The Northern Light: December 15-21, 2022

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Council selects Michael Harmon as Blaine’s next city manager

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Blaine City Council unanimously approved Michael Harmon’s employment contract as city manager during the December 12 council meeting. Harmon is the chief operating officer of an electric utility provider in Wyoming and former city administrator of Spearfish, South Dakota.

“My family and I are looking forward to returning to the Pacific Northwest and making Blaine our home,” Harmon said in an email to The Northern Light. “Blaine is a special community with great potential and I am eager to work with the council, city staff and the community to unlock some of the potential while maintaining Blaine’s unique and special charm.”

Council interviewed four final candidates last week and subsequently evaluated them in a December 1 executive session. Harmon is expected to start the job on January 16, 2023.

Harmon has worked as chief operating officer of High Plains Power in Riverton, Wyoming since July 2021, according to his resume. He said after being recruited to the positon he realized he preferred the public sector because of its impact on local communities and varied work.

Harmon worked as city administrator of Spearfish, South Dakota, population 12,300, from 2017 to 2021. As Spearfish city administrator, Harmon led 125 fulltime staff members, oversaw a $42 million operational budget and improved water infrastructure. He supervised the development of a 300-home affordable housing project, 40-acre sports complex and an $8 million streetscape renovation.

Before Spearfish, Harmon was the city administrator of Fairfield, Iowa, a city of 9,600 people, for two years. Harmon also worked as a police officer in Pierre, South Dakota and for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. A Fairfield native, Harmon earned his bachelor of arts in economics from the University of Northern Iowa and earned his master of public administration from the University of South Dakota.

“Having 11 years of leadership experience – eight as a city administrator – as well as law enforcement experience and electric utility experience, I am uniquely qualified to be Blaine’s next city manager,” Harmon wrote in his cover letter to the city.

The city of Blaine had a budget of $65 million and about 70 full-time employees to run the city of about 6,000 people in 2022.

Harmon, a father of two, said he was looking to relocate his family long term to the Pacific Northwest where his father’s side of the family originates. He was also a finalist for city manager positions in Topeka, Kansas and Astoria, Oregon late this sum-

Planning commission tables vote on east Blaine manufactured home code amendment

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About 30 people packed Blaine’s planning commission public hearing December 8 on a proposed zoning text amendment that would allow large manufactured home parks in east Blaine. After two hours of discussion and debate, the commission tabled the vote for a future meeting.

City zoning code inconsistencies currently don’t allow manufactured homes in residential planned unit developments (PUDs) within the city’s planned residential zone, which runs east of 15th Street to city limits and from the U.S./Canada border to H Street Road. However, manufactured home parks less than five acres, meaning they are not part of a PUD, are allowed in east Blaine.

Background

While the public hearing was on changing the zoning code inconsistencies, most of the public’s concerns surrounded potential manufactured home development in East Harbor Hills. Developers Skip and Katie Jansen, of JIJ Corporation, asked the city to address the zoning code inconsistencies at the beginning of the year. If the code is changed, the city would still need to consider approval for manufactured homes in East Harbor Hills or any other residential PUD, Stacie Pratschner,

the city’s community development services (CDS) director, previously told The Northern Light

“Really what’s at issue here is a discrepancy in the code,” said Craig Parkinson, principal engineer of Cascade Engineering Group, who is the developers’ client and also working on other Blaine projects such as Semiahmoo Highlands. “The [planned residential] zoning has a requirement in it that states projects over five acres must do a PUD. So if you have a site that’s less than five acres, you may do a manufactured home park on it today.”

The inconsistencies were made inadvertently through various code changes and adoptions since a 2001 ordinance on manufactured homes, Parkinson said. In 2001, city council adopted an ordinance to allow manufactured homes, parks and subdivisions in east Blaine. Manufactured home standards were changed in 2005 to adhere to state law. In 2009, city council revised the code for PUDs to exclude manufactured homes, and staff was unable to determine why that change was made, according to the staff report for the December 8 hearing.

Parkinson said the developers would like to create single-family, multi-family and manufactured homes within the development because those will generate

more income in the current housing market. City code doesn’t allow single-wide or park-model homes in a manufactured home park. The park must have at least 20 feet of a vegetation buffer and a city-approved landscaping plan, among other requirements, Parkinson said.

“They look almost indistinguishable from stick-built homes,” Parkinson said. “They’ve got landscaping. They’ve got streets that meet requirement standards. They have open space amenities.”

s About 30 people attended Blaine’s planning commission December 8 public hearing on whether to allow large manufactured home parks in east Blaine. The planning commission tabled the vote, which if approved, will go before Blaine City Council.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

Whatcom County budget expands in law and health

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Whatcom County government’s major spending in the next two years will be on emergency medical services (EMS), law enforcement, public health, justice and development, in that order.

Whatcom County Council adopted, in a 5-2 vote, with councilmembers Tyler Byrd and Ben Elenbaas opposed, the county’s final budget for 2023-24 in its November 22 regular meeting. The

county will spend over $117.2 million in 2023 and $121.1 million in 2024 out of the general fund, according to the ordinance.

In total, over the biennium, Whatcom County has budgeted for $43.8 million to be spent on EMS, $41 million to fund Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) operations, $37.6 million to fund the health department, $15.4 million for the prosecuting attorney’s office and $13.6 million for the planning

and development services department. According to the county’s budget breakdown, law and justice accounts for 52.4 percent of the 2023-24 general fund’s budget. The health department comes in second at 15.9 percent.

Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu presented a recommended 2023-24 budget to council at its October 25 meeting with child and family services, homeless services and shelter capital, criminal justice backlog and broadband access as well as crisis and flood response systems listed as priorities along with the millions of dollars allocated for each. Sidhu also asked for council to continue to support the newly formed Whatcom Racial Equity Commission and water solutions table process, which will offer funds for salmon and sustainable farming efforts in the Nooksack River watershed.

“We were cautious in our spending plans, protecting our general fund and preserving our workforce to ensure continued quality of service,” Sidhu said. “Thankfully, our community, state and country proved resilient.

“Not only did local revenues continue at a strong and steady pace, but the federal government delivered its largest ever fiscal recovery package and also committed to a significant infrastructure investment,” Sidhu continued. “As a result, we’ve spent much of the past two years not only addressing the pandemic’s impacts but also investing in community priorities in new and meaningful ways.”

The recently passed EMS levy of 29 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value will help support its larger budget. In 2022, the county spent over $9 million more on EMS than it did in 2021, according to the amended 2022 budget, and will continue to operate around that level in the next two years.

From 2022 to 2023, WCSO’s budget will grow by 13 percent, as it hires 10 new deputies. The health department budget increased from nearly $15 million in 2022 to $18.8 million in 2023 and 2024.

Elenbaas said before voting during the November 22 meet-

Harmon ...

From page 1

mer, according to articles in the Topeka Capital-Journal and The Daily Astorian.

