The Northern Light: December 14-20, 2023 by Point Roberts Press

December 14 - 20, 2023

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IN THIS

ISSUE

The Ridge division receives approval, page 2

City council considers expanding restaurant zoning

Blaine utility rates to increase, page 5

Borderites sports, page 6

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New Blaine school board members sworn in

By Grace McCarthy

(See Zoning, page 3)

s From l.; Blaine school board members Ben Lazarus, Don Leu, Erika Creydt, Ryan Ford and Cliff Freeman were sworn in by superintendent Christopher Granger during the December 12 school board meeting. All of the school board members were elected during the NoPhoto by Nolan Baker vember general election, with Lazarus, Ford and Freeman being new faces on the board.

Blaine PD gets wellness room, gym with grant By Grace McCarthy Blaine Police Department now has fitness and wellness rooms at its station, thanks to a state grant focused on promoting officer physical and emotional health. The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission awarded the police department $30,000 to renovate two rooms at its station and provide counseling services. Officers began using the rooms at the beginning of December. The police department’s wellness room, which models a counseling office,

was once an evidence room. Officer Jeremiah Leland, who serves as the department’s wellness liaison, used input from other Blaine officers about where they would like to decompress after a traumatic call to design the room. The former evidence room’s white walls and lockers were transformed into a space with dimmed lighting, an electric fireplace and two armchairs. “We have a lot of newer officers so if one of the newer officers experiences a hard call they may have not been exposed to, it can be overwhelming,” Le-

Tanksley announces sheriff’s office leadership By Grace McCarthy Sheriff-elect Donnell Tanksley has announced who will head the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office under his leadership. In a December 8 news release, Tanksley wrote that he assigned Steve Harris as undersheriff. Harris’ most recent experience was as a field training officer and a part of the marine patrol. He has worked as a lead detective for major crimes against persons and financial crimes, and oversaw

checks on 500 registered sex offenders in Whatcom County. Harris also spent 14 years as president of the Whatcom County Deputy Sheriff’s Guild. Erik Francis will be promoted from detective to chief civil deputy/chief of investigations and support services. Francis has spent the past 11 years as a detective for homicides, sexual assaults and crimes against children. He has served as a detective on the Northwest Regional Drug Task Force, was on the SWAT Team for a decade and worked

with federal agencies on criminal border control cases. Jason Gum will stay in his position overseeing field operations as chief criminal deputy/chief of field services. Rodger Funk, previously chief deputy of investigations and support services, has been assigned as chief inspector/office of professional standards. Caleb Erickson will remain overseeing Whatcom County’s corrections facilities as (See Sheriff, page 2)

land said. “This serves as a good opportunity for someone to come in and think about what they went through and make sure they have their mind and emotions in check before taking more calls.” The police department purchased gym equipment to fill a space formerly used as an auxiliary communications service radio room. The room contains an elliptical, weight machine and other workout equipment. “It encourages a healthier lifestyle, which is important,” Leland said. “A lot (See Blaine PD, page 3)

INSIDE

Blaine City Council will consider approving a zoning change at its January 8 meeting that would allow restaurants along Peace Portal Drive south of the central business district. The residential office zoning district roughly runs west of the Salishan neighborhood to Albert Street, extending a few blocks east of Peace Portal Drive. Lizzie’s Café and Ocean Bay Chinese Restaurant, which both closed in spring 2020, had grandfathered rights that allowed them to operate before zoning laws changed in the ’90s. “Because restaurants are not a permitted use, once they close for 90 days, they are not allowed to reopen,” said Alex Wenger, director of the Community Development Services Department. “We have a number of buildings in this district with commercial kitchens in them that can no longer be used as restaurants.” Mandeep Sran and Shamsher Sran applied for the zoning text amendment in August so they could open a restaurant at the location of Lizzie’s Café, at 1700 Peace Portal Drive. If council approves the zoning change, the restaurant would likely serve a new menu, Mandeep Sran said. The city of Blaine’s comprehensive plan designates the residential office district as a commercial district and supports commercial land use along major roads. The only operating businesses within the district are Anchor Inn Motel, Bayside Motor Inn and Foreign Auto Clinic. Blaine Planning Commission unanimously approved recommending city council approve the zoning amendment during its November 9 meeting. Planning commission had wanted city staff to research whether the city could prohibit restaurant chains from the district, but ultimately decided to approve the recommendation without the clause, Wenger said.

Coming Up . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . 11, 12 Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 6 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14

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The Northern Light • December 14 - 20, 2023

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City council gives final plat approval to third division of The Ridge at Harbor Hills

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By Grace McCarthy

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Blaine City Council unanimously approved the final plat application for the third division of The Ridge at Harbor Hills during its December 11 meeting. The third division includes

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Sheriff ... From page 1

chief corrections deputy. Holly Woll-Salkeld, emergency management program specialist, will serve as interim deputy director of emergency management following the retirement of director John Gargett. Tanksley won Whatcom County Sheriff by 52 percent of the vote during the November general election. He served in the U.S. military for 21 years and has spent the past 4.5 years as chief of police at the Blaine Police Department.

