The Northern Light: January 27-February 2, 2022

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January 27 - February 2, 2022 Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer

IN THIS

ISSUE

Council clarifies leasehold tax on plaza use, page 3

Border protest draws dozens, page 6

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

Onyon honored for 23 years on city council, page 10

Nearly 20 Blaine February 8 special election ballots mailed businesses awarded state border grants

By Grace McCarthy

(See Grants, page 3)

s Friends of Birch Bay Library members Sieneke Stevenson, l., and Connie Taylor wave signs in support of Proposition 2 at the intersection of Birch Bay-Lynden Road and Portal Way on January 21. If approved in the February 8 special election, Proposition 2 would establish a Birch Bay Library Capital Facility Area to fund the construction of the Birch Bay Vogt Community Library through property taxes.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

By Grace McCarthy February 8 special election ballots have been mailed out to Birch Bay voters preparing to vote in favor or against Proposition 2, which, if passed, would fund the construction of the Birch Bay Vogt Community Library.

Officially titled the “Whatcom County Rural Library District Proposition 20222,” the proposition would establish a Birch Bay Capital Facility Area (LCFA) that would pay for the library’s construction through property taxes. Property owners within the LCFA boundary are expected to pay 11 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value, according to the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS). The li-

brary is slated to cost $6.5 million.

The library vote is on ballots again after not receiving the supermajority threshold to pass in the November 2021 general election. The measure required 60 percent of voters to be in support and 40 percent of voters in the November 2020 election to have voted in last year’s November election. Although the library received a majority of votes in support, it still needed 26 more votes in support to pass the supermajority, WCLS has previously said.

“Our library board felt it was worth the effort to go out to voters again and make sure everyone who supports this library has the opportunity to weigh in,” WCLS executive director Christine Perkins said.

The state awarded a $2 million appro-

Port staff: NYC firm advancing in negotiations with Alcoa, $10 million proposed in state funding

By Grace McCarthy A New York City-based private-equity firm is considering buying Alcoa’s idled Ferndale smelter but will need contracts with Alcoa and Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) first, according to Port of Bellingham staff. This comes as $10 million is being funneled through the state Legislature that could help reopen the smelter while reducing its greenhouse gas emis-

sions.

Don Goldberg, the Port of Bellingham’s director of economic development, told port commissioners January 18 that he urged in testimony to the House Capital Budget Committee and Senate Ways and Means Committee for money to reopen the Alcoa Intalco Works smelter.

A $7.6 million line item contained in governor Jay Inslee’s budget would help the smelter meet stricter recent environmental

regulations and rehire the 700 workers that were laid off after the smelter curtailed operations in April 2020, Goldberg said. An additional $2.4 million is already secured in the state budget to reopen the smelter.

If approved, the money would transform the smelter into one of two “green” aluminum plants in the U.S., Goldberg said. The greener smelter would remove 65 percent (See Smelter, page 3)

priation to the library in 2019 that the library was able to extend through the state’s 2021-23 biennium budget. But Perkins warns it’s unclear how long the appropriation will remain in their hands. “If the project isn’t well underway by May 2023, there’s no guarantee the state will carry that money forward,” she said.

Only voters residing in the proposed Birch Bay LCFA will receive a ballot. The LCFA boundaries are south of Lincoln Road, along most of Semiahmoo Drive, Birch Bay Village, along Birch Bay Drive, north of Aldergrove Road, west of Kickerville Road, with a section north of Birch Bay-Lynden Road and south of Loomis (See Library, page 2)

INSIDE

The Washington state Department of Commerce awarded 19 Blaine and Birch Bay businesses grants to alleviate the financial hit of the U.S./Canada border closure.

The Working Washington Border Business Relief Program was part of the state’s series of Working Washington grants aimed to bring relief to businesses during the pandemic. Applications opened for two weeks in mid-October, with all businesses awarded seeing the money by the end of 2021, said department of commerce spokesperson Penny Thomas.

The department of commerce provided The Northern Light with a list of businesses awarded grants in the 98230 zip code. As funds were requested within $10,000 ranges, the department was unable to provide a total dollar amount that was requested in the Blaine area or Whatcom County. The list of businesses that applied but were not awarded was not available by press time.

Altogether, Blaine and Birch Bay businesses received $226,639 in this go-around.

Whatcom County received $1.47 million in grants, meaning Blaine and Birch Bay businesses received 15.3 percent of the county’s grants.

Statewide, businesses were awarded $2.6 million. Whatcom County, by far, received the most grant money and number of businesses awarded, 206, than any of the other nine counties eligible for the grant. Skagit County had the second highest number of businesses to receive grants, at 23.

Nearly one-third of the 62 Blaine and Birch Bay businesses that applied for the grant received an award.

Of the 19 businesses, only Quantum Healing Lounge, Tru-Line Laser Alignment, Atwood Farm Brewery and Glacial Lake Missoula Winery received what they requested.

Accommodation and food service businesses received the most grants, six, compared to other industries in the 98230 area code. Below is a list of local grants ranked

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The Northern Light • January 27 - February 2, 2022

Library ...

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From page 1 Trail that stretches to I-5.

The Whatcom County auditor’s office advises voters should have received their ballots by January 26. If a voter doesn’t have their ballot that was mailed January 19, they may contact the auditor’s office or visit votewa.gov for a replacement ballot.

Ballots need to be dropped off in ballot boxes or at the voting center in the auditor’s office by 8 p.m. February 8, according to the auditor’s office website.

Ballot drop boxes and the voting center opened January 19.

People can register to vote and update voter registration online or by mail until Monday, January 31. After that, people have until 8 p.m. Election Day to complete registration at the auditor’s office.

The auditor’s office will certify election results Friday, February 18.

The auditor’s office is located at 311 Grand Avenue, suite 103 and will be open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until February 8. The office will be open until 8 p.m. Election Day. “It’s fun seeing community members come out in support of the project,” Perkins said.

“There’s a lot of positive energy and we really know how much people really appreciate library services.”

To find out if you live in the LCFA boundary, visit wcls.org/ birch-bay. To contact the auditor’s website, call 360/778-5101 or email elections@co.whatcom. wa.us.

s Friends of Birch Bay Library member Doralee Booth waves at drivers Photo by Grace McCarthy January 21.

s Friends of Birch Bay Library members Brian Bell, l., and Ruth Higgins hold signs in support of Proposition 2.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

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January 27 - February 2, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

3

Council revises fee schedule to include leasehold tax for plaza use

By Grace McCarthy City council voted 6-0 during its January 24 meeting to include a 12.84 percent leasehold tax in fees already established for businesses using the city’s plaza space. Councilmember Mike Hill was absent from the vote.

Council previously voted during its June 28, 2021 meeting to allow local businesses to lease the H, G and Martin Street plazas. But when the plaza ordinance went before council, they were not made aware of the leasehold tax – a Washington state tax a private organization needs to pay for using public property as an alternative to a property tax.

“We did not have a technical need to do that,” city finance director Daniel Heverling wrote in a memorandum. “But nonetheless

Smelter ...

From page 1

of previous carbon-dioxide emissions, or at least 750,000 metric tons per year, Goldberg said. Fluoride and particulate matter emissions would also be reduced.

The $7.6 million request is one of two major clean energy projects in the governor’s Clean Energy Fund, aimed to decarbonize the industry sector, according to the governor’s policy brief on his 2022 legislative session climate proposals.

“We’re bringing back these important, high-paying jobs and making it more environmentally friendly,” Goldberg said in a phone interview.

According to the funding requests in Senate Bill 5651 and House Bill 1781, the $2.4 million reappropriation must be used by June 2025, or the state Department of Commerce may use the money for other clean-energy investments. Both appropriations would be used for the first phase

Grants ...

From page 1

from highest to lowest: • Big Al’s was awarded $29,000 after it requested over $40,000.

• Birch Bay Waterslides received $26,500 after it requested over $40,000.

• Mobile Exchange was awarded $20,000 after it requested a grant between $30,000 and $40,000 but declined the grant money.

• Tru-Line Laser Alignment received $20,000 after it requested a grant between $20,000 and $30,000.

• Hill’s Chevron received $20,000 after it requested over $40,000.

• Tahara Consulting LLC received $20,000 after it requested over $40,000.

• 5dpackages received $20,000 after it requested over $40,000.

• Inficom, Inc. received $15,685 after it requested a grant between $30,000 and $40,000.

• Black Forest Steakhouse was awarded $12,000 after it requested over $40,000.

• Atwood Farm Brewery received

it would have been good to fully understand the action and the total fee/cost to the user.”

City staff requested clarification from council whether it intended for the leasehold tax to be in addition to the lease fee established in the unified fee schedule or if it was intended to be included in a plaza user’s annual fee.

Currently, Drayton Harbor Oyster Company (DHO) is the only business leasing the city’s plaza space. The business is paying a $12,000 annual fee for the H Street Plaza, which means DHO will need to pay a $1,540 leasehold tax annually, according to city documents.

Council was presented two options: Either to charge DHO the 12.84 percent leasehold tax in addition to its $12,000 annual fee, or to amend the unified fee schedule with a clarification that the total fee

included the tax.

“The city is effectively reducing what it’s paying in fees. The oyster company is still paying for this leasehold tax. The city is simply reducing its amount that is being assessed,” councilmember Kerena Higgins said during the meeting.

“The city of Blaine is not paying this fee for the oyster company because that could be perceived as an improper use of public funds.”

Councilmembers discussed including the tax in the total fees right now because DHO was not aware of the tax when signing its lease, and then amending the unified fee schedule at a later date to make the tax additional.