Harmon will earn $170,000 annually with 26 vacation days and up to $15,000 in moving expenses.

Blaine’s city manager position was left vacant when Michael Jones resigned in June after four years in the position. Dave Wilbrecht, who was city manager before Jones, has served in the interim.

“I think Blaine is a special community and look forward to making it my home,” Harmon said.

s Michael Harmon. Courtesy photo

Public hearing

East Blaine resident Shanna Leeland expressed concern about the developers’ notion that manufactured homes would be affordable. She argued families wouldn’t build equity because manufactured homes depreciate and seniors living on a fixed income would be at risk of being priced out if their monthly rent increased, a trend Leeland was seeing across the U.S.

Of about a dozen people who spoke during the hearing, two supported the mobile home park: Paul Schissler, an affordable housing advocate from Bellingham, and Grandis Pond developer Ken Hertz, of Bellingham.

Schissler, a community development planner, has been advocating for affordable housing in Blaine over the past year on behalf of several organizations including Kulshan Community Land Trust, the Whatcom County Executive’s Office and Opportunity Council.

Schissler suggested during the hearing that manufactured home parks could operate as co-op housing where all of the owners held a share of the park, opposed to an investment company potentially purchasing the park.

“Manufactured housing parks can be owned by the homeowners,” he said. “A homeowner association can own the land and lease the homes to themselves so it takes the possibility completely out of the picture and takes the idea that it’s a capital gain someday to be sold.”

After the meeting, Schissler pointed to Resident Owned Communities Northwest as an example of co-op manufactured home parks in Washington and Idaho.

Semiahmoo resident April Hashimoto said east Blaine faces the same concerns that Semiahmoo residents brought to the city’s attention in the spring about the city not being prepared

for large-scale development.

“This text amendment that is the subject of tonight’s meeting should not be reviewed in isolation as one discrete approval,” Hashimoto said. “It should be evaluated within a planning context considering all of the consequences that should be triggered by its approval.”

Hashimoto collected 455 signatures on a petition for the city and Whatcom County governments against unmanaged development of the nearly 500unit Semiahmoo Highlands. The petitioners made it clear they were not against development; they just asked no approvals be made until the completion of a storm water plan, comprehensive wastewater strategy, traffic study and environmental impact study more rigorous than the already required State Environmental Policy Act checklist.

Hashimoto said in an email to The Northern Light that she never received a response from either the city or county, except for one acknowledgement that the city had received the petition.

Several residents voiced frustration, saying they believed they had done more research than the city. Community members asked for issues on water quality and supply, schools, taxes and wetlands to be addressed.

The Jansens sat alongside their son Anthony, a project manager at Henbart LLC in Seattle, during the meeting. Henbart develops, owns and manages real estate investments across the Pacific Northwest.

“It’s just a misunderstanding of what we’re trying to do,” Skip Jansen said after the hearing. “What we’re trying to do is correct an error in the code. The way they’re trying to make it look is that we’re trying to change the zoning and we’re absolutely not trying to change the underlying zoning. The underlying zoning allows exactly what we’re doing.”

Skip Jansen said manufactured homes aren’t for everyone, but are an option for others.

“It works for a certain number of people and it’s definitely more affordable than stick-built homes,” he said.

Commission deliberation

After the public hearing, commissioner Calvin Armerding asked staff if the city could restrict mobile home parks to only be operated as co-ops, opposed to corporate or developer-owned land.

“The sticking point of this whole process boils back to who owns the land,” Armerding said. “It concerns me that there are corporations devoted to collecting these kinds of things but I do like the idea of a co-op.”

CDS community planner Stacy Clauson said staff would need to seek legal assistance because the city typically doesn’t regulate a project’s ownership model.

Commissioner Kevin Owens said he wanted more time to research because he had more questions than when the meeting started.

“If we were talking about a project that was 4.99 acres, we actually wouldn’t be having the conversation,” Owens said. “All of the same issues would exist. All of the same negatives and all of the same potential positives, if there are any. That’s what I’m struggling with. Is the scale the fact that is affecting our determination whether to amend the law or to not to?”

Commissioner James Bring said he was concerned about future development’s impact on water quality, which Armerding said was a much broader development issue and sizable east Blaine neighborhoods had already been approved.

Commissioner Jerry Marczynski said he’d like to find solutions to some of the questions raised before making a decision. He said he wanted to know if the planning commission could eliminate all future manufactured home parks within city limits.

“This is a broader conversation because, from what I’ve heard from the community, this is about land ownership,” Marczynski

said. “Us saying ‘no’ to this project doesn’t stop the problem. It still sits there in a different regulation.”

Commissioner Jessica Stone agreed that the planning commission needed to go beyond the zoning text amendment in front of them, but said they needed to make an immediate decision.

Stone made a motion to deny the zoning text amendment, seconded by commissioner Jennifer Plombon, but the motion failed due to a lack of majority (there

are only six members on commission as one seat is vacant).

Commissioners unanimously approved tabling the vote for a future meeting so more research could be done. The commissioners are expected to deliberate on the zoning text amendment during their January 12, 2023 meeting, which isn’t slated to have another public hearing.

“This is really exciting for us,” Armerding said. “I don’t think we’ve had more than six people [attend a meeting].”

s Blaine planning commissioners Jennifer Plombon, l., and Jessica Stone listen to east Blaine residents comment during the December 8 public hearing.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

s Blaine community planner Stacy Clauson listens to a community member speak during the planning commission’s December 8 public hearing. The hearing centered on changing the city’s code to allow for manufactured homes in east Blaine planned unit developments.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

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. The letters to the editor column is primarily intended to allow readers to voice their opinions on local issues of general interest to local readers. A fresh viewpoint will increase the likelihood of publication. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Consumer complaints should be submitted directly to the business in question or the local chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com.

Publisher & Managing Editor

Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com

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Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com

Reporter Ian Haupt ian@pointrobertspress.com

Creative Services 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

Shewmake sworn in as 42nd district senator OpiniOn

The Editor:

I recently attended the Blaine planning commission for the H Street mobile home park meeting on December 8. I was and remain deeply concerned about the integrity of the proceedings after sitting through the three-hour meeting.

Blaine residents did extensive research into the following problems this proposed ‘park’ will create:

• Loss of precious wetlands.

• Contamination of our aquifer, which will affect thousands of Blaine residents both in the city and outside the city limits.

• Attendant flooding, which will occur on both sides of the border.

• Loss of animal habitat.

• Loss of habitat for pileated woodpecker, a threatened species.

• Loss of rainforests.

• Loss of property tax revenue since mobile/manufactured homes do not appreciate in value since the ‘homeowners’ do not own the land and must pay $800/ month to rent the ground upon which the ‘home’ sits.

• Increase strain on fire and police resources.

• Increase strain on sewer, water and power resources/infrastructure.

• Increase strain on schools, school buses and emergency services.

