The Northern Light: February 2-8, 2023

Flooding forces The Bridge to relocate services

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The Bridge Community Hope Center is temporarily operating out of a new location on Birch Bay Drive after repeated flooding forced the nonprofit to move out of its Alderson Road facility.

The Bridge is moving its operations to 7620 Birch Bay Drive after the flooding in late December filled The Bridge’s Alderson Road building with three feet of water, as high as its doorknobs. The Bridge executive director Lee Connors said this was the largest flood the building had endured as flooding typically only reaches one foot.

“We pretty much lost everything,” volunteer Doug Lang said. “We filled a 30-yard container up with all of the stuff and could probably get another half one.”

Lee and The Bridge director Rosemary Connors said they only started having flooding in the past three years after having rented the Alderson building for the past seven years.

The Bridge’s services are continuing at the new location, a quarter of the size of the old location. The nonprofit resumed its food bank program, which will run 2:304:30 p.m. Fridays, on January 27.

The International Veterans Coffee Group, which offers veterans a place to talk, resumed February 1 and will be held 1-3 p.m. every Wednesday at the new location. The clothing boutique, which sells clothing at affordable prices and through vouchers, will return in mid-February and be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. The location will soon have an area for coffee, juices and sodas by donation.

The Bridge Coffee Bar program, which trains teenagers on professional development, will be paused until the nonprofit finds a space for it, Lee said. While the learning center hasn’t returned, which offered a space for studying with computers, people who would like to arrange one-onone tutoring for their students can contact The Bridge and use the Grace Core Academy office.

The Bridge will continue offering counseling services at its Grace Core office, which opened in October 2022 at 4823 Alderson Road, unit 106.

Lee said Jack Gerity, who owns the Alderson Road facility, told the nonprofit it could move into his Birch Bay Drive building and offered two months of free rent. Great Floors donated flooring, Rodda Paint donated paint, Pacific Building Center donated cleaning supplies and Northwood Chapel and Christ the King Community Church in Birch Bay provided volunteers.

Lee said they need to spend the next few months determining what options are available to repair the building and prevent further flooding in the building. But, at the moment, he said it doesn’t look promising.

Lee and Rosemary said they’ll need fi-

(See The Bridge, page 5)

Alcoa says no plans to demolish Ferndale smelter, while union workers see changes at plant

Despite a letter union leaders sent to Alcoa asking to halt plans to demolish the Intalco smelter, the aluminum company says it has no plans to demolish the Ferndale plant right now. However, a union representative says activity at the smelter shows otherwise.

In a January 18 letter to Alcoa president and CEO Roy Harvey, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) international president Robert Martinez Jr. asked the Pittsburgh-based company to stop its planned demolition of the Intalco smelter.

Martinez also wrote that IAMAW’s advocacy helped ensure Congress supported aluminum producers in the Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed into law in August 2022, and could help the Ferndale plant reopen. President Joe Biden and governor Jay Inslee were sent the letter.

Alcoa spokesperson Jim Beck said in an email to The Northern Light that Alcoa was evaluating its options for the curtailed smelter.

“Decisions regarding the future of curtailed sites are based on a variety of factors, including global economic conditions, market pricing, energy prices, capital requirements, and the prospects for long-term, sustainable competitiveness,” Beck said. “Alcoa seeks viable opportunities for all its curtailed or closed sites to be returned to productive and sustainable use.”

Union representatives and others invested in the facility’s revitalization have been thrown into a tug-of-war of potential buyers and energy agreements since the smelter closed in 2020. Alcoa laid off nearly 700 employees after low aluminum prices made the operation uneconomic. New York City-based private equity firm Blue Wolf Capital Partners LLC began negotiations with Bonneville Power Administration in July 2021, but Blue Wolf exited the project in December after failing to reach a power agreement with BPA.

The power agreement had been considered the last major hurdle after Blue Wolf had reached an agreement with Alcoa and union workers. The state budget

has $10 million secured until June 2025 to help reopen the smelter and add environmental improvements.

While Alcoa has not announced it will permanently close the smelter, local union representative Luke Ackerson said the workers are concerned that activity at the smelter points to an impending

(See Smelter, page 2)

s Lawrence Creasey Pulphus with the ball in the Borderites’ 60-49 loss to Sehome High School on January 31. Blaine boys basketball plays its final regular season game against Ferndale on Thursday, February 2. Read more sports news on page 7. Photo by Ian Haupt

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Smelter ...

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Alcoa has told the union’s 12 remaining workers, who maintain the equipment and facility in case of a restart, to disassemble and prepare to ship at least one essential equipment piece for smelting metal. Ackerson said Alcoa was only preparing to ship the equipment and had not made a decision on whether they would ship it.

“This is a big shift from Alcoa’s previous activities that involved removing non-essential items from the facility,” he said.

“We see it as a sign that they are preparing to announce the permanent closure and demolition of the facility.”

New investors, who Ackerson

declined to name, are interested in purchasing the smelter but need more time to determine if purchasing the plant is feasible. Alcoa has upcoming critical deadlines with suppliers and other partners that will end this year. “If that happens, the likelihood of restarting the smelter is very unlikely,” Ackerson said.

Martinez asked that the union and Intalco meet with Harvey to discuss a plan to restart the smelter in the January 18 letter. Harvey responded to the letter on January 27 and said Alcoa would contact union representatives for a meeting, but had not scheduled a meeting as of January 30, Ackerson said.

“I believe it is a good sign that Alcoa has agreed to meet with the union,” he said. “I am hopeful that we can have a productive meeting.”

Birch Bay man admitted to psychiatric care 7 months after threatening resort staff

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A Birch Bay man who was arrested last May for threatening Semiahmoo Resort staff has been admitted to Western State Hospital.

Kyle Warner Fosberg, 35, had his felony harassment, fourth-degree assault and third-degree malicious mischief charges dismissed in Whatcom County Superior Court December 22, 2022, as the court ordered a civil commitment evaluation at the state psychiatric hospital, according to court documents. Fosberg was committed to 120 hours for evaluation and was expected to be transported to Western State Hospital in Lakewood January 30.

On May 4, 2022, a Semiahmoo Resort staff member reported to Blaine Police Department (BPD) that a man was calling the resort repeatedly and threatening

to murder staff, according to the affidavit for probable cause (APC). The caller was identified as Fosberg.

The responding BPD officer met with a manager who escorted the officer to the spa area to speak with the woman who made the initial report. She said she took a call from Fosberg during her workday and attempted to attend to his customer service needs. Fosberg allegedly used a racial slur toward her, and the woman asked him not to use the highly offensive slur.

Fosberg allegedly said the slur again and told the woman he was going to kill her and her mother the next day. She provided a recording of the phone call. Fosberg allegedly called 30 times that day and called some employees names and (See Case, page 6)

Whatcom County Council January meeting roundup

The latest news from January Whatcom County Council meetings. Probation services for city of Blaine

Council authorized by consent, in a 6-1 vote, with councilmember Ben Elenbaas opposed, in its January 10 regular meeting for Whatcom County to provide probation services to the city of Blaine through an interlocal agreement.

Through the agreement, the county agrees to provide pretrial and post-conviction probation services to individual clients who the municipal court has referred. The city will reimburse the county at a monthly rate per active case, according to the agreement.

Collective bargaining agreements

Council authorized by consent to amend two collective bargaining agreements to provide its union members with a 6 percent wage increase that will bring them equal to other groups that received a similar increase in 2023.

