Dec. 30, 2021 - Jan. 5, 2022
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Inslee requests federal flooding assistance, page 5
B.C. residents have new test exemption, page 3
Blaine beats Lynden in historic game, page 6
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Holiday lights brighten the Peace Arch State Sen. Doug Ericksen dies at 52 By Grace McCarthy
(See Ericksen, page 2)
s International Peace Arch Association’s holiday lights lights up the snow-blanketed Peace Arch at the U.S./Canada border December 28. View more photos from the recent winter storm at www.thenorthernlight.com. Photo by Ruth Lauman
2021
year in
REVIEW
A look back at a year that just was
January • Birch Bay rang in the New Year with its annual Ring of Fire and Polar Bear Plunge events. • Blaine middle and high school students started hybrid learning after winter break. Grades 6-9 started with half-day in-person learning that alternated weekly to online learning, while grades 10-12 began in-person learning on January 6. • Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputy Derek Jones began working as Birch Bay’s neighborhood deputy on January 4. • A district judge ordered the release of the January 2020 CBP Iranian detention directive. • Investigations continued into the December 22, 2020 Custer train derailment, but officials declined to give any indication on
what caused the derailment. • Covid-19 cases skyrocketed to the highest they’d been during the pandemic. • A burglary of storage units at Pantec Mini Storage turned into a high-speed chase along I-5 on January 13. Three Whatcom County residents were arrested. • Whatcom County Public Works said the Birch Bay berm upheld well during king tide storms in mid-January. • The Covid-19 vaccine became available for people 65 and older on January 18. • Good Samaritan Society – Stafholt residents received their first Covid-19 vaccine on January 19 after the Blaine nursing home had a Covid-19 outbreak in spring 2020. • Blaine public works director Bernie Ziemi(See 2021, page 7)
INSIDE
Washington state senator Doug Ericksen, a longtime conservative member in the state Legislature representing Whatcom County, died on December 17. He was 52. Although his cause of death has not been confirmed, Ericksen had been battling Covid-19 after testing positive mid-November in El Salvador. Ericksen is survived by his wife, Tasha Ericksen, and their two daughters, Addi and Elsa. He was born and raised in Whatcom County, attending Cornell University for his bachelor’s degree and Western Washington University for his master’s degree in political science and environmental policy. He was elected to the state house of representatives in 1998 and served six terms before being elected to the state senate in 2010, serving the 42nd Legislative District 22 years total. “We are heartbroken to share that our husband and father passed away,” the Ericksen family wrote in a statement. “Please keep our family in your prayers and thank you for continuing to respect our privacy in this extremely difficult time.” Ericksen served as a ranking member on the environment, energy and technology committee in the state senate, as well as the higher education and workforce development committee. The Ferndale senator was known for his fierce pushback on the state’s Covid-19 restrictions and concern for families impacted by the pandemic mandates. In 2017, Ericksen served as the interim director of communications at the Environmental Protection Agency under former President Donald Trump. “Doug was one of the giants of the Washington legislature, a fearless voice for the principles he and his constituents held dear,” state senator Jeff Wilson (R-Longview) said in a statement. “Protection of individual rights and freedoms, preserving the people’s ability to influence their government, and maintaining good-paying jobs beyond the Seattle city limits. He delighted in calling state agencies and elected officials to account whenever they overstepped their bounds, as they so often do.”
Coming Up . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 6 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14
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This Week’s FLYER
Celebrate New Year’s in Birch Bay! Ring of Fire & Hope
December 31 • 7 pm
@TheNorthernLightNews
39th Annual Polar Bear Plunge
January 1 • Plunge at Noon
For more details, see ad on page 2 or visit birchbaychamber.com
Rite Aid
2
The Northern Light • December 30, 2021 - January 5, 2022
Ericksen ... From page 1
Wilson lauded Ericksen for the pragmatic approach he took to solving state issues, from expanding hatcheries on the Puget Sound to help declining orca populations to oil-train safety regulations. Ericksen’s funeral was scheduled for 12 p.m. December 29 at Christ the King Church in Bellingham. Governor Jay Inslee ordered the state and U.S. flags to fly at half-staff during Ericksen’s funeral. “Trudi and I send our deep condolences to senator Doug Ericksen’s family, friends and colleagues,” Inslee wrote in a statement on Twitter. “Our hearts are with them.” The Whatcom County Republican Party is expected to provide a list of nominees for Ericksen’s
JAN. 1, 2022
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s Sen. Doug Ericksen.
File photo
position by Friday, December 31 for Whatcom County Council to approve. The council has a special meeting set Tuesday, January 4 to vote on Ericksen’s replacement before Washington’s legislative session convenes January 10.
10 AM - 12 PM
s Sen. Doug Ericksen speaking at the 9/11 memorial held at Peace Arch State Park on September 11, 2021. Photo by Grace McCarthy
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December 30, 2021 - January 5, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com
Birch Bay events to ring in the New Year Snow or not, Birch Bay is ringing in the New Year with its annual family-friendly activities. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the Ring of Fire and Hope starting 7 p.m. Friday, December 31. People will light up the sky along the Birch Bay shoreline as they light biodegradable road flares to kick off 2022. Participants can head over to Beach Cat Brewing Company, 7876 Birch Bay Drive, starting at 1 p.m. December 31 to pick up one free flare per family. Flares
are available as supplies last. Flares can also be purchased at Pacific Building Center at 2677 Bell Road, Bay Center Market at 8050 Harborview Road and Tay’s Safety Supply at 2026 Main Street in Ferndale. After lighting up the sky New Year’s Eve, plunge into the cold Birch Bay waters on January 1, 2022 during the 39th annual Polar Bear Plunge. The plunge will start in front of Beach Cat. Plunging registration, T-shirt sales and pre-order pick-ups begin at 10
a.m. A costume contest will take place at 11 a.m. before the plunge begins at 12 p.m. Warming tents will be set up at the south end of the Beach Cat parking lot. For more information and to register for the plunge, visit birchbaychamber.com. Free event parking for both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day is available behind the Birch Bay Visitor Center. The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce asks drivers avoid parking behind CJ’s Beach House and The Beach at Birch Bay.
Vaccinated B.C. residents can travel into the U.S. for 24-hour trips without Covid-19 test By Grace McCarthy The Canadian government retracted its Covid-19 test exemption for Canadians making trips into the U.S. under 72 hours starting December 21, but the next day announced a testing exemption for B.C. residents making trips that are no more than 24 hours. On December 17, Canada’s health minister Jean-Yves Duclos announced Canada would resume requiring a negative PCR test for all fully vaccinated Canadians returning to the country who take less than 72-hour trips beginning December 21. The long-awaited test exemption for fully vaccinated Canadians making 72-hour trips went into effect less than a month earlier on November 30. Canada revised the 72-hour testing exemption because of the spread of the Omicron variant in the country and globally, according to a Public Health Agency of Canada news release. But the Canadian government quickly made an exception to the new rule for B.C. residents impacted by the devastating flooding in mid-November that disrupted supply chains. On December 22, the government
allowed a testing exemption for fully vaccinated B.C. residents who need to travel into the U.S. to buy goods and services and are gone no more than 24 hours. B.C. travelers are not allowed to attend social gatherings while taking 24-hour trips into the U.S. Children under 12 years old may enter the U.S. for 24-hour trips with a fully vaccinated adult, and a person who is unable to receive the Covid-19 vaccine because of medical reasons may also enter, according to the Canada Border Services Agency. People entering Canada from Point Roberts and other exclave communities such as Hyder, Alaska or the Northwest Angle, Minnesota are not required to have a negative Covid-19 test to enter Canada, regardless of their length of stay or residence, according to the Canadian Order In Council that spells out the restrictions. Canadians who need to take a pre-entry PCR test before returning to Canada will now need to take the test outside of Canada. Previously, Canadians could take the test in Canada if they were returning to the country in less than 72 hours, the time limit needed to take the test for it to be accepted.
The Canadian government began advising against all nonessential travel outside of Canada on December 15. In the news release, the Canadian government recognized the challenge stricter border measures caused for families and said the restrictions would continue to be evaluated. Fully vaccinated U.S. travelers still need to show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before entering Canada. A small number of travelers entering Canada are still being randomly tested at the border. According to government data, 29,671 people were randomly tested at land borders between November 28 and December 11. Of those, only 0.43 percent of travelers tested positive for Covid-19. “There is still a lot we don’t know about the Omicron variant, but we do know it is spreading fast,” Duclos said. “Because we can never be too vigilant when it comes to the safety and health of Canadians, we are updating our travel and border measures and are also working hand in hand with provinces and territories to help slow down the spread of the variant in communities across the country.”
Northwest Fusion Cuisine Boule pleads guilty to helping people cross Here in Blaine! into Canada behindRight the Smuggler’s Inn By Ian Haupt Smuggler’s Inn owner Bob Boule will serve 30 months’ probation for helping people cross from his Blaine bed-and-breakfast into Canada. Boule, 72, was sentenced December 17 to a 30 days in jail, which the judge considered already served by his time spent in custody following his arrest, and 30 months of probation for aiding Afghan and Syrian nationals illegally crossing into the country, according to a Vancouver Sun article published December 17. In August, Boule pleaded guilty in B.C. Superior Court in Vancouver to one offense under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and one count of breaching bail under the Crown. Between May 2018 and March
2019, Boule reportedly attempted to help 11 people illegally cross the border into Canada from Smuggler’s Inn while on probation for similar offenses. The people reportedly paid Boule anywhere from $200 to $700 to cross into Canada. He was arrested in April 2019. “When I make a mistake, I try
to take responsibility for it. In this case, I made a bad mistake,” Boule said in a statement to the court, reported by the Vancouver Sun. “That’s why I’m pleading guilty. I’m sorry to the court, the citizens and the government of Canada.” Boule and his attorney did not immediately return a request for comment.