Letters

• Increase in poverty since the ‘park’ owner can raise rent when he chooses.

• Increase taxes on current residents to cover the shortfall of tax revenue.

In the face of steep citizen opposition, no vote was taken. Half of the votes were an immediate denial of the projects, while three other councilmembers had more ‘questions’ about procedure and state law. Really?

None of those questions were raised at the beginning of the meeting, only when it was time to take a vote.

Is there an office that is designed to look out for the rights of current Blaine residents and the environment?

We are constantly bludgeoned about ‘climate change’ but when faced with an opportunity to save the current environment, the Blaine planning commission seems strangely silent.

Makes you wonder whom they are really working for because I was left with the impression it surely wasn’t for the residents of the city of Blaine and the adjoining county.

Tina and Troy Erwin Blaine

The Editor:

To truly revitalize downtown, Blaine

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 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 Planning Commission: Second Thursday, 6 p.m. Info: blainepc@cityofblaine.com. Info for joining Zoom meetings: bit.ly/3EwWiZi.

needs an attraction. Fixing the sidewalks and improving plaza amenities are important, but they don’t draw tourists. An arts center would.

I thought about the vacant building where we held the Christmas Bazaar, and what a loss it would be were it to become just another commercial venue. Alternatively, were the city able to muster state and federal grants for economic recovery, the space could become an art center where we create a community of artists with classes in everything from bronze casting to ceramic sculpture and screen printing.

Tourism development takes investment. If you build it, they will come.

Jay Taber Blaine

Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Note

December 22 is the last issue of the year. The following issue will be January 5.

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., location varies. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

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

Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info: blainesd.org.

North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Third Thursday, 11 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.

s Judge Cecily Hazelrigg swears Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) into office as the 42nd Legislative District’s state senator on December 9. Shewmake, who has served as a state representative since 2019, is the first Democrat to hold the district’s senate seat in two decades. Shewmake is expected to serve as vice chair of the senate’s transportation committee, and sit on the senate housing committee and senate agriculture, water, natural resources and parks committee.

Photo by Alex Bond, Washington State Legislature

Blaine without a hornet buzz this year as trapping ends

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Washington state scientists are wrapping up their search for the northern giant hornet this year without detections in Blaine or statewide, but are asking the public to remain vigilant of the world’s largest hornet.

“The public has been responsible for half of our detections,” said Karla Salp, Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) public engagement specialist. “We have traps we know can work but the more people we have continuing to look for the next couple of years will be critical to help eradicate them.”

Northern giant hornets, colloquially known as murder hornets, were first confirmed in the U.S. after a dead hornet was found in Blaine on December 8, 2019. One nest was eradicated in east Blaine in October 2020 and another three nests were eradicated in late

summer and fall of 2021.

No hornets were found this year despite the 1,361 traps set by the WSDA and public this summer and fall, when the hornets are most active. The hornet will be considered eradicated from Whatcom County if no hornets are detected through the end of 2024, Salp said. Traps will be set until then.

Salp said she expects WSDA to deploy fewer traps next year because the state agency no longer needs to trap in Bellingham. A hornet was confirmed in north Bellingham in June 2020, but no other detections have been made since.

No hornets were found in B.C. this year and only one decayed hornet was found last year less than one mile from an eradicated east Blaine nest. To date, the only nest in B.C. was eradicated in Nanaimo in fall 2019.

The apex predator was given the murderous nickname for its

ability to decapitate an entire honeybee colony in a matter of hours. Blaine residents with confirmed hornet sightings have previously told The Northern Light

that the orange-and-black insects sound like humming birds and feed off paper wasp nests. The

Board extends deadline for vacant position

The application deadline for the Blaine school board’s vacant district 1 seat has been extended until 4 p.m. Thursday, December 29. The previous deadline was December 9.

School board president Dougal Thomas said during a December 13 regular meeting that the board has one applicant already but is extending the deadline to allow for more residents to ap-

ply. “Hoping that we might have a choice to make,” Thomas said.

At the October regular meeting, the board formally accepted board member Todd Nunamaker’s resignation and began accepting letters of interest in November. Applicants must live within the district 1 boundaries, which include Point Roberts and western parts of downtown, and be a U.S. citizen and registered voter.

The board has 90 days from the date of Nunamaker’s resignation to select a replacement for his position following interviews held in public session. The members will interview candidates and appoint a new director in a special meeting Thursday, January 4, 2023. The appointed director will be sworn in at the regular meeting Monday, January 23, 2023, and serve until the next election

Two kayakers rescued near Birch Bay State Park after over 30 minutes in water

Two Good Samaritans rescued a juvenile and adult who had overturned their kayak near Birch Bay State Park around mid-afternoon on December 10.

Whatcom County Fire District No. 7 fire chief Ben Boyko told The Northern Light crews were dispatched at 2:54 p.m. and ar-

rived on scene at 3:04 p.m. to find the juvenile and adult warming up in separate cars.

Boyko said they were told that the two had been in the water for around 30 to 40 minutes, about 300 to 500 feet off shore, before being rescued. Two bystanders launched in a kayak with an emp-

ty kayak to carry the juvenile and adult back to shore, he said.

Boyko said the two groups were not there together and did not know each other before the incident.

An ambulance transported the adult and juvenile to PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s Medical Center under basic life support aid, Boyko said.

TNL accepting holiday decoration photos

Do you have holiday decorations you’re especially proud of this year?

If so, The Northern Light will be publishing photos of holiday lights and decorations around homes and

businesses. The deadline is 5 p.m. on Monday, December 19.

Whether it’s a flashy light display or a life-size Grinch decoration, we want to showcase your

creativity to the community. Please email your photos or address to editor@thenorthernlight.com by Friday, December 16 for a chance to be published.

in November 2023.

For more information on applying to the vacant seat, contact the Blaine school district superintendent’s office at 360/332-5881.

CITY OF BLAINE

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, December 15

2:00pm – Hearing Examiner: Public Hearing for a Conditional Use Permit for Peace Portal Condominiums

Monday, December 26 City Offices Closed –Christmas Day Observed

Tuesday, December 27 9:00am – City Council Meeting 3:30pm – Civil Service Commission Meeting Monday, January 2 City Offices Closed –New Year’s Day Observed Thursday, January 5 TBD – Ad Hoc Downtown Advisory Committee Meeting

Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website.

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

s A northern giant hornet captured in east Blaine in 2021. Courtesy photo

(See Hornet, page 15)

spOrts

Sports roundup: Girls bowling rolling strong, boys wrestling finishes 5th

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Blaine girls bowling head coach Matt McAuley said the team’s attitude is all about fun and development.

With high school bowling starting in November for the first time since the pandemic, the team had 16 girls join, ranging from ninth to 11th grade. No seniors. All 16 bowlers were new to Blaine’s team, which formed in 2019. McAuley said one of the girls on the team has bowled in the local Saturday league.

