The Northern Light: March 17-23, 2022 by Point Roberts Press

March 17 - 23, 2022

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IN THIS

ISSUE

Canada testing expected to end April 1, page 2

How your legislators voted in Olympia, page 10

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

Mural location decided for downtown, page 16

Blaine sewer construction expected to start early summer By Grace McCarthy

(See Sewer, page 2)

19th Annual

s Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival will take place in Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo Friday, March 18 to Sunday, March 20. The weekend-long educational festival will offer a free, all-day birding expo on Saturday with live raptors and kids activities. Wildlife author and photographer Paul Bannick will be the festival’s keynote speaker and Lisa Abbott will be the festival’s featured artist. Photo by Paul Bannick

Full slate of activities for Wings Over Water By Georgia Costa Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival will host family-friendly activities, feature artists and view live raptors during the educational birding event this weekend in Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo. From Friday, March 18 to Sunday, March 20, festival attendees have the opportunity to participate in an all-day birding exposition with birds of prey, storytelling and kite making. While all of the field trips are filled up, festival coordinator Debbie Harger encourages people to attend the various free events during the weekend. “The events are open to the public and a lot of them are at the pavilion,” Harger said. “I’m so excited for the festival. A lot

of work has been put into this.” The festival has not been held since 2019. The 2020 festival was canceled two weeks prior and the 2021 festival was virtual. The opening and artist reception will kick off the festival 5-7 p.m. Friday evening at the Blaine Welcome Center, 546 Peace Portal Drive. The reception will highlight the festival’s featured artist Lisa Abbott and refreshments will be provided. On Saturday, there will be a free Wings Over Water birding expo all day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Blaine Community Pavilion at 635 8th Street. Donations are welcome and some activities may cost a small fee. (See Festival, page 3)

INSIDE

The company overseeing engineering design for the dilapidated sewer system east of I-5 told Blaine City Council during its March 14 work-study session that construction is expected to start this summer. The city started working on the estimated $6-7 million project last spring when council was made aware the sewer infrastructure upgrades had been put off since 2005 after sewage leaked into streets near the Blaine school district campus. Council quickly prioritized the project as concern grew that a faulty sewer system would delay anticipated east Blaine growth, especially in the Gateway parcel and large developments such as Grandis Pond and Harbor Hills, formerly known as East Maple Ridge. Rodney Langer is the project’s lead designer from David Evans and Associates, which the city contracted last spring to conduct engineering, design and cost analysis of Blaine’s sewer system. Langer told councilmembers he recommended a new, 24-inch diameter sewer trunk line by the school campus that would reduce as it continued east to the truck route. A portion of the sewer on 8th Street is overcapacity and will be replaced to make a connection to the new trunk on G Street. A belly in the sewer line near the U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility will also be fixed, Langer said. “The survey is essentially complete,” he said. “We’ve mapped all of the utilities as best we can. We have encountered a number of utility conflicts, particularly in the alleys. Some short segments of those lines will need to be removed or temporarily set aside.” Langer said the city needs to get rightof-way access from Washington State Department of Transportation to work on an existing line close to I-5. He also said they were not able to find easements on a couple of private properties, including the school, and are working to gain access to those areas. The biggest concern for crews right now is soft soil in project areas, Langer said. The soft soil is expected to be a problem with shoring and will likely increase costs

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This Week’s FLYER

Rite Aid

ALL DAY BIRDING EXPO SATURDAY MARCH 19 • 10AM - 5PM Blaine Pavilion • 635 8th Street FREE Family Fun For The Entire Family! Kids’ Activities • Wildlife Exhibits/Cruises • Wildlife Speakers • Art-Craft Vendors & More!

Northwest Birding Festival

MARCH 18-20

DETAILS PAGE 16

The Northern Light • March 17 - 23, 2022

Sewer ... From page 1

#ID4

because backfill materials will need to be imported, he said. The project is estimated to cost about $6 million, but a 15-percent contingency puts it closer

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Once you go electric, everything charges.

to $6.5-6.7 million while design work finishes. “We still have a lot of variables to search through,” Langer said. “The plans and specs are at about 75 percent.” Langer said they’re working to be bid ready by the end of May and hope to start construction in early summer. Construction is expected to go until late fall. Engineering and design were originally expected to be complete by last September. Langer said staffing challenges, and trouble with soil conditions and easements slowed the timeline.

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“We are behind on the design schedule but I think we’re still going to be OK because of how wet things are, we don’t want to get started too early,” Langer said. “We do have some challenges to schedule with utilities and WSDOT.” Councilmember Richard May said he was worried about delaying the project because of rapid inflation. “I’m worried about the actual costs changing every six months,” he said. “The sooner we start this, the sooner we’ll get it done at the old pricing.”

Canada expected to drop Covid-19 border tests The Canadian government is expected to announce that travelers entering Canada will no longer need to show a negative Covid-19 test, according to CBC News. Reports said the announcement could come as early as Thursday, March 17. Travelers will still need to show proof of vaccination and tests will continue to be given to travelers at random. For travelers to currently enter the country, they must show proof of vaccination and proof of a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours or molecular test taken within 72 hours. According to CTV News, the testing requirement is expected to end April 1. “I hope this isn’t an April Fool’s joke,” local immigration attorney Len Saunders said.

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 7:00PM Tickets start at $25.50 *

*Plus applicable fees. Prices are subject to change. Mount Baker Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the performing arts.

SEASON SPONSOR

March 19 - August 21, 2022 Lightcatcher building | 250 Flora St. www.whatcommuseum.org This is one in a series of American art exhibitions created through a multi-year, multi-institutional partnership formed by the Smithsonian American Art Museum as part of the Art Bridges Initiative. Sponsored by Peoples Bank and Rafeeka & Neal Kloke. Supported in part by a Pandemic Relief Grant from ArtsWA (sub-granted from National Endowment for the Arts), Whatcom Museum Foundation, and the City of Bellingham.

Angel Rodríguez-Díaz, The Protagonist of an Endless Story, 1993, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase made possible in part by the Smithsonian Latino Initiatives Pool and the Smithsonian Institution Collections Acquisition Program, 1996.19. © 1993, Angel Rodriguez-Diaz

LAST CHANCE:

DINNER AFTER DARK SPECIALS AT MONDAY - WEDNESDAY 5 PM - 9 PM The return of longer days means only two weeks left for our Dinner After Dark specials in Packers. Every Monday - Wednesday, visit Packers from 5 pm - 9 pm and enjoy 3 courses for just $35! Dinner After Dark ends the last Wednesday of March and will return in the fall.