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The Northern Light • December 30, 2021 - January 5, 2022
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.
Blaine Community Theater’s holiday spectacular
Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com
s Blaine Community Theater performed a live radio play of Miracle on 34th Street on December 18 at the Blaine Boating Center. Photo by Ruth Lauman
Letters
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
The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVII, No 28 Circulation: 10,500 copies
Circulation Independently verified by:
Next issue: Jan. 6 Ads due: Dec. 31
The Editor: The flag of the United States is a tangible representation of our country, and, representing the United States of America is entitled to respect. It is so entitled to respect, in fact, that it is accorded its own section within U.S. Code. Section 1, Title 4, of the U.S. Code concerns the flag, its treatment, and display. One of those elements of display concerns the condition of the flag. It says, “When [a flag] is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, [it] should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” Looking around Whatcom County, even before the recent bad weather, I saw many flags, both on poles outside homes and businesses and in the backs of pickup trucks, which were tattered, torn or stained. Those flags should be taken down, and if desired replaced by clean and wellkept flags. People wanting to turn flags in for disposal should contact a local veterans’ organization, such as Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans or Vietnam Veterans of America. Some of those organizations can also recommend a source for replacement. Other contacts for disposal would include scouting groups. It would be better to have no flag at all displayed than to have one that is tattered. J.G. Phillips Custer The Editor: To give Birch Bay a “sense of community” as my friend Doralee Booth said in the December 9-15 issue of The Northern Light, in support of gerrymandering school district redistricting. These folks in Birch Bay need to incorporate. Pay their
own bills, rather than demanding city services from the county and a neighboring incorporated city. If I were God, which I now know I’m not, I’d merge Birch Bay and Blaine and call it all Birch Bay (Blaine was not a nice guy). And then grow the coming urban growth between the two, on flat buildable land, and leave northeast Blaine and its irreplaceable habitat alone. Jack Kintner Blaine
We are so thankful for your support, your faith in our mission and your commitment to ending hunger in our community. We are so proud to partner with you in a united effort to feed the hungry. Thank you everyone! Wishing you all the magic and joy of the holiday season, and thank you for caring. Sally Church Blaine Food Bank operations manager Blaine
The Editor: It is with sincere gratitude and great pride in our community that we announce that the Blaine Food Bank has met the $30,000 goal set by a generous benefactor in our 2021 Matching Funds Campaign. This amazing community has never let us down. Our goal was not only matched but exceeded, and we ended the challenge with over $36,500 in donations. When the challenge was announced to the community, our local residents, churches, schools and businesses responded. Who comes to the food bank? Your neighbors, your friends and people who attend your church are all among those coming to visit the food bank. They are people who are out of work, low-income families, seniors, veterans of the armed services, disabled individuals, single moms and dads or anyone who temporarily needs help. We are incredibly grateful for the leadership support from this very generous donor who invested in the well-being of our community and inspires others to do the same. We are humbled by the donor’s trust and confidence, and by everyone who has rallied to meet the goal and ensure that everyone has enough food to eat.
The Editor: I was extremely disappointed with this paper and its recent articles about Doug Ericksen and Sharon Shewmake. The article about Sharon was positive and left-leaning. Information about Doug was negative and judgmental. Here we go again. Carefully read Sharon’s proposed bills. Be informed of what the Democratic Party is up to. Doug served our state for many years. He will be missed. I would advise the paper to be better informed when gossiping about people. Susan Werner Blaine The Editor: The Blaine/Birch Bay Community Toy Store leadership team would like to say a huge thank you for the outpouring of love and support this community showed to our local families in need of holiday gift assistance. Over 1,000 toys and 100 gift cards were donated this year, in addition to over $4,400 in monetary donations. This allowed us to help the parents of 374 chil(See Letters, next page) Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
December 30, 2021 - January 5, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com
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Inslee requests President Biden declare Washington flooding a major disaster, provide individual assistance CITY OF BLAINE
By Ian Haupt Governor Jay Inslee sent a request December 17 for President Joe Biden to declare November’s flooding and severe weather a federal emergency major disaster. With a 50-plus page assessment of the damage caused by the series of severe winter storms, high winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides, Inslee asked Biden for an individual assistance program for Whatcom, Skagit and Clallam counties as well as Lummi Nation, the Nooksack Indian Tribe and the Quileute Tribe. If granted, these nations and local governments would gain access to a wide range of federal assistance programs to help recover from the damage incurred in November. A letter in support of the governor’s request and signed by all U.S. senators and representatives from Washington was sent to the president December 22. In Whatcom County, emergency support workers and volunteers continue to aid those affected by the storms. A county
Letters ... From previous page
dren from 145 families provide gifts for their children. The parents were so grateful for the large variety of high quality gifts they were able to choose from. I’m sure there were a lot of smiles and excitement on Christmas morning from both parents and children, thanks to this community-wide effort. Due to the abundant generosity of our community, we usually have a significant number of toys left after our Blaine and Birch Bay families have shopped. While we save the majority of these for the following year, we always go through our remaining inventory and pull out items that have
Due to COVID-19 and the Governor’s Proclamation, meetings are now only open to the public telephonically. Information on how to listen to the meeting live will be on the City Council agenda which is located on the City’s website homepage under Your Government, City Council, City Council Agenda. Please check the agenda prior to each meeting as the call-in number or location may change.
Friday, December 31 City Offices Closed – New Year’s Day Observed Monday, January 10 6:00pm – City Council Meeting Thursday, January 13 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting
s Crews create a temporary stream diversion at Birch Bay-Lynden Road to allow pipe to eventually be placed. Photo courtesy Whatcom County Public Works Department situation report released December 17, conducted by the Whatcom Unified Emergency Operations Center, said 183 people from 54 households remain in temporary housing. As for roads affected in the area, Birch Bay-Lynden Road, which had a 40-foot section washed out after a California Creek culvert failed, repair is
awaiting a weather window so that county crews can install a pipe for creek passage, according to the public works website. Public works expects emergency repairs to finish mid- to late-January. Its contractor has removed the washed-out roadway from the creek and started pulling back the slopes. The slide on Drayton Harbor
not sold for several years or that we have too many of. This year, we donated a van-full of these surplus toys to Whatcom Strong for families in the east part of the county affected by flooding. Many children in this area lost all their toys, so the donation from our community was greatly appreciated. This year’s shopping proceeds, which totaled $4,131, will be shared with the Bridge Community Hope Center’s emergency assistance fund, the Life Impact Pantry, and the Community Assistance Program’s utility bill fund. Through the work of these organizations, your donations will have an impact on families in the community throughout the year ahead. Thank you for making all this
possible. A big thanks goes to all our volunteers, as well. We couldn’t do this without you. It is an honor to be part of such a giving community. Laura Vogee Toy Store director Blaine
CITY OF BLAINE
ENGINEERING TECH III
Road at the Shintaffer Road intersection is a lower priority for final repairs because of low traffic volumes, according to the public works website. Public works staff are working with a geotechnical engineer to assess the condition and safety of the slope and hope to open the road to single lane traffic as soon as safety and slope stability permit.
Monday, January 17 City Offices Closed – Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, January 24 6:00pm – City Council Meeting All City offices are currently closed to the public. Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website. Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.
CITY OF BLAINE
OFFICE SPECIALIST – UTILITY BILLING Salary Range: $23.34 – $28.28 per hour (2021 wages; 2022 wages will be determined by new CBA).
The Editor: Pardon me if I’ve missed something in your reporting. I’m just an interested reader here asking if we are soon going to read some of the more salient details regarding the Birch Bay-Lynden Road closure? By the way, I know I speak for many, I thank you all for your hard work putting the fine little paper together so well every week. You’re very much appreciated. Merry Christmas and happy New Year to all. Ken Arnold Birch Bay
Under the general direction of the Finance Director, the Utility Billing Office Specialist works directly with the Utility Billing Coordinator and performs regular and recurring customer service, administration of utility billing records, utility billing accounting, and total utility billing cycles. This position is also required to perform periodic Utility Billing Coordinator functions including after-hours reinstatement of utility meter services. Interested persons should complete the online application on the City’s website, https://www.ci.blaine.wa.us/1073/Office-Specialist---Utility-Billing First review deadline is January 7, 2022 at 4:30 PM. The position is open until filled. The City of Blaine is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Thank you for supporting local journalism.
Salary Range: $5,243 - $6,119 per month plus benefits. (2021 wages; 2022 wages will be determined by new CBA)
The best thing in my mailbox on Thursdays! - Ann Walter
The Engineering Technician III provides a wide variety of technical support to the public and Public Works Department, both in the office and the field, such as plan review, document processing (i.e. developer review), document archival, data collection, and inspection services for both developer and public projects. They utilize GIS tools to support technical analysis of facilities and property within the scope of department needs, assists with preparation of a wide variety of engineering designs, while also assisting the public by providing information regarding engineering practice and policy.
This week’s supporters:
Interested persons should complete the online application on the City’s website, https://www.ci.blaine.wa.us/857/Engineering-Technician-III First review deadline is December 31, 2021 at 4:30 PM. The position is open until filled. The City of Blaine is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
www.cityofblaine.com
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The Northern Light • December 30, 2021 - January 5, 2022
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Sports Boys basketball beats rival Lynden for first time in nearly 30 years
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Genesis is our returning state qualifier and the co-captain of the Blaine High School girls wrestling team. This year she has continued to be a positive, and motivating teammate. Genesis pushes herself and those around her to be better wrestlers and students. Additionally, Genesis has 13 wins and 2 losses and placed 4th at the Everett Girls Championship Open Tournament.
s Borderites storm the court after a historic 49-44 win over rival Lynden December 20.
