The Northern Light: December 22, 2022-January 4, 2023

Plover undergoes repairs to become seaworthy again

The historic Plover ferry will undergo repairs expected to make it seaworthy by spring. The city carved out $30,000 to pay for the repairs, which are the first of this extent in over 25 years, while city council will consider approving additional funds for the vessel’s 2023 operations.

“Our goal, without compromising the quality of the work, is to meet all of our obligations beginning in March,” said Plover captain Richard Sturgill, adding he hoped to have it finished in time for the Wings Over Water Festival. Sturgill helms Drayton Harbor Maritime (DHM), which operates the city-owned vessel.

The 78-year-old Plover ferry has transported passengers between Semiahmoo Spit and Blaine Harbor nearly every summer since 1996. The U.S. Coast Guard performs a yearly in-water inspection and hauls the boat out of the water every two years to examine its hull and propeller, among other areas.

In September, the U.S. Coast Guard found soft spots on the wood planking of the vessel’s hull as well as on the stem post on the front of the boat. Sturgill said the repairs were significant enough to require fixing the boat before it could carry passengers again.

“It’s like if you have an old house, you have to take some of the boards out to see what’s underneath there,” Sturgill said. He added these are the boat’s first major repairs since returning to sea in 1996.

Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee (BTAC) increased its original budget recommendation for the Plover ferry by $13,000 during its December 13 meeting. BTAC first asked Blaine City Council to approve $25,000 for the boat’s 2023 operations, but after community pushback, increased it to $38,000, the amount Sturgill initially requested. Council will consider approving the recommendation at a future meeting.

DHM plans to raise supplemental funds to meet the boat’s total 2023 operating costs of $45,000, said Sturgill’s daughter Anna Johnson during the November 28 city council meeting. Johnson said the boat’s insurance is half of the annual cost and the captains are paid a discounted rate. She added that Sturgill and other supporters

Snowstorm blankets the

Blue Wolf Capital Partners, the private equity firm that was trying to restart the Alcoa Intalco smelter in Ferndale, ended its energy contract negotiations with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). A union worker close to the negotiations said Blue Wolf agreed to the power rates but BPA didn’t offer enough power to restart the aluminum plant.

BPA spokesperson Doug Johnson told The Northern Light in an email that Blue Wolf Capital Partners, prospective buyers of the idled smelter, paused negotiations on December 15 after a year-andhalf of discussions.

“At any point we are ready to resume discussions to provide a portion of the electricity Blue Wolf needs to restart the plant,” Johnson said in a statement. “BPA

and the Department of Energy are supportive of the effort to reopen the facility.”

Alcoa announced in April 2020 it would curtail the smelter’s operations due to low aluminum prices affecting the smelter’s profitability and started layoffs of about 700 union employees shortly after. Blue Wolf contacted BPA in July 2021 in an attempt to reach a power contract, which many of the smelter’s supporters thought to be the last major hurdle to restarting the smelter.

BPA told Blue Wolf it could provide 20-25 percent of the energy required to restart the smelter, which equaled 100 of the 400 megawatts needed (BPA provides the city of Seattle about 1,200 megawatts annually.)

BPA gave 75 megawatts to Alcoa in its last contract, but that number varied throughout the years, Johnson previously said.

Alcoa’s energy contract with BPA, which

allowed Alcoa to purchase large quantities of discounted power, expired before Blue Wolf became interested in the smelt-

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B y G race M c c arthy

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The Editor: Oh, my goodness. You did it again! The food bank asked and you answered.

We are truly humbled by the outpouring of support from our community during our 2022 matching funds campaign, and it is with great pride in our community that we announce that through your generosity, we not only met our goal of $40,000 but exceeded it by over $6,000. It has been a difficult year for everyone, and yet hundreds of individuals funded our mission, often through self-sacrifice, as well as local churches, businesses, social clubs and the Blaine school district. Because of your generosity we will have the resources to continue to be a source of help and hope for those impacted by hunger. Thank you all so much, you have never let us down.

We are incredibly grateful for the leadership support from our very generous anonymous benefactor, who has invested heavily in the well-being of our community, and inspires others to do the same. We are humbled by the donor’s trust and confidence, and by everyone who has rallied to meet the goal and ensure that everyone in our community has access to fresh and nutritious food.

We are so thankful for your support, your faith in our mission and your commitment to ending hunger in our community. We are so proud to partner with you in a united effort to feed the hungry. Thank you everyone.I wish you all the joy and magic of the holiday season, and once again, I thank you for caring.

