October 8 - 14, 2015
FREE
Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer
IN THIS
ISSUE
Active seniors special section, pages 9-12
Public pier fix moves forward
Coverage of Birch Bay candidates forum, pages 6-7
Guide to charter amendments, pages 16-17
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
Edaleen has a cow
By Ian Ferguson A permanent fix to the Blaine public fishing pier is in the works, and four possible alternatives will be made public in the coming weeks. The pier at the end of Marine Drive has been closed to vehicle traffic since April 2014, when the heavy equipment used to replace pilings damaged the road leading out to the pier, and revealed how structurally unsound the road is. The pier is still open to pedestrians and bicycles, although Blaine residents and city staff have complained about signage and fencing that make the area appear closed to visitors. The Port of Bellingham has entered an inter-local agreement with Blaine Public Works to fix the pier. The two parties hired design consultant Reid Middleton to come up with four alternatives. The drawings are complete, and will be made publicly available in the coming weeks, according to public works director Ravyn Whitewolf. “I’m excited about a public unveiling of these plans, and I anticipate that we’ll have some sort of public process this month,” Whitewolf said. “There will probably be a public hearing or two, with the drawings available to view at city hall.” The plans show four alternatives of varying complexity and anticipated cost. All four alternatives are the same east of where the road narrows near the Star Fish, Inc. building, Whitewolf said. West from that point, the plans vary in terms of road width and access. One alternative is for a standard, twolane road leading out to the pier, with the new road well outside the footprint of the current road. A second alternative is for a narrower road that is closer to the current footprint. The third alternative is for a single-lane road with access only for pedestrians, bicycles and disabled/handicap drivers. The fourth alternative is a public promenade for pedestrians and cyclists, (See Pier, page 2)
s Edaleen Dairy’s entry in the annual scarecrow contest chills outside their store on Peace Portal Drive. Edaleen will be celebrating their one-year anniversary in Blaine this weekend with special sales and free hot dogs.
Photo by Steve Guntli
Celebrate fall at the Bountiful Harvest festival By Steve Guntli Celebrate the changing of the seasons with the Bountiful Harvest festival on Saturday, October 10. The city of Blaine and the Blaine Chamber of Commerce are hosting the festival, as well as a tour of the town’s scarecrow displays. The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gardener’s Market in H Street Plaza. In addition to the usual
Gardener’s Market offerings of fresh local produce and crafts, the festival will feature pumpkin carving, prize drawings, crafts, snacks and live music. Edaleen Dairy will also be getting in on the fun, as the store celebrates its one-year anniversary in Blaine. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Edaleen will offer free hot dogs, special demonstrations and limited-time sales on their products. During the festival, take a tour of the town to check out scarecrow displays in
Playground ribbon cutting set for Monday By Steve Guntli At long last, Blaine’s new Marine Park playground will open on Monday, October 12. The project has been in the works for more than a year, and has endured several setbacks that caused the city to delay the opening from to mid-October. Now, the pieces are in place, the construction is done and the city is ready to cut the ribbon.
Alex Wenger, deputy community developer, said the city plans to commemorate the opening with a special ceremony on the evening of October 12. At 5 p.m., city officials will cut the ribbon and allow kids to play on the nautical-themed play set for the first time. Refreshments will be available. The opening will also feature a speech from Blaine Birch Bay Parks and Recreation District 2 director Jeff Carrington and a performance from the Blaine High
School band. The city is still seeking donations to add other amenities to the playground in the future, such as picnic tables, benches, trashcans and free Wi-Fi access. Donors who have already contributed to the playground will be honored with bronze plaques in the shape of local marine life on a concrete wall in the playground. For more information on how to donate, visit ci.blaine.wa.us.
front of several Blaine homes and businesses. The chamber will provide maps to the displays at the visitor information center. After taking in the sights, visit blainechamber.com to vote for the best display. The business with the most votes will win a free advertisement in The Northern Light. Voting will run from October 10 to November 7. For more information, visit blainechamber.com.
Online
thenorthernlight.com facebook.com/thenorthernlight
Inside
Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Coming Up . . . . . . . . . . 17 Tides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
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The Northern Light • October 8 - 14, 2015
HUGE DEALS. every aisle.
FREE
Police still searching for missing Concrete man two years later
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1750 Labounty Dr. Ste. A • Ferndale, WA 98248 (360) 922-7350 • Mon. - Sat. 8am - 10pm; Sun. 9am - 8pm facebook.com/FerndaleGroceryOutlet
Y’All Come!
s Jason Lovelady in 2011.
DAILY Apple & Pumpkin
U-Pick/We Pick Honeycrisp & More
Fresh Cider Pumpkin Patch Country Café
Breakfast & Lunch
Distillery Tastings
ON WEEKENDS!
Great Fall Family Fun!
Apple Bin Train Rides Live Music Distillery Tours 12 & 2 pm
Corn Maze Corn Cannons Facepainting
HARVEST HAPPENS! CIDERFEST • NOVEMBER 7 Save the Date!
Photo courtesy Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office
In 2013, Jason Lee Lovelady disappeared without a trace. Two years later, and the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office hasn’t given up. On September 29, county undersheriff Jeff Parks issued a press release seeking more information on Lovelady’s disappearance. Lovelady was last seen on October 5, 2013. At the time of his disappearance, Lovelady, then 38, was gathering pine cones with his family near the Elbow Lake trailhead in the Mt. Baker foothills, according to Lovelady’s mother. After searching for about four hours, the family called the sher-
iff to help with the search. Volunteers searched throughout the night October 5 and all day October 6, but were unable to find any sign of him. The site is near the Nooksack River and Walnick Creek, both of which were flowing fast at the time of Lovelady’s disappearance. At the time of the disappearance, Parks said Lovelady was carrying a 3-gallon white plastic bucket for pine cones. Searchers found no sign of the bucket. “It’s kind of a strange one,” Parks told the Bellingham Herald in 2013. “They searched extensively but there was no indication
he was there.” Lovelady is described as 5'9" tall, around 180 lbs., with brown hair and green eyes. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing light green shorts, a red and black flannel shirt and ankle-high brown work boots. Parks said his department has maintained contact with the family since the disappearance. According to the sheriff’s office, no one in the family is a suspect. If anyone has information regarding Lovelady’s disappearance, contact detective Steve Roff at 360/778-6633.
Pier ...
based on access volume. Compared to a throughway road, the pier road sees very little traffic and would be considered low-priority for many types of grants. “We’re going to be looking at different types of funding for this, possibly through parks and recreation grants or through cleanup funds. Picking up the concrete chunks and other debris at the water’s edge alongside the road has an environmental benefit, so there could be department of ecology funding for that,” Whitewolf said. Norman Gilbert, project man-
ager for the Port of Bellingham, said the port and the city of Blaine would continue to work together to find funding for the project. With funding uncertain, the process to fix the pier road could take years, but at a city council meeting in September, Whitewolf said public works is open to finding a short-term solution to make the area more attractive to pedestrians. Some suggestions included removing the chains across the concrete blocks blocking the road, improving signage and placing flower planters at the entrance.
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with no vehicle access except for emergency and maintenance vehicles. “After we decide which alternative is best, the next step is to look for funding,” Whitewolf said. “Even the promenade option would cost around $2 million.” Whitewolf added that finding money for the pier road would be a challenge because the majority of state and federal transportation grants are prioritized
Happy Canadian Thanksgiving October 10 & 11 in Pierside Kitchen • 5pm - 10pm October 12 in Packers Oyster Bar • 5pm - 10pm
We invite our friends across the border to celebrate Thanksgiving with a seaside view this year. Join us for a mouthwatering traditional turkey dinner.,
$36 pp
$16 pp
Adults
Children (6-12) 5 and under dine free. Priced at Par for Canadians with Government issue I.D.
Reservations: 360.318.2044
VERY Annual Fall
BIG
SALE!
October 10 & 11 • 7:30am-5:30pm Loomis Trail Golf & Country Club AND Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club Start your holiday shopping early!
All in-stock merchandise at the pro-shops will be discounted, from logoed clothing to clubs!
Join Us For A
na o i t i d a Tr
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October 10 1 - 5pm
Celebrate the season with traditional German Oktoberfest Beers, paired with Bavarian tasting plates in our tent on Semiahmoo Pier. Rain or shine! $25 for 5 beer tasters and plates. For $10 more purchase a souvenir Semiahmoo logo beer mug and fill it with your favorite.
