The Northern Light: August 11-17, 2022 by Point Roberts Press

August 11 - 17, 2022

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IN THIS

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Discover Birch Bay Days parade returns, page 3

Whatcom County Council news, page 5

Drayton Harbor Maritime Festival photos, pages 15-16

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

Old Blaine city hall demolition work begins Blaine man arrested for vehicular assault after I-5 crash By Ian Haupt

s Skycorp crews started demolishing old city hall around 11 a.m. August 9. Blaine Public Works Department previously expected the demolition to take three days, followed by a week of clean up. The 1927 building, at 344 H Street, needed to come down because it had asbestos and wasn’t structurally sound. Blaine City Council hasn’t determined what it will do with the city-owned property once the property is cleared. Photo by Grace McCarthy

Blaine man arrested on suspicion of controlled substance homicide for Blaine woman’s death By Ian Haupt Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies arrested a Blaine man August 3 who, after a long investigation, was found responsible for a Blaine woman’s death in May 2021. The woman reportedly overdosed, and fentanyl was found in her system. Tanner Allen Larson, 31, was booked into Whatcom County Jail at 6:17 p.m.

August 3 on suspicion of one count of controlled substance homicide, three counts of possession of a controlled substance, two counts of counterfeit substance violation and five counts of delivering a controlled substance, according to jail records. On May 7, 2021, Blaine Police Department (BPD) officers responded to the death of Aeschli Wilkinson, 30, in the 700 block of E Street, WCSO spokesperson Deb Slater wrote in an August 4 news release.

First monkeypox case in Whatcom County Whatcom County Health Department (WCHD) confirmed the county’s first monkeypox virus case, or MVP, August 2 in a resident in their 50s. The person was isolating at home after likely being exposed in King County. WCHD is working to find anyone who may have been a close contact to the first confirmed person to be infected with monkeypox in Whatcom County, according to an August 3 press release that announced the first case. The health department has a limited amount of vaccines to

give to the resident’s close contacts. “It is important for people to know that risk to the general public remains low,” said Amy Harley, co-health officer for WCHD, in the press release. “We have been preparing for the possibility of MPV in Whatcom County for the last few months. The U.S. has successfully controlled outbreaks of MPV in the past. This virus is not spread as easily as Covid-19 and we already have vaccines and treatments available.” Monkeypox causes a rash that appears

similar to bumps, sores, blisters or ulcers and can cause flu-like symptoms. People infected with monkeypox aren’t likely to get seriously ill, according to WCHD, although it can be serious for people who are immunocompromised, pregnant and children. The first Whatcom County resident was not hospitalized. The Washington state Department of Health confirmed the first monkeypox case in the state in King County on May (See Monkeypox, page 3)

When the medical examiner’s toxicology report found fentanyl in Wilkinson’s system, BPD requested WCSO to assist in the investigation of a possible controlled substance homicide death. The investigation found Wilkinson had been in contact with Larson about obtaining painkillers. Slater wrote, according to the messages, Larson sold Wilkinson (See Larson, page 2)

INSIDE

A 20-year-old Blaine man was arrested for vehicular assault after a Ferndale passenger was transported to the hospital following an Interstate 5 car crash on August 7. A 2010 white Toyota Corolla drove into a disabled car and flipped into the median south of Peace Portal Drive on I-5 August 7. The Corolla passenger, 19-yearold Isabella N. Martinez of Ferndale, sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital, while the driver was arrested. A Washington State Patrol (WSP) report shows drugs or alcohol were believed to be involved, which remains under investigation. Dylan Matthew Ferry, 20, of Blaine, was booked into Whatcom County Jail at 2:48 a.m. August 8 for vehicular assault and driving with a suspended license, according to jail records. Around 10:17 p.m. August 7, a 2017 white Volkswagen Jetta was disabled from an earlier crash in the right lane of southbound I-5 near milepost 273, south of Peace Portal Drive, according to WSP. All occupants had exited the vehicle. The Corolla, driven by Ferry, was headed southbound on I-5 and collided with the disabled Jetta. The Corolla came to rest on its top in the median, while the Jetta was pushed to the shoulder, according to the report. Martinez was taken to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center, treated for her injuries and released the day of the accident, PeaceHealth spokesperson Beverly Mayhew said in an email to The Northern Light. Both Ferry and Martinez were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash, according to the report. The car crash closed both lanes of southbound I-5 while first responders were on scene, according to a Washington State Department of Transportation tweet. Whatcom County District Court records show Ferry had a preliminary appearance August 8.

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

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The Northern Light • August 11 - 17, 2022

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From page 1

pills on multiple occasions between April 28, 2021 and May 6, 2021. Wilkinson was found dead around 8:30 a.m. May 7, 2021. Probable cause was developed to charge Larson with controlled substance homicide, Slater wrote. WCSO criminal interdiction deputies, with Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force assisting, located Larson August 3 in the 4300 block of Meridian Street in Bellingham. His backpack contained cash, a Ziploc bag with an unidentified powder, burnt foil with narcotic residue and a bag with

about 100 blue M-30 pills, which weighed 12.9 gross weight grams. He was arrested without incident. “Fentanyl in its clandestine form is a deadly drug,” said Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo in the release. “The sheriff’s office will continue to prioritize the investigation of deaths resulting from the street sale of this drug as homicides. “Potential users of this drug should be aware of its lethal nature and those that deal in the drug should know that if a death results, they will be charged with homicide,” Elfo continued. “I’m very proud of the efforts of our detectives in building this and all recent fentanyl investigations.”

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Mitzi was lost on July 12 near Harborview Road, Tri-colored Chihuahua mix, microchipped, wearing purple collar with ID tag

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August 11 - 17, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Chamber looking for Discover Birch Bay Days parade participants Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce is encouraging people to participate in the Discover Birch Bay Days parade in anticipation of the annual event returning at noon Saturday, August 27. The parade route will go north along Birch Bay Drive, from Alderson Road to Harborview Road, according to an August 5 Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce press release. Both lanes of Birch Bay Drive will be closed along the parade route starting 11:30 a.m. August 27 and will reopen when the parade finishes. The parade is expected to last until 1 p.m., but the number of parade entries will determine its length, according to the chamber. Discover Birch Bay Days will celebrate its 43rd annual event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, August 27 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, August 28. Local vendors will be selling goods and Friends of Birch Bay Library will have a book sale all day both

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weekends. On Saturday, Blaine Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 will have an obstacle course 1:30-4 p.m. An outdoor movie showing of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” will start around 8 p.m. On Sunday, Baby Cakes will play music from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The annual rubber duck

derby, crab derby and family-friendly poker run will also take place, with times still to be determined, according to the chamber website. This year will be the first Discover Days parade since the pandemic. For more information and to register for the parade, visit birchbaychamber.com/events.