“Since we didn’t mention anything about it to begin with, we at least need to give them the benefit of however long the lease is,” councilmember Eric Davidson said.

of restarting the aluminum smelter.

Regardless of the proposed legislative funding, Goldberg said the smelter’s prospective buyer, Blue Wolf Capital Partners LLC, seems committed to purchasing the property.

Blue Wolf is a New York Citybased private-equity firm controlling over $1.8 billion in capital and invests in middle-market companies in industrial, manufacturing, building and healthcare industries, according to its website. A Blue Wolf spokesperson declined to comment.

Blue Wolf is waiting on contract negotiations with Alcoa and working on an energy contract with BPA, Goldberg said. Alcoa’s contract with BPA, which allowed the smelter to purchase large quantities of discounted power, previously expired. Blue Wolf will need to enter a similar agreement to make the smelter profitable, Goldberg said.

“It’s a big ask,” he said. “It’s very difficult to get BPA to do that but the Blue Wolf people are in dis-

cussions with BPA from what I understand.”

Blue Wolf seems to be trying to close the deal as quickly as possible, Goldberg said.

The firm plans to bring back all 700 jobs lost in April 2020, most of which are expected to be union positions. About 350 former employees are expected to be rehired, while the Bellingham Technical College and an upcoming Lummi Nation technology training center would likely train the rest, he said.

A steel company that showed interest in acquiring the Ferndale smelter last fall is not as far along as Blue Wolf in making a deal, Goldberg said, but added the company still has strong interest in Cherry Point. Goldberg told port commissioners during their October 14 meeting that the steel company wanted to create the most environmentally friendly steel mill in the world by using scrap in the U.S. and using a modern electric furnace and green hydrogen power. The company had discussed opening the steel mill in three phases that would eventual-

$10,000 after it requested a grant between $5,000 and $10,000.

• Menu USA received $8,213 after it requested a grant between $20,000 and $30,000.

• Glacial Lake Missoula Winery received $5,167 after it requested a grant between $5,000 and

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(See Grants, page 5)

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City manager Michael Jones told council it would need to change the unified fee schedule before DHO decided to renew its one-year lease, if council wanted to create the tax as an addition to the fees.

Councilmember Richard May asked Jones to add the codification

of the unified fee schedule to the city council’s agenda no later than one month before the expiration of the current lease between the city and DHO. “This is a matter of predictability,” May said. “Not a matter of what the fees should or should not have been.”

ly create 1,000 jobs.

Ferndale mayor Greg Hansen said reopening the Ferndale smelter would reaffirm the city’s identity as being a hard-working industrial town.

So far, Ferndale hasn’t seen much specific economic impact from the plant’s shutdown, Hansen said, because it occurred as businesses slowed down during the pandemic. Fairly strong revenue streams and a booming housing market softened the blow from something that may have been much worse a decade ago, he said.

But the potential buyer could run into problems if it needs to hire 350 new employees during a time when housing in Ferndale – and greater Whatcom County – is limited and manufacturing employers are already competing for workers, Hansen said.

The momentum behind reopening the Ferndale smelter comes just as Alcoa’s Wenatchee Works

smelter officially closed in December after sitting idle since 2015.

The Ferndale smelter was the only operating aluminum smelter left west of the Mississippi River when it was curtailed in 2020.

Jed Holmes, spokesperson for the Whatcom County Executive’s Office, said county executive Satpal Sidhu plans to testify as the funding progresses in Olympia.

The state funding would align with the Whatcom County Climate Action Plan that calls for emission reductions, he said.

“I think there’s a recognition we need to move in the direction of clean energy and clean industry production,” Holmes said. “If we can have aluminum and have it be clean, that would certainly be a benefit. We would like Whatcom County to be at the forefront of clean energy and clean industrial production.”

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Feb. 10 • 7 pm • Popular Male & Female Vocalist Trivia Feb. 11 • 6:30 pm • Valentine’s Wine Paired Dinner 5 paired courses. $80 pp. Tax & gratuity included. Reservations required.

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The Northern Light • January 27 - February 2, 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.

Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Ian Haupt ian@pointrobertspress.com Reporting Intern 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 Rhiannon Allen, Doug Dahl The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVII, No 32 Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

Next issue: Feb. 3 Ads due: Jan. 28

Broken truck causes I-5 traffic delays

s Blaine Police Department (BPD) reported commercial trucks entering Canada at the Pacific Highway Port of Entry backed up the right lane of northbound I-5 to at least exit 273 on January 19. A BPD spokesperson said the truck backup lasted at least five hours and dissipated around 10:30 p.m. The backup was mostly caused by a broken truck as well as high traffic volumes and ArriveCAN issues, a Canada Border Services Agency spokesperson told The Northern Light in an email.

Photo courtesy Blaine Police Department Facebook

Letters (Editor’s note: This week’s issue is the last one in which The Northern Light will accept political letters for the February 8 special election. We will continue to publish political letters online.)

The Editor: The vote for the Birch Bay Vogt Community Library is upon us. Ballots have been mailed and the deadline nears. Not only that, all the conversations seem to be the same right now and they are overwhelmingly in favor of building this community resource in Birch Bay. Well, okay, let’s be fair; there are still some voices out there that think it’s too expensive or that it’s a shame the lovely old Vogt house won’t be the actual library. We’ve heard these voices and answered every point. We have described the thorough community process that allowed us to decide what we wanted in that space – what would make sense both architecturally and culturally.

Overwhelmingly – to use that word again – the community said “yes.” We want to have a library we can walk to or ride to quickly; where we can find a place for our kids to get away from their screens for a while and see a play or have a librarian animatedly read them a story; where we can hold a business meeting; where someone who might need a little help downloading the Whatcom County Library System free audio book app can get it quickly; where just the thing you need is to sit and look out the window at our beautiful bay … maybe on a day when you need a little company.

You all know the measure needed another 26 votes to pass the last time. Those of us who have been working on this project be-

lieve the votes were there and just didn’t get placed. We figure all the people who voted the other way are the same people who will do so this time so our job is to make sure all the votes we know are there in favor – nearly 60 percent of all who voted, which is a super majority – just need to make sure they get that ballot in on time.

So please do it now if you haven’t already.

Holly Witte Blaine The Editor: With the amount of publicity, paid and otherwise, in favor of Proposition 2022-2 in the February 8 special election (which proposes to raise our taxes to build a new library in Birch Bay by creating the Birch Bay Library Capital Facility Area), and the highly organized cheering campaign, many may have thought that there was no opposition to this proposed tax increase. They would be wrong.

I am not opposed to libraries. I just do not believe that this major expense is a priority especially when we look at the dwindling use of libraries and significant other factors affecting all of us now.

One of the most expensive parts of this proposal is to tear down the existing building that was originally planned to house this library and rebuild it bigger at great expense. The main reason given for this massive expense increase is that the existing building cannot handle the volume and weight of expected paper books.

The most used functions of modern libraries are online. Research materials, magazines and e-books exist in hyperspace where the cost of set-up and maintenance

are much lower. E-books have very little space or weight requirements. Paper books are probably useful for small children. Often, they are revered by book aficionados who can find plenty as close as the Blaine library. If this library provided online access and paper books for children, surely the existing building would suffice.

After two years of lockdowns, we have seen lost jobs that will never come back.

Winter storms and flooding require expensive repairs to roads and other infrastructure. This is already putting a strain on the county finances. These are not normal times, and we don’t know what’s coming next. Even small tax increases can have a disastrous effect on people already struggling. This is not the time for any tax increases.

I urge everyone who didn’t vote “no” last time because it seemed a foregone conclusion that this would pass to get out on February 8 and vote “no.”

Linda Cain Blaine The Editor: The first time I ever went into the book mobile, there were six bikes laying there on the grass, and I couldn’t get inside because six little boys were inside talking to the librarian. I wondered, “Why doesn’t Birch Bay have a library? Why don’t we have an identity beyond our front door?”

(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 27 - February 2, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Letters ...

From previous page

Why a library? Because it is neutral … it’s a place for everyone and everything. Community meetings, old people gathering, people of all ages doing crafts, kid camp activities out on the front lawn and on the tide flats, after school activities – you name it, it’s all about us – all ages, all interests.

It’s inclusive; it says we belong to one another; it says Birch Bay is back in business. You want to increase the value of your property?

Then increase the value of your community. That’s how it works.

We are in this together. Together we are stronger.

That’s why we say, “It’s so much more than a library.” It is a legacy, a memorial, a testimony, a gift from one generation to another. A gift that says we believe in learning, we believe in knowledge and virtue and community, and we believe in one another.

It’s hard to believe, that a community of over 10,000 doesn’t have a library, but the mothers, fathers and grandparents in Birch Bay aren’t going to stop until they get one, because we need one.

We’re asking you to give back to your community a little something of all that Birch Bay has given to you.

That’s how America works. We pay our taxes, and then we give, to build the churches, the com-

munity centers, the parks and the libraries that say, “We believe in community; we believe in one another.” The generosity of each one of us can make this dream come true. Please vote “yes” for Proposition 2 on February 8.

Then “they” built a new library, becomes “look at the new library we built.”

Yvonne Lindquist and Russ Rehm Birch Bay The Editor: As a lifelong teacher, I wanted to offer a few compelling thoughts regarding the upcoming Birch Bay Library Proposition 2.

What a library can do: • Free access to computers and the internet; • Librarians to help people find information they need; • Borrow books, CDs, DVDs, magazines, newspapers and music; • Provide a quiet, warm, inviting gathering place for adults, teens and children; • Programs and classes that are suitable for our community (think story time, computer basics, gaming); • Job, employment and career assistance; • And better access to databases on the internet that are not offered at home.

