The Northern Light: January 13-19, 2022 by Point Roberts Press

Jan. 13 - 19, 2022

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Biden declares flooding a major disaster, page 3

BPD officers wearing body cameras, page 4

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

100 kg of meth stopped at Canadian border, page 10

King tide floods overcome Birch Bay City council welcomes new councilmembers By Grace McCarthy

(See City, page 3)

s King tide, storm pressure and waves up to 4 feet tall flood south Birch Bay Drive on January 7. Read about the flooding on page 2. Photo by Grace McCarthy

Sefzik appointed 42nd Legislative District senator By Grace McCarthy Whatcom County Council voted 4-2 to appoint 22-year-old Simon Sefzik (R-Ferndale) as state senator for the 42nd Legislative District to replace the late Doug Ericksen. “We are not here, in Whatcom County, a conglomeration of red and blue precincts,” Sefzik said during the meeting. “Instead, we come together to help those in need – whether it’s in flood relief or housing affordability, in homelessness or crime – and give them the support they deserve. I

believe we need a young, fresh energetic voice to represent Whatcom.” Sefzik is the youngest current member of the state legislature and the youngest senator on record, said Erik Smith, a spokesperson for the state senate Republican caucus. Sefzik recently graduated from Patrick Henry College, a private Christian school in Virginia, with a bachelor’s degree in American politics and policy. He interned for the White House Coronavirus Task Force before being hired full time in the White House Management Office. In 2021,

Health officials warn omicron surge has not peaked By Grace McCarthy Whatcom County health officials say the county has not yet reached its peak during the omicron surge, which has already caused Covid-19 to skyrocket to numbers unseen during the nearly two-year pandemic. Dr. Sudhakar Karlapudi, PeaceHealth chief medical officer, said during a January 11 media conference that the Bellingham hospital had its highest number of Covid-19 patients on January 9, with 61

patients. This is 19 patients higher than its 42-patient peak during the delta variant surge in mid-2021. Covid-19 cases are expected to peak the end of January or mid-February, Dr. Karlapudi said. To prepare for the surge, the hospital has limited procedures and created more Covid-19 isolation areas. “Where we are right now is at a scale that’s like nothing we’ve seen in the past,” said Erika Lautenbach, director of Whatcom County Health Department (WCHD). “It pales in comparison.”

County health officials voiced concern that the Covid-19 case numbers and hospitalizations did not return to their baseline in late fall, as they should have after the delta surge. New daily case counts in the past two weeks have been around 300-400, nearly triple and quadruple the numbers seen during previous peaks, Lautenbach said. She added these are likely undercounts as more at-home Covid-19 tests are (See Omicron, page 6)

Sefzik distributed Covid-19 vaccines while working as an operations and logistics coordinator for Nomi Health in Denver, Colorado. According to his resume, Sefzik has also volunteered for the Whatcom County Republican Party since 2013 and interned in the office of U.S. Congressman Ted Budd. County council was in charge of voting for a new state senator after Doug Ericksen died December 17, 2021, battling a monthlong case of Covid-19. Ericksen had held a (See Sefzik, page 5)

Coming Up . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 7 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14

INSIDE

All of Blaine City Council met January 10 for the first time in council chambers since August, when it voted to conduct online meetings until governor Jay Inslee lifted the state mask mandate. Council was joined by new council members Kerena Higgins, Rhyan Lopez and Mike Hill. Council voted 5-2 on Mary Lou Steward as its new mayor, with two dissenting votes, Lopez and Hill in favor of Hill as mayor. During her speech after being nominated for mayor, Steward said she had lived in B.C. and worked as an anesthesiologist in L.A. before moving to Blaine. She has served on city council, is an instructor for the community emergency response team and volunteers with Blaine’s auxiliary communications service that works with the Blaine police department. Hill gave a 10-minute impassioned speech after his nomination about how he’s lived in Blaine his whole life and is tired of seeing its development stunted. Hill criticized council members for never thanking him for his free lawn mowing service to the city, and condemned lack of communication within the city. Council voted 4-3 for councilmember Richard May to serve as mayor pro tempore; councilmembers Eric Davidson, Lopez and Hill voted for Davidson. About a dozen in-person audience members left following the vote for mayor. A few members of the public wanting to speak during public comment and public hearing portions of the meeting attended the hybrid meeting via Zoom. Patchy audio for virtual participants caused council to briefly recess its study session before the main meeting. After several procedural items, council opened the public hearing for the proposed H Street annexation that would continue the annexation process for two parcels of land, 3.26 acres at 4455 H Street and 1.63 acres at 2221 Cedarwood Lane. Annexation for the area was first proposed in November 2020, when the 4455 H Street landowner sent a request to the

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The Northern Light • January 13 - 19, 2022

12-foot king tide causes flooding over south Birch Bay Drive, shoreline erosion in Drayton Harbor By Ian Haupt King tide, storm pressure and 2-4 foot waves caused flooding in south Birch Bay January 7 that left The Bridge Communi-

ty Hope Center building with a foot of standing water to drain. John Gargett, emergency management director for Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), said the combination of an ex-

pected 10-foot king tide and storm surge pushed the tide up to 12 feet last Friday. With the addition of 2-4 foot waves and 40 mph winds, residents on south Birch Bay Drive experienced damage from flooding and thrown beach debris, he said. Emergency management crews closed Birch Bay Drive from Alderson Road through Birch Bay State Park as water broke over the seawall on the south side of the bay and backed up Terrell Creek, flooding the area. Rosemary Connors of The Bridge Community Hope Center, at 4815 Alderson Road, said in an email to The Northern Light that 12 inches of water poured into the building last Friday, interrupting the Bridge’s food distribution. North Whatcom Fire and Rescue firefighters assisted volunteers in draining the building. Connors said this is the

fourth flood the building has experienced in the past 12 months. Gargett said a few residents reported flooding inside their houses. Others were unable to leave their homes until the water receded, he said, and many homes on the bay had damage to the sea-facing side of the house. “One had a log come through the window,” he said. North of Alderson Road, Birch Bay was left mostly unscathed. The berm’s 14-foot coverage protected Birch Bay Drive as it’s designed to and the waves did not make it over, Gargett said. However, the beach along the berm accumulated plenty of logs and driftwood. Crews reopened Birch Bay Drive north of the state park Saturday. As of January 10, Gargett said the road will remain closed through the park until crews can clean beach debris and repair

eroded parts of the road. Waves eroded two areas of Birch Bay Drive up to the fog line. Gargett did not have a damage estimate yet. Drayton Harbor’s south shoreline also experienced some erosion from wave action last week that left Drayton Harbor Road between Blaine and Harborview roads in need of stabilization. Waves broke over the shoreline onto Drayton Harbor Road, leaving standing water and beach debris on the road. Whatcom County Public Works is continuing to monitor the road and may need to close the road if conditions worsen, spokesperson Marie Duckworth said. There is no weight limit or repair date at this time. Crews have placed traffic barricades along the road in places where the shoreline was undercut.

Based on manufacturer’s data available at time of publication for Model Year 2021 vehicles

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s The Bridge Community Hope Center flooded on January 7. This was the fourth flood at the Alderson Road building in 12 months. Photo courtesy Rosemary Connors

s Water rises next to a south Birch Bay home January 7. Photo courtesy Rosemary Connors

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s Storm debris and erosion forced Birch Bay Drive to close through Birch Bay State Park. Photo by Richard Sturgill

s Waves crash along Bay Breeze Restaurant and Bar. Photo by Grace McCarthy

January 13 - 19, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Individual assistance on the way for Whatcom County residents impacted by the November flooding By Grace McCarthy President Joe Biden accepted governor Jay Inslee’s request to declare the November 2021 flooding a major disaster in Washington state on January 5, which will soon bring individual assistance to those impacted by the historic flooding. Federal assistance will be used in combination with local assistance for recovery efforts such as temporary housing, housing repairs and low-cost loans for un-

City ... From page 1

city. The city decided to include neighboring property, 2221 Cedarwood Lane, in the annexation request because the Cedarwood Lane property owner had entered a utility agreement in 2002 that gave the city authority to annex it. The annexation request was first brought before council last January but was delayed due to procedural irregularities in the proposal. City council voted unanimously 6-0, with Davidson absent, to continue the annexation process for the properties. The next step will be for the properties to go to the Whatcom County boundary review board, which can either

insured property loss, according to the White House’s announcement on the declaration. Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo said in a statement that the sheriff’s office division of emergency management will work with FEMA and the state to create a local disaster field office in the next few weeks. People impacted by the November flooding will need to register with FEMA, which will schedule time to inspect each home and business. The sheriff’s accept or deny the annexation request. Council voted unanimously to finance the estimated $6 million east Blaine sewer project to obtain a loan from Holman Capital. The interest rate would be 3.1 percent for the loan over 10 years, meaning total interest paid over 10 years would be $821,382, according to city documents. City finance director Daniel Heverling recommended council seek this option because it was flexible and saved paperwork and time for city staff. Council voted 3-2, with Steward abstaining and Davidson absent, to resume only virtual council meetings starting at the next meeting. Hill and Lopez were in favor of continuing hybrid meetings.

office notes that FEMA inspectors will wear their badge, so residents should be wary of individuals claiming to be inspectors without identification. The Whatcom County sheriff’s office division of emergency management said in the statement the November 2021 flooding created the worst natural disaster since Whatcom County’s incorporation in 1864. After the state finished assessing and collecting damages, Inslee sent a request to Biden on Decem-

ber 17 to declare a major disaster for severe flooding, winter storms, high winds, landslides and mudslides between November 5, 2021 and December 2, 2021. Biden declared major disaster areas in Whatcom, Skagit and Clallam counties as well as the Lummi Nation, Nooksack Indian Tribe and Quileute Tribe reservations. The state may request more federal help if additional damage is found. “This Individual Assistance Declaration is a major step for-

ward in helping our communities recover from the floods,” Elfo said. People can register for assistance at disasterassistance. gov, by calling 800/621-3362 or people with hearing and speech impairments can call 800/4627585. For information specific to Whatcom County, people can call the Whatcom County sheriff’s office division of emergency at 360/676-6681. To view the White House’s announcement on the disaster declaration, visit bit.ly/3zJoh3L.

s Blaine City Council at council chambers during its January 10 meeting. The new councilmembers in attendance were Kerena Higgins, Rhyan Lopez and Mike Hill. Photo by Grace McCarthy

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The Northern Light • January 13 - 19, 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.