“Everyone else either bowled at birthdays or hadn’t bowled before,” he said.

McAuley said he bowled with family on weekends growing up but recently received some advanced level coaching he hopes to apply. He said the team is currently learning basic bowling skills and will progress onto more advanced skills between this year and next year.

The team plays and practices at Mt. Baker Lanes in Ferndale. It recently lost to Ferndale High School 3-0 on December 12. According to its schedule, the team is 2-3 in head-to-head matches so far this season, having beaten Meridian and Anacortes.

the first two games. The third game is played as what’s called a Baker game, where the entire team shares one 10-frame game. So bowlers will rotate each frame. Again, whichever team knocks down the most pins earns a point. The alternates can be subbed in at any point during the match.

McAuley said he will have his best bowlers bowl in varsity games while the alternates sub in for the final Baker game. He said he will never sub a bowler out because they are having a bad game, only if they get injured or say they want to come out. For junior varsity, he said the alternates will rotate in each game.

“I want everyone to have a chance to play,” he said.

Most games will start with practice throws at 3 p.m. and the match starting officially at 3:15 p.m. McAuley said matches usually go until 5:30 or 5:45 p.m., depending on the team they’re playing.

The girls played Everett December 14 and will play Ferndale again after the holiday break on Tuesday, January 3.

“I hope we keep improving and having fun. We’re looking forward to districts,” McAuley said, which are at the end of January.

Boys wrestling

Septic Safe.

But with so many new bowlers, McAuley said the team isn’t as focused on results as much as improving. “I’m all about having fun and learning the game,” he said.

Blaine boys wrestling took fifth at Battle at the Border last weekend in Blaine.

alarm goes o , call a professional immediately.

Team bowling matches consist of five bowlers on each team, along with two alternates, bowling three games. Each bowler bowls ten frames and the team that knocks down the most pins wins that game, scoring a point. This decides

Two Blaine wrestlers won their weight class after seven made it to the finals at the 12-school invite, accumulating a total of 129 points. Ferndale High School won the tournament with 227 points, and Camas was second with 218.5 points.

Cael Button and Victor Gervol

won at their respective weight classes of 132 and 285 pounds. Rahul Chandran took second at 220; Cole Voigt, Blake Goltz and Kenton Jones took fourth at 113, 195 and 285; and Daniel Johner took sixth at 132 pounds.

Blaine was fifth at the tournament last year. The team goes on to compete at the Hammer Head Boys Tournament at Kitsap County Fairgrounds Friday, December 16.

Boys basketball

The Borderites beat Oak Harbor High School 64-56 on the road December 10.

Blaine was scheduled to host

Lakewood December 14. The team will travel to Squalicum Friday, December 16 and host Lynden Christian Wednesday, December 21. Both games are at 7:15 p.m. The boys are 3-1 so far this season and 2-0 in conference. Girls basketball

The Lady Borderites lost 69-20 to La Conner in their home-opener December 8. They also lost 47-18 to Oak Harbor at home December 10.

Blaine was scheduled to play at Lakewood December 14. The team will host Squalicum Friday, December 16 and travel to Lynden Christian Wednesday, December 21. Both games are at

7:15 p.m. They are 0-3.

Girls wrestling

The Lady Borderites took eighth at a multi-school wrestling tournament at Orting High School December 10. Five girls placed in the top five of their respective weight classes. Sophomore Makenna Lausier took third; juniors Mila Rodriguez, Cheyenne Rose-Jimenez and Lucy Dahl took fourth; and freshman Ana Ordonez took fifth.

The team was scheduled to wrestle next at Meridian High School December 14. From there, the girls will travel to Juanita High School for the Santa Slam tournament December 17.

s A Blaine wrestler competes at Battle at the Border in Blaine on December 9. Photo by Ian Haupt

s Ainslee Ellis bowls at Mt. Baker Lanes in Blaine’s 3-0 loss to Ferndale High School on December 12. Photo by Matt McAuley

Nick Biello and Charlie Porter to play Christmas concert

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Pacific Arts Association (PAA) will be hosting a Christmas concert to get the community in the holiday spirit on Monday, December 19.

Blaine Harbor Music Festival’s Nick Biello, a saxophonist and the camp’s artistic director, and Charlie Porter, a trumpeter, longtime festival instructor and Grammy Award winner, will perform 4:30-7 p.m. at Blaine’s community pavilion,

635 8th Street, while event-goers socialize and play games. The musicians are New York City residents who have a gig at Capilano College in Vancouver and wanted to stop by Blaine on their way to the Seattle airport, PAA president Bryan Johnson said.

“These two guys really are the real deal and we’re very fortunate to have them and share them with the community,” Johnson said.

Cookies, cake and nonalcohol-

ic beverages will be served. The event will be set up as an open house so neighbors can mingle.

The event is by monetary donation. Attendees are also asked to bring a food donation for Blaine Food Bank.

“The focus is going to be on coming over and enjoying each other’s company before Christmas,” Johnson said. “I think it’s going to be a really fun community get-together.”

s Nick Biello plays the saxophone during the Blaine Harbor Music Festival in July.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

We had 14 guys and 15 girls in the class. At 15 years old, I worked as a hired hand on a dairy farm. I earned $20 a month including room and board. Later, on a larger dairy farm, I earned $35 a month including room and board. At 18, I joined the Army and was trained as a cryptographer. I traveled to Japan, Germany, Vietnam, and Ethiopia where I encrypted intelligent communications data. I retired in 1977 from the Army then attended WWU and received a B.A. in education. I was a substitute teacher for a while as I was receiving a Masters in History. I finally retired from Ernst Home and Nursery as a manager in 2000. My wife and I had a two-story home on Iris Lane and I would run past the big pink building. After she passed away, I decided to sell my home and move into that building now known as Solstice Senior Living, that was in 2018. Since then, I have been writing my autobiography.

Fewer residents behind on utility bills

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Blaine finance director Daniel Heverling said shutoffs and overdue payments haven’t been much of an issue since the city placed a temporary pause on utility shutoffs last year.

Blaine City Council passed an ordinance in December 2021 to use federal funds to implement a one-time utility relief program for residents unable to pay their December utility bill as temperatures dipped into the teens and

the city had over 100 shutoffs the month before. This year, Heverling said shutoffs will happen on a case-by-case basis.

“If it’s 20 degrees out, it wouldn’t make sense to shut off people’s utilities,” Heverling said.

There is no policy on shutting off utilities, he said, but will be discussed with the city manager. The city has approximately 3,500 connections.

Residents haven’t been shut off due to staff shortages, Heverling said. The city will continue shut-

offs once the finance department is staffed enough to handle shutoffs, he said. Shut offs occur 30 days after a payment’s due date. The city also has a 20-day late fee for an overdue bill.

Heverling said about 10 residents are behind on their payments, equaling about $1,200 or less owed to the city.

