The Northern Light: November 25-December 1, 2021 by Point Roberts Press

Nov. 25 - Dec. 1, 2021

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IN THIS

ISSUE

Community comes together after flood, page 3

Shewmake to run for state senate, page 4

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

Holiday Harbor Lights is back, page 8

Blaine prepares to welcome Canadians with open arms By Grace McCarthy

(See Border, page 5)

s November 15 flooding forced evacuations at Birch Bay Leisure Park on Birch Bay Drive. At least 20 residents in the 718-unit seasonal park were evacuated by park maintenance crews and as of November 21 were unable to return to their homes while the park continued to assess electric and sewer impacts. Photographed is residual water on November 19. Photo by Christopher Ramirez

Whatcom County starts flood assessment as new damage is discovered By Grace McCarthy Whatcom County officials and community members are working around the clock to assess the full impact of catastrophic floods that washed over Whatcom County a week ago, while more damage has been discovered since the storm hit November 14-17. Collateral damage is being assessed, including impacts to Whatcom County farms. Flood impacts to a Sumas grain producer that supplies about 80 percent

of western Washington dairy farms could hurt milk supply, said Jed Holmes, community outreach facilitator for the Whatcom County Executive’s Office. EPL Feed in Sumas was severely flooded, impacting equipment and grain, and is unable to get supplies by train because of the BNSF Railway train track damage after several train cars derailed last week. EPL, which produces grain to feed dairy cows in Skagit, Snohomish and King counties, needs to maintain their feed distribution or else dairy farmers

Proposed school board district boundaries could give Birch Bay majority of seats By Ian Haupt Under the drafted Blaine school board district boundaries presented in a special board meeting November 22, Birch Bay could gain a simple majority on the board in upcoming elections if residents in the new boundaries decided to run, and win. This possibility, however, did not comfort residents looking for more Birch Bay repre-

sentation on the board and in the district. During the redistricting plan special meeting, Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce secretary Doralee Booth and Birch Bay State Park board member Pat Jerns voiced their concerns of the lack of representation that the unincorporated, 10,115-person area has. Only one of the five school board members lives in Birch Bay. Booth mentioned the difficulties of transporta-

tion from the south end of the district and not having a school in the Birch Bay area, which makes up nearly two-thirds of the district’s population. “We feel like with this map that we just do not have a sense of place for the Birch Bay community,” Booth said. According to 2020 U.S. Census data, (See School, page 7)

won’t have the right mix of food which could result in their cows’ lactation could stop, Holmes said. Dairy farmers need the grain supply running again before hitting a crisis point, which Holmes said differs for each farm depending how much grain supply they have left. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) Division of Emergency Management is brainstorming a solution, which may mean a Ferndale grain producer (See Flood, page 9)

INSIDE

Canadian health officials announced they will drop Covid-19 testing requirements for fully vaccinated Canadians making short trips into the U.S. The new rule goes into effect Tuesday, November 30 and was met with open arms by Blaine residents and businesses that have gone nearly two years without their Canadian family members and customers. The Public Health Agency of Canada announced November 19 that Canadians and permanent residents leaving Canada don’t need a Covid-19 test if they will return to Canada within 72 hours. Children under 12 and people medically unable to receive the vaccine are also able to now take short trips without a Covid-19 test. The exemption applies to both land and air travel. “My kids were all calling me saying, ‘Mom! Mom! Have you heard the news?” said Blaine resident Allyson Grant, who has three children living in Canada. “My kids couldn’t wait to get vaccinated so they could travel and then they had to wait.” Grant, a Canadian native, was able to obtain her green card September 2020 and move to Blaine to live with her husband and step-son. But this meant going over a year without seeing her three adult children. Once the Canada and U.S. border reopened partially to those fully vaccinated, she said travel still wasn’t an option because of the expense and hassle of getting a Covid-19 test. “I was absolutely thrilled when the border reopened but the only complication was the Covid test,” Grant said. “To have my kids come down for the weekend, it would have been over $1,000.” Canada partially opened its border for nonessential trips to fully vaccinated U.S. travelers in early August but required a Covid-19 test within 72 hours, which deterred many by complications such as the price of a Covid-19 test for travel, not covered by insurance, and the limited ability

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

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Volunteer support pours in following damaging flood By Grace McCarthy Almost as immediate as the flooding began, an outpour of community support was palpable throughout Whatcom County as residents began repairing damaged homes. By Thursday, November 18, volunteer groups began forming – the Salvation Army, Samaritan’s Purse and Team Rubicon offering assistance from spraying for mold to delivering cleanup supplies. The Red Cross set up a site at the Northwest Washington fairgrounds in Lynden. BP Cherry Point brought personnel and equipment. Social media became a community hub and information center in the midst of chaos as neighbors offered any support they could give to fellow neighbors. The Nooksack River Flood Disaster November 2021 Facebook page gained 7,500 members within days of being created on November 15. Almost as immediate as requests for assistance were there responses. A Custer resident offering his free RV, another their Thanksgiving turkey. Pop-up daycares were created nearly overnight across the county for parents to leave their children as they salvaged homes. Whatcom County cities put out calls for any volunteers to gather and they would be assigned a job. Roads in normally quiet east county roads were packed with trucks hauling debris and household items. People offered coffee and snacks along city roadways as others loaded their vehicles with water and essential supplies to give away. The Blaine High School boys

basketball team offered support after their practice by going house to house in Sumas helping residents rip out wet insulation and clean crawl spaces Saturday, November 20. “I asked who would be willing to help and hands just shot in the air,” basketball coach Brett Farrar said. “Everyone jumped at the opportunity. Those kids said they were willing to serve the community in need and didn’t ask questions.” Farrar said the team helped an entire ground level of an apartment complex in addition to about 15 homes. By the end of the day, Farrar said teammates were already talking about wanting to help more. “Everyone was there ready to help at a moment’s notice,” he said. “Everyone was there to give everything of themselves to people who were going through a really, really hard time.” Back in Birch Bay, The Bridge Community Hope Center had experienced over 80,000 gallons of flooding at its 4815 Alderson Road location on November 15, but had everything cleaned up by the middle of the week thanks to volunteers. Through it all, the nonprofit organizers continued to help a few dozen people needing assistance from the flood in addition to its current client base. The Bridge volunteers sorted clean and brand-new clothing so they were ready for families in need, donated mattresses, and collected tents for people experiencing homelessness in Bellingham. They’re also working to network volunteers with people needing assistance after the flood. The Bridge plans on meeting

the community’s needs as they develop, said Lee Connors, executive director of The Bridge. This could mean getting people blow-up mattresses while they’re in transitional housing, but eventually furniture once they have secure housing. “What we’re gearing ourselves up for is to be a sustainable resource for the community and outlying areas to come to us and get help for food, clothing and things like that,” Lee Connors said. “There’s already a lot of needs in the outlying areas of east county.” The Bridge will continue servicing Birch Bay to make donations accessible to residents who can’t get to east county. “You don’t have one fire hydrant for the entire county in the middle,” Brian Marcus, who volunteers with The Bridge. “You have them all over the place so they’re where they’re needed.” Treasures Unknown thrift store, 8101 Blaine Road, is offering help to people impacted by the flood. Owner Jessica Cardinale said the store is giving away blankets, pillows, clothing and dishes, but she still needs toiletries, pet food, diapers, canned food and coats. “We want to be able to reach as many people as we can with furniture and items to help cover their losses,” Cardinale wrote in an email to The Northern Light. The store, open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, also has a donation jar. People can still donate to Whatcom Community Foundation’s Resilience Fund, gifts matched up to $115,000. Contributions can be made at bit.