I could go on and on. Libraries build our communities into better communities. Please join me as I vote “yes” in support of the Birch

Bay Library Proposition 2, before February 8.

Joan Hall Blaine The Editor: I agree with Mr. McLeod’s letter last week in The Northern Light.

The construction cost of tearing down the historic Vogt home to build a library is not a wise use reason for levying the taxpayers for money.

We are going into a recession and money will be tight.

The Birch Bay area has transportation and other capital needs that should be addressed. These are costs for which developers are not assessed. And if we are really moving toward incorporation, shouldn’t we look at civic area, like up at the old U.S. Air Force property for the library and all future civic buildings?

White Rock, Bellingham and even Seattle do not have a library on pristine waterfront property. Their libraries are by city buildings.

Technology is constantly changing. Research can be done online.

Books are read online. I asked a few college graduates about a library and they all quickly responded: “No one uses libraries anymore.”

If libraries are waning in popularity by the upcoming generation, should we be investing in another library when there are already several in our county?

Mr. McLeod is also correct in stating that once this project reaches into our pockets, it will be never-ending. Note: the Blaine, Ferndale and Lynden libraries have all been rebuilt since I have lived here.

Money does not grow on trees.

Even though our state allows special elections, this election will cost the taxpayers $100,000$200,000.

Please vote “no.”

Cathy Cleveland Birch Bay The Editor: I’m tired of listening to emotional appeals about approving the library, and probably so are you. Let me ask you one quick question: “Would you like to have an extra $12,000?”

If your answer is “yes,” it might interest you to know that homes near a library have an average increased property value of $12,923. * Yes, you read that correctly: $12,923. Do what’s best for you.

Vote “yes” for the Birch Bay Vogt Community Library. *This figure is derived from the Fels Institute of Government and has been adjusted for increased property values in Birch Bay according to the U.S. Census.

Cayley Buckner Birch Bay

the Blaine Fishing Pier parking lot. According to a detailed police report, the officer said they observed an item to be an orange tube about one foot in length with two wires coming out of one end.

On a white label on the device, they saw partial writing suggesting, “burst,” “safety cartridge,” “E50060 (7m)” and “fuse,” the police report said. They then returned to their patrol vehicle and searched “E50060” on the internet, which led the officer to find Nxburst. After further investiga-

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 27 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting

Friday, February 4 9:00am – City Council Retreat Thursday, February 10 9:00am – Parks and Cemetery Board Meeting 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting

Monday, February 14 6:00pm – City Council Meeting Monday, February 21 City Offices Closed – Presidents’ Day

Tuesday, February 22 3:00pm – Civil Service Commission Meeting Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website.

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

www.cityofblaine.com

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Marine Drive closed for nearly two hours after possible explosive device found Marine Drive was closed for nearly two hours January 15 after a resident reported seeing a possible explosive on the north side of the road across from the pier parking lot. The item turned out to be a Nxburst cartridge, a gas-producing device used to split rock and concrete.

Blaine Police Department (BPD) officers were dispatched at 10:03 a.m. January 15 to the 200 block of Marine Drive where a resident pointed out a device on the north shoulder of the road across from

5

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tion, the officer learned the item was a device used for splitting large rocks and is different that a traditional blasting explosive but performs the same essential function.

The Bellingham Police Department’s Hazardous Devices Unit (HDU) was notified and responded. BPD officers shut down Marine Drive to westbound traffic while HDU seized the item after an initial inspection.

The scene was cleared at 11:52 a.m., according to the report.

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Grants ...

From page 3

$10,000.

• Quantum Healing Lounge received $5,000 after it requested a grant between $2,500 and $5,000.

• Peace Arch City Cafe was awarded $4,000 after it requested a grant between $30,000 and $40,000.

• Teriyaki Secret was awarded $4,000 after it requested over $40,000.

• Christina Alexander Winkler, founder of International Peace Arch Association, received $3,225 after she requested a grant between $10,000 and $20,000.

• Birch Bay Ventures was awarded $2,000 after it requested over $40,000.

• Tony’s Just A Bite received $1,800 after it requested a grant between $30,000 and $40,000.

The Northern Light also requested data for Point Roberts businesses in the 98281 zip code. Eight

businesses, or 34 percent of the 23 businesses that applied, were awarded a total of $130,018. Bald Eagle Golf Club and Point Roberts Marina received the greatest award amount at $39,000 each.

Breakwaters Bar and Grill received the least at $2,000.

In Whatcom County, 107 of 455 applicants were awarded border town grants, or 23.5 percent of those who applied. Statewide, about 20 percent of applicants received the grant.

Thomas said award amounts varied significantly because of several factors such as the department subtracting businesses’ previous Working Washington grants and the amount requested.

Grants were awarded based on whether the business was located within 20 miles of the U.S./Canada border; industries that have been greatly impacted by the closure such as retail and tourism; the business size; lost revenue between 2019 and 2020 or add-

ed expenses to safely stay open during the pandemic; and businesses in rural, low-income and/ or underserved communities such as minorities and veterans.

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The Northern Light • January 27 - February 2, 2022

Border protest at Peace Arch State Park draws dozens

s Dozens of people gathered to protest the Covid-19 travel requirements for crossing the U.S./Canada border at Peace Arch State Park on January 23.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

AT H LET E H

OF THE

H

H

H

H

s Lynden resident Jill Janzen holds a “let families unite” sign at the border protest January 23. Janzen said her family is separated by the U.S./Canada border requirements. Although she said she’s thankful for being able to see family at Peace Arch State Park, she said it’s not the same as being with family on Christmas.

“We’re missing so many life events,” she said. “My son is getting married in June in Bellingham and we’re not sure if any of our Canadian family can be there.”

Photo by Grace McCarthy

H

H NTH MO

Ryleigh Pitcher

Senior • Cheerleading

Ryleigh is a returning cheerleader and a team captain. This year she has continued to work hard and have a good attitude against all odds. She helps her teammates and encourages others every chance she gets. She exhibits strong leadership skills and always has a witty comment ready to boost spirits.

s Protestors gathered for about 20 minutes under the Peace Arch before walking across the park in a silent demonstration.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

Recent commercial property sales include CJ’s Beach House and Loomis Hall building

By Grace McCarthy

Member of the Month Sugar & Space 360-510-6771 wendy@sugarandspace.net www.sugarandspace.net Number of staff: Just me, Wendy Dahl – I like to work one-on-one with clients.

How long in business: Sugar & Space became official on December 16, 2020.

Description of the business: Sugar & Space is a Professional Organizing Company. I help families by creating solutions to get and stay organized. This includes de-cluttering, space planning, and organizing.

How the business started: For years I’ve been helping friends and family organize bedrooms, kitchens, closets and craft rooms. The vicarious joy of seeing someone rediscover their own home got me thinking, “I should be doing this all the time.” And now I am.

Future goals: Help clients discover the life-changing feeling of living in a clutter-free and organized space, reduce frustration and stress by working together to reduce the chaos that fills up space, help create more time and space so that people can do more of what they love with the people they love.

Featured businesses are selected randomly from the Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce membership.

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

Several notable commercial properties in Blaine and Birch Bay had a change of hands in December including the CJ’s Beach House property and the historic Loomis Hall building. This information has been compiled by the Whatcom County Assessor and Treasurer website and the Washington state Secretary of State website.

Birch Bay Rhino Development LLC purchased the CJ’s Beach House property for $3.15 million. Rhino Development is owned by The Beach at Birch Bay owners – Kelly Koehn, Randall Sheriff and Peter Van Der Zalm – and Tonia Thrift and Duane Nelson.

The CJ’s Beach House property includes the 11,736-foot restaurant on Birch Bay Drive as well as the Sea Links Golf Course, which is behind the building.

The sale also included 317 feet of waterfront property on Birch Bay Drive and two properties at 7853 and 7833 Blaine Road.

Koehn did not respond to requests for more information on plans for the CJ’s Beach House property.

Blaine Erika and Jesse Creydt, of Touchstone Health Clinic, purchased the historic Loomis Hall building at 288 Martin Street for $1.4 million. The 14,013-squarefoot building was built in 1903 and houses the Touchstone Health Clinic, a mental health clinic owned by the Creydt family. The property is situated on .15 acres of land.

John Strode and Charlie Gilcrease purchased the building housing Jack Niemann’s Black Forest Steakhouse for $1.35 million. The two-story building, at 638 Peace Portal Drive, also houses Jones & Jones U.S. Custom Brokers, Air Safety Art and the former Nimbus Real Estate office, which has been dissolved and will soon be acquired

by Ferndale’s Rockwood Realty.

The 9,676-square-foot property includes a parking lot.

Strode, the former owner of the Loomis Hall building, said he decided to purchase the 638 Peace Portal Drive property when a potential buyer showed interest in purchasing the Loomis Hall building. Strode doesn’t plan to make any changes to his new Peace Portal Drive property, he said.

January 27 - February 2, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

7

Sports Girls wrestling places at final tournament before post-season competition, sports roundup

By Ian Haupt Four Blaine girls wrestlers placed in their respective weight classes January 22 at the River Ridge Rumble in Lacey. Junior Genesis Vazquez took first at 110, sophomore Milania Rodriguez took third at 135, and sophomore Kristin Ward and junior Rayanne Mutchler took fourth at 140 and 235 pounds.

“I think we’ve come a long way from the beginning of the year,” head coach Damon Higgins said.

“The girls have dedicated a lot of time and effort.”