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37 single-family lots, utility and stormwater improvements, a public road, sidewalk and trail improvements, three open spaces and a future city park, according to city documents. The third division is in the northeast section of the east Blaine subdivision. In June 2020, city council approved the preliminary plat and planned unit development for The Ridge at Harbor Hills, previously named East Maple Ridge. The entire subdivision will have 353 units that are a combination of single-family and multi-family homes. “The final plat application is like a consistency review,” said Alex Wenger, director of the Community Development Services Department. “We’ve already reviewed this at city council and planning commission to come up with project conditions, so really we’re reviewing the construction and the project to make sure it’s consistent with the project conditions.” The developers, Skip and Katie Jansen, have installed required public improvements and posted a performance bond for the remaining work on the third division. Jansen said the third division plat is about two-thirds of the way finished, and then will be ready for housing construction. “The project is substantially complete,” Wenger said. “These are the last few items to button it up.”

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December 14 - 20, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com

Blaine PD ... From page 1

of what officers do is active but only when they’re doing those things. The rest of our job is very sedentary.” Each room cost about $10,000, Blaine police chief Donnell Tanksley said during the December 11 Blaine City Council meeting, adding that the remaining funds would go toward counseling sessions for officers. Officer wellness rooms are a new concept to policing, Tanksley said. This is the second officer wellness grant to which Tanksley has applied. The police department also received $50,000 last year from the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, after the state legislature gave the commission funding for officer wellness programs. Susan Rogel, grants and outreach program manager at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, said the commission received funding in 2022 to kick start the

programs, and then received $3 million total to distribute grants in 2023 and 2024. The police department’s first grant went toward an educational series led by local mental health professionals, five private counseling sessions and gym memberships. Officers were also given Fitbit watches, supplements and psychology books. Prior to the funding, the police department didn’t have money or space to address officer health other than crisis training, Tanksley previously told The Northern Light. Leland said officers began having more conversations around their wellbeing after attending the education series earlier this year. “For far too many decades we have failed to understand what officers face on a daily basis that’s not normal for most people,” Leland said. “Without a way to process all of that trauma we are exposed to, it can develop in unhealthy ways that can lead to officer suicide, burnout and other things that are not only damaging to the officer, but are also damaging to the community.”

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Zoning ... From page 1

Wenger told councilmembers it was unlikely someone would want to put a restaurant in a historic home because the process would be challenging and expensive. Councilmember Richard May said he wanted to exclude certain blocks with historic homes in the district, while councilmember Garth Baldwin said he wanted council to consider a caveat that would preserve historic homes. “Sometimes developers will come in and bulldoze down a bunch of nice historic homes because it pencils out very well,” May said. After council unanimously decided to consider the text amendment during their upcoming January 8 meeting, city manager Mike Harmon said there may be procedural issues with the text amendment if council decides to exclude historic homes from the current district.

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s Blaine City Council is considering approving restaurants as a permitted use within the residential office (R/O) zoning district, which runs along Peace Portal Drive, just south of the central business district to Albert Street. Lizzie’s Cafe and Ocean Bay Chinese Restaurant, which are both closed, operated in the district under a grandfather clause. Map courtesy city of Blaine

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The Northern Light • December 14 - 20, 2023

Opinion

The Northern L ght The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc. Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors. Letters Policy The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. The letters to the editor column is primarily intended to allow readers to voice their opinions on local issues of general interest to local readers. A fresh viewpoint will increase the likelihood of publication. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Consumer complaints should be submitted directly to the business in question or the local chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com. Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Nolan Baker nolan@pointrobertspress.com Creative Services Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman production@pointrobertspress.com Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Gary Lee sales@pointrobertspress.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com Contributors In This Issue Doug Dahl Pete Nelson Nilesh Shukla The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVIII, No 27 Circulation: 10,500 copies

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The Vault Wine Bar hosts artist reception

s The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro held an artist reception with a percentage of the proceeds going toward Allied Arts of Whatcom County on December 9. The reception’s featured artists were Kevin Bowers, Angie Dixon, Savilla Kress, Colin Molaski and Rock Morris.

Photo by Ruth Lauman

Giving gifts? Consider this eco-friendly idea By Nilesh Shukla While spending last holiday season with my daughter’s family living across the U.S./ Canada border from Blaine, I witnessed the bubbling enthusiasm of grandchildren in setting up a rather large Christmas tree in their living room. Both parents are following different religions, neither Christian, and yet a well-decorated Christmas tree religiously comes up in their home every December, and stays there till New Year. Christmas draws them into action from their preoccupation with the TV, internet and cell phone. The teamwork of parents and children is a sight to behold. It’s wonderful to see them put up a tree and decorate it with lights, toys and gifts, finishing it with a train going around a snow-covered toy city is just wonderful. The real gifts to be given are secretly bought or prepared a few days before, then wrapped and hidden and are presented only on Christmas morning. Christmas decorating is hard work and needs a creative mind, but gift hunting is an even greater challenge that needs imagination and thought for others. For a gift to be good, ideally it must be such that the receiver loves it, needs it and is useful. It’s even better if we put in our own sweat by painting, sculpting or crafting it. Mostly we apply this yardstick for choosing or making gifts, be it Christmas or birthdays. Recently I came across an enthusiastic father who prepared a wooden checkerboard for chess before Christmas. Most of us have a good collection of tools at home and they can be put into creative endeavors. I felt elat-