ly/3oA7cUZ. Whatcomstrong.com also set up a volunteer and donation sign up on its website. After a long, tiresome weekend for many, there’s more work to do in the county. Mud-drenched driveways, pools of water still covering Sumas’ baseball field, cars overturned in blueberry fields and a makeshift garbage dump piled high with ruined appliances next to the Everson

shopping center were a few of the scenes remaining the night of Sunday, November 21. But for every water-laden item, there seemed to be someone offering to haul it. “There’s been this need for people to reconnect during the pandemic,” said Rosemary Connors, secretary for The Bridge. “A silver lining in the flood is people are starting to experience kindness, love, help and assistance.”

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s The Blaine High School basketball team helped clean an apartment complex in addition to over 15 homes in Sumas on November 20. Photo by Michael Baldwin

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The Northern Light • November 25 - December 1, 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.

CAP volunteers prepare Thanksgiving baskets

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 Rhiannon Allen The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVII, No 24 Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

s Community Assistance Program (CAP) volunteers finish up the last things they need to do before distributing the family Thanksgiving meal baskets on Tuesday, November 23. Baskets will include turkey, cranberry sauce and rolls among other tasty ingredients. Photo by Grace McCarthy

Letters

Shewmake challenges Ericksen for state senate seat

The Editor: We just want to say that the November 18-24 issue of The Northern Light was very enlightening, with loads of information pertinent to my wife and I. Special kudos to Grace McCarthy and Ian Haupt for their reports on the flooding, on the Blaine bed and breakfast case (which is headed to the U.S. Supreme Court), on the school board redistricting and other local issues. The whole crew at The Northern Light needs to take a bow. Well done. We will remember this, when The Northern Light requests donations again. Glenn and Marti Rinkel Blaine Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham), representative for 42nd legislative district, announced she is challenging Doug Ericksen (R-Ferndale) for the Washington State Senate seat. Shewmake was elected to the state’s House of Representatives in 2018. She is the vice chair of the House Rural Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee; serves on the State Covid-19 Economic Recovery Commission and the Capital Budget and Environment and Energy Committees. “In 2018 I was elected to the House and now I’m ready to make sure you’re represented in the Senate.” Shewmake wrote in the announcement. “I’ve enjoyed working for you in Olympia and when you reach out, I take the time to listen and make sure you get the help you need. This year I be-

File photo

lieve even more strongly that Whatcom County needs a Senator who understands the challenges you’re facing and who will work every bit as hard as you do.”

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. The November meetings were rescheduled to Tuesday, November 9 and Tuesday, November 23. 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.

Next issue: Dec. 2 Ads due: Nov. 29

s Sharon Shewmake.

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

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 Park and Cemetery Board: Second Thursday, 9 a.m., virtual meeting. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330. Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info and virtual meeting link: blainesd.org. North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Rescheduled to Tuesday, October 19 at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.

November 25 - December 1, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

Border ... From page 1

to find a test while the Delta variant was surging. The U.S. opened its border to fully vaccinated Canadian travelers November 8 without a test requirement, but the Canadian government had required a test for its citizens returning to the country until the most recent announcement. Fully vaccinated U.S. residents still need a Covid-19 test to enter Canada. Laurie Trautman, director of the Border Policy Research Institute at Western Washington University, said 2,600 cars drove through the Peace Arch border crossing on November 8, less than one-third of the 8,000 people who traveled the same day in 2019. Mike Hill, owner of Hill’s Chevron gas station of Peace Portal Drive, said he was delighted by the news. Hill’s phone started lighting up as soon as the news was out and said he noticed an immediate shift in the city’s atmosphere. “It was the best news we’ve heard all year because it’s actually a true opening,” Hill said. “It’s what we’ve been waiting for. It’s an early Christmas present for us.” Before the border closure, Hill’s Chevron was pumping 4,000 gallons of fuel per day. Now it gets that amount in a month. Hill said he saw gas consumption increase slightly after November 8, but only from about 500 gallons to 700 gallons per day. “You have 3 million people in Lower Mainland, B.C. that were cut off,” Hill said. “That’s our livelihood.” Cindy Toth, front-end manager at Cost Cutter, said the grocery

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, November 23 3:00pm – Civil Service Commission Meeting *CANCELED*

Thursday, November 25 City Offices Closed – Thanksgiving Holiday

Thursday, November 25 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting *CANCELED*

Friday, November 26 City Offices Closed –

s Hill’s Chevron on Peace Portal Drive recently put up a sign in anticipation of Canadian travelers.

Thanksgiving Holiday

Photo by Grace McCarthy

store had mostly seen Canadians with U.S. properties visiting the store since November 8. Most of those were milk, cheese, wine, egg and yogurt purchases. “It’s been a slow opening but it’s been nice,” she said of the grocery store that once catered 40 percent of its business to Canadians. The Canadian government announced more border changes alongside the big news on dropping the Covid-19 test requirement for short trips. As of January 15, 2022, travelers who can currently enter Canada without being fully vaccinated, such as essential workers, will need to be fully vaccinated. This includes truck drivers, people reuniting with immediate or extended family (unvaccinated children under 18 will remain exempt), international students who are 18 years

old and older, athletes and people with a work permit. Limited exemptions will be available for workers in agriculture and food processing, marine crews, new permanent residents, people entering on compassionate grounds, refugees and some children under 18 years old, according to the government. Those exempt will still need to take a Covid-19 test and quarantine if they test positive. “The Government of Canada’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic will continue to prioritize the health and safety of Canadians,” the release stated. “As vaccination levels, case counts and hospitalization rates evolve, the Government of Canada will continue to consider further targeted measures at the borders – and when to lift or adjust them – to keep Canadians safe.”

Seventy-two hours without needing a Covid-19 test is just long enough for Grant to see her three children this Christmas. Her homemade cinnamon rolls, a holiday tradition sorely missed last year, will be on the menu again. “Hopefully we can get back to normal now, whatever that new normal is,” Grant said, pausing. “As long as it doesn’t include separating families.”