Discover Your Semiahmoo Experience. 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway • Blaine • www.semiahmoo.com • 360.318.2000
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October 8 - 14, 2015 • thenorthernlight.com
Ferndale couple fined for polluting Drayton watershed By Steve Guntli The Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) recently fined a Ferndale couple for polluting the Drayton Harbor watershed. Jim and Victoria Snydar own a property near California Creek, outside of Ferndale. The DOE is fining the couple $12,000 for failing to store livestock manure properly. The penalty cited a lack of adequate cover for manure storage, improper manure spreading and accumulating manure on areas that slope down to a body of water. “The problems on this property are significant, but can be
addressed with commonly used practices,” said Doug Allen, manager of DOE’s Bellingham field office. “Where livestock are confined to small areas that slope to a ditch or stream, extra care must be taken to avoid pollution.” Bacteria from manure can pose a direct threat to human health, either through direct contact or by contaminating shellfish. The Drayton Harbor watershed has struggled with high levels of fecal coliform bacteria for years, which continues to limit the output of shellfish. Animal leavings were running downhill into California Creek, which feeds into Dray-
ton Harbor. DOE also found animals had direct access to the creek, meaning they could walk around or defecate directly into the water. The DOE has cited the Snydars on several other occasions, after water testers found elevated levels of fecal bacteria in the water near their property. In March 2014, water at the site was 85 times the state limit for pollution. One month later, the site was down to 46 times the state limit. Allen said his department has made repeated attempts to work with the Snydars to alleviate the problem. Penalties from the DOE can be appealed.
Dog-tober Fest
BUY ONE COMBINATION MEAL
(Lunch or Dinner) WITH PURCHASE OF 2 DRINKS & GET 2ND COMBINATION MEAL (of equal or lesser value)
1/2 PRICE! DINE IN ONLY. Not valid with any other offers. Exp. 10/22/2015
Saturday, October 10 • 1-3 pm Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini St. (off Alderson Rd.)
Families! Bring your leashed canine friend to Bay Horizon "Bark"
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Even when it rains, I shine!
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360-815- 4718 • kstauffer@windermere.com • kathystauffer.com
We have the LARGEST SELECTION of NEW
BEACH CRUISER BIKES FOR SALE in the County!
Introducing HANG TEN Bikes to our shop-full of 3G, Phat Cycles, Evo, Firmstrong, Greenline, Sun Cruisers. Discount Bike Accessories in our Beach Cruiser Boutique
1358 Gulf Rd. Point Roberts • Fri - Mon, 10 - 6
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Special presentation by Alecia of Nose Works Magic
Meet Tammy from Canine Divine Spa
Watch the Football Games here!
Your dog will enjoy fun activities and games
Live music with
J.P. FALCON GRADY
Dynamite Images will be on hand to capture these precious moments
Saturdays 7 pm
Open 7 days a week for lunch & dinner!
758 Peace Portal Drive Blaine • 332-4045
FREE hotdogs and drinks for participants
www.pasodelnorte.net
New Owners • New Menu • Newly Remodeled
Food Tastes Better at The Beach!
FREE APPETIZER with purchase of 2 entrées Not valid with other offers. Valid Mon-Thurs. Exp. 10/29/2015
Anniversary Celebration
Open 7 Days • 11:30 - 8 • Till 9 in the Back 7876 Birch Bay Drive • 360-306-3597 www.TheBeachAtBirchBay.com
1ST Year in Blaine
40 YEARS FOR EDALEEN DAIRY
Saturday, October 10 • Noon - 3 pm EE Hot Dogs & Chips FRFree
Birthday Cake & Coffee Samples of Hamballs made with our Ham Loaf!
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Fresh, Homemade Family-Style Dining
Sale Items - Friday & Saturday - All Day! EGG NOG Quarts
ICE CREAM 1.75 Qt.
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FRIDAY & SATURDAY • OCTOBER 9 & 10
BBQ RIBS
1499
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with baked beans & broccoli salad.
Fall Hours:
Sunday - Thursday 7am - 8pm • Friday & Saturday 7am - 9pm
4823 Alderson Road, Birch Bay Corner of Birch Bay Dr. & Alderson Rd (beside The C Shop) 360-778-3826
4
The Northern Light • October 8 - 14, 2015
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, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors. Letters Policy The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Consumer complaints should be submitted directly to the business in question or the local chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com. Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@thenorthernlight.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@thenorthernlight.com Editor Steve Guntli steve@pointrobertspress.com Copy Editor Kara Furr kara@pointrobertspress.com
s This Steller’s jay, photographed at a Blaine feeder, i s a close relative of the blue jay found east of the continental divide. Jays, along with ravens and magpies, are part of the crow family. Noisy and conspicuous when foraging (or ganging up on an owl or hawk), their nests are often very hard to find. Their favorite foods are seeds and nuts.
Photo by Jack Kintner
Reporter Ian Ferguson ian@pointrobertspress.com Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser production@thenorthernlight.com Office Manager Amy Weaver info@thenorthernlight.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Janet McCall Catherine Darkenwald sales@thenorthernlight.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@thenorthernlight.com Contributors In This Issue Lorrie Conyac The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200 Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXI, No 17 Circulation: 10,500 copies
Letters The Editor: Whatcom County isn’t that large and we all know each other. Our family knows both families of Port of Bellingham commissioner candidates Gary Jensen and Bobby Briscoe. Both men are great people and lifelong Whatcom County residents. Folks, it’s unique to have an election with two fine candidates – really terrific men. But for many reasons I am supporting Gary Jensen. First, he is committed to both the environment and economic development. As Ferndale mayor for eight years, he leaves no doubt that a
public official can promote policies that ensure a healthy environment and create jobs. Gary Jensen also knows the port issues. I attended a recent forum by the League of Women Voters. He showed a stronger grasp of essential port and county issues. Third, Jensen’s political experience should be considered. That experience is essential to navigating issues between the port, the cities and county. Finally, Jensen has been uniquely able to reach across both aisles, garner support from both the left-handed and right-handed and show that he can work
with all parties. Democrats tried to recruit Jensen a year ago to run for state office, and this year Republicans have endorsed his candidacy. That type of bipartisan giftedness is essential for the port commission – especially so, since there are only three commissioners. Our family supports Gary Jensen for port commissioner. Jon Mutchler Ferndale Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Civic Meetings
Circulation Independently verified by:
Next issue: Oct. 15 Ads due: Oct. 9
Birch Bay Water & Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4:30 p.m., district offices, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info: bbwsd.com.
Birch Bay Watershed & Aquatic Resources Management District: Third Wednesday, 6 p.m., location varies. Info: bbwarm.whatcom county.org.
Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: ci.blaine.wa.us.
Blaine Parks Board: Third Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.
Blaine Planning Commission: Second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: blainepc@ cityofblaine.com.
Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info: blaine.wednet.edu.
Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Birch Bay Chamber Office, 7900 Birch Bay Drive, Birch Bay. Info: blainebirchbayparkandrec.org.
North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Third Thursday, 7 p.m. Blaine Fire Station. Info: nwfrs.net.
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October 8 - 14, 2015 • thenorthernlight.com
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s For the second year in a row, the City of Blaine’s wastewater operators received a perfect compliance award from the state department of ecology. Accepting the award are, from l.: Matt Luttrell, lead operator Chrissy Ness and Frank Arnett.
Kathy Stauffer
Even when it rains, I shine!
Managing Broker/Windermere-Whatcom
Photo by Ravyn Whitewolf
360-815- 4718 • kstauffer@windermere.com • kathystauffer.com
Enjoy authentic German beers this weekend at Semiahmoo’s Oktoberfest The storied German tradition of Oktoberfest makes its annual grand return, and Semiahmoo Resort Golf Spa is getting in on the fun. On Saturday, October 10 from 1 to 5 p.m., participants can partake in dozens of beers from all around the world for Semiahmoo’s first-ever Oktoberfest celebration. Suresh Rao, Semiahmoo’s food and beverage director, has imported some genuine German beers specifically for the event. Visitors can try authentic Ok-
toberfest brews such as Ayinger Privatbrauerei Bavarian Lager, Bitburger Premium Pilsner and Ayinger Brauweisse Bavarian Hefeweizen. A selection of local beers will be on tap from Boundary Bay Brewery, Chuckanut Brewing, Fremont Brewing and Leavenworth Brewing Company. The menu will consist of authentic German cuisine designed to pair well with the selection of beers. Try treats like cheddar beer soup with crispy shallots, grilled Bavarian bratwurst and German
potato salad, roasted garlic and herb spaetzle with foraged mushrooms and caramelized onions and a honeycrisp apple strudel for dessert. For $25, participants get five beer tasters and tasting plates. For an additional $10, take home a souvenir Semiahmoo beer mug. The event will be held in an outdoor tent, so visitors should dress for crisp fall weather. Tickets are available at the door. For more information, visit semiahmoo. com.
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Sat., October 17 • 9am - 5pm Extra 10% Off 25% Off
Unless noted, all meetings are held at City Hall, 435 Martin Street, Suite 4000 and are open to the public.
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Planning Commission meeting
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Thursday, October 8, Canceled Monday, October 12, 4 pm – Study Session –
Strategic Plan Workshop
5 pm – Marine Park Playground
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
6 pm - City Council meeting Tuesday, October 13, 8 am
Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee meeting
Thursday, October 15, 9:30 am
Park and Cemetery Board meeting Tuesday, October 20, 3 pm
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The Northern Light • October 8 - 14, 2015
Candidates talk jail, voter districts at Birch Bay forum
s The candidates gather at Birch Bay Bible Community Church on October 1.
