Ferndale Record June 14 2023

Mother, daughters sell sweets at Farmers Market

Jennifer Beaty and her four girls make treats then sell them Fridays. — News, A2

Nathan Schumock looks back at “unfathomable championship performances.” — Sports, B1

State dollars to Whatcom ag research station

On June 7, the Ferndale Public Works crew installed the newest piece of art in Gri ntown Park. (Courtesy City of Ferndale)

Arts commission brings new sculpture to Griffintown Park

FERNDALE — On June 7, the Ferndale Public Works crew installed the newest piece of art in Gri ntown Park.

Standing 14 feet tall, this piece is designed by local artist and former Bellingham Technical College welding instructor Don Anderson. His pieces, which have previously been displayed in Ferndale, are natureinspired abstract metal sculptures, according to a June 7 press release by the City of Ferndale.

is piece, originally titled “New Hope” was o ered to the City at half price by the artist and ts with the art and other installations at Gri ntown Park, located at 5786 Second Ave. e sculpture cost the City $10,000 and was already included as part of the Arts Commission’s annual budget.

“I’m grateful to see the work of the Arts Commission continue to serve and enrich our community so thoughtfully, and excited to see this sculpture contribute to the artistic landscape of our city,” said City Council Member and liaison to the Arts Commission Ali Hawkinson.

e Ferndale Arts Commission hosts dozens of free community arts events, and brings murals, sculptures and music to Ferndale.

To learn more about bringing art to Ferndale, the public is invited to join the Ferndale Arts Commission, which meets on the second Wednesday of every month at City Hall at 5 p.m.

Learn more about the arts commission at cityo erndale.org.

Capital budget also helps Swift Creek, Ejidos Farm, county 23hour crisis center

By Cal Bratt For the Tribune

WHATCOM

— For those who like to look for needles in haystacks, there can be rewards in such things. For instance, the Washington state capital budget document. It’s mostly about money for local projects.

In Olympia, by the time the Legislature was ready to adjourn on May 16, little else remained to be done except to dole out helpful money they could all agree on, $9 billion worth in the 2023-25 biennium, with unanimous votes in both the House and Senate followed by Gov. Jay Inslee’s signature.

In the mix of Senate Bill 5200 were these allocations for Whatcom County:

• $764,000 for a Whatcom Research Station at Lynden is will help toward establishing an

agriculture research facility locally, said Henry Bierlink, administrator of the Ag Water Board.

“We need space for the plant breeding program to move from Puyallup in the next few years. But the vision is for much more than that and includes all aspects of ag locally,” Bierlink said.

“We don’t have speci cs to report quite yet other than we are working with the Port of Bellingham to develop this. We expect to have more details to announce before fall,” he said.

• $4 million toward natural asbestos ood control and cleanup in the Swift Creek drainage east of Everson e money is earmarked for the Department of Ecology and it is projected that another $30.8 million will be needed in future years as the state’s contribution to solving the problem of asbestos-laden sediment coming o Sumas Mountain into the creek.

• $9 million for the Whatcom 23-Hour Crisis Relief Center in Bellingham e center will be among the rst such facilities in the state, said state Rep. Alicia Rule, who helped secure the funding. It will be like an urgent care center for medical needs, diverting people experiencing

mental health issues to receive appropriate services from a jail or hospital.

Funding for development will be fully covered through the state budget.

• $824,000 for the Ejidos Community Farm of Everson Ejidos is a cooperative farm project begun by farmworkers in 2017 (and taking the Spanish name of such) based on communal traditions and values of Mexican land reform.

• Almost $78 million for various investments at Western Washington University, including almost $48 million for Student Development and Success Center

• $8.15 million for Lummi Nation substance abuse treatment

• $1 million for the What-Comm Dispatch Center, which coordinates local law enforcement and emergency response dispatching.

• $502,000 for Van Zandt Community Hall renovation

• $700,000 for Joe Martin Stadium, Bellingham

• $450,000 for Nooksack Community Housing of the Deming-based tribe

• $340,000 to the Lummi Nation for

See Capital Budget on A2

Ferndale police seek help in rock throwing cases

FERNDALE — e Ferndale Police Department is seeking assistance in identifying possible subjects in multiple malicious mischief investiga-

tions where rocks are being thrown, which has caused signi cant damage to windows and other property.

According to a June 12 press release

by the City of Ferndale, there have been 15 incidents reported to the Ferndale Police Department as of May 11, which have resulted in thousands

of dollars in damage. “It is believed that there are two or more suspects involved,” the press release stated. “Most incidents have occurred along

the side streets of ornton Street and Malloy Avenue during the hours of darkness between 1-4 a.m.”  e Ferndale Police Department is

asking the public to contact 9-1-1 if you see anyone suspicious in these areas during the hours of darkness.

Furthermore, if

you have any information regarding these cases, contact Corporal Josh Scott at 360-483-5735 or jscott@ferndalepd. org.

Ferndale resident graduates from McNeese State University

LAKE CHARLES, La. — Fern-

dale resident Hannah Murphy is one of more than 700 students to receive their diplomas from McNeese State University dur-

ing two ceremonies for the university’s 160th commencement Friday, May 12, in McNeese’s Legacy Center. Murphy earned her Bachelor

of Science degree in chemical engineering. Murphy also was named to the university’s president’s honor list for the spring 2023

semester. To be on the list, an undergraduate student must earn at least a 3.5 GPA or better while carrying at least 15 semester hours.

A senior eligible for graduation but carrying less than 15 hours is also eligible provided that student was on the list the previous semester.

Whatcom County has become the dominant raspberry and blueberry growing region in the state and should have its own agriculture research facility, industry leaders say. (Cal Bratt for the Tribune)

Mother, daughters sell sweets at Ferndale Farmers Market

By Sarah McCauley Sta Reporter

FERNDALE — When most people hear her about Ana Rose Sweets, they assume the business owner must be none other than Ana Rose. But Jennifer Beaty, the actual owner, named the business after her seventh child who was just a 1-year-old back when Beaty launched the business in 2020.

Ana Rose Sweets is a recognition of her four daughters who help their mom create delicious treats in the family’s kitchen. e girls even take turns joining her at the Ferndale Farmers Market where Beaty sells sweets ranging from cinnamon rolls to cake pops. At the opening Ferndale Farmers Market on June 2, Beaty’s daughter, 9-year-old Sophia, was right alongside her mom helping run the business.

“Our four daughters love being with me in the kitchen, but Sophia is really blossom-

ing as a wonderful help to me in the business,” Beaty said. “She labels the packaging, helps set up and tear down at events, and interacts very well with customers. e other sisters want to come be part of the fun too, though, so we’ll rotate each week.”

Baking has always been a big part of Beaty’s life. She remembers, as a 5-year-old, making pancakes and mufns for breakfast.

With parents who loved being in the kitchen, Beaty and her sisters all ended up having a love for baking. Perhaps it was the start of a tradition that Beaty’s daughters will carry on. It’s clear they are also developing a fondness for baking after eagerly spending hours in the kitchen with their mom.

Beaty’s passion turned into a business after offering cake pops and cinnamon rolls on Facebook for Valentine’s Day, just for fun in 2020. It went so well she decided to get a cottage license permit, a requirement for businesses making not-potentially hazardous foods while operating out of one’s residential kitchen. She started Ana Rose Sweets in May that same year.

Jennifer Beaty and her 9-year-old daughter, Sophia, were ready to sell delicious sweets they had made alongside Sophia’s three sisters at the Ferndale Farmers Market. The business, Ana Rose Sweets, is named after her other daughter who was just a 1-year-old when the business started in 2020. (Sarah McCauley/Ferndale Record)

Facebook page. She also participates at Home Farm UPick and Events in Birch Bay and other farmers markets, she said, but the Ferndale Farmers Market is one of her favorite spots.

Ana Rose Sweets products can be ordered for porch pick up from her Birch Bay home, and she occasionally does porch pop-ups. Beaty posts updates for her customers through the business’

“I have participated in di erent farmers markets in the area, but Ferndale is consistently the most welcoming,” Beaty said. “Ferndale customers have always been

some of my best, and I love seeing the returning customers week after week in the summer.”

Anyone interested in enjoying a treat from Ana Rose Sweets can visit the business’ Facebook page: facebook. com/anarosesweets/ to see any upcoming locations she plans to sell at, or contact her about scheduling a porch pick up.

roughout the summer, stop by her stand at Ferndale Farmers Market where she and one of her daughters will be selling their sweets. e Ferndale Farmers Market is at 1750 LaBounty Drive next to the Ferndale Grocery Outlet. Hours are 2-6 p.m. Fridays through Oct. 13.

-- Contact Sarah McCauley at sarah@lyndentribune.com.

Capital Budget: Also helps Swift Creek, Ejidos Farm

bon district energy system ese are 2023-25 reappropriations of money that was committed but not spent in 2021-23:

• $500,000 for the missing link of the Jim Kaemingk Sr. Trail in Lynden

replacement in Sumas

• $150,000 for the deWilde Rugby Fields of Ferndale

• $100,000 for a Bellingham waterfront low-car-

• $1.5 million toward Ferndale’s plans for a new civic and community campus

• $319,000 for a Howard Bowen Memorial Events Complex in Sumas

• $2 million for Nooksack River integrated oodplain mitigation

• $3.96 million for Kendall Creek hatchery modications

• $5.4 million to Whatcom Community College to complete the Learning Commons

• $1.5 million for Ramstead Regional Park in Everson

• $75,000 for Sumas sidewalks and trails

• $400,000 for a Whatcom County integrated public safety radio system

Many projects are channeled through the state Department of Commerce. Some are in the form of general grants toward a certain objective, such as transit-oriented (within a rapid-transit corridor) housing development (at least 100 units) or $25 million to a state building construction account for a ordable housing preservation.

e capital budget was 471 pages long.

WALK IN THEIR SHOES: Vista Counselor Bryce Zo ie

FERNDALE — Before classes began at Vista Middle School one April morning, school counselor Bryce Zofkie was already meeting one-on-one with a couple of her students. Zofkie provided a comfortable space for these students to start their day, gently smiling and asking follow-up questions as the students talked about their family, their friendships, and their emotions.

During these quick chats, she o ered some a rmation – “It’s absolutely OK to have that feeling” – or help them brainstorm solutions – “What are some things you can do to help you when you’re feeling mad?”

“My goal is that I want students to learn those tools so that they can advocate for themselves,” Zofkie said afterwards.

After these appointments, Zofkie popped into the hallway to greet students as they walk to their rst period class. As she caught up with a student about her art project, the rst bell rang and the student darted o to class.  “Bye, Ms. Zofkie – I would love it if you visited me at lunch,” the student shouted as she walked away.

“I would love to visit you,” Zofkie responded.

Being a highly visible, friendly face at Vista is a key part of Zofkie’s role. She said this makes it easier for students to nd her if they or a friend needs help.

“I make it a point that every student in this school knows who I am, and how to get a hold of me,” Zofkie said. “ e more trusted adults students have in their lives, the safer they feel.”

Zofkie is in her second year as a school counselor at Vista, and she loves helping middle schoolers navigate what can be a complex, emotional time in their lives.  “ ey are in this age where

they are learning and changing and growing so much,” she said. “Some of them act too cool for school, but they also really want connections and relationships.”

After graduating from Western Washington University, Zofkie stayed with the Vikings as a coach and academic advisor for the volleyball team. For that job, she helped rst-year college students transition into college – and this role sparked her interest in becoming a school counselor.

“I realized the best part of my days are those one-on-one connections,” she said.

When a student visits Zofkie, it can be for a variety of reasons, but she emphasizes that privacy will be upheld.

e only exceptions are mandatory reporter situations (if someone is hurting the student, or if the student wants to hurt someone or hurt themselves) or if the student gives permission for Zofkie to tell another trusted adult.

Zofkie starts slowly with students who visit her, instead of forcing deep conversations immediately.

“It’s all about building that relationship, so I can’t expect for a student who’s never met me to tell me what’s going on,” she said. “ at’s why it’s important for them to see me in their hallways and classes, so this doesn’t feel like the rst interaction we’ve ever had.”

