The Northern Light: July 25-31, 2019 by Daffodil Press LLC

July 25 - 31, 2019

FREE

Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer

IN THIS

ISSUE

Birch Bay whale sightings worry experts, page 6

Update regarding Bay Medical Clinic, page 7

NWFR extinguishes attic fire downtown, page 12

PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230

City of Blaine to introduce paperless permitting By Jami Makan The city of Blaine is implementing new technology that will soon allow the public to apply for certain types of permits online. This comes after city council directed the community development services department in 2018 to explore the possibility of going paperless. The initiative became part of the department’s 2019 work program, and is now being overseen by Stacie Pratschner, the city’s community development director. The new cloud-based system, which is expected to go live in late July, will allow permit applicants to avoid in-person visits to city offices, and will also speed up the time it takes for permits to be approved. The new software, offered by the Utah-based company iWorQ, will be tested by city staff before being introduced to the public. The city uses a Microsoft Excel-based permitting system that was purchased in 2017 and allows the city to track and record all of its permits. The system has add-ons, and the city recently decided to purchase an add-on that allows the city to accept permit applications through an online interface. Currently, members of the public who wish to apply for a permit must visit city offices in person with a paper copy of their permit application. When the new interface is introduced, members of the public will just have to request a username and password from the city. They will then be able to submit their permit application through an online portal linked to the city website from anywhere in the world. Because their information will automatically populate the city’s Excel spreadsheets, the new system is expected to reduce the amount of time it takes for the city to process permits. “I would say that for a mechanical permit, it currently takes us a few hours to process,” said building official Tim Woodard. “This new program will enable us to (See Permits, page 3)

s The Birch Bay Rollback Weekend and Sand Sculpture Competition took place on July 20 and 21. The event featured a classic car show and a sand castle contest. To see more photos from the event, turn to page 18.

Photo by Chuck Kinzer

Guilty plea in Shannon Mani murder case By Jami Makan The Milwaukee man accused of killing Blaine High School (BHS) alumna Shannon Mani and her unborn child in April 2018 has pleaded guilty to two first-degree homicide counts. Quentin Neal, 28, was scheduled to stand trial in Milwaukee County Circuit Court on July 15, according to a report in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Instead of proceeding to trial, Neal decided to plead guilty to the two felony counts. A third count, for possession of a firearm by a felon, was dismissed but

read into the record for sentencing. During the sentencing hearing on July 17, Neal was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The judge reportedly said it was one of the most brutal cases he’d ever seen. Mani, a BHS class of 2015 graduate, was 21 years old and four months pregnant when she was found murdered in Wisconsin in April of last year. At the time of her death, Mani was reportedly a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee student, living with her family in Waukesha County. Neal, the father of her unborn child, shot and

stabbed her on April 13, 2018 before hiding her body in a storage locker. Her wrists and ankles were bound with duct tape. Initially, when Neal was interviewed by Waukesha police, he denied having contact with Mani that day. However, after being shown evidence found by police of their communications that day and a dispute at his home, he admitted to shooting and stabbing her. Neal told police where to find the body after they found traces of blood in his basement. “It was a bloodbath,” said prosecutor Hanna Kolber, according to Milwaukee’s Fox 6

CBP apprehends Chinese citizen with Interpol warrant By Jami Makan A Chinese citizen considered “armed and dangerous” by international authorities tried to cross into Blaine from Canada over the weekend, but was apprehended by border agents who chased him through a residential neighborhood. On July 20, a 34-year-old Chinese citizen presented himself for entry into the U.S. at the Pacific Highway port of entry. “The man had an armed and dangerous Interpol warrant on extortion charges,”

said a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) spokesperson. Headquartered in Lyon, France and founded in 1923, Interpol is an international organization that facilitates worldwide police cooperation, enabling its 194 member countries to share and access data on crimes and criminals. After CBP’s systems alerted border guards to the man’s Interpol warrant, CBP officers quickly reacted. The man panicked and attempted to drive off, but his vehicle, which contained a woman

and two children, was blocked by commercial traffic. The man then exited his vehicle, ran from the scene, climbed over a fence and fled into a nearby residential area. After a short chase, the man was apprehended by CBP officers and a border patrol K-9 team. According to the CBP spokesperson, the man claimed asylum due to his fear of being returned to China and Canada. The Chinese citizen was taken to the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma for further processing.