By Ian Ferguson With the November general elections coming up, a crowd gathered at the Birch Bay Bible Community Church October 1 to meet and hear from candidates for local government at the annual Birch Bay Candidates Forum. Twelve candidates showed up to talk about the issues and answer questions. The forum was co-sponsored by the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, the Blaine Chamber of Commerce, the Birch Bay Bible Community Church and The Northern Light. Terry Terry moderated the forum, reading questions that were previously emailed to candidates as well as questions submitted by the audience. Due to the lengthy responses from the many candidates in attendance, we’ve chosen to print the responses to two questions that generated the most debate among candidates: how should county council voter districts be organized, and what should be done about the new jail? Next week, we’ll run questions for the Port of Bellingham, Blaine school board and fire protection district 21 candidates, and their responses from the forum. In attendance: Whatcom County Council: Bruce Ayers – District 1 position B Todd Donovan – District 1 position B Kathy Kershner – District 2 position B Satpal Sidhu – District 2 position B Barbara Brenner – District 3 position B (unopposed) Whatcom County Executive: Joy Gilfilen Jack Louws Whatcom County Sheriff: Bill Elfo Port of Bellingham district 3 commissioner: Robert Briscoe Gary S. Jensen Blaine school board director district 3: Joan Lotze
Fire protection district 21 commissioner position 1: John Crawford Did not attend: Blaine school board director district 3 Russ Schutt Fire protection district 21 commissioner position 1 Dean Whitney Question 1 (read by Terry Terry): Propositions from the charter review commission and from the county council could have a profound impact on the way we vote and the shape of the county council we elect. Two important propositions would change the way the county councilmembers are elected. Proposed amendment number one by the charter review commission would require district-only voting for the county council members in their current three districts. If passed, there would be county councilmembers in each district, voted on only by the district residents, plus one at-large position that could continue to be selected by voters from the entire county. Proposition nine is proposed by county council. It would redraw the electoral map to create five council districts instead of the current three. If passed, there would be one council position in each of the five districts plus two at-large positions that would be nominated without regard to district. [Editor’s note: Currently, all Whatcom County voters elect all seven county councilmembers, regardless of the district they represent. The three districts each have two representatives, and there is a seventh at-large councilmember.] Barbara Brenner: I had the ability to sit through both types of processes, countywide and district-only. We’ve always had countywide, which means you get to vote for seven people. It means they have to answer to all of you. You have to live in the district, but you get answers from everybody. The thing that doesn’t work, as soon as district-only passed,
Photo by Ian Ferguson
almost all the council members started saying, “I don’t care, it’s not in my district.” It turns into the same kind of stalemate problems they have at the state and federal level. We’re a local government. I don’t think we need to cut ourselves up any more. Todd Donovan: I was actually on the charter review commission, which was a fabulous process. Almost every issue, people on both sides of the aisle – left, right, conservative, liberal – we found common ground. We could compromise and agree to not disagree. But the districting thing was one issue where we couldn’t really move. I’m a fan of the at-large system. I agree with what Barbara said; I think it gives better representation. But we heard from a lot of people who wanted districts. They didn’t want to be in a district, if they’re in Lynden, with part of Bellingham, or in Birch Bay, with part of Bellingham – every district having part of Bellingham. So I offered a compromise proposal where we would have five districts that would be elected by district in the general election and two at-large to kind of blend the at-large and the districts, but neither party liked that. The council has put on this five district thing that would still be like the at-large and the districts, but at least you would have five districts and there would be a specific member, say from the Lynden-Sumas area, or from the Blaine-Birch Bay area. Kathy Kershner: Just like we in Whatcom County don’t like Seattle city residents making our laws and rules that affect us without a voice in that process, I think in our local elections we have some of the same dynamics, where we’ve got rural and agricultural communities that are not feeling like they’re getting a voice on our county council. So I’m in favor of voting by district. Full disclosure: the two races that I’ve actually run, I’ve garnered the majority of support from the district that I’m running
to represent, so it would make sense that the district I’m running to represent, that if they vote for me to represent them, that I should be seated on the council. That’s what we would get with district-only voting. The five districts, I think, is a complicated stunt to try to continue to maintain a progressive majority in our county council politics. So I don’t support it. Satpal Sidhu: I do support five districts. Now here’s a clear example: Kathy [Kershner] moved to Lynden a few months back, OK, a year ago. I have lived there 30 years. The issue is that the day she moved in, she claimed entitlement, that because Sam Crawford went off, that she should be appointed. You have to qualify for that. The second thing is, saying, “You deserve a voice on county council,” it really shows the partisanship. The council is not a partisan body; the council is there to solve problems. The only voice missing is the voice of partisanship. I have lived there 30 years, and I work with farmers. I represent their voice. Her appeal is only to certain people, but when we are on the council there are issues that affect everyone; they affect Bellingham, they affect the county and vice-versa. If the person has very narrow interests, the person’s whole vision is going to be so narrow. We don’t want this – we’re not as big as Seattle. Joy Gilfilen: I’m not running for county council, but I’m a voter of Whatcom County and it’s been interesting; since I’ve been looking at this subject, I attended many of the charter review meetings, I attended the county council debates when they decided to go and recommend five-district voting. If I had to choose one or the other I would do five-district voting. But it’s interesting to me, as I’ve been talking to people in this county to find out why it is that the county people feel like they’re not being heard. They aren’t. The reason they are not is because of something completely different than what people think. When you live inside an incorporated city, whether it is Bellingham, Blaine, Lynden, Ferndale – any of our seven cities – you get to elect your city mayor, and your city councilmen. As soon as you live in the unincorporated area, you don’t get to vote for that, so you get half as much representation as everyone else. And it’s not about Bellingham. It’s about incorporated city people get more stuff, so I think the real problem is an overload in the executive branch, not either one of these problems. Bruce Ayers: I’m in a tough spot, because if I win this election I’ll be representing district 1 but I probably will not win district 1. It’ll have to come from voters from district 2 and 3. At the same time, I have to say I support fair-district voting with the three districts. Because what’s happened in the past, and this really isn’t partisan, because we’ve had conservative members repre-
sent the first district that weren’t elected by the first district. Now we have councilmembers that are elected in the second district, but didn’t get a majority vote by the voters in the second district. The concern is if you didn’t get the majority vote, then why are you representing those people who didn’t vote for you? We recognize that Whatcom County is a very diverse community. We have to have representation that represents that diversity. So when a councilmember is elected to the second district, but doesn’t win the majority vote in the second district, people feel like they are not represented. And I feel like it’s important. We have two, two and two and an at-large position. I think it’s important that each geographical area in Whatcom County is properly represented. Jack Louws: I’ve been a student of Whatcom County politics for a long time, and I’ve always looked at it as, it’s not the form of government that we have, it’s the quality of the people that we have in the positions that affect the government. Whether that be a city manager, a city councilmember, appointed mayor, elected mayor; whether it be county commissioners or executive, with a charter government such as ours, if we get the right people in who are working for the common good, things run well. If we get the wrong people in, or we get people who are tangling with each other because of the minor issues, we end up with challenges. From my end of it, I’m not necessarily worried about it as much as making sure that we have the right people in the position to move our common goals forward. Because we are one people, we’re all part of a county, we’re represented well, and at the end of the day, whatever we decide, we need to move forward and work together. Question 2: The need to replace the crumbling jail facility is acknowledged by all the small cities and the city of Bellingham general council. Voting yes on prop 20151 would result in the much-needed new replacement jail in the next four years. Alternately, what are the consequences of kicking the can down the road yet again? Are there any advantages? Sheriff Bill Elfo: I think the can’s been kicked down the road on this once too often. The jail is falling apart. It’s literally crumbling down around us. In terms of human dignity, to put people in there and keep them in there, putting that aside and the risk of endangering human life of the staff, deputies, nurses and inmates in there, we have a huge liability. We’re put on notice that this facility is in such bad shape, and it’s been reviewed by professional consultants, citizens’ committees and others. I view it as a human rights violation. It needs to be replaced, and if not we’re going to carry the burden, and we’re doing something that is ethically and morally wrong by continuing to keep
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T heG reens at LOOMIS TRAIL! October 8 - 14, 2015 • thenorthernlight.com