One way Zofkie connects with students outside of one-on-one sessions is through classroom visits, where she’ll lead interactive lessons on topics like grief and resilience or planning for high school.

For example, that April morning, she had Meghan Elliott’s class try some stress relief exercises like tensing and slowly releasing muscles, then she had students partner up to talk about the highs

WHATCOM COUNTY NEWS BRIEFS

Free jazz series celebrates summer, jazz and libraries

WHATCOM — Celebrate summer, jazz and libraries at three free concerts hosted by Friends of South Whatcom, Ferndale and Blaine libraries in support of the Whatcom County Library System.

At each event, neighbors will gather for a joyous hour of live music and to discover what’s new at local libraries.

Although the events are free, reservations are encouraged at wcls.org/jazz.

Bilongo

Saturday, July 15 from 2-3 p.m.

e jazz series kicks o outdoors at the Glenhaven Lakes Clubhouse, 2997 Glenhaven Drive, with Bellingham-based Bilongo, a seven-piece Latin jazz group. Bring blankets and camp chairs. No alcohol, please. Carpooling is suggested as parking is limited.

Arrive early to secure your spot on the grass and to browse library materials.

e Jerry Steinhilber Trio

Saturday, Aug. 5 from 7-8 p.m.

e jazz series continues atthe Ferndale Library, 2125 Main St., with the Jerry Steinhilber Trio. e group performs a distinctive mash-up of in uential jazz masterpieces and original compositions.

Tickets are limited and required. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Jazz Explosion

Saturday, Aug. 19 from 7-8 p.m.

e summer jazz series concludes with a performance by e Jazz Explo-

sion at the Blaine Performing Arts Center, 975 H St. Just like libraries, e Jazz Explosion is always exciting, always entertaining and always looking forward to what’s next.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Junior Groove: Jazz for Kids

To complement the jazz concerts, the Whatcom County Library System will host Junior Groove: Jazz for Kids.

In the three junior groove events, jazz drummer Jerry Steinhilber will lead children grades K-5 in an interactive program to learn about jazz and to try their hand at making some music of their own. Registration is not required.   ere are three opportunities to participate in Junior Groove: Jazz for Kids:

• Friday, June 30 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at South Whatcom Library, 10 Barnview Court, Sudden Valley, Gate 2.

• Friday, Aug. 4 from 5-6 p.m. at Ferndale Library, 2125 Main St.

• Friday, Aug. 18 from 4-5 p.m. at Blaine Library, 610 3rd St.

Drive raises

$2,550 for immigrant families

BELLINGHAM — Immigrant Resources and Immediate Support (IRIS) recently raised $2,550 in local contributions from its Groceries and Support for local Immigrant Mothers campaign.

According to a May 27 press release from IRIS, proceeds of the fundraiser were used to purchase food and household necessities for 12 local families,

and lows of their day and create a secret handshake.

“In middle school, sometimes you don’t have enough time to connect with your peers, so I like to give you guys that time,” she told the class. “Plus, handshakes are silly and fun.”

On Wednesdays after school, Zofkie leads Vista’s Natural Helpers club. is club is similar to student leadership, minus the elected positions – students do teacher recognition awards and plan fun events like Kindness Week and school dances. Zofkie also teaches them how they can help their peers with tough social situations, as well as how to know when to get an adult involved.

the majority of individuals served were from Latin America. “We selected families with the highest level of need,” the press release stated. “Many have a newborn baby and many were single moms. A total of 55 people were supported in Whatcom and Skagit counties.”

Volunteers from Leadership Skagit hosted a Mother’s Day celebration event at the Children’s Museum in Skagit County. More than 30 families attended this event which featured catering from COA and Lorenzo’s, dancing from Las Chicas Reinas Folkloric dancing group, children’s activities and resource tables speci c for immigrants.

“ e group is full of those silent leaders who are trying to make connections,” she said.

An important part of Zofkie’s job is more behind-the-scenes.

Along with Principal Heather Leighton, she creates Vista’s master schedule every year, which determines how many periods of each subject and class will be o ered. She also works with Registrar Hilleary Sorenson to create students’ schedules.

Kristle Craft, the intervention specialist at Vista, frequently collaborates with Zofkie to build plans for students who have academic, behavioral or social-emotional needs.

Craft said Zofkie was “wicked smart” and a strong advocate for

All mothers in attendance were given a gift basket full of basic kitchen necessities and treats, including a fresh bouquet of tulips. Resource tables distributed information about disease prevention, counseling, and free legal services. Families who attended the event spoke many languages, including Spanish, Mam, Triqui and Mixtec.

Immigrant Resources and Immediate Support (IRIS NW) is a 501 (c) (3) organization established to meet the urgent, unmet needs of immigrant families in Skagit and Whatcom counties.

IRIS accepts donations year-round for its ongoing programs. Contributions can be

students, but also praised her for making Vista’s sta feel heard and appreciated too.

“She’s not just here for the kids, she also checks in on us,” Kraft said of Zofkie. “She believes the whole school needs to be healthy and together in order to help everybody.”

Zofkie said she feels lucky to work at Vista with wonderful school sta , students and families.

“I cannot do my role without those people, so I’m very, very thankful for everyone that’s at this school,” she said. “We can’t do it alone.”

-- is story originally posted at ferndalesd.org.

made at irisnw.org/donate.

For more information, call IRIS Executive Director Norma Govea Suarez at 360-935-1688.

Substance Use Prevention Education

Drug use is dangerous and even more so in the age of fentanyl. Since 2019, overdose deaths in Washington have continued to rise, increasing 66%. Deaths are increasing across all age groups.

Fentanyl overdose deaths increased 10-fold since 2016. Generally, overdose deaths in the state have involved more than one substance, primarily

Lewis Publishing Company, publisher of the award-winning community newspapers Lynden Tribune and Ferndale Record, has an immediate opening for a full-time News Reporter

The successful applicant will be responsible for covering community news and features in north Whatcom County. You will be responsible for meeting coverage, human interest, recreation, investigative/explorative pieces, and more. Applicant will work closely with the editor and other sta members in a deadline-driven environment for both print editions and our websites. The ideal candidate will be curious in nature, work with a sense of urgency, bring a good command of English and AP style, a journalism degree, a willingness to immerse into civic, cultural, business, education, and agriculture. Applicant must be familiar with photography, InDesign and social media. You will have plenty to do in your 40-hour week. You also will have the opportunity to become a well-versed, skilled journalist capable of advancing your career in most any direction.

Lewis Publishing o ers a competitive compensation and bene ts package including health insurance, paid time o (vacation, sick, and holidays), and 401K Pro t Sharing Plan. Salary range is $32,000-$37,000 per year depending on experience.

If you are interested in joining our team please email your cover letter, resume and a variety of published clips (3-5) to:

Publisher Michael Lewis: mdlewis@lyndentribune.com

methamphetamine.

Youth and adults, or anyone who begins experimenting with or using drugs, have an increased risk of experiencing a drug overdose, whether fatal or not.

Illicit fentanyl has been found in marijuana, cocaine, MDMA, heroin, and methamphetamine. It is also made to look like pain medication or other prescription pills.

It’s easy for anyone to buy and sell drugs today. Social media platforms, for example, have made fentanyl widely available to anyone with a smartphone. Every neighborhood is now an open-air drug market. Drugs purchased online are then shipped to your doorstep.

On Wednesdays after school, Vista Middle School counselor Bryce Zofkie leads Vista’s Natural Helpers club. This club is similar to student leadership, minus the elected positions. Zofkie, left, is pictured with eighth grader Kelton Mahugh. (Courtesy Ferndale School District)

North Whatcom County municipal, county governments

Ferndale City Council

Ferndale City Council meets at 5 p.m. the first and third Mondays of each month. If Monday is a holiday, then council will meet on Tuesday. Meetings are held at the City Hall Annex, 5694 Second Ave. Visit cityo erndale. org for agendas and links to council and other committee meetings.

Whatcom County Council

Parents ‘have the right to know’

In last week’s paper, the Ferndale Record reported about a Ferndale School Board director who violated the Board’s code of conduct. e actions of Director Melinda Cool were not made clear. In the article, the explanation of Cool’s conduct simply stated, “Cool made a comment regarding one of the candidates.”

Someone reading that article without background information might get the false

WHERE TO WRITE

Federal President Joe Biden (D), The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania. Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20500; Public comment desk, 202-4561111; email form at whitehouse. gov/contact. Website: joebiden. com.

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D), 511 Hart Senate O ce Building, Washington, DC 20510, 202224-3441; Public comment form at cantwell.senate.gov/contact.

Website: cantwell.senate.gov.

U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D), 154 Russell Senate O ce Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, 202-224-2621; Public comment email form at murray.senate.gov/ write-to-patty; Website: murray. senate.gov.

U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D), 2163 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515, 202-2252605; Public comment email form at larsen.house.gov/contact. Website: larsen.house.gov.

State Governor Jay Inslee (D), O ce of the Governor, PO Box 40002, Olympia, WA 985040002, 360-902-4111; Public contact email form at governor. wa.gov/contact. Website: governor.wa.gov.

Senator Sharon Shewmake (D), 213 John A. Cherberg Building, PO Box 40442, Olympia, WA 98504, 800-562-6000 or 360305-0356; Public comment email at app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/member-

Email/42/2. Or email Legislative Assistant Sarah Soulliere atSarah. Soulliere@leg.wa.gov. Website: senatedemocrats.wa.gov/Shewmake.

Representative Alicia Rule (D), JLOB 334, PO Box 40600, Olympia, WA 98504-0600, 360746-3744; Public comment email at https://app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/ memberEmail/42/1. Or email Legislative Assistant Rachel Campbell at Rachel.Campbell@leg.wa.gov.

impression that a board member commenting on an applicant for a board position would violate their rules. is is untrue.

Here’s what really happened. On Jan. 23 Cool posted to a private Facebook group of activists soliciting emails to be written to board members opposing my appointment to the vacant board position. In Cool’s Jan. 23 post, she wrote, “Looking forward to hearing from LOTS OF you!”

Website: housedemocrats.wa.gov/ rule.

Representative Joe Timmons (D), JLOB 419, PO Box 40600, Olympia, WA 98504-0600; Tollfree hotline: 800-562-6000, 360786-7854. Email: Joe.Timmons@ leg.wa.gov or public comment email at app.leg.wa.gov/pbc/ memberEmail/42/2. Or contact

Legislative Assistant Hayden Jenkins at (360) 786-6854 or (360) 718-5299 or email Hayden. Jenkins@leg.wa.gov. Website: housedemocrats.wa.gov/timmons.

County

Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu, 311 Grand Ave. Suite 108, Bellingham, WA 982254082, 360-778-5200; Email: ssidhu@co.whatcom.wa.us. Website: https://www.whatcomcounty. us/415/County-Executive.

Whatcom County Council Member Kaylee Galloway District 1, 311 Grand Ave., Suite 105, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360-489-9192; Email: kgallowa@ co.whatcom.wa.us. Website: https://www.whatcomcounty. us/3862/Kaylee-Galloway.

Whatcom County Council Member Todd Donovan District 2, 311 Grand Ave., Suite 105, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360483-8474; Email: tdonovan@ co.whatcom.wa.us. Website: https://www.whatcomcounty. us/2261/Todd-Donovan-CouncilChair.

Whatcom County Council Member Tyler Bird District 3 (Everson, Nooksack Sumas), 311 Grand Ave., Suite 105, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360-778-5021; Email: tbyrd@co.whatcom.wa.us. Website: whatcomcounty.us/2769/ Tyler-Byrd.

Whatcom County Council Member Kathy Kershner District 4 (Lynden), 311 Grand Ave., Suite 105, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360-220-7535; Email: KKershne@

and linked the Ferndale School Board’s email address to help facilitate their request. e following day, at a School Board Special Meeting held to select applicants to move forward for interviews, Cool called for a recess during the meeting so everyone could read the emails that had come in over the previous day. After that recess, the board deadlocked over whether I should be included in the group

co.whatcom.wa.us. Website: whatcomcounty.us/3322/KathyKershner.