Deer Trail work begins August 15 Deer Trail road reconstruction work is scheduled to begin Monday, August 15 as Whatcom County Public Works crews shift and rebuild a section of the road that collapsed during a landslide in January 2021. Drivers can expect long delays with alternating single-lane closures during working hours, according to a public works news release. Automated traffic signals will be used during evenings and non-working days. The work includes shifting a 300-foot section of the roadway centerline 4 feet to the west, then temporary removal of the northbound travel lane and construction of a large rock buttress structural section. New asphalt pavement will be put in along with a guard railing adjacent to the creek ravine. A portion of the road eroded in January 2021 due to heavy rains

Monkeypox ... From page 1

27. Many first cases in the state were subsequent to international travel. About 80 countries that have not historically reported monkeypox are having case outbreaks, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There were 134 cases in Washington and 6,617 in the U.S. as of August 4. The White House declared monkeypox a public health emergency August 4. A person with monkeypox can spread the virus through close, physical contact with monkeypox wounds; objects, fabrics or surfaces they used; and respiratory drops or oral fluids. Someone can spread monkeypox once they have symptoms until all of their sores are healed and covered with new skin, which can take several weeks.

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to damaged pavement. Deer Trail road serves as sole access to households on it – Cherry Tree Lane, Fawn Crescent, Pheasant Drive and Grouse Crescent Road – totaling about 80 to 90 homes. “Whatcom County Public Works appreciates the community’s patience with construction activities to restore the landslide-damaged section of the Deer Trail roadway,” the news release said.

Most people start experiencing symptoms within one to two weeks of being exposed, but it can take up to three weeks for symptoms to develop. WCHD officials recommend people with symptoms avoid intimate contact, work with WCHD

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The Northern Light • August 11 - 17, 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.

Navigating Drayton Harbor waters

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 prpintern@pointrobertspress.com Reporting Intern Cameron Sires 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 Doug Dahl The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVIII, No 9 Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

Next issue: Aug. 18 Ads due: Aug. 12

s A group of paddleboarders take on Drayton Harbor waters as they head toward Semiahmoo Spit August 6.

Letters The Editor: My wife and I are hosting a family reunion this week, August 10-14; cousins and spouses will be arriving from California as well as from Ontario and Québec in eastern Canada. If you happen to be in Blaine at Peace Arch State Park or at the Semiahmoo Spit these next few days and see people wearing maroon T-shirts with the “Henshaw” crest, please feel free to introduce yourself and welcome the newcomers! We’ve been bragging about our small town for years and it is now time to host a “Left Coast Reunion.” We are sure they will be impressed. Graham and Donna Hunter Blaine Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Photo by Ruth Lauman

Tourism office launches mobile destination passes for county Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism debuted two mobile passes for tourists and residents alike to explore Whatcom County’s farm-to-table dining and cultural destinations. This comes after the nonprofit released a similar mobile pass called the 49th Parallel Ports Pass that allows people to explore Blaine and Point Roberts. Participants use Bandwango, a travel technology platform, to download the Quest Pass on their phone for each of the three destination routes. The free passes offer discounts, promotions and prizes once someone has checked into a participating location, according to a July 26 Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism press release. “There are many attractions still struggling to rebound from the pan-

demic, and this was our investment to help drive visitors to more places, learn more, love more about our region, stay longer and come back,” wrote Amy Guerra, marketing director for Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, in a statement. The Farm-to-Table Trail brings users to farm stands, wineries and farm-tofork restaurants in the county. Checkins through Wednesday, August 31 count toward a prize, according to the release. The Culture Crawl brings users to museums, theaters, bookstores and similar locations throughout the county. The first 200 people to do six stops receive a present, according to the release. For more information, visit bellingham.org/quest.

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.

August 11 - 17, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

County council approves 29.5 cent EMS levy rate for November ballot, and other county council news By Ian Haupt The latest news from July Whatcom County Council meetings. EMS levy rate of 29.5 cents on November 8 ballot In its July 26 meeting, Whatcom County Council voted 5-1, with councilmember Ben Elenbaas opposed and councilmember Tyler Byrd absent, to submit a proposition to Whatcom County qualified voters renewing the levy of a regular property tax at a rate of 29.5 cents or less per $1,000 assessed valuation for emergency medical services (EMS) on the November 8 ballot. The current rate of the levy is 19.9 cents per $1,000. Council amended an original request for the renewal of the rate set from 29.5 to 19.9, which was approved during its July 12 meeting. The rate was then increased, with amendments from councilmember Kaylee Galloway, to account for adjustments for inflation and rising costs. Some members of the council thought the increase was too much for Whatcom County voters. “I’m still not going to support this, and it’s because I want it to pass,” Elenbaas said. “And I don’t think that a 50 percent tax increase is going to pass.” Elenbaas said he didn’t think the county was upholding its expectation of diversity, equity and inclusion when it comes to religious beliefs in county fire stations, referring to vaccination exemptions.

“I believe this EMS levy will serve the greater good, because we understand that if it fails at the ballot, it’s going to have a disproportionate negative impact on our rural community members,” Galloway said during the meeting. “That means our folks who live in the unincorporated areas and the small cities of Whatcom County are going to feel the negative impact of not having a countywide EMS system.” The countywide EMS system serves all of Whatcom County, including Blaine, Ferndale, Bellingham, Lynden, Everson, Nooksack and Sumas. “This is a tough one because everybody knows that we need EMS services in our community, and nobody wants to see this levy fail,” said councilmember Kathy Kershner. “At the same time, we are putting it at risk by asking voters to approve a 50 percent increase on their taxes for EMS.” The July 26 meeting was the deadline for council to get the levy on the ballot. Birch Point flooding study Council authorized Tetra Tech, Inc., a California-based consulting and engineering firm, to conduct a Birch Point Subwatershed Drainage Study for $74,793. The contract will provide hydrologic and hydraulic analysis as well as preliminary sizing for conceptual design options to mitigate flooding in residential areas impacted by drainage from Birch Point uplands to Birch Bay,

according to the memorandum. Funding will come out of Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) district’s budget. Birch Bay Drive and Harborview Road repaving Council authorized the county to enter into a contract with Granite Construction Company to complete a Birch Bay Drive and Harborview Road pavement repair project in the amount of $274,910. Transition to zero-emissions transportation Council passed a resolution 4-2, with Elenbaas and Kershner opposed and Byrd absent, that it will support policy decisions to reduce or eliminate emission in its public transportation system. According to the resolution, council will support the community’s transition to electric vehicles and increase access to alternative and active modes of transportation. Priorities for 2025 comprehensive plan Council is working to establish its 2025 comprehensive plan priorities that have yet to be approved. The priorities include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, engaging with Lummi Nation and Nooksack Indian Tribe, promoting protection and restoration of health habitats for fish and wildlife, collaboratively working toward economic security and affordable housing, building resistance to climate

change in forests, and supporting local agriculture and the food economy. County property transferred to Opportunity Council at no cost Council voted 4-3, with councilmembers Byrd, Elenbaas and Kershner opposed, to transfer a county building at 1000 N. Forest Street to the Opportunity Council at no cost. The Opportunity Council is a nonprofit serving homeless and low-income families and individuals, according to its website. It provides housing, rental and energy assistance among other services. Matthew Santos appointed to WCLS board of trustees Council confirmed county executive Satpal Sidhu’s appointment of Blaine resident Matthew Santos to the Whatcom County Library System board of trustees’ district 5 seat. Santos is the executive director of admissions and advising at Bellingham Technical College, according to the recommendation letter. He is a PhD candidate at Oregon State University and father of two.