By Ian Haupt Matt Dohner and Aaron Kortlever watched their sons, Avery and Jaxon, and the rest of Blaine’s boys basketball team beat Lynden for the first time since they were on the team. Matt watched online while away for work while Aaron watched from the stands. On December 20, the Borderites beat the Lions 49-44 in the high school gymnasium. Twenty-nine years ago, in the 1992-93 season, Blaine beat Lynden twice in season where they lost in the first round of the state tournament
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to Ephrata, who went on to win state, former coach Rob Ridnour said. “For a Lynden standard, it wasn’t a very good year,” he said. “But anytime you beat Lynden that was a big win. Lynden was state-power every year.” The following season Lynden changed divisions, and Ridnour said Blaine never played them again during his time as coach of the team. He coached from 19882000. This year, the boys have had some tough battles and losses, losing to Burlington-Edison 6159 by a buzzer-beater December 9. With a 3-4 record, Matt said hopefully the win will turn their season around. He said it was a tough, defensive battle – the Borderites held an undefeated Lynden to its lowest-scoring game so far this season. “Kind of an ugly game,” Matt said. “But they deserved the win.” Ridnour, who led Blaine to two state championships in the 199899 and 1999-00 seasons, said this is a strong team this year. “The
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s Former Blaine player Aaron Kortlever in the 1992-93 season winning game against Lynden. Courtesy photo
Photo by Janell Kortlever
s Matthew Russ tries to get his shot past the blocking hand of a Lynden Lion’s player in Blaine’s 49-44 win December 20. Photo by Janell Kortlever
top eight guys on the team can all shoot and score, so when you have guys like that, you’re going to have a good team,” he said. The Borderites are on the road the next two games at Mount Vernon Christian Thursday, December 30, and Anacortes Monday, January 3, 2022. Sports roundup Girls basketball The Lady Borderites narrowly lost to Mount Vernon 54-51 in their home-opener December 17. They then traveled to Lynden December 20 where they lost 58-30. Blaine will host Anacortes Monday, January 3, and then travel to Lakewood Friday, January 7. Both games are at 7:15 p.m. The girls have had a rough start to their Covid-19 delayed season. They are 4-1. Wrestling Boys varsity wrestling will compete at Meridian in a multischool meet Monday, January 3. The girls team will compete next at Lynden Thursday, January 6.
December 30, 2021 - January 5, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com
2021 ... From page 1
anek adjusted to his new position with the city. Previously, Ziemianek worked as transmissions and distributions operations manager at Seattle City Light. • Enrollment numbers at Blaine schools continued to drop from the start of the school year, worrying the district about financial impacts. By January, the district was down 75 students from what it had planned. • The Crisis Stabilization Center opened in Bellingham to serve Whatcom County residents experiencing mental health and substance abuse crises. • Washington State Department of Ecology said crews were unable to recover 5,400 to 8,000 gallons of Bakken crude oil after nearly 30,000 gallons of oil leaked during
the Custer train derailment. • The city of Blaine ditched pursuing a grade separation at the Bell Road and Peace Portal Drive intersection for streetlights and bypass lanes after the grade separation was deemed too expensive at $50 million. The new project to ease traffic congestion is estimated at $3 million. • Good Samaritan Society – Stafholt nursing home experienced a second Covid-19 outbreak since the pandemic began. The Whatcom County health department confirmed three people tested positive, including one of whom died from the virus. • Blaine City Council began considering the annexation of a 3.5acre property at 4455 H Street Road during a work-study session. If approved by the city and county, this would be the first time the city has annexed land in east Blaine since 1996.
February • Over 200 Blaine and Birch Bay residents fell behind on bills as the state utility moratorium prevented shutoffs. The city of Blaine and Birch Bay Water and Sewer District created payment plans to help those behind on their bills. • The city of Blaine appointed Sukhwant Singh Gill as the atlarge councilmember, filling former councilmember Alicia Rule’s seat. • Covid-19 vaccine supply continued to not meet the numbers of people eligible for the vaccine and frustration grew by those anxious to receive a vaccine. • Discovery Plus released a documentary on the Asian giant hornets found in east Blaine called “Attack of the Murder Hornets” that featured local beekeepers and landowners. • North Whatcom Fire and Rescue and Whatcom County Fire
District 4 considered creating a regional fire district to encompass both jurisdictions. • Whatcom County Council, acting as the health board, sent a letter to governor Jay Inslee expressing frustration with the impact of his Roadmap to Recovery plan for smaller counties. • Whatcom County Council closed the road adjacent to Tony’s Tavern to allow outdoor dining while state indoor dining restrictions remained in place. • A new, drive-through Covid-19 testing site opened at Bellingham International Airport in partnership with Whatcom County Health Department and Northwest Laboratory. • Infinity Dance Company opened a studio in Birch Bay. • Blaine and Birch Bay restaurants opened to 25-percent capacity after three months of being closed indoors because of the state’s
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Covid-19 restrictions. • City council discussed future action options after a January king tide storm eroded several spots along Blaine Marine Park and exposed dump debris from the former landfill in the area. The 2021 city budget didn’t include enough money for repairs, but the city faced losing parts of the park’s trail if it didn’t act. • Local law enforcement faced hiring challenges. March • The Blaine Chamber of Commerce named Nimbus Real Estate as 2020 business of the year. • Blaine school board directed superintendent Christopher Granger to plan for district layoffs for the next school year if state funding was reduced because of a decline in enrollment numbers. • Whatcom County’s first mass (See 2021, page 8)
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6 tips to keep your pets safe and warm this winter Just as people prepare their homes, cars and families for extreme temperatures of winter, it’s important to remember pets’ needs this time of year. As cold weather sets in, Dr. Jennifer Freeman, DVM, resident veterinarian at PetSmart, shares these tips to prepare and ensure your pets are warm and happy throughout winter. Take caution when outdoors When temperatures reach levels of extreme cold, Freeman recommends limiting outdoor walks and monitoring your pet’s behavior for signs of stress or discomfort. Letting your dog outside to use the bathroom or go for a quick walk is OK, but never leave a pet outside for a long period of time, especially during a winter storm. “Don’t let your dog off its leash after snowfall, as snow can mask familiar scents,” Freeman said. “This can cause your pet to become disoriented or lost if they get too far away.” Add extra layers Despite efforts to limit time outdoors, your pet needs to go outside for bathroom breaks and exercise. Pets who are small, short-haired, old or have any
health issues or illnesses may be more sensitive to cold weather. Pet sweaters can help keep your pet warm. If your pet is shivering, that’s a sign they need extra layers. To help trap body heat and protect paws from extreme cold, consider using booties when venturing outside. Watch for hazardous chemicals Many people use snow-melting products like deicers, antifreeze and salt, which can cause skin irritation and be fatal if ingested by your pet. Pet parents should keep an eye on their pets when they’re outside and be mindful of hazards. After a walk, it’s important to thoroughly rinse your pet’s paws and stomach, Freeman said, especially after walking in areas where these products are frequently used. Keep skin protected Just like humans, many pets get dry skin during the winter. When your pet needs a bath, try using a pet-friendly moisturizing shampoo to help keep skin healthy and hydrated. If your pet’s skin seems extra dry, supplements like fish oil can be added to your pets’ food to help the skin and coat. It’s important to keep an eye on skin health and check with your vet
if issues persist as they could be with current contact information and tuck a copy of their vaccinasigns of larger problems. tion and medical records, veterHave an emergency plan Submit Pet Paparazzi photos “WhileCan creating kits inary we emergency change freshen up contact information and a to editor@thenorthernlight.com in case of a storm or power out- current photo in your emergency your pup to Call early, booking age, don’t forget about your pet’s kit. up quickly. Orpet’ something like courtesy Family Features Article needs,” Freeman said. “A s kit should include that? supplies needed to keep them fed, warm and secure during emergency conditions like blizzards or extreme cold. Items like sweaters, insulated vests, paw booties, pet-safe ice melt and a heated bed or pad can help avoid risks associated with freezing temperatures.” Gather any other care items your pet may require such as medications, puppy pads, waste Booking up quickly...CALL NOW! bags, litter box supplies and calming spray. Freeman also sug• Full Service Spa Groom gests storing a one-week supply • Express Wash of food in a waterproof contain• Deluxe Spa Bath er along with bottled water and • Spa Therapies portable bowls as well as a list of • Certified Groomers on Staff feeding routines and behavioral considerations in case others NOW OFFERING need to care for your pet. CAT GROOMING Ensure identification with Certified OPEN: Monday-Saturday 8am-5pm Cat Groomer information is current Kari Conners While winter emergencies may Book Online or Call 360.392.8465 add to the importance, it’s crucial 4855 Goldstar Drive • Birch Bay your pet wears a tag displaying www.CanineDivineSpa.com OWNER: Tammy Wojcik your phone number year-round. Microchip and register your pet
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The Northern Light • December 30, 2021 - January 5, 2022
2021 ... From page 7
vaccination site opened March 13 at Bellingham Technical College. • Washington moved into Phase 3 of the governor’s reopening plan on March 22, expanding indoor dining to 50 percent capacity and allowing high-contact sports to start competing and more spectators at events. • Southwest Airlines announced it would offer flights out of Bellingham International Airport by the end of 2021. • Blaine residents reflected on their experiences during the oneyear anniversary of the U.S./Canada border being closed to non-essential travel. • Blaine City Council approved creating a commission in charge of bringing three murals to downtown.
