The Northern Light: March 24-30, 2022

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March 24 - 30, 2022

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Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer

IN THIS

ISSUE

Zumbathon raises $5,700 for Ukraine, page 4

Whisper Lake housing gets ready to hit the Birch Bay market

Birch Bay Road Race slated April 2, page 5

Wings Over Water festival photos, pages 8-9

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BHS technology student club goes to state

By Grace McCarthy

(See Whisper Lake, page 2)

s Blaine High School sent 19 technology student club members to the Washington Technology Student Association state conference in SeaTac March 16-19. In the competitive events, Blaine students took first in the drones competition and board game design, second in the project showcase and third in animatronics, prepared presentation and catapult. Photo by Mike Dahl

Blaine development skyrockets in 2022 A new Semiahmoo neighborhood, subdivision across from Cost Cutter and more By Grace McCarthy If 2022 has shaped up to be one thing, it’s a successful year in terms of development within the city of Blaine. So much so, in fact, that the city had reached six months of budgeted revenue from building permit fees by the end of February. Stacie Pratschner, community development director for the city of Blaine, attributed much of the success to the city

council and city manager for policy decisions such as code amendments that support growth. “We’re way ahead,” Blaine city manager Michael Jones said during the last city council meeting. “That goes to show we’re seeing a lot more development activity than we anticipated.” This means the city received $300,000 so far in building permit fees, half of the city’s budgeted permit fee revenue to go

It’s official: Canada announces it’s dropping Covid-19 test requirement for vaccinated travelers By Grace McCarthy The Canadian government announced that it will no longer require a Covid-19 test for fully vaccinated travelers entering the country starting Friday, April 1. Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) made the announcement March 17, a few days after speculation circulated in Canadian media that travelers would no longer need to show proof of a negative Covid-19 to enter the country. Until April 1, travel-

ers will still need a negative antigen test taken within 24 hours of travel or a negative molecular test taken within 72 hours of travel. Rules will not change for unvaccinated and partially-vaccinated travelers. Travelers are still required to submit their information in the ArriveCAN app before crossing the border; those who don’t may be asked to test on arrival and quarantine for 14 days. Travelers taking a cruise or plane need to submit their Ar-

riveCAN information within 72 hours of departure, according to PHAC. Fully vaccinated travelers won’t need a test at land, air or water ports of entry. Travelers who use ArriveCAN could still be selected for random testing when entering the country but they are not required to quarantine while awaiting results. “Adjustments to Canada’s border measures are made possible by a number of (See Tests, page 3)

into the 2022 general fund that supports city services such as police and parks. Anticipated construction is valued at nearly $5 million. “Let’s say we keep this pace and we have six times what we expected in this year, the general fund will have greater revenue and will give city council options for how they might budget for using that revenue (See Development, page 3)

INSIDE

Whisper Lake is expected to hit the market in the next couple of months and start construction on the first phase of the Birch Bay housing development by the end of the year. The 38-acre neighborhood, on Blaine Road just south of Alderson Road, will start with 36 lots in its first phase and eventually end with 145 homes total in nine phases. Whisper Lake will be a family-oriented neighborhood with homes between 1,300 and 4,000 square feet. Home prices will start at $400,000, said Whisper Lake developer Dwayne Engelsman. A design style is still being developed for the homes, Engelsman said, adding he is in discussion whether the neighborhood will offer lots, homes or both for sale. Amenities include a trail that will connect the neighborhood to Bay Horizon Park, playground and possibly a clubhouse. Construction on the entire housing development is expected to be complete by February 2026. Breaking ground will be a worthy celebration for Engelsman. Engelsman, a Vancouver developer, purchased the property in 1994 but the 2008 recession slowed him in his tracks. Development faced another hurdle in the mid-2010s as Engelsman struggled with the last major checklist item before starting construction – he needed to connect future homes to sewer and water. “I thought it was going to be a great place to develop and housing was needed,” he said. “I didn’t think it would take 25 years to develop.” Birch Bay Water and Sewer District’s (BBWSD) comprehensive plan had the project’s sewer lines traversing private properties and wetlands to go north to the BBWSD’s main line on Alderson Road. Engelsman bought easements from property owners reluctant to have sewer lines cross their property and paid more for having the sewer lines cross

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The Northern Light • March 24 - March 30, 2022

Whisper Lake ... From page 1

wetlands. In total, he said he paid in excess of $1.5 million to bring sewer and water to Whisper Lake. Engelsman also considered connecting the sewer lines to

Bay Horizon Park, which he said would have still been his preferred method. However, a clause in the park’s deed was found in 2017 that said the federal government could resume ownership of the property, formerly the Blaine Air Force Station, if needed for national defense. That would terminate the sewer

lines and leave taxpayers to pay for new ones, according to previous reporting from The Northern Light. As a compromise, Whisper Lake developers offered Whatcom County a gift of rebuilding the dated sewer line on the Bay Horizon Park to allow them to route their sewer system to the park. The

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county didn’t take the offer, which Engelsman said will cost taxpayers in future development on the park. The main sewer line is installed in the Whisper Lake and ready to be hooked up to future homes in the neighborhood’s first phase, Engelsman said. “That was the big hurdle because without water and sewer you can’t service any of the plats,” he said. “It would have really been a much better end result to go through Camp Horizon but we needed to get the plat done before it expired.” BBWSD commissioners unanimously approved a new water and sewer developer extension agreement for Whisper Lake, after the previous one had expired because of Covid-induced delays, during their January 13 meeting. The agreement kept the original general facility charges from the original contract, instead of the new charges the commissioners approved last October. The fees pay for growth-related projects that benefit the entire community, such as capacity upgrades to the treatment plant. According to the January 13 BBWSD meeting minutes, Whisper Lake had filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy and couldn’t af-

ford the general facility charge increase. Without Whisper Lake paying the increased fees, BBWSD will collect the difference between the original and current fees when the homes are connected to BBWSD’s system. BBWSD’s legal counsel Bob Carmichael said during the meeting that the prior fees were only approved for Whisper Lake because of unique circumstances including infrastructure being completed before the fee increase. The pandemic created construction delays, bankruptcy and initiation of foreclosure for the property caused development delays, according to meeting minutes. BBWSD general manager Dan Eisses said BBWSD customers won’t be paying for anything related to Whisper Lake. “I was happy with the resulting sewer line locations and the infrastructure will work well for the district,” Eisses said. Whisper Lake will announce its marketing plan and start sales in the next two months. Construction of the first phase will hopefully start this year, Engelsman said. Prospective homebuyers can email Engelsman at dwayneinbc@gmail.com.