Whatcom County Council Member Ben Elenbaas District 5 (Ferndale/Custer), 311 Grand Ave., Suite 105, Bellingham, WA 98225, 360-778-5025; Email: BElenbaa@co.whatcom.wa.us; Website: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/3321/Ben-Elenbaas.

Whatcom County Council Member Barry Buchanan At Large Position A, 311 Grand Ave., Suite 105, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360-224-4330; Email: bbuchanan@co.whatcom.wa.us; Website: https://www.whatcomcounty. us/1975/Barry-Buchanan.

Whatcom County Council Member Carol Frazey At Large Position B, 311 Grand Ave., Suite 105, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360-778-5024; Email: cfrazey@ co.whatcom.wa.us; Website: https://www.whatcomcounty. us/2996/Carol-Frazey.

North Whatcom Municipal City of Everson, 111 W. Main St./PO Box 315, Everson, WA 98247, 360-966-3411; Mayor John Perry, email: mayor@ ci.everson.wa.us. City Clerk/Treasurer Melanie Dickinson, email: mdickinson@ci.everson.wa.us. Website: ci.everson.wa.us. City of Ferndale, 2095 Main St./ P.O. Box 936 Ferndale, WA 98248, 360-384-4302; Mayor Greg Hansen, 360-685-2350 ext. 1105, email greghansen@cityofferndale.org. City Administrator Jori Burnett, 360-685-2351 ext. 1104, email joriburnett@cityo erndale.org. Website: cityo erndale. org. City of Lynden, 300 4th St. Lynden, WA 98264, 360-3541170; Mayor Scott Korthuis, email korthuiss@lyndenwa.org; City Administrator John Williams, email williamsj@lyndenwa.org. City of Nooksack, 103 W Madison St, Nooksack, WA 98276,

to be interviewed. One board member made a positive case for my application but at that point, Cool read parts of emails that claimed that I was homophobic, transphobic, racist and intolerant. She stated that she had never seen so many letters come in about anything in all her time on the board, as if she had not solicited them herself. She refused to stop her diatribe when questioned

See Button on A6

360-966-2531. Mayor Kevin Hester kevin@cityofnooksack.com. Clerk/Treasurer Virginia Arnason, email: virginia@cityofnooksack. com. Website: cityofnooksack. com. City of Sumas, 433 Cherry St./ P.O. Box 9 Sumas, WA 98295, 360-988-5711; Mayor Bruce Bosch, email: Bbosch@cityofsumas.com. Finance Director Jennifer Bell, email: jbell@cityofsumas. com. North Whatcom Public education Blaine School District, 765 H St., Blaine, WA 98230, 360-3325881. Superintendent Christopher Granger, email: cgranger@ blainesd.org. Website: blainesd. org. Ferndale School District, 6041 Vista Drive/P.O. Box 698 Ferndale, WA 98248, 360-3839200. Superintendent Kristi Dominguez, 360-386-9207, email: Kristi.Dominguez@ferndalesd.org.

Website: ferndalesd.org.

Lynden School District, 516 Main St., Lynden, WA 98264, 360354-4443. Superintendent David VanderYacht, 360-354-4443 ext. 3414, email: vanderyachtd@lynden.wednet.edu. Website: lynden. wednet.edu.

Meridian School District, 214 W. Laurel Road, Bellingham, WA 98226, 360-398-7111. Superintendent James Everett, email: jeverett@ meridian.wednet.edu.

Website: meridian.wednet.edu

Mount Baker School District, 4956 Deming Road/P.O. Box 95 Deming, WA 98244, 360-383-2000. Superintendent Mary Sewright, 360-617-4600, msewright@mtbaker.wednet.edu.

Website: mtbaker.wednet.edu.

Nooksack Valley School District, 3326 E. Badger Road, Everson, WA 98247, 360-9884754. Superintendent Matt Galley, email: matt.galley@nv.k12.wa.us.

Website: nv.k12.wa.us.

Whatcom County Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 6 p.m. at the County Courthouse, 311 Grand Ave. Suite 105, Bellingham. Visit whatcomcounty.us for agendas and links to council and other committee meetings.

Lynden City Council

Lynden City Council meets at 7 p.m. the first and the third Monday of every month at the City Hall Annex, 205 Fourth St. If Monday is a holiday, then council will meet on Tuesday. Visit lyndenwa. org for more information, including council agendas, which are released no later than 24 hours before the meeting.

Everson City Council

Everson City Council meets at 7 p.m. the secondand fourthTuesday of each month at Everson City Hall, 111 W. Main St. Visit ci.everson.wa.us for meeting agendas or for more information.

Nooksack City Council

Nooksack City Council meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month at Nooksack City Hall, 103 W. Madison St. If Monday is a holiday, then council will meet on Tuesday. Visit cityofnooksack. com for meeting agendas or for more information.

Sumas City Council

Sumas City Council meets at 7 p.m. the secondand fourthMonday of each month at Sumas City Hall, 433 Cherry St. Planning Commission meets at 5:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month if needed. Other committees meet only as needed. Visit cityofsumas.com for meeting agendas or for more information.

GUEST OPINION

Nancy Button

OBITUARIES

Cyndy Honey

Our beloved Cyndy — wife, Mama, sister, and Grammee — unexpectedly left her home garden for the heavenly one on June 5, 2023. She passed away doing what she loved: nurturing life in her yard.

Born Cynthia Renée Reimer to Dorothy and Isaac Reimer on May 9, 1958, in Bellingham, Cyndy grew up on the family farm on H Street Road. She was the second child of ve, graduated from Lynden High School in 1976, attended Bellevue Community Col-

lege, and worked at the Rendezvous Inn in Lynden before marrying Jim Lankhaar in 1979. ey moved to Sumas and had three children while Cyndy sold Avon. Later she would open her own boutique, manage a Texaco gas station, and was a waitress extraordinaire at e Lone Jack Saloon. ere, she met Larry Honey, who brought two daughters to the family when they married in 1992. Her magni cent people skills served her well as she worked until retirement as a Sales Manager for Avon Products. Never one to

Community Calendar

June 16

Young Kidz, Joe and Carol Young

relax for too long, she and Larry then developed Honey Farms in Sumas, where Cyndy was perhaps best known in the community for her role as sales manager, Blueberry Lady, Flower Lady, Pumpkin Lady and CEO.

Cyndy was an incredibly strong, generous, and creative woman who loved meeting new people. She was ercely dedicated to her family and never hesitated to lend a hand. She most enjoyed her yard, hard work, spending time with family and friends, crafting, and spoiling her 11 grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Larry Honey; children Candice Lankhaar, Jesse Lankhaar (Mela-

nie) and Jared Lankhaar; Stephanie Honey Gillespie (Brian) and Natalie Honey (Shawn Digby); her sister Shyla Reimer and brothers Ron (Judy) and Jayson (Tabitha) Reimer, sister-in-law Ruth Reimer, as well as grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Her parents, her brother Randy Reimer and her honorary son-inlaw Omar Shokeir greeted her in heaven with roses and hugs.

A memorial service for Cyndy will be held ursday, June 15 at 2 p.m. at North County Christ the King Church in Lynden.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Forrest John Stremler

Memorial time to celebrate the life of Forrest John Stremler will be held June 29 at Berthusen Park from 6-8 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. Memories of Forrest are welcome to be shared at that time.

We gladly accept submissions for the calendar section of our newspaper. Priority will be given to educational, cultural or recreational events open to the general public sponsored by non-profit, civic, charitable, fraternal or educational organizations. All submissions are subject to review and included at editor discretion as space allows. We reserve the right to edit for content and clarity. Submissions should not exceed 150 words and include contact information. Please submit event information at least 10 business days before your event date at www.lyndentribune.com or by emailing editor@lyndentribune.com. Space is limited and we cannot guarantee placement from week to week. If you would like information on purchasing advertising space, please contact our advertising team at 360-354-4444.

The Young Kidz will share songs from the ‘50s and ‘60s with some of Joe’s humor. Relive some of your memories of wonderful times gone by. Come to Lynden Community/Senior Center at 401 Grover St., on Friday, June 16 at 12:45 p.m. Call (360) 354-2921 or email info@ lyndencommunitycenter.org for more information.

June 17

Point Whitehorn

beach discovery

From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, June 17, Point Whitehorn Park will be the site of a day of beach discovery. A free, family-friendly event that features low tide beach tours, community booths and other activities. Naturalists will meet you on the beach to help you explore the low tide and learn about all the critters. At 11 a.m. there will be a geology talk. Come prepared with sunscreen, water and snacks. Please leave dogs at home. Learn more at tinyurl.com/Whatsthepoint2023.

June 17

Juneteenth in Bellingham

Bellingham Unity Committee will hold its annual Juneteenth celebration from 2-6 p.m. Saturday, June 17 at Maritime Heritage Park, Bellingham. Bring your food and blanket to spread on the grass around the Maritime Amphitheatre for this community picnic. Enjoy live funk, soul, R&B and reggae music, dance performances, community step, art wall and local organizations tabling. For more information, contact Terrance Morris at Bellinghamunitycommittee18@gmail.com.

June 17

Empty Bowls benefit

Eat soup, end hunger. Empty Bowls benefit returns to Bellingham June 17 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Boundary Bay Brewery Beer Garden, 1107 Railroad Ave, Bellingham. A $20 entry ticket includes your choice of a one-of-a-kind handmade bowl, a bowl of delicious soup, and bread from a local restaurant. A silent auction of handmade serving dishes by local artists and live musical entertainment will fill out the evening. Contact: Dawn Sodt at (360) 224-7607 for more information, or visit whatcomartistsofclayandkiln.org.

June 18

Gear Heads Father’s Day Car Show

Gear Heads of Whatcom County will hold their annual Father’s Day Car Show from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Bellewood Farms, 6140 Guide Meridian, Lynden. Spectators have free entry to the show. Registration for the show is $20 for car or truck. Show is open to any classic, custom and hot rod cars or trucks. Bellewood Farms will be serving breakfast and have an assortment of lunch options. Proceeds from the show will go to a number of local charities such as Humane Society, Food Bank, and Vietnam Veterans. To register your car into the show email gearheadswc@gmail.com or visit gearheadswc. com.

June 21

Painting with Anne Anne Levinson assists students to create an Acrylic Paints painting at the Lynden Community/Senior Center, 401 Grover St. Project completion is two hours. Classes will be on June 7 and 21, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. There is a fee of $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers. Sign up before is required. For more information, call (360) 354-2921 or email info@ lyndencommunitycenter.org.

Beginning June 22

Elizabeth Park Summer Concert Series

The Eldridge Society for History and Preservation announces the2023 Elizabeth Park Summer Concert Series. Join us for two-hour outdoor concerts at beautiful Elizabeth Park in Bellingham’s Columbia Neighborhood. These free concerts are Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. beginning Thursday, June 22. Visit facebook.

com/ElizabethParkSummerConcerts for a list of performers. Last minute changes or cancellations due to weather will be reported by 3pm on the day of the concert.

June 23, June 30 and July 14

Flicks in the Park

Flicks in the Parkwill be held Fridays nights June 23, June 30and July 14in Pioneer Village, Ferndale. Grab a blanket or chair and join us after the sun goes down at 9 p.m. Free popcorn and soda available.On June 23, watch Top Gun: Maverick. On June 30, watch Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Finally, on July 14, watch Back to the Future.

June 23

Ahead for Your Legacy & Healthcare

From 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. June 23, join PeaceHealth, Safe Harbor Legal Solutions, Eden Hospice and other organizations and businesses for presentations and information concerning Advanced Care Planning and end of life legal planning at Lynden Community/Senior Center, 401 Grover St. Call (360) 354-2921 or email info@lyndencommunitycenter.org for more information.