Scientists are now asking the public to refer to the world’s largest hornets as “northern giant hornets,” opposed to the previously dubbed names “Asian giant hornets” and “murder hornets.” The name was changed in late July to avoid using a geographical region in the insect’s title. The Entomological Society of America (ESA) adopted “northern giant hornet” in its list of common names of insects and related organisms. ESA didn’t

s A northern giant hornet found in east Blaine in 2020. Photo courtesy WSDA

have an official name for the hornets until now, according to a Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) press release. WSDA entomologist Chris Looney urged for the name to be changed to follow ESA’s naming guidelines on avoiding using geographic regions to name insects. The new name refers to the species originating from northern Asia, according to WSDA. ESA adopted the common name of Vespa soror, a similar species to the northern hornet, to become “southern giant hornet” in reference to its southern Asia origins. “This is going to adhere to the standards of the Better Common Names Project, which the Entomological Society of America has launched over the past few years and seen a few offensive names removed,” WSDA managing entomologist Sven-Erik Spichiger said during a May press conference. “This will be one that will definitely cover it for sure.” The name change will also avoid confusion between the commonly known “Asian hornet,” an invasive hornet in Europe. The northern hornet’s scientific name, Vespa mandarinia, will remain the same. The invasive hornet gained

Information on how to listen to the meeting live will be on the City Council agenda which is located on the City’s website homepage under Your Government, City Council, City Council Agenda. Please check the agenda prior to each meeting as the call in number or location may change.

Thursday, August 11 9:00am – Park and Cemetery Board Meeting 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting

Monday, August 22 6:00pm – City Council Meeting Tuesday, August 23 3:30pm – Civil Service Commission Meeting *CANCELLED*

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

NWFR Interim Fire Commissioner

NWFR Board of Fire Commissioners are looking to appoint an interim fire commissioner. The appointment will run until December 31, 2023. Candidates must be residents and registered voters of the district. (RCW 52.14.010; RCW 29A.24.075) Those interested are encouraged to submit a letter of interest and statement of qualifications.

World’s largest hornet renamed northern giant hornet By Grace McCarthy

CITY OF BLAINE

Please submit your letter and qualifications no later than Wednesday, August 17, 2022. Via email: jsand@nwfrs.com Board of Fire Commissioners in subject line

popularity after a specimen was found in Blaine and a nest was eradicated on Vancouver Island in late 2019. One northern giant hornet nest was eradicated in east Blaine in October 2020 and three in 2021. No hornets have been found so far in 2022. To report a suspected northern giant hornet detection, visit agr. wa.gov/hornets, email hornets@ agr.wa.gov or call 800/443-6684.

Or mail: NWFR Board of Commissioners PO Box 286, Lynden, WA 98264 For additional information please visit the district’s website, www.nwfrs.net or contact Administrative Assistant Jennie Sand at (360) 318-9933.

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The Northern Light • August 11 - 17, 2022

No reopening date for Yew Avenue, Drayton Harbor Road By Grace McCarthy Two Blaine area roads damaged from historic flooding last November are expected to remain closed indefinitely, with completion of one of the projects at least two years out. Yew Avenue doesn’t have a reopening date after part of its shoulder collapsed during the November 2021 floods, forcing closure of the compromised roadway. More information should be

known at the beginning of 2023 after the city has a better idea on the design work needed, said Gary McSpadden, Blaine’s acting public works director. City crews are working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to understand the soil type under Yew Avenue as well as conducting an environmental study to determine whether the culvert under Yew Avenue is fish-bearing. McSpadden said it could take

months to understand the soil’s compaction, which will determine the design work. Once the design is known, public works will have clearer timeline and cost estimates. Yew Avenue sits above a 19th century railroad grade. The road’s shoulder collapsed after a culvert beneath it failed. Public works hasn’t seen substantial damage since the initial damage, McSpadden said. “We’re looking a bit out for re-

opening,” he said. “It looks like it could be an extensive repair.” Drayton Harbor Road, near Shintaffer Road, also won’t reopen to two lanes in the near future. Construction is scheduled for summer 2024 but is subject to change depending on final repair plans, said Mandy Feutz, communications specialist with Whatcom County Public Works Department. The project will require shoreline and other critical area permits, which Feutz said

typically take a long time. The road closed to one-lane last November after the shoulder washed out. The county conducted a stability analysis that determined it was safe to partially open the road. The county also did a topographical survey to help with the design phase, Feutz said. There is not yet a cost estimate to repair Drayton Harbor Road, Feutz said. The project is eligible for FEMA funding.

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By Doug Dahl Question: My son has his learner’s permit. Do I need to get him an insurance policy now, or do I wait until he has his driver license? Answer: There’s actually a simple, law-based answer as to who needs insurance: Everyone who drives.* The law states (edited for readability and brevity), “No person may operate a motor vehicle subject to registration in this state unless the person is insured under a motor vehicle liability policy, is self-insured, is covered by a certificate of deposit, or is covered by a liability bond.” One way or another, if you drive a vehicle with a registration, you need proof of financial responsibility. (*There are a few exceptions: mopeds, ATVs and some collector vehicles.) You might already know that,

and what you are really asking is, will my insurance company automatically cover my new driver, or do I have to do something to make that happen? I checked with a few insurance companies, and all said that you should notify your insurance agent before your new driver gets behind the wheel. If you don’t, and your son bangs up your car, and maybe someone else’s, your insurance company could make the argument that, even though you have insurance for your vehicle, your teen driver wasn’t insured. When you originally got your insurance coverage, your insurance company asked you a bunch of personal questions for each individual included in the policy; things like your age, your gender, how many traffic infractions you’ve had and your collision history. That information helps them understand the level of risk they’re taking to cover

you, which influences your rate. Adding a young driver changes the risk level, and your new insurance rate will reflect that. You hope that your new driver will crash cars less often than Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson crash weddings. Apologies for the dated movie reference, but there is reason for concern. Young drivers crash at a rate nearly four times greater than drivers 20 and older. You might be convinced that your kid is the best new driver out there and will never get in a crash, but your insurance company doesn’t know that. They look at the odds, and when drivers in a particular age group crash more, that means more insurance payouts, so you’re going to help pay for that. Progressive Insurance is nice enough to produce a chart showing the relative cost of insurance (See Road Rules, page 13)