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s Whisper Lake housing development has gotten the OK from Birch Bay Water and Sewer District on its sewer lines and plans to soon start listing lots for sale. Photo by Grace McCarthy

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March 24 - March 30, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Development ... From page 1

in the future,” Jones said. City councilmember Eric Davidson cautioned council to not take the unanticipated revenue as a greenlight for unnecessary spending. Just because 2022 is an anomaly for development doesn’t mean the trend will keep up the pace in future years, he said. There’s plenty to track. McDonald’s and Taco Bell are on target with the city permitting process to open for business in the fall, although Pratschner said this could be delayed because of supply chain and labor challenges. Harbor Hills, formerly known as East Maple Ridge, broke ground on construction on what will eventually bring 350 units between Jerome Street and North Harvey Road. Construction has also started in Woodberry, which will bring 29 homes to Semiahmoo, and phase two of Drayton Reach’s 39-unit Montfort Park neighborhood. Grandis Pond has its preliminary plat approved and needs to submit its construction plan application before it can get started on almost 400 homes in its first phase, Pratschner said. Semiahmoo can expect more homes and retail spaces as well. A 480-unit neighborhood called Semiahmoo Highlands is in the pre-

liminary development planning stage. The 353-acre project will be split almost evenly between city of Blaine and Whatcom County land with single-family lots, townhomes and multi-family buildings creating a cohesive design between both the city and county areas, according to a city of Blaine public notice on the project. Retail and commercial spaces are planned as well as open space and trails through forested areas and wetlands. Schools and health-related facilities could also be developed on the county land, which is an R-5 zoning district. Semiahmoo Highlands will be across from Semiahmoo Parkway, northwest of Horizon at Semiahmoo, west of Bay Ridge Estates and north of Birch Bay Village. The first phase of development on city land will be 40 single-family homes and retail space across from the Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club, according to the city’s public notice. The city of Blaine will hold a community conference to go over the Semiahmoo Highlands’ preliminary development plan at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 30 in the Semiahmoo Resort’s Blakely room, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway. A 53-unit multifamily townhome project called Lincoln Mews will soon provide additional housing directly behind the Cost Cutter plaza, between

Ludwick Avenue and Odell Road on H Street. Lincoln Mews developers submitted conditional use permit requests to the city in February for the 4.7-acre site that will mostly be duplexes and a few triplexes. There will be road access to Ludwick Avenue and Odell Road as well as a sidewalk along Ludwick Avenue and H Street. Blaine Food Bank submitted a conditional use permit request to the city for an addition to the food bank at 500 C Street. Construction has started for Ferndale-based Pioneer Post Frame’s new industrial building that will have four live-work units at 2900 Peace Portal Drive. The project comes after city council approved zoning changes last August that allowed livework units in the manufacturing zoning district subzone B, located in the southern end of the city. An additional 408 new housing units and a downtown boutique hotel could also come to Blaine, as indicated from pre-application meetings the city had with prospective developers this month, Pratschner said. Anticipated construction from the building permit is valued at $5 million, Pratschner said. “It’s always challenging because we can’t predict every factor,” she said. “I anticipate the level of interest will remain the same.”

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factors, including Canada’s high vaccination rate, the increasing availability and use of rapid tests to detect infection, decreasing hospitalizations and growing domestic availability of treatments for Covid-19,” said Jean-Yves Duclos, Canada’s health minister, in a statement. “As vaccination levels and healthcare system capacity improve, we will continue to consider further easing of measures at the borders-and when to adjust those measures-to keep the people in Canada safe.”

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s Harbor Hills, formerly known as East Maple Ridge, has started construction. The housing development will eventually bring 350 units between Jerome Street and North Harvey Road.

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The Northern Light • March 24 - March 30, 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.

Zumbathon raises $5,700 for Ukraine

Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Ian Haupt ian@pointrobertspress.com Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser production@pointrobertspress.com Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Gary Lee sales@pointrobertspress.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com Contributors In This Issue Melissa Santos / Crosscut.com

The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVII, No 40 Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

Next issue: March 31 Ads due: March 25

s Zumba instructor Celine Mauger hosted a Zumbathon to raise funds for Save the Children’s Ukraine emergency relief fund at Birch Bay Activity Center on March 19. Over 40 people attended the event and raised $5,700 between the Zumbathon, a silent auction and cash donations. Photos courtesy Celine Mauger

By Grace McCarthy The Birch Bay community raised $5,744 for Ukraine during a Zumbathon event at the Birch Bay Activity Center. Zumba instructors traveled from Oak Harbor to host the 90-minute Zumbathon March 19 at the Birch Bay Activity Center. All proceeds went to Save the Children’s Ukraine emergency relief fund and were matched by Nature’s Path. The event also had a silent auction with

items and gift certificates from local businesses such as Beach Cat Brewing and Drayton Harbor Oyster Company. Event organizer Celine Mauger said 40 people were in attendance and many more made donations. Determined to help, Mauger organized the event in a week. “I was looking at the news and seeing all of the children and their moms fleeing the war and I was crying. You want to help,” said Mauger, who has children of her own. “One thing I know how to do is do Zumba

Letters The Editor: I love the sound of a train’s whistle, especially when the engineer gets the signal correct – two medium, one short and one long. There is just nothing like that sound in the night. Before you ask, I live four blocks from the train track and spent over three years as a live aboard in the Blaine

and put on a Zumbathon.” Mauger said she was inspired by the community for its support. Zumba instructors donated their time, the BlaineBirch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 donated its space and the community donated more than double what Mauger was hoping. “It’s been an amazing response from the community and it’s been a team effort,” she said. “Everyone wants to do something to help.”

Correction

Marina, Gate 1 – G Dock. You can’t get much closer than that to the tracks. Sandie Miller Blaine Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

In an article in the March 17 issue of The Northern Light titled “Spanish, English and American explorers influence Birch Bay names,” an editing error wrongfully saidCaptain George Vancouver’s ship “Discovery” was Joseph Whidbey’s ship. We regret the error.

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 24 - March 30, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

November rainfall beats Birch Bay records By Grace McCarthy Birch Bay rainfall reached record numbers for the month of November last year. According to Birch Bay Water and Sewer District (BBWSD), which tracks precipitation at its office in Birch Bay on Point Whitehorn Road, rainfall in November 2021 totaled 15.14 inches versus 4.9 inches, the average rainfall in 2010-2020. In one 48hour period, the region received 6 inches of rain – the district considers an inch of rain in 24 hours to be a significant event. The rainfall last November was over three times the average rainfall in November from 2010 to 2020. November has averaged as the wettest month in Birch Bay for the past decade, with December closely behind, said BBWSD general manager Dan Eisses.

BBWSD received 4.7 million gallons of water into the sewer treatment facility November 15, nearly double the previous single-day record of 2.7 million gallons in 2010, according to the district. Eisses said the district needs to treat stormwater once it’s in the sewer system, which made the sewer facility reach the cusp of capacity in November. “We’ve never seen that much rain and we’ve never seen that much flow at the plant,” Eisses said. Birch Bay’s rainfall is in line with other record-breaking amounts recorded in neighboring cities of Seattle and Abbotsford. In Seattle, King 5 reported the city had the wettest fall on record, receiving 19 inches of rain from September to November. The 10 inches of rain recorded in November at the Sea-Tac Airport