Thursday, December 9 9:00am – Park and Cemetery Board Meeting

6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting Contact information for staff & Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website. Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.

www.cityofblaine.com

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Ericksen reportedly in Florida after testing positive for Covid-19 in El Salvador State senator Doug Ericksen (R-Ferndale), who tested positive for Covid-19 in El Salvador and asked state legislators for help, is now in stable condition in Florida, the Bellingham Herald is reporting. The state senator took a medevac flight back to the U.S., former state representative Luanne Van Werven (R-Lynden) said in an interview with the Herald in a November 19 article titled, “State Sen. Ericksen sickened by Covid in El Salvador. Here’s the update on his condition.” “It was obviously serious when he was back in El Salvador, but he’s definitely on the mend,” Van Werven said. Ericksen, who represents the 42nd district in Whatcom County, told Seattle-based KIRO Radio November 12 he was fighting the virus in the country he’s known to frequent often. This comes after an email circulated on Twitter of Ericksen asking GOP state lawmakers for help to find monoclonal antibodies, which he says are not available in the country, to treat his Covid-19 symptoms. Ericksen

tested positive shortly after arrival, he said in the email. “I cannot get back home, and it’s to the point that I feel it would be beneficial for me to receive an iv of monoclonal antibodies,” he wrote to House and Senate lawmakers, circulating on the unofficial Twitter account, Rotunda Tweets and confirmed by multiple news outlets. “I have a doctor here who can administer the iv, but the product is not available here.” Ericksen, 52, went on to ask the Republican lawmakers if they knew how to send him the Regenron product, which can reduce the risk of becoming increasingly ill from Covid-19. He asked for the treatment to, ideally, be flown overnight. Ericksen’s vaccination status is unclear, as well as his purpose for travel to El Salvador. Throughout the pandemic Ericksen has been outspoken on his disfavor for governor Jay Inslee’s Covid-19 emergency proclamations, and called on the governor to resign in late October after the governor’s persistence to mask and vaccine mandates. Ericksen has been tied to El

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Salvador in the past. Olympia’s newspaper, the Olympian, reported earlier this year the state senator had missed more votes during the virtual legislative session than any other Washington state lawmaker in 2021, in part, due to travels to the Central American country. There, he was observing the country’s February elections, invited by the vice president, the Olympian reported. Ericksen has been in office since 2011. He didn’t respond to a phone call by press time.

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The Northern Light • November 25 - December 1, 2021

Garden

A monthly special section in The Northern Light

A letter to Santa from an avid gardener By Rhiannon Allen

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Dear Santa, As I sit and think about the garden presents you have gifted me over the years, I want to say how grateful I am for my bountiful garden and well-stocked garden shed. Rather than focus on what I want this year, I’d love to let you know how your generosity has manifested itself over the years. First, I have been ever thankful for the (nearly) annual West Coast Seeds (WCS) Gardening Guide and gift certificate. Now that the border is more permeable, I can once again thumb through the guide, dreaming of growing season 2022 before going to WCS’s Ladner retail store

for seed starting equipment, pre-certified non-GMO untreated seeds and more. I have spent so many hours over the years devouring the annual guide, dreaming of what I will buy when I head to the shop. It always makes me happy. Of course, I need to be sartorially prepared for gardening. So as for my favorite gardening gloves – Showa Atlas 370 in great colors – what can I say? As I told you before, these nylon/nitrile gloves are not as sustainable as leather or cloth ones, but they are an exceptionally supple three-season glove. And for those days that I headed out without my gloves, a certificate for a manicure has been much appreciated. As a matter of fact, a good nail trim before donning gloves is a great idea for us gardeners who tend to wear holes in the fingertips of our gloves. It’s been ages since I found a manicure certificate under the tree ... just dropping a hint for this year. After all, if I had well-trimmed nails, I wouldn’t go through so many gardening gloves... The gardening overalls (from Dovetail Workwear, to alternate with my Duluth Trading Company overalls) have been such a hit that I spend most of my waking hours in them. Every gardener should have a pair of work overalls no matter who the manufacturer is. I started my gardening life running around the farm as a

Member of the Month Tonya Wahl

Windermere Real Estate 8105 Birch Bay Square Street #101 Blaine, WA 98230 541-707-0196 or 360-220-7175 www.tonyawahlrealtor.com Number of employees: I joined the Windermere family and have partnered with Billy Brown.. How long in business: Together Billy Brown and I have decades of real estate experience in Whatcom County. Description of the business: Our goal is to understand the needs of our clients, keep them informed, and work with integrity and the utmost professionalism to make the process of buying or selling smooth every step of the way. How the business started: I purchased my first home at 23 as a single parent and it has been my passion to help others achieve their goals. Future goals: To continue creating lasting relationships along the way. The biggest achievement is earning referrals from our clients, friends, neighbors and family. We are dedicated to our community which is everything and we thank all the volunteers who give countless hours of their time to make this the greatest place to live. Featured businesses are selected randomly from the Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce membership.

This is a monthly feature sponsored by the Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce www.blainechamber.com • (360) 332-4544 • Join the chamber today ... membership has its privileges!

child in overalls, and I will probably finish my life the same way. Thank you, Santa! I also use the bootjack that you put under the tree for me. No more sitting to pull off muddy work boots by hand. By the way, this summer, I found a great pair of Hunter ‘play clogs’ on sale in Tsawwassen Mills that are just perfect for casual jaunts into the garden. They slip on and off easily with no need for a bootjack, and they don’t have those Croc holes that let in dirt and water. You might consider gifting pairs of garden or play clogs to other gardeners. I’m sure that they will find them as valuable as I have. As for tools, the very best present ever was a pair of Felco 2 secateurs (hand pruners)! However, the harvesting knife (aka 4” sickle) you gave me last year has been put to use cutting broccoli spears and other thick, tough stalks in both the vegetable and the ornamental garden. I always keep this sickle by the mud room door for when I head out to the vegetable garden. It doesn’t pinch the stalks like pruning secateurs do, so I imagine that it inflicts less damage as well as being able to slice stems and stalks beyond the capacity of hand pruners. In past years, you were generous in giving me not one but two tools to rout unwanted weeds from the lawn. (Yes, I know that

dandelions are great for pollinators, but at least I wait until they have finished flowering.) My first go-to is the Fiskar’s Deluxe Telescopic Stand-up Weeder because it allows me to get all those dandelions without bending. The smaller Radius ergonomic hand weeder is great too, for when I don’t mind getting down on my hands and knees to root out what a friend called ‘devil flowers.’ It’s better than the stand-up weeder for rocky soils anyway, so it gets a good workout in the rock garden. Finally, on the more decorative, or even twee, side, the pot toes you got me from Kinsman Company spent the summer supporting a large potted tomato plant. The pair you got me – in case you forgot – look like tiny sleeping kittens curled up against the base of the pot, keeping the pot clear of the patio pavers. Since I have a lot of container plantings each year, you can always give me more of these beautiful little pot feet shaped like chickens, hares and more. I could end up with a whole zoo supporting my pots. Wouldn’t that be fun? But if you must put something new under this year’s tree, a friend raves about her hori hori garden knife, which is so adept at slicing through roots. Hint? Signed, A very happy and appreciative gardener

November 25 - December 1, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

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s The proposed Blaine school district board of directors redistricting map would have Point Roberts and downtown Blaine (yellow) as district 1, east Blaine and west of Peace Portal Way (green) as district 2, southeast Semiahmoo and near south Birch Bay Drive (orange) as district 3, south of downtown Blaine and the middle of Birch Bay (purple) as district 4, and northwest Semiahmoo and south Birch Bay (red) as district 5. View the Map courtesy Blaine school district map in more detail on the Blaine school district website at bit.ly/30PLd43.