Blaine baseball team falls short after qualifying for state

s Blaine Borderites American Legion AA: back row, from l., Tanner Olson (manager), Chase Olson (assistant coach), Diego Gutierrez, Alejandro Moser-Hernandez, Deon Bowman, Hunter Vezzetti, Owen Wenger, Jack Albright, Malloy Messenger, Austin Alaniz, Aaron Messenger (assistant coach) and Paul O’Breen (assistant coach). Front row, from l., Kieran Markusen, Zaid Krambo, Evan Yates, Anthony Hirsch, Grady Swinburnson, Thomas Cox, Mason Akre, Josh Audette and Brady Dohner. Courtesy photo The Blaine Borderites American Legion AA baseball team qualified for the state tournament in Yakima after going 3-1 in the district tournament in Port Angeles July 15-16. The boys came up short in Yakima July 22-27 after losing their first

two games in double elimination. Blaine is one of the few American Legion teams to be comprised only of their own high school players and the only 1A team to qualify for the state tournament. In the district tournament,

Blaine defeated Mount Vernon in the bottom of the seventh inning. Down by two, with two outs, Kieran Markusen hit a walk-off single to right field, scoring in Evan Yates, Hunter Vezzetti and Josh Audette for a 14-13 victory.

August 11 - 17, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Former mayor and food bank manager remembered for service

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s Jerry Bladies and Evelyn Bonallo in 2017. Photo by Trish Loop 2017, he and food bank co-founder Evelyn Bonallo received The President’s Volunteer Service Award for over 17,000 hours of feeding Blaine families. They were given a key to the city and the Jerry Bladies/Evelyn Bonallo Scholarship Fund was established. Food bank operations manager Sally Church said Bladies was always supportive and appreciative of everyone at the food bank. “Jerry was very simply a very, very nice man. He was a gentle man, a gentle soul. He did not lose his temper, he did not raise his voice,” Church said. “The volunteers truly loved him. He was a man of integrity. He was dedicated to the food bank. He truly loved the food bank.” Bladies remained as the food bank’s executive director out of respect for him and his impact on the food bank, Church said. Food bank volunteer Robert Densmore said he got to know Bladies over several decades through their friend, Bob Drake. “He was one heck of a fine guy. You couldn’t ask for anyone better,” Densmore said. “He was really generous and really true. If he called you his friend, he meant it.” Bladies was committed to volunteering at his church, St. Anne Catholic Church, where he met and married Grace in 1959. He served on the church’s parish council, as an usher and on other church committees. “He was very considerate to everyone,” Grace said. “It doesn’t matter who you were or where you were from, Jerry accepted you.”

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Former mayor and Blaine Food Bank operations manager Gerald “Jerry” Bladies died July 17. He was 86. Bladies was born in Phillipsburg, New Jersey in 1936 and made his way to Birch Bay in the 1950s by way of the U.S. Air Force, which he joined after graduating high school. He met his wife, Grace, while assigned to Blaine Air Force Station, a now-closed general surveillance radar station. Bladies worked as a U.S. customs broker, co-owning Border Brokerage, as he and Grace raised their three children in Blaine. “He loves this community. He would do anything he could to help improve it,” Grace said, recounting his help with little league and booster club. Bladies spent 12 years serving as a councilmember on Blaine City Council, three of which were as mayor in the early ’80s. One of Bladies’ greatest accomplishments was transitioning the city’s governing structure from the mayor to city manager having executive authority, said Tom Burton, former Blaine mayor and city councilmember who worked with Bladies. “He was someone I was trying to emulate when I first started doing politics,” Burton said. “He would think about what he was doing and always had the interest of Blaine citizens at heart. Everyone looked up to Jerry. No one ever questioned his work ethic or dedication to citizens.” While on council, Bladies saw Semiahmoo Resort open and the surrounding area develop, which Burton said created lots of rezoning, permitting and public hearings. He also had a hand in preventing Metro Vancouver Regional District from putting a landfill on 0 Avenue, which could have impacted Blaine’s water, Burton said, and developing Blaine Marine Park. “It was a very busy time and his council leadership was invaluable,” Burton said. Bladies started managing Blaine Food Bank when he retired from Border Brokerage in 2002. In

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Active S eniors Safety upgrades to consider that will improve seniors’ homes adaptations may be necessary if seniors want to stay in their homes, particularly in older homes that have not recently been renovated. Change knobs to levers This is an easy modification. Levers are much easier for individuals with arthritis or persons who lack dexterity in their hands. Everything from doorknobs to faucet knobs can be replaced with levers. Create zero-threshold entryways Zero-threshold entryways, also known as flush entries, do not require crossing a lip or any raised barrier. They can appear on doorways and showers and make it easy for people who have mobility issues, as well as those using scooters, walkers and wheelchairs, to move about unencumbered. Clear clutter/move obstructions One inexpensive modification

Many seniors want to spend as long as possible residing in the comfort of their own homes. According to AARP’s 2021 Home and Community Preferences survey, more than three-quarters of U.S. adults age 50 and older prefer living at home. But getting older often comes with certain deficits that may not make current living situations the safest for seniors. Retirement Living reports that an older person is treated in an emergency room for a fall-related injury nearly once every 10 seconds. Falls cause millions of injuries and 32,000 deaths a year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seniors may be affected by low vision, mobility limitations, cognitive decline, balance issues and loss of muscle strength. Certain

is to remove extraneous furniture and accessories. Such a change widens walking spaces in a room and accommodates walkers and wheelchairs. In addition, furniture can be pushed to the room’s perimeter to make moving around easier. It’s also important to remove area rugs, as they’re often tripping hazards. Install grab rails and supports Minimizing falls could come down to providing support in key rooms of a home. Adding grab rails in the bathroom near the toilet and in the shower can help a person use those facilities without assistance. Install a grab rail close to seating in the kitchen to add support. Consider smart lighting Motion-activated or darkness-activated lighting switches and fixtures can automatically

The brain-boosting benefits of word games Word games continue to be popular pastimes and provide a great opportunity to engage in lighthearted competition among family and friends. Wordle is perhaps the most pop-

ular word game in recent years. Created by software engineer and former Reddit employee Josh Wardle and launched in October 2021, Wordle was devised as a way to pass the time during the pan-

demic lockdown. Today it is played by millions of people and was purchased by The New York Times Company in 2022. For those who are looking for something even newer, Knotwords,