ed to see the checkerboard now permanently occupying the coffee table of the sitting room, surrounded by chess-playing siblings. My son, Nipun, prepared a carved wooden name plate for a neighbor. He tiptoed after midnight and put the nameplate on their door. It was a thoughtful surprise for the neighbor when they noticed it on Christmas morning. Once the gifting season is over, when we sit back and re-look at the gifts we received and gave, people may worry that some of them could soon occupy landfills or just lie unnoticed in some corner. While a smile on the child when they receive a gift is precious, one can be more astute in choosing a gift that is really useful. If not, it could be our ignominious contribution to the eco-disaster for Earth and the pandemic of consumerization for society. There is no pride in increasing an already unwieldy ecological footprint. Two years ago, I created a tiny yoga mat from craft paper for my youngest grandson, Kurush. Maybe he liked the idea of selfmade gifts because last year he spent 15 days secretly weaving a cashmere scarf to surprise his dad, Zubin. In turn, Zubin gifted a beautiful shawl made by First Nation peoples in Canada to his wife. Our Indigenous communities deserve accolades for using natural products as gifts and helping the world limit our ecological footprint. In addition to our loved ones, let’s have Mother Earth smile when we give gifts. Nilesh Shukla is a former Blaine resident who recently relocated to Delta, B.C. Shukla has a passion for making the world a better place, one gift at a time.

Courtesy photo

Holiday Schedule FOR THE

Community Newspaper of Blaine & Birch Bay

Just ONE more issue of The Northern Light in December: December 21 NO issue December 28 Call 360-332-1777 or email sales@thenorthernlight.com regarding advertising.

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.

Next issue: Dec. 21 Ads due: Dec. 15

s Nilesh Shukla’s grandson, Kurush, made a cashmere scarf as a Christmas present.

Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: ci.blaine.wa.us. Blaine Planning Commission: Second Thursday, 6 p.m. Info: blainepc@ cityofblaine.com. Info for joining Zoom meetings: bit.ly/3EwWiZi. Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Meetings are second Tues-

day, 5:30 p.m., location varies. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. Note: The December 2023 meeting will be held Tuesday, December 19. 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.

December 14 - 20, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com

Blaine utility rates to increase in March 2024 billing cycle By Grace McCarthy Blaine City Council unanimously approved the city to increase water rates by 17.5 percent and stormwater and sewer rates by 5 percent each. The rate increases will go into effect during the March 2024 billing cycle.

An average Blaine family will pay about $10 more per month, city finance director Daniel Heverling said. The city didn’t increase the electric bill because the electric fund has a surplus and the city received a rebate from Bonneville Power Administration.

The utility increases continue several years of scheduled rate increases. City council first increased the water utility by 17.5 percent for the March 2022 billing cycle, and plans to raise it 17.5 percent annually until 2025, according to previous reporting from The Northern Light.

The stormwater and sewer increase is less than the last increase, which went into effect March 2023. Council has been raising the rates to make up for years that rates didn’t keep up with inflation. Utility fees pay for their respective service, meaning water bills only

pay for water utility maintenance. “The 17.5 percent increase in water is following the recommendations from rate studies we have done in the past,” Heverling said. “These rate increases are necessary to keep up with capital project costs that are anticipated in the future.”

Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce receives funding for 2024 By Nolan Baker The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce was one of multiple organizations promoting tourism around the region to be awarded a new year of funding during the December 5 Whatcom County Council meeting. The Birch Bay Visitor Center, located at 4819 Alderson Road, will receive $136,000 to fund payroll and operations for 2024, approved by unanimous consent

by council. Funding comes from the county’s lodging tax and tourism promotion grant fund. Danielle Gaughen, executive director of Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, said the funding will go toward payroll for three parttime employees, administrative needs such as rent and utilities, and promotional materials. The visitor center has welcomed 1,700 people to Birch Bay so far in 2023, and annual events put on by the chamber hosted

over 17,000 people throughout the year. Birch Bay saw an uptick in travelers returning for vacations since the U.S./Canadian border reopened after the pandemic closures. “2023 provided what felt like a ‘return to normal’ as far as summer tourism and our dual-owners are concerned,” Gaughen wrote to The Northern Light. “We were thrilled to welcome back some regular visitors we hadn’t seen in years.” The chamber reported a 44

percent increase in visitors to the information center from 2022 to 2023, and a 17.5 percent increase in visitors to various chamber events compared to 2022. The Mount Baker Foothills Visitor Center, Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, Northwest Tune-Up, Port of Bellingham, and Sustainable Connections were all granted funding from the lodging tax fund ranging from $40,000 to $200,000 to promote tourism across the county.

The Birch Bay chamber will host its annual Ring of Fire and Hope at 7 p.m. Sunday, December 31 along the beach and Polar Bear Plunge at noon Monday, January 1, 2024 across from Beach Cat Brewing Co. at 7876 Birch Bay Drive. To pre-register for the icy dip, visit bit.ly/3t5W9t3.