The two unions are the Fraternal Order of Police, Matt Herzog Memorial Lodge 24, (FOOP) which represents the six-person command staff of Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office chief and lieutenant positions, and PROTEC17, which represents professional environmental health staff.

The letters of understanding provide an additional 3 percent to FOOP’s previously established 3 percent wage increase and a 4 percent wage increase to PROTEC17’s established 2 per-

cent wage increase, making each unions agreement a total of 6 percent. According to the ordinances, the increases will create internal equity, avoid reductions in force and promote succession among unionized county staff.

Housing assistance for November 2021 floods

Council authorized a $2 million contract with the Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group to aid in the recovery of low-income and disabled individuals and households affected by the November 2021 flood event.

Washington state has provided the $2 million through its military department. Eligible costs include housing assistance, household appliances and home repair. Whatcom County Individual Assistance program has an active caseload of approximately 450 individuals and households still in need of assistance, according to the memorandum.

Drayton Harbor advisory appointment

Council appointed Julie Hirsch, in a 7-0 vote, to the Drayton Harbor shellfish protection district advisory committee.

The committee advises council on proposed actions and operations relating to the restoration of water quality in the Drayton Harbor shellfish protection district.

Hirsch is the founder and director of the Garden of the Salish Sea Curriculum, a K-12 environmental science program that uses shellfish as a vehicle to teach marine science with hands-on learning through field experience.

Hirsch has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Western Washington University and a master’s degree in microbiology from Northern Arizona University.

BBWARM advisory appointment

Council reappointed Michael Allan, in a 7-0 vote, to the Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) advisory committee during its January 24 meeting.

Nooksack River adjudication

Council amended and approved, in a 7-0 vote, its climate action legislative priorities to support the state department of ecology’s $2.7 million request in the governor’s budget to adjudicate the Nooksack River.

“We understand a water rights adjudication in the Nooksack River watershed can help bring together all water users, resolve water right disputes, determine who has the legal right to use water, and the priority and quantity of each right,” the amendment reads. “As water rights are determined, we hope to collaborate with all parties on establishing solutions and market mechanisms to ensure communities get the water they need to live and support a thriving agricultural economy.”

Council also requested additional funding to support its solutions table process, including technical assistance and studies necessary to help quantify water resources.

Letter of support for Ridge at Semiahmoo

Council signed a letter addressed to state senator Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) and the Growth

Sidhu among candidates gearing up for 2023 election

Candidates across Whatcom County are gearing up for the August 2023 primary election.

A handful of candidates have started filing their bids for public positions with the Public Disclosure Commission ahead of the August 1 primary election.

Satpal Sidhu will run for a second term as Whatcom County Executive. Sidhu was elected to the four-year position in 2019 and has previously served as a county councilmember for five years.

Kathy Kershner announced she will run again for Whatcom County Council district position 4, which encompasses Lynden and parts of Custer and east Blaine. Kershner has served on county council for two terms and is a U.S. Navy retiree.

Jonathan Scanlon filed to run for Whatcom County Council’s second at-large position. Scanlon has over 20 years’ experience in public policy working at both the state and global level, according to his website.

Blaine police chief Donnell Tanksley announced his bid for Whatcom County Sheriff last month and Stacy Henthorn recently announced her bid for Whatcom County Auditor.

Here are the positions up for election in 2023:

• Whatcom County Executive.

Satpal Sidhu is the incumbent for the four-year term.

• Whatcom County Council district 4 position. Kathy Kershner is the incumbent for the four-year term.

• Whatcom County Council district 5 position, which encompasses Blaine, Birch Bay and parts of Custer. Ben Elenbaas is the incumbent for the four-year term.

• Whatcom County Council atlarge position B. Carol Frazey is the incumbent for the four-year term.

• Whatcom County Assessor. Rebecca Xczar is the incumbent for the four-year term.

• Whatcom County Auditor. Auditor Diana Bradrick announced she would retire at the end of her four-year term and endorsed her assistant who announced a bid.

• Whatcom County Sheriff. Sheriff Bill Elfo has yet to announce if he will seek reelection for the four-year term.

• Whatcom County Treasurer. Steven Oliver is the incumbent for the four-year term.

• Port of Bellingham district 3 commissioner, represents Blaine, Birch Bay and Custer. Bobby Briscoe is the incumbent for the four-year term.

• Blaine City Council ward 1 position 1. Richard May is the incumbent for the four-year term.

• Blaine City Council ward 2 position 3. Garth Baldwin is the incumbent for the four-year term.

• Blaine City Council ward 3 position 5. Mary Lou Steward is the incumbent for the four-year term.

• Blaine school board district 1. Kimberly Akre will become the incumbent for the four-year position when she is sworn in during the February school board meeting.

• Blaine school board district 2. Dougal Thomas is the incumbent for the four-year position.

• Blaine school board district 4. Charles Gibson is the incumbent for the four-year position.

• North Whatcom Fire and Rescue commissioner position 2. Bruce Ansell is the incumbent for the six-year term.

• North Whatcom Fire and Rescue commissioner position 4. Matthew Rigberg is the incumbent for the six-year term.

• North Whatcom Fire and Rescue commissioner position 5. Kimberly Calman-McMurray is the incumbent for the six-year term.

• Birch Bay Water and Sewer District commissioner position 2. Don Montfort is the incumbent for the six-year term.

• Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 commissioner position 1. Jesse Creydt is the incumbent for the four-year term.

Management Hearings Board that expressed its support for the Ridge at Semiahmoo development.

The Ridge at Semiahmoo is a proposed 25-lot residential development located on an 11.3acre property at the corner of Semiahmoo Drive and Semiahmoo Ridge. Due to unforeseen health and pandemic-related circumstances, the owners were unable to proceed with the development, and the project approval expired in January 2022, according to the letter. The ap -

plicant approached the county for authorization to extend project approvals beyond the expiration date, but the county’s legal staff concluded that restrictions in the growth management act (GMA) prevented the county from issuing any additional extensions.

Council’s letter of support encourages exploring potential changes to GMA regulations that could address extending project expiration dates for extenuating circumstances.

Live Entertainment at The Vault

s Whatcom County Council holds its meetings in the council chambers, at 311 Grand Avenue in Bellingham, and online. File photo

The Northern L ght

The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc.

Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors.

Letters Policy

The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. 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.

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Contributors In This Issue

Doug Dahl

Jonathan Hall

Renee Diaz

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

Tel: 360/332-1777

Vol XXVIII, No 33

Circulation: 10,500 copies

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Although hard to imagine, about 16,000 years ago a glacial ice sheet one-mile thick covered the Blaine and Birch Bay area. This ice was part of an extension of Cordilleran Ice sheet that covered present-day southern Alaska and parts of western Canada The extension is called the Puget lobe, and at the peak of its advancement it covered all of Puget Sound and extended as far south as the Olympia and Centralia area.

When the ice sheet melted and receded about 11,500 years ago, glacial processes had dramatically altered the land surface around Blaine and elsewhere. Many of the features you see when driving around the region are a direct result of these processes of scouring, deposition and erosion.

For example, if you drive east along Grandview Road between the Cherry Point Refinery and Interstate 5, you climb up and down a large hill that affords great views of surrounding areas. This raised landscape feature is a glacial moraine consisting of the Grandview Moraine and the Holman Hill Moraine. Such moraines are formed when the end of a glacier remains in one place for a relatively long time. Gravel and rock carried in the glacier is deposited at the glacier’s end, forming a moraine.

Even the large white rock sitting along the shore of the city of White Rock, just north of Blaine, has a glacial history. It was plucked by the moving ice from some other location and deposited at its current position thousands of years ago.