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turn on lights, thereby improving visibility. Also, rocker light switches are easier to maneuver than standard toggles. Invest in a stairlift Single-story homes are preferable for growing older gracefully, but many seniors live in multi-story homes. A stairlift makes a

multi-floor home more accessible, according to Elder, an eldercare service provider. Stairlifts make it easier to traverse staircases and reduce the risk for falls. These suggestions are just a few of the many home modifications that can help seniors safely age in place.

a word game created by Zach Gage and Jack Schlesinger, is available on iOS, Android and Steam. It’s a mix between a word scramble, crossword puzzle and sudoku. There are scores of other word games for people to try. In addition to their entertainment value, these games may provide some benefits that surprise even the most devoted wordsmiths. • Build your vocabulary: Word games enrich vocabulary and may introduce people to new words. They also may help reinforce spelling skills. • Improve focus: Nowadays people are pulled in many directions and are expected to multitask more

than ever. Word games in large part require focusing exclusively on the task at hand and employing strategy. • Stimulate the brain: Word games require critical thinking skills that could stimulate the brain. Word games train the brain in a way that’s similar to how physical activity trains the body. • Improve memory: According to WebMD, word games may help seniors avoid memory loss and possibly delay the onset of dementia. But seniors are not the only ones to benefit. Word games may improve short-term memory and the cogni(See Games, next page)

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August 11 - 17, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Access your earnings history with “my Social Security” It may have been years or even decades since you thought about how much you earned at your first job. Did you know that you can find out how much you made that first year? Or any year you worked? Your earnings history is a record of your progress toward your future Social Security benefits. We track your earnings so we can pay you the benefits you’ve earned over your lifetime. That is why it’s so important for you to review your earnings record. You should review your earnings history and let us know if there are any errors or omissions, even though it’s your employer’s responsibility to provide accurate

earnings information to us. Otherwise, you will not get credit for money you paid in payroll taxes, and your future Social Security benefits will be lower than you should receive. You’re the only person who can look at your lifetime earnings record and verify that it’s complete and correct. If an employer didn’t properly report even just one year of your earnings to us, that error could reduce your future benefit payments. Over your lifetime, that could cost you thousands of dollars in retirement or other benefits that you’re entitled to receive. It’s important to identify and report errors as soon as possible. If too much time passes, it could be

hard for you to get older tax documents. Also, some employers may no longer exist or be able to provide past payroll information. The best way to verify your earnings record is to visit ssa.gov/ myaccount and create or sign in to your personal my Social Security account. You should review your earnings carefully every year and confirm them using your own records, such as W-2s and tax returns. Keep in mind that earnings from this year and last year may not be listed yet. When you have a my Social Security account, we send you an email three months before your birthday to remind you to check your earnings and

to get future benefit estimates. You can find out how to correct your earnings record by reading our publication How to Correct Your Social Security Earnings Record at ssa.gov/pubs/EN-0510081.pdf.

Start a conversation. Ask a family member or friend what their first job was and let them know they can find out what they made that year. Courtesy of the Social Security Administration

Apply for Medicare online You can apply for Medicare online even if you are not ready to start your retirement benefits. Applying online is quick and easy. There are no forms to sign, and we usually do not require additional documentation. We’ll process your application and contact you if we need more information. Knowing when to apply for Medicare is important. You must apply during your limited initial enrollment period. If you’re eligible for Medicare at age 65, your initial enrollment period begins three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after that date. If you miss your initial enrollment period, you may have to pay a higher monthly premium. Visit ssa.gov/benefits/medicare to apply for Medicare and find other important information. If you were unable to enroll or disenroll in Medicare because you could not reach us by phone

after January 1, 2022, you will be granted additional time, through December 30, 2022. This additional time applies to the 2022 General Enrollment Period, Initial Enrollment Period and Special Enrollment Period. Some people who receive Medicare benefits may qualify for Extra Help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs, including the monthly premiums, annual deductibles and co-payments. To qualify for Extra Help, you must receive Medicare, have limited resources and income, and reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. Read our publication Understanding the Extra Help with Your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan for more information at ssa.gov/ pubs/EN-05-10508.pdf. The Medicare website has answers to your questions and other helpful resources including: • What does Medicare cov-

er? Find out at medicare.gov/ what-medicare-covers. • Where do I find forms to file a Medicare appeal? Visit bit. ly/3C1onHr. • How can I let someone else talk to Medicare on my behalf? Learn more at bit.ly/3QwTHSf. • What do Medicare health and prescription drug plans cost in my area, and what services do they offer? Check out medicare. gov/plan-compare. • Which doctors, health care providers and suppliers participate in Medicare? See bit.ly/3bM4qto for the answers. • Where can I learn more about a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) and enroll? Visit bit. ly/3zJOZd7. • Where can I find a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy in my area? Find the answers at bit.ly/3vWeua5. Courtesy of the Social Security Administration

Games ...

indicates an “endorphin rush” often occurs after engaging in a fun activity. Endorphins are released by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Playing word games may release endorphins, which can improve mood, boost self-esteem and reduce pain and discomfort. These are just a handful of the

many positive ways word games can affect the mind and body.

From previous page

tive abilities of people of all ages. • Boosts feel-good substances: When a person is happy, the body releases endorphins, which are feel-good hormones and neurotransmitters. Healthline

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Mount Baker Lodge stood for 4 years in Heather Meadows By Ian Haupt The Mount Baker Lodge opened to guests in 1927. Near the front entrance of the lodge was a fountain with spring water piped 600 feet from Bagley Creek. Furnished with dozens of chairs, lounges and writing tables with stationary bearing the local scenery, the lobby was 130 feet long and 50 feet wide with a large stone fireplace, big enough to accommodate a 10-foot log. Windows on one side looked toward the Nooksack River to the north upon the Cascades. On another side, windows unveiled a panoramic view of Mt. Shuksan across Sunrise Lake. The lodge’s color scheme was accented with signs of the American Indian, and fur-wrapped pillars supported its ceiling. Offices, checking rooms and enclosures with candy, drinks, cards and photographs for purchase were adjoined to the lobby. “God, I wish I could’ve walked into that,” Mike Impero said, looking at a photo of the lobby. He continued clicking through photos on his home computer as his eyes watered. Many of the photos he used in his book, “The Grand Lady of Mount Baker: A History of the Mount Baker Lodge from 1927-1931.” As he sifts through, he offers a story, detail, factoid. There are hundreds, and duplicates. “The building was not built cheap!” he said, as he points out that the electrical wiring in the lodge was drilled into the wood rather than surface mounted. Then he jumped to the Native American artifacts that decorated the room, and then to the fireplace. He said he gets sidetracked. Impero was raised in Kendall in the 1950s and grew up hunting, fishing, climbing and hiking in the mountains surrounding Mt. Baker. He spent years as a kid traveling up to Heather Meadows with his family. He started researching and interviewing people about the history of the Baker area in the early 2000s. While caring for his late wife, he had extra time and started research for what has become six published books on the area. His background as a general contractor made him interested in the history of the lodge and an undertaking of such magnitude. He said he was contracted to build the Alaska Marine Highway System’s terminal in Bellingham, now known as the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, and saw similarities in both projects. “It had an unbelievable schedule to get done,” Impero said. “That ferry was coming and there was no way to change it. It was coming on a certain date, and the problem was the time element to build the building was unbelievably short. Well, these people building the lodge went through the same thing.” … In 1922, Frank Sefrit, managing editor of Bellingham’s The American Reveille newspaper, had recently returned from visiting Heather Meadows when he met with longtime friend and Pacific American Fisheries president Everett Deming at his office in Fairhaven. He proposed the idea