June 24-25

Mower, Tractor/Truck Pull

Puget Sound Antique Tractor & Machinery Association’sMower, Tractor & Truck Pull June 24-25 at the West Field Entrance of Berthusen Park. Mowers begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday only. Tractors start at 1 p.m. both days. Trucks start at 3 p.m. on Saturday, and on Sunday will follow the tractors. There will be modified tractors and trucks pulling on Saturday after the regular tractor pull. Also on Saturday is a Street Truck Challenge for stock gas and diesel trucks to come out and challenge each other for bragging rights. Admission is $10 for spectators on Saturday. No charge on Sunday. All pullers are required to be members of PSATMA for insurance purposes, $20 and can be done when registering to pull. Hook fees are $5 and $10 for mowers, $20 for tractors, $25 for trucks. Food trucks will be on site both days. Call Diane Bouwman at 360-319-2404 or Je Kentch at 360-815-5979 for more information.

June 27

Fire Extinguishers Use

At 12:45 p.m. June 27, Lynden Assistant Fire Chief Christy Watson will discuss types of fire extinguishers and their uses at Lynden Community/Senior Center, 401 Grover St. Attendees will then adjourn outside and gain firsthand experience on how to use them and gain practice. Call (360) 354-2921 or email info@ lyndencommunitycenter.org for more information.

June 28

Uniting Communities for LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity

To honor Pride Month, Bellingham City Club will present its next program to help broaden understanding of the LGBTQIA+ community and issues, including where Whatcom County members can get support and to build a more inclusive community for everyone. The in-person event includes a catered luncheon taking place at the Bellingham Yacht Club, 2625 S Harbor Loop Drive. on Wednesday, June 28 from noon–1:30 p.m. Doors open at 11:45 a.m. Registration is required by June 25, 6 p.m. at bellinghamcityclub.org.

June 29

June Birthday Party

If your birthday is in June, come and celebrate with the Lynden Community/Senior Center, 401 Grover St., on Thursday, June 29. There will be a special lunch at noon, for $6 to begin the party and then cake to celebrate at 12:30 p.m. Come join your friends. Call (360) 3542921 or email info@lyndencommunitycenter. org for more information.

June 30

Healthy Living for your Brain and Body

Science now provides insights into how to make lifestyle choices that may help you keep your brain and body healthy as you age. Learn about research in the areas of diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity, and social engagement. Join Jerri Wood, on Friday, June 30 at 12:45 p.m. for a presentation on this new knowledge. The Lynden Community/Senior Center is at 401 Grover St., or call (360) 3542921 or email info@lyndencommunitycenter. org for more information.

July 1

Author Candace Wellman at Village Books

Lynden Bellingham author Candace Wellman will be at Village Books in Lynden on Saturday, July 1, at 2 p.m. to tell the scandalous story of Edmund C. Fitzhugh. Appointed to the federal bench while under indictment for murder, Fitzhugh’s life o ers insights into the people, politics, and legal practices of the territory and 19th century American West. The first full biography of a Washington Territory Supreme Court justice, her new book,Man of Treacherous Charm, details how the Virginian exploited his networks to influence the region’s legal and social history. Village Books is at 430 Front St.

July 7-8

Everson McBeath Friends of the Library

Booksale

From 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. July 7-8, Friends of Everson McBeath Library will hold their book sale at the Everson Library, 104 Kirsch Drive. Stop in the alley by Valley Taphouse and shop thousands and thousands of books, DVDs, and other items. Antique books as well. All proceeds go to the Friends of the Everson Library, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that supports the Everson McBeath Community Library.

July 7 and Aug. 4

Food Truck Fridays

Food Truck Fridaysare the first Friday of each summer month at Pioneer Village, next to Star Park in Ferndale. Food trucks from around Whatcom County will sell hot meals starting at 5:30 p.m. Also, there will be live entertainment on the Pioneer Village stage for each event starting at 6 p.m.

Aug. 19

Music in the Park

Music in the Parkis Saturday, June 10and Saturday, Aug. 19 at Pioneer Village in Ferndale. Food trucks will be on site and there will be kids activities in addition to the live music. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., music starts at 6 p.m.

Sept. 1-30

Eat Local Month

Participate in a month-long celebration of local food and of people who grow, raise, fish, make and cook it. Meet your chef, farmer, fisher and grocer and experience the unique flavors of the region. For more information, email annikas@ sustainableconnections.org.

Sept. 16

Whatcom Farm Tour

Join Sustainable Connections from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sept. 16 for the Whatcom Farm Tour. Learn more at sustainableconnections.org/ whatcom-county-farm-tour.

Oct. 27

Peace Builder Awards

From 5:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 27 is the 20th annual Peace Builder Awards gala at Four Points by Sheraton, 714 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham. Award winners whose work in the areas of social justice, education, reconciliation and collaboration have made Whatcom County a more just and peaceful place to live. Nominations for 2023 Peace Builders are open atwhatcomdrc.org/nominate. Since 2003, the Peace Builder Awards have spotlighted more than 150 individuals and organizations whose acts of community-building have strengthened our neighborhoods, schools and Whatcom County at large.For more information, visit https:// fb.me/e/4iVpJHye9.

Deming Logging Show results

Results from this year’s Deming Logging Show.

Pictured, Bryce Blockley, who finished first in axe throwing with a score of 27, first in obstacle choker setting with a score of 32.19, and third with Harold Lewis in hot saws with a score of 2.35. Special thanks to Brenda Chapin for providing scores.

2023 Deming Logging

Show winners

Sportsmanship

Max Swenson

All Around Logger

Tony Kyle Gold Axe

Joe & Delfina Amarando

Silver Axe Sara Brown

Joan Hammer

Fawn Morgan

President Watch

Lindy Jewell

Shannon Chilcote

Most Active Non-Contes-

tant Carol Smith

Best Load of Logs

1. ALRT Truck #93

Driver: Mike Hamilton

Loader: Je Sande Logger: ALRT

LETTERS

2. Van Dyk and Sons

Truck #12

Driver: Gary Grimes Loader: James Van Dyk

Logger: Van Dyk and Sons

3. Rob Graham Truck #59

Driver: Chris Husby Loader: Cary Hamilton Logger: Nielsen Bros.

Best Load of Logs–Doubles

1. Rob Graham #51

Driver: Aaron Stacey Loader: Je Sande Logger: ALRT

Axe Throwing

1. Bryce Blockley 27

2. Kendal Cain 25

3. Justin O redi 20

Cable Splicing

1. Ryan Lenssen/Erik Anderson 1:51.99

2. Justin O redi/Philip Zwick 2:17.51

3. Nick DeKriek/Lars Robinson 3:47.36

Chain Saw Bucking I(Up to 6 CI)

1. Kendal Cain 12.27

2. Andy Hodder 12.78

3. Philip Zwick 13.43

Chain Saw Bucking II (Stock)

1. Andy Hodder 25.78

2. Kendal Cain 26.81

3. Philip Zwick 27.35

Yes to home owners association, no to home owners extortion

Editor, I have lived in Homestead for 22 years. Since my lot was on the 3rd hole, I was willing to pay a premium compared to other homes in Lynden at the time and was willing to pay the $20 per month common space maintenance fee.

After Homestead went through its bankruptcy, new owners and golf course managers started raising the monthly

Chain Saw Bucking III (140CC)

1. Harold Lewis 5.81

2. Mike Truong 6.53

3. Kendal Cain 7.65

Choker Setting

1. Bryce Postlewait 23.90

2. Jacob White 24.06

3. Justin Hedeen 28.38

Double Bucking

1. Kendal Cain/Gage Robinson 18.76

2. Les Kyle/Tony Kyle 22.37

3. Andy Hodder/Mike Truong 27.00

Hand Bucking

1. Tony Kyle 31.70

2. Jacob White 42.46

3. Les Kyle 50.28

Hot Saws

1. Andy Hodder/Mike Truong 1.37

2. Eli Bekkevar/Kris DeKriek 2.30

3. Harold Lewis/Bryce Blockley 2.35

Iron Man

1. Tony Kyle 1:15.00

2. Tyler Bergstrom 2:15.24

3. Will Mathews 2:23.02

4. James Stone 3:11.31

Kids Log Rolling

1. Nate Rawls

2. Troy Johnson

3. Parker Truong

maintenance fees.

After doing some simple math on how much money was being collected for common space, I questioned the managers if some of this money was being used for the golf course. ey could not provide any breakdown of costs and money received from owners. But what they always promised me was that none of the money being collected was used for golf course expenses.

Almost three years ago, the managers nally confessed what we suspected all along was that we have been lied to our face. ey admitted that they need money from the owners to pay for their over-

Kids Speed Climbing

30ft.

1. Gavin Compton 17.50

2. Isaac DeKriek 23.19

3. Kyle Linderman 31.10

Kids Speed Climbing 50ft.

1. Abishai Hall 31.97

Log Rolling

1. Isaac DeKriek

2. Kyle Linderman

3. Weston Rathjen

Loggers Relay

1. Strider Const. 1:04.97

2. 3 Rivers Cutting 1:13.48

3. Team USA 1:24.31

Ma and Pa Bucking

1. Justin O redi/Meg Offredi 16.88

2. Ed Williams/Ava-Sue Williams 18.91

3. Les Kyle/Kylee Henningson 29.29

Novice Hand Bucking

1. Gage Robinson 31.35

2. Chris Hamilton 39.56

3. Marcus Stein 41.44

Novice Log Rolling

1. Jackson Eaton

2. Kroy Stuit

3. Jayce Johnson

Novice Speed Climb

1. Henry Norwood 31.86

Obstacle Choker Setting

1. Bryce Blockley 32.19

2. Skyler Isaacson 37.50

3. Tyler Bergstrom 38.10

Pole Falling

1. Nick VanBrocklin 29.35

2. Kris DeKriek 31.82

3. Les Kyle 38.59

Speed Climbing

1. Tyler Bergstrom 33.82

Speed Climbing-Championship

1. Sean Yokoyama 23.64

2. Carsen Monaghan 26.54

Standing Block Chop

1. Les Kyle 28.25

2. Tony Kyle 28.97

3. Henry Norwood 1:11.84

Trailer Backing

1. Devin Madonia 7.50

2. Brandon Harkness 7.90

3. Matt Zender 8.12

Tree Topping

1. Tyler Bergstrom 1:44.30

Tug-O-War

1. Kids

Wrapper Throwing

1. Mark Silves 1:22.04

2. Cory Goetz 1:22.53

3. Aaron Stacy 1:23.63 Show

priced bad investment. is includes the o er on the table from a local business owner who wants us to subsidize his new bad investment. is o er is the same pig with a di erent dress.

Now many owners have fallen into scare tactics of what will happen if the course closes and just want to give in and pay whatever they will demand. Homestead needs to be two pieces.

One, a real HOA with money collected from the owners for the common space area and represented and voted on by the owners.

Two, a golf course operated like a real business which should be worth and operated based on the revenue they collect from their services.

James Gassman Lynden

Library books ‘push a LGBTQ+ agenda’

Editor, For many years I enjoyed checking out books from our local Lynden Public Library. When my children were young, our weekly trip to the library de nitely ranked as a family highlight. We had books from the library all over our home.

You can imagine that it grieved me when just the other day a Christian young mother mentioned that she could no longer enjoy taking her children to Lynden Public Library because the books on display there push a LGBTQ+ agenda. is past weekend I decided to check for myself so I visited the children’s section of our library. ere I found on display a picture book telling the story of a princess who found a maiden to be her true love, and another book where a child claims to have two daddies.

en, looking at books for elementary age children, I read of a child who because he said he didn’t feel like a boy or a girl, he was neither. e title of another book read Two Grooms on a Cake. ese are but a few of these types of books on display.

It is hard to believe that the library that carried so many wholesome books 20 years ago now has joined a movement which throws aside basic scienti c biology to allow books that confuse children about the two sexes: male and female.

It is sad and disturbing to see that immorality has been allowed to boldly show

its face in our community’s once wholesome children’s section of the library and that impressionable Lynden children are being targeted by those pushing the LGBTQ+ agenda. Libraries were set up to serve communities and not to promote and even celebrate social movements that may o end patrons.

It should be of deep concern to the Lynden Public Library sta that this type of celebration is alienating a segment of our community including many young mothers who are training their children according to biblical norms.