Semiahmoo Resort 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway Blaine, WA 98230 semiahmoo.com

s Travelers entering the U.S. File photo

March 17 - 23, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Richard Nelson remembered for Birch Bay development By Grace McCarthy Former Birch Bay developer Richard Nelson, 88, died on March 8. Nelson was known for developing Birch Bay Leisure Park in the 1970s and having a hand in bringing the sewer system to the community, which inevitably changed the area’s landscape. Nelson was born in southern California and moved to Washington when his dad retired to a dairy farm north of Marysville. He was involved in real estate projects in eastern Washington before stumbling upon Birch Bay in 1970. Looking for a new real estate project to do at that time, Nelson purchased an 83-acre site where he built 790 RV units and called it Birch Bay Leisure Park. “The timeframe coincided with few land-use regulations and significant demand from the Canadian consumer,” said Stephen Nelson, Richard’s brother. “This project charged right ahead.”

The project’s success drew other investors to Birch Bay, Stephen said. Richard organized partnerships with other investors to gain control of about 900 acres in the area – 83 acres at Birch Bay Leisure Park, 260 acres around Beachwood and BP Cherry Point Refinery, 100 acres by Birch Bay Water and Sewer District facility, 60 acres by Sea Links Golf Course, 40 acres near Alderson and Blaine roads, 225 acres on Kickerville Road and about 100 acres at I-5 and Birch Bay-Lynden Road. At the time, Birch Bay Village developer Keith Coleman was confronted with the issue of how to develop all of the village without a sewer system. The community began to recognize septic tanks wouldn’t be viable in the long-term as stricter land-use rules were adopted in the ’70s. Using his land as collateral, Richard was a driving force among a group of developers and heritage fam-

ilies who pushed to finance and expand the Birch Bay sewer system, Stephen said. The Gischer family’s private water association serviced Birch Bay until Birch Bay Water and Sewer District was created in 1968. The district opened the wastewater treatment plant in 1976. Birch Bay’s economy had been exploding. Thousands of Canadians were packing the Sea Links golf course, the roller rink, drinking at the taverns, and attending the carnival during tourist season. But as older resort owners sold their properties, the new owners were able to switch the septic tanks to sewer systems, allowing them to replace the vacation cabins with condominiums and RV parks. Birch Bay being connected to a sewer system meant fewer seasonal tourists supporting summer activity and more retired residents, Stephen said. “Within two years you found this environment change dramat-

s Richard Nelson. Courtesy photo

good or bad, depending on how you look at it,” Stephen said. “He was a key catalyst in having those properties assemble and use them as collateral for the construction of the sewer system.”

Birch Bay Liquor Store

Festival ... From page 1

Sardis Raptor Center will host its popular meet-and-greet with owls, hawks, falcons and eagles 12-1:30 p.m. and 2:30-4 p.m. at the pavilion. The Birdtastic Kids’ Activities will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in a tent outside of the pavilion. The activities, sponsored by BlaineBirch Bay Park and Recreation District 2, include crafts and storytelling. Kite making and storytelling will take place in another tent on the hour, every hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Storyteller Ron Snyder will tell a story about eagles and show Indigenous whistle making from bird bones, and artist Cathy Taggett will help children make kites. Dancer Mary Lou Sanelli will perform “Crow Dance,” a 14-minute dance as a tribute to birds, at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in the Blaine Harbor conference room, at 235 Marine Drive, Harger said. The performance is followed by a “Birds on the Border” presentation by wildlife photographer Joe Meche. The Alaska Packers Association Cannery and Fishing Museum, at 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, will be open for the public to experience first-hand, local maritime history from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Wing Over Water’s keynote speaker Paul Bannick will give a presentation 5-7 p.m. Saturday at Northwood Chapel, 580 C Street. Bannick is the author and photographer of two best-selling bird books, and The Burke Museum in Seattle created two traveling exhibits inspired by him, according to Bannick’s website. The festival will include other events that have already been sold out, including guided walks, wildlife viewing cruises from the historic Plover ferry and San Juan Cruises, and an information session on Washington’s Trumpeter swans.

ically,” he said. “In 1978, you no longer had the traffic.” Stephen said the sewer system’s impact on Birch Bay wasn’t as his brother originally intended. “It didn’t work out as we envisioned,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean Birch Bay didn’t dramatically benefit from those efforts.” Longtime Birch Bay resident and former water and sewer district commissioner Patrick Alesse said he plans on planting a white birch tree in honor of Richard’s legacy. “A lot of developers come to Birch Bay and they leave a scar and cash in their pocket. I feel like Nelson really developed the place better,” Alesse said. “That’s probably the highest compliment I can give him.” Richard left Birch Bay in the early ’80s and established a real estate office in Bellevue that had up to 300 agents. He died in Everett. “If it weren’t for his efforts, you would have a different Birch Bay,

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s Wings Over Water featured artist Lisa Abbott with a print of her painting “The Heron.” The print will be included as part of a fundraiser during the festival. Courtesy photo Most events are free. To learn more and register for the festival,

visit wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com/schedule-2022.

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The Northern Light • March 17 - 23, 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.

Community support pours in after Terrill Drive fire By Grace McCarthy Community support has poured in for the Birch Bay home that was considered a total loss after it caught on fire earlier this month, while a fundraiser has started for a neighboring mobile home also destroyed by the fire. A home in the 7500 block of Terrill Drive caught on fire in the afternoon of March 6. High winds pushed the flames to an adjacent home and destroyed it. The GoFundMe campaign that started for the first home had nearly 60 donations totaling almost $5,000, five times the original goal of $1,000. Neighbors have now jumped in to help the mobile impacted, owned by Canadians who were across the border during the time of the fire. The GoFundMe campaign has garnered $350 of its $5,000 goal since being organized in the past week. People can make contributions at bit.ly/3tfUpdY. Whatcom County fire inspector Will Anderson said the fire marshal’s office won’t be able to determine a cause for the fire because of the extent of damage in the first home.

Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com

Letters

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 Birch Bay Historical Society, Doug Dahl The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVII, No 39 Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

Next issue: March 24 Ads due: March 18

s The mobile home that caught on fire after flames jumped from a neighboring residence on March 6. Photo by Dean Haskins

The Editor My brother died today. As with most deaths, the loss is directed at those close friends and family. It is at those times that memories – good and bad – are replayed in one’s mind. On an individual level I believe we all want to think that our existence had some benefit but for the most part that can be hard to define. As I was going through my history of dealing with my brother, I was reminded of the significance (both good and bad – depending upon your perspective) he had on the community of Birch Bay. I am convinced that what we have in Birch Bay today would not have happened without Richard Nelson. This is not to diminish the influence of the Vogt family or men like Keith Coleman, but to only consider Richard’s impact on the community. In 1970, he needed to show me the piece of land (83 acres) he had bought in a place called Birch Bay. He had a vision to make money by building and selling lots for RVs. It was hard to be very impressed with the land but the location was stunning. By the end of 1974, he had built and sold almost 800 lots in a project called Birch Bay Leisure Park.