s Guests arrive at Mount Baker Lodge as Sunrise Lake melts behind.

s The Mount Baker Lodge lobby with oak floor and handcrafted western American Indian decor. Photo by G. Byeman of building a lodge in the meadows, what he called the most beautiful spot on earth that he had ever been. The meeting would start a fiveyear effort to open an overnight lodge in the undeveloped area. The land was leased for $150 annually from the U.S. Forest Service and discussions about constructing a road to the site began. The Mount Baker Lodge Development Company intended to provide suitable accommodations for the traveling public once the road was finished. The Mount Baker Development Company saw the lodge as a summertime retreat. Tourists could stay at the lodge, cabins or tents on the complex and enjoy the area. The lodge was supposed to be for wealthy, upper-class people while the cabins were for middle-class families. By September 1925, the road was finished and the first wagonload of lumber made it to the site. But progress was stalled on the lodge as bad fall weather set in. The company planned for the grand opening of the lodge on June 15, 1927. Crews worked all winter to have the lodge built in time. With the lodge not yet finished and an average of 11 feet of snow at Heather Meadows in late May, they knew it would have to be delayed. Snow on the road prevented vehicles from reaching the lodge. The road wasn’t fully cleared until July 9. After five years of planning, building and securing funding, the lodge opened June 30. While not

the grand opening, the hotel had over 120 guests staying overnight in a couple of days. The board of directors and stockholders were relieved to see the lodge become a reality and begin generating revenue. A letter sent to shareholders said $500,000 was invested to build the lodge, its surrounding complex and camp at Shuksan. By the grand opening July 14, Heather Meadows was blanketed with snow three to five feet deep. “This man-made Lodge is in the place as nature planned it ages ago when she turned the mountains up with lakes between Baker and Shuksan and spread Heather Meadows out like a great Persian rug to place the Lodge on,” one visitor commented during the first year of opening. For the next couple of years, the lodge opened in July and closed in September. Hundreds of people from Whatcom County and across the nation flocked to the area for a summer stay in the North Cascades. Movie productions began using the area for its natural beauty. Then on August 5, 1931, the lodge burnt down. Huntoon was out in the meadows to catch the sunrise and take photos of the lodge when he saw smoke coming from the building. The reported cause was defective wiring or electrical supply. The Annex, Heather Inn and all the cabins were unscathed, but the lodge was a total loss. Rumors spread that a disgruntled stockholder started the fire after

Photo by Bert Huntoon/courtesy Galen Biery Collection, Center for Pacific Northwest Studies

s Mount Baker Lodge during construction. Photo by Bert Huntoon/courtesy Whatcom Museum

not receiving dividends on his investment. Newspapers reported the lodge’s direct current power system was responsible for the fire. The Mount Baker Development Company continued to welcome visitors in the summer and housed them in the cabins and other buildings on the complex. The extension of Mount Baker Highway to Artist Point was completed in October 1931. The area began hosting ski competitions in the mid-1930s and in 1939 the Mount Baker Ski Patrol was organized. As winter activities grew in popularity, the Mount Baker Development Company looked for ways to continue operation and profit off the increased visitors. With profits dwindling, the company sold the Heather Inn, which had been closed for two seasons, to the forest service in July 1941 for $1,100. During the winter of 1942/1943, the Washington State Highway Department cut back operations to keep the highway open due to the

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wartime shortage of gasoline. This signaled the end of the Mount Baker Development Company. … There were many reasons for the failure. Impero said and wrote some were acts of nature and others were poor business judgment. They didn’t anticipate the tremendous snowfall that would add stress on facilities and make for a short season. Without snow removal operations, the area was only accessible from July to mid-September most years. The project was doomed from the beginning, according to Impero. Based on financial statements he acquired during research, the first two years the lodge was open showed profitability, but visitation slowed and the Great Depression hit shortly after the lodge burnt down. “They didn’t realize the magnitude of what they were building.” The Grand Lady of Mount Baker and Mike Impero’s other books can be purchased at Village Books or online at bit.ly/3dgdSpb.

This article is excerpted from Mount Baker Experience Summer 2022 edition.

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August 11 - 17, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

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Legal IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: GEORGENE ROBIN REID, Deceased. No. 22-4-0072137. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge David Freeman 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: July 21, 2022 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: July 28, 2022 Name of Personal Representative: CODY WILLIAM REID 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: July 21, 2022 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Personal Representative: CODY WILLIAM REID

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF LAPRIEL COLLEEN BARNES, Deceased. NO. 22-4-05446-5 SEA. NOTICE TO CREDITORS Glen R. Clausing has been appointed as personal representative of the above captioned 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 this 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 non-probate assets. Date of first publication of this Notice: King County. Aug. 10, 2022. Date of first publication of this Notice: Whatcom County, Aug. 11, 2022 Mailing Address: Glen R. Clausing, WSBA # 5755 11225 SE 6th St., Suite 100 Bellevue, WA 98004-5841 (425) 451-0508

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IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF WHATCOM COUNTY, SMALL CLAIMS Small Claims Cause Number SC21-211 Defendant(s) Amritpal Toor, Inderjit Toor Are summoned to appear at the Small Claims district court located at 311 Grand Avenue, suite 401, Bellingham WA on the 15th day of September, 2022 at 9:00 AM. Claim: I, the undersigned plaintiff, do hereby certify under penalty of perjury of the laws of the State of Washington, that the defendant named above owes me the sum of $5870.32 which became due and owing on August 31, 2021. The amount owing is for eviction expenses, 4450 Sweet Road, Blaine WA 98230, paid to date on behalf of defendant who promised to repay but has not performed as agreed. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Washington that the foregoing is true and correct. Service by publication was authorized by the court on July 14th. Grant Dalgliesh (Plaintiff)

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The Northern Light • August 11 - 17, 2022

Real Estate

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 8739 Oertel Drive, Birch Point $2,250,000

125’ OF EASY & DIRECT BEACH ACCESS! This Cape WWW.NWBEACHHOUSE.COM Cod style home sits in front of the neighboring properties & offers uncompromised 180 degree views of the Strait of Georgia, Semiahmoo Bay, White Rock, & the Canadian Coastal Range - sunsets are awe inspiring! Crab, fish, kayak off your own private beach! Gourmet style kitchen w/ Granite, SS appliances, 2 splits for AC & Heat, 2 car garage, paver driveway/walks/ patio, sprinkler system, auto start generator & more on this 3/4 acre of park-like mature landscaping. In addition, there are +3 acres of beach/deeded tidelands.