Whatcom County searching to fill committee, commission and board vacancies for the new year By Nolan Baker Whatcom County Council and county executive Satpal Sidhu announced a swath of vacancies for board, committee and commission positions, and is inviting the public to apply. With over 100 vacant positions across 35 county advisory organizations, county government is hoping to get the word out about which entities need help, and who is qualified to apply. Most advisory boards require members to have knowledge of the topic they are advising, work in the specific industry, or be a resident of the geographic area they advise. There are two types of advisory committees, council-appointed positions, and executive-appointed positions. Council-appointed positions are meant to workshop and recommend specific policy decisions for councilmembers, while executive-appointed positions are meant to advise the county executive, said Jed Holmes, community outreach facilitator for the executive’s office. Holmes said that end of calendar years are a standard time to see an uptick in vacancies as terms expire. Most applications are due 10 a.m. January 2, 2024, and all applicants must live in and be registered to vote in Whatcom County. Applications can be found at bit.ly/3tlu291. Here is a sampling of some board, commission and committee vacancies relevant to the Blaine and Birch Bay area. Agricultural Advisory Committee: Six vacancies, one current member eligible to reapply. Positions are open for people working in agricultural production and processing, and representatives from Whatcom Family

Farmers, a local farmer interest group. The 13-member committee meets monthly from October through April in four-year terms. Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance Committee: Two vacancies. Members meet quarterly, serving three-year terms to resolve ADA complaints and make recommendations to the executive on accessibility improvements. Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee: Three vacancies, one current member eligible to reapply. Members meet monthly, serving four-year terms advising the executive on increasing safety and use of bicycle and pedestrian travel. Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management District Advisory Committee: Two vacancies, one current member eligible to reapply. Members must reside in Birch Bay Watershed subzone or “represent an employer rate-payer with a site within the subzone.” Four-year term advising council on Birch Bay stormwater program. Business and Commerce Advisory Committee: Two vacancies. One must represent the childcare industry, and another, non-voting, position must represent K-12 public education. Committee meets monthly, advising council on regulations and policies that impact local economic development. Climate Impact Advisory Committee: Six vacancies, three current members eligible to apply, three-year term, meeting monthly to review and recommend actions to council on adapting to impacts of climate change. Council prefers previous experience in climate change, renewable energy and municipal government planning. Drayton Harbor Shellfish Pro-

tection District: Four vacancies, one current member eligible to reapply. Two positions are fouryear terms, one term ends February 2025, another ends February 2027. Meets quarterly, advising council on restoration of water quality in Drayton Harbor. Members must have direct interest in shellfish protection. Marine Resources Committee: Eight vacancies, one of which is a City of Blaine elected official position. Members meet monthly, serving a four-year term advising the executive on local marine issues. Veterans Advisory Board: Three vacancies with two current members eligible to reapply. Only veterans are eligible to serve on board. Monthly meetings, four-year term advising council and executive on the needs of local needy veterans and their families.

CITY OF BLAINE

The county is also seeking applicants for the Boundary Review Board, Board of Equalization, Child and Family Well-being Task Force, Conservation Easement Program Oversight Committee, County Appeals Board, Criminal Justice Treatment Account Panel, Development Standards Technical Advisory Committee, Developmental Disabilities Board, Flood Control Zone District Advisory Committee, Food System Committee, Horticulture Pest and Disease Board, Housing Advisory Committee, Housing Authority, Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force, Northwest Senior Services Board, Noxious Weed Control Board, Open Space Advisory Committee, Planning Commission, Public Health Advisory Board, Solid Waste Advisory Committee and Wildlife Advisory Committee.

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

December 14 9:00am – Park and Cemetery Board Meeting 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting

December 25 City Offices Closed

December 26 3:30 – Civil Service Commission Meeting *CANCELLED*

December 28 9:30am – City Council Meeting

Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website. Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.

www.cityofblaine.com

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The Northern Light • December 14 - 20, 2023

Sports Sports roundup: Boys basketball nabs first league win

s New Blaine girls basketball head coach Vic Wolffis talks to the team during a timeout during their December 5 home game against Bellingham High School.

By Nolan Baker Girls Wrestling The Blaine girls wrestling program has had great team success to start the year. In its first tournament, the Bellingham United Legacy Tourney at Squalicum High School on December 6, Blaine finished with the best team winning percentage: 14 wins to just 8 losses. Three Borderites placed first in their respective weight class, with two each placing in second and third. The Borderites traveled to Oak Harbor on December 6 for a “league dual,” a 1-on-1 matchup between two schools in the same conference. The Borderites split 1-1 against its Northwest Conference (NWC) foe, but Blaine’s individual wrestlers outperformed Oak Harbor by a wide margin, going 11-3 in their matches. Blaine traveled to Lake Stevens for a tournament December 9, and multiple Blaine wrestlers showed out against a wide field of competitors. Abigail Martinez and Kirstin Ward each won two matchups, Lucy Dahl won four individual matches, and London Fletcher and Makenna Lausier each won one. The Borderites’ next meet is scheduled at Sedro-Woolley High School on December 13. Girls Basketball After a hot 2-0 start to the season, the girls basketball team came just three points shy of forcing overtime against Oak Harbor on December 9, but defeated visiting Everett’s Cascade High School on December 7 to bring the team’s record to 3-1 overall, and 1-1 in NWC games. After blowing out Bellingham 53-30 in its first home game of the season on December 5, the Borderites continued the defensive showcase at home with an even larger margin of victory over Cascade, 58-23.

