy Walk to restaurants, live music, beaches, water slides, festivals. Unit recently remodeled with new granite counters, bamboo floors, cabinets, paint, bathroom, ss appliances, gas fireplace, wiring, plumbing, Maint. free composite decking, newly insulated Sub floors, plumbing. Sunny rear deck with Bay view.
Billy Brown 360-220-7175 or Tonya Wahl 541-707-0196
F E AT U R E D L I S T I N G S - S E M I A H M O O
256 Whitetail Loop
MLS #1832683 $625,000 Rare in town opportunity in booming Blaine, welcome to Whitetail Loop! 5 bed/4 bath newer construction home. White cabinetry, quartz counters, laminate flooring, spacious beds & upper level media/bonus area. Covered front & back porches + main floor office area. Easy walk to Lincoln Park, schools, downtown, shopping, restaurants, & saltwater marina. Recent upgrades include epoxy flooring in garage, natural gas (converted from propane) + generator hookup. Bonus: Xfinity hi-speed internet available!
Jen Freeman 360-815-0803
8750 Wood Duck Way
MLS #1835652 $679,000 Fantastic build off corner of Wood Duck Way at beautiful Semiahmoo. Newly roofed (2018), proper landscaping. 3 bed 2.5 bath. Foyer opens to high ceiling great room, French doors open to back patio. Shared fireplace separates great room & kitchen w/ breakfast nook. Formal dining room or media/office space. Main floor master includes private access to back patio, separate closets, & large soaker tub. Upstairs holds 2 guest rooms with full bath. Utility room has large bonus space with 3 bright skylights.
Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718
9032 Gleneagle Drive
MLS #1835521 $639,000 5488 Puffin Place Talk about timeless! 2 bed with bonus space MLS #1698438 $280,000 Gleneagle Villa located just off the 15th hole! Home site #20. Over 1/2 acre 23958 sq. Quiet, private & peaceful. Guaranteed view ft. Water and Mountain view home site in & excellent use of space make for town Drayton Hillside on Puffin Place a gated home managed by excellent HOA. Main floor community. Bring your plans and ambition living features large eat-in kitchen, great and enjoy this most peaceful setting, and all room, office/den/guest quarters & master the amenities the Semiahmoo community bedroom suite. Vaulted ceilings open to has to offer. Marina, Golf and Country Club, upstairs loft with 3/4 bath. Great for extra Heath Club, Spa, 200 room Inn at Semiah- guests or hobby space. Steps away from moo, restaurants, tennis, pools, pickle ball walking trails, golf, resort amenities (dining, pickle ball!) & other PNW features! and so much more.
Brian Southwick 360-815-6638
Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718
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Jodie MATHIS REAL ESTATE AGENT
Call Hugh : 360.371.5800 Your Local Expert For All Real Estate, Residential Or Commercial Services! Hugh Brawford, Managing Broker
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Rentals - Rooms
FURNISHED ROOMS in historic home, incl. amenities, NS, pet friendly starts at $600/ mo. + deposit, references required. 360-332-3449.
Rentals - Commercial
NELSON BUILDING
Rentals - Commercial
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925 Ludwick Ave., Blaine
LEASE SPACES FOR:
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Email or Call Don Nelson For Availability & Rates
Call: 360-305-0286 Email nelsbldg@msn.com
Rentals - Apartment
ROOMS WITH A VIEW ! Waterfront 3BR, 2BA penthouse apartment overlooking Blaine Harbor & Marine Park.
Master ensuite with jacuzzi bath. 1200 s.f. w/large decks off every room. Full kitchen, w/granite countertops. W/D, fiber optic internet available. Panoramic views of Mt. Baker, downtown Blaine, marina, Semiahmoo, San Juan Islands, Point Roberts, Peace Arch, White Rock and North Shore mountains. Walking distance to downtown Blaine. $2900/mo. References and background check required.