Higgins has been the girls wrestling coach for the better part of 10 years, and he said he has an impressive group of girls this year. Starting the season with 18 girls, the team is now down to 14. He said in years past he’s had around five girls and some years even just a single wrestler.

But this year he has to limit how many he can bring to a tour-

nament. He said he brought 10 girls to the River Ridge Rumble last weekend and eight competed.

The girls will move on to post-season competition next.

Higgins said he decided to pull the girls from the final regular season tournament due to the risk of getting Covid-19 ruining any post-season chances. He said due to Covid-19, the team has had only a fraction of outings as it would typically have in a normal season. This has limited the team’s growth, as there are fewer opportunities to compete, he said. However, the team is looking in good shape for the end of the season.

Higgins said several of the girls on the team could make it to state, and that it’s a matter of peaking at the right time and avoiding Covid-19 exposure.

“And I think we are looking in good shape right now,” he said.

Sports roundup

Boys basketball The Borderites traveled to Mount Baker last week and beat the Mountaineers by a convincing 67-32. The boys had a home game scheduled for January 24 against Sultan that was canceled.

They were scheduled to play Squalicum at home January 26.

Then they travel to Oak Harbor Thursday, January 27, and are back at home Tuesday, February 1, against Nooksack. All games are at 7:15 p.m.

The boys are 8-5 this season.

Girls basketball The Lady Borderites lost 5029 to Meridian on the road this weekend. The girls were scheduled to play at Squalicum January 26 at 7:35 p.m.

They then host Oak Harbor Friday, January 28, and travel to Nooksack Wednesday, February 2. Both games are at 7:15 p.m.

The girls are 4-8.

Boys wrestling Boys varsity wrestling squared

s Mayako Pereira tries to pin her opponent at the River Ridge Rumble in Lacey on January 22.

Courtesy photo up against Lynden last week in a conference matchup. They then traveled to Quincy for a multischool tournament January 22.

They were scheduled to face Meridian and Sehome at Meridian January 26 at 6 p.m.

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School district plans to return to in-person learning next week, contingent on staffing, Granger says

By Ian Haupt Blaine school district superintendent Christopher Granger said in a January 24 school board meeting that the district plans to return to in-person learning Monday, January 31, after all schools temporarily moved to remote learning this week. The district will reevaluate its Covid-19 case totals and staffing capabilities at the end of the week to determine whether it can return in-person on Monday, according to Ganger’s January 21 community message.

In his community message, Granger said over 450 students were absent each day last week, or more than 20 percent of each school’s student body. He also said staff absences had increased to more than 75 per day and 30 percent of those jobs were left unfilled by substitutes.

While not all those absences are positive Covid-19 cases, as students and staff are asked to stay home if they have any signs of illness, cases are surging across the district.

According to the school district’s Covid-19 dashboard, on it’s website, the district had a total of 118 reported Covid-19 cases from January 10 to January 16.

The week before it had 64 cases.

The district had yet to record last week’s case totals by press time, but communications director Lisa Moeller said those totals are expected to increase as more test results are reported.

In the school board meeting, Granger said the district’s nursing and administrative staff were testing an average of 150-200

people per day last week between the district’s PCR and rapid testing. “We were just at a breaking point,” he said about the efforts to keep students and staff in the building.

Granger said the decision to go remote for this four-day week was difficult to make but necessary due to the shortage of staff available.

“We are hoping that this small break will afford us an opportunity to get more staff healthy to work in the building,” he said. “It is impacting every department, from food service to transportation to teaching to secretarial and administrators. It was a very difficult decision.”

Testing is available this week on the north side of the middle school gym, across from H Street from the Boys and Girls Club, 10:30-11 a.m.

With staffing shortages in all schools and buildings, the district is looking for substitutes in all positions. Granger encourages anyone with an interest in education or who would like to lend a helping hand to reach out to the district’s human resources department.

Before the district made the call to move remote last week, some classes had already returned to remote learning.

Grades 6-8 were prepared to move to remote learning January 21 along with six Blaine Primary School and eight Blaine Elementary School classrooms. Several more classrooms and grade levels were being monitored for a potential move to remote learning as well, Granger wrote, and that

every family should prepare for a temporary move to remote learning.

The next day Granger announced the entire district would be moving remote temporarily.

“While the Omicron variant is not causing as many instances of serious illness, and that many

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people are recovering quickly, I am also aware that not all of our families are having that experience,” Granger said in his January 20 message. “Above all things, we want our students, staff and their families to be healthy and happy.

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The Northern Light • January 27 - February 2, 2022

Atwood Farm Brewery releases flood relief stout with the flooding relief, she figured they should stick to what they know best.

“In the face of disaster and tragedy, What can I do to help?’ is a question many of us ask,” he said in the January 21 announcement.

“Everyone has a different answer, based on their own capabilities, physically, financially or otherwise. Within our own capabilities, this beer is our very small contribution to helping folks in the parts of Whatcom County most affected by the flooding,” When Smith got the idea to make a flood relief beer, he knew he wanted to highlight a local ingredient, particularly one grown in eastern Whatcom County. “We tried to keep it as local as possible,” he said in a phone interview.

“We knew we would use raspberries, and given the time of year we thought a stout would be the best fit. And raspberries work well

By Ian Haupt Those who buy Atwood Farm Brewery’s new raspberry stout will be giving 90 percent of their money to flood relief.

Atwood Farm Brewery, on Sweet Road, announced January 21 that it will donate 90 percent of the gross sales of its new brew to the Whatcom Community Foundation’s Resilience Fund, a disaster response fund for those impacted by the November flood events.

Over 500 people were displaced and millions of dollars of damages were incurred last November when the Nooksack River overflowed its banks, leaving much of eastern Whatcom County with standing water. It also left many wondering how they could help.

Atwood brewer and co-owner Josh Smith was one of them.

When he and his partner were discussing how they could help

s Cans of the new Flood Siren. Ninety percent of its sales will be donated to the county’s Resilience Fund.

Photo by Ian Haupt

s Atwood Farm Brewery co-owner Josh Smith in the Sweet Road brewery where he’s been brewing beers since 2016.

Photo by Ian Haupt with stouts.”

The Flood Siren, a Belgian-style stout brewed with raspberries, is made with 100 percent local berries from Clark’s Berry Farm in Lynden, just 12 miles east of the brewery. The beer is also brewed with 100 percent local hops from Bredenhof Hop Farms in Chilliwack, B.C., and 96 percent barley malts from Skagit Valley Malting.

Atwood Farm is a small, family farm that grows ingredients for the on-site brewery. It was established in 2016. The brewery produces unique ales inspired by French and Belgian farmhouse brewing traditions.

The brewery’s website says it doesn’t brew IPAs, or at least not at the farm, but they have as limited release projects in collaboration with other breweries.

“We don’t have any hard feel-

ings against IPAs, they can be great beers, but they just do not fit neatly into our brewing philosophy or style portfolio very well,” the website says. “While we do brew some hoppier beers, we are much more interested in exploring the nuances of malt, yeast and adjunct driven flavors and aromas at our brewery. Could we offer you a balanced pale ale, or a nice farmhouse or sour ale instead?”

The brewery saw a large decrease in sales in 2020 due to the pandemic, which forced Smith to learn how to can beers as a way to help sales.

Usually distributed in bottles, Smith said they were fighting for shelf space in stores. With most breweries canning beers nowadays, he said learning to adapt helped sales in 2021. He said he will continue to bottle his beers

since that is how the beers they brew are traditionally sold. “Cans just seem to be what consumers want these days,” he said. “And the goal is to sell beer.”

Atwood also received $10,000 in grant money from the Working Washington Border Business Relief Program, which Smith said really helped.

The brewery is open from noon to 3 p.m. on most Saturdays to buy cans, bottles and merchandise. Customers can also buy beer online and pick it up on Saturdays or by appointment.

Smith said at some point he would like to open up a bar or taproom but the right situation hasn’t presented itself yet. “I would love to have a place for people to come sit down and drink our beer.”

For more information or to place an order, visit atwoodales.com.

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By Meg OlsOn Whatcom County Council has approved changes to county code that will eliminate exemptions to mandatory garbage pickup in Point Roberts.

At their June 5 meeting, council heard from an almost evenly split 15 community members on the proposal, which would establish a mandatory minimum service level of a 32-gallon can of garbage to be picked up twice-monthly and billed through the property tax roll.

Opponents of the proposal cited a number of reasons for their opposition, priFREE Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay September 9 - 15, 2021 marily that the minimum service level was too high. “This exceeds the needs of 80 HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer PRSRT STD percent of those surveyed (in a 2016 onU. S. Postage PAID line survey sponsored by the county solid IN THIS Permit NO. 87 waste division) who self-haul or use tags,” Blaine, WA 98230 Kimberly Butts said.

Ken Calder, also opposed to the chang- s Back in 1976, a group of civic-minded people got together to plan a 4th of July celebration, the first since 1916. On June 20, they had a reunion at Ruby White’s house. See story, page 16. Standing, from l.: Fred DeHaan, Rosy Negron, Carla Scherer, Pauli DeHaan, George es, submitted a petition signed by 364 sea- Scherer, Pat Jorgensen, Doreen Peltier. Seated: Norma Peltier, Ruby White, Kris Manning.

Photo by Shelley Damewood sonal and full-time residents asking that council delay the decision until September to allow a recently formed solid waste subcommittee of the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee to continue to look at the issue.

Cites client base and “increasing erts hospital district on June 26 that Unity according to Unity Care.