BIRCH POINT NEIGHBORHOOD! Don’t miss out on PRICE REDUCED! the opportunity to build your dream home on this amazing large quiet and private lot near Semiahmoo. Very few lots available in this neighborhood of mature waterfront and water view homes! Excellent crabbing and clamming not far from the property! Close to Semiahmoo Resort with its Inn and Spa, the Private Arnold Palmer Golf Course, and Moorage in the 300 slip Marina. Local shops, restaurants and services are available in nearby Blaine and Birch Bay! Minutes to the US/Canada Border and the I-5 with Seattle an hour and a half south and Vancouver under an hour north. This .40 acre lot won’t last long!

TOES IN THE SAND! Rare, no bank waterfront facing west for sunsets over the bay! Just steps NO BANK BEACHFRONT! from the beach where you can launch your kayak, beachcomb, drop a crab pot or go for a swim! This 1689 SF 3 BD, 3.25 BA is a 2 story half duplex unit in the Haven Condominium complex. Bring your beach buckets and enjoy this most amazing location that is within walking distance to restaurants and all that Birch Bay has to offer!

Terry Conway • (360) 410-0503

CeCelia Breivik • (360) 303-8161

7806 Birch Bay Drive #111, Birch Bay $494,500

WELCOME TO THE BEACH LIFE! GROUND FLOOR VIEW UNIT! Fully renovated ground floor garden unit at Jacob’s Landing awaits you. This 2 BD, 1 BA 880 SF condo boasts all new SS appliances, beautiful quartz countertops plus new floors throughout! Enjoy unobstructed westerly views, magical sunsets, prime beach access and all the great amenities that Jacob’s Landing has to offer: indoor pool and hot tub, tennis courts, racquet ball court, clubhouse and games room. Enjoy life on the beach with restaurants and cafes nearby, crabbing, kayaking, beachcombing and much, much more!. Bring your shovels and beach buckets and start living the beach life!

9540 Semiahmoo Parkway #K7 $52,000

SEMIAHMOO MARINA! Your gateway slip to the Canadian Gulf Islands and the US San Juan 36 FOOT BLOW-ON Islands awaits you at BOAT SLIP! Semiahmoo Marina. 36’ blow on slip in an excellent location. Features dock box for storage, 50 AMP Electrical Service. Clean heated restrooms and showers, coin op laundry. Reduced fuel prices for members and discount at café and ships store. The time is NOW to get your boat slip and enjoy the boating life!

Ruth Skeete • (360) 358-5075

Carl W. R. Dufton • (360) 815-6637

This lot is ready to build your dream home on.

7605 Birch Bay Drive #A, Haven Condos $750,000

XXXX Oertel Drive, Blaine • $249,950

Julie Ward • (760) 522-2564

Lot on Lena Road

Buildable flat lot with possible Saltwater and Sunset views. All services available. Water only available to member of Lummi Nation. Any one can purchase and use 24 X 14 Cedar storage building. All offers considered. $125,000

PLEASE, CALL HUGH FOR MANY POSSIBILITIES. Call Hugh 360.371.5800 Email hugh@callhugh.com or text Hugh 360-739-5234 Hugh Brawford, Managing Broker

HUGH

8026 Birch Bay Drive #231 $439,500 MLS#1978002 2 bed, 2 bath, waterfront condo.1,146 SF. Clubhouse and rec center.

Bay Rim Condominium

UN SE S -2pm U O N H am OPE 14 • 11 G AU

OPEN HOUSE SAT 12-2 7650 Birch Bay Drive, Fir #7 • $329,500

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

Mariner’s Cove. NEW LISTING!

YOUR LOCAL EXPERT

3335 Sweet Rd, Blaine MULTI-GENERATIONAL LIVING OR SMALL EVENT SPACE OPPORTUNITY! Two home estate on 9.78 acres w/views from Baker to the Bay. Main house features remodeled kitchen, pro appliances, nook w/view, 2 FPs, primary BR w/flex room & reading perch w/view. All-seasons BBQ room, full daylight basement w/sep entrance & kitchen could be 2 BR/2 BA rental. Guest house w/2BR/2BA, casita w/prep kitch overlooks pond & gardens. Small barn with power/ water, fenced pasture, orchard, trails for playing. Perfect for rental investment or small events. Located b/t Seattle & Vancouver.

in waterfront development. Private beach and pool. $5000.00 seller contribution 2 bd, 1.5 bath, 962 sq. ft. updated. MLS# 1978885 Location, Location!

360.815.6638

briansouthwick@gmail.com

see more pictures at www.briansouthwick.com

Deanna Gartner 360-410-6900

FOR SALE BY OWNER

OPEN HOUSE WEEKENDS 12-3 FOUR FLOOR PLANS TO CHOOSE FROM

The Hemlock • $829,950

2,036 square feet, 3 bedroom, 2 baths, 3 car garage, single level, quality finishes

The Alder • $884,950

2454 square feet, 4 bedroom, 2.75 baths, 3 car garage, homesite #9

To see plans and for more information, call or email!

Jim Kaemingk Jr. BROKER

360-224-5465

jimk@windermere.com

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Beautiful park like 1/2 acre+ in RR Ranch in Birch Bay. All utilities on property and working. Building permit just issued by Whatcom County for stick built or manufactured home. New 24 X 35 shop/ garage on property to be relocated on property per building permit. House plans also available. $210,000 Can be seen at 7893 Carson Road Call John 360-739-1301

thedefinedhometeam.com thedefinedhome@windermere.com

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FOR LEASE Downtown Blaine Office space with main reception area, 3 office spaces, kitchen area, 2 bathrooms and storage in the heart of Blaine! $825 Rent/Per Month $1,000 Damage Deposit $75 Utility Fee/ Per Month To schedule a showing, please email: kashia@optimus-ps.com