BPD sports body-worn cameras in 2022

Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com

s Blaine Police Department (BPD) officers Devin Cooper, l., and Keith Olson sport the department’s new body-worn cameras on January 10. All BPD officers will now wear body cameras when out on patrol as is required by state law. Photo by Ian Haupt

Letters

Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Ian Haupt ian@pointrobertspress.com Reporting Intern Georgia Costa prpintern@pointrobertspress.com Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser, production@pointrobertspress.com Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Gary Lee sales@pointrobertspress.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com Contributors In This Issue Melissa Santos / Crosscut.com The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVII, No 30 Circulation: 10,500 copies

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The Editor: I have two responses to share; first, I so agree with the remarks shared by Susan Werner in the December 30 issue regarding the contrasted reporting about Doug Ericksen and Sharon Shewmake and secondly, thank you for your kind and thoughtful front page story summarizing Doug’s faithful service to our fine county and state. Good job. Carolyn D. Anderson Blaine The Editor: Birch Bay, welcome to 2022. I would like to thank you for a great first year serving as your Birch Bay neighborhood deputy. Policing would never be effective without the assistance and support of the community. As we continue to delicately navigate this pandemic, I look forward to more in-person events and bigger meetings. I would also like to thank sheriff Bill Elfo for fighting to keep the essential community programs through hard financial times. Thank you to your previous Birch Bay deputy Todd Damon for making my

transition easy and passing along a great program. I appreciate the continued support from the members of the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce and their dedication to the community. And thank you to The Northern Light for its unwavering truth in reporting. I’d also like to take this opportunity to remind you to look out for your neighbors. Canadian-owned and vacation homes may still be vacant and are targets for burglaries and thefts. Keep your items marked whether that’s writing down the serial numbers, taking photographs, or leaving your own personal engraved marking. And call in suspicious activity. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me by phone, 360/778-6781, or e-mail, djones@ whatcomcounty.us, with questions, concerns, or upcoming meetings and I’ll do my best to accommodate you. I don’t work 24/7 so anything in progress or urgent call 911. I wish you all good health and happiness! Derek Jones, Birch Bay deputy Birch Bay

The Editor: I am writing to ask voters to vote “yes” for the Birch Bay Vogt Community Library, which will be on the February 8 special election ballot. Much information has been given about the benefits of having a library in our community so I will not repeat that now. Unfortunately, some misleading information has also been seen, trying to persuade some from supporting the library. I hope to clarify some of that misleading information. It has been said that, “We already pay $.39/$1,000 assessed valuation for libraries,” and that the levy for the new library of $.11/$1,000 valuation will only add to that. While technically true, it is misleading. We now pay $.39 to support the operation of all libraries in Whatcom County, meaning we pay for libraries throughout (See Letters, next page) Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Civic Meetings Birch Bay Water & Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4 p.m., district offices, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info and Zoom meeting link: bbwsd.com.

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., location varies. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. Virtual meeting info: bbbparkandrec.org/board-meetings.

Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info and virtual meeting login: ci.blaine.wa.us.

Blaine Park and Cemetery Board: Second Thursday, 9 a.m., virtual meeting. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.

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

Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info and virtual meeting link: blainesd.org. North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Third Thursday, 11 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.

January 13 - 19, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Sefzik ... From page 1

seat in the state senate since 2010 after serving as a 42nd Legislative District state representative since 1998. “We are looking forward to having Simon join our team, and continue the great tradition of leadership established by Senator Doug Ericksen on energy, agriculture and water issues,” said John Braun (R-Centralia), Senate Republican leader, in a statement. Sefzik listed his top priorities as flooding relief, addressing the needs of people experiencing homelessness, affordable housing, agriculture, police reform and education. During a special December 22 meeting, council voted to set a deadline of December 31 for the Whatcom County Republican Party to submit three nominees for the senate position. The nominees selected were: Sefzik; Ben Elenbaas, a current county councilmember who grew up on a dairy farm and has spent his career working at Cherry Point; and Tawsha Thompson, who grew up on a dairy farm and spent nearly 25 years as a city of Bellingham police officer. County council was expected to vote on the appointment

s State senator Simon Sefzik. Courtesy State Republican Caucus

Letters ... From previous page

the county; however, we do not have one in Birch Bay. The new levy of $.11 will go only to build the new Birch Bay library and will expire once paid for, which is a significant difference. Additionally, if we pass this levy, Washington state will contribute $2 million dollars toward building our library, which is approximately one-third of the cost. It has also been suggested that the Birch Bay residences defeated the levy in November and that we should listen to the voters. OK. Let’s listen. In the last vote, 59.29 percent of the voters voted “yes,” only .71 percent shy of a super majority. The levy fell by only 26 votes needed to pass. I believe we should listen to the voters and support the majority that said “yes” to the library. The benefits of a library in the Birch Bay community are immeasurable. Libraries benefit every-

CITY OF BLAINE Due to COVID-19 and the Governor’s Proclamation, meetings are now only open to the public telephonically. Information on how to listen to the meeting live will be on the City Council agenda which is located on the City’s website homepage under Your Government, City Council, City Council Agenda. Please check the agenda prior to each meeting as the call-in number or location may change.

Thursday, January 13 9:00am – Park and Cemetery Board Meeting

Thursday, January 13 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting *CANCELLED*

Monday, January 17 City Offices Closed – Martin Luther King Jr. Day

s Whatcom County District Court judge Angela Anderson swore in Simon Sefzik as the new 42nd Legislative District senator during a January 11 Whatcom County Council meeting. Image courtesy Whatcom County government during a January 4 meeting, but delayed the vote so the nominees could answer a 20-item questionnaire. Former councilmember Rud Browne proposed the questionnaire, saying it would create a more transparent selection process for the public. Much to the Whatcom County Republican Party’s dismay, the appointment was delayed until January 11, one day after the state legislative session convened. Before the vote, council had the chance to ask the nominees questions on things such as their stance on encouraging mask and vaccine use and their top priorities, among other individual questions. Elenbaas said, if appointed, he planned to continue serving on county council, which raised a debate among councilmembers on whether Elenbaas would be doing a disservice to constituents if he tried to fulfill both roles. During the January 11 meeting, councilmembers Todd Donovan, Carol Frazey, Barry Buchanan and Kaylee Galloway – who won Browne’s seat – voted for Sefzik. Councilmembers Kathy Kershner

and Tyler Byrd voted in favor of Elenbaas as senator, while Elenbaas recused himself from the vote. “This is a process that strengthens our government and gives more hope to all of the people of Whatcom County,” Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu said. “Congratulations Simon, I look forward to working with you.” Whatcom County district court judge Angela Anderson swore Sefzik into office at the end of the virtual council meeting. Sefzik is expected to join the other senators in Olympia this week. Sefzik will serve as senator until January 2023. In the questionnaire, he said he wanted to ensure constituents were represented well during the 2022 legislative session before deciding to run in the November election. Sefzik will serve on the health care, higher education, and housing and local government committees. “I believe Olympia needs new leadership,” Sefzik said. “I believe Olympia needs people who are not necessarily politicians, but instead,

one in one way or another. We are already paying for “libraries” so would it not make sense that our tax dollars are going to pay for “our library”? Please vote “yes” for the Birch Bay Vogt Community Library. Thank you. Pat Jerns Birch Bay

Exciting. This is one of the best things I have heard recently. Please vote “yes” on February 8. I am certain others will be delighted, like me. Debbie VanderVeen and family Everson

The Editor: Wow! Birch Bay, I am so pleased to hear the news about the upcoming Birch Bay Library. Although my address is Everson, please know your library will be a destination library to me. Please allow a wide view of the Bay. I am thrilled to know we may be able to travel to Birch Bay, enjoy a lunch and refresh at your new library. Comfortable seating at a sunny (or rainy) window for reading would be ideal. Even a community puzzle table near a window view would be enticing. Please think of us who may travel farther to utilize your library.

people that believe in our capacity and ability to come together and work together and make a meaningful difference in the lives of people of Whatcom County.” To view Sefzik’s responses to county council’s questionnaire, visit bit.ly/3FcHUCA.

Tuesday, January 18 9:00am – Special City Council Meeting

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.

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The Northern Light • January 13 - 19, 2022

Covid-19 in Whatcom County, by school district boundaries: Recent two-week case rates, cumulative counts and vaccinations Blaine Lynden Nooksack Valley Vaccination: 74% Vaccination: 57% Vaccination: 54% Case rate: 1,077 Case rate: 1,018 Case rate: 1,011 New cases: 203 New cases: 219 New cases: 116 Ferndale Meridian Vaccination: 69% Vaccination: 66% Case rate: 1,316 Case rate: 1,141 New cases: 469 New cases: 128

Mount Baker Vaccination: 49% Case rate: 890 New cases: 143

Bellingham Vaccination: 81% Case rate: 1,235 New cases: 1,397 s The case rate is the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people over the past two weeks. New cases are the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the last week. Vaccination is the percentage of the population that has had at least one vaccine shot. Rates were updated January 8.

By Grace McCarthy Nearly all Whatcom County school district areas have Covid-19 case rates in the 1,000s, the highest most areas have ever been since the start of the pandemic because of the highly transmissible omicron variant. There have been 203 new Covid-19 cases in the Blaine school district area and 2,675 new cases throughout Whatcom County in the past week, according to Whatcom County Health Department data. The Ferndale school district area had the highest Covid-19 cases in the county, with 1,316 cases per 100,000 people. Blaine school district had the fourth highest case rate with 1,077 cases per 100,000, which is nearly double the previous week. Mount Baker school district had the lowest case rate at 890 cases per 100,000. Whatcom County has had 21,510 confirmed and probable Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic, according to

January 3 Washington State Department of Health data. The death toll in Whatcom County is now at 211 for Covid-19 deaths, which accounts for .9 percent of total cases. In the state, 10,026 people have died from the virus. On January 11, 53 people at

PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham had either been admitted for Covid-19 or tested positive for Covid-19 after being admitted for another reason. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 1,087 people have been hospitalized for Covid-19 in Whatcom County.