The 2022 Annual Wings Over Water Birding Festival would like to thank all the generous sponsors, supporters, volunteers, and friends for Thank Thank to ouy making this year’s festival success! Thank Thank toyou our Thank Thank youyouyou toanother ourtoourtoThank our you

made it the fifth wettest November for Seattle. Across the border, Abbotsford SUPPORTERS & FRIENDS you toWINGS our Thank you OVER to our WATER 2022 surpassed its 2006 record ofThank 16 (Financial Supporters in Bold) Designates Contribution Value of $200 ~ $499 Thank you to our inches, with 21 inches last No* Planning Committee Members vember, according to the VanWINGS OVER WATER 2022 SPONSORS couver Sun. Last November’s rainfall was over double AbbotsKathyStau Stau Kathy Stauffer Kathy Kathy Kathy Stauffer Stauffer Kathy Stauffer Kathy Stauffer ford’s average November rainfall of 9 inches. The Vancouver Sun reported Vancouver, Victoria and Kathy Stauffer Kathy Stauffer Kathy Stauffer Nanaimo had their three wettest November months on record. QuickSilver QuickSilver QuickSilver QuickSilver QuickSilver QuickSilver QuickSilver Photo Birch Bay’s previous record for Fof&Franco F ranco PhotoLab Lab Fof&Franco F ranco BoIn Photo Lab Bob Bob & Lois Lois ranco Bob &In Memory Lois Bob ranco Lois Photo Photo Lab LabLab Photo Lab Photo Memory LoisofFranco In Memory ofInLois InLois Memory Lois Franco wettest month was 9.2 inches of QuickSilver rain in January 2020, Eisses said. & Lois F ranco Pam Borso QuickSilver QuickSilver Amrit Booth& Lois F ranco Photo Lab Bob In Memory of Lois Franco Bob & Lois FHeidi rancoHolmes*Bob Lab Photo Lab In Memory of Lois Franco In Memory of Lois Franco “ClimatePhoto projections are sayJane & John Aspnes Patricia & Jim Jorgensen * AMS Mailing Service ing our area will receive higher Jim Carr Paul Woodcock Blanche Burche Birch Bay Chamber Jim “The Bird Man” Edwards Ron Freeman Real Estate rainfalls,” he said. “I don’t know Carroll Solomon * Joe Meche Ron Snyder & Cathy Taggett if this will be the new normal or Cathy White* Keith Carpenter Raina Lenton is higher than climate change Chuckanut Bay Foods Linda Cline Salishan Neighborhood projections. I’m looking at it as Chuck Kinzer * Lynne Givler Sandy Rost an indication right now.” Cindy Carlsen * Marcia Kolinski Semiahmoo Women’s Club Pat Grubb contributed to David Drummond Marj Leone Sheila Wood the reporting of this article. Debbie Harger* Martha Jordan Sonia Hunt *

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the race. Awards will be given to the top three men and women in each distance category. Sign up will close 12 p.m. Friday, April 1. U.S. residents can sign up for $47 for the 5K, $72 for the 15K and $88 for the 30K. Canadian residents receive a slight discount with $38 for the 5K, $58 for the 15K and $72 for the 30K, according to the event’s sign-up page. Participants will have the option to receive a race t-shirt or plant a tree through the organization Trees not Tees. The event will also not offer single-use cups. Participants are encouraged to bring their own hand-held bottle, hydration pack or use reusable cups that will be provided by event organizers. For more information, visit orcarunning.com/birchbay.

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Birch Bay Road Race set for Saturday, April 2 Start stretching – the Birch Bay Road Race is set for Saturday, April 2. Orca Running’s annual event will offer a 5K, 15K and 30K race for people looking to enjoy Birch Bay’s beautiful views while racing to the finish line. Anyone from seasoned athletes to people wanting to walk to the finish line are welcome. The race supports Blaine High School Booster Club. Course volunteers are raising funds for their annual trip to Central America. The race will take place at 8121 Harborview Road, near Birch Bay Waterslides. The races will take over Semiahmoo Drive just south of Elderberry Lane and go south on Birch Point Road to Birch Bay Drive and then Point Whitehorn Road. Sections of Harborview Road, Birch Bay State Park and Helweg Road will also be used in

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See you in 2023 for our 20th Anniversary! wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com

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.

Thursday, March 24 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting *Cancelled*

Monday, March 28 5:15pm – Study Session: Traffic and Park Impact Fee Discussion 5:45pm – Study Session: BTAC Interview 6:00pm – City Council Meeting

Birch Bay Library Supporters

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

Thank you for all the encouragement, energy and resources you’ve given our community library project. Your continued support is critical as we regroup to further our mission.

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

Thursday, April 14 9:00am – Park and Cemetery Board Meeting 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting

Stay Informed, get Involved and be Invested! FOBBLpresident@gmail.com

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

Thank you for supporting

s The Birch Bay Road Race.

Photo by Chuck Kinzer / CKimageart.com

local journalism. This week’s supporters: Valerie Loreen • Lola Loreen • Banagan Family • Christy Jensen

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The Northern Light • March 24 - March 30, 2022

Blaine High School takes 6th at Knowledge Bowl

s Blaine High School’s Knowledge Bowl took sixth at the state tournament last weekend. From l.; sophomore Xander Hodges, junior Logan Thiessen, sophomore Kaylee Tolsma and sophomore Xiao Zhou confer during regional playoffs February 16 at Kamiak High School. Knowledge Bowl is an interdisciplinary academic contest that combines intense competition and knowledge recall.

City council meetings go hybrid By Grace McCarthy Blaine City Council unanimously voted to return to hybrid council meetings, allowing the public to attend council meetings at city hall as well as online. The next city council meeting will be held Monday, March 28. Councilmembers voted March 14 to combine in-person meetings to the online meetings currently held on Zoom. The decision came after governor Jay Inslee lifted the indoor mask mandate requirement March 12. Masks will not be required at the meeting, city clerk Sam Crawford said. Council meetings went virtual in spring 2020 and then briefly became hybrid in August 2021 while masks were optional for those vaccinated. Council re-

turned to remote-only meetings when Inslee required masks indoors again in late August. The new council voted during the first meeting of the year to continue virtual meetings. Councilmember Garth Baldwin said he believed it was council’s responsibility to the public to resume in-person meetings. “I rather prefer virtual meetings. However, I think it’s the city council’s responsibility to answer our citizens and part of that is being present at the meetings as arranged,” Baldwin said. “I think it’s the most responsible thing we should do.” Under city ordinance, city boards, commissions and committees vote separately to decide to return to in-person meetings. More information about the March 28 council meeting

s Blaine City Council in January. Photo by Grace McCarthy

will be made available at bit. ly/3Dhn6KZ. City hall is located at 435 Martin Street.

Photo courtesy Blaine school district

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NOTICE OF

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.

By Ian Haupt Washington state’s average gas price was $4.72 per gallon March 21, according to AAA. That’s nearly 40 cents more than the previous state record from 2008, which was broken at the beginning of the month. The new record, as of March 15, is $4.74 per gallon. A month ago the state average was $3.98, and a year ago it was $3.31. In Blaine, gas prices at Hill’s Chevron on Peace Portal Drive and Yorky’s Market on Boblett Street were $4.79 and $4.69 per gallon March 21, while the national average was $4.25. While nations brace for conflict as Russia continues its invasion into Ukraine, an increase in demand and decreased supply explains the rising prices this month. And prices don’t appear to be dropping anytime soon. Here are ways to save on gas, lower use and increase

efficiency: Track prices: Knowing what gas station has the cheapest prices may be the most obvious strategy for a consumer looking to save. Apps like AAA TripTik and GasBuddy can track down the cheapest prices around. Routine maintenance: Rotate tires every six months or 6,000-8,000 miles and check tire pressure once a month. Under-inflated tires tend to decrease mileage (and traction). Also, a vehicle runs smoother if kept clean. Drive smooth: Aggressive driving like speeding and fast accelerations wastes fuel. To save gas, drive at moderate and consistent rates of speed. Driving the speed limit, or even under, will increase mileage. Reduce drag by keeping windows and sunroof closed at high speeds. In a manual transmission vehicle, pay attention to revolutions per minute and shift into a high gear as soon as is reasonable.