people in those conditions. Jack Louws: I agree with the sheriff’s assessment that if we don’t move forward with this, we need to lower the population in that jail just for life safety purposes. It needs to be done and that’s one of the direct consequences. The other consequence of not getting this project completed is that national statistics are indicating that construction costs are going to go up 13 percent in the next two years. If we would have completed this in 2005 or 2006 when I believe we should have, and there’s nothing that I can do about that, the jail would have cost us approximately $60 million. The same project is $100 million now, and if we kick the can for another 5-10 years, it’s liable to be another $50-75 million more than it is now. That’s why I’m encouraging everybody to vote yes on proposition 1. Bruce Ayers: As you know I live with this issue tonight. I think it’s important to recognize that when people say we need the new jail and then they say, “but I want more alternative programming and behavioral programming,” there’s a disconnect. I have a disabled daughter. I understand disability, and I understand the disability community in many ways. Right now, Whatcom County spends about $15 million [per year] on teen court and drug court and mental health court, alternatives to jail and recidivisms. The [proposed annual] jail budget is about $13 million. The idea that we’re not doing any of these other programs is just wrong. It’s not about one or the other. It’s both. We have to replace the jail, and we have to continue to look for alternatives to incarceration. It’s a combined effort. If that 2/10 of 1 percent tax passes, it’s four years until we have a new facility. It’s time to get moving. Joy Gilfilen: I’m in complete opposition to all of these opinions, and the reason is because I’ve just spent five years of volunteer time doing deep, deep, deep research in the streets of Whatcom County and across this nation looking at the problem of prison reform. We need jail reform badly in Whatcom County. Right now the law and justice budget, if you look at the blue part of this chart, that’s what we’re paying, taxpayers, to fund the law and justice system. If you look at this side, this is what you’re going to pay in the next few years for the law and justice system. The problem is jail reform. I’m president of the restorative community coalition, and we have submitted 15 ways that our law and justice system is out of order in Whatcom County. Yes, police bias is real. The hard truths conversation that the FBI director said needs to happen in the United States does need to happen here in Whatcom County. Our coalition has tried for five years to have a conversation about economic alternatives in Whatcom County so that we can divert people out of that law and justice system before they ever go in in the first place, and we have been shut down at every level of the conversation. The public who asked for scoping conversation were never addressed in
the scoping hearing. The fact that we asked for public hearings on the purchase of that property was not acknowledged. The fact that we asked for full accountability of where our money has gone – I am not satisfied that we have matched it, so we wrote a report to explain how we could do economic development, how we could do the jail and how we could build community safety all at once. It took me five years. They paid $2 million and we don’t have a good needs assessment on the jail right now. Barbara Brenner: I haven’t done a few years of research, but I’ve lived on the streets. I’ve lived on the streets for a number of years. I can’t even go into everything that I’ve seen with my own eyes. And I’ve spent a lot of time on this proposal too. I am convinced that it’s going to be a good proposal, but even more than that, I’m convinced that we have an incredible sheriff, who I trust with my life. I just recently got legislator of the year from the sheriff’s guild, and I mean, me? I really believe that people understand the need, and to say that some kind of research or another claims that there isn’t a need here, and that we’re not doing anything or we’re not doing enough, it’s just not real. I see all the restorative justice services that we are providing. Sure we can do more. We are going to do more. Kathy Kershner: I’ve been working on helping our community build a replacement jail since 2010 with my very first meeting when our administration sat me down and said how badly we needed a new jail, and they took me on a tour of our jail. It was horrendous. It is horrendous. It’s not gotten better. Some of the first actions I took on the council were to order parts off of eBay because they no longer made the parts to replace the locks on the doors at the time. And so that’s where we were getting our parts, was on eBay. I heard from a mother of a corrections deputy who works in the jail, and she is concerned every day for her son’s life as he goes and works in that horrible, dilapidated jail. Also, I think about the women that spend time in the jail as inmates. They’re crammed into one holding cell. Thirty women are sharing a box. They’ve come up with creative ideas for how they’ll all take a shower and share
7
warm water. It’s pathetic. Todd Donovan: I agree that we want this jail funded and I agree with what Jack said. I wish we could have done it before we passed a tax in 2004, and a lot of people thought that most of that money was going to go to design and start building the new jail, but we needed it to operate the current jail. We just needed the money for that. So now we’re in this awkward position where I don’t think it’s about kicking the can down the road for another 5-10 years, because the county got kicked off to the side this year, we came up Most amazing value ever--you have to see this home! a few months short of getting a MLS# 845848 • 4432 Castlerock Dr. • $419,000 deal this year, and now we have to go to the taxpayers and say, Kathy Stauffer Even when it rains, I shine! “We want you to vote to raise your taxes this year, we’re not Managing Broker/Windermere-Whatcom quite sure what we’re going to do 360-8154718 • kstauffer@windermere.com • kathystauffer.com with the money, we don’t quite have the plan yet, but trust us.” I trust a lot of these people, but I really wish we could have gotten it settled before we went to the voters and said, “This is exactly what we’re going to build, and this is what’s going to be included.” It really would have only taken until February to get all that on the ballot. I’m not going to be a county councilmember who is going to ask you to 15+ years experience raise your taxes and then promise something later. Sheriff Bill Elfo: I’d like to respond to two things. We do know the size of the jail. The jail planner recommended 640 beds. We believe we can do better in this community by making use of preventive mental health and addic• U.S. green cards / naturalization • U.S. green cards / naturalization tion services, so we’re proposing a Work / investor visas • Work / investor visas jail of 521 beds if Bellingham • participates. If Bellingham does •not Denied entry waivers • Denied entry waivers participate, they want to take their • Removal hearings • Removal NEXUS appeals hearings • NEXUS appeals money and find another option or build their own city jail, then it will be approximately 390 beds. www.blaineimmigration.com •www.blaineimmigration.com 435 Martin St., Suite 2010 •••435 Blaine, WA St., www.blaineimmigration.com Blaine,WA WA 435Martin Martin St., Suite Suite2010 1010 ••Blaine, If I can add something else to what Ms. Gilfilen said, she was Leonard D.M. Saunders,Leonard AttorneyD.M. at Law Saunders, Attorney at Law kind enough to forward me a copy of that report. We have an obligation to Whatcom County to protect people and keep them safe, particularly the most vulnerable – the women and children who are victims of domestic violence crimes, for example. We have some people who need to be in jail, and not prosecuting them and putting them in jail is totally irresponsible in my opinion. We’ve known from studies that these pro-arrest policies have driven down homicides and they’ve driven down abuse.
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The Northern Light • October 8 - 14, 2015
Sports Borderites fall to Sedro-Woolley
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After a strong start to the season, the Borderites took a beating in a loss to Sedro-Woolley on the road October 2. The defending 2A state champion Cubs beat the Borderites 48– 8. One of the best running backs in the league, Sedro-Woolley senior Carter Crosby, played his first game of the season at multiple positions, keeping the Borderites guessing. Crosby scored two running touchdowns, caught a touchdown pass and even spent some time at quarterback. “He’s one of the best players in the league, and we weren’t ready for him,” said Blaine head coach Jay Dodd. “They have a lot of good players besides him. They played very well, and on our side, one bad thing led to another and kind of snowballed throughout the game.” The Cubs scored twice in the first quarter on a 52-yard pass and a 23-yard run. Blaine took an aggressive track on offense in the second quarter, but repeated stalls led to good field position for the Cubs, and Blaine’s defense couldn’t stop them. The score was 27–0 by halftime.
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Blaine came out strong in the second half, with a textbook onside kick by Kyle Sentkowski and a recovery by Eric Davis. Jalen Kortlever threw a 36-yard touchdown pass to Eric Davis to give the Borderites their only touchdown of the night, and then threw a pass to Anthony Ball for the two-point conversion. Despite the third quarter rally, Blaine couldn’t keep up with the Cubs on either side of the ball, and Sedro-Woolley continued to pile on touchdowns. The Cubs scored two more touchdowns in the third quarter and one in the fourth for a final score of 48–8. Kortlever threw for 88 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Riley Fritsch ran for 119 yards. Blaine earned six first downs, while Sedro-Woolley earned 23. Dodd said the loss, rather than revealing a “weakest link,” on the team, showed that everyone has areas to work on. “When bad things happen on offense, everyone tends to blame the linemen, but it was a collective failure. It was everyone, and we all have to do a better job to continue win games,” Dodd said. With the loss, the Borderites
Photo by Janell Kortlever
fell to 1–2 in the Northwest Conference (NWC) and 3–2 overall. Sedro-Woolley improved to the same record. There are four games left in the regular season. “The kids were upset on the way home, and they were upset during the game. That’s actually encouraging to see. They don’t like to lose and they weren’t happy with how they were playing. They want to do everything they can to get better.” Blaine will take on Anacortes at home this Friday, October 9 for the homecoming game. The Seahawks have yet to win a NWC game, and are 2–3 overall. Dodd said his Borderites are looking to improve in all aspects of the game in preparation for the homecoming matchup. “We’re working on all those things that we need to improve on from last Friday,” Dodd said. “Gap control and getting off blocks for the front seven, better tackling on defense; everyone has to get better at something. We’re looking forward to proving to ourselves that we’re better than what we showed on the field at Sedro-Woolley.” The NWC game against Anacortes begins at 7 p.m.