Covid-19 case rates continue to increase among all age groups. People 18-24 years old have the highest Covid-19 transmissions in the county, with 2,056 cases per 100,000 people, and people 25-44 years old follow with 1,988 cases per 100,000. Blaine has the second highest Covid-19 vaccination rates in the county, at 74 percent, which follows Bellingham, 81 percent, at the highest. Mount Baker has the lowest vaccine rates at 49 percent. Residents aged 25-49-years-old have the highest vaccine rates among age groups in the county, with 90.5 percent of people having initiated the vaccine and 82 percent fully vaccinated. The Whatcom County Health Department released a weekly Covid-19 report for December 25, 2021 through January 1, 2022. Six vaccinated people and 15 unvaccinated people were hospitalized that week. Of the 1,384 cases, 578 were from people fully vaccinated and 806 were from people not vaccinated. Seven people died that week: An unvaccinated man in his 40s, an unvaccinated man in his 50s, an unvaccinated man in

his 60s, two unvaccinated men in their 70s, an unvaccinated woman in her 70s and a vaccinated woman in her 100s. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has begun tracking Covid-19 reinfection cases among those vaccinated and unvaccinated in Washington state. According to the first report, 1.7 percent of total cases, or 4,404 people, were reinfected with Covid-19 September 1, 2021 through December 26, 2021. Of those who reported their cases to the state, 5.1 percent were hospitalized and 0.9 percent died from being reinfected by the virus. Nearly 60 percent of people reinfected were unvaccinated. Reinfection hinges upon Covid-19 risk exposure, vaccination status and underlying health conditions, according to DOH. Reinfection data can be viewed on the state’s Covid-19 dashboard at bit.ly/3r2URJj. For more Whatcom County information, visit whatcomcounty.us/covidvaccine and whatcomcounty.us/coviddata. State information is available at bit.ly/3r2URJj. For CDC data, visit bit.ly/39Kt4qh.

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Omicron ... From page 1

now available and not officially reported. “Where we are now is almost truly vertical in terms of the number of cases we’re seeing,” Lautenbach said. Although county health officials believe omicron causes less severe illness than the delta variant, they said it is causing more hospitalizations because of the increased number of people

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becoming infected. Whatcom County health officer Dr. Amy Harley said an early marker on the PCR test that is consistent in omicron has showed up in nearly 90 percent of county PCR tests. “We know virtually all of the cases in Whatcom County are likely to be omicron right now,” she said. High transmission rates are straining testing, but health officials said county testing providers don’t have exponential resources to meet demand. WCHD is looking for licensed health care professionals to help at the hospital and skilled nursing facilities. Those with credentials may email whatcomcountymrc@ co.whatcom.wa.us to apply. PeaceHealth is asking people with non-emergent health care needs to visit primary, same-day and urgent clinics, instead of the ER at the Bellingham hospital. PeaceHealth officials said in a January 10 media release that

the hospital has been experiencing record-breaking numbers in the past few months because of Covid-19 and delayed healthcare earlier in the pandemic. Cold weather-related injuries exacerbated this, the health system said. PeaceHealth recommends people unsure if their care needs are urgent to first meet with their primary care doctor. Examples of emergency care include fractures, bleeding, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing and head injuries. Meanwhile, WCHD announced it was opening a second Covid-19 isolation facility in Bellingham. The second location will be in the Civic Field locker rooms and allow for 25 people. The other isolation facility is located on Byron Avenue. Whatcom County health officials are asking people to get their Covid-19 vaccine and booster shot, wear masks and reduce social gatherings to lower community transmission rates.

January 13 - 19, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Sports Boys basketball fall to undefeated Lynden Christian, other sports news By Ian Haupt After two narrow, historic wins for Blaine basketball, the boys lost 64-51 to an undefeated Lynden Christian Monday night in the Blaine High School gymnasium. The Borderites came into the game on the back of beating Lynden and Anacortes for the first time since the WIAA Northwest Conference began. Before Christmas, Blaine hosted Lynden and

won 49-44. It was the first time they had beaten the Lions since the 1992-93 season. The boys then traveled to Anacortes January 3 and beat the Seahawks 44-43 in a tight, defensive game. Blaine had not beat Anacortes in 17 years. With some record-book games under their belt, the Borderites looked to lean on their strong defensive game to stop Lynden Christian as much as possible,

head coach Brett Farrar said. The Lyncs came into the game with a 9-0 record and having scored at least 69 points every game so far this season. The Borderites held them to their lowest point total so far, 64. “But it just wasn’t enough,” Farrar said. Missing 12 shots from the free throw line, Farrar said that was where the boys could’ve kept the game within reach. “[Those points] could’ve changed the game,” he said. “But they are a really strong team.” At halftime, Blaine was behind 29-23. Throughout the third and fourth quarter the Lyncs would open up a 10-point lead that the

Borderites – with strong drives from Scott Baldwin and a couple big threes from Avery Dohner – would close to within a couple of baskets. Then the Lyncs would rally with their strong shooting game and 6’6” star Andrew Hommes under the basket. Cole Thomas and Matthew Russ had good games defensively, with multiple rebounds and steals. The boys travel to Sedro-Woolley next Saturday, January 15, and then host Bear Creek Monday, January 17, at 3 p.m. They are 5-5 so far this season. Sports roundup Girls basketball The Lady Borderites beat Ana-

cortes 43-33 at home January 3 on the back of a four-game losing streak. They then traveled to Lakewood and Lynden Christian January 7 and 10, where they lost 36-27 and 62-12. Blaine will host Sedro-Woolley Thursday, January 3, and Mount Baker Tuesday, January 18. Both games are at 7:15 p.m. The girls are 2-7 so far this season. Wrestling Boys varsity wrestling will compete next at Lynden in a conference matchup Thursday, January 20, according to the schedule. The girls team will compete next at Kamiak in a multi-school meet Saturday, January 29. Both teams have had multiple competitions canceled recently as a surge in Covid-19 cases has been linked to past high school wrestling meets.

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The Northern Light • January 13 - 19, 2022

Active S eniors How to create the perfect structure after retirement Professionals typically look forward to retirement and the freedom that comes with it. The notion that commuting and deadlines will one day be a distant memory is enough to make anyone excited for retirement. But when the day to leave the daily grind behind arrives, many retirees admit to feeling a little anxiety about how they’re going to find structure. Retirement is a big transition, and Robert Delamontagne, who has a doctorate in educational psychology, author of the 2011 book “The Retiring Mind: How to Make the Psychological Transition to Retirement,” notes that some retirees experience anxiety, depression and even a sense of

loss upon calling it a career. Some of those feelings can undoubtedly be traced to the perceived lack of purpose some individuals feel after retiring. Without a job to do each day, people can begin to feel useless. Overcoming such feelings can be difficult, but finding ways to build daily structure can make the transition to retirement go smoothly. • Find something to truly engage in. Professionals who truly enjoy their work tend to be fully engaged, so it’s no surprise if such individuals have a hard time adjusting to retirement. Some may suggest volunteering can help fill the void created by retirement, but researchers with the Sloan

Center on Aging and Work at Boston College have found that only those individuals who are truly engaged in their post-retirement volunteering enjoy the psychological benefits of such pursuits. So before retirees dive right in to volunteering as a means to creating structure, they should first exercise due diligence and find an opportunity they’ll find genuinely engaging. • Embrace the idea of “bridge employment.” “Bridge employment” is the name given to the trend that has seen retired individuals take on part-time or temporary employment after they have retired from full-time working. Covid-19 has no doubt skewed post-retirement working

statistics since the World Health Organization first declared a pandemic in March 2020, but a 2019 survey from the LIMRA Secure Retirement Institute found that 27 percent of pre-retirees with at least $100,000 in assets planned to work part-time in retirement. Even part-time work can provide enough daily structure to help retirees feel as though each day is not just a free-for-all. • Make a concerted effort to be more social. Volunteering and working are not the only ways to create structure in retirement. A concerted effort to be more social can help retirees fill their days with interactions with like-minded individuals who may be experiencing the same feelings. Join a

book club, a local nature group that goes on daily or semi-daily morning hikes or another local community organization. These are great ways to build structure and meet new people. Retirees can create social media accounts to find local community groups that cater to their interests. Even if it seems hard to believe, plenty of retirees are seeking to create structure in retirement life, and social media can make it easier to find such individuals in your community. Structure and retirement may seem like strange bedfellows. But many retirees seek structure after calling it a career, and there are many fun ways for seniors to create more organization in their lives.

Good qualities to look for in a post-retirement job The notion of relaxing on a beach all day in one’s golden years is still a retirement dream for millions of adults across the globe. But many individuals also harbor a desire to keep working after retiring. Whether it’s a volunteering gig or a part-time job retirees are looking for, certain qualities can make an opportunity uniquely suited to a post-retirement job. • Flexibility: Retirees may be looking to contribute to their communities or simply earn a little spending money, but they will likely still want the freedom to travel or spend time with their families whenever they choose. So flexibility is something to look for in a post-retirement job. This is what makes consultant work so attractive to retirees. In-person hours may not be required of consultants, who can then offer their input while visiting their grandchildren or traveling the world. • Socialization: Though the ability to work from home can make

it easier for retirees to earn some extra money, some seniors aren’t concerned about their finances but want to work so they can get out of the house. In that case, look for a job that offers the opportunity to socialize and meet new people. Socializing as an older adult is a great way to fend off loneliness. In addition, one study published in 2007 in the journal of the American Public Health Association found that social support networks have a positive effect on cognition among older adults. So a post-retirement job that enables retirees to socialize could delay or reduce the severity of age-related cognitive decline. • Engagement: A job seniors find engaging also is more likely to provide the types of benefits seniors are looking for in post-retirement work. For example, researchers at Boston College’s Sloan Center on Aging and Work found that seniors who find a job or volunteering opportunity truly engaging are more likely to benefit psychologically from those

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experiences than those whose post-retirement work is not engaging. If seniors find themselves simply going through the motions with their post-retirement work, they can look for opportunities that they can be more enthusiastic about. • Pressure-free: Regardless of what retirees did for a living prior to calling it a career, chances are they dealt with work-relat-

ed stress. In fact, the American Stress Institute reports that 83 percent of workers in the United States suffer from work-related stress, while Statistics Canada reports that 62 percent of Canadian workers say work is their main source of stress. After a lifetime of confronting work-related stress, individuals who want to work in retirement should look for pressure-free opportunities.