Driving at high speeds in lower gears burns excessive fuel. Pay with cash: Gas prices are often 10-15 cents cheaper if paid for with cash. Travel light: Don’t haul heavy loads if you don’t have to. Extra weight in the car can drag on the engine and consume extra gas. Carpool: Ridesharing is a great way to split the cost of gas and reduce use. Find people to carpool to and from work, school and other activities. Public transit: Whatcom Transportation Authority route 75 offers hourly travel from Blaine to Bellingham through Birch Bay and Ferndale. A general day pass is $3 and monthly pass is $30. Student pricing is half off and youth can ride for free. Bike or walk: Avoiding use of a vehicle altogether will surely save gas. If work or school is only a couple of miles away, consider riding a bike or walking. Both are great healthy and environmentally friendly modes of travel.


March 24 - March 30, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Sports

Recreational Needs Assessment Survey

Sports roundup: Blaine baseball beats Bellingham in strong season opening

Support Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District’s upcoming master plan revision by taking a quick survey. Community input is valuable to further the district’s mission and set direction for recreational growth. Please support by lending your voice and 10 minutes of your time! Survey found here (QR code) or at bbbparkandrec.com Birch Bay Activity Center 7511 Gemini St. Info & Registration at bbbparkandrec.org or 360-656-6416

s Shortstop Jaxon Kortlever throws to first in the Borderites’ 7-6 win over Bellingham March 22. Photo by Janell Kortlever

By Ian Haupt Borderite baseball started its season off strong with a 7-6 win against Bellingham March 22. The game, which was originally supposed to be played in Blaine at Pipeline Fields, was moved to Bellingham High School’s turf field due to rain. The Borderites capitalized on some rusty Bayhawk fielding in the fourth and fifth innings, taking the lead and extending it to 5-3 after Bellingham overthrew a runner at third. Blaine’s defense also prevented many runners from getting on base in the middle innings. The Bayhawks clawed their way back into the game to make for a narrow last couple of innings. It finished 7-6. The boys will travel to Oak Harbor Thursday, March 24 at 4 p.m. and then host Cedar Park Christian Saturday, March 26 at 12:30 p.m. They will also host Lakewood Tuesday, March 29 at 4 p.m. at Pipeline Fields. Boys soccer Blaine got its first win of the season at Nooksack Valley March 21. The Borderites beat the Pioneers 4-1 after losing their first two games of the season. The boys lost their home opener 2-0 to Lynden Christian March 17.They were scheduled to host Sedro-Woolley March 23. The team will travel to Bellingham Friday, March 25 and host

Oak Harbor Tuesday, March 29. Both games are at 7 p.m. They are 2-1. Girls softball The Lady Borderites thrashed Ferndale 15-0 in their season opener March 19 at Pipeline Fields. The girls traveled to Lynden March 22 where they lost 11-1 to the Lions. The team is scheduled to host Lynden Christian Friday, March 25 at 4 p.m. at Pipeline Fields. They will then travel to Nooksack Valley Monday, March 28 at 4:30 p.m. Boys golf The boys were scheduled to play their first conference match at Sudden Valley Golf and Country Club March 22. They are set to tee off next at Skagit Golf and Country Club Thursday, March 24. They will then host a conference game at Semiahmoo Golf Club Tuesday, March 29, which starts at 3 p.m. Girls golf The girls opened their season at Whidbey Golf Club March 22, taking fifth place with 361 points at the Oak Harbor 1A-3A Girls Golf Tournament. They will next play at Semiahmoo Golf Club Thursday, March 24 in a multi-school conference match that starts at 3 p.m. Track and field Boys and girls track and field will travel to Civic Field Friday, March 25 for the Lynden

Whole Pilates of Birch Bay

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“Bedlington Invitational” Track Meet, which starts at 3:30 p.m. They will host a conference meet against Lynden and Ferndale Wednesday, March 30 at 3:30 p.m. at the Blaine High School stadium. Girls tennis The Lady Borderites faced Lakewood at home March 16 to open their season. They had their meet against Oak Harbor March 17 canceled and then were scheduled to host Lynden March 22. The girls will host Sehome and Anacortes next, Thursday, March 24 and Tuesday, March 29. Then they will make up the match against Oak Harbor Wednesday, March 30. Matches start at 4 p.m.

#ID4

Once you go electric, everything charges.

We have friends with cancer, and friends with kids who aren’t old enough for the vaccine. We all wanted to get the vaccine to protect the people we love. -Kim & Gil Lund

We’re

ACCINATED Whatcom County COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics For a complete list of vaccine providers in Whatcom County, go to

vaccinelocator.doh.wa.gov Vaccines available for children ages 5 and older

FREE • SAFE • SIMPLE • EFFECTIVE

7


8

The Northern Light • March 24 - March 30, 2022

Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival 2022 a success

Photo by Ruth Lauman

Photo by Ruth Lauman

Photo by Grace McCarthy

Photo by Chuck Kinzer / CKimageart.com

Photo by Chuck Kinzer / CKimageart.com


March 24 - March 30, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Photo by Chuck Kinzer / CKimageart.com

Photo by Chuck Kinzer / CKimageart.com

Photo by Chuck Kinzer / CKimageart.com

Photo by Ruth Lauman

9

Photo by Grace McCarthy

Photo by Grace McCarthy

Photo by Grace McCarthy


10

Pets & Pet Care

The Northern Light • March 24 - March 30, 2022

Best Photo Clips, Tips and products for a healthier, happier pet!

As spring arrives, here are tips to keep pets safe in the garden If you have pets that enjoy spending time outdoors, it’s important to make sure your yard is a safe place for them to be. Consider these hazards that can negatively impact the well-being of your furry friends. Poisonous plants – Some common plants can be dangerous for animals, causing anything from mild oral irritations and upset stomachs to cardiovascular damage and even death. For example, these are some of the toxic plants the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has identified as harmful for either cats or dogs: Aloe – can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, anorexia and depression Azalea – can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, coma, cardiovascular collapse and death

Burning bush – can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and weakness, as well as heart rhythm abnormalities with large doses Caladium – can cause burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing Daylilies – can cause kidney failure in cats Hibiscus – can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and anorexia Mulch and Compost – The decomposing elements that make compost good can be bad for pets, according to the National Garden Society. Keep compost in a secure container or fenced off area so pets can’t get to it. Cocoa mulch can be a particular problem for dogs. A byproduct of chocolate production, cocoa mulch can cause digestive problems and even

seizures in dogs. Shredded pine or cedar mulch is a safer choice. Fertilizer and insecticides – The chemicals used to get rid of pests or make your lawn lush can be toxic to pets. Some of the most dangerous pesticides include snail bait with metaldehyde, fly bait with methomyl, systemic insecticides with disyston or disulfoton, mole or gopher bait with zinc phosphide and most forms of rat

poison, according to the ASPCA. Follow all instructions carefully, and store pesticides and fertilizers in a secure area out of the reach of animals. Fleas and ticks – In addition to using appropriate flea and tick prevention methods such as collars and sprays, make sure your yard isn’t a welcoming environment for these pests. Keep the lawn trimmed and remove brush

and detritus, where fleas and ticks often lurk. Fleas can cause hair loss, scabs, excessive scratching, tapeworms and anemia. Ticks can do all of that, plus bring you and your family in contact with diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease. Find more tips for keeping pets safe in your yard at elivingtoday. com. Courtesy Family Features

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March 24 - March 30, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

11

NEXT ISSUE: March 31 AD DEADLINE: March 28

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Help Wanted

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PROJECT MANAGER Salary Range: $6,232 to $7,886 per month plus benefits. Interested persons should complete the online application on the City’s website, https://www.ci.blaine.wa.us/.