Jane Dotinga

Lynden

Submitting letters or commentaries

e Lynden Tribune and Ferndale Record newspapers encourage guest opinions as well as letters to the editor. However, submissions must refrain from attacking individuals without providing supporting documentation or a rational and legally defensible justi cation

Letters should be emailed to editor@ lyndentribune.com and must be received by noon Monday if they are to publish in that Wednesday’s newspaper.

If letters cannot be sent electronically, they may be typewritten or neatly handwritten and must be received by Friday if they are to publish in the following Wednesday’s newspaper.

Letters should not exceed 300 words. Guest opinions may not exceed 500 words and must include a clear photograph of the author.

Your letter or guest opinion must include your full name, complete address and telephone number. Your address and telephone number will not be printed in the newspaper, but will be used for verication by newspaper sta . Neither unsigned letters nor letters containing personal attacks of a libelous nature will be published.

e Tribune and Record newspapers reserve the right to edit or refuse any letter. Furthermore, space limitations may also preclude letters from being published.

All columns and letters on the opinion page are the views of the authors and do not necessarily re ect the views of the Lynden Tribune or Ferndale Record newspaper.

vote, the board found in my favor.

by another board member about the veracity of the emails. She led the board to believe that these emails had come in organically.

So that is the essence of my ethics complaint against Cool: dishonesty, manipulation and setting a poor example for the district’s employees and students.

Over the objections of Board President Erickson, who did everything in his power to drag the process out and avoid taking a

You may wonder: Why would Cool do this? Is Nancy Button all of those horrible things? No. I am not. However, I have spoken out about how Board policies a ect what happens in the classrooms, having taught in them for 20 years.

Being forced to lie to parents about their 10-year-old child transitioning to another gender, even when asked directly by those parents, is bad policy and may subject the

district to legal challenges. I believe parents have the right to know, and to lie to them is wrong. I believe transparency is paramount with parents, who have fundamental liberty and privacy interests in the care and custody of their children. Cool and her supporters take the opposite view, and to me that is the underlying issue.

— Nancy Button was one of seven applicants to replace Jessie Deardor , who resigned late last year from the Ferndale School Board.

Ferndale grads use smiles for umbrellas

Despite being drenched in a downpour that carried on throughout the entire evening, the Ferndale High School class of 2023 was full of hope and laughter during its commencement ceremony. Class speakers Paloma Jose-Day, Madisyn Butenschoen and Malia Welch focused on the past, present and future in their speeches. They reminded their classmates, adorned in caps and gowns, to be proud of what they have accomplished and excited for everything ahead of them. There were fist pumps, lots of hugging, and tears shed as the students walked across the field after shaking the hand of a school board member to then be congratulated by FHS Principal Ravinder Dhillon or Superintendent Kristi Dominguez. (Sarah McCauley/Ferndale Record)

Rob Adams returns to Lynden girls basketball

Adams comes out of three-year retirement to retake helm as head coach

Nathan Schumock

Sports Editor

LYNDEN — Former Lynden girls basketball head coach Rob Adams has returned after a three-year break to lead the program into the 2023-24 basketball season.

Adams previously coached for 13 years as the girl's head coach and brought home three state championship titles — the

last coming in the 20192020 season before he retired.

He will be replacing Vic Wol s as head coach and take the mantle of a team that has seen early state exits for the past two years.

Adams initially retired to spend more time with his children but has stayed in the gym with them for the last three years. He realized he still had something to give as a head coach.

"I wanted to make sure I spent some time enjoying watching my oldest play. But I had also had missed the opportunity to be involved in my youngest one, Spencer's, athletics, as far as coaching and helping him out," Adams said. " e more I was around the game with my two boys, the more I realized that I might still have something to give."

Adams said because the hiring came late, they have scrambled to set the

summer practice schedule for the girls, but he is impressed with what he has seen so far.

"It has been really positive. ere's been some early excitement as far as just kind of getting after it," Adams said. "Our biggest thing is we have to get to the point where we just play more consistent basketball."

Adams said he wants to in uence a culture that "starts and ends" with a competitive spirit.

"Collective responsibility, standards, pride, enthusiasm, and that next play mentality. It's something that we held dear to our heart for the 13 years prior," Adams said. " e players have done a really admirable job of buying in and doing what they are asked."

Lynden will have 11 returning varsity players along with new freshmen elevating to the top squad for the 2023-24 season.

Micah Moses sets two Guinness World Records

stopping there.

Moses, the 11-year veteran of the United States Mariner Corps, currently holds the record for the fastest ve-meter rope climb with a 40-pound backpack on and the fastest 10-meter rope climb.

Moses set the record for the ve-meter climb with the 40-pound backpack on with a time of 7.99 seconds.

e 10-meter climb was done in 20.51 seconds.

Moses said one of the reasons he strives to set these records is to set an example for his twin boys.

"It's a great example to show them this hard work ethic. To sit there and endure and push it and to show them that if you want it, you gotta go get it. It's earned," Moses said.

See Micah on B3

LYNDEN — Lynden resident Micah Moses has set two Guinness World Records in one calendar year and is not

FROM THE SPORTS DESK

Record certificates.

Additionally, Moses serves as a personal trainer and said he wants to show his older clientele that age does not de ne or hold them back from the feats they can accomplish. "I think the coolest thing was when there was this moment when I did the 40-pound one where it was just, it was absolutely breathtaking. Because I think I did it so much faster than everybody thought that for about ve seconds afterward when I got up and touched the rope, this whole group of kids and adults, nobody said anything," Moses said. " ey're all just standing there looking at me and then I hear one of the kids go, 'Can we clap now?' And I was like, 'yeah, go on.'"

"So it was really neat to share that moment with all these people who just kind of held their breath not knowing what to expect," he said.

Moses completed these records in a barn on his prop-

Reflection on my first year of prep coverage

Nathan Schumock

Sports Editor

It is hard to put into words the year that Northern Whatcom County athletics has seen and the experiences that I have had with them. But that is my job, so I am going to give it a try.

e athletes in this area combined for four state team titles and three second-place nishes, along with numerous individual state titles across golf, wrestling and track and eld.

I often try to explain to people how prestigious the athletes and teams

from Northern Whatcom County are — yet I can never do it justice. Someone unfamiliar with the area would call this year an anomaly, but we all know it is not. It is years and years of unfathomable championship performances heralded by the communities' sup-

port and raising kids to be good and sincere at all levels of play.

A special moment for me personally was the Lynden football championship game. I am originally from Puyallup, Washington and attended Puyallup High School. When I was in

high school, I used to play on the Sparks Stadium eld, where the Lions triumphed over North Kitsap for their second straight 2A state championship game. It was a surreal moment

See Reflection on B3

Photo of Rob Adams with during his prior stint with the Lynden Lions. (File

photo by Hailey Palmer)

Moses already with two records looking to set two more

erty that he converted into a private gym. He developed his own strength and conditioning course to prepare himself for the strenuous record-setting attempts.

Micah Moses posing with his two Guinness World

(Courtesy of Micah Moses)

Micah Moses practicing his rope pull. (Courtesy of Micah Moses)

DeJong/Smoot tournament hosts 52 teams

Nathan Schumock

Sports Editor

LYNDEN - e 50th annual Hub DeJong/Jerry Smoot baseball tournament hosted 102 games over two days on June 3-4 at Bender Fields.

Hub DeJong and Jerry Smoot were responsible for maintaining this tournament since 1973. DeJong passed away in 2015 and Smoot and others kept the tournament alive.

Rick Lair is perhaps most responsible for putting on and leading the tournament along with Wade DeJong (Hub's son.)

Wade DeJong called Lair "a freaking rockstar."

"What he does for Lynden youth sports is phenomenal," Wade DeJong said. e tournament held the DeJong name starting in 2008, their 36th year of the tournament, but was renamed this year to honor both Hub DeJong and Jerry Smoot. Smoot was resistant to the name change, but the tournament committee did not give him a choice and honored him anyway.

"We're just gonna make it happen. We had a meeting, Rick already had all the paperwork, everything changed and we had the logo and ev-

erything. We just presented it to him [Smoot] and he got all misty-eyed," Wade DeJong said. When Wade DeJong was asked what his father would think of the tournament if he could see it now, he said, "He [Hub] would be overwhelmed." But in a good way.

e tournament hosted 52 teams across multiple ages for the competitions. e majority of the teams were rec squads that do not often get the chance to play in a wide-spread tournament like this one.

e tournament began with an opening ceremony to honor Smoot and the late Hub DeJong. ey also recognized nine former all-stars from the rst tournament held in 1973.

ose all-stars were; Brian Zender (Mount Baker), Mark Gilmore (Meridian), Don Fenton (Bellingham), Mike Hill (Blaine), Brian Anderson (Lynden), Kurt Langstraat (Lynden), Je Bannerman (Ferndale), Bill Handy (Ferndale) and Chuck Gelwicks (Nooksack.) Langstraat also sang the national anthem prior to the rst pitch. Wade DeJong threw out the rst pitch and the baseball activity commenced across nine elds at Bender.

DeJong said he would have liked a little more prep time for his rst pitch, but it went well enough. ere were teams all the way from Stanwood to Langley, Canada competing in six di erent divisions of games. It went from 7-8-yearolds up through 12U.

In the 12U and 11U divisions, two Langley teams won the championships. In 12U, the Langley AllStars defeated the Whatcom Prep Navy and in 11U, Langley beat the Lynden Lobos.

Two of the Stanwood teams had an equally impressive showing at the tourna-

ment. e 10U Stanwood Cannons took down the Skagit Dungies for the championship and in the 9U championship, Stanwood bested Whatcom Prep's team. In the last two divisions, Nooksack defeated the Mount Vernon Spicy Pickles and the North Whidbey Mariners defeated Stanwood.

Scenes from the 50th annual DeJong/ Smoot baseball tournament held at Bender Fields on June 3-4. (Nathan Schumock/Sports Editor )

Lynden hosts Green and Gold summer invite

The Green and Gold invitational was held at Lynden on Sunday, June 11. Teams from across the northern part of the state such as Stanwood, Marysville and White River came to compete with our Whatcom County schools. LC won the invitational besting Lynden by a score of 47-39. (Dennis Cairns for the Lynden Tribune)

Reflection: Prep season comes to a close

observing and photographing the ethereal joy of that team on a eld where I spent a large portion of my high school life. e emotion of these

sports is impossible to match at every other level. e stakes in high school may be slight in comparison to other levels of play, but in the same thread,

the joy and pain of wins and losses will pail to anything else.

But that is what it is all about, right? Sharing these moments with your

teammates, coaches and family. Win or lose, something was accomplished and learned — I am young, but in my years, I have not seen lessons

taught to teams like they are here. In victory or defeat, everyone is gracious and appreciates their time regardless of the conclusion.

is is a special place to play; Lynden, Deming, Ferndale, Everson and Whatcom County as a whole. ere is nothing like it, is there?

Micah: Two more Guinness records lined up

endurance, a 30-foot stretch of monkey bars and many other full-body workout routines.

Moses has two more record-setting and breaking attempts coming up soon. e rst of the two will be an attempt to set the record for the fastest ve-meter rope climb

with a 100-pound backpack on.

He said that the record will be an entirely di erent animal because of the weight of the backpack, but he is feeling good about his chances.

Moses said one of the biggest parts of the battle is getting up out of the sitting position he must start

in with the backpack on. "You don't have the bene t of that standing position to give you that advantage, sitting down with a hundred-pound backpack on its own is a problem because as soon as you sit down, that thing wants to pull you over," he said.

e other record is an

attempt to break the fastest ve-meter rope climb.

e current world record for that is 3.99 seconds.

LEGALS

Continued from B4

Public Notice

use Program funds. OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and Whatcom Counties certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual

Probate Notice to Creditors

COURT OF

STATE OF WASHINGTON

FOR THE COUNTY

Estate of

MAARHUIS, Deceased. NO. 23-4-00535-37

The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any

PUBLIC COMMENTS

to 5 P.M.

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to The County Executive. All comments received by June 29, 2023 will be considered by Whatcom County prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which Notice they are addressing.

ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICA-

TION

Whatcom County certifies to HUD that Satpal Sidhu in his capacity as County Executive consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows Community Frameworks to

NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030 Judge Lee Grochmal 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

by serving on or mailing

or the

the

attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court. The claim must be presented within the later of:

thirty days after the Co-Administrators served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW

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 non-probate assets.

of First Publication:

ory A. Saar, and Mobile Property Services LLC, and serve a copy of your answer upon the undersigned attorneys for plaintiff Gregory A. Saar, and Mobile Property Services LLC, at their office below stated; and in case of your failure so to do, judgment will be rendered against you according to the demand of the complaint, which has been filed with the clerk of said court. The case is a quiet title action involving the real property located in Whatcom County, Washington, and legally described as: THE EAST 200 FEET OF THE WEST 220 FEET OF THE NORTH 200

defend the above entitled action in the above entitled court, and answer the complaint of the plaintiff Rajinder Singh, and serve a copy of your answer upon the undersigned attorney for plaintiffs attorney, at his office below stated; and in case of your failure so to do, judgment will be rendered against you according to the demand of the complaint, which has been filed with the clerk of said court. The action involves a suit for quiet title to real property.

Date: 06.7.23 Nathan L. McAllister, Attorney at Law, P.S. /s/ Nathan L. McAllister, WSBA #37964

or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within

Check us out online at www.lyndentribune.com

• Restoration

Over 40 Years Experience-Master Certified

Ferndale • 360-393-8938

Jim’s Automotive Experts, Inc.

102 East Main Street, Everson • 360-966-4440

Les Schwab Tire Center • 360-380-4660 1731 LaBounty Dr, Ferndale

www.lesschwab.com

Louis Auto Glass

1512 N. State St., Bellingham • 360-734-3840

407 19th St., Lynden • 360-354-3232

1721 E. College Way, Mt. Vernon • 360-424-9759

Pete’s Auto Repair LLC

6209 Portal Way, Ferndale 360-380-2277 • www.petesautorepair.net

Point S Zylstra Tire

501 Grover St., Lynden • 360-354-4493

Roger Jobs Automotive

Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen • www.rogerjobs.com

2200 Iowa St., Bellingham • 360-734-5230

Service Pro of Nooksack

208 Nooksack Ave., Nooksack • 360-966-4664

Vavra Auto Body

411 Nooksack Ave, Nooksack • 360-966-4444

BANKS & CREDIT

UNIONS

Bank of the Pacific

1800 Front St., Lynden • 360-318-8780 www.BankofthePacific.com

Banner Bank

138 Birch Bay-Lynden Rd., Lynden 360-354-8100 • www.bannerbank.com

BEAUTY SUPPLIES & WIGS

Sunset Beauty Supply

1225 E. Sunset Dr. # 150, Bellingham 360-738-0359 • www.sunsetbeautysupply.com

CABINETS

Lynden Interiors

2017 Front St., Lynden • 360-354-4149 www.lyndeninteriors.com

Westside Building Supply

8353 Guide Meridian, Lynden • 360-354-5617

CARPET CLEANING

Northwest Professional Services

360-354-4145 • www.npsclean.com

191 Birch Bay Lynden Rd, Lynden

CEMETERIES

Greenwood Cemetery • thegreenwoodcemetery.com

East Wiser Lake Rd., Lynden • 360-647-4001

Lynden Cemetery • www.lyndencemetery.com

South Side of Front St., Lynden • 360-647-4001

CLEANING SUPPLIES

Bay City Supply

360-671-7400 • www.baycitysupply.com

P.O. Box 2073, 1250 Iowa Street Bellingham, WA 98229

COFFEE

Cruisin Coffee

1976 Kok Rd., Lynden Town Plaza, Lynden 5885 Portal Way, Ferndale • 360-738-3789

COMPUTER SERVICES

Lynden Computer Services 360-319-5923 • lyndencomputer.com

CONCRETE

Mt. Baker Mobile Mixing, LLC

360-319-4285 www.mtbakermobilemixing.com

CONSTRUCTION

TSquared Inc Construction & Roofing

Troy Visser • 360-815-2616

DENTAL

Premier Dental Center

2086 Main St, Ferndale - 360-380-4553 dentistferndale.com

DRYER VENT CLEANING

Christensen Home Services 360-594-1468 • P.O. Box 29286, Bellingham www.facebook.com/ChristensenHomeServices

EYE CARE

Everson Vision Clinic, Dr. Alex Ilyin, OD

205 W Main St, Everson • 360-966-0445 Bethgutman.evc@aol.com

FARM & GARDEN

CHS Northwest

3500 Meridian St., Bellingham • 360-734-4010

1720 LaBounty Dr, Ferndale • 360-380-0578

415 Depot St., Lynden • 360-306-3800

119 17th St., Fairway, Lynden • 360-354-5671

300 Main St., Lynden • 360-354-1198

102 Nooksack Ave., Nooksack • 360-966-4193 www.chsnw.com

Portal Way Farm and Garden

6100 Portal Way, Ferndale • 360-384-3688 www.PortalWayFarmAndGarden.com

Smits Compost 9030 Guide Meridian, Lynden • 360-354-3583 www.smitscompost.com

FINE JEWELRY

Originals by Chad

521 Front St., Lynden • 360-318-0210

FLORISTS

Lynden Florea

306 Front St., Suite B, Lynden 360-306-8819 • lyndenflorea.com

FUNERAL SERVICES & MONUMENTS

Whatcom Cremation & Funeral

“Our Community’s Most Affordable Cremations & Burials - from $1095” 360-734-7073 • wcremation.com

FURNITURE & MATTRESSES

Colony House Furniture

303 Front St., Lynden • 360-354-5554

www.colonyhousefurniturelynden.com

GARAGE DOORS

Overhead Door Company of Bellingham

202 Ohio St, Bellingham • 360-734-5960

www.ohdbellingham.com

Vander Griend Lumber Co. Inc.

8461 Depot Rd., Lynden • 360-354-2155

Westside Building Supply

8353 Guide Meridian, Lynden • 360-354-5617

GARBAGE & RECYCLING

Nooksack Valley Disposal & Recycling, Inc.

250 Birch Bay-Lynden Rd, Lynden 360-354-3400

GIFT/SPECIALTY SHOP

Appel Farms - The Cheese Shop

6605 Northwest Dr., Ferndale • 360-312-1431

www.appelcheese.com

GREASE TRAP

CLEANING

Lil John Sanitary Services, Inc.

Mark Mellema • 360-398-9828

www.liljohnsanitary.net

GLASS, RESIDENTIAL

Louis Auto Glass

1512 N. State St.,

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Family Care Network

Lynden Family Medicine • 360-354-1333

1610 Grover St., Suite D-1, Lynden Birch Bay Family Medicine • 360-371-5855

8097 Harborview Rd., Blaine

www.familycarenetwork.com

Ferndale Family Medical Center • 360-384-1511

5580 Nordic Way, Ferndale

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Lynden Interiors

2017 Front St., Lynden • 360-354-4149

www.lyndeninteriors.com

Vander Griend Lumber Co. Inc.

8461 Depot Rd., Lynden • 360-354-2155

Walls & Windows Inc. • 360-676-5223

4131 Hannegan Rd., Ste. 104, Bellingham

HOME LOANS

Leader One Financial Corporation

David Ohligschlager, Branch Manager

102 Grover St., #208, Lynden • 360-815-1768

www.daveo.leader1.com • daveo@leader1.com

NMLS #12007 & #422225

INSURANCE & FINANCIAL

Amy Warenski Insurance Agency Inc

8874 Bender Rd Ste 106, Lynden • 360-354-6868

www.amywarenski.com

Brown & Brown

501 Front St., Lynden • 360-354-4488

Country Financial®, Len Corneto

102 Grover Street, Ste. 209, Lynden • 360-354-4197

Country Financial®

Lesa Ferguson, Financial Representative

1610 Grover St., Suite B1, Lynden • 360-354-2975

Group of Health Insurance Services, LLC

4202 Meridian Street, Suite 104, Bellingham

360-527-2334 • hicllc.net

Guide Insurance Services

1780 Front St., Lynden • 360-354-2200

Jeff Lamphere Insurance

113 Third St, Lynden • 360-354-5333

www.jefflamphere.com

Oltman Insurance & Financial Services

360-354-5988

8850 Bender Road, Suite 101, Lynden

Vibrant USA

504 Front St. Suite 101, Lynden 360-733-5111 • vibrantusa.com

VanDalen Insurance

Shane VanDalen 517 Liberty St., Lynden • 360-354-4433

LUMBER

Vander Griend Lumber Co. Inc.

8461 Depot Rd., Lynden • 360-354-2155

Westside Building Supply

8353 Guide Meridian, Lynden • 360-354-5617

MEDIATION

Bellingham Mediation & Consulting

Sheri Russell, JD • 360-255-1666 www.bellinghammediation.com

MEDICARE INSURANCE PLANS

Jeff Lamphere Insurance

113 Third St, Lynden • 360-354-5333 www.jefflamphere.com

VanDalen Insurance

Shane VanDalen

517 Liberty St., Lynden • 360-354-4433

Vibrant USA

504 Front St. Suite 101, Lynden 360-733-5111 • vibrantusa.com

PEST & RODENT CONTROL

Environmental Pest Control Inc.

3003 Bennett Drive, Bellingham • 360-676-5120 www.epestcontrol.net

PRINT & PUBLISHING

Lynden Print Company

www.LyndenPrintCo.com

113 Sixth Street, Lynden • 360-354-4444

Lynden Tribune

www.LyndenTribune.com

113 Sixth Street, Lynden • 360-354-4444

REAL ESTATE

HomeSmart One Realty- Kyle Christensen 360-594-1468 • kylechristensenrealty.com

414 W. Bakerview Rd. #103, Bellingham

HomeSmart One Realty- Rick Meyer

Managing Broker, GRI, CRS, SRES 414 W. Bakerview Rd. #103, Bellingham Call or text: 360-410-1213

Real Estate Support Services, LLC

As-built floor plans, marketing photography Art Van Allen ~ 360-255-1477 ressllc@gmail.com

facebook.com/RealEstateSupportServicesLLC

RECREATIONAL

VEHICLE STORAGE

Bellingham RV Storage

Quality Covered RV Storage

Bakerview/Irongate area • Bellingham, WA 360-671-6100 • BellinghamRVBoatStorage.com

RECYCLING, REMOVAL & YARD DEBRIS

Green Earth Technology 774 Meadowlark Rd., Lynden • 360-354-4936

RENTAL EQUIPMENT

Brim Rentals 350 Duffner Dr, Lynden • 360-354-4411 www.brimtractor.com

Westside Building Supply

8353 Guide Meridian, Lynden • 360-354-5617

RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE

Coconut Kenny’s 1740 Labounty Dr. Ste #1, Ferndale • 360-656-5974 8122 Guide Meridian, Lynden • 360-392-8435 Little Caesars 1804 18th St., Lynden • 360-354-8656

ROOFING

Joostens Roofing Bellingham • 360-815-7663 Mt. Baker Roofing, Inc. 360-733-0191 • www.mtbakerroofing.com

SEPTIC INSTALLATION

Tyas & Tyas 3966 Deeter Rd., Everson • 360-988-6895

SEPTIC TANK PUMPING

Lil John Sanitary Services, Inc. Mark Mellema • 360-398-9828 www.liljohnsanitary.net

SPORTS & RECREATION

Dave’s Sports Shop 1738 Front St., Lynden • 360-354-5591

Lynden Skateway 421 Judson Street, Lynden • 360-354-3851 www.LyndenSkateway.com

VETERINARY

Kulshan Veterinary 8880 Benson Rd, Lynden 6220 Portal Wy, Ferndale www.kulshanvet.com • 360-354-5095

VITAMINS

Lynden Nutrition Center 527 Front St., Lynden • 360-354-4884

NOTICE

Country Life

Landscaping tips to better handle summer heat

David Vos

LYNDEN

— We Paci c Northwesterners are a ckle people. If you need proof, just look at the past few months. March? Too cold. April? Too rainy. May? Too warm. If you have friends in the Midwest, you know they might experience all three of those extremes in the span of a week — or even a couple days. And while we gardeners might complain, it’s for good reason; after all, we want only the best weather for our plants. If your garden could use a few plants better able to withstand harsh conditions, here are a few suggestions.