Sally Church, Blaine Food Bank Blaine

The Editor:

The Blaine and Birch Bay Community Toy Store leadership team would like to say a huge thank you for the outpouring of love and support this community showed to our local families in need of holiday gift assistance this year! Close to 1,500 toys and 100 gift cards were donated this year, in addition to over $2,300 in monetary donations. This allowed us to help the parents of 300 children from 112 families provide gifts for their children this holiday season. The parents were amazed and so grateful for the large variety of high quality gifts they were able to choose from.

This year’s shopping proceeds, which totaled $3,275, will be shared with the Bridge Community Hope Center’s emergency assistance fund, Valley Church Blaine campus VC Essentials outreach to unhoused people living in our area, and the Loads of Love program run by Christ Episcopal Church, which pays for people’s laundry costs at the Blaine Washhouse two Mondays each month. Through the work of these organizations,

your donations will have an impact on families in the community throughout the year ahead. Thank you for making all this possible. A big thanks goes to all our volunteers, as well, and to Valley Church for the use of their Blaine campus facility. We couldn’t do this without all of you. This is truly a community-wide effort, and it is an honor to be part of such a giving community.

Laura Vogee, toy store director Blaine

The Editor: I attended the Blaine planning commission meeting regarding the potential change of the zoning code to allow large mobile home parks in east Blaine. Of the 17 people who spoke, 15 were against changing the zoning, all of whom live in or near the area up for rezoning. The two who spoke in favor don’t even live in Blaine, one of whom represented the developer.

The community’s concerns about rezoning weren’t about mobile homes or stick built homes; it was about the potential societal and environmental impacts of a very large high-density mobile home park. Residents wouldn’t own the land and would be stuck with high interest rates and depreciating assets. This type of development might generate a little money up front for the city in the form of permit fees, but the depreciating mobile homes will lead to decreasing tax revenue, leaving the rest of the city’s tax payers to cover the costs of maintaining the increased infrastructure in the long run.

The area up for rezoning includes everything north of H Street Road from North Harvey Road to Valley View Road. This happens to sit right on top the recharge area for the aquifer that supplies Blaine, Birch Bay and much of the surrounding area. This is probably the worst place imaginable for high-density development and could adversely impact the aquifer’s water quality and quantity. Once an aquifer is polluted, it can’t be cleaned. This could require building a very expensive facility to treat the water. I like drinking high quality water right from the tap and don’t want that to change.

Last November, parts of east Blaine experienced flooding and property damage. The culvert under H Street Road for a tributary of Dakota Creek could barely handle the flow. Once much of the forest is cleared and paved over, flooding will likely be worse and happen more often. Concerns of current citizens should be taken into consideration. The developers will be the only ones benefiting from this rezoning. I believe previous city councils carefully considered these issues, which is why the zoning is what it is now.

Don Kruse Blaine

Merry Christmas

Happy Holidays

The Editor:

Good summary of the Blaine planning commission meeting. (“Planning commission tables vote on east Blaine manufactured home code amendment”) The commission has many questions to answer. One important fact: In well-managed parks, all new manufactured homes (MH) can be high-quality, all-electric, super energy efficient and a good investment. It was great to hear MH co-op ideas discussed at city hall as a tried-andtrue remedy to the legitimate concern about homeowners being at the mercy of someone allowed to overcharge for land rents. Home co-operatives are a smart, legal remedy that keeps land costs affordable.

Home co-op ideas started to catch on in the U.S. over 100 years ago, when people formed co-operative corporations that purchased land for permanently affordable homes, apartment buildings and neighborhood shop space. In today’s Blaine example, it’s possible a Washington co-op corporation can own the land under a MH community, and each MH homeowner will own a share. The co-op will lease land to each MH shareholder, and the co-op will use the predictable annual expenses to set the MH land rents. The goal is to break even; profitability is not the motivation. Future capital gains are not a motivation.

Going further, what if, as another way to help finance a project, the community can ask the co-op to give up the speculative windfall from future land price escalation? The net present value of the future capital gain is worth a ton of money, based on recent trends in land prices. What if the community can convert that future value into a capital investment in high-quality homes? I’d support that deal if the homes are more affordable than market price and are owner-occupied by people with the widest possible range of incomes.

Affordability is complicated. I appreciate being able to comment here.

Paul Schissler Bellingham

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

Correction

In an article in the December 15 issue of The Northern Light, Blaine finance director Daniel Heverling said any pauses on utility shutoffs due to weather will happen on a case-by-case basis. Heverling also said that shutoffs occur 30 days after bill date, not 30 days after payments are due.

We regret the error.

Photo: Louise Mugar

Smelter

From page 1

er. Blue Wolf tried to resume the low-cost industrial power rate that BPA provided Alcoa, but BPA denied that request because Blue Wolf was not listed in the 1980 Northwest Power Act that ensured low-cost electricity to ratepayers. BPA instead offered Blue Wolf a market rate that was higher than the industrial rate.