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12

The Northern Light • March 24 - March 30, 2022

Real Estate 96XX Kettle Way, Blaine $179,000

5835 Semiahmoo Ridge, Birch Point $899,000

Bay Properties Semiahmoo homeS, inc.

N W L U X U RY R E A L E S TAT E AT A H I G H E R L E V E L

SEALINKS NEIGHBORHOOD!!

RARE package of 4 lots available in a quiet gated community within walking distance to the water and restaurants! Sea Links at Birch Bay is close to the US / Canadian border and has easy access to I-5. Ever thought of living close to the water? Looking to build the home of your dreams? This could be the perfect opportunity in a growing area with few lots available. Lot 13 (7,178 sqft), Lot 18 (8,752 sqft), Lot 19 (8,414 sqft), and Lot 20 (8,109 sqft) are being sold together for a combined 32,453 sqft!

7650 Birch Bay Drive #O4, Birch Bay $349,900

BAY RIM CONDOMINIUM! PENDED IN 4 DAYS! Live every day like you are on vacation. South-facing, front row 2 BD, 1.5 BA Bay Rim Condominium. Features of this condo include open floor plan, wood stove & great views. Grab beach buckets & shovels & stroll across the street to private beach or relax at home & enjoy sunsets over the Bay! Bay Rim amenities include outdoor heated pool, private beach, walking trails & parking. Come & enjoy all Birch Bay has to offer: newly completed berm & walking trail, miles of beaches to explore, swimming, kayaking, crabbing, clamming, restaurants & more! All of this and just minutes to the I5 and the US/CDN border!

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

5273 Drayton Harbor Road, Blaine $1,595,000

Call Hugh : 360.371.5800

DEVELOPMENT WATERFRONT, WATER VIEW & OPPORTUNITY! DEVELOPMENT ON 3 PARCELS! Amazing opportunity! 22.71 +/- acres of WATERFRONT, WATER VIEW & DEVELOPMENT on 3 properties located near Semiahmoo. Privacy on all 3 parcels. Parcel A includes 3 bedroom home with views of Mt. Baker & Drayton Harbor & situated on 5 acres. Outbuilding could be detached garage. Parcel B has 120+/- feet of salt waterfront on Drayton Harbor, private beach. Property also boasts spectacular views of bays, White Rock & Coastal Mountains. Parcel C is 17 acres covered with trees & could be developed with 3 homes on the acreage under the current zoning. Easy access to I-5.

Julie Ward • (760) 522-2564

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

Listing your property?

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Terry Conway • (360) 410-0503

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Experience counts!

SHY 5 ACRE PARCEL IN LYNDEN SCHOOL DISTRICT!

Location! Location! Location! This shy 5 acre parcel, slightly PENDING! sloped and flood free, is ideally situated in a rural neighborhood in the Lynden School District. Build your “dream” home on this property that offers that highly sought after “estate acreage” lifestyle with safe, low traffic on a dead end street. Accessed from the street on the west boarder of property, this partially forested acreage offers multiple possible building sites, either close to street or further east onto the property for privacy. County taxes and building codes. Create your ideal escape!

CeCelia Breivik • (360) 303-8161

4 lots in Sealinks, Birch Bay $200,000 RARE PACKAGE OF 4 LOTS!!

Rare west facing marine REDUCED 100K!!! view estate property encompassing 11.33 acres overlooking bays, mountains, & islands, located on Birch Point plateau high above pristine NW waters. Take in spectacular sunsets. Beautifully forested, relatively level with slight slope eastward & ready to build dream home with room offering privacy & exclusivity. Located hour south of Vancouver & under two hours to Seattle. Natural beauty & environment - property is mile from Semiahmoo with its Inn, golf course, and a 300 slip marina. The property could potentially be divided offering two separate estate size properties. Choices, Choices! WWW.THERIDGEATSEMIAHMOO.COM

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360-961-0838 Legal IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: BRUCE K. NELSON, Deceased. No. 224-00302-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Robert E. Olson The Personal Representative named below has been appointed and has qualified as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 AND 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: March 21, 2022 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: March 24, 2022 Name of Personal Representative: SEAN RYAN LOOMAN-NELSON Attorney for Personal Representative: 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: March 21, 2022 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Personal Representative SEAN RYAN LOOMAN-NELSON

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 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

Email nelsbldg@msn.com

All real real estate/rentals estate/rentals All advert advertising in this newsing newspaper is subje paperinisthis subject to the Federal Housing Act of Housing A to theFairFederal Fair 1968 as amended, which ofmakes 1968 as amended, makes it illeg it illegal to advertise anywhich preference, or discrimination based on race, tolimitation advertise any preference, limitation or d color, religion, sex, handicap familial status crimination based on race, color, religio or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference,familial limitation status or discrimsex, handicap, or national o ination. This newspaper will not knowingly gin, anadvertisement intention to any such pre acceptorany for make real estate which is in violation of the law. readers erence, limitation or Our discrimination. Th are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper available on accept a newspaper will notareknowingly an equal opportunity basis. To complain of advertisement for toll-free real estate discrimination, call HUD at 1-800-which is in 877-0246.of the law. Our readers are hereby olation formed that all dwellings advertised in th newspaper are available on an equal oppo tunity basis. To complain of discriminatio callFIND HUD toll-free IT INat 1-800-877-0246. THE

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Washington redistricting commission withheld text messages By Melissa Santos /Crosscut.com Washington’s redistricting commission already admitted it broke the law by negotiating new political district maps in secret last year. Now it appears the commission engaged in even deeper levels of secrecy. Dozens of text messages between commissioners and legislative staff were not released as public records when sought by Crosscut as part of a public records request. According to the commission’s executive director, some of the text messages in question had been deleted. That would be a violation of state law. Lisa McLean, executive director of the redistricting commission, acknowledged on March 17 that the commission appeared to have withheld some text messages that should have been released in response to Crosscut’s November 17 records request. McLean said other text messages were not available to release because one of the redistricting commissioners, April Sims, deleted many of her text messages before the request came in, most likely on the morning of November 16. That was only a few hours after the commission voted to approve new redistricting plans that weren’t written down or shared with the public. Sims did not respond to messages on March 17 seeking comment about whether she deleted text messages and, if so, why. If Sims did delete text messages relating to the work of the commission, that action may have violated a state law that prohibits destruction of official public records. The backstory Judges interpreting state law have ruled that public records include those captured on personal cellphones when those phones are used to do the people’s business, as any work by the commission would be described. The state redistricting commission meets once every 10 years to redraw the boundaries of the state’s legislative and congressional districts, based on data from the new U.S. census. The highly consequential process shapes the upcoming decade of state politics, deciding which party has the advantage in a given district; whether incumbent legislators are drawn out of their districts; and whether district lines split communities of color, diluting their voting power. Yet, in a late-night meeting on November 15, the state redistricting commission concluded its work in a spectacularly confusing manner, voting on plans for new congressional and legislative maps that hadn’t been shared

OBITUARIES Theo Charline Gudmundson Jumisko Hull December 21, 1934 – January 14, 2021 A Celebration of Life for Theo was held March 19. Memorials may be made to Free Church Unitarian, 1218 Harrison Ave., Blaine, WA 98230 or the Blaine Community Assistance Program, 508 G St., Blaine, WA 98230.