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This is an important quality, as the ASI indicates that stress has been linked to increased rates of heart attack, hypertension and other disorders. The right post-retirement job may differ from what individuals looked for during their careers. Various qualities can combine to make for a post-retirement gig that benefits seniors in myriad ways.

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January 13 - 19, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Factors to focus on when discussing driving with seniors Around 45 million licensed drivers on the roads today are age 65 and older. Driving is one way for seniors to stay independent and live fuller lives, but traffic crashes are a leading cause of injury and death for older adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Older adults are more than twice as likely than younger drivers to report having medical conditions that make it difficult to drive, and usage of certain medications can further affect the

ability to drive safely. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration urges older drivers, friends and family to talk about driving safety. The following are some points to emphasize during such discussions. • Physical fitness: Driving is more than just understanding road signs and how the car works. Safe driving requires sufficient physical fitness to operate a vehicle. Exercising and being active by walking daily, stretching and

performing strength-training exercises can make it easier to steer and get in and out of the car. • Seat belts: Seat belts save countless lives. Some older drivers may have grown up during a time when seat belts were not standard on vehicles and may not recognize the importance of wearing them. However, seat belts are crucial each and every time drivers get behind the wheel. • Vision checkups: The CDC recommends that adults have

their vision checked by an eye doctor at least once per year. Corrective lenses or glasses also should be worn if they are needed to improve vision. • Medications management: Individuals should exercise caution when taking medications, especially sleep and pain medications. Even cold remedies can affect driver safety, advises the Mayo Clinic. Always read medication labels and pharmacy inserts to determine if it’s safe drive while on a given medication.

• Limitations and modifications: Getting older may come with certain physical limitations that can be remedied with a few modifications. An occupational therapist may be able to recommend assistive devices, such as steering wheel covers that make gripping the wheel easier, or a swiveling seat pad to make getting out of a vehicle less strenuous. Aging drivers and their families can focus on various factors to keep such motorists safe when they’re behind the wheel.

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The Northern Light • January 13 - 19, 2022

RECENT HOUSE & LOT PRICES

Blaine, Birch Bay & Point Roberts DECEMBER 2021

DESCRIPTION

LOCATION

HIGHER END HOUSES: $750,000 AND ABOVE: 1-story house with 2,365 SF, 4 BD, 4 BA, 617 SF attached garage, 467 8620 Great Horned Owl Ln, Blaine SF patio, built in 2002, .36 acres land.

SALE PRICE $989,000

1-story house with 2,004 SF, 1,680 SF basement, 4 BD, 4 BA, 556 SF attached garage, 808 SF deck, 540 SF patio, built in 1991, waterfront; marine and territorial views, .95 acres land.

9045 Shearwater Rd, Blaine

$2,190,000

1-story log house with 2,175 SF, 2 BD, 2 BA, 1,080 SF detached garage, 672 SF storage, 1,068 SF deck, built in 2002 and 2004, 12.30 acres wooded land.

8443 Kickerville Rd, Blaine

$945,000

1-story house with 1,997 SF, 3 BD, 3 BA, 632 SF attached garage, 660 SF patio, built in 2000, .34 acres land.

8823 Goshawk Rd, Blaine

$777,500

1-story house with 1,588 SF, 3 BD, 2 BA, 440 SF attached garage, 400 SF deck, 400 SF patio, built in 1988; marine and territorial view, .24 acres land.

5649 Nakat Way, Blaine

$1,060,000

2-story house with 3,100 SF, 4 BD, 4 BA, 950 SF attached garage, 390 5846 Semiahmoo Ridge, $1,170,000 Blaine SF deck, 126 SF patio, built in 2000; marine views, .59 acres land. 1-story house with 2,896 SF, 2,289 SF basement, 4 BD, 5 BA, 802 SF attached garage, 1,042 SF deck, 1,090 SF patio, built in 1994; marine and territorial view, .57 acres land.

2212 Whalen Dr, Point Roberts

$1,350,000

391 Tyee Dr, Point Roberts

$1,100,000

Mini Storage complex with 43,200 SF, built in 2012 and 2018, 9.22 acres land.

8027 Blaine Rd, Blaine

$6,200,000

3-story historical building used as offices/warehouse with 14,013 SF, built in 1903, .15 acres land.

288 Martin St, Blaine

$1,400,000

2-story fourplex with 4,270 SF, 1,080 SF attached garages, 416 SF patios, built in 2002, .28 acres land.

220 14th St, Blaine

$1,000,000

2-story office/retail building with 9,676 SF, built in 1965 and 2010, plus parking lot, .22 acres land.

638 Peace Portal Dr, Blaine

$1,350,000

Restaurant with 11,736 SF, 2,332 SF balcony, built in 1928 & 2007, Golf Course with 4,840 SF utility building, built in 1984, 2,641 SF store/office, built in 1946 & 1967, 2 old houses, 126.15 acres commercial/ residential land, 317 ft waterfront; marine view.

7878 Birch Bay Dr, Blaine

$3,150,000

Gas station and convenience store with 2,189 SF, 2-15,000 gallon tanks, 1-10,000 gallon tank, built in 1986; 1,878 SF warehouse, 546 SF mezzanine, built in 2007, 2.43 acres land.

423 Tyee Dr, Point Roberts

$1,544,000

8725 Bufflehead Ct, Blaine

$205,000

5518 Whitehorn Way, Blaine

$255,000

.25 acres residential lot; marine view.

.65 acres residential land. 2649, 2671, 2683, 2697 $735,000 Sandlewood Ln, Blaine .29 acres residential land. 2668, 2680 Sandlewood $365,000 Ln, Blaine .46 acres residential land.

2912 Sandlewood Ln, 2834 Shore Pine Pl, Blaine

$365,000

3.44 acres residential land, waterfront; marine and territorial view.

8291 Semiahmoo Dr, Blaine

$950,000

3.24 acres (12 lots) residential land; territorial view.

Lonicera Dr, Blaine $3,800,000 (Horizon at Semiahmoo, Div. 1)

6.26 acres (27 lots) residential land; territorial view.

Lasiandra Dr, Lonicera $3,870,000 Dr, Tolmiea Ct, Blaine (Horizon at Semiahmoo, Div. 1) 218 11th St, Blaine

$285,000

7.35 acres residential land.

8358 Blaine Rd, Blaine

$210,000

.51 acres residential lot; waterfront, beach access; marine & territorial views.

8455 Pointe Rd, Blaine

$450,000

.34 acres residential land; good marine view.

1590 Peace Portal Dr, Blaine

.17 acres residential lot.

$500,000

17.55 acres commercial land. 8306 Portal Way, Blaine $1,500,000 7.91 acres (24 lots) residential land; territorial view.

4.55 acres industrial land.

A 28-year-old Blaine resident was taken to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center after crashing head on into a semi-truck on Birch Bay-Lynden Road on the evening of January 9. Akash Kumar, of Blaine, is suspected of reckless driving after the black 2019 Toyota C-HR he was driving struck the semitruck being driven by a 53-yearold from B.C., according to the

Washington State Patrol crash report. Kumar was transported to St. Joseph’s hospital in Bellingham. The semi driver did not sustain any injuries. According to a Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post, Birch Bay-Lynden Road was closed between Bob Hall and Berthusen roads until the morning of January 10.

The collision occurred just before 9 p.m. January 9, according to the report. Kumar’s Toyota was heading eastbound on Birch Bay-Lynden Road when it crossed over the centerline and struck the semi head on. The report said neither alcohol nor drugs were suspected and the incident remains under investigation. Both drivers were wearing seat belts.

Congress closes loophole impacting Blaine anchor chain manufacturer By Grace McCarthy

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES: Warehouse/store with 9,668 SF, built in 1948, 1968, 2009 and 2010, 1.20 acres land.

LAND: .38 acres residential lot; territorial view.

Blaine man hospitalized after Birch Bay-Lynden Road head-on collision

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A Blaine anchor chain manufacturer received good news after President Joe Biden signed a federal law that will prevent layoffs for the company, the only manufacturer of its kind in the U.S. Lister Chain and Forge faced layoffs for its 36-person company until Biden signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) December 27, 2021, which now requires the U.S. Department of Defense to purchase anchor chains of all sizes from only the U.S. and its closest allies – Canada, U.K. and Australia. Previously, the U.S. Navy was only required to buy domestic chains if they were 4 inches and under. But in an attempt to cut costs, the military branch created a loophole and started purchasing 4.02-inch foreign chains for a new class of over 20 fleet oilers, U.S. lawmakers wrote in an April 29, 2021 bipartisan letter bringing attention to the issue. U.S. Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01), an active proponent for closing the loophole, asked Congress to change the language in the NDAA. Lister, which supplies the majority of anchor chains for Navy and Coast Guard ships, was contracted with the Department of Defense for 3- and 5/8-inch chains. Lister is a 110-year-old

s Lister Chain and Forge. company that’s both operated in Blaine and has been in contract with the defense department since 1988. “This specific change will return work that was being performed in the U.S. and then moved to South Korea back to the U.S.,” Lister Chain and Forge president Mike Stobbart said. Stobbart praised DelBene for her strong advocacy in closing the loophole. “The total savings from this design change were marginal but had a significant negative impact on U.S. manufacturers,” DelBene said in a statement. Lawmakers like DelBene said the Navy, by doing this, was also working around Biden’s Buy America executive order he signed January 2021 that directed federal agencies to buy domestic

Photo by Ian Haupt

materials. Proponents for closing the loophole argued outsourcing of a critical defense product could weaken national security during war. The American Shipbuilding Suppliers Association and Steel Manufacturers Association supported closing the loophole when the issue was made public in 2021. “If recent supply chain bottlenecks have taught us anything, it is we need a strong domestic manufacturing base, especially for military technologies and equipment,” DelBene said in a statement. “My fix in the 2022 NDAA will ensure that our Defense Department follows the letter and spirit of the law by bringing critical manufacturing and jobs back to Washington state.”