The Borderites started the game on a tear, jumping out to a 20-3 first quarter lead, and kept the pressure on to handily defeat the 3A nonconference visitors from Everett. Blaine dominated in the rebounding category, snagging 55 rebounds led by seniors Deja Dube with 14 and Jordyn Vezzetti with 12. Traveling to Whidbey Island to face Oak Harbor on December 9, the Borderites jumped out to an early lead, but were unable to hold on to the win, losing in a close one, 54-51. The Borderites were just three points shy of forcing overtime to keep its unbeaten start to the season alive, but even with a standout 23-point, 11-rebound performance from Vezzetti, the Borderites couldn’t hold on defensively, allowing by far the most points so far this season. Still led by new head coach Vic Wolffis, Blaine should be gaining confidence after the 3-1 start. The Borderites now head into the thick of the conference schedule, and were scheduled to host Lakewood December 13, then Lynden Christian 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, December 20. Stats provided by WhatcomHoops.com Boys Basketball The Blaine boys basketball team bounced back after a pair of losses to Archbishop Murphy and Bellingham, this time coming away with a dominant, 70-53 home win over NWC rival Oak Harbor on December 9. Led, yet again, by a high-scoring performance from Josiah Weeda, who scored 23 points along with five rebounds, the Borderites rode a hot start to the second half, going on a 17-0 run coming out of the locker room. Noah Tavis also contributed with a double-double, tallying 16 points and 12 rebounds. The win puts the Borderites at 2-2 (1-1 NWC) early in the season, with its next game on the

Photo by Nolan Baker

s Daniel Johner grapples with a Glacier Peak competitor during the Spud Walley Invitational in Sedro-Woolley on December 9. Photo by Rie Pomeroy road scheduled for December 13 against NWC foe Lakewood. With a win against Lakewood, the Borderites can bring their record above .500 for the first time in the young season, to 3-2 and 2-1 in conference play. The Borderites next home game is 7:15 p.m. Friday, December 15 against Squalicum. Stats provided by WhatcomHoops.com Boys Wrestling After dominating at the Mariner High School Invitational to start the boys wrestling season, the Borderites continued into the heart of its schedule, playing two conference meets and a multiteam tournament in the span of just seven days. On December 6, the Borderites earned 66 team points in a conference matchup against Lynden, Mount Baker and Sehome high schools. With just two days of rest, Blaine traveled south to Sedro-Woolley for the 38th annual Spud Walley Invite, then went to Meridian High School to face the hosting Trojans, Mount Baker and Nooksack Valley. The Borderites, again, performed well as a team, earning 60 team points. The fast-paced wrestling

s The referee raises Sam Saia’s arm in victory during the Spud Walley Invitational in Sedro-Woolley on December 9. Photo by Rie Pomeroy schedule chugs along, with the Borderites set to join in the Hammerhead Invitational Tournament at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds on Friday, December 15. The boys wrestling program will get a much-needed holiday

break, then get right back into the season with back-to-back tournaments; Gut Check at the ShoWare Center on Thursday, December 28, then at Vashon Island High School on Friday, December 29.

December 14 - 20, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com

Christmas lights brighten Birch Bay

s The residents at 8255 Beach Way Drive went all out to share their holiday season enthusiasm with the Birch Bay community. Photo by Ruth Lauman

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The Northern Light • December 14 - 20, 2023

Active S eniors

Project holiday spirit at the Blaine Senior Center By Pete Nelson The Christmas spirit: The ideal of family coming together, cold days with warm decorations, happy chatter and love. Some would say we have remade this spirit through a commercial bombardment that now seems to begin earlier and earlier every year. I think I

saw my first Christmas tree sometime before Halloween. Idealism around the holidays has the ability to bring community and friends together but is often lost in the shuffle of Christmas chaos. We have established a precedent that these special days are often about having, whether we are giving or accepting gifts,

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and sometimes forget the most important ingredient: Being the idea of a spirit that gives to those who really need holiday cheer. I bring this up because the holidays can be a sad and lonesome time for many. The loss of a loved one or a life change happens to everyone at some point. Some people have had traditions that are no longer achievable and are longing for the holiday spirit they lost. My holiday spirit has changed. I am guilty of wanting my family to have elaborate Christmas mornings, and I remember the chaos I felt in my own selfishness of wanting to be Santa Claus. The ideal of Christmas was strong in my life and I missed what mattered: Spending time with my family where I taught principles of giving to others, extending a hug to those who need it and making sure those within my community felt the amazing gift of holiday cheer. I now see the spirit of human kindness is

all that really matters. We are all getting older. But it is never too late to change our life stories. There is no greater joy and meaning than making sure others are acknowledged and loved. No greater lesson than realizing that the greatest gift of the holidays is reaching out to those who need holiday cheer. My wish this year is to make our community aware that it is the simple things in life that make it special. It is the kind gestures and actions we take toward others that give us the spirit to endure and make a difference. There is no greater time than now, in our current world, to extend a hand, support a purpose, and share the fortune we have. So, reach out to others, check in on a neighbor, call a long-lost friend, and open your heart to true holiday spirit. Put a smile on your face and remember that one person can change the spirit of another – and it might change

your spirit as well. If you are alone, sad or just need some spirit, come see us at the Blaine Senior Center. Our focus is kindness. As a 501(c)(3), our mission is to support every person as they age and to be a community resource that makes life better. If life seems good, make it better. Join us and get to know our community. Maybe even gain some of the holiday spirit that will elevate your story in 2024. Remember what Dr. Seuss said in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas:” “Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas … perhaps … means a little bit more!” The Blaine community has the ability to be a town that makes a difference. Make this holiday season a stepping stone to establishing the precedence that kindness matters and thinking about others is the greatest gift of all. Pete Nelson is the executive director of Blaine Senior Center.