Call Pat Grubb at 360-332-1777 or email pgrubb@mac.com
380 s.f. 2nd floor office space in The Northern Light Cannery-style building on Blaine Harbor. Views of marina. Fiber optic internet. Utilities included. For leasing info, contact Pat Grubb at 360/332-1777 or email pgrubb@mac.com
September 16 - 22, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
NWFR levy lid lift would help department add firefighters and replace equipment By Ian Haupt
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL
voters in their service area. Van der Veen estimated that the election as a whole, between the primary and general election, will cost the district $35,000. NWFR serves about 38,000 residents in a 156-square-mile territory. It has 77 firefighters, emergency medical technicians, volunteers and administrative staff in total and three fire stations staffed around the clock. In 2020, the district responded to 3,679 emergency calls, which was a 52 percent increase from 2011. But NWFR received fewer service calls in 2020 due to Covid-19, according to the district’s website. The year before, 2019, the call total was 3,983. Van der Veen said the increased demand is straining NWFR’s resources. Without the levy increase, he said the district will not be able to maintain its service levels, even with resource management and salary reductions. Van der Veen said any residents with questions or those interested in learning more about the levy should feel free to reach out to him and the district. “It’s an important measure and we’re hoping people take another look at it,” he said. For more information on NWFR and the levy lid lift, visit nwfrs.net.
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of shunts being placed on BNSF tracks in Whatcom and Skagit counties since January 2020. Investigators believe the attempted attacks could be linked to environmental terrorism, after someone anonymously claimed responsibility on an anarchist website for shunts placed January 2020 in order to stop a natural gas pipeline being built on Indigenous land in B.C. On October 11, 2020, shunts were found in three locations in Whatcom and Skagit counties, causing a train transporting hazardous material to decouple from the engine after the train’s automatic braking system activated. If the train had derailed, it would have been in a residential area, according to the DOJ. The Custer train derailment that occurred December 22, 2020, on BNSF tracks near Portal Way is still under investigation. The train was carrying highly flammable crude oil to the Phillips 66 refinery in Ferndale when 10 cars left the tracks, requiring over 100 people to evacuate. No injuries were reported. Reiche’s attorney did not respond to a request for comment.
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A Seattle jury convicted a 28-year-old Bellingham woman charged with one count of violence against a railroad carrier for attempting to derail a train in north Bellingham almost a year ago. Jurors in the U.S. District Court in Seattle found Ellen Brennan Reiche guilty of trying to place “shunts” on Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) tracks in November 2020. Reiche’s two-day trial concluded September 9 after three hours of jury deliberation. Reiche faces up to 20 years in prison for violence against a railroad carrier and is expected to be sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez on December 17. On November 28, 2020, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Reiche and Samantha Frances Brooks, a 24-year-old Bellingham woman, after they were seen on surveillance video kneeling on BNSF tracks by Cliffside Drive just before midnight. Deputies discovered a shunt on the tracks, which prosecutors said could disable a railroad-crossing guard so vehicles wouldn’t be alerted of an approaching train. Shunts, made of wire and magnets, can trigger a train’s automatic brakes and cause it to derail. Federal prosecutors alleged Reiche had a brown paper bag with
wire similar to that used in the shunt, a drill with a brush head, a magnetic adhesive and gloves. Reiche’s attorneys tried to suppress evidence found in the bag because they argued the bag was searched without a warrant and tried to have statements Reiche allegedly made before she was warned of her Miranda rights thrown out. A crude-oil train was scheduled through north Bellingham after officers arrested the women, according to the DOJ. Before her trial, co-defendant Brooks pleaded guilty July 9 to one count of interfering with BNSF tracks and will be sentenced October 8. Brooks could serve up to 20 years in prison, but the government recommended a low end of the applicable sentencing range because of her plea agreement. In the plea agreement, Brooks said she followed another person’s directive to halt trains moving through the area. “[Reiche] disrupted the signal system designed to stop trains from crashing into each other or crashing into cars … A car driving through the intersection [near the shunt] would not have warning that a train was coming,” assistant U.S. attorney Sok Tea Jiang said in her closing argument, according to the DOJ release. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and BNSF police have investigated at least 41 incidents
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North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) will have its levy lid lift back on the ballot in the general election November 2 after failing in the primary election in August. If the lift lid passes, NWFR will collect property taxes in 2022 at a levy rate of $1.45 per $1,000 of assessed value. NWFR will use the tax increase to maintain current service levels and add four battalion chiefs and four firefighters to the ranks. It will also replace fire engines, a ladder truck and water tenders, fire chief Jason Van der Veen said. The levy is the primary funding source for fire and emergency medical services provided by NWFR. “It’s not a new tax, it’s a lifting of an old one so we can make ends meet,” Van der Veen said. A levy lid lift authorizes tax collections to increase by more than the one percent “lid” that Washington initiative 747 limits property tax collections. The current levy rate is $1.15 per $1,000 of assessed value. Fire districts have the authority to propose a levy up to $1.50 per $1,000, but NWFR has asked for $1.45 as that is what is necessary to cover costs, Van der Veen said.