Birch Bay Water and Sewer District (BBWSD) returned to shutoffs in March with 49 delinquent accounts and $27,807 dollars owed. The district is now owed $2,122, and finance director Sandi McMillan told The Northern Light in an email that the district had no shutoffs during the first full week of December and two the week before.

Eighteen customers owe more than $50 and are over 60 days behind on their bill payments. The district also has 21 delinquent accounts that have been shutoff since before the pandemic. When it returned to shutoffs following the pandemic, 15 customers were disconnected as the other delinquent accounts had yet to reach the district’s prerequisite for utility shutoffs.

BBWSD has more than 8,000 connections.

“We continue a partnership with the Community Assistance Program of Blaine and The Opportunity Council of Whatcom County to connect customers needing financial assistance,” McMillan wrote.

The Mullenix Team Brokers 978

www.peacearchrealestate.com

Q: A:

Steve Gray Senior Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS# 107828 Office:  (360) 756-8386 Cell:  (360) 920-1805 steve.gray@peoplesbank-wa.com Bellingham Real Estate Loan Center • 3100 Woburn St. • Bellingham WA, 98226

Deka Wiebusch

Q: Are you concerned about inflation and the current market correction?

Inc. is not in the business of providing specific tax advice. Clients are encouraged to engage a tax professional for specific tax questions and recommendations. CD and money market rates change daily and were as of December 1, 2022, available through Charles Schwab. Money Markets are not FDIC insured.

www.myskylineadvisor.com

Q: Is ice or heat better for my pain?

8125 Birch Bay Square Street • Suite 248, Blaine WA 98230 360-366-5511 www.capstonept.com

A Special Section of published monthly on the 3rd Thursday of the month Q: A: ADVICE FROM THE PROS Advice from the PROS To reserve space call 360-332-1777 Community Newspaper for Blaine & Birch Bay You are the expert and you have the answers for our readers... Your Potential Clients This monthly feature provides you an opportunity to speak to the Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo community and answer some of their specific questions or some general questions from your business that almost every new client wants to know. Your ad will be 5” wide x 4” tall, in full color with your photo and contact information plus your question and answer. EXCLUSIVITY - Each business category is limited to one advertiser. Here’s your opportunity to voice your expertise!

Blaine Cordata Lynden Ferndale Barkley

Jordan Crim, DPT Physical Therapist

? The main difference is the documentation required by the bank. Pre-qualification is a non-documented process where we ask about your financial status, such as your last two years of employment, residency, annual income, and general banking information. We use this to produce an approval letter which shows sellers that you are a serious buyer. When you have an accepted offer, we’ll request the documents required to close the loan. For pre-approval, we’ll gather the required documents up front to obtain loan approval before you even start looking for a home.

CFP® AIF® CRPC® FINANCIAL ADVISOR

405 32nd Street, Suite 201, Bellingham (360) 671-1621

Road Rules: The five-car rule

B y D ou G D ahl

Question: I’ve always wondered about the five-car rule when you are driving the speed limit. I pull over as I don’t like being in front of aggressive drivers, but is that illegal too, when you aren’t technically a slow-moving vehicle?

Answer: Sometimes a question, instead of prompting an answer, generates more questions. It’s like asking, “What is the meaning of life? Are we alone in the universe? Is bowling a game or a sport?”

Before we get to more questions or answers, let’s do a quick review of the “five-car rule.”

The law says that on a twolane highway where passing is unsafe, a slow-moving vehicle

shall turn off the roadway at a safe location if there are five or more vehicles in a line behind them. The law then defines a slow-moving vehicle as one traveling at a speed slower than “the normal flow of traffic at the particular time and place.”

In your question you mentioned that if you’re going the speed limit “you aren’t technically a slow-moving vehicle,” but I’m not sure that’s true. This particular law doesn’t mention anything about speed limits, so one interpretation could be that if you’re driving 50 mph on a 50mph highway, and there are five cars behind you anxious to drive 60 mph at their first opportunity, you’re a slow-moving vehicle. I don’t like that interpretation because it seems to implicitly en-

dorse speeding, but how much I like a law is irrelevant to its existence. I will note that the law doesn’t require you to move over for the fastest drivers, but for those traveling at the normal flow of traffic.

What, then, is normal? Is it based on the posted speed limit or is it what most drivers are doing at the moment? The law includes the phrase, “at the particular time and place,” which would suggest that it’s based more on driver behavior than the speed limit. Does that include speeding drivers? If it does, let’s push this idea to its limits. Recall our 50-mph highway. A driver who is traveling at 60 mph but delaying five vehicles that would (See Road Rules, page 13)

Budget ...

From page 2

ing that he was torn because he only had one vote, and while he supports many budget items, like 10 new deputies, he listed other issues he believes need to be addressed, like homelessness, flooding issues, a new jail facility and mental health.

“So I’m torn. Torn on whether I’m voting ‘yes’ or voting ‘no,’” he said. “Probably leaning more towards a no, because I really want to support the whole package, and I don’t know if I’m there yet.”

Sidhu said when he presented the budget in October one of the underlying principles of the proposed budget was financial sustainability and that the county was in a strong financial position. He said the plan was to maintain this through prudent management of

current expenses and careful planning of new investments.

“In particular, we have created capacity for growth of community services by utilizing and leveraging growth in dedicated fund sources,” Sidhu told council. “At the same time, cost increases for such items like fuel, materials and services are unavoidable, and we have prepared the budget with consideration for these inflationary pressures.”

Projected increases in sales tax revenues and a proposed 1 percent increase in the county’s property tax levy will help to offset the rising costs, he said. The county’s ending balance for 2024 is expected to be $19.3 million, which exceeds its minimum reserve policy.

For more information and detailed summary of the budget, visit bit.ly/3PtN7Nc.

Pets & Pet Care

Tips for selecting a family pet

There are many reasons to welcome a pet into a household including companionship, unconditional love and protection. Parents also may want children to have pets so they develop a sense of caring and responsibility.

When shopping for a pet, the right fit makes all the difference. Before bringing an animal into a household, it is important to ask a few questions and assess various factors that can affect the animal’s well-being.

Assess budget first

Pets require different financial commitments. For example, a beta fish in a small tank will cost considerably less than a pet dog or a horse kept at a stable. Adults must consider what they can afford when it comes to pets, as each animal comes with a separate initial price tag and subsequent food and care costs.

Think about allergies

Dander, hair and feathers can trigger allergic reactions in children and adults, so certain pets may need to be avoided. Speak

with a pediatrician or a veterinarian and ask for suggestions on which pets may work best.

Consider a child’s developmental stage

Children younger than age five or six may not be mature enough to view the pet as something other than a toy. Before finding a pet that will serve as a child’s companion, be honest about the child’s maturity level. Some pets may have easygoing temperaments, like family-friendly dog breeds, including beagles and retrievers. A parrot with a strong nipping instinct or a skittish cat may not be the best fit until children are older.