Jonathan Hall resides in Birch Bay. He is a retired biologist who has worked in many regions of the U.S. while employed with the New York state, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, several environmental consulting firms, and the Tulalip Tribes of Washington.

Glacial ice sheet that covered Blaine leaves remnants OpiniOn Letters

The Editor:

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly ...” Martin Luther King Jr., 1963.

On January 27, the Memphis Police Department released video footage from a January 7 incident involving at least five Memphis police officers, other first responders and Tyre Nichols. Nichols sustained a brutal beating from the Memphis police officers and died from his injuries three days later.

I watched the videos over the weekend. It was horrific and heartbreaking. After the first 15 minutes, I had to take a break, emotionally catch my breath and pray to view the rest of the video footage. The actions of these criminal officers were some of the worst I have seen in 30 years of law enforcement. Although this happened almost 2,400 miles from Blaine, we

should be reminded that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

The first paragraph of the Chief’s Preface in the Blaine Police Department policy manual states, “The Blaine Police Department is committed to providing effective and fair law enforcement services to our community. We do this by embracing the tenets of the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and our core values, Duty, Integrity, and Accountability.” These values are critically important to all of us at Blaine Police Department.

The Blaine Police Department sets an example of professionalism, and we are dedicated public servants to the Blaine community. We strongly believe in fairness, impartiality, compassion and are aware of how personal biases (implicit and explicit) can have an extraordinary impact on community members.

The mental health and well-being of Blaine Police Department members are equally as important. We have confidential

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.

options available to all team members. Lastly, I send my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Tyre Nichols and the Memphis community.

Donnell Tanksley Blaine police chief Blaine

(See Letters, next page)

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

Correction

In the January 26 issue of The Northern Light, an article on the Arts and Jazz fundraiser incorrectly stated the day of the week for the event. The fundraiser is Saturday, February 4.

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 “White Rock” deposited by a glacial ice sheet just to the north of Blaine in White Rock, B.C.

Photo by Jonathan Hall

s Erratics in Drayton Harbor deposited by the glacial ice sheet that covered the Blaine area.

Photo by Jonathan Hall

The Bridge ...

From page 1

nancial donations to replace what the flooding destroyed. The Bridge is also looking for food donations. The Connorses hope to fill its shelves with pasta, rice, oatmeal, canned soup, bread and canned veggies and proteins such as tuna, chicken and salmon.

“This is where we are and it’s going to serve our needs for the time being,” Lee said. For more information, visit thebridgehope.com. People who were receiving food from The Bridge need to call 360/366-8763 and add themselves to the list again.

Letters ...

From previous page

The Editor: Our community would benefit from a visioning process – like we did for the new library – to gather public input on redevelopment of Blaine civic center, which includes the library, police station, skate park and old city hall site. Since these public holdings in the heart of downtown are contiguous, it’s possible to develop a master plan for the entire site.

A new library, art center, affordable apartments and a parking garage are some of the ideas. Others may emerge as we hold a public discussion about Blaine’s future. If we want that future to happen for us rather than to us, we need to talk.

Jay Taber Blaine

The Editor:

We’ve been waiting over a year for the city of Blaine to complete an electrical inspection of a project in our home.

After reading the recent article on the massive building expansion for the city of Blaine, I

would like to know how this unacceptable delay of services will get any better.

According to the city, there is just one building inspector to issue this category of permits.

Even if the budget to hire extra staff is achieved, the difficulty in finding service and technical staff for our community in the current housing and labor market is daunting.

Gabriel Komjathy Blaine

The Editor:

The Evergreen Cat Fanciers invites all cat lovers to their 2023 spring show “My Furry Valentine” for registered breeds and household pet kittens/cats. With 125 competing for awards, this public event will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, February 11 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, February 12 in the Ferndale Events Center, 5715 Barrett Road. Come for a weekend full of fabulous felines, fun and friendship. Parking is free.

Whether you’re a cat owner, or just like to watch them, this is a popular event where visitors can check out a specific breed and judge for themselves.

For further information for ad-

mission, on how to enter your cat or become a vendor/sponsor, visit our website: Evergreencatfanciers.org. Special thanks to the Ferndale Lions Club and various vendors for their support in celebrating and showcasing cats!

Karen Fletcher Ferndale

s The Bridge volunteers at the new building,on January 27.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

s The Bridge resumed its Friday food distribution on January 27 and the International Veterans Coffee Group started its Wednesday meetings on February 1. In mid-February, The Bridge’s boutique will return and a coffee area will be added to the new location at 7620 Birch Bay Drive.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

Downtown thrift store to close by the end of February

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Downtown Blaine thrift store

Mulder’s Fundraiser Charity Boutique is closing at the end of the month.

Mulder’s Fundraiser Charity

Boutique owner Deanna Mulder said the store, formerly Wildbird Charity Boutique, will close for business by the end of February. The building is not yet sold.

“I want to do different things,” she said. “We’ve had so many great donors and amazing people who have kept us going and patrons. But it’s been difficult.”

In 2018, the boutique opened in the former Rustic Fork building before moving to its current location at 674 Peace Portal Drive. The boutique was the brainchild of Deanna’s late husband, Mike Mulder, who dreamt of a thrift store whose profits would support local charity.

The boutique sells donated clothing, home decor, bedding, accessories, toys and other items. From a dad wanting a coat before a Blaine High School football game to a woman needing essentials to start over after a bad relationship, the boutique has provided a service in the community being the

only clothing store in Blaine, said Karen Trudel, a Rockwood Realty broker selling the building.

Last March, the boutique changed its name to Mulder’s Fundraiser Thrift Boutique when Deanna decided she wanted to part from working under a board of directors. Deanna said she pays employees, rent and other expenses and then has given the rest of the store’s revenue to local charities, including Wildbird Charity’s backpack program.

Mike co-founded the Wildbird Charity nonprofit to feed Whatcom County children.

Problems with the city of Blaine over plumbing issues and slow sales during the U.S./Canada border closure were part of the reason Deanna said she decided to close. Ideally, she’d like someone to purchase the building who would run the thrift store.

“The right person, or people, could really do something great here, even if you did consignment and participated in charity of some kind,” she said. “I would love to keep it going.”

After the boutique closes, Deanna said she would like to continue working for nonprofits in the area such as the backpack

program and The Bridge Community Hope Center in Birch Bay. Mulder’s Fundraiser Charity Boutique is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Peace Arch Park sculpture exhibit call for artists

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Artists have until Tuesday, February 28 to submit their work to the annual outdoor sculpture exhibit at Peace Arch Historical State Park.

The International Peace Arch Park Association (IPAA) is host-

ing its 26th annual Peace Arch Park International Sculpture Exhibition from May 1 to October 1. Brochures will be available for the self-guided art and history tour.

“I always enjoy a variety of artwork because everybody’s creativity is so diverse and different,” IPAA founder Christina

Winkler said.

U.S. and Canadian art experts, IPAA members and Washington State Parks employees are expected to select the sculptures for this year’s exhibit. Artistic impression, quality, durability, aesthetics and community appropriateness will all be deciding factors, according to IPAA. Sculptures need to withstand the weather and be safe for the public. IPAA will consider signed pieces, group sculptures and site-specific work.

“What’s really nice about the exhibit is we’ve worked with emerging artists, sometimes it’s people’s first art show,” Winkler said. “And then we’ve had artists extremely experienced and everything in between.”

IPAA is charging $15 for each piece submitted and selected artists will receive a $350 stipend. The nonprofit is also looking for event sponsors.