Those in favor of the change as well as Care NW would end its contract to proThe number of people being served at community turmoil” county staff pointed out that PRCAC had vide services on the Point as of December the Point Roberts Clinic, as well as the 31, 2018, but would provide services on a number of visits, have been declining, acB y G r a c e M c c a r t h ybeen pondering the garbage collection B y M e g O l s O n for over two years, held numerous public a n d P a t g r u B B month-to-month basis if needed until June cording to the resolution. The number of If you struggle to balance a healthy bud- sponsored an online survey and meetings, 30, 2019 and help with a possible transi- visits per year shrank from 1176 to 1033 get, local nonprofits are here to help. sent out a mailer.

Unity Care NW is done with the Point tion to an alternative service provider. between 2015 and 2017, which is deFinancial literacy nonprofit Whatcom “There have been numerous opportuni- Roberts clinic.

According to the June 25 resolution, the (See Hospital, page 8) Dream will offer six money management ties for people to put in their two cents’ Citing declining use, a disproportionate Point Roberts Clinic does not fit with classes from Tuesday, September 28 until Arthur Reber said. “This process administrative burden and “communi- the other clinics Unity Care NW operworth,” Tuesday, November 2 at the new Commuhas been very thorough and collaborative,” ty turmoil,” the board of directors of the ates in Ferndale and Bellingham, which nity Assistance Program (CAP) building, said taxpayers’ association president Mark non-profit health care provider voted at its it described as “patient centered medi508 G Street. Classes will be held 6:30- Chamber of commerce president June 25 meeting to discontinue the con- cal homes.” Close to half of the visits to Robbins. allpointbulletin.com 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday.

Dee Gough said her association also sup- tract to operate the Point Roberts Clinic. the Point Roberts clinic are for urgent facebook.com/allpointbulletin Whatcom Dream is a nonprofit thatthe proposal, agreeing that mandaported Notice was delivered to the Point Rob- care, and not for primary medical care, started in Bellingham in 1999 to tory educate trash pickup was the obvious solution residents struggling with finances.

The to the perennial problem of dumping garnonprofit’s founders realized thebage reason on the roadsides.

Classifieds ........................................ 20 why their working low-income neighbors Jeff Hegedus with the Whatcom County Coming Up ...................................... 19 remained in poverty was because they Health Department said by establishing a B y M e g O l s O n running three weekends in August. didn’t know how to manage money propGarden ............................................. 15 mandatory minimum service level for all Kiniski’s Reef Tavern is partnering with erly, said Kevin Stray, a Whatcom Dream Library ............................................ 18 developed properties, as determined by “The Point Roberts Arts and Music the foundation, offering a location, planvolunteer who will teach the Blaine classes which properties have a water connection, Festival is back on the water,” says Arts ning assistance and funds for this year’s Obituaries ........................................ 22 this fall. it would lead to vendor stability because Foundation founder and festival organizer event.

“We decided to make it longer so Opinion .............................................. 4 “We think finances are an important more users would support the system. Craig Jacks. more people can enjoy it,” said tavern slice of everyone’s life and if we can hanSeniors ............................................ 18 After being put on the shelf for a year, manager Allison Calder. The first weekend dle [money] well, we can make everyone’s Tides ................................................ 10 (See Garbage, page 7) the festival will be back for its 23rd year, (See Arts & Music, page 14) lives better,” he said.

The classes will teach budgeting, handling new and old debt, credit scores and history, achieving and maintaining finan- s Birch Bay’s seaside festival offered another weekend of family fun September 3-5. The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce hosted the cial stability, retirement planning and the fun-filled event, with help from Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 and Friends of Birch Bay Library. Attendees enjoyed activities such as a pancake breakfast, outdoor kid games and rubber duck derby. More photos on page 16. psychology behind money.

AFTER Photo PARADE ACTIVITIES: BEGIN THE DAY AT THE

by ChuckFAMILY Kinzer/CKimageart.com Stray, who has a business degree from St. Martin’s University, said he sees peo- Community Center 1437 Gulf Rd. H Breakwaters Bar & Grill STARTS AT 12 NOON along POINT ROBERTS MARINA ple struggle the most with debt, long-termPancake Breakfast 7:15-11:15 am PREP benefit at Point Roberts Marina.

Gulf Rd. from Marine Dr. to Tyee Dr. planning and responsible spending. Flag Raising Ceremony 11:30 am featuring PR Winds AT 10:30 PM H Kiniski’s Reef Tavern Financial classes are geared toward people earning low incomes, but Stray said all are welcome.

Classes will be offered to about 20 people, but there’s not a set limit. Scheduling foot warehouse in September 2020 that al- cused on what he can control. in advance is recommended, but attendees B y G r a c e M c c a r t h y lowed it to store over 20,000 boxes awaitTodd Robinson, Security Mail Services can also show up to the classes.

Over a year-and-a-half after the U.S./ ing cross-border customers. manager, echoed Baron’s sentiments. The “We hope a lot of people will be inter“We used up all of the creativity we had last year-and-a-half has been hard but with ested, come out, learn more about money Canada border closure and Blaine mailbox and how to deal with it,” Stray said. “We’re stores wait patiently for the return of loyal to maximize the space we had, which is boxes stacked high around him, he said always excited to put on another class in Canadian customers, all while they’ve set- what prompted renting the warehouse,” he’s in a much better place than he would tled into an adapted business routine.

Baron said. have predicted.

Blaine.”

Mail Boxes International owner Brant Baron and other mailbox operators are “When [the border] first closed down, I The program will offer free financial mentoring to people who finish the course. Baron said his parcel store has changed its mostly catering to Canadian companies would have never anticipated being closed No childcare is available during the eve- business strategy to stay busy during the that need products from the U.S. forward- this long. I thought three months, maybe, ed. Although business has been better, he tops,” Robinson said. “I’m pleased with ning classes, so people will need to plan border closure.

To deal with parcels yet to be picked up, emphasized his situation is not detrimen(See Financial classes, page 4) (See Box stores, page 2) the H Street business rented a 4,800-square- tal and he has leaned into his faith and fo-

ISSUE

Former BHS student wins big with tuba, page 5

Free financial literacy class offered in Blaine

Borderite sports are back, page 7

YEARS

Blaine featured in new novel, page 10

Discover Birch Bay Days brings community fun Unity Care NW decides against renewing clinic contract

Online Inside

Arts and music fest makes a comeback

36

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A special publication of The Northern Light

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Mt. Baker WASHINGTON

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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)

INSIDE

Blaine mailbox stores use creativity as they wait for the U.S. to open Canada border

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Know what seeds you’re buying as you garden your way into 2022

By Rhiannon Allen The start of a new gardening year already?

Whether you are relatively new to gardening or an old hand at it, it’s time to plan for seed starting if that suits your fancy.

With pandemic-inspired interest in home gardening and growing from seed, it makes sense to order seeds before companies sell out of the seed variety you have your eyes on.

One of the things that confuses even old garden hands is the terminology used in seed catalogs.

It certainly has confused me at times. So I thought that perhaps I could take this column to go over some generic terms one sees in seed catalogs: genetically modified, organic, heirloom, open pollinated and hybrid.

Genetically modified (GM, GMO or GEO) seed comes from plants whose genetics have been modified in laboratories to produce plants with some sort of advantage over seeds whose inheritance lies in the field rather than the lab.

Genes from a different organism have been spliced into the genetic code of a GMO seed to enhance productivity, increase resistance to pests, or create resistance to the herbicides used in agriculture for weed control.

Plant breeding has gone on for millennia, but over time the term GM has become restricted to plants developed in the laboratory. Currently, few GM seeds are sold to home gardeners, since they were developed for largescale agriculture and for provisioning groceries, but that could change at any time.

Organic seed is non-GM seed that has been grown on certified organic farms and processed in certified facilities. These seeds have never come in contact with synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, although they might have been grown with those approved for organic use.

Organic seeds can be handled with bare hands and used for sprouting – even eaten direct

from the package – without fear of contacting harmful chemicals.

All this care, of course, comes at a cost and you should expect to pay more – just as you pay more for organic produce in the grocery store.

Heirloom or ‘heritage seed’ lacks a precise definition. However, most catalogs will label plants grown before WWII as heirloom.

Of course, what is heirloom in one place does not mean that it really is a heritage plant in another region.

Nonetheless, these are usually robust plants that have stood the test of taste and time, having hit their stride when local farming and home gardening supplied the primary provisions on our dining tables. Stick to heirloom seeds from your own region, and you will not be disappointed. If you prefer to be delighted by the wild, wonderful or exotic, these are not the plants for you. Note that heirloom plants will not be GM, but they may or may not be organic.

All heirloom plants are open pollinated, which is the next term used in many catalogs.

Open pollinated or OP is a term likely to confuse the home gardener selecting seeds from a catalog. It comes from the concept that in a natural setting, most plants are pollinated by the wind and by pollinators carrying pollen from nearby plants of the same variety. This produces fertile seed that is strikingly genetically similar to its parents.

Over time, seed companies have worked carefully to make sure that seeds they label as OP will grow true to their parents and will pass on predicable characteristics to their own progeny.

They do this by growing the seed in large plantings of genetically identical plants that will pollinate each other.

Therefore, when you buy OP seed, the plant will have relatively predictable characteristics and will yield seed that you can save for next year’s crop.

However, there might be occasional surprises because ‘open’ creates the opportunity for – well

File photo

– wayward parents. This is particularly the case for OP seeds that you save yourself when your plant was easily cross-pollinated by your neighbor’s plant.