First, butter y bush. While older varieties have been declared invasive in Washington, newer varieties are bred to be sterile, preventing their spread into unwanted areas where they could become invasive. And while older varieties could grow quite large, today’s selections are bred to be more compact and are better suited for smaller gardens.

Blooming in summer with elongated, colorful owers that attract pollinators, butter y bush

can handle dry conditions, summer heat, and winter cold.

Second, burning bush. is nondescript deciduous green shrub makes a great backdrop for other landscape plants or can be pruned into a hedge. But the real attraction is its fall color. Beginning in September, the deep green leaves begin to turn red, reaching a deep crimson hue by October.

Burning bush tolerates dry conditions and even prefers the ground on the drier side by early fall to achieve the best coloration.

ird, barberry. I know, if you’ve had overgrown barberry

shrubs your ngers are probably throbbing with the memory of getting poked by the sharp thorns when you tried to prune them. at’s why I typically only recommend dwarf varieties — no pruning needed. Barberry are excellent, drought-tolerant shrubs once established, and with rich hues of red, lime green, and burgundy, barberry add needed color to landscapes from spring through fall. A couple of my must-haves for landscapes are Admiration, with bright red leaves edged in gold, and Orange Torch with a two-tone appearance of deep or-

ange with golden highlights.

Enjoy the bright colors on barberry through summer heat and drought, then watch their colors intensify and change in fall before they drop their leaves for a winter’s rest.

Fourth, dwarf mugo pine. Unlike the so-called dwarf varieties of twenty years ago, many of today’s dwarf mugo varieties truly stay dwarf, growing only one to two feet tall and four feet wide, with beautiful dark green foliage year-round. Check out Valley Cushion for a genuine dwarf habit and great drought tolerance.

Fifth, Russian sage. is

blooming perennial can withstand dry conditions, wind, and summer heat without missing a beat. Denim ‘n Lace is my go-to variety, with gray-green foliage that produces lacy sprays of skyblue owers in summer. Plant in full sun and it will grow to three feet tall and wide. Additionally, the foliage is fragrant, making it naturally deer-resistant. Finally, if you have pots that could use summer color that can take the heat, look no further than lantana. With a spreading, trailing habit, lantana resembles

See Landscaping on C6

The lantana is a spreading, trailing annual with excellent heat-tolerance. (Photo courtesy David Vos)

Benchmark drops $2.41 from April 2023, $9.10 below May 2022

Happy June Dairy Month

consumers but know it is not a happy month for dairy farmers. e Agriculture Department announced the May Federal order Class III benchmark milk price at $16.11 per hundredweight, down $2.41 from April, $9.10 below May 2022, and is the lowest Class III price since August 2021.

e ve month Class III average stands at $17.99, down from $22.67 at this time a year ago, but compares to $16.94 in 2021. Bottom line is, very few if any, dairy farmers can make milk at current prices and stay in business.

Lee Mielke

June 9 Class III futures settlements portend a June price at a pathetic $15.11; July, $15.97; and August at $16.92, with a peak at just $18.60 in November.

e May Class IV milk price is $18.10, up 15 cents from April, but $6.89 below a year ago. Its ve month average is at $18.66, down from $24.44 a year ago and compares to $14.54 in 2021.

StoneX dairy broker Dave Kurzawski called it ugly in the June 5 Dairy Radio Now broadcast, and said many farmers have told him that it feels like 2009, when milk prices plummeted and he admitted I don’t have a great response to this.

Typically lows are put in, in May or June, he explained, so it’s a seasonal norm, but the good news is that we are seeing a number of buyers step in to buy loads of cheese at the CME and they are getting a fantastic deal. at’s good for them however the lower prices are attracting export interest in third quarter, he said. e USDA solicited bids to purchase 47 million pounds of cheese through June 5 and will award them June 14. He believes that purchase will all be made before Christmas and expects more price stabilization ahead.

Meanwhile, corn and alfalfa hay prices climbed higher in April, according to the latest Ag Prices report, and the All Milk price dropped some more. e milk feed ratio fell to 1.48, down from 1.56 in February, lowest since July 2012’s 1.33, and compares to 1.95 in April 2022. e all-time low was 1.02 in August 1974.

e index is based on the current milk price in relationship to feed prices for a ration consisting of 51% corn, 8% soybeans and 41% alfalfa hay. One pound of milk would only purchase 1.48 pounds of dairy feed of that blend.

e All Milk Price average fell for the sixth consecutive month, falling to $20.70 per hundredweight, down 40 cents from March, and $6.30 below April 2022.

California’s All Milk price averaged $20.70, down 50 cents from March, and

$5.60 below a year ago. Wisconsin’s, at $20.40, was up a dime from March, and $6.70 below a year ago.

e national corn price averaged $6.70 per bushel, up 3 cents from March, after dropping 13 cents the month before, but is 37 cents per bushel below April 2022.

Soybeans were unchanged from March, at $14.90 per bushel, after dropping 20 cents the previous month, but are 90 cents per bushel above a year ago.

Alfalfa hay soared to an average $287.00 per ton, up $20 per ton from March and $30 per ton above a year ago.

e April cull price for beef and dairy combined continued climbing, averaging $99.30 per cwt., up $3.60 from March, after gaining $6.20 the month before, is $11.20 above April 2022, and $27.70 above the 2011 base average.

Income over feed costs in April were below the $8 per cwt. level needed for steady to increasing milk production for the third month in a row, according to dairy economist Bill Brooks, of Stoneheart Consulting in Dearborn, Missouri.

Input prices were mixed when compared to all-time record high prices in April, he said, but all three commodities were in the top three for April all time. Feed costs were the highest ever for the month of April and the fourth highest all time.

Meanwhile, the latest Margin Watch (MW) from Chicago-based Commodity and Ingredient Hedging LLC., says Dairy margins continued to erode over the second half of May on a further decline in milk prices that more than o set the impact of lower projected feed costs. In addition to abundant supplies of cheese, whey prices have also pressured Class III milk values as they continue to drop.

e MW detailed the April Milk Production report, stating it showed the slowest year-over-year growth since June 2022. Production gains remained heavy in Central and Midwestern states with South Dakota, Kansas, and Iowa up 7.7%, 5% and 2.9%, respectively and detailed cow numbers which I reported last week

U.S. dairy producers are expected to su er their worst losses this spring since the 2009 campaign that led to massive industry liquidation, the MW warned. ere are already indications of increased cow culling in Western states and this will likely expand into Central and Midwest regions soon. In 2009, it took 13 months before there was a signi cant recovery in milk prices, so this process may take time, the MW warned.

Checking the latest dairy product

F air M ag azin e

prices; Cheddar block cheese climbed to $1.5225 per pound Wednesday but closed Friday at $1.4225, down 0.75 cents on the week and 83.25 cents below a year ago.

e barrels made it to $1.6525 Wednesday, highest since April 6, but nished Friday at $1.57, 5.75 cents higher but 67.25 cents below a year ago and 14.75 cents atop the blocks. Sales totaled 26 cars of block and 21 of barrel.

To give a little Dairy Month perspective; a load of cheese is approximately 40,000 pounds. If you add May’s CME block and barrel sales, you get a total of 306 loads of cheese or about 12.2 million pounds.

at does not include the privately traded cheese. Keep in mind, it takes 10 pounds of milk to produce one pound of cheese. A gallon of milk weighs 8.6 pounds.

Midwestern cheesemakers tell Dairy Market News milk availability remains sloppy. Mid-week spot loads ran $11 to $4 under Class, but as bottlers’ orders slip due to school closings, handlers are having more trouble nding homes for it. Cheese demand is steady to improving in the region and some cheesemakers questioned the price fall because their orders are, and have been active, and even near-term production is already spoken for. Cheese processing has been steadily busy, particularly as milk has been ample. DMN says Cheesemakers have bullish expectations based on continued customer interest and the lighter milk availability ahead, coming into the warmer months of the year.

Western retail and food service demand is steady for varietal cheeses. Export demand ranges moderate to softer. Cheese makers are running strong production with plenty of milk available, according to DMN.

Cash butter fell to $2.36 per pound Wednesday, lowest since May 1, but nished Friday at $2.3625, down 8.25 cents on the week and 61.25 cents below a year ago, with 33 sales on the week, highest total since the week of Jan. 30, 2023. A car of butter is also about 40,000 pounds.

Central butter makers say cream remains readily available. Multiples have begun to shore up somewhat following the Memorial Day weekend which created a glut of cream even into last week. Churning remains active. Demand is seasonally meeting expectations, but some say demand has begun to shift slightly higher.

Western cream multiples are pushing upward, but plenty of cream is available. Churning is strong to steady though more cream is shifting to ice cream production. Food service and retail demand is strong to steadier, but moderate to quieter demand is reported from commercial bulk buyers. Export activity is noted as moderate to quieter, says DMN. Grade A nonfat dry milk closed Friday at $1.16 per pound, down a penny on the week and 69.50 cents below a year ago, with 20 sales on the board for the week.

Dry whey’s Friday nish was at 27.50 cents per pound, up 1.75 cents on the week, but 26.75 cents below a year ago, on 25 sales for the week at the CME.

U.S. milk production is hesitating but inching higher. e Agriculture Department’s latest preliminary data shows April output at 19.2 billion pounds, up just 63 million pounds or 0.3% above April 2022.

e top 24-State total, at 18.4 billion pounds, was up 0.5% from a year ago. e

March 50-State and 24-State totals were revised up 16 million pounds.

Cow numbers totaled 9.43 million, down 16,000 head from the March count which was revised up 11,000. e herd was up 23,000 from January and up 26,000 from a year ago. e 24-State count was down 15,000 from the March number, which was revised 7,000 lower, and 36,000 head above a year ago.

Output per cow averaged 2,037 pounds, up 1 pound or 0.05% from April 2022 in the 50 states and up 2 pounds to 2,055 pounds in the top 24 states.

HighGround Dairy points out “A big driver of the lower milk per cow nationally is smaller yields in California which makes up around 18% of total U.S. milk output. March and April 2023 had dismal milk per cow numbers, down 2.1% and 1.9% year over year, respectively.”

StoneX adds, however, As new crop hay becomes available and farm level feed costs shift lower we should see improved output per cow as we move through the year. California output remained below a year ago, still recovering from weather in March. Output dropped to 3.5 billion pounds, down 69 million or 1.9% from a year ago, as output per cow was down 40 pounds. Cow numbers were unchanged.

Wisconsin output totaled 2.6 billion pounds, up 3 million pounds or 0.1% from a year ago, thanks to a 10 pound gain per cow o setting the loss of 5,000 cows.

Texas was up 1.3%, thanks to a 10 pound gain per cow. Cow numbers were up 5,000 from a year ago but were 15,000 lower than in March due to that re.

Idaho was up 2.7% on 16,000 more cows and a 5 pound gain per cow. Michigan was up 2.6%, on a 15 pound gain per cow and 8,000 more cows.

Minnesota was up 1.5%, New Mexico was down 3.1%, on 10,000 fewer cows. Output per cow was up 10 pounds. New York was up 2.4%, Oregon was down 1.3%, and Pennsylvania was unchanged. South Dakota was up 7.7%.

Washington State was up 0.8%, thanks to a 30 pound gain per cow o setting the loss of 2,000 cows.

U.S. butter stocks are building. e latest Cold Storage report shows the April 30 inventory at 327.7 million pounds, up 18.2 million pounds or 5.9% from the March level, which was revised up 16.8 million pounds, and up 29.3 million pounds or 9.8% from April 2022, fth consecutive month to top a year ago.