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Life Line Screening will hold health screenings at American Legion Peace Arch Post 86 on Wednesday, December 20. Blaine and Birch Bay area residents can learn about their risks for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and other serious health conditions. The screening checks include artery plaque buildup, HDL and LDL cholesterol levels and kidney and thyroid function. Preregistration is required, and special package pricing starts at $159. American Legion Peace Arch Post 86 is located at 4580 Legion Drive in Birch Bay. For more information, visit lifelinescrening. com or call 877/237-1287.

December 14 - 20, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com

Wishing You & Your Family

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From Blaine-Birch Bay Park & Recreation District 2 PAC Paid for by: Blaine-Birch Bay Park & Recreation District 2 PAC 978 Harrison Ave., Blaine, WA 98230

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The Northern Light • December 14 - 20, 2023

Birch Bay author publishes children’s book, ‘Pet Store Santa’ By Grace McCarthy Birch Bay author and illustrator Jo Hudson’s book, “Pet Store Santa,” is on bookshelves for the holiday season.

The 26-page book is loosely based on the rhyme scheme of “The Night Before Christmas” as Santa Claus encounters pets for a pet store picture day. Through words and visuals, Hudson illustrates the pets’

s “Pet Store Santa.”

Image courtesy Jo Hudson

VALLEY CHURCH WELCOME HOME

Community Christmas Candlelight Service

Sunday, December 17 • 6 pm

personalities in the story. “I hear things and they sound funny to me,” she said. “Some of the books just make me laugh and I love to laugh. I figure if it makes me smile, it can make someone else smile. If it doesn’t make me smile, then heck with it.” Hudson’s husband, Tom, inspired the book from his time volunteering as Santa at pet and feed stores, bringing holiday spirit to everything from St. Bernards to alligators. Hudson said her love for children’s books formed reading books to classmates at the back of the school bus, but she wasn’t able to hone her passion until retiring as general manager of Hardware Sales in Bellingham. “I’d think of something that would be a good story idea and would write them on scraps of paper,” Hudson said. “I had this jar that was full of scraps of paper. When I retired, I started picking which ones I wanted to write stories about.” Hudson will determine if an idea has enough substance to become a book, and if it doesn’t, she may opt for it to become a poem. She’ll then create a 32-page storyboard, draw the characters and determine if the book would be entertaining enough to read more than once. “Pet Store Santa” was Hudson’s third book, which she published independently in July, and was followed by her fourth book about a bear’s birthday party called, “Big

Holiday

www.myvalleychurch.net 1733 H Street #260, Blaine (Next to Westside Pizza)

s Birch Bay author and illustrator Jo Hudson self-published “Pet Store Santa” in time for Christmas. Photo by Tom Hudson the Bear and Friends.” “I just want people to have fun. Reading can be fun,” Hudson said. “Kids love pets and

Worship

Zion Lutheran Church

Celebrate Christmas

Christmas Eve Worship

10:30 am & 8 pm Candlelight Service

Sunday, Dec. 24th at 5:00 PM 7215 Valley View Rd. • 360-366-5567 www.zionlutheranwhatcom.org

The Blaine United Church of Christ Invites you to join us for

10:30 am • Service 7 pm • Christmas Story & Carols 11:30 pm • Candlelight Service Zoom available for all services. Call for link. Blaine United Church of Christ Pastor Sandy Wisecarver 885 4th Street, Blaine WA 98230 360-332-6906

Services

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day 10 am

Grace Lutheran Church 702 G St.

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Christ Episcopal Church

Christmas Sunday Service

The LongesT nighT:

December 24th 10am

Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 6 pm

Christmas Eve

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Christmas Eve Services Sunday, December 24

kids love Santa.” “Pet Store Santa” is sold at Village Books in Fairhaven and on Amazon.

ChrisTmas eve serviCes Sunday, December 24

10 am - Simple Advent Eucharist 5 pm - Festival Eucharist of the Nativity Also on Facebook Live www.facebook.com/christchurchblaine

382 Boblett, Blaine christchurchblaine.org The Rev. Susan Mills

in the

Country Candlelight Service 7pm

Come & Join Us Pastor Bing C. Canlas

Custer United Methodist Church 2996 Main Street • Custer

360-366-5181

December 14 - 20, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com

NEXT ISSUE: Dec. 21 AD DEADLINE: Dec. 18

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Legal PUBLIC NOTICE

T-Mobile intends to collocate antennas and associated wireless telecommunications equipment on an approximate 162foot self-support tower located at 4375 Hall Road, Blaine, WA 98230 (48⁰ 57’ 55.2” N, 122⁰ 42’ 52.6” W). Impact7G, Inc. is publishing this notice in accordance with Federal Communications Commission regulations (47 CFR § 1.1307) for Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and for the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Parties interested in commenting on this Federal undertaking or with questions on the proposed facility should contact Impact7G, Inc. at 8951 Windsor Parkway, Johnston, Iowa 50131 or call 515-473-6256 and reference project # T-Mobile (NW)-789-CM. Published in the December 14,2023 edition of The Northern Light newspaper.