Johnson said he believed negotiations were going well and thought unusually high electric market prices may have been why Blue Wolf stopped discussions. However, a union representative said Blue Wolf agreed to BPA’s market prices but the amount of power BPA was willing to sell was not enough to restart the smelter.

“We believe BPA did not participate in this process with the intent to reach an agreement,” said Luke Ackerson, business representative for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) District 160. “I am hesitant to call it a negotiation, because BPA was never fully engaged in discussions. They clearly had ulterior motives that they were unwilling to share with us.”

Johnson declined to comment in response.

Ackerson said the union was not giving up. IAMAW District 160 is in discussion with other groups trying to restart the smelter but Ackerson said BPA’s unwillingness to negotiate a practical agreement was preventing the smelter from restarting. Ackerson did not say which other companies were interested in restarting the smelter. He added the union members felt let down by BPA and the Biden administration.

In May, union members entered a labor deal with Blue Wolf that Ackerson previously said had improvements for workers compared to former Alcoa agreements.

The state has $10 million secured in its budget until June 2025 to reopen the smelter with environmental improvements. The budget had $2.4 million

included in 2021 to reopen the smelter with another $7.6 million added last year. Environmental improvements would remove 65 percent of previous carbon dioxide emissions, equaling at least 750,000 metric tons per year, in the state’s effort to decarbonize the industry sector.

Proponents of restarting the smelter have said its revitalization will support cleaner energy and strengthen national security as domestic aluminum production has moved to Russia and China. Intalco was the last operating aluminum smelter west of the Mississippi River when it closed.

“The U.S. primary aluminum industry has been in steady decline for the last several decades, shipping jobs overseas and importing pollution as

our country purchases foreign goods made with lower environmental and labor standards – often from countries that are not our allies,” wrote Jason Walsh, executive director of BlueGreen Alliance, a group of labor unions and environmental organizations, in a statement. “A company was ready to change that by reopening the Intalco aluminum smelter and creating good union jobs making the clean aluminum we need to power our clean energy future here in the United States.”

A Blue Wolf spokesperson declined to comment.

s Snow covers a car in downtown Blaine on December 20. Drivers should remove excess snow from their vehicles before driving. During a stop, the snow can slide forward and blind the driver. Photo by Louise Mugar

Holiday Worship

Directory

Sports roundup: Competition continues over break

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Most Blaine High School winter sports will continue competition through winter break.

Boys basketball

As of the morning of December 21, the Borderites are on a fivegame win streak and undefeated in conference play. They were scheduled to face defending state champions Lynden Christian Wednesday night on the back of a 76-63 win against Lakewood December 14 and 69-60 win over Squalicum December 16.

Blaine will host Friday Harbor Tuesday, December 27 at 2 p.m. and will travel to Cedarcrest in Everett Thursday, December 29 at 4:30 p.m. After the break, the team takes on Nooksack Valley at Nooksack Monday, January 2 at 7:15 p.m. The boys are 5-1 so far this season.

Girls basketball

Blaine girls wrestling have yet to win a game this season. Recently, they lost 59-20 on the road to Lakewood December 14 and lost 51-46 to Squalicum December 16. The girls were also scheduled to face Lynden Christian in Lynden December 21.

Blaine will host Friday Harbor Tuesday, December 27 at noon, and play in the Trojan Storm Winter Tournament at Squalicum High School against Mount Baker Thursday, December 29 and Lakewood Friday, December 30. The girls face Nooksack Valley at home Monday, January 2 at 7:15 p.m. They are 0-1.

Boys wrestling Blaine boys wrestled in the Hammer Head Boys Tournament at Kitsap County Fairgrounds December 16.

The team will travel to the multi-school Rock Tournament at Vashon Island High School Thursday, December 29. The boys travel to Mount Baker Tuesday, January 3 after break to face conference opposition at 6 p.m.

Girls wrestling

The Lady Borderites competed in the multi-school Santa Slam at Juanita High School in Kirkland December 17.

They travel to Sedro-Woolley Thursday, December 29 with matches starting at 9 a.m. The girls return to conference competition at home Tuesday, January 3 at 6 p.m.

Girls bowling

Blaine girls bowling will take a break in its season over the holidays. The team lost 3-0 to Ferndale December 12 and rolled against Everett High School December 14. A score was not posted as of press time.