Someone with an assessed property value of $400,000, for example, would pay an annual rate of $580 if the proposition succeeds. They currently pay $458.40 a year. In the primary, 46.2 percent (4,074 votes) voted “yes” for the levy lift, while 53.8 percent (4,749 votes) voted “no,” failing by 675 votes. Of the fire districts with propositions on the ballot in the primary, Whatcom County Fire District 4 (WCFD4) was the only other in the county to have its levy lid lift turned down by voters and will have it on the November ballot. Earlier this year, NWFR and WCFD4 entered into negotiations to form a regional fire authority (RFA) between the two districts that ultimately failed when NWFR pulled out of negotiations in April. If the RFA was formed, it would mean residents from Agate Bay to Birch Bay would be served under one district and would join a group of 12 RFAs already established throughout the state. Fire protection districts 11, 14 and 16 as well as the Glacier Fire and Rescue will also have measures on the general election ballot. Fire districts split the filling cost to place a measure on the ballot based on the number of
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14
The Northern Light • September 16 - 22, 2021
Sheriff’s Reports Sep. 4, 12:15 a.m.: Disorderly conduct on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Sep. 4, 1:05 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident injury on Delta Line Road, Custer. Sep. 4, 10:46 a.m.: Mental on Surf Place. Sep. 4, 11:24 a.m.: Theft on Portal Way. Sep. 4, 12:34 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Bridger Road. Sep. 4, 2:19 p.m.: Trespass on Holeman Avenue. Sep. 4, 2:46 p.m.: Domestic physical on Cottonwood Court. Sep. 4, 8:44 p.m.: Shots on Bay Ridge Drive. Sep. 5, 1:23 p.m.: Vehicle theft on Giles Road. Sep. 5, 5:42 p.m.: Theft on Harborview Road. Sep. 5, 10:24 p.m.: Shots on Birch Bay Drive. Sep. 6, 2:01 a.m.: Noise on Harborview Road. Sep. 6, 2:34 p.m.: Hot rod on Stein Road, Custer. Sep. 6, 4:33 p.m.: Disorderly conduct on Surf Place and Sunburst Drive. Sep. 6, 5:39 p.m.: Domestic physical on Harborview Road. Sep. 6, 9:28 p.m.: Party on Birch Bay Drive. Sep. 6, 9:43 p.m.: Neighborhood
dispute on Loft Lane. Sep. 7, 1:25 a.m.: Domestic physical on Birch Bay Drive. Sep. 7, 12:36 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Kickerville Road. Sep. 7, 4:47 p.m.: Suspicious person on Custer School Road. Sep. 8, 1:40 a.m.: Theft on Birch Bay Square Street. Sep. 8, 9:04 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Cowichan Road. Sep. 8, 9:52 a.m.: Property found on Portal Way and Faris Road, Custer. Sep. 8, 2:26 p.m.: Fraud on Sehome Road. Sep. 8, 5:37 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Seashell Way.