School ... From page 1

58 percent of children – persons under 18 years of age – in the school district reside in Birch Bay, and 80 percent of children under 5 years of age reside in Birch Bay. Through 2021 tax contributions, Birch Bay residents also contribute 36 percent of the school district’s funding, while Blaine contributes about 24 percent. Blaine school district is divided into five director districts with one representative from each district serving on the board of directors. These district boundaries must be reviewed every 10 years following the release of the census to ensure equal representation on the board. Sammamish Data Systems, which prepared the districting boundaries in 2010, is doing it again this year. Because the district is stretched long and thin along the water, Sammamish Data Systems representative Bob Schweitzer said it was a difficult district to reevaluate. This is also what may be causing some residents’ dissatisfaction. Many of the district areas are stretched lengthwise, incorporating parts of Blaine and Birch Bay. Some areas are even divided geographically; the fifth district includes both Semiahmoo and Point Whitehorn. Booth said these areas couldn’t possibly have the same issues as one another. But the problem lies with the

shape of the district and the law, Schweitzer said, which requires new boundaries to meet five criteria: • Balancing population: Since the school board represents all residents, the total population of each director district is considered, not just the population of residents who are receiving the district’s educational services. • Compactness: Director districts should not be unnecessarily thin or serpentine. • Geographical contiguity: The district’s unique geographical landscape, which includes bodies of ocean water as well as an international boundary, provides a significant challenge to meeting this criterion. To overcome this challenge, contiguity has been determined using census blocks. • No racial group or political party is favored or disfavored: In addition to ensuring equal representation of all residents, the director districts must not favor or disfavor any racial group. Additionally, protecting the position of current board members, as well as existing candidates, ensures fair political treatment in the redistricting process. • Alignment with natural boundaries and preservation of communities of interest: Wherever possible, director district boundaries follow existing roadways and boundary lines. Efforts are made to preserve any communities with common interests inside a single director district. (See School, page 13)

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The Northern Light • November 25 - December 1, 2021

Holiday Harbor Lights returns December 4

s Blaine’s annual Holiday Harbor Lights will be an all-day event Saturday, December 4. Start the day with a Friends of Blaine Library book sale and end it with a trip to see Santa Claus. File photo

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Blaine is going all out for holiday celebrations this year, bringing back its winter traditions bigger and better than ever. From Santa Claus to free oysters, there will be something for everyone. Blaine’s annual Holiday Harbor Lights will kick off the holiday season Saturday, December 4. Start the day-long event with a Friends of Blaine Library book sale that runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Blaine Community Pavilion, 635 8th Street. Money from the book sale goes toward building the new Blaine Library. After finding the perfect book, residents can shop handmade gifts at the holiday arts and crafts bazaar from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at The Vault Wine Bar Event Space, 277 G Street. The Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 will host its annual Holiday Lights Obstacle Dash 2-4 p.m. starting at the Lincoln Park H Street entrance across from Cost Cutter. Participants are encouraged to

wear family-friendly holiday attire in the winter obstacle run. The price for the run is $10 for adults, $5 for children 5-17 years old and $30 for a family up to five people. To register, visit bbbparkandrec.org or register by 1 p.m. at the event. Chili to eat after the run will be available in front of the Blaine Visitor Information Center, 546 Peace Portal Drive. Race participants get free chili and anyone else can purchase a cup for $1, said Carroll Solomon, director of Blaine Chamber of Commerce, the organization in charge of putting together the holiday events. Living Pantry owners Seppi and Shawna Morris will host a vegan snack food tasting 3:305 p.m. at their store, 684 Peace Portal Drive. Holiday festivities will take over the G Street Plaza. Blaine resident Glenn Tuski will start playing music at the plaza around 3:30 p.m. Day-to-Day Dance will perform 4-4:15 p.m. at the plaza. Following their performance, Blaine Middle School’s 8th grade band and other live musicians

will play music and carol familiar holiday tunes. Blaine businesses will give away treats 4-5 p.m. in the plaza. Blaine Fellowship will have a table with free hot chocolate and coffee, The Firm Real Estate Services will give away glow sticks and coloring books and Good Samaritan Society – Stafholt will give out free popcorn with its popcorn machine. Between 4 and 5 p.m. an announcer will give away raffle prizes that include a one-night stay at Semiahmoo Resort, a toy basket courtesy of the chamber, a wreath from Blaine Bouquet and Living Pantry products. Everyone gets one free raffle ticket. Tickets can be picked up at the visitor center the afternoon of December 4, and tickets will also be handed out at the race and tree lighting ceremony, Solomon said. The Christmas tree will light up the downtown skyline in celebration of the holiday season at 4:45 p.m. Families will want to stick around until 5 p.m. to get a glimpse at Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving by sleigh with their elves. Children can visit Santa and receive a free candy cane 5-7 p.m. at the visitor center. A sleigh ride (by train) will take children around downtown 5-7 p.m. The ride is sponsored by Silver Reef Casino Resort/ Loomis Trail Golf and Paso Del Norte. A free horse-drawn carriage through downtown will also be available 5-7 p.m. Closing out the night 4:307:30, Drayton Harbor Oyster Company will give out free oysters at its annual “shellebration” to celebrate a clean harbor. Usually separate from the Holiday Harbor Lights, the oyster company will conjoin its celebration with the Christmas tree lighting under the restaurant’s heated tent on H Street Plaza, co-owner Steve Seymour said. The bay is closed after flooding but there will still be seafood for guests.

November 25 - December 1, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

Flood ... From page 1

working as a substitute in the interim. Holmes said BNSF may have the tracks repaired that lead to the Sumas farm Wednesday, November 24, but it will take time to transport the raw products sitting in Everett. “You can’t just snap your fingers,” Holmes said. “There’s a lot of congestion in the supply chain.” The body of Everson resident Jose Garcia, 49, was found by law enforcement personnel in the 600 block of Main Street at 1 p.m. November 17. Garcia had been missing since November 15, when he was swept away by the flood on his way to work. The Lummi reservation became an island as all roads were closed at one point during the flood. By the morning of Friday, November 19, Haxton Way and Slater Road reopened. Lummi Nation police boats reportedly transported emergency services and medical staff between the reservation and mainland. Meanwhile in Blaine and Birch Bay, floods forced evacuations at Birch Bay Leisure Park on Birch Bay Drive the morning of November 15. The park was still closed as of November 21 after it was swamped up by 4.5 feet of water. “It’s been a lot of a waiting game. Waiting for the water to go down, to make sure the sewer systems are good,” park manager Lisa Fisher said. “Staff has been here 24/7 to clear drainage ditches and get stuff that’s flowed down.” The park’s maintenance staff evacuated about 20 residents who were stranded with dump trucks, Fisher said. The park doesn’t have a total on the number of people who evacuated the 718-unit season park, she said. Those who evacuated are staying with friends or in a hotel while the park remains closed for crews to assess whether the sewage and electric systems are safe. Water had receded to 4 inches in the deepest part of the park. Fisher said she hasn’t seen flooding to this extent since the late ’70s. While the park remained closed to volunteers by press time, Fisher said people who want to help can call the office at 360/371-7122. Aside from Birch Bay Leisure Park, Birch Bay WCSO deputy Derek Jones said Birch Bay was spared from the severe flooding. A few vehicles needed to be towed after venturing past closed road signs around North Enterprise and Willeys Lake roads near Custer, he said. To his knowledge, WCSO didn’t assist with any Birch Bay evacuations or rescues. Residents in the 8600 block of Semiahmoo Drive lost parts of their backyard during a flooding-induced cliff collapse on November 15. Lorri Garske said she lost at least three feet of land behind her bushes, while nextdoor neighbors had a road to their house made impassable by an average vehicle. “Who’s going to pay for all of this damage?”