• Blaine Library public service assistant Patty Macheras retired after 32 years working at the library. • Concern over dilapidated east Blaine sewer lines were brought to council’s attention in early March, prompting the city to begin the engineering process and start repairs as soon as possible. The infrastructure update was estimated to cost $6 million and had been recommended since the mid2000s. • The Washington state insurance commissioner issued an emergency rule prohibiting insurance companies from using credit scores to determine rates on automobile, homeowners and renter’s insurance policies. April • Blaine school district returned all hybrid students to in-person learning fulltime on April 19. This came after the state Department of Health reduced physical dis-
Home
tancing between students from 6 to 3 feet, allowing the district to increase the number of students it allowed in classrooms. • Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu gave his first State of the County address April 6, which highlighted the unprecedented year since he took office. • Whatcom County experiences five fentanyl deaths in two weeks, which the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force called a “disturbing trend.” • Blaine High School spring sports began, which encompassed soccer, baseball, softball, golf, tennis and track and field. • WCSO and Blaine Police Department deputies began a homicide investigation after a man’s body was found on Semiahmoo Spit April 7. After seeking tips from the public and finding probable cause, officers arrested a Bellingham woman April 13 on suspicion
&
of second-degree murder. • People who had been formerly incarcerated regained the right to vote in Washington state after governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 1078 on April 7. The law was set to go into effect January 1, 2022. • The city of Blaine was expected to receive $500,000 for its Marine Park Beach Naturalization project and $500,000 for the city’s downtown revitalization project from the state. City manager Michael Jones called the funding “a tremendous success.” • The city worked to move its stuff out of the old city hall and prepared to demolish the building in the summer. • Whatcom County Council rewrote its indecent exposure law to include an exception for breastfeeding. • Local boat retailers saw a sharp increase in sales since the start of
the pandemic, causing boats and engines to go on backorder for months. • Canada Border Services Agency officers stopped a truck attempting to cross into Canada from Whatcom County with $3.5 million in cocaine. • Blaine mayor Bonnie Onyon announced she wouldn’t seek re-election in November 2021. • The Railway Café celebrated the caboose’s 100-year anniversary. Tony Andrews, of Tony’s Just A Bite, brought the 1921 caboose to Blaine in the mid 80s and it served as an assortment of businesses over the years, from gift stores to postal stores. • Spencer Hill, of Blaine, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for drug distribution in Alaska. In 2019, the now 24-year-old was found in possession of more (See 2021, page 13)
Garden
A monthly special section in The Northern Light
City approves one-time utility relief program to avoid shutoffs during the cold By Ian Haupt Blaine City Council voted 4-0 during its December 27 regular meeting to use federal funds to implement a one-time utility relief program for residents unable to pay their December utility bill. The program delayed shutoffs that would have happened this week. With temperatures dipping into the teens this week, the city
will use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to pay the utility bills for 40-50 households this month, finance director Daniel Heverling said, which could total up to $10,000. This will help those families avoid losing heat during one of the coldest weeks this year. The relief program is only a one-time deal for this month. Heverling said if the city would like to delay shutoffs again due to
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severe weather, it would have to change its municipal code. The city ended its utility moratorium in early November after governor Jay Inslee lifted Washington state’s utility shutoff moratorium at the beginning of October. In November, the city saw 112 shutoffs but Heverling said most of those had their utilities turned back on after paying their bills or seeking a payment plan. On average, he said around 100 customers have their utilities shutoff after the 30-day billing cycle is up and they’ve failed to pay. But he said most of those customers pay their bill shortly after their utilities are turned off. “There is definitely communication from the city to those individuals behind on their payments,” Heverling said. “We don’t want to shut people off, we
rather they pay, or get on a payment plan.” Customers currently on payment plans with the city of Blaine have 12 months to pay off overdue bills before becoming at risk of a shutoff. People behind on bills owe on average $700. Heverling said the debt ranges from a couple of hundred dollars to $1,000. Heverling said the city currently has 75 customers on utility payment plans and that the city is owed about $75,000 from customers behind on either electrical and/or water bills. The city has approximately 3,500 connections. Birch Bay Water and Sewer District (BBWSD) finance director Sandi McMillan said the district will not return to service shutoffs until March 2022. With 7,969 connections, BBWSD has 99 customers who are two or more bills behind during the pandemic, McMillan said in an email to The Northern Light. Those accounts owe the district $52,526, she said. The district of-
fers a 12-month repayment plan for customers in arrears and is in constant contact with community resources, McMillan said. Besides entering into payment plans, customers behind on utility payments are also encouraged to seek assistance from the Opportunity Council and Community Assistance Program. Heverling said he’s heard from those who have reached out to the Opportunity Council getting $500 of assistance if they qualify. Most of the city’s customers could pay overdue bills with this assistance and wouldn’t need a payment plan, he said, but he suspects most aren’t taking advantage of it. Opportunity Council community services manager Lorena Shah said a Blaine customer who is income eligible could receive up to $5,000 in arrearage assistance, while BBWSD customers could receive up to $2,500. The federal energy and water assistance programs are split, Shah said, each offering up to $2,500 to those in arrears who are eligible.
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9
Two lives needlessly lost in Point Roberts carbon monoxide tragedy B y P a t G r u bb The apparent cause of death for a longtime Point Roberts couple appears to be due to the faulty installation of a radiant heating system. Gail Amundsen, 61, and Murray Church, 67, were found dead in their home on Thanksgiving Day evening. The pair were discovered by family friends who were asked to check on them after their children had been unable to make contact with them since November 21. Church was lying in bed while Amundsen was found in an adjoining bathroom. The couple had moved into their newly constructed home on August 9. It was heated by a high efficiency Triangle Tube Prestige Solo 110 condensing boiler, which can use either natural gas or propane for its fuel source. It comes set up for natural gas; it must be converted to use propane. The installation guide contains numerous warnings about the dangers of running the boiler on propane without conversion stating serious injuries or deaths can occur. On December 3, Point Roberts assistant fire chief John Shields and two friends of the family filmed Jerry Amundson, a Blaine heating and air conditioning contractor, as he examined the boiler. He discovered that the original installer, Andgar Heating and Cooling, had failed to replace the natural gas orifice with one designed for propane. Propane, an ingredient in natural gas, has a higher energy content than natural gas. A cubic foot of natural gas will produce 1,030 British Thermal Units (BTUs) while propane will produce 2,516 BTUs. The orifice that constrains propane flow is significantly smaller than an orifice intended for natural gas. In addition, propane gas pressure is higher than natural gas; a typical operating pressure for a natural gas appliance would be around 4 ounces of pressure per square inch versus 5.8 to 6.4 ounces per square inch for propane. Regardless of fuel type, the Prestige installation instructions for the unit call for the installer to run a series of tests and complete a checklist that will determine gas pressure, indicate the fuel source, and determine temperatures and combustion readings for CO2, O2 and CO ppm. In addition, the manual specifies that there must be CO monitors in the room containing the equipment as well and in sleeping areas. A sticker attesting that the equipment has been converted to propane must be affixed to the exterior, signed and dated by the installer including the orifice size and propane kit number and gas pressure. A photo of the boiler shows no such notice. The higher energy content and gas flow would result in higher internal temperatures and pressures. A slight delay in ignition would result in explosive pressures being generated; a photo of the exhaust vent shows it has separated allowing CO and other gases to be released into the house. Point Roberts fire district personnel encountered CO levels of 1300 ppm in the main living floor and 1800 ppm in the basement. The U.S. standard for CO lev-
els is a maximum of 35 ppm for a 1-hour exposure (not to be exceeded more than once a year) and a maximum of 9 ppm for an 8-hour exposure, again just once a year. Exposure at the levels found in the residence would lead to a loss of consciousness in less than an hour. As CO is colorless, odorless and tasteless, it is especially dangerous to individuals who are asleep. Despite the fact that Point Roberts has never had natural gas service, this is not the first time that Andgar has failed to convert a gas-powered device to propane. In 2020, resident Margot Griffiths had an on-demand water heater installed by the company. After the installer had left, she noticed an odor of propane and called 911. The fire department arrived and advised that she had a gas leak. It was later determined that a part intended for use with natural gas needed to be replaced with its propane version. In compensation for that and being without hot water for three days, the company offered her a free furnace checkup. In response to multiple messages left with Andgar Heating and Cooling seeking comment, The Northern Light received a written statement from company spokesperson Michael Grossman: “Andgar’s heartfelt condolences and prayers are with the families of Gail Amundsen and Murray Church. Their deaths are a tragedy, especially this time of year when families get together to celebrate the holiday season. “We assume that a further investigation will be undertaken to determine the cause of the CO leak. We hope this will bring a measure of closure for the couple’s children, and out of respect for the process, we will have no further comment at this time.” Despite the failure of the boiler flue pipe, the couple still need not have died. Since 2011, Washington state law requires new homes under construction to have a CO alarm to be installed outside of each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms, and on each level of the dwelling. Standard practice is to also install an alarm in the garage. The alarms must be hard-wired with a back-up battery and connected to other alarms so when one detector is set off, all the detectors sound the alarm as well. (In homes constructed before then, any work that requires a permit also triggers the requirement for CO alarms.) Despite this, neither the fire department nor the sheriff’s department found any CO monitors installed in the new home. Gary Orr, owner of Shoreline Electric, installed the electrical system in the house. Reached by The Northern Light, Orr said, “I can guarantee you that there was a CO alarm installed in the living room at the time the house was inspected by the county.” When asked about the need for multiple alarms, Orr said there was a conflict between what the state and county required, and that people typically used the more relaxed county standards. However, the Whatcom County Plan Review and Construction Guide is equally restrictive as it incorporates Wash-
ington Administrative Code into its guidelines. Given the county and state requirements and the home’s sleeping configurations, the house should have had a minimum of four CO detectors and possibly more. The home was constructed by Point Roberts’ Optimum Contracting owned by Eric and Christina Johnson. When contacted for comment about the deaths, Eric Johnson replied, “Very sad.” He was unaware that Andgar had failed to convert the boiler for propane use nor was he aware that the house contained no CO monitors. “I don’t know how it could have passed final inspection without those monitors,” he said. Approving residential electrical work is the responsibility of the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. When the Bellingham office was contacted, The Northern Light was told that inspectors would also examine hardwired alarm systems before signing off on the work. The Northern Light contacted Whatcom County Planning and Development department officials and asked how the house was able to receive a final occupancy permit given the obvious deficiencies with the furnace installation and the lack of CO detectors. They were also asked if the county had begun a review of other projects given occupancy permits by the same county employee or other projects that involved Andgar and/or the contractor and electrician that worked on this particular house. In response, planning department assistant director Steve Roberge replied, “Whatcom County is aware of the tragic occurrence at 549 Calder Road in Point Roberts. We are still learning more details about this situation and extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Gail Amundsen and Murray Church, longtime residents of Point Roberts. The safety of our community is our paramount objective, and the process of reviewing police, fire, and other related reports is underway. We will continue to work with our partner agencies to ensure the highest standard of safety here in Whatcom County. “According to preliminary reports, carbon monoxide poisoning
was the cause of the deaths, and the source of the carbon monoxide was likely related to a furnace located in the basement of the home. “We know that the house was inspected by our staff prior to occupancy. At the time of inspection, the house was approved for occupancy. Carbon monoxide detectors are required for new construction and are included in the final inspection review. “We understand that the community wants to know more about the circumstances surrounding this tragedy, and we appreciate your patience as we painstakingly work to shed light on them.” Whatcom County deputy chief Kevin Hester confirmed in a December 13 email to The Northern Light that the sheriff’s department investigation into the deaths had been closed as the deaths were classified as “accidental.” The couple’s family has retained local Point Roberts attorney Mark Stowe to help determine the family’s course of action.