As a result of this success, he formed several partnerships to purchase additional acres in and around the area as part of his vision to ‘develop’ Birch Bay. During this time the land use rules were changing, but the real obstacle to any development of Birch Bay was a lack of a sanitary sewer system. The initial building permits for Birch Bay Village and Leisure Park were issued based upon septic systems. Building a municipal water and sewer system in an unincorporated area was not going to be easy and would be expensive. Financing was to be done by ULID assessment against the real estate that the sewer would benefit. Coleman committed the 1,100 acres of Birch Bay Village, the heritage families committed their properties, and Richard committed almost 600 acres to the project, The ULID assessment approached $3,000 per acre for properties that had been recently purchased in the $300 to $500 per acre range. While Leisure Park, Beachwood, the Malibu area and Idelese condos can be directly attributed to Richard’s efforts, I believe it was the financing and direct support of the sewer system that reflect his

legacy in Birch Bay. Without that, Birch Bay today would be significantly different. Thank you, Richard. Stephen Nelson Blaine The Editor: “Do you know what the three most exciting sounds in the world are? Anchor chains, airplane motors and train whistles.” – James Stewart in “It’s A Wonderful Life.” For those who are “bothered” by train whistles (horns), be glad that you don’t live in Syria or Ukraine where you would be listening to bombs and artillery 24/7. If you think living in Blaine is stressful because of trains, try living in New York City. I suggest that you celebrate the sound of trains as a sign of life. That you are fortunate to have food, clothing, shelter and a beautiful place to live. Richard Mollette Custer 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.

March 17 - 23, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Masks become optional for Blaine students and staff By Ian Haupt Blaine students and staff showed up to school without masks for the first time in two years March 14 as the Washington state indoor mask mandate was lifted March 12. While masks will be optional for K-12 grade students, Blaine school district superintendent Christopher Granger said social distancing measures will still be in place. “We are not going to remove all the layers of mitigation at one time,” Granger said during a March 9 community Q&A. Students will keep three feet of distance while in the classroom

and six feet during lunch. Granger said he doesn’t want families to be overwhelmed by positive cases. The distancing measures will hopefully limit the spread and make contact tracing easier for district employees. Students and staff are still welcome to wear mask in district facilities. “We want any person who chooses to continue wearing a mask in our facilities to know that they will be welcome to do so,” Granger wrote in a community message. “Our building administrators have met with students and communicated the changes beginning [March 14].”

In the Q&A, Granger said lifting the mask requirement should be welcome progress, but he stressed that it was too early to remove all preventative measures. “It’s definitely a step in the right direction,” Granger said. “But the messaging has been the same from the beginning from the DOH that they don’t want to remove all the things – what they would call non-pharmaceutical interventions – that they’ve done for two years all at one time.” Granger also told families in the Q&A to stay tuned because guidance from the Washington State Department of Health and CDC changes continually.

CITY OF BLAINE Due to Governor Inslee’s proclamation in response to COVID-19, this City Council meeting will be conducted in-person and telephonically. Information on how to watch to the meeting live will be on the City Council agenda which is located on the City’s website homepage under Your Government, City Council, City Council Agenda. Please check the agenda prior to each meeting as the location may change.

Tuesday, March 22 3:00pm – Civil Service Commission Meeting

Thursday, March 24 6:00 – Planning s Students from Ms. Ray's 1st grade class working on a St. Patrick's Day activity on March 16. Photo by Lisa Moeller

Commission Meeting

Monday, March 28 6:00pm – City Council Meeting Monday, April 11 6:00pm – City Council Meeting

Over 350 low-income Blaine and Birch Bay households eligible for discounted internet and mobile services

Tuesday, April 12 8:30am – Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee Meeting

Thursday, April 14 9:00am – Park and Cemetery Board Meeting

Getting connected to affordable internet and mobile services may become easier for several hundred Blaine area households. Comcast announced March 1 that over 350 Blaine and Birch Bay homes can get connected to affordable internet through the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program, according to a Comcast press release on the

program. The program offers $30 off per month on internet services. Comcast customers can use the discount on Xfinity Mobile 5G and Internet Essentials Plus, which has 100 Mbps download speeds, a cable modem and WiFi router, according to the release. The Affordable Connectivity program is an FCC benefit program that also offers a one-time

discount for computer or tablet purchases. The program’s goal is to help people connect to internet to ensure they receive broadband for work, school and healthcare services, according to Comcast. Those eligible must have a household income at, or below, 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Households may also be eligible if a member of the

household meets certain criteria such as participating in federal assistance programs or has recently received a Federal Pell Grant. People can check if they’re eligible at bit.ly/3HFjoet. More information is available at xfin. tv/35wGiI2.

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

Tax Planning & Preparation U.S. & Canadian Individual & Business

Blaine City Council raises cremation rates after 5-year lull Blaine City Council recently approved recommendations from the parks and cemetery board to raise cremation burial rates from $100 to $500. The 400-percent increase in cremation fees, updated in the city’s united fee schedule, were made after not being increased since 2017. City council also approved purchasing a $2,000 niche, a display vault that holds cremation urns. A niche burial will cost $100. The rates went into effect March 1.

6:00pm – Planning Commission

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PROJECT MANAGER Salary Range: $6,232 to $7,886 per month plus benefits.

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Photo by Grace McCarthy

Thank you for supporting local journalism. “Best newspaper in the PNW.” - Bill Brooks “Congratulations on your Business of the Year. Your little paper is the best, and most thorough on our area. We love it! Thank you!” - Pat and Don Thompson

This week’s supporters:

The Project Manager is responsible for execution of multiple Capital projects and programs within the Public Works Department. They will ensure that financial transactions, records, statements, and reports comply with Federal, State, and Local contracting requirements and the Washington State Budgeting, Accounting and Reporting system (BARS). They will prepare bid documents including soliciting, opening, and filing all pertinent project contract documents. This will include, processing change orders, interfacing with accounting department, maintaining contracting records and managing capital projects from conception to completion. They will also represent the city on select regional boards and committees to ensure the city exercises all funding opportunities, as well as drafting grant and funding proposals incorporating technical aspects into the applications.

Please Support This Newspaper

Interested persons should review the full job description and complete the online application on the City’s website, https://www.ci.blaine.wa.us/857/Engineering-Technician-III

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First review deadline is April 8, 2022 at 4:30 PM. The position is open until filled.