Look at family lifestyle Families that go on frequent vacations or are involved in many evening activities may not have time to devote to pets that thrive on interaction. Rather, a pet that is comfortable in a habitat or cage or one that is mostly self-sufficient might be a better fit.

Research, research, research Before making a commitment, families should conduct signifi-

s Milo is wrapped neatly in a bow in time for the holidays.

cant research on the pets they are considering so there will be fewer surprises. Look at information regarding pet/breed temperament, genetic illness predisposition, exercise requirements, veterinary checkup schedules and immunizations, among other factors.

Photo by Rachel Jacox

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Matter and Estate of: JUDITH C. MANN, Deceased. No. 22-4-0108937. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.40.030

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.

Notice of First Publication: Dec. 1, 2022

Personal Representative: Paul D. Mann, Presented by: Whatcom Law Group, P.S. Roger L. Ellingson, WSBA #19292 Casie C. Rodenberger, WSBA #54348

Of Attorneys for Personal Representative PO Box 1258 / 289 H Street Blaine, WA 98231-1258 (360) 332-7000; Fax: (360) 332-6677

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON, COUNTY OF WHATCOM, DENNIS COHOE, Plaintiff, vs. TANA DASILVA, Defendant, And CALIBER HOME LOANS, Statutory Defendant. No. 222-01147-37. SUMMONS SERVED BY PUBLICATION (SMPB) To the Defendant Tana DaSilva:

You are hereby summoned to appear within sixty days after the date of the first publication of this summons, to wit, within sixty days after the 8th day of December 2022, and defend the above entitled action in the above entitled court, and answer the complaint of the plaintiff Dennis Cohoe, and serve a copy of your answer upon the undersigned attorneys for plaintiff, Casie C. Rodenberger, at her office below stated; and in case of your failure so to do, judgment will be rendered against you according to the demand of the complaint, which has been filed with the clerk of said court.

The Plaintiff has filed a Partition Complaint which requests Declaratory Relief regarding the shared house, alleges Unjust Enrichment; Unlawful Conversion; and Trespass to Chattel/Intentional interference with Property

This summons is issued pursuant to Superior Court Civil Rule 4 of the state of Washington.

File original of your response with the clerk of the court at: Whatcom County Superior Court 311 Grand Avenue, 3rd Floor Bellingham, WA 98225

Serve a copy of your response on: Casie C. Rodenberger Whatcom Law Group, P.S. 289 H Street, Suite A/PO Box 1258 Blaine, WA 98231

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Matter and Estate of: CAROL J. WATKINS, Deceased. No. 22-4-01057-37.

PROBATE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.40.030

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 notice was not provided under RCW Chapters 11.40 or 11.42, the creditor must present the claim within twenty-four months after the decedent’s date of death. 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.

Notice of First Publication: Dec. 1, 2022

Personal Representative: SANDRA L. ERICKSON

Presented by: Whatcom Law Group, P.S. Roger L. Ellingson, WSBA #19292 Attorney for Personal Representative PO Box 1258 / 289 H Street Blaine, WA 98231-1258 (360) 332-7000; Fax: (360) 332-6677

All real estate/rentals advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800877-0246.

All real estate/rentals advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246.

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

Road Rules ...

From page 10

rather drive 65 mph could theoretically be issued traffic infractions for both speeding and being a slow-moving vehicle. I can’t imagine an officer ever writing those two tickets together, but if it did happen, I’d want to be in the courtroom when the driver contests at least one of those tickets.

Even though it wasn’t part of your question, I’d also like to ask, “What is a safe turn-out?” No matter how you interpret “slow-moving vehicle” and “normal” in the context of this law, it doesn’t feel good to have a stack of vehicles putting pressure on you. You’re making a good decision when you pull over, but I’d also caution drivers to not let that pressure push them to get off the road under poor circumstances.

A safe pullout needs to be long enough for you to get fully off the highway without braking so hard that you create a chain reaction in the vehicles behind you. It also needs enough room to let you get back up to speed without creating a hazard, and in a location that provides drivers on the road enough visibility to see you pulling back onto the road.

As to the other three questions, the meaning of life is to be kind (especially while driving), we are not alone (but during rush hour you might wish you were), and bowling might be a sport for some people, but my two-digit final score suggests that when I play, it’s a game.

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

OBITUARIES

Ingrid (Rudy) Johnsen

April 20, 1934 - November 21, 2022

Ingrid (Rudy) Johnsen died peacefully in the night on November 21, 2022 at the Christian Health Care Center nursing home in Lynden. Her life began on April 20, 1934 in Riga, Latvia, as the 2-pound baby daughter of Seventh-Day Adventist missionaries. The quiet strength that allowed her to survive as a frail child grew into a resilience and perseverance that she carried throughout her life. After returning from Europe, Ingrid and her older sister grew up living in various parts of the United States and Canada. She often told stories of childhood summers spent riding in the back of her parents’ sedan as they traveled the country visiting SDA camp meetings where her father would preach and her mother would play piano and sing.

Ingrid later earned bachelors and masters degrees in the field of nursing, and eventually became a well-loved instructor at the Walla Walla College School of Nursing in Portland, OR where her family had settled. In her early thirties, Ingrid met and fell in love with a handsome Norwegian, and in 1966, her 53-year marriage to Lars Johnsen began. The couple had one child together, in addition to Lars’ three children from a prior marriage. In their free time, they enjoyed outdoor activities in nature, visiting with family and friends, and traveling.

Shortly after the birth of her daughter, Ingrid left the school of nursing to pursue her own medical career. She became an RN and worked many years at Portland Adventist Medical Center. Then, she spent nearly two decades caring for new mothers in Emanuel Hospital’s Family Birth Center.

In retirement, Ingrid enjoyed many adventurous trips with Lars exploring Europe, Australia, and North America. They also began their final homebuilding project in Blaine, with the intent of settling near family. An episode of Guillain-Barre syndrome had a debilitating effect on Ingrid in her early seventies, and she never fully regained her strength.

Ingrid is preceded in death by her stillborn brother, Charles Rudy; her beloved parents, Henry and Hazel Rudy; her sister, Maxine Wagner; her husband, Lars Johnsen; and her son-in-law, Dan Padilla. She is survived by her daughter, Tina Padilla; her stepchildren, Evelyn Johnsen, David Johnsen, and Irene (Tim) Sylvester, as well as 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and one greatgreat-grandchild. Ingrid is remembered as a mild-mannered, caring, loyal, and selfless woman. Those providing Ingrid’s care in her final years appreciated her kindness and sense of humor. She was highly intelligent, always willing to speak the truth, and unwavering in her SDA faith. She fervently looked forward to reuniting with all of her loved ones at the Second Coming of Christ.

A graveside service will be scheduled in the spring of 2023 at the Mount Hope Cemetery in College Place, WA. You may share memories with the family at www.molesfarewelltributes.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you join in their support of the Whatcom Hospice Foundation which provided exceptional, supplemental care in the last year of Ingrid’s life.