Winkler expects to display about 10 pieces this year. The exhibition has shown over 184

international sculptures since it started in 1996. The sculptures will be installed April 22.

To apply, visit the IPAA web-

site at bit.ly/3JjOjSc. Interested artists may also contact Winkler at 360/332-7165 and info@ peacearchpark.org.

used derogatory terms.

The woman told the officer the doors to the resort had been locked out of fear that Fosberg could harm staff. Fosberg lived in Birch Bay and was a resort member, according to the APC.

BPD officers arrested Fosberg before midnight May 4, 2022. He was released from Whatcom County Jail on May 5, 2022, according to jail records.

In August 2012, Fosberg was

convicted of harassment, resisting arrest and third-degree malicious mischief after threatening to assault a woman and her family. He was sentenced to 364 days in Whatcom County Jail. According to the judgment and sentence, Fosberg had 334 days suspended and was given credit for time served after receiving 90-day involuntary inpatient mental health treatment.

He was also convicted for solicitation to unlawfully possess a controlled substance in 2007, which was served through 200 hours of community service.

s “Ying Yang” by Vancouver artist Viven Chiu displayed during the 2022 Peace Arch Park International Sculpture Exhibition.

Photo by Hannah Cross

s From l.; employee Penny Carman, store owner Deanna Mulder and real estate broker Karen Trudel in front of Mulder’s Fundraiser Charity Boutique on January 26.

Photo by Grace McCarthy Mulder’s Fundraiser Charity Boutique is set to close by the end of the month.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

s

Sports roundup: Borderites fall short against

Blaine High School’s boys basketball team lost 60-49 on the road Tuesday night to the Sehome Mariners. It’s the team’s fourth loss in a row in what has been a tough second half of the season.

The Borderites led the Mariners 36-32 at the half, after big three-pointers from seniors Lucas Smith and Carson Lehnert and junior Noah Tavis. Blaine lost momentum in the third quarter.

The boys ended up scoring only five points in the fourth quarter and failed to stop Sehome’s senior big man Grey Garrison.

Head coach Nate Sullivan said he thought the team played well against the Mariner team, which recently beat 2A defending state champions Lynden 72-50 January 27 and are 12-2 in the Northwest Conference. Sullivan said his team brought the energy he wanted from them, but the team fell victim to uncharacteristic shooting in the second half.

“We ran out of gas in the second half,” Sullivan said. “We had a lot of shots fall short. We ran out of legs.”

Smith led Blaine January 31 with 18 points, senior Mathew Russ finished with 13 points and Lehnert finished with 10, according to Blaine’s scorebook. Sehome’s six-foot-seven-inch Garrison finished with 27 points.

The Borderites came into the game on the back of a 70-56 loss January 26 to 1A defending state champions Lynden Christian and a 84-70 loss January 28 to Anacortes, which are 11-1 in the Northwest Conference.

“We have a bit of adversity right now,” Sullivan said about recent results. “One of our starters is injured and we didn’t have a deep team to begin with.”

Senior Ethan Koreski is the player out, and Sullivan said he should be able to return in post-season action. Sullivan said the team has been taking its season one game at a time, but has its eyes set on the state tournament.

“To get east of the mountains is the goal for us,” Sullivan said, referring to the Yakima Valley SunDome.

Sullivan said Blaine has secured the No. 2 seed heading into postseason and will likely play Nooksack Valley Wednesday, February 8 at home. The boys play their last

regular season game against Ferndale at 7:15 p.m. Thursday, February 2 in the Blaine High School gymnasium. The Borderites are 12-6 overall this season and 9-5 in conference.

Girls basketball

The Lady Borderites lost 67-35 January 26 to Lynden Christian at home. Then they traveled to Anacortes where they lost 61-36 on a Coaches vs. Cancer Night.

The girls hosted Sehome January 31 and lost 62-36.

The team will travel to Ferndale Thursday, February 2 for its final regular season game. The game is at 7:15 p.m. Blaine is 3-16 so far this season and 1-14 in conference.

Boys wrestling

The 1A boys sub regional wrestling will take place at Meridian High School Saturday, February

4, starting at 11 a.m. Blaine will host the 1A region 1 regionals Saturday, February 11, with competition starting at 11 a.m.

Girls wrestling

The girls wrestling team will compete next at sub regionals at Squalicum High School Saturday, February 4. Wrestling starts at 9:30 a.m.

Girls bowling

Blaine’s girls bowling team took fourth in its first postseason tournament January 24 at Riverside Lanes in Mount Vernon. The girls scored 2,349 points in the district one bowling 3A and 2A/1A tournament.

Competitive cheer

Blaine’s competitive cheer team will travel in its inaugural season to Battle Ground High School February 3-4 for state.

s Mathew Russ drives to the basket in Blaine’s 60-49 loss to the Sehome Mariners January 31. Photo by Ian Haupt

s Lucas Smith goes up for a layup in Blaine’s 60-49 loss at Sehome High School January 31. Smith finished with 18 points.

Photo by Ian Haupt

s Carson Lehnert takes a jump shot in the Borderites game at Sehome High School January 31.

Photo by Ian Haupt

Health & Wellness Local choices

Variables that elevate the risk for MS

Multiple sclerosis cases are on the rise. According to the MS International Federation, the estimated number of people with MS globally increased from 2.3 million in 2013 to 2.8 million in 2020.

It is useful for people to learn the various risk factors for MS, which affects the brain and spinal cord and causes various symptoms, including vision loss, fatigue and impaired coordination. Though the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) notes that the cause of MS is not known, the organiza -

tion reports that several factors are believed to contribute to the overall risk.

• Geographic gradient: Epidemiologists, who study disease patterns in large groups of people, know that MS occurs more frequently in areas that are farther from the equator. Though the reason behind that remains a mystery, studies have shown that people born in areas considered high risk for MS who move or migrate to areas with lower risks for the disease before the age of 15 assume the

risk of their new area. The NMSS says this suggests that exposure to some environmental agent prior to puberty may predispose a person to develop MS later in life.

• Vitamin D: The NMSS reports that low vitamin D levels in the blood have been identified as a risk factor for MS. In fact, because the sun is a natural source of vitamin D, some researchers feel that exposure to sunlight could explain the geographic component of MS risk. Individuals who live closer to the

equator are exposed to greater amounts of sunlight year-round than others, which increases their levels of naturally-produced vitamin D.

• Smoking: Studies have indicated that smoking is another factor related to an increased risk for MS. The NMSS also indicates that smoking is associated with more severe disease and a more rapid progression of it. Recognition of this link is significant, but it’s equally important that current smokers know that stopping smoking – either

before or after the onset of MS –is linked to a slower progression of disability.

• Obesity: The NMSS reports that obesity in childhood and adolescence, particularly in girls, also increases the risk of MS later in life. Young adults should know that a similar link has been found between MS and obesity in early adulthood. MS diagnoses are on the rise. Recognition of the variables that can contribute to such a diagnosis can help people better understand their risk.

What to know about cardiac arrest

On a Monday night in early January 2023, the Buffalo Bills were in Cincinnati to take on the hometown Bengals. The game was a highly anticipated, primetime matchup between two of the best teams in the National Football League, but it would be interrupted and ultimately postponed after Bills

safety Damar Hamlin suffered a frightening injury during the game. After tackling Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, Hamlin stood up, only to fall flat moments later. Medical personnel rushed to Hamlin’s side, and it was later determined he went into cardiac arrest.