The City of Blaine is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Jerry and Linda Johnson • Bill and Debbie Brooks • Barbara Swansen • Leslie McLaurin Lance Ferguson • Kathy Richardson • Don and Pat Thompson • Barry Wheeler

You can also contribute online at thenorthernlight.com

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MAIL TO: The Northern Light, 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230

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The Northern Light • March 17 - 23, 2022

Public works conducts temporary repairs to Marine Park shoreline

s Blaine Public Works Department does temporary repairs to the Marine Park shoreline on March 3. The repairs address damage from the January 2021 king tide.

By Grace McCarthy Blaine Public Works Department conducted temporary repairs to Blaine Marine Park shoreline to repair damage from last year’s January king tide storm that eroded sections of the beach. Strong northerly winds and high water levels wore away the

park’s bank, eroding up to 15 feet of banks and exposing trash from the old landfill site on the park’s eastern side, in January 2021. The city placed orange fencing in areas where erosion reached the trail but didn’t have money in the 2021 budget to do immediate repairs. Public works director Bernie

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FLUSHING The City of Blaine Water Division started flushing the City's water distribution system. This is accomplished by opening hydrants along the system (starting at the well fields) to move fresh water throughout the distribution system. The purpose of flushing the system is to remove any grit and debris in order to improve water quality through the distribution system. During the city flushing program city water customers may experience a temporary low water pressure and/or cloudiness when flushing is going on. The cloudiness condition (caused by air) should be only temporary, and can be cleared by running a cold water tap for a few minutes to clean and flush your service line. If the condition continues for an extended period of time please contact the Blaine Public Works. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you have any questions, feel free to call Public Works at (360) 332-8820, or visit www.cityofblaine.com for weekly area updates. Blaine Public Works.

A permanent fix will require additional funds to create a more detailed plan with heavier rock structure and soil erosion techniques, Ziemianek said. “We’re looking for additional funding,” he said. “We’re at the mercy of it getting picked up by the state and various programs.” No other storms since the Jan-

uary 2021 king tide have created additional damage to the shoreline, Ziemianek said. King tide storms eroded the shoreline and exposed buried landfill trash in 2012 and 2018, according to previous reporting from The Northern Light. Public works will continue to monitor the area, Ziemianek said.

BP Cherry Point donates $100,000 to Whatcom County boys and girls club By Georgia Costa

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Ziemianek said public works crews conducted temporary repairs during the first two weeks of March by placing rock to stabilize the shoreline and prevent washout from the underground dump. “We want to stop any further erosion and restore the safe walking path,” he said.

Photos by Grace McCarthy

BP Cherry Point Refinery recently donated $100,000 to the Whatcom County Boys and Girls Club (WCBGC) to assist its fundraising campaign in licensed childcare. “We’ve had a shortage of licensed childcare in Whatcom County,” said Heather Powell, the club’s CEO. “Over the last few years of the pandemic, it’s shown how critical childcare is to keeping the rest of the community functioning.” The donation is intended to fund WCBGC’s purchase of Kids’ World, a former private daycare in Whatcom County that provided four childcare facilities, according to the club’s press release. There are four phases of WCBGC’s fundraising campaign to purchase the four sites. The club has completed phase 1 in purchasing the Ferndale Kids’ World property, and BP’s grant is going to phase 2, which is purchasing the site on Yew Street in Bellingham, Powell said. Phase 3 will be purchasing the Kids’ World site on Home Road in north Bellingham, while phase 4 will be the site on East Sunset Drive in Bellingham. “We have about a million dollars left to raise for buying the site,” Powell said of the phase 2 site. “BP is among our biggest contributors.” BP has been WCBGC’s biggest event sponsor for over five years, Powell said. Previous to

s The former Kids’ World daycare on East Sunset Drive in Bellingham. Photo by Grace McCarthy

Covid-19, BP employees volunteered at WCBGC to run programs. There are currently 532 licensed childcare spots available in the county, and Powell believes BP’s donation is a strong demonstration of childcare’s importance. “This contribution is for early childhood development programs,” said Pamela Brady, northwest director of government and public affairs at BP. “They were going to close Kids’ World down a few years ago, and there’s a limited number of available spots for childcare. The club took it on. We thought it was a really great move in the community and we are glad to see the preservation.” With such a tight employee

base at BP Cherry Point, Brady understands that inclusive and increased childcare means a larger, diverse workforce. “People can’t go to work if they don’t have a place for their child to go,” Powell said. “And retaining the number of child licensed childcare slots we have in Whatcom County is an important economic development driver.” WCBGC took on the fundraising campaign March 2020, right before the pandemic. “We have not closed for a day,” Powell said. “Serving this community is our duty and kids need a safe place to go while their parents are doing whatever they need to do.”

March 17 - 23, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Sports Sports roundup: Spring sports start, boys soccer falls to Lynden By Ian Haupt The spring sports season started this week as all Blaine High School teams have competitions scheduled. The boys soccer team got off to a rough start to the season as it lost 3-0 to Lynden High School at Bender Fields on March 15. The Borderites withstood a lot of pressure from the physical Lions in the first half, keeping the score to 1-0 at halftime. In the second half, the Blaine defense caved even more. The Borderites gave up two goals within 20 minutes and any chance of a comeback looked out of sight. The boys’ passing did progress into the game and, although down by 3, some quick link-up play created a couple of chances in the Lynden box. Blaine captain and center back Preston King and goalkeeper Samuel Stiles had busy games. The boys will host Lynden Christian Thursday, March 17 at 7 p.m. for their home opener. Then

they will travel to Nooksack Valley on Monday, March 21 and host Sedro-Woolley Wednesday, March 23. Boys baseball The Borderites will start their season off at home against Bellingham Tuesday, March 22 at 4:30 p.m. at Pipeline Fields, 4217 Pipeline Road. They are then scheduled to travel to Oak Harbor Thursday, March 24. Girls softball The Lady Borderites are scheduled to play Ferndale Saturday, March 19 at 1 p.m. at Pipeline Fields. They had a game at Squalicum scheduled for March 14 canceled. After the home opener against Ferndale, the girls are scheduled to travel to Lynden Tuesday, March 22. The game is at 4 p.m. Boys golf The boys were scheduled to tee off their season March 14 in the multi-school Mud Match at North Bellingham Golf Course. They will travel to Skagit Golf and Country

s Blaine captain Preston King heads the ball clear in the Borderites’ 3-0 loss to Lynden at Bender Fields March 15. Photo by Ian Haupt Club Thursday, March 17 for their first conference match and then to Sudden Valley Golf and Country Club Tuesday, March 22. Girls golf The girls will open their season at home with a multi-school conference match at Semiahmoo Golf Club Thursday, March 24. Track and field Boys and girls track and field

will open their seasons in a multischool conference meet at Lynden Christian Thursday, March 17 starting at 4 p.m. Next, they will travel to Civic Field Friday, March 25 for the Lynden “Bedlington Invitational” Track Meet, which starts at 3:30 p.m. Girls tennis The Lady Borderites faced Lakewood at home March 16 to open

their season. They will travel to Oak Harbor Thursday, March 17 and then host Lynden Tuesday, March 22. Matches start at 4 p.m.