Upon return, the girls face Burlington-Edison Tuesday, January 3 and Anacortes Friday, January 6. Both matches are at Mt. Baker Lanes in Ferndale, starting at 3:15 p.m.

million contract awarded for Pacific Highway expansion project

Over

AECOM Technical Services, Inc., was selected to lead construction on the Pacific Highway land port of entry expansion project, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced December 19 in a press release. The project will modernize the port from its current configuration to better meet the needs of both nations, according to the release. GSA plans to add four vehicle entry lanes to the port to support the NEXUS program, which allows pre-screened travelers expedited processing. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funded the over $1 million contract to modernize and improve

expansion projects at both northern and southern U.S. borders.

AECOM Technical Services, Inc., is a construction engineering company based in Los Angeles and is a subsidiary of AECOM, an multinational infrastructure-consulting firm with headquarters in Dallas, according to its website.

“We are excited to begin investing dollars from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Washington’s land ports,” said Lisa K. Pearson, acting regional commissioner for the GSA Public Buildings Service in the Northwest/Arctic region. “The project at the Pacific Highway land port of entry will enable our part-

ners at U.S. Customs and Border Protection to better serve travelers entering western Washington.”

The upgrades are expected to strengthen supply solutions to keep port expansion projects in efficient and effective operation for years to come, the release said.

GSA partners and supports U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other federal inspection agencies. It oversees approximately $75 billion in annual contracts, manages 370 million rentable square feet nationwide and delivers technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies, according to the release.

at

from Meridian High School.

one of

had

guys and 15 girls in the class. At 15 years old,

as a hired hand on a

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.

File photo

volunteer many hours. The city is also paying $30,000 out of its capital budget for the boat’s repairs. Shipwright Steve

Alaniz will repair the boat for a third of what it would typically cost, Sturgill said. Alaniz is also helping Sturgill restore the Diamond NN59 sailboat, a 1906 fishing boat that was built for Alaska Packers Association’s Diamond NN Cannery in Bristol Bay.

“If it doesn’t get the repairs, there is no operation,” Johnson said of the Plover during the November council meeting. “The repairs are going to get done and that’s first. And the city’s going to pay for the boat’s repairs because they own the boat and they want the boat repaired. Otherwise, it’s just firewood.”

About 10 residents spoke in favor of additional Plover funding during the November meeting. Ferndale resident Olivia Rutherford told council she was in full support of increased funding after she rode the Plover with her children for the first time this year.

“We otherwise don’t have access to the water,” she said. “So having the opportunity to get out and see the seals and be on the water as a family is really special.”

Councilmember Mike Hill likened not having the Plover in Blaine to not having a trolley in San Francisco.

Alex Wenger, the city’s tourism and economic development director, said the ferry connects Semiahmoo Resort guests to downtown while being an attraction during festivals like Wings Over Water or the first-ever Blaine Oyster Festival this past October. The vessel, which is the state’s oldest foot passenger ferry, transported the highest number of people on record in 2022 with nearly 8,000 one-way passengers, according to city documents.

“It’s such a great connection to the water. Not only for the Semiahmoo guests, but for Blaine residents and tourists,” Wenger said. “It’s a great way to emphasize ‘Blaine by the Sea’ and really connect our city to the water and get people on the water.”

Guard marine inspector Chris Schilling shines a flashlight on the Plover ferry while he, other members of the U.S. Coast Guard and Steve Alaniz, c., examine repair work being done to the vessel on De-

14. Photo by Richard Sturgill

U.S. drivers could pay damages when not at fault in B.C. accidents

A 2021 change to B.C. auto liability law prevents U.S. drivers who get into an accident while driving in the province from making a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance, leaving Washingtonians at risk financially.

B.C.’s Insurance Vehicle Act,

adopted in May 2021, bans most lawsuits for bodily injury and vehicle damage, switching to a fault system.

The new law has limited exceptions, which can be found at bit.ly/3FJAh8K, but insurance experts advise drivers to know their liability risks and insurance status. The main concern

for U.S. drivers is covering the cost of their own injuries or damages in the case of an accident, no matter who is at fault.

With droves of U.S. drivers visiting B.C. since the U.S./Canada border reopened, NW Insurance Council president Kenton Brine said in a November 23 press release that the council has begun to see the impact of the new law on U.S. drivers.

“Most people heading north for a weekend holiday or skiing trip are unaware that without the right coverage, they could be left financially unprotected, with no ability to seek recovery from a B.C. resident’s insurance, even if that person caused the accident,” Brine said in a statement.

Covid-19 travel restrictions for vaccinated travelers were lifted in April 2022. According to cascadegatewaydata.com, the four land ports of entry from Whatcom County have seen, on average, from 5,000 to 10,000 crossings per day in the last three months. Plenty of those drivers may be putting themselves at financial risk unknowingly.

The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner has provided information on insurance options available on its website, bit.ly/3Wcptau. It says auto insurance will typically cover U.S. drivers in Canada but drivers should check with their insurance agent before traveling.