October 8 - 14, 2015 • thenorthernlight.com
9
Active S eniors
A Special Publication of The Northern Light Newspaper
What to know about Medicare enrollment For many seniors, enrolling for Medicare coverage can be a nightmare of red tape and complicated bureaucracy. The ever-changing rules and annual requirement to sign up can throw you for a loop if you’re not vigilant. Medicare’s open enrollment period starts October 15 and runs through December 7. During that time, applicants can sign up for Medicare coverage, change the details of their plan or decide to keep everything the same as last year. But regardless of whether you want anything to change, open enrollment provides a great opportunity to learn about potentially beneficial program changes. Marsha Neal, vice president with insurance provider Vibrant USA, said the most common mistake people make is taking for granted that their coverage will also remain the same. File photo
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The Northern Light • October 8 - 14, 2015
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October 8 - 14, 2015 • thenorthernlight.com
Active S eniors Young ... From previous page
cards each and enjoy free refreshments. The games begin on Saturday, October 10 between 1 and 3 p.m. Our Bingo sponsor, Karen Guest of Whatcom County Elder Care Adult Family Home Guest, provided the $100 grand prize. Erik Endresen of Soundpath Health has generously donated refreshments. The final piece of this grand slam is the fabulous baskets donated by Great Harvest Bread Company, Joyce Vanderpol of Vanderpol Realty, Massage Envy, Orchard Park Assisted Living, Senior Support Service as well as donations from Rod’s Japanese Auto Repair. But wait, there’s more! Come at 12:30 p.m. and play a few practice games at only $1 each to sharpen your skills before the big event. The new ukulele group that’s meeting at the Blaine Senior Center is still looking for new members. You don’t have to be a member of the senior center to join. They’re looking for members of all ages that want to learn something new, or brush up on an old skill that just needs a little dusting off to shine forth. Check out what all the excitement’s about on Tuesdays, October 13 and 27 at 1 p.m. They may have some ukuleles to loan. For the best bargain in Blaine, come by for our excellent pancake breakfast. On Saturday, October 17 from 8 to 11 a.m., you can enjoy a dynamite breakfast for only $6 for adults and $4 for children under 12. Flu season is here, but you can fortify yourself to meet this enemy head on with a flu shot. On Wednesday, October 21 at the Blaine Senior Center from 1 to 3 p.m., Hoagland’s will be giving the high-dose flu shot recommended for seniors over 65 and the pneumonia vaccine. They can bill your insurance so bring your insurance card. For additional information, call Hoagland’s at 685-5012. The Blaine Senior Center is gearing up for their annual spaghetti feed on Friday, November 6 at 5:30 p.m. Thank you to Jerns Funeral Services and Orchard Park Assisted Living for sponsoring this fundraising event that includes the Bellingham Youth Jazz Band featuring big band sounds and many jazz classics. Dinner is included in the price of $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Blaine Senior Center is located at 763 G Street. Call 3228040 for more information.
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The Northern Light • October 8 - 14, 2015
Active S eniors
A Special Publication of The Northern Light Newspaper
Medicare... From page 9
“Folks need to get accurate information and enough information,” she said. “A person needs to check to see if all their providers accept the health plan they choose. They should also carefully check the cover-
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s There are books for every interest at the Blaine Senior Center. Photo by Steve Guntli
Headstones
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288 Martin St. Downtown Blaine
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October 8 - 14, 2015 • thenorthernlight.com
Car Care WHATCOM
13
PRESENTED BY
Car care tips: Time to think about your coolant levels Fall is a good time to think about your engine cooling system. Regular inspections and pressure tests of your cooling system are of utmost importance, as is good maintenance by following the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended coolant change intervals. As time passes, the protective anti-corrosive additives in antifreeze break down and lose their effectiveness. But antifreeze has two other very important characteristics as well: • It is used to decrease the temperature at which the coolant freezes. • It is used to raise the temperature at which the coolant will begin to boil. It is also very important that the proper ratio of water to antifreeze is always maintained. Unless specified otherwise by the vehicle manufacturer, the coolant in most vehicles should consist of a mixture of 50 percent water and 50 percent antifreeze before being added to the cool-
ing system. This 50/50 solution not only prevents freezing, but also preserves proper cooling properties. Also concerning the antifreeze to water mixture ratio: adding more antifreeze to the mix (once again, unless otherwise specified by the vehicle manufacturer) to increase its percentage in the mixture is not better. Generally speaking, after the ratio exceeds
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more than about 65 percent antifreeze to 35 percent water, freeze protection can actually diminish, but even worse, heat dissipation can radically decrease, since the water is the primary substance used for this purpose. Antifreeze itself actually has fairly poor heat transfer characteristics. Having too much antifreeze in the mixture can actually cause engine overheating.
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14
The Northern Light • October 8 - 14, 2015
Classifieds
DELIVERED TO EVER Y HO E IN THE 98230 ZIP CODEM .
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When you place your classified ad in our print edition, it’s ONLINE at no extra charge!
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THE CLASSIFIEDS ARE ONLINE AT: thenorthernlight.com/ classifieds
360-332-3333
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Help Wanted PT DISHWASHER/WAITRESS needed. Call 360-510-6078 or apply in person at 1210 - 3rd Street, Blaine. SEMIAHMOO MARINA - Position open for outgoing person with cheery disposition to work in the Marina Cafe/Store making coffee, sandwiches and cashiering. Duties include light cleaning, stocking and food prep. Weekends required. Full benefits after 90 days for FT employees. Please email resume to KrisB@ semiahmoomarina.com. We will call to schedule interview. Do not apply in person. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Natural Play Therapy/interaction with 14 year old boy with autism. No experience necessary. Call 360-778-2465, 360-4410908, or for program info go to naturalplaytherapy.com. PT FEMALE CAREGIVER - Flexible day and night shifts. Experience and references required. 360-319-0427.
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Landscaping
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on page 13
PAINTING INTERIOR and exterior. Reasonable rates, 31 years experience. Licensed, bonded and insured. Call Doug 360-371-9094. Lic#DOUGLPP066KL.
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October 15 issue Ad deadline: October 12
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A-1 Handyman Plus
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HOTLINE ELECTRIC
info@thenorthernlight.com
25¢ for each ord additional w
Construction Kitchens & Baths • Custom & Spec Homes Decks, Garages & Additions
Call or Email Amy! 360/332-1777 fax: 360/332-2777
for 15 wo
Next Issue: Oct. 15 • Ad Deadline: Oct. 12
Specializing in Renovations & New Construction
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ACTIVE SENIORS
October 15 issue Ad deadline: October 12
HOME & GARDEN October 29 issue Ad deadline: October 23
To advertise, call 360-332-1777 or email: sales@thenorthernlight.com
October 8 - 14, 2015 • thenorthernlight.com
Real Estate
Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom Inc. 360.371.5100
15
8105 Birch Bay Square St. I-5 Exit 270, Blaine
BLAINE, BIRCH BAY & SEMIAHMOO BIRCH BAY OPEN HOUSES OPEN SATURDAY 2-4
OPEN SUNDAY 1-4
5787 Skagit Place • $389,000
THE VIEW SAYS IT ALL! 4965 Morgan Dr. • $189,900
Exquisitely designed and finished, 3-BR, 2-BA, vaulted living room ceiling with exposed beams, designer kitchen w/2-tone cabinets, under counter lighting & quartz countertops, high-end stainless appliances, wood-wrapped windows & doors, engineered hardwood floors, 9’ ceilings, skylights, master with deck, tile showers, soaker tub and walk-in closet, on demand hot water, high efficiency furnace, covered patio and the list goes on. Private gated community, security, marina, golf.
Billy Brown 360-220-7175
A 4-minute walk to the beach. This 3-BR cottage is a great investment, vacation spot, weekend rental, a rare combination. The cottage hearkens back to another time, knotty pine wood walls, a newer wood burning heater and original wooden kitchen cabinets from the 50’s. A large deck from the cottage to enjoy the afternoon sun, overlooking Birch Bay. All furniture to be sold with cottage.
Gerry Allen 360-920-0563
SEMIAHMOO OPEN HOUSE OPEN SATURDAY 1-3 AND SUNDAY 3-5
9094 Pintail Loop • $829,000
WOW--for the waterfront view & the wonderful English gardens that frame the Canadian coastal range! Graciously spacious with clean lines & walls of windows this traditional designed home is as inspiring as the view! Comfortable with classic finishes, crown molding, wainscoting, hardwood, granite, travertine. Lots of natural light & a 1300 s.f. deck that floats above the harbor capturing view of the marina! Can it get any better then this? Probably not!
Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718 and Cole Markusen 360-389-3696
FEATURED LISTINGS
1388 Bayview Ct. #4 • $154,900
Quite the deal--this property won’t last!! Add this to your list of absolutely best buys! Ground floor 3-BR condo can be yours! Great room with fireplace, cover deck & lots of light! Very well maintained & in a great North County Location. Just minutes from I-5 & the border. Walking distance to downtown Blaine. Ideal getaway or great firsttime buy. Perfect for someone needing a U.S. address now--better than renting! Well -built property is nestled in a small side street.
Pat Brown 360-739-2643
In case of inclement weather, please call agent to confirm open houses.
OPEN SUNDAY 1-3
PRICE REDUCED FOR QUICK SALE! 4231 Cody Road, Blaine • $99,900 Nicely updated 2-BR, 1.75-BA double wide in beautiful setting on wooded .46 acre Double R Ranch lot. Spacious living room, dining area with built-in china cab. Kit w/ breakfast bar opens to family room. Over $20,000 of updates; new double oven, cook top, microwave, water heater, stall shower, carpets, paint, vinyl dual pane windows, blinds, back deck and roof! Don’t miss!