August 11 - 17, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Washington families receive another round of food benefits this summer By Camreon Sires Washington families with low incomes should be receiving another round of food assistance for their children during the summer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) used federal Covid-19 relief to fund Pandemic EBT (P-EBT), which provides food benefits to families with children. Families don’t need to apply for the second round of P-EBT. To be eligible, children must enroll in the Basic Food benefits program or the free or reduced-price school meal program. So far, the first and second rounds of P-EBT benefits have helped more than 400,000 Washington children, according to the Washington state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). The USDA has two programs: The P-EBT Children Under 6 program and the Summer 2022 P-EBT program. The P-EBT Children Under 6 program is for children under six years old who are eligible for Basic Food benefits. Families may receive $43 per child for each month they re-

Road Rules ... From page 6

by age. It shows that young drivers pay more than double what drivers 55 and older pay. Are there ways to reduce that cost? Depending on the insurance company, and your son, he might be eligible for a good student discount. You could also choose to drive cars that cost less to insure. That means either cheaper models, or often older cars. There’s a tradeoff with that one though. Newer cars have more safety features, and if there’s any time you want those features, it’s when your kids are learning to drive. Earlier I mentioned the crash rate for all teen drivers. I’m not saying that your kid specifically is four times more likely to crash than an adult driver. Their risk could be higher or lower, and you have a lot of influence on that. New drivers with parents who set up clear family rules about driving, model good driving behavior, and are actively involved in their driver education are about half as likely to crash as their peers with uninvolved parents. Yes, good insurance and good safety features are important. But even better is not getting in a crash in the first place. Doug Dahl is a manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.

ceived Basic Food benefits from September 2021 to June 2022. The Summer 2022 P-EBT program includes both children under six years old and school-age children. Families will receive one payment of $391 per child at the beginning of August. P-EBT benefits can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets or food retailers that accept EBT card payments, according to the state DSHS. Families were expected to receive these benefits by late July and throughout the summer. Norah West, assistant director at the state DSHS, said P-EBT cards can be used anywhere Basic Food or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are accepted. “You use it just like a debit card,” she said. When using the P-EBT at a farmers market, West said the

price someone pays in P-EBT benefits is matched so families can double the value. If a child has not enrolled in these benefits, they can apply through their local school district. Children must be approved for the programs by Wednesday, August 31 to receive P-EBT benefits. Nearly 46 percent of Blaine school district students are on free or reduced-price school lunches, according to Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction data. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer this to families in Washington state,” West said. “We know there’s been a lot of pressure with inflation raising food prices and kids being home for the summer.” For more information, visit the state DSHS website at bit.ly/3zhsQ5K.

Michael L. Murray Michael L. Murray passed away suddenly at home on August 5, 2022 with his family by his side. Mike and Pam married in 1978 with almost 44 years of great adventures. Mike is survived by his true love Pam; son Chris (Tanna); his two wonderful granddaughters Tia and Ella; niece Angela (Chad) Reid; nephew Jack (Elise) Gilmore and many nieces and nephews; brother-in-law Anthony Giammusso; and sister-in-law Nanette Giammusso. Mike was a great fan of the Huskies and Seahawks. He loved playing softball and made many friends along the way. Special thank you to Harry Lee for his love and support, the cancer center, and Whatcom Hospice for all their loving care and support. Mike was a Vietnam veteran and thank you to the V.A. for everything. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

William Edward Wydur

OBITUARIES Lawrence “Larry” Alvin VanWanseele April 27, 1937 – July 28, 2022 1937 – 2022 are the 85 years that Lawrence “Larry” Alvin VanWanseele lived, and the dash between those dates overflowed with the persistent refrains of service to country, love for family and community, profound Christian faith, world travel, and mystery novels. Larry passed from this life warmly surrounded by family on Thursday, July 28, 2022, with exceeding joy, and went home to the arms of his Redeemer. A few of his final words were, “I’m going to Paradise…enough of these shenanigans.” Born in Detroit, MI, on April 27, to Grace VanWanseele (nee Hyne) & Achiel L. VanWanseele, he later moved to Port Townsend, graduated from high school in 1955, and promptly enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving proudly for 20 years. At some point in those formative years, “the laugh” was perfected. (If you knew him, you know.) The fetching Patricia “Patt” Karen Iverson caught his eye in the early 1960s, and he hers; they wed June 26, 1966, in Puyallup, then trekked to where the Air Force said: Calumet, MI; Iraklion AFB, Crete, Greece; Ogden, UT; finally settling in Blaine, in the late 1970s. Patt and Larry were inseparable through 56 years of marriage and value the friendship of many close friends. Moreover, they experienced at least a dozen countries by land and sea and cherished the time together which created indelible happy memories. In 2018, they moved to Green Valley, AZ. Ordinary stuff with lasting, extraordinary impact on those around him defined Larry Boy, Crazy Larry, Ban, or any other nickname. Whether volunteering at the Blaine Fire Department for nearly two decades, teaching Sunday school at Grace Lutheran Church, delivering furniture, selling hardware, coaching youth soccer, serving on the Blaine City Council, or tending to the grounds at Civic Field and North Bellingham Golf Course, he was smiling. Moreover, one of his favorite causes was Puget Sound Blood Center where he made 192 lifetime apheresis visits and earned 457 donation credits. Larry was blessed to include in his beloved family, wife Patt; sons Ace (Debbie) and Armand (Amy); and three amazing grandchildren. He decided on whole body donation to SWIBA, the Southwest Institute for Bio-Advancement, and arrangements for columbarium inurnment at Lutheran Church of the Risen Savior in Green Valley, AZ, will be scheduled in the coming weeks.

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

May 31, 1940 – July 25, 2022

On July 25, 2022, William Edward Wydur, 82, while surrounded by his loved ones, went home to be with our Lord and Savior and his wife of 60 years. He was born May 31, 1940, in Cleveland, Ohio to Edward and Harriet Wydur. He was the eldest of three children. He has instilled in us all the love of faith, family, and fishing. His quick wit and genuine soul will be forever missed. William (Bill) married Cecilia on December 17, 1960 in California while Bill was in the Navy, where he served for 21 years before retiring and becoming a customs agent of 22 years. He is survived by their six children; son Bill (Paula) Wydur of Arlington; daughter Debbie Wieland of Okanogan; son Edward (Rachel) Wydur of Custer; daughter Denise (Jim) Bird of Blaine; daughter Theresa (Michael) O’Connor of Nehalem, Oregon; son Steven (Christy) Wydur of Blaine; 19 beloved grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; sister Patricia (Walter) Podbielski; sisterin-law Lorna Mackowiak; Navy brothers Ron Atchison and Ted Dyke; dear compadre Richard Alvarado; and numerous family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Cecilia, sister Geraldine; and grandson Justin Wydur. A funeral mass will be held Tuesday, August 16 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ferndale at 10 a.m., followed by a luncheon, then a graveside service at Enterprise Cemetery at 1 p.m.

The Northern Light: August 11-17, 2022

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