s The exhaust flue was separated from the boiler allowing carbon monoxide to escape into the house. Courtesy photo
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10
The Northern Light • December 30, 2021 - January 5, 2022
2021
year in
REVIEW
Year in Review: Blaine school district
By Christopher Granger Last year as I wrote to you and reflected on the first year of the pandemic I told you I believed we had to keep moving forward with the best of intentions, to continue to work hard and to work together, to think outside the box and find creative solutions to problems none of us had ever encountered before. Now as I reflect on 2021, these words feel just as relevant and even more important. This last summer our administrators came together to work on a plan for a successful school year. Our focus was ultimately to affect positive student outcomes through collaboration and instruction. This work is driven by our belief that all students can learn, be critical thinkers and problem solvers, and be successful after leaving Blaine school district. Collaboration with all stakeholders, including our families and wider community, is important to our success. In addition to engaging in work that ensures a guaranteed and viable curriculum is implemented in all classrooms, we have also worked to include social and emotional learning for our students. Our new deans of students are working in grades PK-12 to support social and emotional learning for all students and staff across the district, as well as connecting with
s The first day of school on September 1. families as students have returned to full time in-person learning. We recognize that as students have returned to in-person learning, while still living in the midst of a pandemic, a unique set of circumstances have developed that they are being forced to navigate. There has been a disturbing wave of encouragement of poor choices directed at our youth through social media, which we have been communicating with families about. Most recently we published a joint statement with Blaine Police Department where we addressed this topic, and you can find that statement on our home page. Also, from any page on our website you can select crisis resources in the black bar on the top right. In addition to crisis resources such as mental health and suicide prevention, you will also find social media resources for families. As we focus our work on positive student outcomes, we must
Photo by Ian Haupt
also acknowledge the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on our students, staff and families. This has become a longer haul than we could have predicted, and people everywhere are tired. Although it may feel at times as though positive intent is more difficult to find, we want to assure you that our staff and administrators remain committed to making the best decisions possible for our school community while also following the health and safety guidelines laid out for us. On behalf of the board of directors and the entire Blaine school district staff, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the collective communities of Point Roberts, Birch Bay and Blaine for your support in making great things happen for all students. We wish you all the best in the year to come. Christopher Granger, Blaine school district superintendent
School district accepting applications for board seat With past Blaine school board member Laura McKinney resigning December 14, the board is accepting letters of interest from community members interested in filling the vacancy. The submission deadline is 4 p.m. Friday, January 21, 2022. The board needs to appoint a representative to fill McKinney’s director district 5 seat, which includes Semiahmoo, north Birch Bay neighborhoods and Blaine neighborhoods south of the railroad tracks, by March 4, 2022. The representative must reside in the newly approved district 5 boundaries, adopted in the December 14 regular board meeting, be a U.S. citizen and registered voter, according to a Blaine school district news release. The letter of interest should be addressed to the board of directors and should describe the candidate’s interest in serving on
the board, including any prior experience, qualifying factors and their goals as a potential board member. Letters can be submitted by email to comments@blainesd. org or in hard copy to the district at 765 H Street. The board will interview candidates and vote on the appointment of a new director to serve until the next candidate is voted on in the November 2023 election. The appointed director and other interested candidates may then run for final two years of the four-year term. McKinney was just reelected to serve her second term on the board in November 2021. The school board will host an informational meeting Wednesday, January 19, 2022 for those interested in learning more about service on the board. Questions can be directed to the superintendent’s administrative assistant, Tina Padilla, at 360/332-0711.
Bellingham woman sentenced for railway sabotage By Grace McCarthy On December 17, a federal judge sentenced a Bellingham woman to 12 months and one day in prison after she was found guilty of attempting to sabotage BNSF Railway tracks in north Bellingham last year. The woman will also have three years’ of supervised release and needs to complete 100 hours of community service. Ellen Brennan Reiche, 28, was convicted in U.S. District Court in Seattle in September for one count of violence against a railroad carrier for trying to place shunts on railway tracks near Cliffside Drive just before midnight on November 28, 2020. Shunts, which are comprised of wire and magnets, can cause trains to derail by triggering their automatic brakes. A train carrying crude oil was expected to travel through the tracks after the shunts were placed, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Reiche was arrested November 28, 2020 along with co-defendant Samantha Frances Brooks, a 24-year-old Bellingham resident, after both women were seen on surveillance footage walking along the north Bellingham tracks. Reiche and Brooks were arrested for trespassing and a shunt was later found on the tracks near where Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office deputies first saw the women, according to the DOJ. Reiche had a paper bag
on her with a drill, magnetic adhesive, gloves and wire that was similar to wire used in the shunt, according to the DOJ. Brooks was sentenced in October to six months in prison and three years of supervised release after she pleaded guilty this summer to one count of interfering with a railroad signaling system. In her plea, Brooks said she followed another person’s directive to create train delays. “Placing a shunt on active railroad tracks puts lives in danger – to drivers preparing to cross the tracks who may not get any warning lights of an approaching train, and to the homeowners in the area who could be endangered by a train derailment,” U.S. attorney Nick Brown said in a news release on Reiche’s sentencing. “In this case, the shunt was placed just prior to the arrival of a train with 97 tanker cars loaded with crude oil. Thankfully, the device was discovered and removed before it could cause a tragedy.” The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and BNSF Railway police had been investigating over 40 shunts placed on Whatcom and Skagit county tracks since January 2020. Investigators previously said they believed the shunt attacks were environmental terrorism after someone anonymously claimed responsibility online for a shunt placed in January 2020 that was protesting a pipeline being built in B.C.
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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: MARJAN GERDINA EICHER, Deceased. No. 21-4-00990-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Robert E. Olson The Personal Representative named below has been appointed and has qualified as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: December 1, 2021 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: December 9, 2021 Name of Personal Representative: CINDY MAXWELL Attorney for Personal Representatives: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262 Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com DATED: December 1, 2021. AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. Attorney for Personal Representative CINDY MAXWELL www.averyelderlaw.com
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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: FRANK MELVIN EICHER, Deceased. No. 21-4-00994-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Lee P. Grochmal The Personal Representative named below has been appointed and has qualified as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: December 1, 2021 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: December 9, 2021 Name of Personal Representative: CINDY MAXWELL Attorney for Personal Representatives: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262 Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com DATED: December 1, 2021. AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. Attorney for Personal Representative: CINDY MAXWELL www.averyelderlaw.com
11
Legal (cont.) WL Blaine LLC, P.O. Box 1277, Boise, ID 83701, is seeking coverage under the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Construction Stormwater NPDES and State Waste Discharge General Permit. The proposed project, Blaine Retail, is located at Truck Route SR 543 & H Street, Blaine, Washington in Whatcom County. This project involves approximately 4.5 acres of soil disturbance for commercial and utility construction activities. The receiving waterbody is Cain Creek. Any persons desiring to present their views to the Washington State Department of Ecology regarding this Application, or interested in Ecology’s action on this Application, may notify Ecology in writing no later than 30 days of the last date of publication of this notice. Ecology reviews public comments and considers whether discharges from this project would cause a measurable change in receiving water quality, and, if so, whether the project is necessary and in the overriding public interest according to Tier II anti-degradation requirements under WAC 173-201A-320. Comments can be submitted to: ecyrewqianoi@ecy.wa.gov, or ATTN: Water Quality Program, Construction Stormwater Washington State Department of Ecology P.O. Box 47696 Olympia, WA 98504-7696 NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Superior Court of the State of Washington, In and for the County of Whatcom, In re the Estate of Jelle “Jim” Zylstra. Probate No. 21-401003-37. Judge: Evan Jones. The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the Clerk of this Court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice (twenty-four (24) months if notice is not published). If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of first publication: 12/9/21. Personal Representative: Kenneth Zylstra. Attorney for the Estate: Keith Bode, WSBA #7791 314 5th Street, P.O. Box 688, Lynden, WA 98264-0688, Tel. (360) 354-5021 SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON KING COUNTY In re the Estate of: Daniel Louis Warner and Jane Eileen Warner, Deceased. NO. 21-4-08078-6 SEA. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030 The Administrator named below has been appointed as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedents must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedents’ probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: December 9, 2021 Administrator: Mary Alice Kipp Benson Attorney for the Administrator: Nicholas Pleasants Address for Mailing or Service: 2300 130th Ave NE Ste A-101, Bellevue, WA 98005 Court of probate proceedings and cause number: King County Superior Court Case No. 21-4-08078-6 SEA
12
The Northern Light • December 30, 2021 - January 5, 2022
Real Estate 220 14th Street Blaine $1,000,000
Bay Properties Semiahmoo homeS, inc.