Combination Meals

BHS freshman leads chess team at state tournament By Grace McCarthy Blaine High School freshman Carson Roesch led the chess team at the state tournament in Stanwood, going undefeated and winning First Team All Star. Twenty-six teams traveled across the state to compete at the Washington High School Chess Association state championship at Stanwood High School March 4-5. Blaine brought five varsity team members and two alternates from its 23-person team. “It was a great year,” said coach Jeremy Roesch. “They were up against some pretty tough teams.” This year’s team did well, especially considering the varsity group that went to state was comprised of two freshmen, two sophomores and one junior, Jeremy said. Carson only drew once during the tournament, tying the game with a national master – one of fewer than 900 people who are in the top 1 percent of chess players in the U.S. “I played a questionable open-

ing and he annihilated me,” Carson said of the national master. “But he made slight mistake after slight mistake and it got to a point where we were both even. I eventually drew to end the game.” Carson also left with a 4.5 out of 5 score in the tournament. “Carson is one of the top players in the state,” Jeremy said, who is Carson’s father. “I’m super proud of him.” Carson, 15, started playing chess competitively in his last years of elementary school after he found a chess book in a thrift store. “I really enjoyed reading it,” he said. “Once I learned some of the positions, I had a lot of fun with it and started playing games on chess.com and got more and more into it.” This was his fourth time going to state; he placed 20th his first time and worked up to 3rd place last year. Carson studies chess for a couple of hours plus plays two hours of games daily. Dereque Kelley, a Seattle-based national chess mas-

ter, also coaches Carson weekly online. As for Carson’s advice to chess players looking to improve their skills, he said they should play more games. “Most people say they’re not improving but the reason they’re not improving is they’re not playing enough chess games,” he said. “If you spend all of your time looking at what could happen but not actually playing what does happen, you’re never going

to get better.” Carson has his eyes on becoming a national master before he graduates. But for now, he will be playing chess games at Blaine Library 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Tuesday starting March 22. All ages and skill levels are welcome to join the chess practices that are restarting after Covid-19. For more information on the Tuesday night chess games, contact Jeremy Roesch at jroesch@ blainesd.org.

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The Northern Light • March 17 - 23, 2022

Spanish, English and American explorers influence Birch Bay names

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ed to name the large island on which Nootka was proven to be located, as Quadra and Vancouver Island. Years later, as Spanish influence declined, the name was shortened to simply Vancouver Island. Captain Vancouver named many features for his officers, friends, associates and his ship “Discovery,” includes: • Mount Baker – after Discovery’s third lieutenant Joseph Baker • Mount St. Helens – after his friend Alleyne Fitzherbert, first Baron St. Helens • Puget Sound – after Discovery’s second lieutenant, Peter Puget, who explored its southern reaches, all the way to present-day Olympia. • Mount Rainier – after his friend, rear admiral Peter Rainier. • Port Gardner and Port Susan, Washington – after his former commander vice admiral Sir Alan Gardner and his wife Susannah, Lady Gardner. • Whidbey Island – after the Discovery’s naval engineer Joseph Whidbey. • Discovery Passage, Discovery Island, Discovery Bay and Port Discovery – after Whidbey’s ship Discovery. • Birch Bay – after the birch trees on the beach. • Birch Point – because of the abundant birch trees. The British admiralty chart of 1858-59 shows it as South Bluff. • Point Roberts – after Whidbey’s friend and previous captain of the Discovery, captain Henry Roberts. U.S. names: In 1838, President Martin Van Buren ordered U.S. Navy lieutenant Charles Wilkes on a fouryear voyage to explore and chart the area around the South Pole, the South Sea Islands and the Pacific Northwest. His fleet consisted of five ships including his ship, the USS Vincennes. In the spring of 1841, Wilkes sailed into Birch Bay. • Point Whitehorn – Named by Wilkes for his quarter-gunner Daniel Whitehorn. • Drayton Harbor – Named by Wilkes for Joseph Drayton, who was the civilian artist and the oldest member of the crew. Last, we cannot forget: • The Strait of Juan de Fuca – Juan de Fuca was a Greek navigator who sailed for Spain under a Spanish name. His original name was Ioannis Phokas, roughly translated into Juan de Fuca. De Fuca sailed up the west coast from Mexico to Vancouver Island in 1592, looking for a passage from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. He was perhaps the first European to see this area. After sailing back to Acapulco, Mexico, Spain did not reward de Fuca for his journey and his discovery of the strait was not entirely believed. But the name of our beautiful Strait of Juan de Fuca exists today.

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s Captain George Vancouver as a young British Naval officer.

Photo courtesy Richard Freeman

B y B i r c h B ay Historical Society Captains of Spanish ships from Acapulco and San Blas, Spanish west coast ports in Mexico, were in this area in 1791 and 1792. They named the following: • Birch Bay – was named “Tsanwuch” by the Semiahmoo First Nation. Named Puerto del Gar-

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zon in 1791 by captain Jose Maria Narvaez. It is also claimed that captains Galiano and Valdes, of the “Sutil y Mexicana” expedition had also named it Ensenada de Garzon. • Birch Point – was originally named Punta de Señor Jose by captain Narvaez in 1791. • Terrell Creek and Lake Terrell – named Garzon’s Laguna by captain Narvaez in 1791. • Saturna Island – Named after the Spanish schooner, Santa Saturnina by its captain, Jose Marie Narvaez. The name was later changed to Saturna by the British. • Patos Island – Means duck in Spanish. Named in 1792 by commander Galiano of the ship “Sutil” and captain Valdes y Flores of the ship “Mexicana.” • Sucia Island – Sucia is a nautical name “foul” (dangerous because of reefs and hidden rocks) Named by captain Francisco de Eliza of the ship “San Carlos” in 1791. • Matia Island – Named by captain Francisco de Eliza of the ship “San Carlos” in 1792. He named it Isla de Mata meaning Island of No Protection. • Orcas Island – Named for Horcasitas, the Viceroy of Mexico, in 1791 by captain Eliza. Orcas is the short form of Horcasitas. • San Juan Island – Named San Juan (Saint John) in 1791 by captain Eliza. • Galiano Island – Named by captain Galiano in 1792. • Valdes Island – Named by captain Valdes in 1792. • Point Roberts – Named Isla de Zepeda by captain Eliza who thought it was an island in 1791. Captains Galiano and Valdes realized Eliza’s mistake in 1792 and renamed it Punta Cepeda. • Haro Strait – Named after one of captain Eliza’s officers, his pilot, Gonzalo Lopez de Haro. • Vancouver Island – was first named when captain Vancouver went to Nootka Sound, then the region’s most important harbor on Vancouver Island. Here he was to receive any British buildings and lands returned by the Spanish from claims by Francisco de Eliza for the Spanish crown. The Spanish commander, Juan Francisco Bodega y Quadra, was very cordial and he and Vancouver exchanged the maps they had made, but no agreement was reached for a turnover; they decided to await further instructions. At this time, they decid-