Gary Russell Love

February 28, 1937 – February 25, 2022 Gary Russell Love, 84, of Lynden, passed away Friday, February 25. Gary was born February 28, 1937 in Estherville, Iowa. He grew up on a corn and soybean farm in the little town of Armstrong, Iowa. Gary served four years in the U.S. Navy before moving to Blaine. He married Barbara Brann on December 28, 1968. Gary worked on the tissue side of Georgia Pacific before retiring in 2002. He served as a Union Representative for the AWPPW 309. Gary volunteered at the Laurel Fire Department and served as Fire Commissioner for Whatcom County Fire District #3. One of his proud accomplishments was participating in the Seattle to Portland Bike Classic. He enjoyed being a member of Whatcom Skagit Model Railroad Club, going for coffee, farming with Kratzig’s, gardening and hunting. Gary is survived by his wife of 53 years, Barbara Love of Lynden, children Brenda (Jeff) Graham of Ferndale, and Brian (Julie) Love of Brush Prairie WA; grandchildren Nolan and Nora Love and Luke Graham, his brother Dave (Joyce) Love, and sister-inlaw Beverly (David) Stewart. Gary is preceded in death by his parents Russell and Imogene Love and in-laws Cecil and Ida Brann. Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 3, 2022 at Ten Mile Cemetery. Memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. on the patio of Bellwood Farms, 6140 Guide Meridian, Lynden. Patio area is covered but dress appropriately. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Whatcom Skagit Model Railroad Club, c/o Stephen Winter, 1214 144th St. SE, Millcreek, WA 98012 or a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

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David Franklin Goddard March 13, 1942 – February 5, 2022 David Goddard, a man with a sly sense of humor and an infectious laugh, was born on March 13, 1942, in Swedish Hospital in Seattle. He graduated from Seattle’s Roosevelt High School and then headed to the University of Washington, where he studied literature, both contemporary and classical. Before he could graduate, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served his country in the war in Vietnam. He managed to stay out of harm’s way and was honorably discharged in 1966. David graduated from UW in 1968 and eventually became involved in the real estate title insurance industry. Once he started down that path, he never stopped. He worked in various capacities in several title companies, both in Seattle and in eastern Washington, but eventually moved back to Bellingham, where he became manager of the local Safeco Title Company office. In 1982, David and an investor bought the assets of the local Transamerica Title Company office and established Whatcom Land Title Company as an independent title and escrow company in Bellingham. Later, Colleen Baldwin joined him in ownership of the business, and David’s future in the industry was assured. David was well read, and accumulated books on history, philosophy, medicine, travel and more. He loved music of all sorts, played jazz recordings on his stereo, and often attended concerts of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. He also collected rare automobiles and kept a running journal of the thoughts on life that came to him periodically. David’s ebullient personality attracted an eclectic network of friends over the years, and David spent much of his quality time in their company. His friends and co-workers became accustomed to overhearing comments from him that were uniquely his own. When someone asked David how he was doing, he would often respond, “Better, now that I’ve seen you!” which invariably brought a smile in reply. When in the restroom with a few of his male co-workers, David would quip “this is the only place I truly know what I’m doing.” And there were more of these, some more suitable for public consumption than others, but they all brought laughter and comfort to many good people over the years. While his mind remained agile, he began to have trouble walking and was eventually diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Fortunately, he received good medical care; with proper medication and a powerful will to modify his lifestyle, David was able to continue to enjoy his life even as his disease progressed. He knew that time remaining for him to travel was limited, so he embarked upon a series of vacations to places that had always intrigued him. During this period, he was also fortunate to get to know Christine Schumak; she became his companion on many of those journeys and remained a comforting presence in his life until the end. David died in Whatcom Hospice House on February 5, 2022. He is survived by his daughter, Jessica, her husband Tony, and grandchildren Sierra, Whitney, and Michael. A friend of his recently remarked, accurately, that it’s hard to imagine a world without David Goddard; but here we are. A celebration of David’s life will occur when the pandemic’s presence has diminished. In lieu of flowers, donations to Whatcom Hospice Foundation are welcomed. Please share memories of David at molesfarewelltributes.com.

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The Northern Light • March 24 - March 30, 2022

Sheriff’s Reports March 4, 3:14 p.m.: Theft on Moonglow Court. March 4, 3:16 p.m.: Behavioral health issue on Creasey Road, Custer. March 4, 5:05 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Harbor Drive. March 4, 7:27 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Loft Lane. March 4, 7:36 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Helweg Road. March 4, 8:44 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Portal Way. March 5, 9:25 a.m.: Traffic stop on Birch Bay-Lynden and Custer School roads, Custer. March 5, 10:27 a.m.: Suspicious person on Ramona Lane, Custer. March 5, 10:45 a.m.: Alarm audible on Birch Point Road. March 5, 4:50 p.m.: Sex offender on Blaine Road. March 6, 3:27 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. March 6, 7:10 a.m.: Vehicle theft on Harborview Road. March 6, 3:38 p.m.: Trespass on Alderson Road. March 6, 9:53 p.m.: Animal problem on Surf Place. March 7, 10:50 a.m.: Vehicle theft on Harborview Road. March 7, 8:38 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Lincoln Road. March 8, 7:03 a.m.: Harassment on Harborview Road. March 8, 7:47 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on West Badger Road.

March 8, 8:56 p.m.: Security check on Whitehorn Way. March 9, 2:17 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Blaine Road. March 9, 5:43 a.m.: Death investigation on West Badger Road, Custer. March 9, 12 p.m.: Threat on Harborview Drive. March 9, 3:30 p.m.: Runaway on Jess Road, Custer. March 9, 3:32 p.m.: Missing person on Petticote Lane. March 9, 6:08 p.m.: Parking problem on East Street. March 10, 12:18 p.m.: Drugs on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

Police Reports March 12, 7:44 a.m.: Animal problem on N. Harvey Road. March 12, 4:30 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Peace Portal Drive. March 13, 1:56 a.m.: Senile person on I-5 southbound. March 13, 9:45 a.m.: Abandoned vehicle on Runge Avenue. March 13, 3:14 p.m.: Animal abuse on Marine Drive. March 14, 8 a.m.: Assist citizen on H Street. March 14, 10:59 a.m.: Assist citizen on Yew Avenue. March 15, 10:05 a.m.: Identity theft report on Seaside Drive. March 15, 12:03 p.m.: Possession of stolen property on 2nd Street.