INSIDE

(See Mani, page 3)

Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Classifieds . . . . . 14 Coming Up . . . . . 17 Police . . . . . . . . . 17 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 17

TheNorthernLight.com TheNorthernLight

@TNLreporter

@TheNorthernLightNews

The Northern Light • July 25 - 31, 2019

MARITIME FESTIVAL an

uth Laum

Photo: R

FREEFUN!

Y L I M FA

August 3 & 4 s p i h S l l a T gton Photo: Ruth Lauman

Blaine Harbor Boating Center 235 Marine Dr • Blaine Harbor

n i h s a W y Lad n i a t f e i h C n a i i a w Ha

Saturday, August 3

Saturday & Sunday

Pancake Breakfast

Tall Ships Lady Washington & Hawaiian Chieftain Dockside Tours & Sails

Kids’ Pirate Daze Blaine Gardeners Market Pirate Parade & Costume Contest Prestigious George Raft Race

! S E T PIRA

Just Off I-5 Exit 276

Sunday, August 4 Pet Contest & Live Music DETAIL SCHEDULE VISIT:

www.BlaineChamber.com

Details @ www.HistoricalSeaport.org

Arts, Crafts & Food Vendors Kids’ Games Crafts & Scavenger Hunt Model Boat Displays Historic Plover Ferry Rides APA Museum

s u o i g i t s Pre e c a R t f a George R

BLAINE WELCOME CENTER 546 Peace Portal Dr. • Downtown Blaine

360-332-4544

Community Newspaper of Blaine & Birch Bay

Photo: Richard Sturgil

Permits ...

Wine Education Event

A ppies &

From page 1

do it in a few minutes.” Woodard said that the new system will be focused on streamlining the process for certain types of city permits, including mechanical permits, plumbing permits, re-roof permits and home occupation permits. A mechanical permit is needed when someone replaces the furnace in their home, for example, while a plumbing permit is needed when replacing a water heater. A re-roof permit is needed when installing new roofing material, and a home occupation permit is often needed when someone is running a business in their dwelling unit. Woodard said that contractors, who do much of this type of work, are likely to take advantage of the new online option. This is because many of them are based outside of Blaine, and typically have lots of permit applications to handle at any given time. “The biggest benefit will be for contractors who don’t live in the area and don’t want to come to city hall,” he said. Eventually, the city plans to expand the new service to include building permits as well. The city recently purchased additional software that allows for the online review of construction plans. The software, named Bluebeam, will allow the city to integrate the review of construction documents with the permitting process. “That will be a future goal when we get to doing building permits through the iWorQ process,” said Woodard.

Mani ... From page 1

News. “The room lit up like it was a disco club made for a black light,” referring to investigators’ use of blood detection techniques. At the sentencing hearing, Mani was remembered as a kind, selfless person. “She was very loveable, selfless, extremely passionate, faithful, loyal,” her mother Anshu Mani reportedly said. Other family members were left with questions. “Why? Why did you kill her? Why did you destroy our family?” said her father Vijay Mani. “With sadness and a heavy heart, I forgive you Mr. Neal, because this is what my religion has taught me,” said Ignes Singh, Shannon Mani’s grandmother. Earlier this year, Blaine community members observed the anniversary of Mani’s death with a candlelight vigil at the Blaine Marine Park amphitheater. Participants watched the sunset at Marine Park and lit candles in Mani’s memory. One of the vigil’s organizers, Sadie Newell, had been friends with Mani since they were eight years old. Newell described Mani as a selfless person, who helped her through difficult times by underlining the positive. “Shannon was always so worried about everybody else and put herself last,” Newell said. “So, [the vigil was] a time for me to think about her, because she never took that time for herself.”

Sunday, August 11

July 25 - 31, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com

HIPS

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2-4 pm on the Deck

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5 Appetizer Courses Served with 5 Beers

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HOME FARM UPICK & EVENTS W ine • B eer n orthWest F usion C uisine 277 G Street • Downtown Blaine

Aug. 24 & 25 10am - 5pm 8020 Kickerville Road B I R C H B AY

Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 234 D St. • Blaine • I-5 Exit 276 Sun-Wed 7am-2pm Thurs-Sat 7am-8pm Locally Owned & Operated by the Gill Family

BREAKFAST SPECIALS

Mon-Fri 7am-11am - INTRODUCING EGGS BENEDICT SPECIAL: Served w/2

eggs on Eng. muffin & hashbrown & choice of either Ham or Bacon or Sausage. W/Free coffee - $12 OR W/ Mimosa or Bloody Mary - $14