NEWRICE P
$254,000
Beautiful rambler on 1/3 acre, sunny corner lot. Lovely landscaping and large, fenced back yard. 3-BR, 2-BA tastefully remodeled with new kitchen, new bathrooms, new floor, new window trim, new paint, all new appliances. 2-car garage and plenty of extra parking space for RV. Secure gated community. MLS #829462
Lorne Lentz 360-328-1241
HiBay WAREHOUSE
Call for Space Available Grade Level Truck Doors And Loading Docks Fenced & Paved Yard available for truck parking or storage? NELSON BUILDING 925 Ludwick Ave.
Don Nelson (360) 332-2743 www.nelsonbuildings.com
Billy Brown 360-220-7175
Billy Brown 360-220-7175
www.windermere.com Video Walkthru & More @ TwoHomesInOne.com
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.
OPEN HOUSE Saturday 12-2
3426 Sweet Rd. • $448,500 Five Acre Estate - H Street Road. $709,000 • 5+ Beds – 3.5 Baths – 5000 s.f. 1,000 s.f. Shop & Outbuildings
Remarkable custom home with finished basement, spacious living areas, master bdrm, & attached accessory dwelling that’s a 2nd complete home! 4-BRs in main house on a beautiful park-like 5 acres. Secluded & surrounded by forest with huge backyard, pool & hot tub, and a wonderful multi-tier deck & gazebo. Gorgeous hardwood floors & custom finishes. Lots of storage with walk-in closets & bonus rooms. Minutes from town! Check out everything this wonderful home has to offer. MLS #828663
Lots/Acreage
BEAUTIFUL PARKLIKE setting! D-6 Lakewood Road, Oak Harbor, WA. In Lake Wood Estates (which consists of 15 acreage lots), nine homes currently in the development range in price from $425K to approx. $650K. Property has large Evergreens and Alder, lots of ferns in a beautiful setting. $175,000. 360-720-9095.
Rentals - Residential
4-BR, 3-BA, 3,000 s.f. home. Peaceful private, park-like setting on 2.5 acres.
Kevin Elsbree, Agent
360-739-2753
Paul Freeman • (360) 815-7527 Paul.FreemanRealEstate@gmail.com
www.muljatgroupnorth.com
7680 Birch Bay Dr. • $336,500
Join the fun, located in the heart of Birch Bay. 2-BR, 1 full-BA, new kitchen, bathroom, paint in and out, roof, foundation in the last few years. Quintessential cabin. Family owned and has not been for sale in decades. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of the bay.
8175 Skeena Way
Elaine Prestlien 360 201.2072
Rentals - Commercial
9019 Salmon Creek Ln. • $325,000
Nice layout on 1.26 acres surrounded by woods cleared out with plenty of sun exposure. Very private feel. Built in 2005, 1770 s.f., 3-BR, 1.75-BA. Master bedroom with en-suite and large walk-in closet. Wood burning fireplace, nicely designed kitchen with sunny eating area looking over backyard. Very well maintained. The perfect 1080 s.f. shop, high-bay door, also finished workshop area, RV parking.
BIRCH BAY / CUSTER
2-BR, 1-BA House. New paint inside/ out. Storage, large carport, W/D, stove, refrig., $895/mo. Enjoy all Birch Bay Village amenities. 2-BR, 2-BA House. W/D, DW, stove refrig., work shop, great bay water view, landscaping included. Eco friendly heat pump $950/mo.
BLAINE
www.buythebayrealty.net
3-Br, 2-BA Duplex. Garage, W/D, DW, refrig. W/S paid. Avail. Oct.15, $945/mo. N/S, N/P, OAC and deposits will apply. WE NEED PROPERTIES TO MANAGE,
CALL FOR DETAILS!
360-332-3166 1+ BEDROOM - Birch Bay remodeled & ready! NS/NP. Gas heat, large yard and near beach. www.nuwworld.com, $795/mo. 332-7435.
www.
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Classifieds are online at thenorthernlight.com/classifieds
Rentals - Rooms
16
The Northern Light • October 8 - 14, 2015
O B I T U A RY
Blaine native praised as hero in California
Ivy Marion Olive Moore
October 1, 1932 - September 24, 2015 “Loved and missed by many.” One of 13 children, born to John and Lillian Bell of Manchester, England, Ivy married U. S. Airman Richard E. Moore in 1953, and immigrated to America aboard the H. M. S. Queen Elizabeth, and became a U. S. citizen in 1957. After living in France, Germany, Kansas, Texas, New York and Arizona, she came to Las Vegas, NV in 1960. Ivy married again in 1969, this time to Joe Urtado, the true love of her life. Ivy worked in retail jewelry at the Vegas casinos for many years, meeting the ‘rat pack’ Jerry Lewis, among others. In 2003 she moved to Birch Bay, and then to Blaine a year later. A member of the Senior Center, she loved family, friends, Pekingnese Meko, bingo, yard sales, and a good cup of tea. Ivy is survived by sisters Hilda LaCroix of B.C., and Alma Kingman of Okanagan, WA, son Richard A. Moore (Angela), Las Vegas, NV, and numerous nieces and nephews in B.C. and Great Britain. There will not be a formal service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Stafholt Good Samaritan in Blaine, or the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
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Your local sports store, specializing in Vintage • Wax Boxes • 4-Packs • Autograph Cards • Jerseys Memorabilia, Supplies, Gift Cards & much more
Retail store: 1305 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham 360-306-3048 • 860-480-0583 JoesBaseballCards.com • JoesBaseballCards@gmail.com
• Certified Health Department O&M Inspections
• Multiple House Discounts Owned & Operated by Blaine Resident Certified Septic Contractors
• Local Full Service Septic Company
ALL OF WHATCOM COUNTY • (360) 671-1307
septicplus@comcast.net
WHATCOM COUNTY Proud supporters of the Blaine Community! Keep Full Service • Budget Payment Plan • Tank Installation & Rental Modern Equipment • Safety Checks • Locally Owned & Operated
360 332-3121
Fill your bottles - Easy RV access
2163 Nature’s Path Way • Blaine
This space can be yours for only $37 per week. 13 week commitment. Call 332-1777 to reserve.
s Jeffrey Ginther with California state assemblyman Jim Patterson. Photo courtesy Jeffrey Ginther
By Steve Guntli A Blaine native is being received as a hero in California. Jeffrey Ginther, a senior master sergeant with the U.S. Air Force, was honored with a heroic commendation from the California State Legislature after diving into a canal to save two people from a car wreck. California assemblyman Jim Patterson presented Ginther with an award certificate on September 12. Ginther was born and raised in Blaine, and said he still considers it home. He joined the United States Air Force shortly after graduating high school and never looked back. He has now served for 28 years, 16 of which were spent as a combat search and rescue specialist. He put those skills to use during multiple deployments to Afghanistan. He is now stationed as a flight gear superintendent and survival instructor in Fresno, California. On July 29, Ginther was pulling out of a McDonald’s restaurant in Clovis, California when he saw a car swerve to avoid a bicyclist who had changed lanes without warning. The car went off the road and crashed into a canal. Both Ginther and the bicyclist dove into the water to help save the driver. “My first though when I hit the water was, ‘I didn’t think the current would be this fast,’” Ginther said. “I drive past that canal every day. Most of the year, it’s dry, but they were flooding the farmlands in central California at the time, so it was at max capacity.” The fast current made it difficult, but Ginther was able to open
the passenger door and help the driver out. The 19-year-old driver, unable to swim and panicking, kept clinging to the cyclist, pulling his head under water and putting them both at risk. While Ginther was trying to help the cyclist stay afloat, the three lost their grip on the car and began floating downstream. The driver tried to climb on his two rescuers, pushing them both underwater. The weight of the two men, in addition to Ginther’s heavy military uniform, was forcing him to the bottom of the canal. Ginther, who is 6'5", was able to push off the bed of the 8-footdeep canal and “bob” the others along the surface until they reached the side of the canal and were able to pull themselves to safety. The three had drifted about 50 yards from the crash site. Another 50 yards, Ginther said, and they would have been
s The driver’s vehicle, submerged in the canal. Photo courtesy Jeffrey Ginther
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snagged up in a tangled nest of tree branches and debris beneath a bridge that could have seriously injured or even killed them. Ginther said that his years of military training made the rescue more of an impulse than an act of bravery. “All of the training I’ve had over the years made it second nature,” he said. “So at the time, I wasn’t scared. I was more just concerned, and knew I had to get us out of the water before we hit the bridge.” According to Ginther, one element of the rescue upset him. “The most disturbing part was most people didn’t make a move to help,” he said. “There were probably a dozen people on the side of the road when I got there, but most were just shooting videos on their phones.” Blaine resident Dave Puntillo and his wife, Jan, were Ginther’s neighbors for many years. Ginther graduated from Blaine High School at the same time as their daughter, and the two families have remained close. Puntillo affectionately refers to Ginther as his adopted stepson. “He’s a remarkable young man,” he said. “I can’t say enough about him. For him to save these people like this, it’s what he does, what he trains for.” Other members of Ginther’s unit submitted his name for the Airman’s Medal, the highest non-combat medal the Air Force awards. To qualify for the medal, the recipient has to be shown to have willingly endangered their life for the safety of others. Ginther said he will hear whether he’s receiving the award in about a month. If he wins, he’ll be one of only about 300 to receive the honor. Puntillo said if Ginther receives the award, he and his wife will carve time in their schedule to attend the ceremony.