Crossword

ACROSS 1. A woman of refinement 7. Body part 10. One who imitates 12. Tropical Asian starlings 13. A type of delivery 14. W. Australian capital 15. Many wombs 16. Wings 17. Expression of amusement 18. Brews 19. Mild yellow Dutch cheese 21. Mild expression 22. Solitary 27. Distance to top 28. The rebirth of a soul in a new body 33. Police who investigate police (abbr.) 34. Begrudged 36. Popular sports league 37. Autonomous republic of Russia 38. Double-headed

March 10, 2:27 p.m.: Parking problem on 1st and East streets. March 10, 2:44 p.m.: Trespass on Birch Bay-Square Street. March 10, 9:04 p.m.: Domestic physical on Bay Ridge Drive. March 11, 2:05 a.m.: Traffic hazard on East Street. March 11, 12:24 p.m.: Vandalism on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. March 11, 1:15 p.m.: Civil problem on Bayshore Drive. March 11, 6:50 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident blocking on Delta Line Road. March 11, 7:06 p.m.: Hit and run on Harborview Road.

drum 39. Type of light bulb 40. Czech River 41. Male servants (Span.) 44. Previously 45. Minor 48. Metrical foot 49. Days that follow Mondays 50. Small European viper 51. News shows have one DOWN 1. Inspiration 2. Resembling wings 3. Form of Persian 4. Consumed 5. Extinct flightless bird of New Zealand 6. Sea eagle 7. Jaguarundis 8. Poker stake 9. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! 10. South American nation 11. A colorless, odor-

less gas 12. Disturbance 14. Artist’s tool 17. Polish peninsula 18. Ottoman military leaders 20. Bird-like dinosaur 23. Drinking glass 24. Central Florida city 25. One’s mother 26. To do it is human 29. Atomic #10 30. Used to write 31. The branch of medicine concerned with the ear 32. Adversaries 35. Have already done 36. One of conspicuous wealth 38. It flies over sporting events 40. Geological times 41. Net 42. Musical phrase 43. Chadic dialect 44. Private Internet Access (abbr.) 45. Lizard genus

Report by Blaine Police Department.

46. Woman of the church 47. Having ten ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

Tides

Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, March 24, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: general knowledge. Info: thevaultwine.com. Live Music at The Vault: Friday, March 25, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: Odd Mood Jam Band. Info: thevaultwine.com. Lincoln Park Ivy Removal: Sunday, March 27, 2 p.m., H Street entrance of Lincoln Park. Help remove invasive ivy from trees. Bring gloves and garden sheers. Will postpone if high winds. Info: blaineivyleague@outlook. com. Trivia at Gateway: Monday, March 28, 7 p.m., Gateway 1890 Taphouse, 429 Peace Portal Drive. Four categories: who, what, where and when. Info: gateway1890taphouse-grill.com.

HEIGHT

TIME

6.8

9:14 am

8.6

HEIGHT

7.4

5:09 pm -0.5 Fr 25 1:19 am

8.7

5:52 am

9:56 am

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6:15 pm -0.5

Sa 26 2:41 am

8.9

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7.8

7:27 pm -0.4

Su 27 3:41 am

9.2

9:14 am

12:46 pm

7.4

8:35 pm -0.3

Mo 28 4:23 am

9.3

2:26 pm

7.3

Tu 29 4:59 am

9.4

10:54 am

4.8

3:48 pm

7.5

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0.3

We 30 5:29 am

9.4

11:32 am

3.7

4:56 pm

7.8

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Live Music at The Vault: Friday, April 1, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: JP Falcon Grady. Info: thevaultwine.com. Blaine Chamber In-person Luncheon: Wednesday, April 6, noon–1 p.m., Blaine Boating Center, 235 Marine Drive. Speaker: Michael Jones, Blaine city manager. Light lunch by donation. RSVP at blainechamber.com. Household Emergency Preparedness Seminar: Thursday, April 7, 8:309:30 p.m., Christ Community Church, 4310 H Street Road. Free to the public. This introduction to emergency preparedness will focus on family needs in real-world situations. Five-part seminar will be held every-other Thursday through June 2. For information and updates, check facebook. com/cccblaine. Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, April 7, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: Celebrating National Beer Day with beer trivia. Info: thevaultwine. com.

Ongoing Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Mondays 9 a.m.–noon, Wednesdays 5–7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.–noon. Delivery options available. Info:360/332-6350 or blainefood@hotmail.com. The Bridge Food Distribution Program: Fridays 3:30–5 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road. Registration required at thebridgehope.com or call 360/366-8763. Volunteers welcome. CAP Clothing Bank: Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon and Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m. 508 G Street. The Community Assistance Program clothing bank is now located in the basement of the CAP Center providing free clothing and linens. Donations accepted only during open hours or by special arrangement. Info: blainecap.org or 360/392-8484.

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.

49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W

Th 24 4:30 am

Home Farm Summer Market Registration: Looking for independent artists and designers, small businesses, curated vintage, home décor, plants, music, food booths and more for popular summer markets. Info: hello@homefarm.farm.

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.

March 24 – 30 at Blaine. Not for navigation.

TIME

Call To Artists: Through April 4. Blaine By The Sea and Blaine Chamber of Commerce invite artists to join an upcoming art studio tour. Info and registration: info@blainechamber.com.

Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, March 31, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: geography. Info: thevaultwine.com.

March 15, 2:16 p.m.: Physical dispute on Ludwick Avenue. March 16, 12 p.m.: Welfare check on Runge Avenue. March 16, 1:49 p.m.: Shoplifting on H Street. March 16, 2:22 p.m.: Suspicious circumstance on Goshawk Road. March 16, 3:05 p.m.: Suspicious circumstance on 16th Street. March 16, 3:47 p.m.: Juvenile problem on 4th Street. March 16, 4 p.m.: Assist citizen on H Street. March 17, 3:06 a.m.: Suspicious circumstance on Turnstone Lane.

DATE

Coming up

7.4

6.8

5.8

9:35 pm -0.1

Weather

Precipitation: During the period of March 14-20, 1.9 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2022 yearto-date precipitation is 11.1 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 59°F on March 16 with a low of 40°F on March 16. Average high was 49°F and average low was 44°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 360/739-5375 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. Alaska Packers Association Cannery Museum: Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, 1–5 p.m., 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway. Free, donations welcome. Info: 360/371-3558. Birch Bay Book Club: Meets third Wednesday, 4 p.m., Birch Bay Vogt Library site, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. Book for April: Golden Spruce by John Vaillant. Info: klia1@mac.com. Blaine Book Club: Meets third Friday, 1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. April title: Leonard and Hungry Paul by Ronan Hession. Info: Kelly at 360/305-3637. Blaine Serenity Al-Anon: Mondays, noon–1 p.m. on Zoom. Have you been dealing with alcoholism with a friend or family member? Info: Jerrylyn at 360/305-2246. Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at noon, women’s meeting Mondays at 4 p.m., Blaine United Church of Christ basement, 855 4th Street. Info: 208/750-8772 or shannonsessions2020@gmail.com. Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.