Days went by as football fans

across the nation prayed for Hamlin’s recovery. Good news arrived by the end of the week, as doctors treating Hamlin reported his condition showed marked improvement. Indeed, within days of that news, Hamlin was on his way back to Buffalo, much to the delight of millions of people across the country.

GHamlin’s story made international headlines and left many people across the globe asking questions about cardiac arrest. What is cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops pumping, meaning that blood stops pumping to the brain and other vital organs. Immediately after Hamlin’s collapse, emergency workers began administering CPR and other resuscitation efforts. This rapid response helped preserve the 24-year-old safety’s neurological function.

How dangerous is cardiac arrest?

The NHLBI notes that cardiac arrest is a medical emergency. In fact, the NHLBI indicates that nine out of 10 people who have cardiac arrest outside of a hospital die.

(See Cardiac, next page)

366-0321

Wellness

Local choices in health, healing & fitness.

(See Cardiac, previous page)

What are the symptoms of cardiac arrest?

Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that there are no prior symptoms in some cases of cardiac arrest. However, individuals may experience these symptoms prior to cardiac arrest:

• Fatigue

• Dizziness

• Shortness of breath

• Nausea

• Chest pain

• Heart palpitations

• Loss of consciousness

What causes cardiac arrest?

The suddenness of the injury to Hamlin undoubtedly left millions of people confused about how the condition could affect a young professional athlete seemingly in peak physical condition. Some medical experts have suggested Hamlin’s episode was an instance of commotio cordis when the heart is hit by a blunt force at a specific time in the heart’s normal rhythm. This can cause the heart to go into arrhythmia or stop beating. In general, Johns Hopkins reports that there are usually three main causes of the condition.

• Arrhythmia and ventricular fibrillation: Arrhythmia is a condition marked by problematic electrical signals in the heart that lead to an abnormal heartbeat. Ventricular fibrillation is a type of

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arrhythmia that causes the heart to tremble rather than pump blood normally. It is the most common cause of cardiac arrest.

• Cardiomyopathy: Cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart is enlarged. Johns

Hopkins notes that when a person has cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle thickens or dilates, which causes abnormal contractions of the heart.

• Coronary artery disease: The NHLBI indicates that most people who experience cardiac arrest have heart disease, even if they didn’t know it beforehand.

The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which is marked by the buildup of cholesterol inside the lining of the coronary arteries.

That buildup leads to the formation of plaque which can partially or completely block blood flow in the arteries of the heart. Certain behaviors or lifestyle choices also can trigger cardiac arrest. For example, the NHLBI reports that heavy alcohol consumption or recent use of cocaine, amphetamines or marijuana can cause cardiac arrest. Severe emotional stress and physical exertion, including that which is typically required of competitive athletes, also can trigger cardiac arrest.

The Damar Hamlin incident thankfully appears to have had a happy ending. But millions more people could be vulnerable to cardiac arrest. More information is available at nhlbi.nih.gov.

Constitutional amendment to protect abortion rights stirs support, protest in Olympia

choose,” Kuderer said.

Mary Le Nguyen stood in front of a group of 70 abortion-rights activists on the Capitol steps for a reproductive freedom rally in early January and shared her story of surviving sexual abuse.

“This is not about power shifting from here to here. I want people to like us to have the power,” Nguyen said, as she protested with Pro-Choice Washington. “I want us all to be more powerful, but that means we need to slow down together and see that reproductive justice is more than just about abortions.”

This legislative session marks the first since Roe v. Wade was overturned and House Democrats say they want to pass a number of bills protecting abortion rights.

Efforts to make Washington roads safer wins bipartisan support

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle and Governor Jay Inslee say they are backing a package of new laws aimed at protecting workers, pedestrians and commuters.

New bills would reduce the blood alcohol concentration limit for operating a vehicle when driving, impose more restrictions on high-risk drivers and require a skills course for younger and older drivers.

Parkland mother Amber Weilert described how a drunk driver took the life of her son.

“I am here to be Michael’s voice to support him and make sure that this doesn’t happen again,” Weilert said.

She pleaded with lawmakers to think about her son and make roads safer. Lawmakers from both parties expressed support.

“Safety isn’t a partisan issue. It’s about all of us working together,” said state senator Curtis King (R-Yakima). “When you look at a list of bills that are here, most of them may have a Democratic sponsor, but I can tell you there are numerous Republican names right behind it.”

The coalition backing the package includes Inslee, state representative Jake Fey (D-Tacoma), King, state representative Andrew Barkis (R-Olympia), state senator John Lovick (D-Mill Creek), and state representative Sharlett Mena (D-Tacoma).

Many roads in Washington, such as the one in Parkland where young Michael Wielert died, put people at risk because they do not have sidewalks for pedestrian and cyclist use, according to bill advocates.

“Our transportation system is not safe. People from all communities across the state of Washington are being injured and killed at

unacceptably high rates. We cannot be numb or complacent to this,” said Kelsey Mesh, the deputy director of the Transportation Choices Coalition, a statewide policy and advocacy nonprofit.

Inslee’s proposed 2023-25 budget includes $3 million to build nine crosswalk signals along SR-7, including Pacific Avenue in Parkland, where Weilert’s son died.

At 745 fatalities, last year had the highest number of traffic-related fatalities Washington has seen since 1990.

“We have a team assembled here behind me, and I believe that the state legislature this year will take significant steps to reduce this carnage on our highways,” Inslee said. “At least half of the deaths on our roadways are caused by impaired people, which is not acceptable to see.”

Senate Bill 5002, sponsored by Lovick and cosponsored by state senator Jim McCune (R-Graham), reduces the breath or blood alcohol concentration limit for operating a vehicle from 0.08 to 0.05. This includes driving under the influence of liquor, cannabis or any other drug.

“Drunk driving is a choice. You make a choice to drive drunk, and it should be embarrassing for all of us that we are losing one person every single day on our roads. By this time tomorrow, two people will be dead,” Lovick said.

To enforce these laws, Inslee said it is essential to have more regional criminal justice training centers and more trained officers.

“We owe these people safety when they’re taking care of our safety. We need additional law personnel to do the work that is necessary to remind people to be safe,” Inslee said.

Senate Bill 5272, sponsored by state senator Marko Liias (D-Everett) and cosponsored by King, authorizes the use of speed safety

camera systems in state highway work zones.

An additional bill Liias introduced, Senate Bill 5583, will require young drivers from the ages of 18 to 25 to take driver’s education courses. Young drivers are the most dangerous group of drivers, and lawmakers believe that a stronger emphasis on education can reduce the number of accidents, Liias said.

Senate Bill 5560, introduced by state senator Sam Hunt (D-Olympia) creates a program where an older driver may voluntarily surrender their driver’s license before the expiration date to receive a new ID card at no cost. The bill defines an older driver as someone 70 years or older. The bill also authorizes the department of licensing to shorten the time period by which the driver’s license of an older driver expires and allows the department to require older drivers to successfully complete a knowledge and skills refresher course.

Washington State Patrol representatives, lawmakers, Inslee, construction workers, labor representatives and members of advocacy groups including Disability Rights Washington, Washington Bikes and Transportation Choices Coalition attended a press conference January 27 in support of the traffic safety bills.

“When we make roads safer for users, we particularly make them safe for people who walk and bike,” said Lee Lambert, executive director of Washington Bikes and Cascade Bicycle Club. “And we’re happy to have our partners and legislature and the governor’s office to ensure people will get home safe.”

The Washington State Journal is a non-profit website funded by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation. Learn more at wastatejournal.org.