OP stands in contrast to hybrid seeds, which sometimes bear the additional designation of F1 or F2 to indicate their genetic generation. These are seeds derived by fertilizing one variety of a plant with the pollen from a different but compatible vari-

ety. This is done in an effort to blend the best characteristics of each parent. When developed by professional plant geneticists you can get some spectacular and unusual plants.

However, the plants have not yet been stabilized into varieties that breed true and can be left to open pollinate. That means that you are unlikely to experience success with saving seeds in the hope that you will get a similar

plant next year. I’ve noticed that many garden vegetable seeds are hybrids, but this seems to be less true of herb and flower seeds.

Now bring on those seed catalogs!

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The Northern Light • January 27 - February 2, 2022

Onyon leaves legacy after 23 dedicated years to city council went up for sale on the west side of Peace Portal Drive, across from where Starbucks is currently. Onyon and her husband, Ed, purchased the property and opened Thrifty Market, a small grocery store and deli that served everything from sandwiches to fried chicken as well as alcohol for the Canadians during the blue law era. The Onyons went on to own most of the block and raised their three children in the deli during the 12 years it was open.

But a low Canadian exchange rate in the ‘90s coupled with high mortgage rates forced the Onyons to sell their property in 1996 and Fairhaven developer Ken Imus bought the property a few years later before he eventually tore it down.

While working at Thrifty Market, Onyon became involved with the Blaine Chamber of Commerce and worked her way up to become president.

“It was hard for us to do something concrete for downtown because the businesses were suffering,” she said. “Everyone else I saw in the same position in Blaine and thought, ‘Why? Why isn’t it more?’”

Onyon got to work. She encouraged businesses to decorate storefronts. She received city permission to fill an empty fountain with dirt and flowers in G Street Plaza, which used to be a grassy street-end. Believing the town needed sturdy street seating, Onyon found a Custer concrete

By Grace McCarthy Bonnie Onyon banged her gavel for the last time during the December 27, 2021 city council meeting, ending 23 years of service on Blaine City Council – eight of which were led as mayor.

Whatcom County Council appointed Onyon to city council in 1998 to fill a council member’s remaining two-year term after city council’s 3-3 vote between Onyon and another candidate required the county to be the tiebreaker. Onyon was only challenged once in the five elections she campaigned. City council appointed her as mayor 2008-2011 and then again in 2018.

Throughout the years, Onyon fought long and hard for many city improvements she believed in, from the Gateway development on the old airport property to paving the way for east Blaine housing development.

“Frankly when I moved here, it was a culture shock for me. I had never lived in a small town,” she said. “It got me involved in the business community and making positive changes. I thought, ‘As a citizen, this is a way I can help out and keep myself from being bored’ and it took off from there.”

Before council Onyon, a Pennsylvania native, moved to Blaine in 1983 with her husband and children to be closer to family who lived in Whatcom County. A few months after moving to the area, a property

s Bonnie Onyon holds the plaque the city of Blaine awarded her for 23 dedicated years to Blaine City CounPhoto by Grace McCarthy cil, eight of which she served as mayor. company willing to donate its time and asked the city to pay for eight wood-and-concrete benches, a few of which are still downtown today.

After the chamber, Onyon served on the city of Blaine’s planning commission for six years.

“That gave me a good background on at least a portion of what is involved with the city with land use and zoning,” she said.

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Time on council Onyon’s teenage son encouraged her to run for city council in 1998. County council voted 5-2 to appoint her to fill a remaining two-year term after a tied city council vote between Onyon and another candidate. Onyon said she has been asked to serve on Whatcom County Council and as a 42nd Legislative District state legislator over the years but has declined because she sees those positions as too political.

Alongside the work of her fellow city council members, Onyon earned a list of accomplishments during the 23 years on council, many of which are related to her strong advocacy for development.

In her early years on council, Onyon encouraged the city to waive development and hookup fees to encourage more developers like Imus. The decision whether or not to close the old Blaine Municipal Airport stirred controversy among council and community members; Onyon was on the closing side because she saw its strain on city resources and potential to increase the city’s general fund.

“I’ve always been an advocate for growth,” Onyon said. “That was not always looked upon favorably back in the day.”

The former mayor supported bringing manufacturers to Blaine and through her tenure welcomed Mercer Logistics, Family Care Network, Chuckanut Foods and White Leisure.

“That took a longtime coming,” she said of airport property sales. “Most of the development came in the past five years.”

Onyon joined council shortly after the city annexed east Blaine in 1996, leading the way for major upcoming housing developments Grandis Pond and Harbor Hills, formerly known as East Maple Ridge. Testifying in Olympia for state funding to extend utilities to east Blaine and improving the permitting process were among Onyon’s top accomplishments,

she said.

Other accomplishments Onyon said she’s proud of from her time on council include the city building the state-ofthe-art Lighthouse Point Water Reclamation Facility on Marine Drive, constructing the Blaine Marine Park pirate playground, acquiring state funding for the Peace Portal Drive and Bell Road intersection improvements to come in the next few years, hiring three city managers and purchasing the new city hall at 435 Martin Street.

Going forward Mayor Mary Lou Steward, who spent nearly the last decade on council with Onyon, said the former mayor was easy to work with and had extensive knowledge on the city.

“She was on council for a long, long time and that was lot of hours she dedicated to trying to make Blaine a better place,” Steward said. “From when she started to when she banged the final gavel, she moved the city forward in a very positive direction.”

City manager Michael Jones said Onyon excelled in finding common ground with other council members and negotiating reasonable decisions. She kept a friendly demeanor and smalltown attitude while conducting business for the city, he said.

“I’ll miss mayor Onyon. She was a fantastic partner to work with and I wish her nothing but the best,” Jones said. “I look forward to working with the new council and mayor, but she will leave a void.”

As for her time after council, Onyon said she would consider joining the city commissions or boards in the future. But for now, she’s content spending time with family and exploring new volunteer opportunities.

“It’s been a longtime coming but Blaine is really becoming its own. And people are noticing,” she said. “I’m really proud I had a hand in that. It was just one of the hands, but it was a hand.”

January 27 - February 2, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

11

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Legal IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Michael Ronald Seal, Deceased. NO. 21-4-00983-37. 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 27, 2022 Personal Representative: Elisabeth A. Christensen aka Lisa A. Christensen 1905 Washington Street Bellingham, WA 98225 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. 21-4-00983-37.

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Legal IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: STEVEN ALAN DAGGS, Deceased. No. 224-00037-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge David Freeman.

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: January 19, 2022 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: January 27, 2022 Name of Administrator: JAMES E. KRAXNER 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: January 21, 2022 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator JAMES E. KRAXNER www.averyelderlaw.com

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: ALSON D. WENDLAND (AKA DALE WENDLAND), Deceased. No. 22-4-00063-37.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge David Freeman.

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: January 24, 2022 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: January 27, 2022 Name of Administrator: CINDY MAXWELL 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: January 24, 2022 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator CINDY MAXWELL

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: JOHN STEVEN CAUSEY, Deceased. No. 224-00063-37. 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: January 24, 2022 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: January 27, 2022 Name of Administrator: ELIZABETH ANNE CAUSEY 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: January 24, 2022 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator ELIZABETH ANNE CAUSEY www.averyelderlaw.com

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: GARRY J. HUMMER, Deceased. No. 22-4-0068-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Lee Grochmal The Personal Representative named below has been appointed and has qualified as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced.

The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 AND 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: January 25, 2022 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: January 27, 2022 Name of Personal Representative: CHRISTOPHER HUMMER Attorney for Personal Representatives: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262 Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com DATED: January 25, 2022 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Personal Representative: CHRISTOPHER HUMMER

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The Northern Light • January 27 - February 2, 2022

Real Estate 1033 4th Street, Blaine $375,000

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January 27 - February 2, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

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Road Rules: How to protect important car documents from being stolen

By Doug Dahl Question: We’ve had a lot of car break-ins in our area lately. An obvious course of action is not to leave valuables in the car. But what about paperwork like registration and proof of insurance?

Removing documents every time you leave their vehicle seems like a recipe for an awkward moment when you forget them or someone else drives the vehicle.

Do you recommend taking them or leaving them in the vehicle?

Answer: Yep, you’re supposed to have your registration and insurance documents in your vehicle when you drive, but the crime prevention folks will tell you it’s a bad idea to leave them there when you’re not with the car.

What do you do when the crime

prevention advice doesn’t quite sync up with the law?

The odds of having your car broken into, your registration stolen and then getting stopped by the police for a traffic violation before you have time to get a new registration are remarkably low.

But if you’re the one who found yourself in that position, those low odds are no comfort, and you’ve just shown that low odds are still non-zero.

The law requires that your vehicle registration “be carried in the vehicle for which it is issued” and that your proof of insurance “must be provided on the request of a law enforcement officer.”

You might think you’re stuck with keeping paper copies in the car, but a few years ago both the registration and insurance laws were modified to allow docu-

ments in an “electronic format.”

You could take a photograph of your registration and download your insurance card from your insurance company, and you’d be set.

That doesn’t solve the problem if you let a friend or family member borrow your car. If they get stopped by police and call you asking where your documents are, you could text them the digital images, but that seems less than ideal.

If paper copies in the vehicle seem like the best option, you could put them somewhere besides the glove box so they’re harder to find. (Of course, if a thief can’t find them, your friend borrowing the car probably can’t find them either unless you remembered to tell them where they are.)

You could make copies of both documents and then take a thick black marker to your address.

The concern is the unlikely, but again non-zero, possibility that someone uses the address on your registration to go to your home and steal your stuff because they know you’re not there.