Police Reports Sep. 3, 10:42 a.m.: Malicious mischief investigation on Marine Drive. Sep. 3, 5:31 p.m.: Vehicle collision on Odell Road. Sep. 4, 12:51 p.m.: Drug overdose on B Street. Sep. 5, 12 a.m.: Fraud on 10th Street. Sep. 5, 11:55 a.m.: Criminal traffic stop on Peace Portal Drive. Sep. 7, 1 a.m.: Drug/narcotics investigation on 2nd Street. Sep. 7, 10:03 a.m.: Burglary on
Crossword
ACROSS 1. Break 7. Ruled Russia 13. Having several lobes 14. Walked around proudly 16. Atomic #77 17. Largest living land animals 19. The Great Lakes State 20. A type of toast 22. Partner to feather 23. Bristlelike 25. Bowfin 26. Distributes 28. Hairlike structure 29. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.) 30. Where wrestlers work 31. Blood relation 33. A great deal 34. Round Dutch cheese 36. Move further away from 38. Type of wrap 40. Furies 41. Removes from the record 43. Young salmon 44. Feline 45. Skin decor 47. Disfigure
Sep. 8, 5:57 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Glendale Drive. Sep. 9, 9:32 a.m.: Theft on Surf Place. Sep. 9, 3:04 p.m.: Civil problem on California Trail. Sep. 9, 7:31 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Harbor Drive. Sep. 10, 2:03 a.m.: Domestic verbal on Harborview Road. Sep. 10, 9:17 a.m.: Vehicle theft on Gemini Street. Sep. 10, 10:08 a.m.: Property found on Behme Road, Custer. Sep. 10, 8:32 p.m.: Animal problem on Haynie Road. Sep. 10, 11:02 p.m.: Trouble with a subject on Main Street, Custer.
48. They __ 51. Formal term for “on” 53. Weight of precious stones 55. Traveled rapidly 56. Long-winged aquatic bird 58. Prickly husk 59. Expressed pleasure 60. Exclamation of surprise 61. Most irritable 64. Virginia 65. Optimistic 67. Humorous works 69. Arranged systematically 70. Emerges DOWN 1. Wives of a polygamous man 2. Where hurt ballplayers land 3. Single-celled animal 4. Rhythmic pattern 5. One from Utah 6. A group of seven 7. Refrains from inflicting 8. Light brown 9. Humanistic discipline
10. Emits coherent radiation 11. It says who you are 12. Roundworm 13. Group of Native Americans 15. Makes wider 18. Headgear 21. One who sets others free 24. Form of communication 26. A Brit’s mother 27. Title of respect 30. Famed modernist painter 32. One-time province of British India 35. Prosecutors 37. Motor vehicle 38. Non-religious 39. Native Americans of Colorado and Wyoming 42. Pouch 43. Touch gently 46. Chose 47. Actress Tomei 49. Former Broncos coach Dan 50. Icelandic poems 52. More decent 54. Grillmasters use it 55. Self-immolation by fire rituals
Report by Blaine Police Department.
57. Expression of annoyance 59. __ Spumante (Italian wine) 62. Consumed 63. Body part 66. Thus 68. Rupee ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
Tides 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W HEIGHT
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Blaine Primary School Virtual Open House: Thursday, September 16, 5 p.m. Info: blainesd.org. Blaine Elementary School Virtual Open House: Thursday, September 16, 6 p.m. Info: blainesd.org. Trivia at the Vault: Thursday, September 16, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: ‘40s and ‘50s movies. Info: thevaultwine.com. Double “Dive-in” Movie at Birch Bay Waterslides: Friday, September 17, gates open at 6 p.m., movies start around 7:30 p.m., Birch Bay Waterslides, 4874 Birch Bay Lynden Road. Drive-in movie-style, showing Back to the Future and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Cost $20 per car. Purchase tickets at birchbaychamber.com. Pleasant Valley Shop Hop: Friday and Saturday, September 17 and 18, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Featuring six local shops and artisans from Northern Whatcom County. Info and locations: facebook.com/pleasantvalleyshophop.
6:27 pm 9.2
Tu 21 12:28 am 3.3
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We 22 1:02 am 2.6
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Stand-up Comedy Night at Station 49: Saturday, September 18, 7 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay Lynden Road. Live music from 5–7 p.m. Comedy features Rate Octagon. Info: station49.fun. Third Sunday Breakfast: Sunday, September 19, 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, ages 3 and under are free. Open to the public. Please wear a mask until seated at your table. All proceeds support the American Legion and our veterans. Info: 360/371-7311. “Rad & Real: Turning Imagination Into Action” International Day of Peace Celebration: Sunday, September 19, 2–7 p.m. Bellingham Maritime Heritage Park. Interactive and socially-distanced music and art to encourage connection and joy, while acknowledging the ongoing trauma many in our community and around the world experience. Keynote speaker: Swinomish and Visayan elder Shelly Vendiola. Virtual portion of the event Tuesday, September 21, 6–7:30 p.m. on Zoom. Info: whatcompjc.org. Blaine Middle School Virtual Open House: Monday, September 23, 6 p.m. Info: blainesd.org. Trivia at the Vault: Thursday, September 23, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: general knowledge. Info: thevaultwine.com. Live Music at The Vault: Friday, September 24, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: JP Falcon. Info: thevaultwine.com. Movie Night: Friday, September 24, 7:15 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Playing family friendly movies. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and watch the movie on the big screen. Free popcorn. Masks and social distancing required. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. Flea Market Day at Blaine’s Market by the Sea: Saturday, September 25, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., G Street Plaza. Info: info@blainechamber.com.