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March 17 - 23, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

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The Northern Light • March 17 - 23, 2022

Highlights from Olympia: How did your elected representatives vote? A project of the Washington Policy Center, WashingtonVotes.org issues a periodic report of recent votes cast by state lawmakers in Olympia. Following are the votes cast in January by District 42 representatives Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) and Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) and state Senator Simon Sefzik (R-Ferndale). More details on the bills can be found online at wavotes.org. Rep. Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) Rep. Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham)

Senate Bill 5693: This is the House version of the supplemental spending plan with various changes to appropriations proposed in the Senate version. It includes a provision that would make $19 million available to local governments to aid Ukrainian refugees.

Senate Bill 5974: Addressing transportation resources. Passed the House on March 1, 2022, by a vote of 54-43.

Senate Bill 6032: Making supplemental appropriations for the 2017-19 state budget. Passed the House on final passage on March 8 by a vote of 55-44.

Senate Bill 6362: Modifying basic education provisions. Passed the House on March 8 by a vote of 50-48.

Senate Bill 6614: Concerning funding for the support of common schools. Passed the House on final passage March 8 by a vote of 59-39 with one member excused.

House Bill 2076: Concerning rights and obligations of transportation network company drivers and transportation network companies. Passed the House on February 23, 2022 by a vote of 55-42.

House Bill 1953: Exempting sensitive voter information on ballot return envelopes, ballot declarations, and signature correction forms from public disclosure. Passed the House by a vote of 69-26

Senate Bill 5078: Addressing firearm safety measures to increase public safety. This bill would ban the manufacture, distribution and sale of firearm magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. If passed, the proposed ban would limit not just high-capacity magazines for rifles, but also for semi-automatic pistols that often hold more than 10 rounds.

House Bill 2124: Concerning extending collective bargaining to legislative employees. Passed 57 to 41 in the House.

House Bill 1694: Concerning logistical processes for the regulation of priority chemicals in consumer products.

House Bill 1837: Restoring the state’s ability to address work-related musculoskeletal injuries. This is a controversial measure that would bring back certain workplace regulations the state’s voters had rejected resoundingly in the past. Passed the House by a vote of 50-48. House Bill 1953: Exempting sensitive voter information on ballot return envelopes, ballot declarations, and signature correction forms from public disclosure. The bill would protect such personal voter information from public disclosure. Passed the House by a vote of 69-26.

Sen. Simon Sefzik (R-Ferndale)

N N N Y

Senate Bill 5693: Making 2021-2023 fiscal biennium supplemental operating appropriations. Passed the Senate on February 25, 2022 by a vote of 29-19, one member absent. This is the supplemental budget proposal by Democrats to add some $5 billion to the $59 billion 2021-23 spending plan approved last year. House Bill 1630: Establishing restrictions on the possession of weapons in certain locations. Passed the Senate on March 1, 2022 by a vote of 28-20. This bill would prohibit open and concealed carry of weapons at voting centers and local government and school board meetings House Bill 1705: Concerning ghost guns. Passed the Senate on March 1, 2022 by a vote of 26-23. This bill has now passed both chambers. If signed by the governor, it would restrict the manufacture, assembly, sale, transfer, purchase, possession, transport, and receipt of so-called “Ghost Guns. Senate Bill 5909: This bill would put a modest limit on the Governor’s open-ended emergency powers. Under the bill the majority and minority legislative leaders in both chambers would have the authority to cancel a state of emergency after 90 days, if the Legislature is not in session.

Senate Bill 5974: This is a revenue bill proposed by majority Democrats to fund their $16 billion, 16-year “Move Ahead Washington” transportation package. The bill does not contain a gas tax increase, but would hike the fees drivers and vehicle owners pay and would impose a new 6-cent/gallon fuel export tax that would impact Washington energy producers.

House Concurrent Resolution 4407: Amending the redistricting plan for state legislative and congressional districts. Passed the Senate by a vote of 35-14.

Senate Bill 5583: Requiring the adjustment of census data for local redistricting to reflect the last known place of residence for incarcerated persons. Passed the Senate by a vote of 28-21.

House Bill 2037: Modifying the standard for use of force by peace officers. This bill was a bipartisan effort to correct what was seen by many as an overreach in police-use-of-force legislation signed into law last year. It would change existing law to permit the use of force, if necessary, to detain someone as part of an investigation.

House Bill 2124: Concerning extending collective bargaining to legislative employees. Passed 28 to 20 in the Senate.

House Bill 1736: Establishing a state student loan program. Passed 27 to 21 in the Senate.

House Bill 1814: Expanding equitable access to the benefits of renewable energy through community solar projects. Passed 29 to 20 in the Senate.

Road Rules: The headlight dilemma By Doug Dahl Question: I have noticed a high number of cars and trucks without their lights on in bad weather. But here’s the thing: About 75 percent of them are black, dark blue, dark gray – the color of wet asphalt. I’m clueless about why people with dark-to-black cars see no need to turn their headlights on, especially close to sunset on rainy days. I often don’t see them coming from behind. Any ideas? Answer: I just stepped out of my office and took a look at the cars parked along my street. Of the 25 cars I can see, 16 are black, gray or silver. That’s higher than national studies showing that these colors make up around 52-55 percent of vehicles on the road. If our choice of car color is correlated with the clothing color choices for the typical Washingtonian, that makes sense. As a traffic safety advocate, I was about to propose that we only allow lemon yellow and lime green cars on the road, but then I realized that I’d feel like I’m perpetually in a Sprite commercial. There’s a simpler solution: Turn on your headlights whenever you drive, if your car doesn’t already do it for you. Yes, gray cars are harder to see on a rainy day than yellow cars, but good lighting has a much greater impact on visibility than the color of your car. In Canada and most of Europe daytime running lights (DRLs) have been required on new vehicles for years. (They’re lights that come on automatically whenever the car is driving). Here in the U.S., it’s permitted but not required. While DRLs aren’t exactly headlights, during the day they achieve the same function as turning on your headlights – making you more visible to others. I suspect that the reason more of us don’t use our headlights during the day is because we have an incomplete understanding of their purpose. The law requires drivers to turn on their headlights from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise and whenever visibility is poor. That language kind of implies that headlights exist to illuminate the road for drivers. That’s true, but it leaves out an important function of vehicle lighting – allowing other road users to see you. There have been numerous studies evaluating the safety of using headlights during the day. The most quoted one, from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, found a five percent reduction in crashes. More importantly, daytime headlight use had a bigger positive impact for vulnerable road users. Crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists dropped by 12 percent, and head-on crashes involving motorcycles decreased by 23 percent. One of the problems with turning on your headlights once (See Road Rules page 15)