N W L U X U RY R E A L E S TAT E AT A H I G H E R L E V E L
4-plex in convenient location within walking distance to schools and shopping. Minutes to the Canadian Border! Four townhomes each with garage. Spacious 2-BR, 2-BA townhomes with a great rental history. Zero vacancy now – 2 units (month to month), 2 (lease). New furnaces and hot water heaters, natural gas forced air heat installed in the last 2 years. Very little maintenance to deal with – existing property management company is available to handle the revenues. Don’t let this one get away! LISTED AND SOLD IN 2 WEEKS!
DEVELOPER INVESTOR ALERT! Amazing opportunity! 22.71 +/acres of WATERFRONT,WATER VIEW & DEVELOPMENT on 3 properties located near Semiahmoo. Privacy abounds on all 3 parcels. PARCEL A includes 3 BR home with views of Mt. Baker & Drayton Harbor & situated on 5 acres. PARCEL B has 120+/- feet of salt waterfront on Drayton Harbor, with private beach. PARCEL C is 17 acres covered with trees and could possibly be developed with 3 homes on the acreage under the current zoning. Easy access to I-5 and your gateway to Vancouver and Seattle.
PERFECT LOCATION!
Furnished, charming, affordable, historic gem offering 2 bedrooms in Blaine’s most desired neighborhood. A short NEW LISTING! walk to downtown, harbor, stores and schools. Fully fenced back yard with single car garage offering ample storage area, covered back deck and green house. This home has been cared for both inside and out and is ideal for a first time home buyer.
Terry Conway • (360) 410-0503
CeCelia Breivik • (360) 303-8161
7806 Birch Bay Dr. #415, Birch Bay $399,999
5273 Drayton Harbor Rd. Blaine $1,695,000 WATERFRONT, WATER VIEW & DEVELOPMENT ON 3 PARCELS!
INVESTOR OPPORTUNITY!
1033 4th Street Blaine $360,000
ANOTHER FABULOUS END GARDEN UNIT AT JACOB’S LANDING!
JACOB’S LANDING Saltwater views, magical sunsets, CONDOMINIUM! prime beach access & all amenities that Jacob’s Landing has to offer: Indoor pool & hot tub, tennis courts, racquet ball court plus game room & social room. This 2-BD, 1-BA unit comes furnished with laminate floors, wall to wall carpet & tiles. Life beachside is quite awesome with restaurants & cafes nearby, crabbing & clamming, kayaking & miles of beach to explore. Make this your primary residence or a weekend get-a-way!
11.33 ACRE ESTATE theridgeatsemiahmoo.com PROPERTY WITH A VIEW! Rare west facing marine view estate property encompassing 11.33 acres overlooking bays, mountains, & islands, located on Birch Point plateau high above pristine NW waters. Your future home will take in spectacular sunsets, a view that will always be yours. Beautifully forested, relatively level with slight slope eastward and ready for you to build your dream home offering privacy & exclusivity. Located an hour south of Vancouver, BC and under two hours to Seattle. Just a mile from Semiahmoo with its Inn, golf course, & 300 slip marina. The property could potentially be divided - Choices, choices!
Ruth Skeete • (360) 358-5075
Carl W. R. Dufton • (360) 815-6637
5835 Semiahmoo Dr. Birch Point $999,888
Julie Ward • (760) 522-2564
8045 BIRCH BAY DRIVE, BLAINE, WA • 360-371-7252 • BAYPROPERTIESNW.COM
H
FIND IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS
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5488 Puffin Place, Blaine • $300,000 MLS # 1698438 • Vacant Land • 0.55 Acres
Home site #20. Over 1/2 acre 23958 sq. ft. Water and Mountain view home site in Drayton Hillside on Puffin Place a gated community. Bring your plans and ambition and enjoy this most peaceful setting, and all the amenities the Semiahmoo community has to offer. Marina, Golf and Country Club, Heath Club, Spa, 200 room Inn at Semiahmoo, restaurants, tennis, pools, pickle ball and so much more.
• Applicants must be 62 years or disabled and meet eligibility requirements. • Qualified applicants pay 30% of adjusted income, subject to availability of Rental Assistance. Apartments include: • Appliances • Water, Sewer, Garbage Paid • Laundry Room On-Site • Smoke Free Apartments • Handicap Accessibility • Small Pets allowed (limit 1 per apt.)
To apply, pick up application at the apartments at 715 G Street, Blaine, WA
Or call 360-933-1554, TDD # 711. Email: bayviewplaza@yahoo.com
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Washington Plaza Apts. Affordable Housing
Now Taking Applications. USDA Rural Development property. • Applicants must be 62 years or disabled and meet eligibility requirements. • Qualified applicants pay 30% of adjusted income, subject to availability of Rental Assistance. Apartments include: • Appliances • Water, Sewer, Garbage Paid • Laundry Room On-Site • Smoke Free Apartments • Handicap Accessibility • Small Pets allowed (limit 1 per apt.)
To apply, pick up application at the apartments at 2027 Washington St., Ferndale, WA
Or call 360-384-3373, TDD # 711. Email: bayviewplaza@yahoo.com
456 feet +/- of Waterfront property on 16.85 acres, with either estate or subdivide opportunities. Can be expanded buy adding parcel # 3951111614530000, 13.38 acres. Potential for up to six home sites with the addition of this parcel. Combined parcel available with combined listing #1589151 with over 30 acres +/- and over 814 feet +/- of waterfront footage. Water available through Birch Bay Water. Be the benificiary of terrific sun exposure, & an incredibly private & quiet location.
briansouthwick@gmail.com
see more pictures at www.briansouthwick.com
Wishes for a Happy and Healthy 2022! D! L O S
D! L O S
40’ Semiahmoo Marina Boat Slip Slip C-23 $59,000
3BR, 2-full -BA, Ductless heat pump. LR opens to large kitchen & eating area w/ new cabinets & floors. Home offers lots of nice upgrades! $400,000
8655 Valley View Rd.
Call Hugh : 360.371.5800 Your Local Expert For All Real Estate, Residential Or Commercial Services! Hugh Brawford, Managing Broker
www.CallHugh.com
Wishing you Happy Holidays and a Healthy 2022! Rentals - Rooms
FOLLOW US ON
Now Taking Applications. USDA Rural Development property.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Location, Location!
All real estate/rentals advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246.
Bayview Plaza Apartments Affordable Housing
0 Koehn Rd., Blaine • $1,495,000 MLS # 1597410 • Vacant Land • 16.85 Acres
360.815.6638
FURNISHED ROOMS in historic home, incl. amenities, NS, pet friendly starts at $600/ mo. + deposit, references required. 360-332-3449.