Patrick Gibson White

January 30, 1953 – November 28, 2022

Beloved long-time Point Roberts local, husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, Patrick (Pat) Gibson White, 69, passed away at University of Washington Medical Center - Montlake on November 28, 2022.

Born January 30, 1953 in Kellogg, ID, Pat was the third of five children to Max and Ruby (Gibson) White. The family lived in Pinehurst, ID and Tsawwassen, BC, Canada before settling in Point Roberts.

Pat was a graduate of Blaine High School and attended Everett Community College before working on a Norwegian freighter hauling lumber from Vancouver, Canada to Osaka, Japan. This first job sparked his desire to see the world and his lifelong passion for all things marine.

He attended Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, MD and became trained and certified as a Merchant Marine. From there he started his maritime career working for National Marine Services out of Houston, TX, fueling all along the Gulf Coast before moving back to the Pacific Northwest to fuel throughout the Puget Sound working for Foss Maritime out of Seattle.

Pat joined brother, Jerry, and fished salmon in Sand Point, AK and herring in San Francisco as seiners on the commercial fishing boat, The Aleutian Dream. Pat ended his commercial fishing career captaining his own boat, The Attu, gillnetting in Prince William Sound and Southeast Alaska.

Returning to Point Roberts, Pat worked for local general contractors for 10 years before starting his own business, Pat White Construction, where he worked until retirement. He was a volunteer EMT, fireman, boardmember, and 1986 Volunteer Fireman of the Year for Point Roberts Fire Department.

Pat married Sue Schroeder in April 1988 in an intimate ceremony at Lake Quinault, WA. They built their home on Benson Road in 1990 and welcomed their daughter, Haley, in September 1991.

Pat leaves earth side, his wife Sue; daughter Haley (Shane); mother Ruby; and siblings Mike (Cherilyn), Jerry (Karen), Laura (Jim), and numerous other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Max, and sister, Sara.

Pat regularly read five newspapers, all from places he knew or loved, was well-traveled and well-read, known for his humorous vocabulary of one-liners, as a jack-of-all-trades, and loved vacationing in Mexico, crabbing the waters of the Pacific Northwest and fishing Baker Lake, WA. He was known as “Homie” and “The Champ” by friends that loved him.

While Pat will be greatly and lovingly missed, his spirit will be remembered fondly and continue to live on in the hearts of those who love him.

Dec. 1, 7:57 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Boone Road.

Dec. 1, 7:59 a.m.: Vehicle theft on Blaine Road.

Dec. 1, 8:04 a.m.: Vehicle theft on Boone Road.

Dec. 1, 8:52 a.m.: Impound private on Seawan Place.

Dec. 1, 10:04 a.m.: Drugs on Beachcomber Drive.

Dec. 1, 4:23 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer.

Dec. 1, 11:04 p.m.: Assist citizen on Surf Place.

Dec. 2, 7:10 a.m.: Security check on Birch Bay Drive.

Dec. 2, 8:24 a.m.: Domestic physical on Blaine Road.

Dec. 2, 2:21 p.m.: Mental health issue on Surf Place.

Dec. 2, 3:12 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Blaine Road.

Dec. 2, 3:56 p.m.: Theft on Birch Bay Square Street.

Dec. 2, 8:25 p.m.: Domestic physical on Ham Road, Custer.

Dec. 3, 12:30 a.m.: Domestic verbal on Abalone Way. Suspect arrested.

Dec. 3, 11:47 a.m.: Vehicle prowl on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer.

Dec. 3, 12:30 p.m.: Traffic problem on Lincoln and Harborview roads.

Dec. 3, 12:49 p.m.: Mental

health issue on Surf Place.

Dec. 3, 9:06 p.m.: Trespass on Henry Road.

Dec. 4, 12:59 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident injury on Markworth and West Badger roads.

Dec. 4, 1:20 a.m.: Trespass on Henry Road.

Dec. 4, 8:35 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident injury on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer.

Dec. 4, 8:36 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Birch Bay Lynden and Valley View roads, Custer.

Dec. 5, 10:02 a.m.: Landlord tenant dispute on West Badger Road, Custer.

Dec. 5, 11:50 a.m.: Forgery on

Birch Bay Drive.

Dec. 5, 1:57 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Boundary Lane and Alderson Road.

Dec. 5, 2:15 p.m.: Harassment on Surf Place.

Dec. 5, 3:25 p.m.: Burglary on Shintaffer Road.

Dec. 6, 12:48 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Birch Bay Square Street.

Dec. 6, 1:50 a.m.: Noise on Boblett Road.

Dec. 6, 11:29 a.m.: Vehicle recovery on Jackson and Aldergrove roads. Suspect arrested.

Dec. 6, 11:39 a.m.: Theft on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer.

pOLiCe repOrts

Dec. 2, 1:38 p.m.: Junk vehicle on Harvey Road. Dec. 2, 12:34 p.m.: Trespass on E Street.

Dec. 3, 1:24 a.m.: Misdemeanor assault on A Street. Dec. 3, noon: Assist citizen on H Street.

Dec. 3, 2:58 p.m.: Domestic dispute on H Street. Dec. 3, 3:06 p.m.: Welfare check on A Street.

Dec. 4, 8 a.m.: Burglary on Sweet Road. Dec 4, 7:56 a.m.: Warrant arrest

CrOssWOrd

on Sweet Road.

Dec. 4, 5:57 p.m.: Juvenile fight on A Street.

Dec. 4, 7:06 p.m.: Garbage in roadway on D Street.

Dec. 5, 8:40 a.m.: Welfare check on Martin Street.

Dec. 6, 10:03 a.m.: Juvenile runaway on Marine Drive. Dec. 6, 10:18 p.m.: Missing person on Cedar Street.

Dec. 7, 4:46 p.m.: Harassment on H Street.

Coming

Holiday Festival of the Arts: Through December 24, 10 a.m.–7 p.m., 1411 Railroad Avenue, Bellingham. Sponsored by Allied Arts of Whatcom County. Info: alliedarts.org.

Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, December 15, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: winter solstice. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Pacific Arts Market: Friday–Sunday, December 16–18, 1145 E. Sunset Drive, suite 11 in Sunset Square, Bellingham. Shop holiday gifts locally crafted by Northwest artisans. Info: pacificartsmarket.com.

Lighted Christmas Stroll: Friday and Saturday December 16 and 17, 5-8 p.m., Pioneer Park, 2004 Cherry Street, Ferndale. Stroll around the cabins, see the park lit up, hear Christmas music and see costumed volunteer greet you and feel the holiday cheer. Bring letters to Santa, free hot beverages and photo booth. Free. Sponsored by the Ferndale Heritage Society. Info: ferndaleheritagesociety.com.