HAPPY HOUR

Thurs-Sat 3pm-8pm -INTRODUCING

4 OR Bottled Beer W/Onion Rings - $4 Mojitos, Martinis, Margaritas & ALL Cocktails - $3 Bottled Beer W/Samosa - $

KIDS EAT FREE! Thur-Sat 12-8pm, Sun-Wed 10-2pm

Fri-Sun 7am-11am

PANCAKE COMBO SPECIAL

2 buttermilk pancake or banana pancake w/ 2 eggs & choice of either 2 bacon or 1 sausage or ½ ham. With Free coffee - $8 OR w/ Mimosa or Bloody Mary - $10

Kids eat free from kids menu meals with each adult entree purchase. One kid per entree. Cannot be combined with other offers.

FREE ICE CREAM Daily 11am-2pm

LUNCH SPECIALS Daily 11am-2pm

SR. LUNCH SPECIAL Half Turkey or

One kid ice cream with purchase of adult entree.

Ham Sandwich w/cup of soup & green salad -

DINNER SPECIALS

Daily 11am-2pm - INTRODUCING

(Equal or lesser value)

W/ Chicken - $10 OR W/ Shrimp - $12

BIG AL’S SIGNATURE PRIME RIB SPECIAL

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NEW ALFREDO PASTA

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Thu & Sat 2pm-8pm BUY 1 GET 1 BURGER FREE Fri 3pm-8pm

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• 2 acres of Sunflowers • Farmers Market • Fresh Sunflower Bouquets • Artisan Craft & Food Vendors • Live Music • Petting Zoo

• Pony Rides • Tractor Train Rides • Kids Games • Face Painting • Lots of Photo Ops! and Much More!

More Info & Tickets: homefarm.farm $20 Vehicle/Entrance Fee Purchase Tickets Online to Guarantee Entry Cash Only for Entry on Day of Event

The Northern Light • July 25 - 31, 2019

Opinion

The Northern L ght The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc. Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors. Letters Policy The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Consumer complaints should be submitted directly to the business in question or the local chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com.

Wheel House celebrates its 25-year anniversary

Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com Editor Jami Makan jami@pointrobertspress.com

s The Wheel House Bar and Grill, located at 746 Peace Portal Drive, celebrated 25 years in Blaine on July 13 with food and drink specials, 90’s flashback prices and T-shirt giveaways. From l., Rick Freeman, Cassie Maassen, Amanda Hoskins, Amber Fiore, Dawn White, Debbie Coleman and Tony Fiore.

Courtesy photo

Letters

Copy Editor Aly Siemion aly@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Oliver Lazenby oliver@pointrobertspress.com Reporting Intern Kira Erickson prpintern@pointrobertspress.com Social Media Intern Mataya Siemion socialmedia@pointrobertspress.com Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser production@pointrobertspress.com Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Adam Albert sales@pointrobertspress.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200 Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXV, No 6 Circulation: 10,500 copies

The Editor: It is exciting to see well-qualified candidates such as Garth Baldwin running for the Blaine City Council ward 3 position. Please consider casting your vote for Garth. I have served on the Blaine parks board with Garth for several years. His knowledge and historical references for our town are remarkable. He is not a single-issue candidate. He also has superior problem solving skills, and is always working for the betterment of the Blaine community and all its citizens. Joan Clark Blaine The Editor: The ballots were mailed; the voter pamphlets were distributed; now it’s your turn. The system only works well when all eligible voters exercise their right and privilege to vote. The voter pamphlet – more accurately described as a tome this year – provides information about all the candidates and

issues in this primary election. However, to fulfill your responsibility, you only need to read the information on the few candidates and issues appearing on your ballot; reviewing the rest is optional. One impressive candidate for the county council coastal district 5 seat is Natalie McClendon. She has the knowledge, experience and integrity to powerfully represent the residents of Point Roberts, Blaine, Custer, Ferndale and the unincorporated areas (such as Birch Bay) north of Bellingham and generally west of I-5. This is the first time these residents are electing their representative since the reorganization of the council districts in 2017. I urge you to vote because we can – a privilege not enjoyed by many in the world. Ruth Higgins Birch Bay

failing support of the 2019 Blaine Harbor Music Festival. This year’s 18th celebration of jazz in its many forms was a huge success. We had 60 enthusiastic campers this July and the same talented corps of teachers that you have come to recognize and enjoy over the years. By any measure, it was the best camp season that we have ever had. The students were a model group of young musicians, and the teachers were all willing to go the extra mile to serve them. Still, none of this would be possible without the foundation of community support that Blaine provides. To those who attended our concerts, to Kathy Stauffer and Semiahmoo Resort who provided sponsorship, to the restaurants who supplied lunches, and Camp Horizon who offered our boarding students dormitory space, to

The Editor: A sincere message of thanks to the Blaine/Birch Bay communities for your un-

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

(Continued on next page)

Civic Meetings

Circulation Independently verified by:

Next issue: Aug. 1 Ads due: July 26

Birch Bay Water & Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4:30 p.m., district offices, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info: bbwsd.com.