State Attorney General Bob Ferguson and other Washington lawmakers, including House Speaker Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma), state senator Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma), state representative. Sharlett Mena (D-Tacoma), state representative Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane), and state representative Darya Farivar (D-Seattle) and state senator. Emily Randall (D-Bremerton) joined protestors at their early January rally and delivered speeches on the abortion rights bills they are planning to pass this legislative session.

One bill will need voter approval. Senate Joint Bill 8202, sponsored by state senator Karen Keiser (D-Des Moines) proposes amending the state Constitution to guarantee an individual’s right to have an abortion or choose contraception. For the bill to move forward, it needs a twothirds majority in the House and Senate before being placed on a statewide ballot for approval.

“We need to face the potential consequence of not having a constitutional guarantee for reproductive freedom,” Keiser said.

Governor Jay Inslee attended his first bill hearing of the legislative session in support of SJR 8202.

“A woman’s right of choice is so fundamental. In the most intimate decision of her life, it cannot be left to the whims of who happens to sit on the bench or who happens to sit in the legislature,” Inslee said.

State senator Patty Kuderer (D-Bellevue) a cosponsor of SJR 8202, also spoke in favor of passage.

“There’s been a call to restore reproductive justice across this country from all age groups, from young people who are most impacted, to working parents and to the older population who marched and sacrificed to earn the right to

While Democrats seem mostly united in support of the measures, a large number of people across the state signed up to oppose the measure at its public hearing. For online testimony, 309 people signed on in favor, and 608 signed on in opposition. “I gave birth to a beautiful daughter who is now 27 years old. I can’t imagine this world without my daughter, and I do not live with the regret of ending a life,” said Julie Barrett, president of Conservative Ladies of Washington.

A group of 15 anti-abortion activists countered the reproductive freedom rally in early January across the street. They wore bright red T-shirts and held signs that showed photos of 10-weekold fetuses. “Am I human?” some of the signs asked.

Many people at the hearing and protest said they were shocked when Roe v. Wade was overturned.

“Reproductive freedom is not just about abortion,” said Vicki Lowe, from American Indian Health Commission for Washington State. “This is not a decision to be made by the government. I never thought to think my children and grandchildren would have fewer rights than I did. Reproductive freedom is about choosing what happens to our bodies.”

The Washington State Journal is a non-profit news website funded by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation. Learn more at wastatejournal.org.

s Amber Weilert shares the story of a drunk driver killing her son, Michael, in Parkland. Lawmakers said they have bipartisan agreement on a package of bills to make streets safer for workers, bicylists, pedstrians and other commuters. Photo by Renee Diaz

s A group of 15 anti-abortion activists protested opposite to a reproductive freedom rally in Olympia in January.

Photo by Renee Diaz

s Around 70 abortion rights protestors stand on the Capitol steps in Olympia for a reproductive freedom rally in January. Photo by Renee Diaz

MOVING John Deere X380 riding lawn mower with bagger, 48” blade 160 usage hours, $2800; Honda self-propelled hand mower lightly used, $260; Seven TVs 48”-54” incl. wall mounts $140/each. Call 360371-8720.

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

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: JOHN

FREDERICK SANDERS, Deceased. No. 23-4-00071-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge David E. Freeman

fraud, theft and such other items requested. This summons is issued pursuant to crlj4 of the District Court Civil Rules of the State of Washington. Respectfully submitted this 2nd day of February, 2023. CITY OF BELLINGHAM Steven Bolster 315 prospect st Unit #1521 Bellingham, WA 98227

The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 AND 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors:

January 24, 2023 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication:

Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229

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All

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.

Parks and recreation district hires new youth coordinator

B y G race M c c arthy

Kira Robinson is bringing her passion for working with children into her new position as youth coordinator for BlaineBirch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2).

“They’re energetic and being around them gives you that energy,” she said of the children. “They always say something funny and it’s always interesting.”

A Cheney native, Robinson grew up in Arizona and recently moved to Ferndale. She has babysat and watched children at camps. When she’s not working,

Robinson said she enjoys riding her horse, Frankie.

In her position, Robinson helps pick up K-12 students from school and watch them at the Birch Bay Activity Center gym. Six to 12 students typically attend the program, but numbers can be as high as 30, Robinson said.

BBBPRD2 employees are also working with Friends of Birch Bay State Park and the Garden of the Salish Sea Curriculum to secure a state grant to bring back summer camps that paused during the pandemic. If funded, four four-week camps would educate local youth about the

beach, nature and sustainability while enjoying the outdoors.

The district will also have its mobile camps this summer, which will bring activities and water games at Blaine and Birch Bay parks every Friday for six weeks.

Since starting at the beginning of January, Robinson enjoys the bus rides the most because of the fun conversations with the children. Robinson said she hopes to incorporate more crafts and science projects into the afterschool program.

“I’ve felt super welcomed into the position,” Robinson said. “I’ve had a lot of help and encouragement.”

Road Rules: Self-expression versus ‘selfish-expression’ for car lighting

your car look cool in pictures, but if you’re blinding oncoming drivers you’ve moved from self-expression to being unkind, and a hazard.

Same goes for tires that stick out past your fenders. It’s a non-verbal way of telling other drivers you don’t care what happens to their windshield, and even more serious, telling pedestrians you don’t care about throwing a rock at their head. I did a little experiment and typed into Google, “Pickup truck tire size is inversely proportional to ...” just to see what the autofill would suggest, and it answered, “Intelligence.” You thought I was going somewhere else with that, didn’t you?

and many other countries do. Even better would be a cultural shift that continues to value self-expression but rejects selfish expression with our cars. If you want to be kind, you could

do worse than to practice it while driving.

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

Question: What is the enforcement protocol for aftermarket lights installed on cars and trucks? Where I live there are numerous vehicles that have swapped out stock headlights with bulbs that are blazingly blinding to oncoming traffic. In European countries, these cars would never last a day on the roads as they take vehicle safety more seriously.

Answer: Many of us in the U.S. have a deep-rooted urge to use our cars as a form of self-expression. I recall watching an episode of a British car enthusiast show, where the host (and this guy is car-obsessed) was genuinely confused about the U.S. predisposition for over-the-top car modifications.

I’ve been guilty of it myself. Eighteen-year-old me drove a 1963 Chevy Nova SS with a borderline ridiculous paint job and

extra-wide fender flares in back to fit the beefy tires on my custom-painted Cragar five-spoke wheels. Why would you paint your Cragars? I thought it was cool, and I regret selling that car.

Self-expression is part of car culture, and I’d argue U.S. culture. It’s not just the hard-core car crowd. It spans from the driveway mechanic to A-list celebrities. You can cover your Audi R8 in leopard print (looking at you Justin Bieber), paint your Hummer pink and trim it out like a Louis Vuitton bag (Britney Spears) or build a four-engine dragster (Tommy Ivo). Side note: All three of those people are former Mouseketeers.

The problem arises when self-expression turns into selfish expression. There’s a reason we have laws about vehicle equipment. Some of the modifications that people want to do can harm other road users. Your extra-bright headlights might make

Getting back to headlight modifications, there’s not a lot about your headlights that you can legally change. Pretty much, if a bulb burns out, you can buy another one just like it. Switching from halogen to HID or LED bulbs is not allowed. Yes, you can buy a conversion kit for your car. No, that doesn’t mean it’s street legal. Enforcement though, can be tricky. I’m oversimplifying here, but vehicle lighting laws are written at the federal level and adopted by states. If you’ve ever attempted to read the Code of Federal Regulations addressing vehicle lighting, you know it’s long and confusing. It comes in at the same length as Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea,” but unlike Hemingway, it’s not winning any Pulitzers. Plus, knowing the law doesn’t make you an expert in lighting technology. Even if it did, officers don’t have a headlight testing kit in the trunk of their car.