September 17-23 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
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Birch Bay Chamber Lunch: Thursday, September 16, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., BP Heron Center at Birch Bay State Park. Speakers: Yes! Whatcom Country Libraries regarding the Birch Bay Vogt Community Library. Info: birchbaychamber.com.
Family Beach Walk: Saturday, September 18, 9:30–11:30 a.m., Birch Bay State Park. Meet at the Heron Center. Info: Fobbsp.org.
Odell Road. Sep. 9, 9:31 a.m.: Juvenile problem on H Street. Sep. 9, 10:52 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances on C Street. Sep. 9, 1:33 p.m.: Trespass report on G Street. Sep. 9, 8:51 p.m.: Welfare check on Adelia Street. Sep. 9, 11:36 p.m.: Assault report on 3rd Street.
DATE
Coming up
Weather
Precipitation: During the period of Sep. 6–12, 0.5 inches of precipatation was recorded. The 2021 yearto-date precipitation is 16.1 inches.
Temperature: High for the past week was 86°F on Sep. 9 with a low of 52°F on Sep. 7. Average high was 68°F and average low was 61°F.
Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
Whatcom Dream Financial Literacy Class: Tuesdays, September 28–November 2, 6:30–7:30 p.m., CAP Center, 508 G St. Improve your financial management skills and learn techniques to give you a more secure financial future. For info or to register: 360-296-0441. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program. Trivia at the Vault: Thursday, September 30, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: Seinfeld. Info: thevaultwine.com. 7th Annual Animal Blessing: Saturday, October 2, 1–2 p.m., Blaine United Church of Christ, 885 4th Street. All animals welcome. Drive thru blessing, enter from 4th Street. Please wear your face masks. Info: 332-6906. Ongoing 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: Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon and Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m. 508 G Street. The Community Assistance Program clothing bank is now located 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. The Bridge Clothing Bank Boutique: Open Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 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.–2 p.m., G Street Plaza. Featuring high quality arts and crafts vendors selling handcrafted merchandise. Info: cjsolomon07@comcast.net. 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 email him at pcorcorran@gmail.com for the Zoom link. Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
September 16 - 22, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com
15
Peace Arch ceremony remembers 20 years since 9/11 terror attacks By Grace McCarthy Dozens gathered under the Peace Arch to pay tribute to first responders who put their lives on the line 20 years ago during the terror attacks September 11, 2001. The Northwest 9/11 Memorial Committee, made up of cross-border police and firefighters, canceled the memorial when the U.S. extended its closure of the Canadian border until at least September 21, said Dean Crosswhite, co-chair of the committee and Whatcom County Fire District 7 assistant fire chief. The closed Canadian side of Peace
Arch Park also posed a challenge for Canadians to attend the ceremony, he said. The unofficial 30-minute ceremony was composed of people who showed up of their own accord to pay their respects, Crosswhite said. U.S. and Canada emergency workers were in attendance, including Blaine police department officers, Point Roberts firefighters and Delta police department officers. About 100 Fire and Iron Motorcycle Club members, made up of firefighters, rode from Skagit County to the Peace Arch. About 300 motorcycle riders and emer-
gency responders from Canada who planned to attend the event were turned away at the U.S./ Canada border, although some attended the event by crossing into Peace Arch State Park. Washington state senator Doug Ericksen (R-Ferndale) kicked off the speeches during the event. Two jets flew over before U.S. Consul General Brent Hardt spoke. “While the pain of that attack remains fresh in our memories, what endures and gives us renewed hope is the heroism of the first responders and our fellow citizens and the incredible support we received from our friends
and allies across the world,” Hardt said during his speech. Six responders from the New York police department and New York fire department were honored: Brian McMahon, active NYPD inspector; Efrain Morales Jr, active NYPD detective; Marna Rann, retired NYPD sergeant; Annabelle Nieves, retired NYPD detective; Antonio Ortiz, retired NYPD sergeant; and Konstantinos Skamalos, NYFD paramedic. The unofficial ceremony concluded with Hardt laying a wreath. Being unofficial, the event was without an honor guard and a post-event BBQ.