Breakfast Lunch Dinner 360-778-3826
4823 Alderson Road, Birch Bay
Great Authentic Mexican Food 758 Peace Portal • Blaine 332-4045
October 8 - 14, 2015 • thenorthernlight.com
Coming up
Police Reports September 30, 6:50 p.m.: A concerned resident in east Blaine called U.S. Border Patrol to report a subject hiding in the woods near her home, which is a short distance from the international border. Blaine Police and Border Patrol agents responded and contacted a man in his 50s. The gentleman explained that he was visiting his elderly father at a nearby property, and was not hiding per se. He just didn’t want Dad to see him drinking a beer. October 1, 5:39 p.m.: Several drivers called to report that an apparently intoxicated pedestrian was staggering in traffic near H Street and the truck route. Officers arrived and contacted a woman who was indeed inebriated, but cooperative enough to provide a portable breath test sample that clocked in at four times the legal limit for drivers. She was also wanted on an outstanding warrant. She was transported first to the emergency room for an exam due to her alcohol level, and then booked into jail on the warrant. October 1, 9:48 p.m.: Police contacted a vehicle that was parked with no lights off the road in the dark in an area that is not usually visited near Allan and D streets. They found a couple inside the car, saving
wear and tear on the front seats by sitting together in the back. After talking with her father, officers gave the teenaged girl a ride home to her parents. Her adult male friend was counseled on his options and decided to leave the area. October 2, 2:39 p.m.: Police received information that a person was at one of the Blaine school district buildings asking to contact one of his children, in possible violation of a court’s no contact order. The gentleman was interviewed and the court orders reviewed. The father explained the order as written did not reflect the agreement that had been reached between the parties, but the written language was clear and there was probable cause to believe he was in violation. He was arrested and the matter was referred to the prosecutor and courts. October 2, 4:41 p.m.: A parent reported to Blaine school district that kids are repeatedly being harassed by an adult while waiting for the school bus near their home in the morning. The school and police confirmed that the problem is occurring at a bus stop some distance outside the city limits. The sheriff’s office was notified and given the information. One of their deputies assigned to
Crossword
ACROSS 1. Calls the shots 8. Black or dark green mica 15. Oblivious 16. Republic in NW South America 17. Accompanying documents providing information (2 wds) 19. Charlotte-to-Raleigh dir. 20. So-called “royal herb” 21. “Cut it out!” 22. Spread 23. Long-jawed fish 24. Extras (hyph.) 27. Corrective lenses 31. Desire 32. Doozie 33. ___-Atlantic 35. Strengthen, with “up” 36. Overthrow, e.g. 37. “The Last of the Mohicans” girl 38. Order to attack, with “on” 39. Ishmael’s people
40. “Ciao!” 41. Last 43. Bring up 44. Long, long time 45. Legislate 47. Polite address for a woman 50. Forgo 51. Unhatched chick 54. “The Simpsons Movie,” e.g. (2 wds) 57. Swiss folk singer, e.g. 58. Feeler 59. Pain reliever 60. Fixed (2 wds)
DOWN 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Leader Knowing, as a secret (2 wds) 90’s party Female sheep Light automatic rifle Groups of three Taste, e.g. Round sound
9. Crystal meth, in slang 10. Excluded from society 11. Spuds 12. “I had no ___!” 13. High spots 14. European language 18. Fairy tale cookie boy 22. Didn’t go straight 23. Massive, wild ox of S Asia 24. “Hamlet” has five 25. Sci-fi extra 26. Waltz, e.g. 28. Golden Triangle country 29. Be theatrical 30. Femme fatale 32. Highlands hillside 34. Blowgun ammo 36. “___ Brockovich” 37. Links rental 39. Blip 40. “Lizard” constellation 42. Removed by boring 43. 16th century stately court dance 46. Rechargeable dry-cell battery 47. Poet Angelou 48. Soon, to a bard 49. Lover of Aeneas 50. “___ #1!” (contraction) 51. A long, long time 52. Departed 53. Buzzing pest 55. Big ___ Conference 56. ___ Danson, “Cheers” actor
FIND CROSSWORD ANSWERS AT THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
special patrol in that neighborhood will be following up. October 4, 10:40 a.m.: A resident on F Street reported that thieves had broken into his detached garage by prying a lock off a door and stole a portable generator and two bicycles, placing the loss at over $2,000. An officer responded and collected evidence at the scene, and is investigating. October 4, 1:55 p.m.: A person reported that someone had entered his fenced yard overnight and stole a four-cycle Mercury marine engine off of his boat, and added insult to he injury by also plucking his prize pumpkin from its patch. The motor is worth about $1,800. The weight of the large pumpkin was not determined. October 5, 12:01 p.m.: The Burlington Police Department requested assistance from Blaine Police in a runaway investigation. A missing juvenile from Skagit County used an ATM machine at a business here. The firm’s staff helped an officer review the video footage from the ATM, and he forwarded all information to the investigating officer in Burlington. This report is provided by the Blaine police department. A full listing of the week’s police report can be found at thenorthern light.com.
Tides October 9 – October 15 at Blaine. Not for navigation. 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W
DATE TIME HEIGHT TIME HEIGHT Fr 9
3:34 am 7.0 9:43 am 2.3
4:25 pm 8.7 10:44 pm 3.2
Sa 10 4:30 am 7.3 10:27 am 2.6
4:53 pm 8.6 11:16 pm 2.6
Su 11 5:18 am 7.7 11:07 am 3.0
5:19 pm 8.6 11:44 pm 2.0
Mo 12 6:04 am 8.0 11:47 am 3.5
5:43 pm 8.6
Tu 13 12:14 am 1.5 6:46 am 8.3
12:25 pm 3.9 6:07 pm 8.5
We 14 12:46 am 1.1 7:26 am 8.5
1:01 pm 4.4 6:31 pm 8.3
Th 15 1:16 am 0.8 8:10 am 8.6
17
1:39 pm 4.9 6:55 pm 8.1
Weather Precipitation: During the period of September 29 to October 5 there were 0.0 inches of precipitation. The 2015 year-to-date precipitation is 19.15 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 73.5°F on September 30, with a low of 44.4°F on October 5. Average temperature for the week was 54.7°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
Lego Robotics: Thursday, October 8, 6:30–8 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Build Mindstorm robots and learn to program them for challenging tasks. For middle and high school students. Info: 305-3637. Bountiful Fall Harvest: Saturday, October 10, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Blaine H Street Plaza. Gardeners market, pumpkin painting, refreshments, prize drawings and scarecrow tour. Info: 332-6484. Edaleen Dairy Anniversary Celebration: Saturday, October 10, noon–3 p.m., 458 Peace Portal Drive. Free hot dogs, in-store demos and special sales. Info: 366-8760. Dog-tober Fest: Saturday, October 10, 1–3 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Bring your leashed dog for fun, games and special presentations. Free hotdogs and drinks for participants. Info: 656-6416. Oktoberfest: Saturday, October 10, 1–5 p.m., Semiahmoo Resort, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine. Enjoy German food, beer and fun. Tickets, $25, include five beer samples and food pairings, $10 more for a full souvenir beer mug. Reservations recommended. Info: semiahmoo.com. Big Basket Bingo: Saturday, October 10, 1–3 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street, Blaine. Win cash and big baskets of valuable prizes. $20 admission for eight games, three cards each game and free refreshments. Info: 332-8040. Backstage at the Border Presents Amber Darland: Saturday, October 10, 7–9 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 382 Boblett Street, Blaine. One of the most exciting emerging singer-songwriters of the Pacific Northwest. $7 suggested donation at the door. Proceeds after expenses benefit the greater Blaine-Birch Bay community. Blaine AAU Boys Basketball Tryouts: Sunday, October 11, noon–4 p.m., Blaine High School Ken Waters Gym. Tryouts for boys in grades 4–8. Sponsored by Blaine Youth Basketball. Info: 220-6510. Whatcom County Libraries Closed: Monday, October 12. Staff training. Toddler Time: Tuesday, October 13, 10:30–11 a.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Stories, songs and other amusements for very young children. Content is aimed at 13-year-olds. Info: 305-3637. Chess – Learn to Play or Practice Skills: Tuesday, October 13, 6:30–8 pm, Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Chess has been proven to enhance creativity, problem solving, memory, concentration, intellectual maturity and self-esteem. For ages K–12. Info: 305-3637. Play & Learn Drop-in: Wednesday, October 14, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Fun times designed for preschoolers and their adults. Activities include Play-Doh, LEGO, wooden blocks, a stuffed animal doctor station and more. For ages 3–5. Info: 305-3637. Snap Circuits: Wednesday, October 14, 3 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Explore the basics of electronics while you build exciting projects such as a flashing light, an alarm, a doorbell and more. Fun for ages 6 and up. Limited to first 12 kids. Info: 305-3637. Save Birch Bay/Power Past Coal Monthly Meeting: Wednesday, October 14, 6:30 p.m., Birch Bay Fire Hall, Birch Bay-Lynden Road. All are welcome. Computer/Technology Tutoring: Thursday, October 15, 2 and 2:30 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Need help with or want to learn more about your Nook, Kindle, laptop, tablet or even cell phone? These half-hour sessions provide one-on-one tutoring. Info: 305-3637. Girl Scout Parent Info Night: Thursday, October 15, 6–8 p.m., Blaine Library meeting room, 610 3rd Street. Parents info and an activity for the girls. Info: graumann@girlscoutsww.org. Blaine Senior Center Pancake Breakfast: Saturday, October 17, 8–11 a.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Family fun, pancakes, waffles or French toast, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee, tea and orange juice. Adults $6, children under 12 $4. Info: 332-8040. Interviewing Strategies: Saturday, October 17, 10–11:30 a.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Find out what companies are looking for and how to maximize your success in the interview process. Info: 305-3637. Microsoft Excel – The Basics: Monday, October 19, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn to organize, format and calculate data with this popular spreadsheet program. Registration is required and class is limited to nine students. Info: wcls.org or 305-3637. Healing Hearts Benefit Breakfast: Thursday, October 22, 7:15–8:30 a.m., Windows on the Bay, Squalicum Harbor, Bellingham. Be inspired by the healing stories that take place between humans and their animal partners. Info: animalsasnaturaltherapy.com. Art by Marjory Reception, Show and Sale: Friday, October 23, 7–10 p.m., and Saturday, October 24, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., 2996 Main Street, Custer. Original paintings, prints and cards. Kids Karnival: Saturday, October 24, 1–3 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Games, snacks, arts and crafts, Zig Zag and Ragz clowns. Costume parade at 2:30 p.m. Info: blainebirchbayparkandrec.org.