FIND IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS! THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY In Re The Estate of: WILLIAM PAUL BRASSFIELD, JR., Deceased. No. 23-4-07688-2 KNT. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030) (NTCRD) The person named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this Estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below, a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditors as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of this notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and RCW 11.40.60. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: Thursday, November 30, 2023 Personal Representative: Danny Brassfield DATED: November 20, 2023. Counsel for Personal Representative Peter Klipstein, WSBA #26507 Address for Mailing or Service: CURRAN LAW FIRM, P.S. 33400 9th Avenue S, Suite 120 Federal Way, WA 98003 Telephone: 253-852-2345 Facsimile: 253-852-2030 Email: pklipstein@curranfirm.com Curran Law Firm, P.S. 33400 9th Avenue S, Suite 120 Federal Way, WA 98003 (NTCRD) RCW 11.40.030, Rev 7/05

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: HAROLD WAYNE LOERKE, Deceased. No. 23-4-01080-37 NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge David Freeman. The Person named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both of the decedents’ probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: November 29, 2023, with the Clerk of Court Date of First Publication: December 7, 2023 Name of Personal Representative: Frank Harold Loerke Attorney for Personal Representative: Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339 Address for Mailing or Service: True North Legal Services, PLLC PO Box 934, Bellingham, WA 98227 P: (360) 639-3393 E: Genissa@truenorthlegalservices.com DATED: November 29, 2023 True North Legal Services, PLLC Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339 Attorney for Personal Representative: Frank Harold Loerke

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Wesley Thomas Frazier, Deceased. NO. 23-4-01078-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: David Freeman. The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: November 30, 2023 Personal Representative: Jennifer Bryan 4561 W 16th Avenue Vancouver, BC V6R 3E8 CANADA Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 23 4 01078 37

The Northern Light • December 14 - 20, 2023

Real Estate

Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom Inc. 8105 Birch Bay Square Street, #101 Blaine, WA • 360-371-5100 I-5 Exit 270

BLAINE, BIRCH BAY & SEMIAHMOO B I R C H B AY

NEW

7806 Birch Bay Dr #711

7714 Birch Bay Dr #108

MLS #2140732 $298,500 Fresh off a stunning remodel, don’t miss this completely dialed in ground floor unit in sought after Jacob’s Landing! Open floor plan sets the tone, & you’ll love the brandnew windows, water heater, cabinets, LVP flooring, trim, fireplace, backsplash & bathroom/shower...all the things are done! Walk out the slider to direct garden/patio access and sweet smell of saltwater. The ideal full or part time residence + Jacob’s Landing allows for short term vacation rentals.

MLS #2179608 $549,000 Discover coastal luxury in this 3-bed, 2-bath ground-floor condo. Newer stainless appliances, granite countertops, and hardwood floors adorn the open living and dining areas with vaulted ceilings. A stunning master suite and a bay-view patio await. Enjoy a large hot tub, storage room for bicycles, kayaks, paddle boards and access to a beautiful private beach. Whether it’s a permanent residence or a weekend escape, relish Birch Bay’s local amenities.

Leah Crews 360-305-4747

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PRIC

5842 Salish Road

MLS #2163053 $417,100 Discover affordable comfort in Birch Bay Village with this 3 bed, 2 bath home totaling 1,404 sf. Built in 2005, featuring vaulted ceilings, skylight, walk-in closet plus spacious primary bathroom. New ductless mini-splits provide energy-efficient heating & cooling plus wood stove for staying cozy in winter. Plenty of storage in the detached garage/shop. Recent improvements include new interior paint throughout, new appliances, water heater replacement, and more.

Matt Berry 360-389-0104

7530 Birch Bay Drive #104

MLS #2162814 $230,000 2-bedroom charming Cabana Club ground floor condo fresh off a complete remodel and ready for you to live that year-round vacation lifestyle! Overlooking the heated outdoor pool, this cheery & bright end unit features brand new LVP flooring, on-trend light cabinets, counters, stainless steel appliances and light fixtures. Fantastic walkable location to all that Birch Bay offers...the beach, the walking path along the bay, the State Park, dining + entertainment.

Jen Freeman 360-815-0803

4550 Alderson Road #A12

MLS #2178663 $178,500 Birch Bay Storage unit in the gated my garage development. Owner owns the unit right across the driveway B12 from this unit A12. Closing will be coordinated with the completion of a new mezzanine in B12s so seller only have to move once. A12. +/- A12 offers a Commercial garage door opener with electronic lock & external entry key-pad, natural gas heater. $2000 in extra electrical outlets around the entire interior. 4k Samsung TV installed. Advantage Car lift negotiable.

Brian Southwick 360-815-6638

B I R C H B AY

7704 Birch Bay Dr #30-01

MLS #2044855 $75,000 Simple, affordable, living close to the ocean! A fiveminute walk to the beach, dining, crabbing, and amazing sunsets. Everything is included in this 1992 Park Model that makes it move-in ready. Ample clean & very minimally used light beachy cabinets in excellent condition throughout. One bedroom, full bath, vaulted ceilings with a private yard, covered deck, and community fire pit to enjoy with your neighbors. Come and take a look at this Birch Bay gem, perfect for a second home getaway. A Cabana for extra space and storage is located in the backyard.

Lesha Hutchison 360-510-0640

7609 Birch Bay Drive #107

MLS #2163316 $995,000 Rare find in this beautiful low-bank Birch Bay waterfront condo where you can paddleboard or kayak off your own private beach! A 2-story, 3 bdrm, 3 bthrm at the desired Coast Haven Condominiums in the heart of the bay. Remodeled and updated kitchen & bathrooms with high-end finishes, cabinets, flooring, all new windows and coverings, & newly painted exterior. Open floor plan with living room & kitchen boasting a fabulous view plus a deck & stunning view from the upper primary bedroom. Step off spacious new composite deck right onto the beach! Covered carport.