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NELSON BUILDING 925 Ludwick Ave., Blaine
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December 30, 2021 - January 5, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com
2021 ... From page 8
methamphetamine and heroin doses than the entire Ketchikan, Alaska are population. • Sam Toepper, a 14-year-old Blaine gymnast, placed at USA Gymnastics regional championships in Montana. • Scientists began trapping for European green crabs in Drayton Harbor. • Whatcom County Council voted 5-2 to approve a six-month moratorium on accepting outdoor cannabis growing permit applications and at its next meeting, on April 20, included greenhouses to the moratorium. The moratorium came after rural residents complained of light pollution and smell from the operations. • Washington state restaurants were allowed to continue curbside and to-go alcohol sales until July 2023 after Inslee signed House Bill 1480. • Blaine Food Bank founder Evelyn Bonallo died April 23 as the food bank approached its 50th anniversary. • North Whatcom Fire and Rescue commissioners withdrew from negotiations to create a regional fire authority with Whatcom County Fire District 4. Commissioners cited “cultural and strategic differences” between districts as the reason for their decision. Both districts said they would reconsider planning a regional fire authority after the November commissioner elections. • A Blaine man and woman were arrested April 30 as suspects in a Birch Bay drive-by shooting that shot one man in the foot. May • The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce began accepting applications for Birch Bay Task Force volunteers to provide Whatcom County Council with recommendations on recreational activities allowed on the berm path. • The Whatcom County Library System announced a Birch Bay Capital Facility Area ballot measure would appear on the November 2021 election. The ballot measure would increase property taxes to fund the remaining amount needed for library construction. • Whatcom County Council reintroduced the ordinance to establish a Drayton Harbor no-shooting zone, as well as a similar no-shooting ordinance for the Dearborn area, near Dakota Creek and Drayton Harbor. The Drayton Harbor ordinance was introduced in the county in 2019 at the urging of Blaine City Council but became dormant when the county focused on Covid-19 work in 2020. • The 37th annual Blessing of the Fleet honored fishermen lost at sea at Blaine Harbor. • U.S. lawmakers called on Congress to close loopholes that could have led to layoffs for Lister Chain and Forge, a Blaine anchor chain manufacturer that provides anchor chains for the majority of U.S Navy and Coast Guard ships. • North Whatcom Fire and Rescue announced it would have a property tax levy in the August primary election. • Blaine High School winter sports began competing in mid-May. • The C Shop reopened for in-per-
son sales for the first time since closing its doors in March 2020. • Blaine City Council approved the next steps for annexing two adjoining H Street properties on May 12 after strong pushback in a public hearing before the vote. • Blaine Senior Center started a phased reopening of in-person services May 17. • Lummi Nation House of Tears carvers brought a totem pole to the future Birch Bay Vogt Community Library before starting their cross-country journey to Washington, D.C. to raise awareness of land and water protection. • Whatcom County health officials urged residents to get vaccinated to prevent rising Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations in the county. • U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that a new train scanner would be installed at the border that will allow trains to travel twice the current speed, which may reduce Blaine and Birch Bay traffic delays. • Loads of Love, a laundry program that pays for community members’ laundry, saw increased demand since the start of the pandemic. • Blaine school district was able to keep four special education positions that administrators considered laying off because of potential budget cuts due to declining enrollment numbers. • August primary election candidates announced bids for local
races including Blaine City Council, Blaine school board and Whatcom County Council. • Whatcom County Council tabled discussion on the Drayton Harbor no-shooting zone until the next meeting after rigid debates in a public hearing and between councilmembers. Council debated extending the current 300-foot buffer zone to become 1,000 feet, instead of a complete shooting ban. The discussion was later delayed a few months. • Custer rest areas reopened after the Washington State Department of Transportation closed them for maintenance in mid-March. • Birch Bay resident Kathy Jo Andersen pleaded guilty to second-degree assault with a deadly weapon after chasing her neighbor with a hunting knife in December 2020. Andersen was sentenced to 12 months in prison and ordered not to come within 1,000 feet of the victim for 10 years. June • Western Washington University’s Salish Sea report, the first of its kind in over 25 years, cited environmental decline. • A squirrel sparked Memorial Day power outages within the city of Blaine that lasted eight hours. • Blaine Police Department swore in two new officers, Jordan Maphumulo and Katelyn Weaver, at Blaine City Hall. • Blaine High School class of 2021 (See 2021, page 15)
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13
O B I T U A RY Randall Scott Sanders
December 28, 1950 – December 22, 2021 It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Randall Scott Sanders at age 70 in Blaine. Randy was born on December 28, 1950, in Bellingham to Virginia (Ginger) Daisy Donnett Miller Sanders and George (Scotty) Frazey Sanders. Randy was the oldest of three sons, and his brothers are Steven Lynn and Mark Dean. Randy was a graduate of Blaine High School, class of 1969. He was active in football, track and field, and drama. His good nature earned him the superlative “Most Smiliest”. Those closest to him in high school nicknamed him ‘Bear’, not only because of his size, but because he was friendly, kind and gentle by nature. He valued this time of his life. His high school friends were lifelong friends, and it was only three years later that he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Randy married Susan (Susie) Wickett, also from Blaine, in 1970, and they had a daughter Krista Marcene. They have been married for 51 years. They spent 33 years in Redmond, Washington before returning to Blaine to retire in 2016. They have lived at Birch Bay Village for the past five years and enjoyed time with family, new and old friends, and living near the beach. Randy graduated with a BA in accounting from Western Washington University. By profession he was a CPA, but his passion was people. Randy was a great humanitarian. He was dedicated to impacting people’s lives through love and generosity, and especially to help differently-abled people, because he walked their journey. He believed in the importance of equality and promoted an appreciation for all people. Randy faced his own challenge of having Multiple Sclerosis for most of his adult life and as a result became an advocate for those who faced similar hardships. He volunteered at Bridge Disability Ministries in Kirkland for many years, assisting with accounting, guardianship, playing music at events, and most importantly, he belonged to several Circles of Friends. He was also active at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Kirkland for many years where he served on the Vestry, was a Stephen Minister, served in the Kairos prison ministries, and was part of the contemporary music group playing guitar. Upon returning to Blaine, he attended Grace Lutheran Church and played his guitar at the contemporary music services. Randy’s first love was his family and friends. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather who filled his home with love, laughter, and joy. He also had a passion for music. He loved listening to jazz. He sang and played many instruments, including guitar, violin, saxophone, and he most recently began playing the piano. He also loved sports, especially golf and football. Randy is preceded in death by his mother Ginger and his youngest brother Mark, who both also lived with MS. He is survived by his lifelong partner Susie (Wickett) Sanders; daughter Krista Dy; grandson Elliot Dy; brother Steve (Julie); father Scotty; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He has remained close to many lifelong friends, and as we honor Randy, we echo the words posted by one of them, “Bear walks in heaven”. He has been a servant of God and is now free and at peace in his arms. A memorial service will be held for Randy on Saturday, April 23, 2022, at Grace Lutheran Church in Blaine. Donations can be made to Bridge Disability Ministries, 12356 Northup Way, Suite 103, Bellevue, WA 98005, or to the music program at the Blaine School District: Blaine Fine Arts Association, PO Box 1545, Blaine, WA 98231. You can share memories at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.
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This space can be yours for only $37 per week. 13 week commitment. Call 332-1777 to reserve.
COVERED/HEATED PATIO DINING DINING ROOM • TAPROOM 277 G Street • Downtown Blaine
360-392-0955
TheVaultWine.com
TheVaultWine
Viking Foods Delivery, Online Take-Out Ordering, Table Reservations all at: WWW.THERUSTICFORKEATERY.COM
442 PEACE PORTAL DRIVE • 360-332-4346
OPEN LUNCH/DINNER TUESDAY-SUNDAY 11:30am-8:30pm
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The Northern Light • December 30, 2021 - January 5, 2022
Police Reports Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.: Juvenile problem on D Street. Dec. 13, 3:42 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances on 4th Street. Dec. 13, 5:57 a.m.: Trespass on 14th Street. Dec. 13, 9:30 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Shearwater Road. Dec. 13, 1:55 p.m.: Trespass on B Street. Dec. 13, 7:29 p.m.: Information report on Runge Avenue. Dec. 13, 8:05 p.m.: Civil matter on D Street. Dec. 14, 9:05 a.m.: Threats on H Street. Dec. 14, 10:47 a.m.: Stolen bike on G Street. Dec. 14, 1:07 p.m.: Phone scam on A Street. Dec. 14, 1:17 p.m.: Parking dispute on Martin Street. Dec. 14, 5:15 p.m.: Trespass on Peace Portal Drive. Dec. 14, 5:56 p.m.: Three-car collision on Peace Portal Drive. Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m.: Theft on 8th Street. Dec. 15, 1:32 p.m.: Juvenile problem on H Street. Dec. 15, 4:52 p.m.: Juvenile fight on Harborview Road. Dec. 16, 1:55 p.m.: Assist citizen on D Street. Dec. 18, 9:59 a.m.: Parking
problem on B Street. Dec. 19, 6:53 p.m.: Welfare check on G Street. Dec. 20, 10:23 p.m.: Suicide attempt/threat on Adelia Street. Dec. 21, 11:02 a.m.: Juvenile problem on 9th Street. Dec. 21, 4:37 p.m.: Fraud with theft on G Street. Dec. 21, 6:06 p.m.: Collision on Peace Portal Drive. Dec. 21, 11 a.m.: Hit and run on E Street. Dec. 22, 5:15 a.m.: Information
Sheriff’s Reports Dec. 11, 1:03 a.m.: Traffic hazard on Anderson Road and Glendale Drive. Dec. 11, 11:37 a.m.: Burglary on Loomis Trail Road. Dec. 11, 5:08 p.m.: Behavioral health issue on Peace Portal Drive. Dec. 11, 6:51 p.m.: Shots on Cody and Carson roads. Dec. 11, 7:37 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Delta Line Road, Custer. Dec. 12, 10:33 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident blocking on Loomis Trail and Kickervile roads. Dec. 12, 1:44 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Parkland Drive.
Crossword ACROSS 1. Brew 4. NY ballplayer 7. Rigid external covering in some animals 12. Promotional materials 15. More high-pitched 16. Widely cultivated cereal 18. Dormitory employee 19. Bad act 20. One’s mother 21. Scored perfectly 24. Space station 27. Exchange for money 30. Edible seaweed 31. Iranian city 33. Lakers’ crosstown rivals 34. Nothing 35. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation 37. __ student, learns healing 39. Military official (abbr.) 41. Matchstick games 42. Gasteyer and De Armas are two 44. Distant planet
report on Mitchell Avenue. Dec. 22, 11:35 a.m.: Trespass on Boblett Street. Dec. 22, 2:49 p.m.: Hit and run of property on Dodd Street. Dec. 23, 5:21 a.m.: Warrant arrest on H Street. Dec. 23, 7:04 a.m.: Death investigation on D Street. Dec. 23, 2:43 p.m.: Hit and run attended on Peace Portal Drive. Dec. 23, 8:26 p.m.: Traffic violation on Pacific Highway. Report by Blaine Police Department.
47. A type of residue 48. Punk art icon Jimmy De__ 49. Millihenry 50. Canadian media firm 52. Type of withdrawal 53. Spicy 56. Dish of minced meat or fish 61. Noted previously 63. Happily 64. “Partridge” actress Susan 65. Not present DOWN 1. In a way, brought to an end 2. Scandalized actress Loughlin 3. This (Spanish) 4. Essay 5. Continuing indefinitely 6. Tool for lifting food 7. Partner to Adam 8. Dry white wine drink 9. Spanish be 10. Smaller quantity 11. Last or greatest in
an indefinitely large series 12. (Scottish) island 13. Church officer 14. Large wrestler 17. Polite address for women 22. Famed Susan Lucci character “__ Kane” 23. Mason __ Line 24. Disfigure 25. Asian nation 26. Rage (Span.) 28. Khoikhoin peoples 29. Opera solo 32. Database management system 36. Similar 38. Move up and down playfully 40. Alfalfa 43. Satisfied 44. Baseball official 45. Large, flightless bird of S. America 46. Money given in support 51. Flower cluster 54. Beginning military rank 55. Russian weight measurement 56. Explosive
Dec. 12, 8:19 p.m.: Burglary on Cottonwood Court. Dec. 13, 1:34 p.m.: Harassment on Koehn Road. Dec. 13, 5:10 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Semiahmoo Drive. Dec. 14, 3:41 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Mayfair Place. Dec. 14, 5:04 p.m.: Harassment on Bay Road. Dec. 15, 7:13 a.m.: Vehicle theft on Coastal Loop. Dec. 15, 10:34 a.m.: Theft on Birch Point Road. Dec. 15, 4:33 p.m.: Trespass on Beachcomber Drive. Dec. 15, 8:47 a.m.: Suicidal subject on Clamdigger Drive.