Canadian officials intercept traveler crossing border with 100 kg of meth By Ian Haupt The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) arrested a woman who allegedly attempted to smuggle 100 kilograms of methamphetamine into B.C. at the Blaine border crossing. On October 18, 2021, the Canadian woman arrived alone at the Pacific Highway Traffic Operations in Surrey, B.C., and fled the port of entry at high speed when border services officers attempted to inspect the vehicle, according to a January 5 CBSA news release. CBSA alerted RCMP of the fleeing suspect. The vehicle was in-

tercepted shortly afterward and the driver and car were returned to the port of entry for further inspection. Border services officers found several large commercially-sealed bags containing a white crystalline substance in the trunk and a CBSA detector K9 signaled the presence of narcotics. CBSA arrested the woman for fleeing the port of entry and smuggling. CBSA seized 100 kilos of meth from the vehicle. According to the release, CBSA transferred the suspect and drugs to the RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime Border Enforcement Team for further criminal investigation, which is ongoing.

“The outstanding partnership between the CBSA and the RCMP contributed greatly to the success of this intercept, which prevented 100 kilograms of methamphetamine from entering our communities,” said Rahul Coelho, CBSA Pacific Highway Traffic Operations chief. “We are extremely proud of such work by our officers, which contributes directly to protecting Canadians and disrupting criminal schemes.” A RCMP spokesperson said in an email to The Northern Light that the suspect is a woman from Burnaby, B.C. Her identity was not released as she is yet to be charged.

January 13 - 19, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

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360-332-1777 sales@thenorthernlight.com Legal IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Edwin Barrett Jr, Deceased. NO. 214-00414-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030). JUDGE: Robert E. Olson. The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: January 6, 2022 Personal Representative: Mary Ullrich 808 NW 108th Street Seattle, WA 98177 Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 21-4-00414-37.

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR WHATCOM COUNTY in re the Estate of ALLAN CALVIN KOCH, Deceased. No. 21-4-01055-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030). PLEASE TAKE NOTICE The above Court has appointed me as their Personal Representative of Decedent’s estate. Any person having a claim against the Decedent must present the claim: (a) Before the time when the claim would be barred by any applicable statute of limitations, and (b) In the manner provided in RCW 11.40.070: (i) By filing the original of the claim with the foregoing Court, and (ii) By serving on or mailing to me at the address below a copy of the claim. The claim must be presented by the later of: (a) Thirty (30) days after I served or mailed this Notice as provided in RCW 11.40.020(1)(c), or (b) Four (4) months after the date of first publication of this Notice. If the claim is not presented within this time period, the claim will be forever barred except as provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective for claims against both the Decendent’s probate and non-probate assets. Date of First Publication of this Notice: January 6, 2022 Personal Representative: Kenneth Ray Koch 5513 Salish Rd. Blaine, WA 98230

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: DAVID MICHAEL SIMS, JR., Deceased. No. 21-4-00786-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS Judge Robert E. Olson. The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 AND 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: December 29, 2021 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: January 6, 2022 Name of Administrator: NICOLE MARIE SIMS Attorney for Administrators: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262 Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com DATED: December 29, 2021 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator: NICOLE MARIE SIMS www.averyelderlaw.com

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The Northern Light • January 13 - 19, 2022

Real Estate 1033 4th Street, Blaine $360,000

5835 Semiahmoo Drive, Birch Point $999,888

theridgeatsemiahmoo.com

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 4712 North Golf Course Drive, Birch Bay $110,000 GREAT BUILDING LOT!!

RARE corner lot available SEALINKS in a quiet gated community NEIGHBORHOOD! within walking distance to the water and restaurants! Sea Links at Birch Bay is close to the US / CDN border and has easy access to I-5. Ever thought of living close to the water? Looking to build the home of your dreams? This could be the perfect opportunity in a growing area with few lots available. NOTE: Lots 18, 19 & 20 are also being sold together by the same owner - just down the street!

11.33 ACRE ESTATE 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 these pristine NW waters. Your future home will take in spectacular sunsets, a view that will always be yours. Beautifully forested, relatively level with a slight slope eastward and ready for you... to build your dream home with elbow room offering privacy and exclusivity. Located an hour south of Vancouver, BC and under two hours to Seattle. In addition to the natural beauty and environment - the property is a mile from Semiahmoo.

PERFECT LOCATION!

Furnished, charming, affordable, historic gem offering 2 bedrooms in Blaine’s most desired neighborhood a short walk to downtown, harbor, PENDING! 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 Drive #415, Birch Bay $399,999

JACOB’S LANDING ANOTHER FABULOUS END GARDEN CONDOMINIUM! UNIT AT JACOB’S LANDING! Views of the water, magical sunsets, prime beach access and all of the amenities that Jacob’s Landing has to offer: Indoor pool and hot tub, tennis courts, racquet ball court plus a game room and social room that can be reserved for your functions! This 2 BD, 1 BA unit comes furnished with laminate floors, wall to wall carpet and tiles. Life on the beach is quite awesome with restaurants and cafes nearby, crabbing and clamming, kayaking and miles of beach to explore. Make this your primary residence or a weekend get-a-way bring your beach buckets and enjoy!

Buying or Selling 32 successful years and ready to complete yours! Call 360-3781-5800, email hugh@callhugh.com, or text 360-739-5234

Call Hugh : 360.371.5800

5273 Drayton Harbor Road, Blaine $1,695,000

DEVELOPER WATERFRONT, WATER VIEW & INVESTOR ALERT! DEVELOPMENT ON 3 PARCELS! 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 bedroom home with views of Mt. Baker & Drayton Harbor, situated on 5 acres. Outbuilding could be used for detached garage. Parcel B has 120+/- feet of salt waterfront on Drayton Harbor, with private beach. The property also boasts spectacular views of bays, White Rock & Coastal Mountains. Parcel C is 17 acres covered with trees & could possibly be developed with 3 homes on the acreage under current zoning.

Ruth Skeete • (360) 358-5075

Carl W. R. Dufton • (360) 815-6637

See what Hugh can do for you in 2022!

Your Local Expert For All Real Estate, Residential Or Commercial Services! Hugh Brawford, Managing Broker

www.CallHugh.com

Julie Ward • (760) 522-2564

8045 BIRCH BAY DRIVE, BLAINE, WA • 360-371-7252 • BAYPROPERTIESNW.COM Thinking of

Listing your property?

New Construction Woodberry has broken ground • 29 Single Family Homes Four floor plans to choose from 2036-3039 sq. ft. • Gated community Phase one starting now • Email to be put on Woodberry Fans email list

BrianBROKER Southwick 360-815-6638

briansouthwick@gmail.com

Jim Kaemingk Jr. BROKER 360-224-5465

jimk@windermere.com

Call Lisa for a

FREE

Market Analysis

This 4 BR + 2 large bonus rooms, 3 BA, one-car garage split-level home sits on two city lots. A half-block walk to Blaine High School. Near public bus line and grocery store. Enjoy privacy in the fenced backyard. Property includes two sheds. Roof and skylights replaced October 2021. This 2,822 SF features a kitchen, 3 BR + bonus room and 2 BA on upper level. A second kitchen plus 1 BR + bonus room and 1 BA on lower level. Laundry room on lower level. Includes refrigerators, dishwashers and downstairs oven and washer/dryer. Needs TLC. Selling as-is. Call 360-255-8365 to schedule an appointment

CALL ME...

Lisa Sprague Owner/Agent

360-961-0838 Rentals

521 10th Street – Blaine $490,000

Classifieds are online at

thenorthernlight.com/classifieds

Rentals - Commercial

FURNISHED ROOMS in historic home, incl. amenities, NS, pet friendly starts at $600/ mo. + deposit, references required. 360-332-3449.

NELSON BUILDING LEASE SPACES FOR:

QUIET PROFESSIONAL woman working in Blaine with significant commute. Triple vaccinated. Seeking room for 2-3 nights per week ongoing for a monthly negotiated fee. 778384-1194.

Warehousing-Distribution Manufacturing or Retail Vehicle Storage Yards

DAYLIGHT BASEMENT nice 2 BD with storage, W/D, gas fireplace, new carpet. No pets. $1100/mo. Avail. Feb. 1. 360332-7169.

Email or Call Don Nelson For Availability & Rates

Find it in the Classifieds!

Newly Available!

925 Ludwick Ave., Blaine

Near Truck Route & Shopping Mall

380 s.f.

2nd floor office space in The Northern Light Cannery-style building on Blaine Harbor. Views of marina. Fiber optic internet. Utilities included. For leasing info, contact Pat Grubb at 360/332-1777 or email pgrubb@mac.com

Call: 360-305-0286 Email nelsbldg@msn.com

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January 13 - 19, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

County general fund receives $4.8 million more than anticipated in 2021 By Ian Haupt Upon review of Whatcom County’s 2021-22 budget, the county found it received $4.8 million more in sales and property tax in 2021 than it expected when drafting its budget in 2020. When Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu released a proposed $451.6 million budget for 2021-22 in October 2020, the county predicted a decline in its sales tax collections in 2021. In an effort to align spending with the expected revenue decrease, the county decreased its total expenditures by roughly 17 percent from the county’s amended 2020 budget. The biggest cut in expenditures was in the “all other funds” category, much of which was due to a drop in the Covid-19 emergency

response fund – supplemented by $13.1 million in CARES Act from the federal government in 2020. It also cut about $10 million from the county road fund. After reviewing the biennium budget and general fund at the end of 2021, the county found it received $4.8 million more in tax revenue than anticipated, Sidhu wrote in an mid-biennium budget adjustment presented to Whatcom County Council. County administration also proposed budget adjustments for 2022. Earlier in 2021, the county was allocated $44.5 million under the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and an additional $17 million for rental and utility assistance, which was added as new fund accounts to the budget.