The NW Insurance Council advised drivers to confirm they have full auto insurance coverage in addition to their state’s mandatory auto liability insurance.

wooded hill” and we joined the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, a nonprofit that operates more than 200 senior care centers, in July 1986. Our current facility was built in 1989 and is located on C Street.

Future goals: We are currently working on beautifying the outdoor visitation areas and expanding our volunteer program. We are always looking for ways to meet the needs of our community.

You

be obtained beginning Monday, December 22, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. at the Transportation Department, 1112 Fir Ave, Blaine WA 98230 or by email transportation@blainesd.org.

Bids will be accepted at the Blaine School District Office, 765 H St, Blaine WA 98230 until 4:00pm on Thursday January 12, 2023 at which time and place they will be opened publicly and read aloud. Bids must be sealed and clearly marked:

BLAINE SCHOOL DISTRICT BID FOR ONE (1) FORD 10 PASSENGER VAN. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder.

Blaine School District reserves the right to accept or reject any and all bids if it is deemed in its best interest to do so.

and in

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

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:

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;

case of your failure so to do, judgment will be

County seeking applications for boards, commissions and committees

Whatcom County Council and county executive Satpal Sidhu are accepting applications for over 100 board, commission and committee vacancies.

Applications are due 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2023. Applicants must live and be registered voters in Whatcom County as well as meet residency, employment and/or requirements of the position, according to a county press release. Current members often fill vacancies through reappointment, and positions are without compensation unless otherwise noted, the release said.

Below are some of the vacancies:

• Agricultural Advisory Committee

• Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance Committee

• Behavioral Health Advisory Committee

• Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee

• Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) Advisory Committee

• Business and Commerce Advisory Committee

• Child and Family Well-Being Task Force

• Civil Service Commission

• Climate Impact Advisory Committee

• Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence

• County Appeals Board

• Development Standards Technical Advisory Committee

• Developmental Disabilities Board

• Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District

• Ethics Commission

• Flood Control Zone District Advisory Committee

• Food System Committee

• Horticulture Pest and Disease Board

• Housing Advisory Committee

• Marine Resources Committee

• Northwest Senior Services Board

• Noxious Weed Control Board

• Open Space Advisory Committee

• Parks and Recreation Commission

• Planning Commission

• Portage Bay Shellfish Protection District

• Public Health Advisory Board

• Rural Library Board

• Solid Waste Advisory Committee

• Flood Control Subzone Advisory Committee

• Surface Mining Advisory

Committee

• Wildlife Advisory Committee

Applicants must complete their application online at whatcomcounty.us/1584/how-to-apply or mail it to the Whatcom County Council office at 311 Grand Avenue, suite 105 in Bellingham or the county executive’s office at 311 Grand Avenue, suite 108 in Bellingham.

More information and descriptions of the vacant positions can be found at whatcomcounty.us/1585/current-vacancies. County council and executive’s office can be reached at 360/7785010 and 360/778-5200.

B y D ou G D ahl

Question: Can you please write about signaling at traffic circles? I rarely see anyone signal to make a right or left turn. It causes confusion when trying to enter a traffic circle because one has to almost guess whether someone coming from the other side of the circle is going to go straight or make a left turn.

Answer: Communication is such a big part of driving and yet, we have so few tools to let other drivers know what we’re doing. We’ve got brake lights, turn signals and, in an emergency, the horn. Those are the official signals, at least. Then

there’s the wave at the four-way stop when everyone’s trying to remember who goes next, and various unsanctioned hand gestures. Those other signals might help you understand the emotional state of the driver, but they don’t help much at clarifying their driving intentions.

Given the inherent communication limitations, you’d think you’d want to use whatever resources you have available to let other road users know what you’re doing. The question is, how does that work at a roundabout? Does the law even require you to signal at a roundabout?

Before we go any further, the question asked about traffic

circles, and I just mentioned roundabouts. We have a few different kinds of what the law refers to as “rotary traffic islands,” including neighborhood traffic calming circles, mini roundabouts, single-lane roundabouts and multi-lane roundabouts.

It’s possible that we’re thinking of two different kinds of rotary traffic islands, but even if that’s the case, the rules for navigating them are the same: Always drive to the right around the circle and yield to other road users already in the roundabout.

Side note – two additional rules specific to multi-lane roundabouts: Stay in your lane (which you choose in advance),

and avoid driving next to large vehicles. Semis might need to straddle both lanes, and you don’t want to be there if they do.

I’m intrigued by your statement about rarely seeing drivers signal to make a right or left turn when approaching a roundabout. I’ve recommended that drivers signal their intention to leave the roundabout with a right turn signal as they approach the road they want to exit onto. Your comment has me wondering if you’re proposing that drivers approaching a roundabout should signal right if planning to turn right, not signal at all if intending to exit the roundabout on the other side of the intersection, and signal left

if exiting at the third leg around (the equivalent of what you’d do in a traditional intersection.)