Garske asked. The city of Blaine public works department closed Yew Avenue between Pipeline Road and Hughes Avenue on Monday, November 22 after the flood eroded the side of the avenue. City manager Michael Jones said public works believed a small stream caused the collapse. The city will assess damage and create a repair plan, but expects the avenue to be closed for the foreseeable future. The city is not concerned about any other roads, he said. The city of Blaine also has not received claims from property owners concerned the city played a role in any of their flood damage, Jones added. Both Birch Bay-Lynden Road near Ham Road and Birch Bay State Park entrance on Birch Bay Drive will remain closed to vehicle traffic. Drayton Harbor Oyster Company announced on its social media that it wouldn’t serve oysters until around December 7, after heavy rainfall and overflowing sewage shut down shellfish harvesting for at least three weeks. The oyster company is required to close its shellfish harvest in Drayton Harbor for one week if the area receives more than 2 inches of rain in a day, which Blaine exceeded. But the company was requested to shut down three weeks after the Lighthouse Point Water Reclamation facility became overwhelmed and sewage leaked onto Marine Drive. The restaurant will still be serving other seafood until oysters are back on the menu, co-owner Steve Seymour said. Drayton Harbor shellfish harvesting also closed for three weeks when sewage leaked near Blaine High School in the summer 2020, Seymour said, adding that Blaine public works does a great job operating its sewer plant. “It’s a fact of life when we farm in an urban population,” he said. Across the border, the B.C. government began rationing gas and putting restrictions on non-

essential travel November 19 because of damage to highways and Trans Mountain pipeline. The Canadian government is working to increase gas supply by truck and boat. The new emergency order limits B.C. residents in several areas

including Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island to only buy 30 liters of fuel per purchase. The order will last until Wednesday, December 1. What’s next Whatcom County will hold a community meeting 6-8 p.m.

Wednesday, November 24 at Nooksack Valley High School, 3326 East Badger Road in Everson. The meeting was also expected to be live streamed, but the WCSO hadn’t sent a link by (See Flood, page 16)

The Northern Light • November 25 - December 1, 2021

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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In the matter of the Estate of DARYL WILLIAM COCKLE, Deceased. No. 21-4-00946-37 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 DARYL WILLIAM COCKLE 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: November 12, 2021 DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: November 18, 2021 PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: KRISTINA COCKLE ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Mark W. Stowe, WSBA #16655 ADDRESS FOR MAILING OR SERVICE: Mark W. Stowe, Attorney 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 12th day of November 2021. STOWE LAW PLLC: Mark W. Stowe, WSBA# 16655, Attorney for Personal Representative

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Clarence J. Reed, Deceased. NO. 21 4 00895 37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: Robert E. Olson The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: November 25, 2021 Personal Representative: Beverly Reed 2285 Rusty Lane Bellingham, WA 98229 Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 21 4 00895 37

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The Northern Light • November 25 - December 1, 2021

Real Estate

BLAINE, BIRCH BAY & SEMIAHMOO

Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom Inc. 360.371.5100 8105 Birch Bay Square St. I-5 Exit 270, Blaine

F E AT U R E D L I S T I N G S - S E M I A H M O O

5681 Sanderling Way, #6M MLS #1864276 $699,500

St. Andrews Cottage at Semiahmoo perfectly situated off the 14th fairway. Recently updated--just a touch of comfortable elegance makes this original Mithun designed condominium a real find in today’s real estate market. Ideal location--featuring wrap around deck with easy access off great room, dining room & kitchen is the ultimate in outdoor living. Just painted--clean & fresh--expanded laundry room, updated kitchen, main floor den & private--oversized guest suite makes this a sought-after property!

Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718

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

8970 Semiahmoo Drive 4823 Alderson Rd #105 5563 Salish Lane 5556 Whitehorn Way MLS #1866147 $130,000 MLS #1812705 $515,000 MLS #1861097 $895,000 MLS #1645390 $895,000

Beautiful French Provincial custom home in coveted Semiahmoo Ridge neighborhood. Over 1.3 acres backing onto 40 acres of open Home site #20. Over 1/2-acre, 23958 sq. space forest land. Property features partial ft. Water and Mountain view home site in bay views, over 3600 sq. ft. of living space, Drayton Hillside on Puffin Place a gated oversize garage, dramatic vaulted ceilings, community. Bring your plans and ambition and gourmet kitchen with fine dining and enjoy this most peaceful setting, and all room, perfect for entertaining. Luxurious the amenities the Semiahmoo community master suite with ensuite bath & walk in has to offer. Marina, Golf and Country closet, loft area & multiple guest bedrooms, Club, Heath Club, Spa, 200 room Inn at covered backyard with outbuilding. Semiahmoo, restaurants, tennis, pools, Additional finished bonus room/guest suite pickle ball and so much more. above garage features private entrance.

5488 Puffin Place MLS #1698438 $300,000

Brian Southwick 360-815-6638

Lisa Kent 360-594-8034

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 high-end 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..

Gerry Allen 360-920-0563

3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, ranch packed with upgrades and improvements. New appliances & water heater, natural gas plumbed from street, fresh paint in & out, landscaping, & much more. Spacious deck & open floor plan is great for entertaining. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets over Birch Bay from atop Hole 7. Peaceful, parklike setting in Birch Bay Village grants access to boat launch, marina, golf course, beaches, all within walking distance. You will love the walkability and security of the village. Close to Canadian Border, I-5 for easy commute.

Matt Berry 360-389-0104

Incredible opportunity for multi-generational living with sweeping water views! Custom built light & bright 5-bedroom home in sought after Point Whitehorn neighborhood. Features 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 bathroom. Located just steps to Birch Bay State Park. BACK ON MARKET DUE TO BUYER FINANCING FALLING THROUGH.