Administration also proposed adding a county buildings fund within the capital facilities fund that would accrue money annually to pay for new county facilities. Sidhu listed planning and development services, public works, sheriff’s office, a new justice and public safety facility, and a new 911 dispatch center as needed facilities. County council amends the budget regularly throughout the year. Over 100 additional service requests were included in the mid-biennium adjustment. Most of those were related to decisions already taken by council, such as; returning frozen positions, affordable housing and public health projects. Find more details on the county’s budget and planning process at bit.ly/3qfMAU2.

Blaine schools in need of substitutes By Ian Haupt The Blaine school district is looking for substitutes in all positions. Superintendent Christopher Granger is encouraging anybody who thinks they may have an interest in education or would like to lend the school district a helping hand to reach out to the district’s human resources department. Granger said the district had an average of 23 jobs open on any given day. Schools nationwide are having similar staffing shortages. According to an EdWeek Research Center survey, 77 percent of district leaders and principals say they’re experiencing at least moderate staffing shortages. Fifteen percent said shortages are “very severe” and 25 percent said they’re “severe.” Covid-19 protocols require teachers and staff to stay home if they have Covid-19 symptoms when they may have otherwise come to class. This leaves positions open that need filling. Granger said the goal is to keep as many kids as possible learning in the classroom. To do so, he said the district needs more people available in its substitute pool. The school board recently voted to increase the daily rate for substitute teachers from $125 to $157.50. This is the second highest rate in Whatcom County behind the Bellingham school district, which offers substitute teachers $158 a day. Administrative staff is covering for teachers in classrooms when needed. “We all just chip in where it makes sense,” Granger said. “So we can keep kids in the building.” When asked whether he’s been driving school buses, Granger responded, “No, hah, I don’t have a [Commercial Driver’s License].” Otherwise, he might be. Communications director Lisa Moeller said Blaine schools are especially in need of support sec-

retaries. “We could really use support in that area,” she said. “A lot of our secretaries have been left alone because one is out and we do not have many people in our substitute pool who have secretarial experience.” Other positions include teach-

ers, bus drivers, classroom support, custodial support, food service, maintenance, health room assistant, specialized associate and student supervision. Registered substitutes can block out times when they are unavailable and turn down any assignment, according to the district.

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O B I T U A RY Dennis Brown Dennis Brown, who has a Honorary Doctorate of Science, was a highly decorated soldier, entrepreneur, inventor, founder of Northwest Podiatic Laboratory and Superfeet Worldwide, died December 31, 2021 at his home in Blaine. He was 96 years old. Dennis is survived by his wife of 35 years, Audrey, his many close friends and the hundreds of employees that benefited from his entrepreneurial success. Blessed with a curious mind, and a gift to solve problems, Dennis always searched for an easier and better way to do things — a talent that served him well in a life-time of experiences that provided him valuable insights and enduring life lessons. He lived his personal mantra “Don’t Be Greedy” and “Make Others Around You Successful” to the fullest and expected nothing less from those around him. Joining the British Army, underaged and abandoned at 14, Dennis was among the first soldiers to parachute behind enemy lines during WWII as a member of the legendary Red Devils regiment. A natural born athlete, Dennis was both a division boxing champion and Olympic caliber soccer player for the British Army, and only army politics kept him from representing Britain in boxing and soccer in the 1952 Olympics. After the war, as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, Dennis helped create the Arctic Survival Manual for Canadian Troops. Ingrained with talent and an engineering mind, an idea for a new family game in the early ’60s, introduced Dennis to a local podiatrist, which led him into the world of podiatry, and the development of orthotic devices. The result was the beginning of Northwest Podiatric Laboratory, and the development of industry leading patented orthotic products (he had 61 patents to his name) and casting techniques. Today, Northwest Podiatric is regarded as one of the leading podiatric labs in the world. Recognizing the cost of podiatric orthotics were too expensive for most athletes, Dennis and his partner Christopher Smith D.P.M., formed the Superfeet company to provide more affordable after market insoles to the public. Combining the knowledge learned from their work with Northwest Podiatric, with less costly materials, Superfeet pioneered the use of orthotics in the fledging ski boot industry, and eventually all other athletic footwear, including hockey skates. Dennis pioneered and designed the Superfeet hydraulic tools which transformed the plastic ski boot fitting industry. Today, Superfeet is regarded as one of the leading after market insole companies in the world. In keeping with his personal philosophical approach to life, both Northwest Podiatric and Superfeet became 100% employee owned. An avid fisherman, and latecomer to golf, Dennis was the epitome of the rough, tough, scary looking individual, with a huge heart, and giving nature. Always ready to share an old Army limerick that wasn’t always appropriate for small children, ‘DB’ as he was known amongst his friends, was a mentor and teacher to friends and employees alike. And with the memory of his own lonely fight for survival in war-torn London as a young man, he and his wife established numerous student scholarship programs for deserving students. Above all things, Dennis lived with a set of core values that he based his life and decisions on. He passionately guided others to understand and use them to improve the quality of their own lives. To quote Dennis, “Without core values, you have nothing.” In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Fisher House, in honor of Dennis. Fisher House Foundation builds comfort homes where military & veteran families can stay free of charge, while a loved one is in the hospital, at military and VA medical centers around the world. More information about Fisher House and how to donate can be found at www.fisherhouse.org.

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Dining Guide

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The Northern Light • January 13 - 19, 2022

Sheriff’s Reports Jan. 1, 9:55 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Custer School Road, Custer. Jan. 1, 10:49 p.m.: Trespass on Blaine Road. Jan. 2, 1:49 a.m.: Domestic verbal on Halibut Drive. Jan. 2, 1:52 a.m.: Alarm audible on Semiahmoo Ridge. Jan. 2, 10:27 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident blocking on Maple Street and Beach Way Drive. Jan. 2, 1:15 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident injury on Semiahmoo Drive. Jan. 2, 2:22 p.m.: Hit and run on Bay Road. Jan. 2, 3:31 p.m.: Vandalism on Halibut Drive. Jan. 2, 3:33 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Drayton Harbor and Blaine roads. Jan. 2, 4:14 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Birch Bay Drive and Deer Trail. Jan. 2, 4:32 p.m.: Shots on Giles Road. Jan. 2, 6:49 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Dory Court. Jan. 2, 8:05 p.m.: Theft on Jackson Road. Jan. 3, 9:09 a.m.: Counterfeit on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. Jan. 3, 11:42 a.m.: Fraud on Beach Way Drive. Jan. 3, 11:49 a.m.: Traffic hazard on Birch Bay-Lynden and Custer School roads, Custer. Jan. 3, 2:11 p.m.: Vehicle abandoned on East Street. Jan. 3, 4:18 p.m.: Missing child on Tracy Place. Jan. 3, 4:42 p.m.: Domestic ver-

bal on Harborview Road. Jan. 3, 8:41 p.m.: Domestic order violence on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. Jan. 3, 11:20 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Arnie Road, Custer. Jan. 4, 10:03 a.m.: Landlord tenant dispute on Beachcomber Drive. Jan. 4, 10:26 a.m.: Civil problem on Dawn Lane, Custer. Jan. 4, 2:52 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident blocking on Anderson Road and Breeze Loop. Jan. 4, 5:15 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident blocking on H Street Road and Blacktail Lane Jan. 4, 6:20 p.m.: Theft on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Jan. 4, 6:37 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident injury on Portal Way, Custer. Jan. 4, 7:32 p.m.: Music on

Police Reports Jan. 1, 1:10 a.m.: Suspicious circumstance on Madison Avenue. Jan. 2, 10:43 a.m.: Traffic violation on I-5 northbound. Jan. 4, 1:30 a.m.: Felony assault on H Street. Jan. 4, 10:01 a.m.: Verbal dispute on 4th Street. Jan. 4, 11:07 a.m.: Suspicious circumstance on 8th Street. Jan. 5, 4:38 a.m.: Behavioral health issue on D Street. Jan. 5, 4:47 p.m.: Theft of a motor vehicle on E Street.

Crossword ACROSS 1. One point east of due south 4. City in Maine 10. Inquire too closely 11. Make dirty 12. Small Greek island 14. Bitterly regret 15. Millisecond 16. __ the ante 18. Without value 22. Eurasian ryegrass 23. Authentic 24. Having a mournful quality 26. Not out 27. Salvador __, Spanish artist 28. Cargo (abbr.) 30. This (Spanish) 31. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.) 34. Slang for trucks with trailers 36. Helps you hear 37. Steer a boat 39. British School 40. Genus of olive

Terrill Drive. Jan. 4, 7:51 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Loomis Trail Road. Jan. 4, 9:06 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident injury on Birch Bay-Lynden and Kickerville roads. Jan. 4, 9:17 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Bayvue Road. Jan. 5, 12:25 a.m.: Landlord tenant dispute on Bayvue Road. Jan. 5, 12:06 p.m.: Traffic signal/ sign on Birch Bay Drive and Shintaffer Road. Jan. 5, 2:54 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Grandview Road. Jan. 5, 2:59 p.m.: Vehicle abandoned on Birch Terrace Drive, Custer. Jan. 6, 7:34 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident on West Badger Road, Custer. Jan. 6, 2:30 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Drayton Harbor Road.