Randy Weg 360-305-5704

7954 Birch Bay Dr #38

MLS #2006209 $94,999 Affordable beach front living! Welcome to this cozy cottage in Birch Bay with Panoramic views of the ocean. Light & bright all around with vaulted ceilings & skylights. Ample cabinets throughout are in excellent condition. Original, clean, comfortable, custom furniture made by Lazyboy and other quality COs. to be included in the sale. All white appliances, new furnace, and mounted TV with surround sound. Added guest bedroom has separate entrance & bunkbeds.

Lesha Hutchison 360-510-0640 BLAINE

Skeena Way - Lot 10

MLS #2067337 $115,000 Great Birch Bay Village building lot on creek & beaver pond w/lots of wildlife including Great Blue Herons, ducks, & more. Very affordable lot to gain access to “Village” amenities such as saltwater marina w/brand new docks being installed, private golf course, tennis, pickleball, clubhouse etc. Better yet, build your dream home. 24/7 Guard Gated security & community patrols for added “Peace of Mind”. Numerous beachfront parks & miles of beaches to explore. Birch Bay Village is minutes from US/Canada Border & bustling downtown Blaine. “Come Home to a Vacation.

Mike Kent 360-815-3898

Niska Road

MLS #2170926 $155,000 Discover the perfect canvas for your dream home in Birch Bay! This sloped, grassy lot offers views of both Birch Bay & majestic Mt. Baker. Nestled within the gated community of Birch Bay Village, you’ll enjoy a lifestyle filled with amenities: Golf course, marina w/boat launch, swimming pool, athletic courts, waterfront parks, & more! Build your sanctuary here & savor Pacific Northwest living at its finest. Birch Bay boasts an enviable location & is a short drive to Blaine city core. Jump over the border to White Rock BC, just 30 minutes away, or take a drive up to Vancouver. .

Lisa Kent 360-594-8034

4584 Anderson Road

MLS #2169372 $1,100,000 Discover country living in this meticulously maintained single-story home on 4.8 acres, offering an impressive 2,613 sqft. of space. The cozy entry opens to a kitchen that seamlessly flows into the inviting living area. Vaulted ceilings with immaculate wood inlay & clerestory windows provide an abundance of natural light - an atmosphere that’s as spacious as it is welcoming. For the auto/DIY enthusiast, there’s a 2-bay pole building with in-ground lift, a 2-car garage, & covered RV storage – a true haven for your passion projects. But the allure doesn’t end there.

Kathy Stauffer 360-815-9245

www.windermere.com

Buying or Selling... Get Results.

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December 14 - 20, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com

Road Rules: Sharing the road with horses

O B I T U A RY Thomas Clyle Stacie November 25, 1941 – October 21, 2023

By Doug Dahl

Photo by Louise Mugar

driver could be ticketed for crossing a solid center line, but I’ve never heard of it happening in this situation either. I don’t know the perfect speed to pass a horse, but here’s my advice: When there’s a discrepancy between what a driver thinks is the right speed, and what a vulnerable road user (anyone not protected by a cage) thinks is the right speed, us drivers should lean toward the perspective of the most vulnerable people on the road. Doug Dahl is a manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.

Thomas Clyle Stacie, 81, of Enumclaw, WA, passed away unexpectedly on his beloved Ferndale farm on October 21, 2023. He was born on November 25, 1941, in Wisconsin. Also known by friends as Tom or “Buck” by close family members. After serving in the Air Force for four years, Tom pursued a career at Boeing Company in Auburn, as a tool and die maker. He dedicated over 55 years of his life to the company before retiring. Tom was highly skilled in his profession and made significant contributions throughout his career. Outside of work, Tom had a deep passion for farming, especially wheat farming in Eastern Washington. He spent countless hours tending to his Holstein springers and enjoyed being out on his farms. He was also actively involved in various community activities, including working with the Boy Scouts and assisting with the science program at Enumclaw High School. When his children were younger, he was an enthusiastic supporter of 4-H and enjoyed skiing with his family. Tom had a zest for life and loved spending time with his loved ones. He and his wife of almost 45 years, Judy, often enjoyed going out for Chinese food and traveling to the Mediterranean, Tahiti, and the Marquesas Islands together. Tom was a natural storyteller and could captivate anyone with his tales, particularly those related to farming, and the history of farming. Once he started chatting with neighbors or strangers, there was no escaping his engaging stories. He loved driving distances, whether it be as near as Woodburn, OR for grain and hay or as far away as Montreal, Quebec for farming equipment. Tom is survived by his wife, Judy Stacie; his daughters, Heather and Hillary Stacie; and his son, Torrance Stacie. As well as sister, Sue Marten and family. Also, close family friends, Bill Praska, and Destiny Krum and family. He was preceded in death by his father, Clyle Stacie, and mother, Esther Stacie. Tom graduated from Kent-Meridian High School in Kent, WA, and furthered his education at Green River Community College after discharge from the military. Tom will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His legacy of hard work, kindness, willingness to lend a helping hand, and dedication to his community will always be remembered. A memorial service to honor Tom’s life will be held at a later date. Please sign the Book of Memories, light a candle, read the obituary, check for updated information, and leave your condolences for the family at www.JernsFH.com In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice.

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