March 17 - 23, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: REX TIMOTHY DAVIS, Deceased. No. 224-00198-37. 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: February 23, 2022 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: March 3, 2022 Name of Administrator: MICHAEL DAVIS 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: February 23, 2022 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator MICHAEL DAVIS www.averyelderlaw.com

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Leslie Blackwell, Deceased. NO. 224-00208-37. 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: March 10, 2022 Personal Representative: Cindy Maxwell PO Box 32510 Bellingham, WA 98228 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. 22-4-00208-37

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Raymond Bakke, Deceased. NO. 22-400203-37. 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: March 3, 2022 Personal Representative: Kent Brian Bakke 1644 4th Street NW Washington, DC 20001 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. 22-4-00203-37

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Matter and Estate of: BYRON JAY WOOD, Deceased. No. 22-4-0022237. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.40.030 The Administrator named below has been appointed as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the 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 probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: March 10, 2022 Personal Representative: DONNA R. KLIX, Presented by: Whatcom Law Group, P.S. Roger L. Ellingson, WSBA #19292 Attorney for Administrator PO Box 1258 / 289 H Street Blaine, WA 98231-1258 (360) 332-7000; Fax: (360) 332-6677

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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In the matter of the Estates of MURRAY ALBERT CHURCH and GAIL PATRICIA AMUNDSEN, Deceased. No. 22-4-00211-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030) The Co-Personal Representatives named below have been appointed as Co-Personal Representatives of the above estates. Any person having a claim against the deceased MURRAY ALBERT CHURCH and/or the deceased GAIL PATRICIA AMUNDSEN must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner provided by RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Co-Personal Representatives or the Co-Personal Representatives’ Attorney at the address stated below, a copy of the claim, and filing the original of the claim with the Court in which the probated proceedings have commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Co-Personal Representatives mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020 (1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of this notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim will be forever barred except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 or 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the probate and nonprobate assets of the Decedents. DATE OF FILING OF NOTICE TO CREDITORS WITH CLERK OF THE COURT: February 25,2022 DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: March 3,2022 CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES: DAWSON CHURCH & HAILEY CHURCH ATTORNEY FOR CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES: Mark W. Stowe, WSBA #16655 ADDRESS FOR MAILING OR SERVICE: Stowe Law PLLC 276 Boundary Bay Road P.O. Box 129 Point Roberts, WA 98281 Phone: (360) 945-0337 Email:stowelawpllc@outlook.com DATED this 25th day of February 2022. STOWE LAW PLLC: Mark W. Stowe, WSBA# 16655 Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives

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The Northern Light • March 17 - 23, 2022

Real Estate

BLAINE, BIRCH BAY & SEMIAHMOO

Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom Inc. 8105 Birch Bay Square Street I-5 Exit 270, Blaine 360-371-5100

For the health & safety of our clients, Windermere Real Estate is pleased to follow the State of Washington’s mandate to not hold Open Houses. We are, however, available to show you your dream home by virtual tour or private appointment. Please call your Realtor for assistance.

F E A T U R E D L I S T I N G S - B I R C H B AY

8756 Waters Edge Way

617 B Street

MLS #1898461 $525,000 Blaine is the place to be...here’s your chance to be minutes from the action! Warm & inviting 3 bedroom/2.5 bathroom features separate living & family rooms + fantastic bonus space with vaulted ceilings, could be formal dining or home office...you decide! Fantastic walkable location to schools, booming downtown & waterfront! Recent upgrades include flooring, exterior paint & one year old roof. Hard to find almost 9K sq ft lot, 2 car attached garage plus sought-after flexibility of living in no HOA neighborhood. Easy I-5 & border access & steps to Kilmer Park.

Jen Freeman 360-815-0803

593 6th Street

MLS #1894318 $410,000 Older single wide manufactured home on it own property in the City of Blaine. Remodeled interior and recent roof. Grassy level, corner lot. Alley access. Close to schools and downtown Blaine. Because of the age of the mobile this is a cash only purchase. . Inexpensive way to get into the housing market with a lot that already has utilities on the property. Sellers items interior and exterior will be removed before closing.

Murray Taylor 360-325-6125

MLS #1878928 $220,000 Beautiful wooded 5-acre parcel bordering future Bay to Bay trail leading south to Birch Bay, north to Blaine. New California Creek estuary park property few hundred feet to east. 5 min drive to shopping, schools, Blaine’s waterfront downtown district, saltwater marina, & Birch Bay’s sandy beaches, 4-bedroom Glendon Bio filter Septic System installed. Birch Bay Water district service available. Electricity is in street. Gravel road into property. Owner, Blaine Birch Bay Parks & Recreation District #2 purchased property & established trail easement for future Bay to Bay trail.

Billy Brown 360-220-7175 Jeff Carrington 360-220-3224

FEATURED LISTINGS - BLAINE

4255 West Road

MLS #1831727 $139,500 Wooded almost 1 acre lot just outside city limits. Included in price, Completed and approved Reasonable use determination, septic design and permit, comprehensive wetlands mitigation plan, storm water design, surveyed, electrical and city water lines available and in the street, all the questions answered. Possible to get building permit this year and get started building your new home.

Billy Brown 360-220-7175

Blaine Road

MLS #1900023 $209,000 Fantastic 11+ acre parcel in Birch Bay! Located on Blaine Rd this property has very easy I5 access, located near the Canadian border and close to the sandy beaches of Birch Bay. There are 3 parcels that are required to all be sold together. Wetland delineation has been completed for one of the parcels. Water and electricity are in the street. Buyer to verify all information and do their due diligence.