What I’m getting at is that traditional enforcement alone isn’t going to solve this problem. A more practical approach might be annual vehicle safety inspections, which some states

s Kira Robinson joined Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 as the new youth coordinator.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

File photo

sheriff’s repOrts

Jan. 17, 1:25 a.m.: Fight on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer.

Jan. 17, 1:19 p.m.: Civil problem on Bay Road.

Jan. 17, 3:26 p.m.: Mental health issue on Surf Place.

Jan. 17, 4:31 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

Jan. 17, 5:55 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Harborview and Anderson roads.

Jan. 17, 9:08 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Rob Lee Drive.

Jan. 17, 10:34 p.m.: Traffic stop on Kickerville Road.

Jan. 18, 6:06 a.m.: Traffic hazard on Drayton Harbor Drive and Blaine Road.

Jan. 18, 8:31 a.m.: Property found on Jackson Road.

Jan. 18, 9:19 a.m.: Burglary on Whitehorn Way.

Jan. 18, 10:52 a.m.: Suspicious person on Drayton Harbor Road.

Jan. 18, 12:46 p.m.: Burglary on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

Jan. 18, 12:57 p.m.: Trespass on Fawn Crescent Road.

Jan. 18, 1:13 p.m.: Death investigation on Blaine Road.

Jan. 18, 7:45 p.m.: Shots on Henry Road.

Jan. 19, 8:40 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Arnie and Ham roads, Custer.

Jan. 19, 9:03 a.m.: Domestic order verbal on Harborview Road.

Jan. 19, 7:12 p.m.: Theft on Yellow Fin Court.

Jan. 20, 12:59 p.m.: Harassment on Bay Ridge Drive.

Jan. 20, 4:43 p.m.: Trespass on Harborview Road.

Jan. 20, 6:27 p.m.: Domestic order violence on Peace Park Drive, Custer. Suspect arrested.

Jan. 21, 4:02 p.m.: Death inves -

tigation on Harborview Road.

Jan. 21, 9:10 p.m.: Trespass on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

Jan. 22, 10:21 a.m.: Domestic physical on Birch Point Road. Suspect arrested.

pOLiCe repOrts

Jan. 21, 7:02 p.m.: Welfare check on Marine Drive.

Jan. 21, 7:50 p.m.: Burglary on Yew Avenue.

Jan. 21, 8:02 p.m.: Hit and run on Peace Portal Drive.

Jan. 22, 1:42 p.m.: Theft on 3rd Street.

Jan. 22, 9:22 p.m.: Sex offender registration on 11th Street.

Jan. 22, 11:09 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Adelia Street.

Jan. 23, 8 a.m.: Vehicle prowl on Yew Avenue.

Jan. 23, 8:50 a.m.: Suspicious person on Night Heron Drive.

Jan. 23, 9:24 a.m.: Burglary on Yew Avenue.

Jan. 23, 9:43 a.m.: Sex crime, no rape, on H Street.

Jan. 23, 11:03 a.m.: Liquor law violation on H Street.

Jan. 23, 11:19 a.m.: Trespass on Semiahmoo Drive.

Jan. 23, 1:20 p.m.: Assault simple on H Street.

Jan. 23, 2:43 p.m.: Harassment on Leighton Street.

Jan. 23, 4:40 p.m.: Welfare check on Vista Terrace Drive.

CrOssWOrd

ACROSS

1. Tax collector

4. Fishes without the line touching water

8. Brooklyn hoopsters

10. Actress Lathan 11. A metric for athletes

12. Food storage location

13. Colossus

15. Desolations

16. Accustom to something unpleasant

17. __ Kubrick, filmmaker 18. You might ask this at Thanksgiving 21. Arkansas city

Coming up

Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, February 2, 6 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: Lord of the Rings. Info: thevaultwinebar.com.

Live Music at The Vault: Friday, February 3, 6 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: JP Falcon. Info: thevaultwine.com.

How About Housing For All?: Saturday, February 4, 10 a.m.–noon. Learn about statewide legislative proposals and how these affect Whatcom County, as well as how housing choices affect our food-producing farmlands. Free. Registration required to receive Zoom link at lwvbellinghamwhatcom.org. Recorded for later viewing.

Jan. 23, 7:45 p.m.: Suspicious circumstance on C Street.

Jan. 23, 10:01 p.m.: Trespass on Peace Portal Drive.

Jan. 24, 1:17 p.m.: Suspicious person on Sea Mist Lane.

Jan. 24, 2:44 p.m.: Suspicious circumstance on Canvasback Road.

Jan. 24, 2:47 p.m.: Fraud on Boblett Street.

Jan. 24, 3:13 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Kingsley Avenue.

Jan. 25, 9:39 a.m.: Fraud on H Street.

Jan. 25, 2:04 p.m.: Assist citizen on H Street.

Jan. 25, 4:11 p.m.: Trouble with subject on Martin Street.

Jan. 25, 10:27 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Mary Avenue.

Jan. 26, 1:46 a.m.: Welfare check on Wood Duck Loop.

Jan. 26, 3:26 p.m.: Welfare check on H Street.

Jan. 26, 5:25 p.m.: Suicide attempt on H Street.

Jan. 26, 10:09 p.m.: Welfare check on Peace Arch Court.

Jan. 27, 6:50 a.m.: Suspicious circumstance on Martin Street.

Report by Blaine Police Department

36. Charity 37. Having the shape of a cube

38. Unwind 39. Believed by some to be the supreme being 40. Checks or guides 41. Leak slowly through 42. Top-quality 43. Midway between south and southeast DOWN

1. Part of your foot

2. It’s at the back of the eyeball

3. Where things stand

4. Offered

5. Contains pollen

6. Boisterous get-together

7. Asserts out loud

9. They’re in the sky

10. Canonized

12. A politician’s official stances

14. It can catch fish

15. British thermal unit

17. Helps little firms

19. Where patients go for treatment

20. Large red deer

23. Pokes holes in 24. “Star Wars” hero Solo

25. One in a hospital

26. Scandinavian god of battle

27. Famous cat

28. __ Angeles: City of Angels

29. Type of drug (abbr.)

30. City along the Rhine

31. Animal disease

32. Martini ingredients

33. Get away

34. Rare species of rodent

36. Suppress

ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

Weather

26th Annual Arts and Jazz Fundraiser: Saturday, February 4, 7 p.m., Blaine Middle School Cafeteria. Band, choir and theater students will perform, art students will offer sketches, the culinary department will be providing light food offerings, live and silent auctions. Tickets at the door: $10 adults, $5 student/senior, no charge for children under 5. All proceeds go toward scholarships and experiences beyond the curriculum for students of the Blaine School District art departments.

The Bellingham Winter Wedding Show: Sunday, February 5, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 North Commercial Street, Bellingham. Start planning your wedding or to lock in the final touches for your special day. Visit with 25 of the area’s leading wedding vendors, sample catering and dessert options, connect with local photographers, and find your perfect bouquet from one of our area’s amazing local florists. Tickets $10 at mountbakertheatre.com.

Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, February 9, 6 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: general knowledge. Info: thevaultwinebar.com.

Live Music at The Vault: Friday, February 10, 6 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: Trio Sueño. Info: thevaultwine.com.