Either way, we have problems. The law requires that drivers signal at least 100 feet before making a turn, and since the legs of a roundabout are often closer together than 100 feet, how can you comply with the law and clearly communicate to other drivers which leg you intend to take?

But if you go with the method of signaling just like you would in a traditional intersection, your left turn signal could be interpreted as intending to stay in the roundabout. As I write this, I’m realiz-

Pacific Arts Association Christmas concert

Gary Allen Oderkirk

March 1946 – November 2022

In loving memory of Gary Oderkirk, 76, who passed away peacefully in Bellingham at the Whatcom Hospice House in November, 2022.

Gary was born in North Bend, OR to Merna and Earl Oderkirk, the second child next to his sister Carol, and grew up in Roseburg, OR. After graduation, he went to university in California to pursue a career in aeronautics. He worked his way up in the industry to being a deputy project manager for Boeing in California, where he lived and raised his family.

When he retired, he settled in the Semiahmoo Resort area to be near family and friends and to enjoy golf, boating and the great outdoors of the Pacific Northwest.

Gary is preceded in his passing by both his parents. He is survived by his wife, Judi; sister Carol Hoefferle; son Jeremy and daughter Erika. He wished to have his ashes spread in the beautiful waters of Semiahmoo Bay.

Rest In Peace Gary. You will be missed and always remembered.

Scott A. Lawson

City council approves shoreline construction contract, among others

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The latest news from Blaine City Council’s December 12 meeting.

The Blaine City Council meeting started with a presentation from the Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County. Presenters Jim Kyle, Debbie Granger and Dan Tucker informed council on the coalition’s achievements, such as starting the new Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship Program, and Blaine-specific projects it has helped, including facilitating stakeholder meetings on the web locker building and sawtooth dock.

Drayton Harbor Oyster Company co-owner Mark Seymour followed the coalition’s presentation with a discussion on port and marine waterfront development and aquaculture ideas. Seymour told council there was potential to build an eco-tourism platform in Blaine, such as oyster farm and bird watching tours, or through a marine science center on Drayton Harbor. “This speaks back to getting people to stay in Blaine to have activities to pursue throughout the summer,” Seymour said. “We have willing individuals and partners and expertise to really pull this off but we need a bit more help and conversation to see what direction to go.”

Council approved the city enter a construction contract for the Marine Park Shoreline Reconstruction project near Blaine Marine Park Playground and Lighthouse Point Water Reclamation Facility. In effort to stabilize the shoreline, the

project will remove broken concrete and debris along 600 feet of the Blaine Marine Park shoreline, replacing it with sand and boulder materials. The project, which will also create beach pockets and headlands, will prevent erosion and create a safer shoreline, according to city documents.

Whatcom County’s Premium Services Inc. bid $598,300 for the project, which was nearly $186,700 less than the project engineer estimated. The city received a $500,000 state grant to fund the project and the remaining amount is fully funded in the city budget.

Council moved voting on a tax-increment financing (TIF) study agreement for east Blaine from the consent agenda to an action item to allow councilmembers to discuss the item before approving it. The agreement was approved 6-0, with councilmember Rhyan Lopez absent.

TIF, which the state legislature passed in 2021, would allow the city to collect money from expected increases in property tax revenue from an east Blaine area to pay for public infrastructure, such as street, water and sewer. The city will pay Stowe Development and Strategies $50,000 for a study and recommendation report on using TIF financing. East Blaine developers Skip and Katie Jansen, of JIJ Corporation, and Ken Hertz, of Blossom Management, will contribute $25,000 each to the study, which will be formally accepted by council on January 9.

“We’re seeing reasons why it’s not developing,” interim city

manager Dave Wilbrecht said. “It’s expensive and difficult to get utilities to these properties so this is a mechanism to help move those utilities forward.”

After council discussion on the downtown revitalization project, Wilbrecht told council he would bring back a revised plan focusing on safety issues in January. This came after council members questioned whether fully funding the proposed $620,000 downtown revitalization engineering design and construction contract would be the best use of city money.

“We’re going to focus on the street, trees, sidewalks and curbs where there’s trip hazards and other problems and that’s the other package we’ll come back with,” Wilbrecht said. He said the city will try to bring back the plan with KPG Psomas, the company the city originally considered to do the engineering design services and construction oversight. Council was slated to approve the contract in September and has pushed the vote several times.