s About 100 Fire and Iron Motorcycle Club members attended the unofficial 9/11 memorial at Peace Arch State Park September 11.
s Attendees write notes remembering 9/11 and place them under the Peace Arch.
s U.S. Consul General Brent Hardt laid a wreath at the ceremony.
International Peace Arch Association provided materials for visitors to write notes to be placed inside the Peace Arch, as well as photos of the first 9/11 vigil in 2001. In the days following September 11, 2001, people left flowers and notes under the Peace Arch. A candlelight vigil was only supposed to burn for one night, but the candles stayed for three weeks. “It was all about community and helping people,” Brian McMahon said, recounting his work September 11, during the ceremony. “We took a destructive day and tried to make it positive.”
Photos by Grace McCarthy
s State senator Doug Ericksen (R-Ferndale) addressed audience members at the 9/11 ceremony.
s U.S. and Canada first responder vehicles line up next to the Peace Arch. Emergency workers, including Blaine police department officers, Point Roberts firefighters and Delta police department officers, attended.
16
The Northern Light • September 16 - 22, 2021
71-year-old cyclist starts last leg of peace sign tour around U.S. at the Peace Arch By Ian Haupt
s Lynn Salvo holds out her peace sign route around the U.S. Salvo and her companions stand under the Peace Arch on its centennial September 6 at the beginning of their ride south to the U.S./Mexico border. Photo by Ian Haupt
Standing under the Peace Arch just after 8 a.m. on September 6, 100 years after it was built, Lynn Salvo explained to an older man how to fill out a witness form for the Guinness World Records. On the day, the double world recorder holder was starting the final leg of her third record attempt, which originally began in 2015. She was setting off along the coast by bicycle on a 2,000-mile journey south to the U.S./Mexico border to complete a peace sign route around the U.S. Salvo, 71, from McLean, Vir-
ginia, currently holds the record for the oldest woman to cycle across both the U.S. and Canada. She set her first record in 2016, cycling 3,162 miles in 59 days from Oceanside, California to Bethany Beach, Delaware. She set her next record in 2018 when she rode 4,111 miles in 70 days from Tofino, B.C. to Lawrencetown Beach, Nova Scotia. Those rides are incorporated in Salvo’s continent-sized peace sign route. Since she started long distance cycling in 2015, all of Salvo’s rides have a theme. Her first, across the U.S., was to create awareness for
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“living a full and active life long after 50.” The peace sign ride is more personal. In 1970, Salvo lost her older brother John in the Vietnam War. Salvo said the average distance per day on her ride from the Peace Arch to the U.S./Mexico border is 52 miles. She said the shortest leg is 15 miles near Astoria, Oregon, and the longest leg is 77 miles outside of San Luis Obispo, California. “So the distances are not extreme for me,” she said. “I’ve done 100 mile rides often.” While Salvo has many historical monuments and points of interests to visit on her route south, she said the Peace Arch was one of the most important due to the symbolism and timing. She said she picked the start date entirely based on the Peace Arch centennial. She said she was also looking forward to stopping at the Peace through Trade Bell in Port Angeles, spots on Amanda’s Trail near Yachats, Oregon, Memorial for Peace in San Francisco and the Korean Bell of Friendship in San Pedro, California. Her peace sign rides have included an Underground Railroad route, visiting many sites related to the life and work of Harriet Tubman, as well as numerous sites from the Civil Rights era. As of September 14, Salvo and her companions were at La Push. Salvo’s journey south can be followed at lifeislikeabike.wordpress.com where she posts a blog each day.