My Furry Valentine Cat Show: Saturday, February 11, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday, February 12, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Ferndale Events Center, 5715 Barrett Road, Ferndale. A two-day, 12-ring cat show for pedigreed and household cats. Sponsored by the Evergreen Cat Fanciers. Info: evergreencatfanciers.org.

Blaine Senior Center Big Bucks Bingo: Saturday, February 11, noon–3 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Over $275 in prizes. Early bird starts at 12:30 p.m. Regular bingo at 1 p.m. Eight games $15. Info: 360/332-8040.

Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce Meeting: Thursday, February, 16, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Christ the King North Bay, 4895 Birch Bay Lynden Road. Speaker: Britt Kane with St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation and Whatcom Hospice Foundation. No-host lunch. RSVP at birchbaychamber.com.

Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, February 16, 6 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: Presidents. Info: thevaultwinebar.com.

Live Music at The Vault: Friday, February 17, 6 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: Mary Ellen Lykins and Craig Adams. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Movie Night: Friday, February 17, 7 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Playing family-friendly movie. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and watch the movie on the big screen. Free popcorn. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

Ongoing

The Bridge Food Distribution Program: Fridays 2:30–4:30 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center’s new location, 7620 Birch Bay Drive. New registration required at thebridgehope.com or call 360/366-8763. Volunteers welcome.

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

Meals on Wheels 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.

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

Blaine Serenity Al-Anon: Mondays, noon–1 p.m. on Zoom. Have you been dealing with alcoholism with a friend or family member? Info: Jerrylyn at 360/305-2246.

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Thursdays at noon, 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: 307/349-0450.

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

Birch Bay-Blaine Toastmasters: Wednesdays, 6:30–7:45 p.m., Blaine High School, 1055 H Street, room 104. What are the stories you like to tell? Learn to tell them really well. Info: Laura 360-371-7330 or agelesslaura@gmail.com.

Behavioral health specialists to respond to nonviolent 911 calls

Whatcom County Health Department’s new alternative response program (ART) will send a behavioral health specialist and public health nurse to specific non-violent 911 calls in Bellingham. A similar program will launch in a couple of months in Whatcom County.

The program, which launched in January 2023, will start with four employees working in pairs, with a goal of seven-day-a-week coverage, according to a January 18 Whatcom County Health Department press release.

Health department spokesperson Marie Duckworth told The Northern Light in an email the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) will launch a similar program later this winter for Whatcom County areas called the co-responder program. Through the program, a behavioral health specialist will ride along with law enforcement when appropriate. Co-responders can also follow up with clients to make sure those in need are connected to services and long-term support.

The ART program will serve people in Bellingham who are in immediate or emergent crisis, which could include substance use, mental health or someone who is unable to care for them -

selves in a moment of crisis, according to the press release. It will allow law enforcement and emergency medical services personnel to focus on life-threatening and violent emergencies.

Health department response systems manager Malora Christensen said in a statement that ART fills a gap in the county’s mental health system. It will provide social services expertise to a 911 call when law enforcement is not needed, Christensen said.

“If you call 911 because you see someone wearing shorts, no shoes, and no jacket in the middle of winter, that would be an example of a situation ART would respond to,” Christensen said.

Washington State Healthcare Authority provided $2.2 million as a supplemental budget appropriation that Whatcom County Council accepted in October 2022. Duckworth said the $2.2 million will cover the startup cost. After state operating funds are spent, the city of Bellingham and Whatcom County have each budgeted $259,000 to equally fund the program’s operating costs; for a total of $518,000 for the remainder of 2023. The county’s portion is being funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, a federal Covid-19 stimulus.

State representative Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) helped secure

the $2.2 million in the 2023 supplemental budget to support the startup cost of the ART program.

“I know that it’s been a real challenge getting help for people in crisis, and this innovative work that our law enforcement and behavioral health professionals are doing together is a timely and critical piece to keeping everyone in our community safe,” Rule said in a statement. “I was glad to be able to work with my colleagues in Olympia to provide funding for this program.”

Duckworth said $149,000 will go toward purchasing vehicles, nearly $1.5 million for equipment and facility remodeling, and $587,000 for operating expenses for the first six months. The ART portion of the Way Station at 1500 North State Street will be remodeled and improvements will be made to the old crisis triage space at 2023 Division Street.

The city of Bellingham, WhatComm 911 and Compass Health partnered to form ART.

“The ART program is an important component of our community’s coordinated response to people in crisis or in need of support,” said county executive Satpal Sidhu. “It helps our most vulnerable neighbors and their families find a pathway to stability.”

Did you know?

Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism welcomes new CEO

B y G race M c c arthy

Bellingham Whatcom County

Tourism welcomed its new president and CEO Dylan DeaneBoyle on January 17. He replaced Sandy Ward after her retirement at the end of 2022.

“Bellingham and Whatcom County is such an incredibly unique geographic and cultural area,” Deane-Boyle said. “When you have mountains and ocean, and you have that amount of rec-

reation with vibrant communities in Whatcom County, and you combine that together as a visitor experience, that is so incredibly unique and really what drew me to this opportunity.”

Deane-Boyle spent the past decade as the former executive director of the Whitefish Convention and Visitors Bureau in Whitefish, a resort town of 8,500 people in Montana. There, he (See Tourism, page 16)

Development projects throughout Blaine

s Dylan Deane-Boyle joined Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism as the organization’s new president and CEO. Photo by Grace McCarthy

Tourism ...

From page 15

created a sustainable tourism management plan to ensure the natural environment and community were being protected

while bringing business to the area. Deane-Boyle also focused on visitor flow, particularly with lodging occupancy, to drive business during off seasons.

“I’m proud to continue that work, which is really at the core foundation of what we did

in Whitefish as a destination marketing organization and something that is very important here as well, particularly as we’re coming out of the pandemic,” he said.

To help businesses rebound from the pandemic, Deane-Boyle

said he wants to continue highlighting the sports and conference facilities available while telling the story of what makes the area unique.

Deane-Boyle has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Colorado, Boulder and a master’s degree in parks, tourism and recreation from the University of Montana. He served on the Glacier County Regional Tourism Board, the Montana Tourism Advisory Council Research Committee, the Rail Service Competition Council,

Hi, I’m Ruth.

among other groups.

While he’s not working, DeaneBoyle said he looks forward to spending time skiing, hiking and camping with his wife and 1.5-year-old son.

“I don’t think the work Sandy did here can truly be measured,” he said of the former president and CEO. “My goal is to build upon that strong foundation and make sure we are sticking to our core mission and vision, while also looking to the future and that new normal while we come out of the pandemic.”

I grew up in Bellingham, attended public schools and graduated from Bellingham High School and then attended Western Washington University. While my profession became teaching my dream was to travel. I received a Fulbright Teacher Exchange opportunity and spent a year in an English Girls’ School in Newcastle England. I then attended Columbia University in New York City and received a master’s degree. I was offered a supervisory position with the military schools in Europe. I really enjoyed the opportunity to travel throughout Europe with that position. My desire for more education brought me back to New York where I received a doctorate degree in education and eventually taught at the City University of New York. At that time, I was invited to be an international representative (NGO) at the United Nations and participated in other organizations relating to women and children such as UNICEF. After my return to Bellingham I grew tired of cooking and housekeeping so I made a decision to move to Solstice Independent Living. After 12 years, I have made no plans to move.

Solstice Senior Living at BELLINGHAM 2818 Old Fairhaven Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98225 360-671-6060 • SolsticeSeniorLivingBellingham.com