Council unanimously approved a $80,000 feasibility study for the Bell Road grade separation project. David Evans and Associates will conduct the study to support future grant applications for designing and constructing an overpass grade separation at the Bell Road and Peace Portal Drive intersection, according to city documents. The study will look at preliminary design aspects, including the project’s cost estimates, schedule, traffic impacts and utility additions.

November 16, 1960 – December 13, 2022

We regret to announce the passing of Scott Lawson, 62, on December 13, 2022.

Scott passed away with his wife Susan at his side. Scott was predeceased by his father, Iver, and is survived by his much-loved daughters, Kallie and Melissa; son-in-law, Ian; his mother, Diz; brother, Brent; sister, Cari; as well as a nephew and two nieces.

At Scott’s request, there will be no public services.

s Trumpeter Charlie Porter and saxophonist Nick Biello perform during Pacific Arts Association’s Christmas concert at the Blaine community pavilion on December 19. The event collected donations for Blaine Food Bank while event-goers mingled and listened to the musicians.

Photo by Molly Ernst

Dec. 6, 12:22 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Birch Bay-Lynden Road and Portal Way.

Dec. 6, 7:28 p.m.: Alarm audible on Portal Way, Custer.

Dec. 6, 8:31 p.m.: Overdose on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

Dec. 7, 7:39 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Portal Way.

Dec. 7, 9:53 p.m.: Theft on Salish Road.

Dec. 7, 1:21 p.m.: Theft on Tidal Way. Dec. 7, 2:42 p.m.: Harassment on Harborview Road.

Dec. 7, 4:25 p.m.: Death investigation on Castlerock Drive.

Dec. 7, 6:09 p.m.: Theft on Alder Street.

Dec. 7, 7:03 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Sunburst Drive.

Dec. 8, 8:45 a.m.: Trespass on Birch Bay Square Street.

Dec. 8, 10:40 a.m.: Sex offender registration on Loomis Trail Road.

Dec. 8, 11:04 p.m.: Shots on Birch Point Road.

Dec. 9, 7 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Haynie and Giles roads. Dec. 9, 11:08 a.m.: Sex offender registration on Kickerville Road.

Dec. 9, 3:15 p.m.: Sex offender

registration on Birch Bay Drive. Dec. 9, 5 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

Dec. 9, 8:58 p.m.: Shots on Birch Point Road.

Dec. 10, 10:25 a.m.: Landlord tenant dispute on Jackson Road.

Dec. 10, 4:56 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Canoe Court.

Dec. 10, 5:48 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Castlerock Drive.

Dec. 11, 1:37 a.m.: DUI on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Suspect arrested.

Dec. 11, 10:42 a.m.: Theft on Giles Road.

Dec. 11, 1:06 p.m.: Vehicle prowl on West Badger Road, Custer.

Dec. 11, 4:06 p.m.: Shots on East Street.

Dec. 11, 12:37 p.m.: Mental health issue on Surf Place.

Dec. 12, 10:42 a.m.: Theft on Giles Road.

Dec. 12, 6:20 p.m.: Landlord tenant dispute on Bay Road.

Dec. 13, 9:25 a.m.: Hulk vehicle on Clamdigger Drive.

Dec. 14, 8:05 p.m.: Trespass on Shintaffer Road. Suspect arrested.

poLiCe reports

Dec. 9, 10:08 a.m.: Harassment investigation on Peace Portal Drive.

Dec. 12, 8:36 a.m.: Vehicle crash on Sandwood Lane.

Dec. 13, 3:47 p.m.: Juvenile problem on H Street.

Dec. 13, 6:18 p.m.: Missing person on Clyde Street.

Dec. 14, 5:59 p.m.: Welfare check on H Street.

Dec. 14, 8:34 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Bayview Avenue.

Dec 14, 9:11 p.m.: Auto theft on 2nd Street.

Dec. 14, 11:46 p.m.: Domestic dispute on A Street.

Dec. 15, 3:12 a.m.: Behavioral health issue on E Street.

Dec. 15, 10:32 a.m.: Death investigation on D Street.

Dec. 15, 2:59 p.m.: Trespass report on E Street.

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 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.

Christmas Worship Services: See ads on page 6.

Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, December 29, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: Lord of the Rings. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Music at The Vault: Friday, December 30, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: JP Falcon. Info: thevaultwine.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.

New Beer’s Eve Redneck Masquerade: Saturday, December 31, 6–10 p.m., Gateway 1890 Taphouse & Grill, 429 Peace Portal Drive. Special and regular menu, live DJ and dance floor, New York countdown, giveaways. Info: gateway1890taphouse-grill.com.

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.

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.

Marine Navigation Course: Wednesdays beginning January 11, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Bellingham Technical College. Learn how to use traditional piloting skills in the new age of electronic navigation. Info: seo@boatingisfun.org. Sponsored by the Bellingham Sail and Power Squadron.