Ongoing Birch Bay Activity Center Events: 7511 Gemini Street, Birch Bay. Pound Fit, Zumba Fitness, Zumba Toning, Zumba Step, pickleball, yoga, line dancing and more. Visit website for days and times. Info: bbbparkandrec.org or 656-6416. Community Meals: Wednesdays, 5–6:30 p.m., Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street. Dinners provided free of charge; donations accepted. Everyone is welcome! Sponsored by Community Assistance Program. Info: communitymealsblaine@gmail.com. Live Music with J.P. Falcon Grady and Special Guests: Saturdays, 7–10 p.m., Paso del Norte, 758 Peace Portal Drive. Info: 332-4045. Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
18
The Northern Light • October 8 - 14, 2015
A guide to the proposed amendments to the Whatcom County charter By Steve Guntli This November, a series of changes to the Whatcom County Charter will be up for debate. The charter is essentially the county’s constitution, and serves as a guide for how elections and other government processes are conducted. The charter commission is a nonpartisan elected body of 15 members that meets for six months every 10 years to decide on changes to the charter. The commission convened in January of this year. The commission has chosen nine amendments for voters to decide upon in the general election on November 3. Here is a breakdown on the 10 charter amendments going on the ballot this year: 1. Method of electing council members: Currently, the county
charter allows for countywide voting for members of Whatcom County Council. This amendment would change that to district-only voting. Proponents for this proposition think district-only voting would allow for more accurate representation on the council, while opponents think the change would divide the council too sharply along party lines and affect efficiency. 2. Limiting power of council to amend charter: Under current laws, the county council may propose changes to the charter if five out of seven councilmembers support them. If this new amendment passes, councilmembers will only be able to affect the charter by a unanimous vote. Supporters claim the proposition would make it tougher for the council
to change items on the charter that voters approved. Opponents feel a unanimous vote requirement would limit the council’s ability to make necessary changes. 3. Limiting the power of council to amend charter’s election provisions: This amendment would affect the county council’s ability to modify charter sections 2.12 and 2.13, which detail the rules of election to the county council. As with proposition two, the amendment suggests a unanimous vote would be preferable to the super majority vote to approve any changes to election provisions. 4. Word limit for ballot questions: This proposition would increase the word limit for the titles of county initiatives from 20 words to 40. This would bring Whatcom County in line
with state laws and provide more consistency. The charter commission approved this measure unanimously, and arguments against the proposition in the county voter’s guide were not submitted. 5. Lowering threshold for initiative and referendum signatures: If registered voters wish to introduce an initiative or referendum proposal, they must first submit a petition with a specific number of signatures. Currently, that number is 15 percent of the number of voters who participated in the last gubernatorial election. This new proposition would lower that number to 8 percent. Proponents suggest the amendment would make it easier for people to have a voice in the government process. Opponents claim the lowered threshold would allow too many fringe issues that don’t concern a significant of voters to clog up the administration. 6. Lowering the number of signatures required for citizen initiatives to amend the charter: Similar to proposition five, this amendment would lower the number of citizen signatures needed to affect changes in the charter. The current number of signatures needed is 20 percent of voters who voted in the last gubernatorial election. According to the voter’s guide, in 2015
this equates to about 21,000 signatures, a prohibitively high number for citizens groups. The charter commission proposes lowering this number to 15 percent, which the proposition’s authors admit “is still a high threshold.” Jon Mutchler, Todd Donovan and Karl Uppiano wrote the argument in favor of the proposition. No opposing argument was submitted. 7. Term limits for county executive and council members: This amendment would impose term limits on elected county representatives for the first time. The charter commission recommends cutting off county executive and county council members at three four-year terms, with at least one term break before running again. Supporters claim this would motivate elected officials to get as much done as possible in their 12 years in office. Argument authors Dan Raas, Tom Stuen and Philip Buri categorized the issue as “a solution looking for a problem,” and claimed elections provide the necessary limits to an elected official’s career. 8. Altering composition of districting commission: Every 10 years, when the U.S. Census evaluates the county’s voter makeup, the county appoints a Continued on next page
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October 8 - 14, 2015 • thenorthernlight.com
Charter ... From previous page
redistricting committee to make sure the voting districts are split evenly. The current laws call for two committee members from each of the two major political parties (Republican and Democrat), plus a fifth member agreed upon by all four other members. Feeling this layout fails to represent smaller parties (i.e.: Socialist or Libertarian), the commission proposed a change to these rules. The new rules would allow one person from each political party with a candidate receiving at least 15 percent of the vote in the most recent gubernatorial or presidential election to join the committee. A second person will be appointed from the same party if their candidate received 33 percent of the vote. The charter commission approved the measure unanimously and submitted no opposing statement. 9. Number of council districts and at-large council positions: This amendment would increase the county’s voting districts from three into five. Each district would have one council representative, as opposed to two, and increase the number of at-large candidates to two. To account for the disparate populations between Bellingham and the rest of the county, the city would be split into two districts while the rest of the county would make up the other three. Supporters feel five districts would more equitably divide the county between the more
liberal Bellingham voters and the traditionally conservative voters in the county and small cities. Opponents worry that fewer council members from each district will result in less representation for rural Whatcom County and think the amendment is structured to favor the political left. 10. Amendments by the charter review commission and the county council: This amendment relates to the processes the Whatcom County Charter Review Commission and Whatcom County Council use to suggest charter amendments. Under current laws, the charter commission needs only a simple majority vote to approve an amendment, while the county council requires a supermajority, or 2/3, vote to pass. If passed, the proposition would require a supermajority from both groups. Proponents say the current state allows too many amendments to pass along narrow, bipartisan lines, and specifically mentions the first three amendments on the ballot this year as examples. Opponents feel a simple majority better represents the will of the citizens, and cites proposition nine as an amendment that failed to get simple majority approval from the charter commission but was overruled by a supermajority on the council. To read the full text of each proposition, with detailed for and against arguments, visit co.whatcom.wa.us/1732/Current-Election and select the Online Voter’s Guide. The countywide general election will be held on Tuesday, November 3.
d r a o b a e m o c o t n o i Permiss d! un o r g y a l P k r Marine Pa Don’t miss this opportunity to get your family name on a sea life plaque! These plaques are hand-carved, poured in bronze, engraved and mounted in the playground. Plaques start at $250.
Call (360) 543-9979 for information. Historic photos with descriptions featuring Blaine’s maritime history!
GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION Monday, October 12 at 5 pm FREE
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on Marine Dr. West of Water Reclamation Facility.
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20
The Northern Light • October 8 - 14, 2015
4 Award Worthy Homes With Jumbo Loan Rates at record setting lows now is the ideal time to get your dream address. Whether its waterfront, waterview or acreage, Mike has the choices & experience to help you get there. (360) 527-8901. Pt. Whitehorn Masterpiece
5646 Whitehorn Way, Birch Bay • $638,000
• Panoramic views of Birch Bay • Over 3,890 sq. ft. • Luxurious Master Suite • Huge Point Whitehorn Lot • Deeded Beach Access • One of regions most impressive homes inside • MLS# 820219
Irreplaceable Waterfront 9059 Dearborn Ave., Blaine • $889,000
• Drayton Harbor Waterfront • West Facing Semiahmoo Sunsets • Guest Studio over garage • Over 3,050 sq. ft. • Magazine Quality finishes throughout • MLS# 817298
Serene Privacy Minutes from Town 3080 Haynie Rd., Custer • $700,000
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360.527.8901 mike@mikekent.com
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