57. An individual unit 58. Midskirt 59. Weapon featuring balls 60. Used of a number or amount not specified 62. Unit of measurement ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
Tides 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W TIME
HEIGHT
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HEIGHT
Th 30 3:19 am 7.9
7:26 am 6.5
1:04 pm 10.0
8:45 pm -1.1
Fr 31 4:25 am 9.1
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1:44 pm 10.1
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Sa 1 5:25 am 10.1
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2:24 pm 10.0 10:17 pm -3.1
Su 2 6:13 am 10.8 11:00 am 8.0
3:14 pm 9.9 11:05 pm -3.5
Mo 3 6:59 am 11.1 12:02 pm 7.8
4:08 pm 9.6 11:53 pm -3.4
Tu 4 7:43 am 11.1
1:00 pm 7.4
5:04 pm 9.1
We 5 12:39 am -2.8
8:25 am 11.0
6:02 pm 8.4
1:58 pm 6.8
Trivia at The Vault: December 30, 7 p.m., the Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: Pop culture. Info: thevaultwine.com. New Year’s Eve at Semiahmoo: Friday, December 31, Semiahmoo Resort, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway. Live performers including magician Jeff Evans, one-man-band Eric Haines, and comedian Chris Larsen. $25 for 6 p.m. show, great for all ages. $45 for 9 p.m. show, 21 and over, includes welcome drink and snacks. Reservations: semiahmoo.com. Ring of Fire and Hope: Friday, December 31, 7 p.m., Birch Bay waterfront. Pick up a free flare starting at 1 p.m. at Beach Cat Brewing Company, 7876 Birch Bay Drive or bring one of your own (without a spike). At 7 p.m. light your flare along the Birch Bay waterfront. Info: birchbaychamber.com. New Year’s at The Vault: Friday, December 31, 8 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar & Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring live music by JP Falcon Grady and Friends. Info: thevaultwine.com. Polar Bear Plunge: Saturday, January 1, in front of Beach Cat Brewing Company, 7876 Birch Bay Drive. Costume contest at 11 a.m., the plunge at noon sharp. Register in advance online or starting at 10 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Info and registration: birchbaychamber.com. Mystery Science Theatre 3000 Live Time Bubble Tour: Sunday, January 2, 3 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial Street, Bellingham. Info and tickets: mountbakertheatre.com. Punch Brothers in Concert: Tuesday, January 11, 7 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial Street, Bellingham. This band of virtuosi have spent more than a decade changing the face of acoustic music, stretching the limitations of instruments, and influencing a generation of young musicians. Info and tickets: mountbakertheatre.com. Joan Osbourne Performs Songs of Bob Dylan: Thursday, January 13, 7 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial Street, Bellingham. Take a ride through the classic songs of Dylan revisited by this critically acclaimed singer. Info and tickets: mountbakertheatre.com. 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.
Dec 30 - Jan 5 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
DATE
Coming up
Weather
Precipitation: During the period of Dec. 20-26, 0.94 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2021 yearto-date precipitation is 45.1 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 50°F on Dec. 22 with a low of 11°F on Dec. 26. Average high was 46°F and average low was 14°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
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. 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.
December 30, 2021 - January 5, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com
2021
year in
REVIEW By Bill Elfo,
sheriff
Merry Christmas from the members of your sheriff’s office! We are pleased that Birch Bay community deputy Derek Jones was so welcomed and that our “mental health deputy,” de-escalation, crisis intervention and bodyworn-camera programs are widely supported. We remain committed to fair, impartial and effective po-
2021 ... From page 13
graduation was celebrated at the football stadium June 11. • The state and county began using prizes as incentives for people to get vaccinated against Covid-19. State prizes included lottery drawings for up to $1 million and a year of college tuition, while the Whatcom County health department organized a vehicle drawing. The state’s Joints for Jabs program allowed local cannabis retailers to offer one free joint for a Covid-19 vaccination. • KUOW, Seattle’s National Public Radio station, reported union officials representing BNSF Railway crews said sabotage caused the December 22, 2020 Custer train derailment. The National Transportation Safety Board released a report on how the tank cars operated a few days later. • Southwest Airlines set Belling-
15
Year in Review: Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office licing. It is however important for everyone to know that wide-sweeping changes in state law are impeding effective crime control and limits our deputies’ ability to keep our community safe. Legislation precludes deputies from conducting temporary investigative detentions of people reasonably suspected of criminal activity. This is not consistent with long-standing U.S. Supreme Court precedent, making Washington
unique among other states. Deputies must now meet much higher standards of probable cause for arrest, prior to effectuating even an investigative temporary detention. Statutes now prohibit deputies from engaging in vehicular pursuits except for a few enumerated felonies and requires the existence of probable cause. This doesn’t include most assaults on officers, domestic violence crimes, burglaries and other felonies. While the Legislature emphasizes mental health
ham International Airport flights, announcing that flights out of Oakland, California and Las Vegas would start November 7. • Blaine Library branch manager Debby Farmer retired after nearly two decades of working for the library. • International Peace Arch Association opened a snack shack to accommodate the increased number of Peace Arch State Park visitors while the U.S./Canada border remained closed. • Whatcom County Council considered revising the Birch Bay golf cart zone boundaries to remove the zone on part of Bay Road near the Bay Crest neighborhood, extend the zone from Parkland Drive to Gemini Street and potentially attach the zone to the Whisper Lake housing development. • Blaine businessman Mike Mulder died June 16 after fighting an illness. Mulder was known for his strong community values, which he pursued through de-
veloping downtown Blaine properties and co-founding Wildbird Charity. • Birch Bay kicked off summer with Kites for Kids at the future Birch Bay Vogt Community Library. • The C Shop celebrated 50 years serving Birch Bay on June 26. • Gig Harbor-based Harbor Custom Development purchased the Horizon at Semiahmoo housing development for $14.3 million. Developers said they were ready to spur development of nearly 230 residences immediately. • Blaine City Council unanimously voted to allow businesses to lease the H, G and Martin Street plazas. This came after nearly a year-long emergency order that allowed establishments to use the plazas during the pandemic as a way to help business. • Birch Bay Waterslides reopened June 30. To be continued next week ...
treatment, the law now restricts a deputy’s ability to take people into custody for evaluation and treatment. Under some circumstances, deputies must leave the area, rather than using reasonable and necessary force to get people to help. Other changes limit deputies’ ability to interview criminal suspects. While deputies are not the immigration police, deputies may not notify federal authorities of even the most violent or sex crimes involving non-citizens and cannot
cooperate in transferring them from the county jail to federal custody. This is just a small sampling of legislative changes that can be provided in the space allowed for this year-end report. Be assured that other law enforcement leaders and myself notified the Legislature of projected impacts prior to enactment of these changes and have and will continue to advocate for changes essential to ensuring public safety. Volkswagen of Bellingham 2200 Iowa Street Bellingham, WA 98229 Tel: (360) 734-5230
A negotiable documentary service fee of up to $150 may be added to the Sales or CAP cost of New or Used Vehicles.
16
The Northern Light • December 30, 2021 - January 5, 2022
We are so grateful for our Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo clients and are honored to have worked with you all in 2021! Leah Crews leahcrews@windermere.com 360-305-4747
Jen Freeman jenfreeman@windermere.com 360-815-0803
1575 Madison Avenue
217 11th Street
4369 Harborview Drive
521 Cedar Street
523 D Street
573 G Street
658 Parkside Place
997 Adelia Street
418 Hammond Street
430 E Street
2430 Dodd Street
2524 Maldives Court
2572 Maldives Court
1173 Rene Court
409 Mystic Street
4569 California Trail
4744 Sandcastle Drive
4751 Birch Bay Lynden Rd. #108
4751 Birch Bay Lynden Rd. #279
4766 N Golf Course Drive
4842 Twilight Place
5097 Fern Street
5405 Quail Run
5504 Bay Ridge Drive
5518 Whitehorn Way
5548 Canvasback Road
5770 Salish Road
6948 Holeman Avenue
7343 Seashell Way
7356 Clamdigger Drive
7407 Clamdigger Drive
7448 Clamdigger Drive
7473 Sole Drive
7477 Sole Drive
7493 Sole Drive
7650 Birch Bay Drive
7970 W Golf Course Drive
8026 Birch Bay Drive #241
8061 Niska Road
8126 Comox Loop
8173 Chehalis Road
8246 Comox Road
8258 Salish Lane
8370 Harborview Road #11
8556 Harborview Road
8596 Blue Grouse Way
8668 Blue Grouse Way
8671 Blue Grouse Lane
8842 Goldeneye Lane
9050 Sea Mist Lane
9174 Belted Kingfisher Road
9333 Harvey Road
9504 Harvey Road
9593 Freedom Place
9718 Vista Terrace
Blue Grouse Way, Lot 22
Leighton Street, Lot 10
Leighton Street, Lot 11
Leighton Street, Lot 12
Leighton Street, Lot 13
Leighton Street, Lot 20
Jen Freeman • jenfreeman@windermere.com • 360-815-0803
Leah Crews • leahcrews@windermere.com • 360-305-4747