41. Computer term (abbr.) 42. Horse gear 48. Give off 50. A type of salt 51. Exposing human vice or folly to ridicule 52. One who watches birds 53. Sailboat 54. A major division of geological time 55. Sodium 56. American state 58. Soak in water 59. Thin decorative covering of fine wood 60. Affirmative DOWN 1. One of the four seasons 2. Its sultan is famous 3. A lens for correcting defective vision in one eye 4. College degree

5. Soldiers need it 6. Japanese car manufacturer 7. A way to address 8. Obstruct 9. Atomic number 45 12. Ill-mannered 13. Opaque gem 17. Indicates before 19. Remove 20. Populous Argentine city 21. More cunning 25. Rich dessert 29. Payment (abbr.) 31. Footwear 32. Famed Alabama city 33. Sheep’s cry 35. Arrogance 38. Clergical vestment 41. Serving no practical purpose 43. An evening party 44. Print errors 45. Not good 46. Egyptian Sun god 47. Industrial German

Coming up

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. Affordable Health Screenings: Friday, January 14, American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. Learn your risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and other chronic conditions by Life Line Screening. Preregistration required by calling 877/237-1287 or visit lifelinescreening.com. Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, January 20, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: Winter Olympics. Info: thevaultwine.com. Live Music at The Vault: Friday, January 21, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: Trio Sueño. Info: thevaultwine.com. Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, January 27, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: General knowledge. Info: thevaultwine.com. Live Music at The Vault: Friday, January 28, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: The Unknowns. Info: thevaultwine.com. Native Plant Sale: Now through March 7. Order online at whatcomcd. org/plant-sale for pick up March 19 and 20. Sponsored by Whatcom Conservation District. 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.

Jan. 5, 10:57 p.m.: Warrant arrest on H Street. Jan. 6, 6:53 a.m.: Trespass authorization letter on Mitchell Avenue. Jan. 6, 11:07 p.m.: Fight on Harrison Avenue. Jan. 7, 5:29 a.m.: Suicidal subject on Odell Road. Jan. 7, 7:36 a.m.: Non-injury collision on Marine Drive. Jan. 7, 1:30 p.m.: Assist citizen on H Street.

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.

Report by Blaine Police Department.

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.

city 49. Scottish island 56. Early multimedia 57. Atomic number 18

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.

ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

Tides

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.

January 13-19 at Blaine. Not for navigation.

Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W DATE

TIME

HEIGHT

TIME

HEIGHT

Th 13 4:22 am 8.0

7:43 am 7.4

12:49 pm 9.0

8:54 pm 0.0

Fri 14 5:08 am 8.7

8:59 am 7.7

9:32 pm -0.5

1:25 pm 8.9

Sa 15 5:42 am 9.2 10:03 am 7.8

2:05 pm 8.8 10:08 pm -0.8

Su 16 6:14 am 9.6 10:57 am 7.8

2:45 pm 8.7 10:44 pm -1.1

Mo 17 6:44 am 9.8 11:41 am 7.6

3:27 pm 8.5 11:18 pm -1.3

Tu 18 7:14 am 9.9 12:21 pm 7.3

4:07 pm 8.3 11:52 pm -1.2

We 19 7:42 am 10.0

1:01 pm 7.0

4:49 pm 8.0

Weather

Precipitation: During the period of January 3-9, 1.6 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2022 year-to-date precipitation is 1.6 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 52°F on Jan. 9 with a low of 22°F on Jan. 5 and 6. Average high was 39°F and average low was 25°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

January 13 - 19, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Issues the state legislature is expected to address in 2022 play in 2022 than is typical of even-year legislative sessions, which is when lawmakers generally make smaller adjustments to the two-year budget they approved the year before. Inslee, for his part, is proposing to spend $626 million this year on efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as $800 million to help combat homelessness. Legislators have their own ideas. Last week, House minority leader J.T. Wilcox (R-Yelm) said he would like to spend the state’s financial windfall on transportation infrastructure, as well as reducing taxes. House speaker Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma) said she is interested in further expanding the Working Families Tax Exemption, a program slated to provide salestax rebates for low-income families starting in 2023. And Senate majority leader Andy Billig (D-Spokane) said he wants to invest the money in affordable housing, child care, mental health services and education. “I think that’s what you’re going to see throughout this session, is that we try to invest in a continued robust recovery – but making sure it works for everyone,” Billig said. What to do with long-term care A new program to help aging Washingtonians pay for nursing care was supposed to get underway this year. But after more than 450,000

By Melissa Santos /Crosscut.com As Washington’s Legislature begins a new session Monday, the omicron variant of Covid-19 continues its rampage through the state, scuttling lawmakers’ plans to conduct more of their business in person. Even so, the 60-day session is likely to be jam-packed. Democratic governor Jay Inslee has proposed new measures aimed at combating climate change. Top legislators want to revisit some of the police accountability bills they passed last year. And, while a recent Crosscut/ Elway Poll shows voters are concerned about the economy, the state’s tax collections are booming, leaving lots of money for state lawmakers to work with as they build upon the $59 billion budget they approved last spring. Covid-19 relief measures will be a major topic as the legislature looks to distribute more than $1 billion in unspent federal aid. Here’s a look at some of the top issues legislators are expected to discuss this session, which is scheduled to adjourn in March. How to spend a lot of money Since lawmakers last convened, the state’s projected tax collections have spiked considerably, increasing by nearly $8 billion through 2025. That’s in addition to the federal dollars lawmakers need to allocate. Much more money will be in

workers submitted paperwork to opt out of the payroll tax that bankrolls the program, legislators and the governor committed to delaying it so they can work out some kinks. Jinkins, the House speaker, said she thinks two bills designed to improve the long-term care program will pass early in the session. The two measures would extend some of the program’s benefits to near-retirees, while allowing others – such as active-duty military members and people who work in Washington, but live in Oregon – to opt out. After lawmakers vote to delay the program for 18 months, they plan to study other potential changes, such as making it possible for people who pay into the program to transport its benefits out of state after they retire, Jinkins said. Republicans would rather scrap the program altogether and start something new. “Why don’t we get rid of it and replace it with something that is a partnership with private sector representatives,” Wilcox said last week, “... something that actually works.” Democrats’ main bills seeking to amend the long-term care program are House Bill 1733 and House Bill 1732. Police accountability Law enforcement agencies across the state have publicly objected to some of the police accountability laws legislators ap-

proved last year. They say two of the measures in particular – one establishing new limits on police uses of force, and another limiting police tactics such as vehicle pursuits – make it difficult for police to do their jobs. Jinkins said she’s committed to passing new bills to address some of law enforcement’s key concerns. In particular, Democrats want to clarify that police can still use force to transport people to treatment when those people are suffering a mental health crisis (House Bill 1735) and that police can still use certain lessthan-lethal weapons (House Bill 1719). Another proposal, House Bill 1726, would clarify that officers can use force to detain people suspected of violent crimes. Jinkins said some action was needed last year to increase police accountability after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, as well as local incidents, such as the killing of Manuel Ellis by police in Tacoma. This year, she said, the legislature’s goal will be to find “an appropriate balance.” “I’m very happy to have seen data come out this year that says we are at a five-year low for fatal police encounters,” Jinkins said last week. “So I think that we moved in the right direction on these issues.” Republicans have a different opinion. Senate minority leader Braun (R-Centralia) is sponsor-

ing a measure, Senate Bill 5675, that seeks to repeal the state’s new use-of-force law outright. “I think we need to have all options on the table,” Braun said Friday. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions Inslee has proposed several measures aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions. One of the biggest would require new construction to become more energy efficient, while also requiring new buildings to be wired for solar panels by 2034. Inslee also wants older buildings to reduce their energy use. Right now, the state’s clean building standards apply only to commercial buildings over 50,000 square feet. But Inslee’s new proposal would apply those energy efficiency standards to all buildings over 20,000 square feet, including residential properties, such as apartment complexes. “We need to decrease our use of fossil fuels in our buildings – it is clear,” Inslee said at a press conference last month. Yet some lawmakers worry Inslee’s plan would have the side effect of making housing less affordable. “I think the first step that we have to take is pause these building code changes,” said Wilcox, the House Republican leader. “Those add an immense amount to the cost of housing.” (See Priorities, page 16)