The law doesn’t state that photocopies are acceptable (or unacceptable), but if a photo on your phone is okay, a photocopy is probably okay too. If an officer thinks the copy is suspicious (or you don’t have your registration with you), it’s easy enough to check the vehicle registration through the mobile data terminal in their car. There’s no database to confirm your insurance though, so you’ll need that for sure.

This is not a guarantee, but from what I’ve observed you’re

unlikely to get a ticket for forgetting your registration (assuming it’s current), but more likely to get one for not having proof of insurance.

Ultimately though, your driving practices are going to be the biggest factor in whether or not you ever have to produce your registration and insurance card.

A forgotten registration doesn’t cause a crash, but distraction, impairment, speeding, and other risky behaviors do, and that’s what police are watching for. If you focus on safe driving habits, it’s likely that you’ll never have to test out what happens if you don’t have your registration with you.

Doug Dahl is a manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.

Application deadline for open school board seat extended to February 4 The Blaine school board decided in its January 24 meeting to extend the application deadline for the open board seat to Friday, February 4, after receiving only one application.

With former board member Laura McKinney resigning last month, the board is accepting letters of interest from community members wanting to fill the

vacancy. The original submission deadline was set for 4 p.m.

January 21.

The board must appoint a representative to fill McKinney’s director district 5 seat, which includes Semiahmoo, north Birch Bay neighborhoods and Blaine neighborhoods south of the railroad tracks, by March 4, 2022. The representative must reside in the

newly approved district 5 boundaries, adopted during the December 14 regular board meeting, be a U.S. citizen and registered voter, according to a Blaine school district news release.

The letter of interest should be addressed to the board of directors and should describe the candidate’s interest in serving on the board, including any prior experi-

Whatcom County was averaging 1,554 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people in a one-week period, according to January 23 Washington State Department of Health (DOH) data. Sixty-five percent of all Whatcom County residents are fully vaccinated.

The DOH reports there have been 30,202 Covid-19 cases in Whatcom County since the start of the pandemic. Six county residents died in the past week, bringing the virus’ death toll up to 224 people.

On January 25, 64 people at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham had either

appointed director and other interested candidates may then run for final two years of the four-year term. McKinney was just reelected to serve her second term on the board in November 2021.

Those interested in learning more about service on the board can contact the superintendent’s administrative assistant, Tina Padilla, at 360/332-0711.

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

Covid-19 briefly ...

(Ed note: The Whatcom County health department’s (WCHD) Covid-19 data dashboard was not updated with the previous week’s data by press time. A WCHD spokesperson told The Northern Light that delayed lab results caused incomplete data for a second consecutive week. The WCHD will temporarily update its local dashboard every Thursday, instead of Tuesday, while the data is delayed.)

ence, qualifying factors and their goals as a potential board member.

Letters can be submitted by email to comments@blainesd.org or in hard copy to the district at 765 H Street.

The board will interview candidates and vote on the appointment of a new director to serve until the next candidate is voted on in the November 2023 election. The

been admitted for Covid-19 or tested positive for Covid-19 after being admitted for another reason.

State mails free Covid-19 tests The DOH has started sending free Covid-19 antigen tests to residents’ doorsteps.

As of January 21, Washington state residents can order up to five rapid tests per household at sayyescovidhometest.org.

The state’s program is in addition to the federal government’s free athome Covid-19 test program that launched January 18.

The DOH anticipated the Covid-19 tests would be ordered quickly, and said in a January 21 news release that it planned to restock Covid-19 tests.

“We anticipate people’s initial need in the test kits will exceed our current supply pretty quickly, but our focus is sharing what we have right now,” said Lacy Fehrenbach, DOH deputy secretary for Covid-19 response. “We want to make sure the tests we have are in homes when our state needs testing the most – during this current surge.”

WCHD expands testing Whatcom County Health Department (WCHD) and Northwest Laboratory expanded their partnered Covid-19 testing capacity at the drive-through Bellingham International Airport location. The additional testing times available for close contacts of someone who tested positive for Covid-19 or those with Covid-19 symptoms, according to a January 21 WCHD media release. To book an appointment, people can call 360/778-6075 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

State modifies Covid-19 dashboard The DOH updated the way it displays information on its Covid-19 dashboard on January 21 to better reflect the current stage of the nearly two-year pandemic, according to a DOH press release. DOH is now updating the dashboard on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, instead of three times a week as it did previously.

For more information on other updates to the DOH Covid-19 dashboard, visit bit.ly/343gbax.

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14

The Northern Light • January 27 - February 2, 2022

Sheriff’s Reports Jan. 13, 6:14 a.m.: Suspicious person on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer.

Jan. 13, 9:22 a.m.: Parking problem on Harborview Road.

Jan. 13, 9:59 a.m.: Traffic hazard on Bruce and Arnie roads, Custer.

Jan. 13, 3:33 p.m.: Domestic physical on Harborview Road.

Jan. 13, 5:24 p.m.: Threat on Bayshore Drive.

Jan. 13, 7:03 p.m.: Threat on Clamdigger Drive.

Jan. 13, 8:27 p.m.: Suspicious person on Bruce Road, Custer.

Jan. 13, 8:46 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Elmwood Drive.

Jan. 14, 8:42 a.m.: Behavioral health issue on Surf Place.

Jan. 14, 9:16 a.m.: Vehicle abandoned on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer.

Jan. 14, 11:27 a.m.: Domestic verbal on Morgan Drive.

Jan. 14, 1:34 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Elmwood Drive.

Jan. 14, 4:10 p.m.: Littering on Stein Road, Custer.

Jan. 14, 4:54 p.m.: Hit and run on Harborview and Lincoln roads.

Jan. 14, 5:15 p.m.: DUI on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. Subject arrested.

Jan. 14, 7:54 p.m.: Behavioral health issue on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

Jan. 15, 12:31 a.m.: Behavioral health issue on Surf Place.

Jan. 15, 9:22 a.m.: Burglary on Harborview Road.

Jan. 15, 11:09 a.m.: Shots on Whitehorn Way. Jan. 16, 12:21 a.m.: Domestic order violence on Anderson Road. Suspect arrested.

Jan. 16, 1:10 p.m.: Behavioral health issue on Surf Place.

Jan. 17, 12:22 p.m.: Trespass on Blaine Road.

Jan. 17, 4:03 p.m.: Overdose on Cedar Avenue.

Jan. 18, 8:24 a.m.: Behavioral health issue on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

Jan. 15, 2:34 a.m.: Suicidal subject on H Street.

Jan. 15, 9:41 a.m.: Trespass notification on Peace Portal Drive.

Jan. 15, 10:03 a.m.: Found explosives on Marine Drive.

Jan. 15, 8:11 p.m.: DUI/hit and run on Peace Portal Drive.

Jan. 16, 1:39 a.m.: Assist agency on Anderson Road.

Jan. 16, 1:40 a.m.: Attempted burglary on Adelia Street.

Jan. 16, 8:33 a.m.: Vehicle prowl report on Vista Terrace Drive.

Jan. 16, 2:38 p.m.: Trespass authorization on Peace Portal Drive.

Jan. 16, 3:48 p.m.: Shots fired complaint on H Street.

44. Ecological community 46. Wings 47. Halfway 49. Cool, calm and collected 52. Jewelled headdress 56. Musical composition 58. __ Falls 60. Repeating remarks 62. Periods in one’s life 63. Hyphen DOWN 1. __ Humbug!

2. Devices that alert pilots (abbr.)

3. Grocer 4. One point east of southeast 5. Subjects to hostility 6. Work unit 7. Atomic #56 8. British thermal unit 9. “Elusive Butterfly” singer 10. Fastened over animal’s neck

12. Device 13. Rechargeable power source 16. Ancient sage 17. Consist of two elements 20. “Pygmalion” writer 22. “The Centennial State” (abbr.)

25. Of I 26. Get older 27. Brotherhoods 29. Buzzing insect 31. Sunscreen rating 34. Brew 36. Leader 37. Indigo bush 38. Burn with a hot liquid 40. Junior’s dad 43. Horse mackerels genus 45. Morning 48. Unit of linear measurement (abbr.)

50. Double curve 51. Small, twisted bunch 53. Developed 54. Mars crater 55. Humanistic disci-

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.

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.

Blaine Chamber Meeting: Wednesday, February 2, noon, Paso del Norte, 758 Peace Portal Drive. Speaker: Katheryn Mathews about the employee shortage, solutions for employers to boost their visibility, recruiting strategies, and the Yes Whatcom Project. Info: blainechamber.com.

Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, February 3, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: Winter Olympics. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Live Music at The Vault: Friday, February 4, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: RJ Rex. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Sip and Paint: Wednesday, February 9, 6:30 p.m., the Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. With Brian Drake with Art and Happiness. $75 per person, includes $30 food/beverage credit, art supplies and instruction.

Info: thevaultwine.com.

Police Reports

Crossword ACROSS 1. Constrictors 5. Abounding in rocks 11. Speed 14. German city 15. Lacking sympathy 18. Visionaries 19. Wastes away 21. One precursor to the EU 23. Nursemaid 24. Unconsciousnesses 28. Baby’s word for father 29. Equal to 64 US pints (abbr.)

30. Senses of self-importance 32. Midway between south and southwest 33. When you hope to get there 35. Electronic data processing 36. Passports and drivers’ licences are two 39. Fishes 41. Air Force 42. Personal computers

Jan. 18, 10:27 a.m.: Burglary on Birch Bay Drive.

Jan. 18, 9:50 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Loomis Trail Road.

Jan. 18, 7:15 a.m.: Trespass on Birch Bay-Square Street.