Weather Boating Class: Thursdays beginning January 12, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Bellingham Technical College. Learn basic weather knowledge for safer and more enjoyable boating. Info: seo@boatingisfun.org. Sponsored by the Bellingham Sail and Power Squadron.

Basic Boating Knowledge Course: Tuesdays beginning January 17, 6:30–8:30 p.m., Bellingham Technical College. This course qualifies for Washington State Boater Education Card. Info: seo@boatingisfun.org. Sponsored by the Bellingham Sail and Power Squadron.

Ongoing

Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Mondays 9 a.m.–noon, Wednesdays 5–7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.–noon. Delivery options available. Info:360/332-6350 or blainefood@hotmail.com.

tidesThe Bridge Food Distribution Program: Fridays 3:30–5 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road. Registration required at thebridgehope.com or call 360/366-8763. Volunteers welcome.

December 22-28 at Blaine. Not for navigation.

49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W

DATE TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT

Th 22 5:40 am 10.0 10:13 am 7.7

2:43 pm 9.8 10:34 pm -2.9

Fr 23 6:28 am 10.6 11:15 am 8.0

3:27 pm 9.8 11:20 pm -3.4

Sa 24 7:14 am 11.0 12:13 pm 7.9

4:15 pm 9.6

Su 25 12:06 am -3.4 8:00 am 11.1

1:11 pm 7.7 5:07 pm 9.2

Mo 2612:54 am -3.0 8:46 am 11.0

2:13 pm 7.1 6:05 pm 8.5

Tu 27 1:40 am -2.1 9:28 am 10.8

3:21 pm 6.3 7:13 pm 7.6

We 28 2:30 am -0.8 10:08 am 10.6

4:29 pm 5.2 8:37 pm 6.7

CAP Clothing Bank: Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon and Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m. 508 G Street. The Community Assistance Program clothing bank is now located in the basement of the CAP Center providing free clothing and linens. Donations accepted only during open hours or by special arrangement. Info: blainecap.org or 360/392-8484.

The Bridge Clothing Bank Boutique: Open Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m, The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road. Donations by appointment, call 360/366-8763.

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.

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 ($8.50 if under 60) or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040.

Friends of Birch Bay Library: Meets second Mondays. 6:30 p.m., Birch Bay Birch Bay Vogt Library site, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. Info: friendsofbirchbaylibrary.org.

Friends of Blaine Library: Meets third Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Find out the latest library news at this monthly FOBL Board of Directors meeting. All members and guests are welcome to attend. Info: blainelibraryfriends.org.

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 love one. Evidence-based, structured curriculum and peer support at no cost. Info: palgroup.org or email Bev and Dave at wamillards@comcast.net.

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

Precipitation: During the period of December 1218, 0.1 inches of precipitation were recorded. The 2022 year-to-date precipitation is 31.8 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 47°F on December 12 with a low of 16°F on December 18. Average high was 39°F and average low was 24°F.

Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

Birch Bay Book Club: Wednesday, January 18, 4 p.m., Birch Bay Vogt Library site, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. January title is Cold Millions by Jess Walter. 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.

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at noon, women’s meeting Mondays at 4 p.m., Blaine United Church of Christ basement, 855 4th Street. Info: 208/750-8772 or shannonsessions2020@gmail.com.

Blaine Arts Council: Meets second Thursday, 6:30 p.m., at Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Info: blaineartscouncil.org.

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

ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

CrossWord

Report by Blaine Police Department

Holiday lights, decorations from around the neighborhood

Rules ...

From page 12

ing that might actually be what you originally meant. Also, while I recommend it, I’m not confident the law requires you to signal in a roundabout.

Despite the confusion about signaling, roundabouts are far safer than other intersections. Compared to traditional inter-

sections, they reduce overall collisions by 37 percent and fatality collisions by 90 percent. In a roundabout, or any other imperfect driving situation (and isn’t that most of them?), have patience, communicate the best you can to other road users and be kind.

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

Blaine and Birch Bay residents have spread holiday cheer with decorations in their homes and neighborhoods. Here are five people who responded to The Northern Light’s request for holiday submissions.

s 8255 Beach Way Drive in Birch Bay. Photo courtesy Jim Fortin

s 9676 Delta Line Road in east Blaine. Photo courtesy Jo Skinner

s Space M-144 in Birch Bay Resort, 8080 Harborview Road. Photo courtesy Dan McDaniels

s A pandemic Christmas tree features a masked Santa, Santa getting vaccinated, a roll of toilet paper, a bottle of hand sanitizer.

Photo courtesy Jennifer Plombon

s The crab pot Christmas tree on H Street Plaza. Photo courtesy Gary Tomsic