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By Meg OlsOn Whatcom County Council has approved changes to county code that will eliminate exemptions to mandatory garbage pickup in Point Roberts. At their June 5 meeting, council heard from an almost evenly split 15 community members on the proposal, which would establish a mandatory minimum service level of a 32-gallon can of garbage to be picked up twice-monthly and billed through the property tax roll. Opponents of the proposal cited a number of reasons for their opposition, priFREE Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay September 9 - 15, 2021 marily that the minimum service level was too high. “This exceeds the needs of 80 HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer PRSRT STD percent of those surveyed (in a 2016 onU. S. Postage PAID line survey sponsored by the county solid IN THIS Permit NO. 87 waste division) who self-haul or use tags,” Blaine, WA 98230 Kimberly Butts said. Ken Calder, also opposed to the chang- s Back in 1976, a group of civic-minded people got together to plan a 4th of July celebration, the first since 1916. On June 20, they had a reunion at Ruby White’s house. See story, page 16. Standing, from l.: Fred DeHaan, Rosy Negron, Carla Scherer, Pauli DeHaan, George es, submitted a petition signed by 364 sea- Scherer, Pat Jorgensen, Doreen Peltier. Seated: Norma Peltier, Ruby White, Kris Manning. Photo by Shelley Damewood sonal and full-time residents asking that council delay the decision until September to allow a recently formed solid waste subcommittee of the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee to continue to look at the issue. Cites client base and “increasing erts hospital district on June 26 that Unity according to Unity Care. Those in favor of the change as well as Care NW would end its contract to proThe number of people being served at community turmoil” county staff pointed out that PRCAC had vide services on the Point as of December the Point Roberts Clinic, as well as the 31, 2018, but would provide services on a number of visits, have been declining, acB y G r a c e M c c a r t h ybeen pondering the garbage collection B y M e g O l s O n for over two years, held numerous public a n d P a t g r u B B month-to-month basis if needed until June cording to the resolution. The number of If you struggle to balance a healthy bud- sponsored an online survey and meetings, 30, 2019 and help with a possible transi- visits per year shrank from 1176 to 1033 get, local nonprofits are here to help. sent out a mailer. Unity Care NW is done with the Point tion to an alternative service provider. between 2015 and 2017, which is deFinancial literacy nonprofit Whatcom “There have been numerous opportuni- Roberts clinic. According to the June 25 resolution, the (See Hospital, page 8) Dream will offer six money management ties for people to put in their two cents’ Citing declining use, a disproportionate Point Roberts Clinic does not fit with classes from Tuesday, September 28 until Arthur Reber said. “This process administrative burden and “communi- the other clinics Unity Care NW operworth,” Tuesday, November 2 at the new Commuhas been very thorough and collaborative,” ty turmoil,” the board of directors of the ates in Ferndale and Bellingham, which nity Assistance Program (CAP) building, said taxpayers’ association president Mark non-profit health care provider voted at its it described as “patient centered medi508 G Street. Classes will be held 6:30- Chamber of commerce president June 25 meeting to discontinue the con- cal homes.” Close to half of the visits to Robbins. allpointbulletin.com 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday. Dee Gough said her association also sup- tract to operate the Point Roberts Clinic. the Point Roberts clinic are for urgent facebook.com/allpointbulletin Whatcom Dream is a nonprofit thatthe proposal, agreeing that mandaported Notice was delivered to the Point Rob- care, and not for primary medical care, started in Bellingham in 1999 to tory educate trash pickup was the obvious solution residents struggling with finances. The to the perennial problem of dumping garnonprofit’s founders realized thebage reason on the roadsides. Classifieds ........................................ 20 why their working low-income neighbors Jeff Hegedus with the Whatcom County Coming Up ...................................... 19 remained in poverty was because they Health Department said by establishing a B y M e g O l s O n running three weekends in August. didn’t know how to manage money propGarden ............................................. 15 mandatory minimum service level for all Kiniski’s Reef Tavern is partnering with erly, said Kevin Stray, a Whatcom Dream Library ............................................ 18 developed properties, as determined by “The Point Roberts Arts and Music the foundation, offering a location, planvolunteer who will teach the Blaine classes which properties have a water connection, Festival is back on the water,” says Arts ning assistance and funds for this year’s Obituaries ........................................ 22 this fall. it would lead to vendor stability because Foundation founder and festival organizer event. “We decided to make it longer so Opinion .............................................. 4 “We think finances are an important more users would support the system. Craig Jacks. more people can enjoy it,” said tavern slice of everyone’s life and if we can hanSeniors ............................................ 18 After being put on the shelf for a year, manager Allison Calder. The first weekend dle [money] well, we can make everyone’s Tides ................................................ 10 (See Garbage, page 7) the festival will be back for its 23rd year, (See Arts & Music, page 14) lives better,” he said. The classes will teach budgeting, handling new and old debt, credit scores and history, achieving and maintaining finan- s Birch Bay’s seaside festival offered another weekend of family fun September 3-5. The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce hosted the cial stability, retirement planning and the fun-filled event, with help from Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 and Friends of Birch Bay Library. Attendees enjoyed activities such as a pancake breakfast, outdoor kid games and rubber duck derby. More photos on page 16. psychology behind money. AFTER Photo PARADE ACTIVITIES: BEGIN THE DAY AT THE by ChuckFAMILY Kinzer/CKimageart.com Stray, who has a business degree from St. Martin’s University, said he sees peo- Community Center 1437 Gulf Rd. H Breakwaters Bar & Grill STARTS AT 12 NOON along POINT ROBERTS MARINA ple struggle the most with debt, long-termPancake Breakfast 7:15-11:15 am PREP benefit at Point Roberts Marina. Gulf Rd. from Marine Dr. to Tyee Dr. planning and responsible spending. Flag Raising Ceremony 11:30 am featuring PR Winds AT 10:30 PM H Kiniski’s Reef Tavern Financial classes are geared toward people earning low incomes, but Stray said all are welcome. Classes will be offered to about 20 people, but there’s not a set limit. Scheduling foot warehouse in September 2020 that al- cused on what he can control. in advance is recommended, but attendees B y G r a c e M c c a r t h y lowed it to store over 20,000 boxes awaitTodd Robinson, Security Mail Services can also show up to the classes. Over a year-and-a-half after the U.S./ ing cross-border customers. manager, echoed Baron’s sentiments. The “We hope a lot of people will be inter“We used up all of the creativity we had last year-and-a-half has been hard but with ested, come out, learn more about money Canada border closure and Blaine mailbox and how to deal with it,” Stray said. “We’re stores wait patiently for the return of loyal to maximize the space we had, which is boxes stacked high around him, he said always excited to put on another class in Canadian customers, all while they’ve set- what prompted renting the warehouse,” he’s in a much better place than he would tled into an adapted business routine. Baron said. have predicted. Blaine.” Mail Boxes International owner Brant Baron and other mailbox operators are “When [the border] first closed down, I The program will offer free financial mentoring to people who finish the course. Baron said his parcel store has changed its mostly catering to Canadian companies would have never anticipated being closed No childcare is available during the eve- business strategy to stay busy during the that need products from the U.S. forward- this long. I thought three months, maybe, ed. Although business has been better, he tops,” Robinson said. “I’m pleased with ning classes, so people will need to plan border closure. To deal with parcels yet to be picked up, emphasized his situation is not detrimen(See Financial classes, page 4) (See Box stores, page 2) the H Street business rented a 4,800-square- tal and he has leaned into his faith and fo-

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Single-use plastic bags ban starts October 1 By eMily Feek Sales of single-use plastic bags will be banned in Washington state beginning on October 1 after governor Jay Inslee rescinded the proclamation delaying the original January 1, 2021 start date. The ban prohibits the sale of single-use plastic bags for grocery stores, restaurants, small vendors and retail businesses, according to a department of ecology (DOE) press release. Instead of using these bags, businesses can either sell customers bags

that are compliant with the ban or customers can bring reusable bags. Stores can sell paper bags or more durable plastic bags for eight cents. The eight-cent charge, mandated by law, is not a tax, but is kept by the merchant both to encourage customers to bring their own bags and to account for the increased cost of compliant bags. While the ban goes into effect on October 1, businesses can implement changes sooner, said Dave Bennett, DOE solid waste management program spokesperson.

“Nothing is preventing a business from charging a fee and using compliant bags right now,” Bennett said. “We encourage those businesses to do that and start making those changes now.” The bag ban is intended to cut down on pollution caused by plastic bags, which are difficult to recycle and can clog recycling sorting machines, according to the DOE. In addition to the ban, Inslee signed a new state law regarding plastics use and (See Plastic bags, page 4)

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Priorities ... From page 15

House Bill 1770 and Senate Bill 5669 are Inslee’s building-related proposals. Single-family zoning changes Another of Inslee’s ideas aims to increase housing density. He is proposing legislation that would allow duplexes on all residential lots in cities with a population of 10,000 or more. The measure, filed as House Bill 1782 in the House and Senate Bill 5670 in the Senate, would also allow duplexes, triplexes and quads on all lots within a half mile of major transit stops in larger cities (those with more than 20,000 people).

Inslee said the measure is needed to address a shortage of housing units throughout the state, which contributes to high housing costs. Local zoning regulations exacerbate the housing shortage by limiting the kind of “middle housing” – such as townhomes and duplexes – that can be built in certain neighborhoods, he said. In a Crosscut/Elway Poll released this month, 55 percent of Washington voters said they didn’t approve of getting rid of single-family zoning in medium to large-sized cities, as Inslee’s plan proposes. But Inslee said he thinks people in Washington do support building more housing when the

idea is framed as a way to help solve homelessness and sky-high housing costs. “I do believe people want us to address this issue,” Inslee said last week. “And what I have learned is that you can’t solve homelessness if you don’t build more housing, it’s physically impossible. We need more roofs. And to get more roofs, we need to remove some of these governmental restrictions.” Wilcox, the House Republican leader, said he thinks those decisions should be left to cities. Making it illegal to lie about elections Inslee made a few headlines last week by announcing that he wants to make it a criminal of-

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fense for politicians to lie about election fraud. “It should not be legal in the state of Washington for elected officials or candidates for office to willfully lie about these election results,” Inslee said Thursday. Inslee was speaking on the one-year anniversary of January 6, 2021, when rioters overtook the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Inslee said he will support legislation to make lying about election results with no basis a gross misdemeanor. The governor’s office said some lawmakers are drafting such a proposal. Criminalizing lying hasn’t always worked in the past. In 2007, the Washington state Supreme Court struck down a law that made it illegal for political candidates to knowingly publish ads that contained false information about their opponents. The court said the law violated candidates’ First Amendment rights to free speech. Inslee said he had “given a lot of thought to this” and thinks his idea will pass the legal test. “I believe it will be constitutional, because we understand that this speech is the type of speech that can promote violence,” Inslee said last week, referring to the U.S. Capitol riot. “And the courts have held that speech that promotes violence is something that can be regulated to protect a civil society.” Jinkins, the House speaker, wrote in a text message that the constitutionality of Inslee’s pro-

posal “depends on how it’s drafted.” As of late last week, Jinkins said she had yet to see a draft of the bill. Rethinking redistricting The state’s bipartisan Redistricting Commission has been a source of recurring drama the past two months. The four voting commissioners – who were charged with the once-per-decade task of redrawing the state’s political maps – eventually agreed on new lines for the state’s congressional and legislative districts. But they did so after meeting for hours in private and voting on a last-second deal that wasn’t written down or shared with the public. The commission didn’t release finished maps until a day after its November 15 deadline. Two lawsuits now allege the commissioners violated the Open Public Meetings Act and that their work should be thrown out. But some lawmakers aren’t waiting on the courts to act. State senator Jamie Pedersen (D-Seattle) has filed legislation that would require the commission to make its final map proposals public at least three days before the final deadline. Pedersen’s bill, Senate Bill 5560, would also require completed maps – not just unwritten agreements – to be approved by the November 15 deadline. Billig, the Senate majority leader, previously said he would support this kind of transparency measure. Visit crosscut.com/donate to support nonprofit, freely distributed, local journalism

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