Hard Boiled Egg Nog: A Christmas Noir Performance: Friday and Saturday, December 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 18 at 2 p.m. Blaine High School Orange and Black Box Theater. Blaine Community Theater presents this tale of an aspiring elf detective named Jangle, who gets his big break when Santa is found murdered just days before Christmas. Info and tickets: blainecommunitytheater.com.

Holiday Book and Bake Sale Fundraiser: Saturday, December 17, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Birch Bay Community Library, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. Get 2023 Birch Bay calendars, pick up reading material, stock up on sweet treats and donate to the Birch Bay Community building fund. Sponsored by Friends of Birch Bay Library.

Music at The Vault: Friday, December 16, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: Double Trouble. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Backstage @ The Border Christmas Sing-along: Saturday, December 17, 7 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 382 Boblett Street. Join us singing traditional Christmas Carols from Silent Night to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Lots of fun with homemade goodies and our bucket raffle. All proceeds from the evening will benefit Loads of Love. Info: backstageattheborder.com.

Estrella’s Holiday Wish Performance: Saturday, December 17, 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 18, 2 p.m., Blaine Performing Arts Center. Students of Day-to-Day Dance perform the story of Estrella the Gnome’s journey to elfhood where she learns it takes determination, trusted guidance and hard work to make wishes come true. $15 general admission under 2 free. Tickets at the door or online daytodaydance.com/events.

Pacific Arts Association Christmas Party: Monday, December 19, 4:307 p.m., Blaine Pavilion, 635 8th Street. Enjoy live music by Blaine Harbor Music Festival’s Nick Biello and Charlie Porter and local talent plus corn hole and more. Refreshments. By donation. Also collecting nonperishable food for the Blaine Food Bank.

Christmas Tree Lighting at The Bridge: Sunday, December 18, 6 p.m., the Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road. Tree lighting, caroling and refreshments. Info: 360/366-8763 or thebridgehope.com.

Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, December 22, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: Christmas movies and music. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Music at The Vault: Friday, December 23, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: Tea Seas Trio. Info: thevaultwine.com.

tidesChristmas Worship Services: See ads on page 7.

December 15-21 at Blaine. Not for navigation.

49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W

DATE TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT

Th 15 3:07 am 1.3 11:09 am 9.5

6:36 pm 5.3 9:04 pm 5.4

Fr 16 3:49 am 2.2 11:37 am 9.5

6:58 pm 4.3 11:14 pm 5.2

Sa 17 4:39 am 3.4 12:03 pm 9.5

7:24 pm 3.1

Su 18 1:14 am 5.7 5:37 am 4.5

12:29 pm 9.5 7:56 pm 1.8

Mo 19 2:44 am 6.8 6:49 am 5.7

12:57 pm 9.6 8:30 pm 0.4

Tu 20 3:52 am 7.9 8:01 am 6.6

1:29 pm 9.7 9:08 pm -0.9

We 21 4:50 am 9.0 9:09 am 7.3

2:03 pm 9.8 9:50 pm -2.0

Ring of Fire and Hope: Saturday, December 31, 7 p.m., Birch Bay waterfront. Celebrate the end of 2023 and enjoy watching Birch Bay encircled with red flares. This year, the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce is offering reusable LED flare available for purchase while supplies last and complimentary biodegradable flares available December 29 and 30 12–4 p.m., December 31, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Birch Bay Visitor Center, 4819 Alderson Road, suite 103 and December 31 4–7 p.m. at Beach Cat Brewing Company. Sponsored by the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce. Info: birchbaychamber.com.

New Year’s Eve at The Vault: Saturday, December 31, 4–10 p.m., 277 G Street. Five course tasting menu plus optional wine pairing and craft cocktails. Live music with the Jami Templeton band at 8 p.m. Reservations required at 360/392-0955.

40th Annual Polar Bear Plunge: Sunday, January 1, noon, along the Birch Bay waterfront. Warming tent will be available with on-site registration, costume contest and t-shirt sales at Beach Cat Brewing Company, 7876 Birch Bay Drive. Sponsored by Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce. Info, preregistration and t-shirt preorders at birchbaychamber.com.

Ongoing

Meals on Wheels Hot Lunches: Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Suggested donation of $5 per meal or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040.

Meals on Wheels Frozen Meals: Thursdays 11:30 a.m.–noon, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Adults 60+ pick up five frozen meals. Suggested donation $5 per meal or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040.

Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) Meetings: Tuesdays 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 loved one. Evidence-based, structured curriculum and peer support at no cost. Info: palgroup.org or email Bev and Dave at wamillards@comcast.net.

WeatherThe 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.

Precipitation: During the period of December 5-11, one inch of precipitation were recorded. The 2022 year-to-date precipitation is 31.7 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 47°F on December 8 with a low of 25°F on December 5. Average high was 43°F and average low was 31°F.

Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

Alaska Packers Association Cannery Museum: Open Saturdays and Sundays, 1–5 p.m., 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway. Free, donations welcome. Info: 360/371-3558.

Birch Bay Book Club: Wednesday, January 18, 4 p.m., Birch Bay Vogt Library site, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. Info: klia1@mac.com.

Blaine Book Club: Friday, January 20, 1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. January title: The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey. 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.

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

Report by Blaine Police Department

hornets can grow up to 2 inches.

In late July, the Entomological Society of America officially named the hornet the northern giant hornet, which avoids using a geographical region in the insect’s title. The hornets weren’t officially named before then, WSDA previously said.

WSDA is asking the public to continue reporting any dead or alive hornets they find as the detections will guide future research and the scientists’ trapping efforts next year.

“We appreciate all of the help, whether it’s the beekeepers or the general public, putting out traps and keeping an eye out,” Salp said. “That’s all been critical in our success. We really need to be vigilant over the next couple of years.”

To report a suspected northern giant hornet detection, visit agr. wa.gov/hornets, email hornets@ agr.wa.gov or call 800/443-6684.

s Semiahmoo Resort welcomed the holidays with its annual Christmas tree lighting celebration on December 10. Children met Santa and participated in a singalong during the event. Photos by Ruth Lauman

Health officials recommend masking indoors amid respiratory virus surge

The Whatcom County Health Department is asking residents to mask indoors as Washington state experiences an ‘unprecedented’ surge in respiratory illness.

In a December 9 press release, the health department recommended that everyone, regardless if they were sick, wear a mask around others indoors. This comes as respiratory syn -

cytial virus (RSV), influenza and Covid-19 are spreading through the community.

The health department also urged people to be updated on their vaccinations, stay at home if they have Covid-19 symptoms and improve indoor air quality.

For more information, visit the Whatcom County Health Department’s website at bit.ly/3Fx9E6S.

s Community Assistance Program once again welcomed families to participate in its Community Toy Store just in time for the holidays, December 10-12 at Valley Church. CAP volunteer Laura Vogee said the store received about 1,500 donations expected to go to 257 children.

Photo by Grace McCarthy