American cheese stocks climbed to 838.2 million pounds in April, up 11.4 million pounds or 1.4% from the March level which was revised up 5.5 million pounds. ey were also 2.5 million pounds or 0.3% above a year ago.

e other cheese inventory fell to 603.7 million pounds, down 8.3 million pounds or 1.4% from the March level, which was revised up 6.3 million pounds, and was down 17.5 million pounds or 2.8% from a year ago.

Cheese stocks totaled 1.463 billion pounds, up 3.1 million pounds or 0.2% from March, but 17.4 million or 1.2% below a year ago, third month in a row to be below a year ago.

-- Lee Mielke of Lynden is editor of the Mielke Market Weekly.

National Bio and Agro-Defense facility opens

MANHATTAN, Kan.

— U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) o cials celebrated the opening of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF). is facility, which offers the highest level of biocontainment laboratories and safety protocols, is the rst of its kind in the United States and will allow scientists to study and diagnose critical animal diseases.

e valuable scienti c

information delivered by researchers at NBAF will also allow America to remain a leading contributor of countermeasures that will protect agriculture, economies and citizens across the globe. NBAF will replace DHS’ Plum Island Animal Disease Center, which is a biosafety level-3 facility in New York that is more than 68 years old. Both departments have collaborated on the requirements for this next-generation science facility since 2006, and Manhattan, Kan. was

selected as NBAF’s site in 2009. DHS led NBAF’s design and construction, and USDA will own and operate the facility. With more than 400 employees, USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will share NBAF’s operational responsibilities. ARS will primarily focus on research to understand high-consequence and emerging animal diseases and develop countermeasures, such as vaccines and antivirals.

Northwest Washington Fair quickly approaching

By Courtney Small Special to the Tribune

LYNDEN — We all know the Northwest Washington Fair is quickly approaching and we are all excited. But why not make this year’s fair more exciting by entering something into it? Entering things into the fair can be really fun, and everyone can earn a ribbon just by entering.  You can enter almost anything into the fair. ere are so many divisions, such as animals, agriculture, baking, sewing, art. If you are having trouble nding a division to enter your item, you can call Lacey VanderVeen, the fair’s competitive exhibits coordinator, at 360-354-4111 ext. 209, or email at entries@nwwafair.com.

ere are three main departments you can enter into: Open Class (which is for everyone), 4-H and FFA. Any age can submit entries in Open Class. e general divisions you can enter into are animal and still life. e best place to enter is online.

Animals can only be entered online and it is quickest and best to enter everything else online. You can go to the Northwest Washington Fair website, nwwafair.com, to get started. When submitting your entry, VanderVeen recommends referencing the premium books.

“ e premium books include the details about each department such as when to drop o your entry, how your entry should be displayed, department rules, and the premium money that can be earned,” VanderVeen said.

So come join us at the fair this year with your entries. Also make sure to collect your items and ribbons at the end of the fair.

-- Courtney Small is a member of the Barn Buddies 4-H Club. She’s also the club’s

Cascade Blueberry Farm

2667 Willeys Lake Rd., Custer 360-366-5188 • Cell 360-820-2881 kamaddux@hotmail.com

Kevin & Bianca Maddux

Agritourism, Farmers Market, Farm Stand, Phone Orders, Wholesale

Family owned and operated since 1985. Farm stand open 10am to 6pm, seven days a week, May 1st to October 1st. Vegetable starts, hanging baskets, vegetables and blueberries available in season. (Blueberries avail. Aug. 1st)

Go Green WHATCOM

Aliana Boersma, a member of Barn Buddies 4-H Club, earned a blue ribbon for the pillowcase she entered in the 2022 Northwest Washington Fair.

Wise Ways to Avoid Wasting Water & Limit Use

It’s easy to take fresh, clean water for granted and unlike plastics or fossil fuels, it’s less intuitive why we should be concerned with conservation. Fresh water is a finite resource and the less we take from rivers and lakes, the better for our ecosystems. Treating wastewater costs energy, which often leads to air pollution and consumption of other resources. Being mindful of how much water we use and actively looking for ways to reduce the volume is an important step to a greener lifestyle.

• New energy efficient models of washing machines, water heaters and dishwashers are coming out all the time, but you don’t have to break the bank to make improvements to your appliances. Invest in a low-flow showerhead to save gallons, or a cistern displacement device in your toilet’s tank so less water is used with each flush.

• Only run your dishwasher or washing machine with full loads to optimize your energy and water consumption. Dishwashers are also great for sanitizing sponges, cleaning glass light covers, most toothbrush holders and more! Just make sure you’re not loading up with non-dishwasher safe items like wooden utensils/cutting boards/serving trays, thin plastic not marked dishwasher safe, or insulated mugs.

• Check regularly for faucet and plumbing leaks. Every drop counts, and it has the added benefit of making sure there’s no expensive surprise around the corner.

reporter.

(Photo courtesy Annette Boersma)

Annaliese Boersma, a Barn Buddies 4-H Club member, poses with her winnings after the 4-H On the Spot Cooking Contest at the 2022 Northwest Washington Fair. Boersma and her team earned first place. (Photo courtesy Annette Boersma)

Barn Buddies 4-H Club Leader Alyssa Boersma won Best of Class in the Adult Open Class Division for her photograph of Barn Buddies 4-H Club Member Tyson Phillips. The photography entry was taken at the 2021 Northwest Washington Fair, and entered in the 2022 Northwest Washington Fair. (Photo courtesy Annette Boersma)

Raising awareness through tulip bulbs

By Sarah McCauley Sta Reporter

SKAGIT VALLEY — In honor of National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls on May 5, Tulip Valley Farms and Vanco Farms announced a partnership to create the Our Sisters special bulb. e bulb is meant to raise awareness and funds for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP) movement.

Featuring a vibrant red petal with a black interior, the tulip symbolizes the image of women with painted red handprints on their faces. It is an iconic image associated with the movement.

Proceeds from the sales of Our Sisters tulip bulbs will go to Seattle-based organization Missing, Murdered Indigenous Women, People, and Families, and

the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, which is a national organization that provides resources and training to individual tribes in support of the MMIWP movement.

Tulip Valley Farms is a new 30-acre tulip farm joining the tulip scene in Skagit Valley, and immediately sought out ways to support the local community. Vanco Farms is located on Prince Edward Island, but was eager to join Tulip Valley Farms in this movement, according to Tulip Valley Farms’ Communications Director Vanessa Harrington.

Harrington said they knew they wanted to do something to raise awareness for this cause, especially after the success of the farms’ other philanthropic tulip bulb: Ethan’s Smile, which was created in honor of former tulip farm team member Ethan Chapin.

Chapin was one of the four University of Idaho students murdered in November of 2022.

Proceeds go toward the Chapin family to plant memorial gardens in his honor.

“After the success we had with Ethan’s Smile, bringing up awareness to that foundation and just the amazing positive things that came out of that, we thought this would be another really amazing cause to throw our weight behind,” Harrington said.

Skagit Valley Farms team member Lena Fryberg-Agonisto, while not a member of the Tulalip Tribe herself, is the mother of Tulalip children and a nationally credentialed victims advocate, Harrington said.

Fryberg-Agonisto played a vital role in creating these special bulbs and connecting the Skagit Valley Farms team with

tribal leaders in the area who o ered guidance. Harrington said that through this e ort they are excited to be building partnerships with the Tulalip Tribes and Swinomish Tribe.

e partnership has led to some pretty special moments, such as Swinomish Tribe members blessing the farm.

Tulip Valley Farms hopes to see the Our Sisters tulip planted everywhere and are currently reaching out to various organizations to make this happen.

As people and organizations plant the eye-catching tulip in their gardens, it may invite questions about the unique colors, opening the door for an important conversation about the MMIWP movement.  Harrington said she plans to plant some bulbs in her personal garden and talk to her kids about what they represent. She, and the rest of the Skagit Valley

Farms team, hopes others will do the same.

“We hope that the ‘Our Sisters’ bulbs will serve as a reminder of the need for justice and safety for Indigenous women and people,” Harrington said. “Our Sisters is a way for everyone to honor those lives lost and families broken.” e bulbs are available

to purchase through the Tulip Valley Farms website tulipvalley.com through June and possibly into late July, depending on supply. Learn more about the farm and its upcoming events by visiting tulipvalley.com.

-- Contact Sarah McCauley at sarah@lyndentribune. com.

Landscaping: Tips to better handle summer heat

Continued from C1

Pair

will look good no matter how warm it gets this summer.

Now, just a word of caution — just because something is drought-tolerant doesn’t mean it’s droughtloving. After all, everything needs water at some point,

especially anything newly planted. For anything you plant, plan to water regularly throughout the rst year, regardless of what kind of summer we have.

To help plants get established quickly, I always recommend using a starter

fertilizer, and when watering, water deeply to promote the growth of deep roots.

Who knows, our summer heat may have all arrived in May, but regardless of what summer brings, it’s nice to know there are op-

tions for your landscape that can handle extremes. But then again, your Midwest friends probably already told you that.

-- David Vos is manager of Vander Giessen Nursery Inc. of Lynden.

Tulip Valley Farms, Vanco Farms, create Our Sisters bulb; funds raised support local groups with missing, murdered Indigenous women and people (MMIWP) movement

In honor of National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls on May 5, Tulip Valley Farms and Vanco Farms announced a partnership to create the Our Sisters special bulb. (Photo courtesy of Tulip Valley Farms)

Dairy ambassador recipes

Éclair cake dessert, by Mackenzie Joostens

Ingredients Crust

• ½ cup water

• ¼ cup butter

• ½ cup our

• 2 eggs

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla

Filling

• 1 (6 ounce) box of instant chocolate pudding

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 3 cups milk

• 12 ounces whipped cream

• ½ cup chocolate syrup

Directions:

Crust

• Boil water and butter together. Mix in our. Using mixer, beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla.

• Spread in a greased 9 x 13 pan.

Peanut butter fudge bars, by Tess Schouten

Peanut butter cookie dough

• 1 ½ cups (340 g) salted butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups (318 g) granulated sugar

• 1 ½ cups (318 g) light or dark brown sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups (383 g) creamy peanut butter

• 4 ½ cups (638 g) all-purpose our

• 1 tablespoon baking soda

• ¾ teaspoon salt

Fudge

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

• 2 tablespoons butter

• Pinch of salt

• 2 cups (340 g) semisweet chocolate chips

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a large, rimmed baking sheet (11x17inches) with nonstick cooking spray (see note for other pan size variations).

• For the peanut butter cookie dough, in a large bowl with a handheld electric mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and creamy, 1-2 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix for another 1-2 minutes, scraping

down the sides of the bowl as needed.

• Add the peanut butter and mix until combined. Stir in the dry ingredients until no dry streaks remain.

• Reserve about 2 1/2 cups of the dough (20-25 ounces) and set aside. Press the rest of the cookie dough in the bottom and into the corners of the prepared pan.

• For the fudge, in a microwave-safe bowl (or in a saucepan on the stove), combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, salt, chocolate chips and vanilla.

Cook for 1-minute increments, stirring in between (or on medium-low heat on the stovetop), until the mixture

is melted and creamy; don’t overheat or let it burn.

• Pour the fudge lling over the cookie dough layer and spread evenly with an o set spatula or knife.

• Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the top in small pieces (it won’t cover the top completely- that’s ok).

• Bake the bars for 15 minutes – don’t overbake. e cookie dough should be soft; resist the temptation to let them cook until browned.

Let the bars cool completely before slicing and serving.

e bars can be cut and stored in the refrigerator, well-covered, for several days or frozen for several months.

• Bake at 400 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Cake will not be smooth or uniform in appearance.

• Let cool.

Filling

• Cream together cream cheese and milk, adding a little bit of milk at a time. Mix in pudding and beat till thick.

• Pour mixture over cooled crust.

• Spread whipped cream on top.

• Drizzle with chocolate syrup.

• Refrigerate for at least one hour.

Everson residents Tessa Schouten and Mackenzie Joostens, from left, were crowned as 2023-2024 Dairy Ambassadors for the Whatcom County Dairy Women in a May 15 virtual coronation. Below are their recipes for special treats. (Photo courtesy Sarah Sakurazawa)