March 24 - March 30, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Redistricting ... From page 13

with the public – or even publicly discussed – before the vote. A day later, the commission, which consists of four voting members and one nonvoting chair, said it had failed to meet its midnight November 15 deadline to approve new maps. Crosscut then requested copies of text messages sent between members of the redistricting commission, state legislators and legislative staffers. The request covered the period from November 8 to November 16, 2021, seven days before and one day after the commission voted on plans for new congressional and legislative district maps. Crosscut requested the text messages to shed light on what members of the redistricting commission were discussing in private before and after the vote, since none of those discussions had occurred in public view. The bipartisan commission consists of two Democrats and two Republicans – each appointed by one of the legislature’s four political caucuses – who then select a fifth, nonvoting member to serve as chair. What the records show While the redistricting commission provided copies of hundreds of text messages in response to Crosscut’s records request, Crosscut has since received copies of dozens of other text messages that appeared to fall within the scope of Crosscut’s records request, but that the com-

mission failed to release. Many of those text messages were shared with Crosscut by a source familiar with the work of the commission – someone whose identity is known to Crosscut, but who requested not to be identified. Other text messages were shared by state representative Gerry Pollet, a Seattle Democrat who filed a separate public records request and received certain text messages that were never released to Crosscut. The withheld text messages show a much deeper level of coordination between state lawmakers, legislative staffers and the redistricting commission than what was shown in the records the commission previously released. That’s concerning to Pollet, who thinks that legislative caucus staffers, who are paid state employees, shouldn’t be working that closely on redistricting. He thinks the redrawing of district lines, which often is based on partisan considerations, veers too far into campaign work. State ethics rules prevent state workers from using public time and resources on campaigns. “We have got records where you have caucus staff people drawing up maps to increase the Democratic performance by twotenths of a percent, and trade it for two-tenths of a percent in another district,” said Pollet, who chairs the House local government committee. “It is flat out about improving the partisan performance of party candidates. That is illegal,” Pollet said.

House chief clerk Bernard Dean wrote in an email that he doesn’t agree with Pollet’s interpretation of the rules. Dean noted that the commissions’ four voting members ultimately represent the interests of the political caucuses that appointed them. He added that before the creation of Washington’s bipartisan commission in 1983, the state legislature directly controlled the redrawing of the maps, which is how redistricting is handled in most other states. “... [D]rawing district boundaries is not campaigning ... we have no reason to believe that caucus staff engaged in any prohibited activity,” Dean wrote. Other legal problems Still, the destruction of public records, as McLean says Sims has done, could run afoul of state law. Under one state statute, destroying public records is a felony that can be punished by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000. While McLean said she thought the text messages Sims deleted were of minimal retention value and therefore could be deleted without violating the law, public records attorney Michele Earl-Hubbard said the text messages are almost certainly public documents that should have been retained. Given the ongoing concerns about the commission’s secretive operations, Earl-Hubbard called the destruction of the text messages “another slap in the face to the public.” Withholding public records can be costly for agencies. The

Covid-19 in Whatcom County, by school district boundaries: Recent one-week case rates, cumulative counts and vaccinations Blaine Lynden Nooksack Valley Vaccination: 76% Vaccination: 59% Vaccination: 56% Case rate: 58 Case rate: 46 Case rate: 43 New cases: 11 New cases: 10 New cases: 4 Ferndale Meridian Vaccination: 72% Vaccination: 68% Case rate: 58 Case rate: 26 New cases: 18 New cases: 3 Bellingham Vaccination: 83% Case rate: 51 New cases: 55

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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 12. Covid-19 rates significantly decreased in all school district areas over the past week. The Blaine school district area case rates folded from 106 cases per 100,000 people to 58 cases per 100,000 people. The district had 11 new cases in the latest reporting week. Mount Baker school district area had the lowest case rate in the county with only one case in the last reporting week. Blaine and Ferndale had the highest

state Public Records Act allows a judge to charge agencies up to $100 a day for each day someone is denied access to public records. That law notes that “free and open examination of public records is in the public interest, even though such examination may cause inconvenience or embarrassment to public officials.” Pollet said he is considering filing a Public Records Act lawsuit over the redistricting commission’s failure to provide him with the records he thinks he is entitled. He said members of the public have the right to know how the state’s new political maps came into being. “I want to know how this happened,” Pollet said. “And what we get is obfuscation and hiding.” Visit crosscut.com/donate to support nonprofit, freely distributed, local journalism.

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case rates at 58. Case rates were highest for county residents 18-24 years old, who averaged 82 cases per 100,000 people. PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham is no longer publishing the number of hospital patients who were either admitted for Covid-19 or tested positive after being admitted for another reason. The hospital said on its website this is because of declining transmission rates and

the probability that Covid-19 will remain in the county. As of March 20, there have been 286 Covid-19 deaths in Whatcom County. The Whatcom County health department released its weekly Covid-19 report for February 27 to March 12. During that time, five Whatcom County residents died from Covid-19: Two men in their 60s, a woman in her 70s, a woman and man in their 80s.


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The Northern Light • March 24 - March 30, 2022

County sees workers and jobs enter market, hiring challenges persist By Ian Haupt Whatcom County is just under 4,000 jobs below where it stood in March 2020.

According to Washington’s Employment Security Department (ESD) data, the county had 92,700 jobs in January 2022 and had 96,600 jobs at peak employment

before the pandemic. By April 2020, the county lost 13,900 jobs, bringing it down to 82,700. Whatcom regained over half of those lost jobs by September 2021, and

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it’s added another 2,000 since. While the economy was rebounding last year, employers in the area were having difficulties hiring. Jeff Robinson, ESD current labor force statistics manager, said although people have re-entered the labor market, employers are likely still having a difficult time finding workers. Bob’s Burgers and Brew in Birch Bay has been having staffing issues ever since it laid off many of its employees at the beginning of the pandemic. Last summer, owner Cody Hurlburt said they were having hiring difficulties for four months. Now, he said things have gotten better but they’re still seeing issues. “We’ve had to hire a lot younger than usual,” he said. Hurlburt said he’s hoping and expecting to serve more customers at the restaurant come Friday, April 1, when Canada drops the testing requirement for vaccinated travelers to cross the border, but that he’s nervous how his staff will fare. “We’re trying to ramp up as best as possible,” he said. “But I’m definitely nervous.” Bob’s Burgers is still accepting job applications, Hurlburt said. Over the New Year, Whatcom County saw a relatively average job change, Robinson said. The unemployment rate spiked from 4.4 percent in December 2021 to 5.6 percent in January 2022. January typically sees a seasonal increase, he said. For comparison, the unemployment rate a year before was 7.9 percent. Between December 2021 and

January 2022, the county lost 600 jobs, accounting for the monthly increase in unemployment. However, with the county gaining 6,900 jobs over the year, Robinson said the data shows the market is improving at a historical rate. “I think we are seeing improvements in the labor force, but time will tell whether the numbers hold true,” Robinson said. As is the case in an imperfect science, economists readjust totals when more data comes in and initial numbers change over time. Washington’s January 2022 unemployment rate was 4.4 percent. The revised estimated December 2021 unemployment rate was at 4.5 percent, according to January ESD data. The January 2021 unemployment rate was 6 percent. Nationally, the revised unemployment rate for January 2022 was 4 percent and the preliminary February 2022 was 3.8 percent, according to the ESD. Washington and Whatcom County have recovered from layoff activity. Although seeing a slight seasonal rise around the New Year, initial unemployment claims have remained stable at prepandemic numbers since late July 2021. In the week ending March 12, 89 initial claims for unemployment benefits were filed with ESD in Whatcom County. The week before, 142 were filed. This time last year 332 claims were filed. When the pandemic’s economic impacts were first seen in the county – the last week in March 2020 – 6,292 were filed in the county.

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