Leah Crews 360-305-4747

F E AT U R E D L I S T I N G S - B L A I N E

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1247 Fourth Street $499,000 MLS #1862622

1025 Mary Avenue $400,000 MLS #1863729

Single story! Charming home excellently Wooded almost 1 acre lot just outside city located 3 minutes from everything: Blaine limits. Included in price, Completed and Take a look at this 2016 new home located city center, schools, professional services, approved Department of Natural Resource in the heart of Blaine. Looking for larger, grocery store, freeway, border...away from assessment, septic design and permit, newer home with 3 car oversized garage. traffic, easy to schedule your day! Maple comprehensive wetlands mitigation plan, One door 12ft. for Boat or RV. This 2 bed 2 kitchen, island, large adjoining dining area, storm water design, surveyed, electrical and bath home has all appliances with washer great room w/slate fireplace, gracious city water lines available and in the street, and dryer. Fully fenced large lot. Just a walk master suite on one side of the house, two all the questions answered. Possible to get to downtown and Blaine harbor. Enjoy all the bedrooms and a second bath opposite. building permit this year and get started walking trails and the marine park. Close to Excellent solar location. Partially fenced schools, shopping and I-5 access. building your new home. yard.

Billy Brown 360-220-7175

Christy Imperio 360-201-4100

Ted Ducette 360-543-3850

4416 Sweet Rd 8403 Kickerville Road MLS #1854843 $835,000 MLS #1829414 $1,150,000

Equestrian waterfront dream home on sprawling 6.2 acre estate w/multiple use possibilities. Quiet & beautiful rural setting Investor Alert! Commercially zoned lot minutes to I-5. Home completely remodeled. within Blaine city limits and close to the US/ Fabulous kitchen & Spa quality Luxurious Canadian border. Lot is 30,056 +/- square main bath. Dramatic vaulted family room w/ feet and zoned for a mix of commercial, fireplace. Incredible deck with pool ideal for office and light industrial uses. Located entertaining. 4+ Big bedrooms. High & dry next to the truck border crossing and close barn includes tack rm, custom saddle racks, to schools, gas stations and grocery stores. 12X12 stalls ea. w/removable walls, mats. & Buyers to do their due diligence and verify H2O. Iirreplaceable address with over 800’ all information prior to purchase. of waterfront on California Creek.

14th Street MLS #1864373 $139,000

Amy Bremer 360-961-0620

Mike Kent 360-815-3898

Nearly impossible to find now, close to town with a 5.11 enchanting park-like acres & 1,984 sq ft rambler + 32’x20’ timber-built horse barn. Owned by the same family for 29+ years, this is a rare opportunity to live, work & play at your own private estate. This no stairs 4 bedroom + den/office charmer features light & bright mid-century modern vibe, wood burning fireplace & 2 car garage. Stellar location just minutes to downtown Blaine, schools, shopping, dining & waterfront.

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All advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, Allreal realestate/rentals estate/rentals advertislimitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or ing in this newspaper is subject 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 to the Federal Fair Housing Act are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246. dwellings advertised in this newspaper

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 is in vi925 Ludwick Ave.,which Blaine olation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246.

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November 25 - December 1, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

County’s job market is bouncing back, just needs its workers back By Ian Haupt Whatcom County has regained half of the jobs it lost in last year’s pandemic-induced recession. According to Washington’s Employment Security Department (ESD) data, 13,900 jobs were lost from March to April last year. The county had 96,600 jobs in March 2020 and 82,700 jobs by April 2020. As of September 2021, the county had 90,700 jobs, adding 8,000 jobs since the pandemic low. “Whatcom County is past the halfway mark,” said Anneliese Vance-Sherman, ESD regional labor economist, referring to pandemic recovery. The county saw significant job gains in May as businesses reopened with the use of masks, outdoor seating and the introduction of the vaccine, Vance-Sher-

School ... From page 7

Schweitzer said due to the shape of the school district, compactness was given least priority when drafting the boundaries. The law’s fourth requirement – no racial group or political party is favored or disfavored – means that the districts cannot be redrawn without including the current board member, Schweitzer said, as they are considered a political party under the law. Because Birch Bay has a larger population and contributes more to the district’s financing, Jerns asked whether the redistricting should protect the interest of the people in a given area. “Shouldn’t there be more weight given to redistricting this and protecting the interest of the people in that

man said, specifically in the service industry. Nearly 1,700 jobs were gained in leisure and hospitality from 2020 to 2021. But she said now the pace is slowing. “As long as we still have the pandemic with us, I think we will still have that uncertainty that it brings to the job market,” she said. “A 3.5 percent growth [August to September] in job market is very high, but we’re just trying to dig out of a hole right now.” With schools returning to fulltime, in-person learning and federal unemployment benefits expiring at the beginning of September, there was an expectation for employment to increase throughout the county and state, Vance-Sherman said. She didn’t believe it would because people were waiting for unemployment benefits to end, she said, but it area rather than the directors that have been the long-standing Blaine citizens?” Schweitzer said current board members aren’t protected in the new drafted plan. “The actual encroachment of the northern director districts into the Birch Bay area actually makes them more susceptible to being lost to activity in the Birch Bay area,” he said. “This plan actually has the ability to elect – if you have people in the right parts of the Birch Bay area – four new board members in the four new districts all from Birch Bay.” The board has long-term plans to build a school in Birch Bay. The meeting was cut short to begin the board’s regular monthly meeting. At the end of the regular board meeting on November 22, the board discussed Booth and Jerns’

was a widely considered factor. September, however, saw similar gains to August statewide. Washington state payroll employment expanded by 17,000, about a 1,000 more than August, but below June and July. Vance-Sherman said the October report will show if a significant gain was made, which will be released in December. Washington’s unemployment rate for September 2021 was 4.9 percent. The revised estimated August 2021 unemployment rate was at 5.1 percent, according to September ESD data. The September 2020 unemployment rate was 8 percent. Nationally, the unemployment rate for September 2021 was 4.8 percent and was 4.6 percent for October 2021, according to U.S. Department of Labor data. Washington and Whatcom

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concerns. Some were confused as to how the residents did not see the possible opportunity the new boundary lines offered. “[Birch Bay] could potentially be represented by four school board members,” said board member Dougal Thomas. This would give Birch Bay a simple majority on the board. Board president Charles Gibson said he thought the discussion was on the verge of progress before the meeting was cut short. “I think it’s important enough that we need to hear from them,” he said. Another meeting will be scheduled for before December 6, superintendent Christopher Granger said. To view the proposed redistricting map, visit the Blaine school district website at bit.ly/30PLd43.

Covid-19 in Whatcom County, by school district boundaries: Blaine Vaccination: 70% Case rate: 196 New cases: 34

County have recovered from layoff activity, Vance-Sherman said. Although seeing a slight seasonal rise recently, initial unemployment claims have remained stable at pre-pandemic numbers since late July 2021. In the week ending November 13, 154 initial claims for unemployment benefits were filed with ESD in Whatcom County. The week before, 167 were filed. This

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Mount Baker Vaccination: 47% Case rate: 106 New cases: 15

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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 November 20.