Amy Bremer 360-961-0620

F E AT U R E D L I S T I N G S - S E M I A H M O O T 2454he Alder P squar lan e feet

5414 Quail Run

MLS #1882636 $1,090,000 7556 Terrill Drive Located just off the 1st fairway at Semiahmoo, Quail MLS #1896761 $425,000 Run is one of the most coveted streets in all of SemiLots of fun to be had in quintessential beach cabin, ahmoo offering peace & quiet. Estate Sale-home sold short walk to sandy shores of Birch Bay & trails! “as is”. This home has good bones--it is exactly what Seller’s lives have gotten too busy but they enjoyed you’re looking for to do a remodel--3 car garage, staying here, & managing as short term rental making incredible storage, vaulted ceilings, wall of windows $1,500 to 6K/month. Was booked solid 6-8 months & a floor plan that is timeless. All main floor living of year at $165 per day! Sold fully equipped & turn- with functional kitchen, ideal home office space & a key (blue hutch & chart in living room don’t stay). laundry/mudroom that is perfect for the PNW. Floor Floorplan lives large for square footage, open living/ plan flows effortlessly. Two private guest suites with kitchen/eating area & 2 bedrooms at opposite ends open family room. Looking for a buyer who is willof home. Spacious deck off living area across front ing to improve & make this home a real beauty. Take of home looks out toward bay...incredible sunsets! advantage of this great buy!

Lynda Hinton 360-303-1023

Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718

8881 Bald Eagle Drive

MLS #1899812 $1,200,000 Single story-south facing meticulously cared for home on 13th fairway at Semiahmoo. Well-built custom property features beautiful stonework & warm & welcoming entry porch with finely crafted 8 foot front door. Everything all on one floor--no wasted space. All you need & surprises that will delight. 3-car garage--ample storage--top quality appliances--new roof--new exterior paint--well-cared for systems --heated & covered outdoor entertaining space-beautifully landscaped, private yard. Custom windows with vaulted ceilings--fine detail wood wrapped windows & incredible care by one & only owner.

Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718

8795 Wood Duck Way

MLS #1893263 $1,495,000 Stunning custom home in Semiahmoo, situated on 9th tee. Splendid property full of amenities & detailed finishes. Lower floor features workshop, gym, full bath, sauna & high-quality home theater with kitchen/ bar. Main floor boasts expansive kitchen w/ breakfast nook, formal dining room, living room, large bonus room & main floor primary with full bath. Upper floor includes two guest rooms, utility room & primary suite with tongue & groove ceiling details, double fireplace, amazing walk-in closet & bath, plus private balcony. Backyard is complete w/ mature landscaping, accent lighting & covered patio w/ built in BBQ kitchen.

Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718

Woodberry at Semiahmoo

MLS #1875933 Woodberry at Semiahmoo consists of 29 single family homes. Woodberry is a gated community with all underground utilities, sidewalks, natural gas, and located in the City of Blaine. Pricing being finalized. The plans include 3 two level home plans ranging from 2454-3029 square feet +/- and 1 single level 2037 square foot home plan +/-. Plans include two and three car garages. Live on Garibaldi Lane, Court or Way. See all plans at briansouthwick.com then click on Woodberry Tab.

Brian Southwick 360-815-6638 or Jim Kaemingk 360-224-5465

www.windermere.com

Experience counts! Call Hugh, 360-371-5800. Over 32 successful years with buyers and sellers.

Email hugh@callhugh.com, or text 360-739-5234

Call Hugh : 360.371.5800 Your Local Expert For All Real Estate, Residential Or Commercial Services! Hugh Brawford, Managing Broker

www.CallHugh.com

Rentals - Residential

All real real estate/rentals estate/rentals All advertisadvertising in this newsing newspaper is subject paperinisthis subject to the BIRCH BAY HOME for rent in Federal Housing Act of Housing to theFairFederal Fair SeaActLinks gated community. 1968 as amended, which open concept 3 BD, 2 ofmakes 1968 as amended, makes itSpacious illegal it illegal to advertise anywhich preference, BA, 1810 SF. NS, NP. Available or discrimination based on race, tolimitation advertise any preference, limitation or discolor, religion, sex, handicap familial status June 1. $2500/mo +deposit. crimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin, or an intention to make 425/652-1380. any such preference,familial limitation status or discrimsex, handicap, or national oriination. This newspaper will not knowingly gin, anadvertisement intention to any such prefacceptorany for make real estate Rentals - Rooms which is in violation of the law. Our readers erence, limitation or discrimination. This are hereby informed that all dwellings adnewspaper will notareknowingly any vertised in this newspaper available on accept FURNISHED ROOMS in historic an equal opportunity basis. To complain of advertisement for real estate which is in vi- incl. amenities, NS, pet home, discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800friendly 877-0246.of the law. Our readers are hereby olation in- starts at $600/mo. + deposit, references required. formed that all dwellings advertised360-332-3449. in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246.

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Rentals - Commercial

NELSON BUILDING 925 Ludwick Ave., Blaine

LEASE SPACES FOR:

Warehousing-Distribution Manufacturing or Retail Vehicle Storage Yards Near Truck Route & Shopping Mall

Email or Call Don Nelson For Availability & Rates

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

Newly Available!

380 s.f.

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

March 17 - 23, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

OBITUARIES

Covid-19 in Whatcom County, by school district boundaries:

Lydia Marie Lopez

Recent two-week case rates, cumulative counts and vaccinations Blaine Lynden Nooksack Valley Vaccination: 76% Vaccination: 59% Vaccination: 56% Case rate: 106 Case rate: 93 Case rate: 69 New cases: 15 New cases: 18 New cases: 8 Ferndale Meridian Vaccination: 72% Vaccination: 68% Case rate: 92 Case rate: 71 New cases: 29 New cases: 7 Bellingham Vaccination: 83% Case rate: 107 New cases: 112

Mount Baker Vaccination: 50% Case rate: 24 New cases: 4

s The case rate is the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people over the past week. New cases are the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the last week. Vaccination is the percentage of the population that has had at least one vaccine shot. Rates were updated March 5.

April 3, 1937 – February 12, 2022 On February 12, 2022, Lydia Lopez, of Blaine, passed away surrounded by her daughters and granddaughters at the age of 84. Lydia was born on April 3, 1937 to Mary Regalado and Ignacio Santillanes in Santa Barbara, CA. She lived her childhood in Santa Barbara and attended Carpenteria High School. After high school, she met her first love, Joseph Lane. Later she met her second love, David Lopez. In 1989, they moved to the Pacific Northwest and called Whatcom County their home until her death. Lydia had a passion and love for gardening and raising Great Danes. Above all her biggest loves was helping raise her great-grandchildren. She never hesitated to help and create a special bond with them. When raising grandbaby days slowed down, you would find her living her best life in front of a slot machine or enjoying some Sees Candies. Lydia leaves behind three daughters, Yolanda Nelson, Linda Sanchez and Angela Hill; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband David Lopez and son Raymond Lane. Our beautiful grandmother and friend will be deeply missed. Please join us for a celebration of life for Lydia on Saturday, April 2, at 2 p.m., 7505 Treetop Lane, Ferndale.

Sherry Paul Cline

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The Northern Light: March 17-23, 2022

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