Jan. 18, 8:46 a.m.: Burglary on Castlerock Drive.

Jan. 19, 10:06 p.m.: Domestic physical on Clamdigger Drive.

Jan. 20, 1:07 a.m.: Theft on Birch Bay-Square Street.

Jan. 20, 3:21 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident injury on Bruce Road, Custer. Suspect arrested.

Coming up

Jan. 16, 11:23 p.m.: Welfare check on B Street.

Jan. 17, 8:02 a.m.: Abuse of 911 report on Cedar Street.

Jan. 17, 9:09 a.m.: Burglary investigation on Boblett Street.

Jan. 17, 4:20 p.m.: Vandalism report on B Street.

Jan. 17, 6:47 p.m.: Suicidal subject on 99th Street.

Jan. 17, 7:11 p.m.: Domestic dispute on E Street.

Jan. 18, 3:18 p.m.: Warrant arrest on Adelia Street.

Jan. 18, 9:45 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Bell Road.

Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, February 10, 7 p.m., the Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: Popular male and female vocalists.

Info: thevaultwine.com.

Report by Blaine Police Department.

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.

pline 57. Word element meaning ear 58. Last or greatest in an indefinitely large series 59. Wood residue 61. It cools your home

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.

ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

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Whatcom Dream Financial Literacy Class: Tuesdays, February 22–March 29, 6:30–7:30 p.m., The CAP Center, 508 G St. Learn skills to give you a more secure financial future. Free. Info and registration: 360-296-0441 or email kevin@thewhatcomdream.org. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program.

Ongoing

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.

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.

Jan 27 – Feb 2 at Blaine.

Not for navigation.

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Third Sunday Breakfast: Sunday, February 20, 9 a.m.–noon, American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. Serving eggs to order, biscuits and gravy, French toast, pancakes, ham or sausage, coffee, milk and orange juice.

Adults $9, kids 4–7 $4, ages 3 and under are free. Open to the public.

Please wear a mask until seated at your table. All proceeds support the American Legion and our veterans. Info: 360/371-7311.

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.

Tides DATE

Valentine’s Wine Paired Dinner: Friday, February 11, 6:30-9:30 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro. Five paired courses. $80 per person. Reservations required. Info: the vaultwine.com or 360/392-0455.

6.8

6.0

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Weather

Precipitation: During the period of January 17-23, 1.2 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2022 year-to-date precipitation is 4.8 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 53°F on Jan. 20 with a low of 34°F on Jan. 22 and 23. Average high was 48°F and average low was 39°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

Toastmasters Virtual Meetings: Tuesdays 6:30–7:45 p.m. Entertaining and educational. Have fun speaking, learn to overcome fears. Info: Call Pete 360/933-1671 or email him at pcorcorran@gmail.com for the Zoom link.

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

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

January 27 - February 2, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

15

Ferndale company cleans ocean trash, from Cherry Point to the Philippines, through virtual greeting card sales B y G e o r gi a C o s t a A devastating pandemic can have silver linings when it pushes people to try new things.

Greg Dayley and Annie Jenkins launched Trashy Greetings in November 2021, a business where the purchase of a $1 virtual greeting card equals one pound of picked-up ocean garbage.

It began in March 2020 when Dayley started picking up garbage in Whatcom County and his friend, Jenkins, did the same in Maine to stay active during quarantine. Dayley, a Ferndale resident, and Jenkins, a Maine resident, started picking up ocean trash for fun. When Jenkins’ friend in the Philippines said they wanted to help, a clean-up crew was organized across the world.

“It’s our ocean, too,” Dayley said. “It’s just the other side of us. I can get 20-30 pounds [of garbage picked up] in one hour.

We hired a crew of six in the Philippines for a week and they picked up 30,000 pounds.”

After spending thousands of dollars of their own in cleanup efforts, Dayley and Jenkins brainstormed and founded Trashy Greetings as a way to fund future cleanups in both the Philippines and Whatcom County. Since they began, the company has picked up over 32,000 pounds of trash – far exceeding its initial cleanup goal of 1,000 pounds of trash, according to its website.

“Trashy Greetings is a fun way to raise money to clean up the ocean,” Dayley said. “It also eliminates greeting cards that are bad for the earth.”

Dayley said the company promotes zero waste but carries more gravity. He believes sending someone a greeting card by text is a great way to let them know someone is thinking of them.

Although Trashy Greetings is based in Ferndale, Dayley picks up garbage weekly in Birch Bay, Cherry Point, Bellingham Bay and on the Nooksack River.

s Ferndale resident and Trashy Greetings co-founder Greg Dayley picks up trash at Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve on January 24.

Photo by Georgia Costa

When Dayley goes to Cherry Point, the majority of his cleanup is Styrofoam and buoys.

Historic November 2021 floods cluttered the shore with fishing gear and garbage, Dayley said. “I picked up 50 pounds of Styrofoam in one day,” he said.

Dayley said there needs to be more done than recycling when reducing environmental impact.

“Right now about 95 percent go to the Philippines,” Dayley said of the company’s proceeds.

“Here in Whatcom County we do it on a volunteer basis and the only real expenses [are finding] things like tires that we have to pay to dispose of.”

Eight million tons of garbage enter the ocean per year, according to Ocean Conservancy, a nonprofit environmental advocacy organization. About one percent of it floats, while everything else sinks. Although Dayley recognizes the statistic, he believes Trashy Greetings is a fun, tangible way to combat that one percent of ocean trash.

All of the greeting card prof-

s Greg Dayley’s trash collected at Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve. its go to clean up, 95 percent of which pay people in the Philippines to pick up trash, Dayley said.

“We find we can have a much bigger impact there,” he said.

“Not only is there more trash in the ocean, but we can provide

good jobs to those who might struggle to find well-paying employment otherwise.”

The virtual greeting card sales have gone up since the holidays, which is helping the newly launched company work toward its first goal: Hiring a full-time

Courtesy photo

crew in the Philippines and acquiring one million pounds of trash in one year.

“I hope people will do what they can to reduce their impact,” Dayley said. “Instead of being a piece of tree, these greeting cards are a step up.”

B.C. government settlement douses Skagit headwaters mining threat

By Ian Haupt After a nearly three-year process, the B.C. government, Imperial Metals and the Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission (SEEC) have come to an agreement to halt mining in the Skagit headwaters, according to a B.C. government January 19 announcement.

Tribes, First Nations, nonprofits and local governments on both sides of the U.S./Canada border celebrated the announcement.

“This important conservation achievement ensures the permanent protection of the culturally important and ecologically sensitive headwaters of the Skagit, and

honors the commitments made in our treaty,” said Swinomish chairman Steve Edwards in a press release. “By extinguishing all remaining mining claims, we are finally able to forever protect from harmful mining practices the water quality and habitat that salmon, steelhead and other essential species need to survive, recover and thrive throughout the entire Skagit watershed.”

Members of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community depend on salmon fishing and shellfish harvesting on their ancestral lands at the mouth of the Skagit River.

In March 2019, Imperial Met(See Skagit, page 16)

s The Donut Hole at the Skagit River headwaters 15 miles north of the U.S./Canada border.

Photo by Oliver Lazenby

16

The Northern Light • January 27 - February 2, 2022

Skagit ...

From page 15

als applied for a permit mine in a Manhattan-sized chunk of unprotected land in B.C. sandwiched between E.C. Manning Provincial Park and Skagit Valley Provincial Park 15 miles from the U.S. border known as the Donut Hole. Local communities expressed their concerns of the threat potential mining could have on the Skagit River in letters sent to B.C. Premier John Horgan in the summer of 2019.

Washington Wild, a nonprofit organization that protects wild lands and rivers in Washington,

coordinated an international coalition of U.S. and Canadian stakeholders to resist the proposed mining. A total of 280 local and state governments, tribes, businesses and other communities downriver and in B.C. signed on against the pending mining contract. The list included governor Jay Inslee, Lummi Nation, Seattle mayor Jenny Durkan, U.S. senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, Patagonia and many others.

“This is incredible news and represents a win/win for indigenous peoples, British Columbia visitors to the Skagit and Manning Parks, downstream communities and businesses in Washing-

ton State and Imperial Metals,” said Washington Wild executive director Tom Uniack in a statement. “It was clear that the coalition’s efforts played a key role in stopping the logging threats and now the mining threat to the iconic Skagit River and its headwaters.”

In 2018, the Donut Hole was subject to 168 acres of clear-cutting by B.C. Timber Sales but was saved by an outpouring of concern from both sides of the border. With this settlement, it has once again been saved.

According to the B.C. government press release, the memorandum of agreement with Imperial Metals and SEEC will ensure

preservation and protection of the natural and cultural resources as well as the recreation opportunities in the headwaters of the river. It will also see Imperial Metals return its mining and related rights in the nearly 14,500acre Donut Hole.

“Protecting the Skagit River by extinguishing these mining tenures is a historic step forward in the stewardship of the Upper Skagit watershed. Protecting this sensitive and diverse ecosystem with its significant fish and wildlife populations starts at the headwaters to the Skagit River within the Upper Skagit,” said Canada co-chair Thomas Curley in a statement.

The province, led by B.C. Parks and the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change Strategy, will consult with affected First Nations on the future use and protection of the watershed.

“This agreement will help protect our natural environment for generations to come,” governor Jay Inslee said. “The Skagit River is one of the most diverse salmon habitats in Washington state, including for Chinook, which are essential to the survival of the revered southern resident orca. This agreement is a shining example of the importance of cross-border collaboration when confronted with challenges that know no borders.”

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