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The Northern Light • November 25 - December 1, 2021

Sheriff’s Reports

Nov. 11, 11:29 p.m.: Welfare check on Anchor Parkway. Nov. 12, 1:58 p.m.: Parking problem on Fawn Crescent Road and Dead End. Nov. 12, 12:54 p.m.: Trespass on Custer School Road, Custer. Nov. 12, 5:30 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. Nov. 12, 7:18 p.m.: Civil problem on Twilight Place. Nov. 13, 12:03 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Zell Road, Custer. Nov. 13, 4:26 a.m.: Vehicle theft on Petticote Lane. Nov. 13, 10:20 a.m.: Behavioral health on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Nov. 13, 10:46 a.m.: Littering on Birch Bay Drive. Nov. 13, 12:19 p.m.: 911 hangup on Ocean Cove Lane. Nov. 13, 12:32 p.m.: Whatcomm record on Bay Road. Nov. 13, 12:53 p.m.: Watch for on Bay Road and Halibut Drive. Nov. 13, 5:42 p.m.: Alarm audible on Birch Bay-Square Street. Nov. 13, 7:43 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Birch Bay Drive. Nov. 13, 7:55 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Birch Bay Drive and Deer Trail. Nov. 13, 8:01 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Birch Point and Nootka loops. Nov. 13, 8:06 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Birch Bay Drive. Nov. 14, 11:06 a.m.: Suspicious

vehicle on Creasey Road. Nov. 14, 4:27 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Birch Bay Drive. Nov. 14, 6:57 p.m.: Alarm panic on Pacific Highway. Nov. 14, 8:02 p.m.: Assist citizen on Arnie Road, Custer. Nov. 14, 8:15 p.m.: Hazard on Birch Bay Drive. Nov. 14, 8:39 p.m.: Hazard on Semiahmoo Drive. Nov. 14, 9:24 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Lincoln and Harborview roads. Nov. 14, 10:10 p.m.: Hazard on Semiahmoo Drive. Nov. 14, 11:28 p.m.: Whatcomm record on Semiahmoo Drive. Nov. 15, 12:15 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Semiahmoo Drive. Nov. 15, 2:59 a.m.: Hazard on Semiahmoo Drive. Nov. 15, 7:42 a.m.: Hazard on Birch Bay Drive and Shintaffer

Nov. 7, 6:45 a.m.: Found property on Boblett Street. Nov. 7, 5 p.m.: Suspicious circumstance on B Street. Nov. 8, 11:44 a.m.: Civil issue on Runge Avenue. Nov. 8, 6:05 p.m.: Civil matter on Marine Drive. Nov. 8, 11:34 p.m.: Warrant arrest on H Street. Nov. 8, 11:36 p.m.: Attempted

tate 47. Wings 49. Social insect 50. Dull brown fabrics 55. Indian musical pattern 56. N. England university 57. Portable stands for coffins 59. Iranian district 60. Envision 61. Passerine bird genus 62. Container 63. Falter 64. Tunisian city DOWN 1. Cool! 2. Passover offering 3. Swedish rock group 4. Collegiate military organization 5. Large nests 6. Beloved baked good 7. 1980s pop legend 8. Finger millet 9. Hillside 10. Surrender

12. Midway between south and southeast 14. Long, narrow strap 19. Discount 23. A type of cast 24. Large, tropical lizard 25. Half of “Milli Vanilli” 26. Single 27. Big truck 28. Midway between east and southeast 29. Et __: indicates further 34. Insecticide 35. Luke Skywalker’s mentor __-Wan 36. Cast out 37. Breakfast food 39. By reason of 40. One who makes thread 41. Baseball stat 42. Breezed through 44. Frothy mass of bubbles 45. Tony-winning actress Daisy 46. Made of fermented honey and

burglary on D Street. Nov. 9, 9:23 a.m.: Trespass authorization on Peace Portal Drive. Nov. 10, 6:27 p.m.: Welfare check on Bayview Avenue. Nov. 10, 10 p.m.: Burglary on Boblett Street. Nov. 12, 5:13 p.m.: Drugs investigation on I-5 northbound. Report by Blaine Police Department.

water 47. Member of a Semitic people 48. Monetary unit of the Maldives 51. Run batted in 52. Makes publicly known 53. Disagreement 54. Soluble ribonucleic acid 58. Single-reed instrument ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

Tides 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W TIME

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Fr 26 3:03 am 0.5 11:23 am 9.5 Sa 27 3:52 am 1.1 12:00 pm 9.5

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Blaine Primary School’s Bright K Program: Now through November 30. Applications are being accepted for Blaine Primary School’s Bright K program, a free, early entrance kindergarten program for children who are scheduled to enter kindergarten in fall of 2022. Visit our website www. blainesd.org for more information and to apply online. Blaine/Birch Bay Community Toy Store: Registration for CAP’s holiday gift assistance program runs through November 28. Lower income families who live in the Blaine school district are eligible to apply. For more info and to register, visit blainecap.org or call 530-828-5195. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program. Blaine/Birch Bay Community Toy Store Toy Drive: Brand new, high quality toys in the $20 -$50 price range are being collected through December 3. $25 gift cards for teens are also needed. Please visit blainecap.org for more details about online wish lists and monetary donation options, as well as toy and gift card collection sites. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program. Meals On Wheels Date Change: Wednesday, November 24 11:30 a.m.–12 p.m. (adjusting for Thanksgiving holiday), 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. Winterfest Tree Lighting: Wednesday, November 24, 6–7 p.m., Semiahmoo Resort. Enjoy music and hot beverages. Take a picture and share on social media with the hashtag #SemiWinterFest and show the front desk for 30% off standard rate or 50% off two entrees at Packers Kitchen + Bar. Visit semiahmoo.com for details.

Deck The Old City Hall: Thursdays–Sundays, November 26–January 2, noon–5 p.m., Old City Hall, 121 Prospect Street, Bellingham. More than a dozen themed and decorated trees, drop-in holiday activities on Saturdays. Admission by donations. Proceeds help Whatcom Museum’s exhibitions and programs throughout the year. Info: whatcommuseum.org. Open Mic and Jam Night: Friday, November 26, American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. With the Northstar Band. Open to all participants and their guests. Info: 371-7311. Live Music at The Vault: Friday, November 26, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: Steve “Burt” Loefler and Jason Info: thevaultwine.com. Beach Cat Christmas Bazaar: Sunday, November 28, 1–4 p.m., Beach Cat Brewing, 7876 Birch Bay Drive, Shop crafts and artisan vendors, baked goods and hot drinks, craft beer, photos with Santa. Family and Peet friendly. Info: beachcatbrewing.com. Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, December 2, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: Star Trek. Info: thevaultwine.com. Live Music at The Vault: Friday, December 3, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: Mary Ellen Lykins and Craig Adams. Info: thevaultwine.com. Home Farm Holiday Open House: Saturday, December 4, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Home Farm UPick and Events, 8020 Kickerville Road. Enjoy complimentary hot cider and goodies and holiday shopping. Info: homefarm. farm. Friends of Blaine Library Holiday Book Sale: Saturday, December 4, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Blaine Community Pavilion, 635 8th Street. Something for everyone. Books, DVDs, audiobooks, and more. Benefits the Blaine Library Building Project. Holiday Bazaar: Saturday, December 4, 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar Event Space, 277 G Street. Shop from more than 18 local vendors. Info: blainechamber.com.

Nov. 26 to Dec. 2 at Blaine. Not for navigation.

DATE

Coming up

CAP Clothing Bank Holiday Closure: Friday, November 26. Regular hours will resume Monday, November 29. Info: blainecap.org.

Police Reports

Crossword ACROSS 1. Loud cheer 5. Defensive nuclear weapon (abbr.) 8. Type of cell 11. Oblong pulpits 13. Pitching statistic 14 Uncommon 15. Liabilities 16. Thin, straight bar 17. Oh goodness! 18. Competitions 20. __ Jima, WW II battlefield 21. Professional assn. (abbr.) 22. Italian mountain range 25. Taking possession of 30. Used in cooking and medicine 31. Water (French) 32. Parent a child 33. Sun-dried brick 38. One point south of due east 41. Female fashion accessory 43. A way of making a copy of 45. A way to debili-

Road. Nov. 15, 8:21 a.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Birch Bay Drive. Nov. 15, 1:09 p.m.: Hazard on Blaine Road. Nov. 15, 2:06 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Arnie Road, Custer. Nov. 15, 5:01 p.m.: Hazard on Shipyard Lane. Nov. 15, 5:32 p.m.: Civil problem on Birch Bay Drive. Nov. 16, 8:50 a.m.: Littering on Birch Bay Drive. Nov. 16, 12:35 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Loomis Trail Road and Portal Way. Nov. 16, 12:38 p.m.: Motor vehicle acciden on Drayton Harbor and Blaine roads. Nov. 16, 2:48 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Drayton Harbor Road. Nov. 16, 5:18 p.m.: Hit and run on Halibut Drive.

9:53 pm 5.5

Big Bucks Bingo: Saturday, December 4, 1–3 p.m., Blaine Senior Center 635 G Street. $15 includes eight games, three cards per game. Early bird at 12:30 p.m. two games $1 each. Info: 360-332-8040. Holiday Lights Dash: Saturday, December 4, 2 p.m., Lincoln Park H Street entrance (across from Cost Cutter). Winter-inspired fun run with obstacles. Family friendly and holiday attire encouraged. Adults $10, kids 5-17 $5 and family up to 5 $30. Info and registration at bbbparkandrec.org or register day-of at 1 p.m. Shellebration: Saturday, December 4, 4:30-7 p.m., Blaine’s H Street Plaza. Free, fun event celebrating healthy waters.

Mo 29 12:07 am 5.5

5:48 am 2.9

Holiday Harbor Lights: Saturday, December 4. Blaine’s G Street Plaza. Free holiday raffle from 4–5 p.m., tree lighting and Santa’s arrival at 4:45 p.m., visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the Blaine Welcome Center, 5-7 p.m., free horse-drawn carriage and mini train rides, 5-7 p.m. Info: blainechamber.com.

Su 28 4:46 am 1.9 12:30 pm 9.5

7:35 pm 4.2

1:00 pm 9.6

8:03 pm 2.9

Ongoing

Tu 30 1:49 am 6.3

6:56 am 3.9

1:30 pm 9.7

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We 1 3:09 am 7.4

8:02 am 4.8

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.

2:00 pm 9.8

9:13 pm -0.2

Th 2 4:15 am 8.5

9:04 am 5.7

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Weather

Precipitation: During the period of Nov. 15-21, 2.5 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2021 yearto-date precipitation is 35 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 56°F on Nov. 15 with a low of 32°F on Nov. 17. Average high was 50°F and average low was 39°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

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. 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. Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) Meetings: Mondays 6:30–8 p.m., CAP Center, 508 G Street, Blaine. A support group for parents of adult children dealing with addiction, but open to anyone (18 or older) seeking to learn a better way to help an addicted love one. Evidence-based, structured curriculum and offer peer support at no cost. Info: palgroup.org or email Bev and Dave at wamillards@comcast.net. Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

November 25 - December 1, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

November 15 floods inundate Blaine and Birch Bay

s The city of Blaine closed Yew Avenue between Pipeline Road and Hughes Avenue on November 22 after the side of the avenue eroded. Photo by Grace McCarthy

s The shoulder of Birch Bay Drive at Birch Bay State Park eroded during last week’s flooding. Photo by Grace McCarthy

s Birch Bay State Park is closed to vehicle traffic on Birch Bay Drive. The upper day-use area is open through Helweg Road. Photo by Grace McCarthy s Lorri Garske, a resident in the 8600 block of Semiahmoo Drive, said she lost three feet of land behind her bushes after the November 15 flooding. Photo by Grace McCarthy

s Birch Bay Leisure Park evacuated its residents on Birch Bay Drive November 15. Photo by Christopher Ramirez

The Northern Light • November 25 - December 1, 2021

Flood ... From page 9

press time. The meeting will cover the extent of the flood; impacts to infrastructure, homes and busi-

nesses; debris management; and the planning permit process, according to a WCSO release. Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu, U.S. Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, state representatives Sharon Shewmake and Alicia Rule, mayors

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of east county cities and Mark Personius of Whatcom County Planning and Development will be in attendance. Masks are required. Whatcom County officials estimated damage would total $710 million during a November 16 press conference. “The pain these folks are in right now is considerable,” governor Jay Inslee said during a November 18 conference, the day after he toured Whatcom County. “But they are remarkably resilient and we’re seeing the spirit of that county.” Inslee said the state didn’t yet know if damage met the level needed for federal assistance,

but said they would aggressively request money. He said it was important for residents and business owners to record their damage, not only for themselves, but for the state to request federal assistance. The governor also said he spoke with a Federal Emergency Management Assistance (FEMA) administrator about potential for president Joe Biden to declare a disaster, as well as the state’s request of ‘strong consideration’ for individual assistance and housing assistance for those impacted by the floods. Inslee hopes to soon distribute cash to families and is looking into short-term shelters and housing.

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Detailed inspections of the worst-hit areas from flooding were scheduled Monday, November 22 to Wednesday, November 24, a needed first step in assessing the financial impact of damages and requesting FEMA money, according to WCSO. The Emergency Management Division of the Washington State Military Department was scheduled to conduct detailed inspections alongside county officials in Nooksack, Everson and Sumas. Two teams of three state and two local representatives will assess damages. “The teams will be validating and confirming the data that communities have already collected as well as evaluating additional damages which have yet to be reported,” John Gargett, deputy director of WCSO Division of Emergency Management, wrote in a news release. Residents don’t need to meet with the assessors. WCSO is asking people who haven’t reported damages or don’t know if their property has been assessed call 360/788-5311 and leave their name, address and damage. A makeshift debris site at 3010 Halverstick Road in Sumas was set up for residents whose homes or businesses had been flooded. The WCSO is asking for people to sort household hazardous waste at the staffed site, open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information on volunteering or getting help if impacted, visit whatcomcounty.us/ flood.