Blaine Park and Cemetery Board: Second Thursday, 9 a.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.

Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: ci.blaine.wa.us.

Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info: blainesd.org.

Blaine Planning Commission: Second and fourth Thursdays, 7 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: blainepc@ cityofblaine.com.

North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Third Thursday, 1 p.m. Station 61. Info: nwfrs.net.

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., location varies. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

July 25 - 31, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com than some suit peddling another $80,000-plus study. As a city, let’s be as loyal and trusting with them in meeting this challenge, as they have been with us for more than a generation. Now is not the time to exclude them from the process. I hope the city management and council realizes that in these two local doctors, they have the key resource in making sure Blaine has a competent medical office for years to come. If you agree, tell your council representative, and follow up. This is a very big deal, people. Jack Kintner Blaine

CITY OF BLAINE Unless noted, all meetings are held at City Hall, 435 Martin Street, Suite 4000 and are open to the public. Agendas can be found on the City’s website.

Thursday, July 25 7pm – Planning Commission Life Impact Church Conditional Use Permit

Thursday, August 8 9am – Park and Cemetery Board Thursday, August 8 CANCELLED 2pm – Public Works Advisory Committee Location: PW 1200 Yew Ave.

4,000-mile bike ride for cancer passed through Blaine

Stone - Accessory Dwelling Unit Permit

By Oliver Lazenby Twenty-eight cyclists from the University of Texas at Austin pedaled through Blaine on July 15 on their way from Austin, Texas, to Anchorage, Alaska. The group of students is riding for an organization called Texas 4000, which organizes the ride annually to raise money for cancer research. The group started in Austin on May 31 and plans to reach Anchorage on August 9, averaging 86 miles a day on a more than 4,000-mile route. The group raises money through donations and gives it out in grants to organizations that focus on cancer research and cancer support services. “Every day is a highlight,” cyclist Guillermo Beltran said about the trip so far, “whether it’s what happens on the bike or just interacting with someone at a gas station and telling people about what we’re doing.” Learn more about the organization at texas4000.org.

Monday, August 12 5:00pm – Study Session: Utilities and Facilities Maintenance Planning 5:20pm – Study Session: Community Health 5:40pm – Study Session: Communication Plan and Transparency 6pm – Regular City Council meeting U.S. PASSPORTS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.

s www.cityofblaine.com

local flavor

s Cyclists from the University of Texas at Austin pose for a photo outside the Blaine Visitor Information Center on July 15. The group, called Texas 4000 for Cancer, is riding from Austin, Texas to Anchorage, Alaska to raise money for cancer research and cancer support services.

Photo by Oliver Lazenby

Weekly Events

WEDNESDAYS • Wasabi Wednesdays THURSDAYS • 7-9 pm - Vinyl Night & Trivia

Wine • Beer • northWest Fusion Cuisine

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Live Entertainment!

JULY 26 • 7-9 pm - Chad Petersen JULY 27 • 7-9 pm - Trio Sueño AUG 2 • 7-9 pm - Lefty and the Right Hand Band AUG 3 • 7-9 pm - Jim Smith

Beermaker & Winemaker Events: SUN., AUG 11 • 2-4 pm - Atwood Ales & appetizers on the deck SUN., AUG 25 • 5-8 pm - Kerloo Cellars winemaker’s BBQ dinner

MARKET

Saturday 10 am-2 pm Enjoy the fresh tastes of locally grown PRODUCE handmade CRAFTS & delicious GOODIES! Vendor Space Available Call 360-332-4544

NEW LOCATION! G Street Plaza DOWNTOWN BLAINE

Healthy Teeth and Healthy Gums for Life!

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Blaine United Church of Christ Sunday Services 10:30 am

Thursday, August 8 7pm – Planning Commission

Neither do we.

Blaine & Birch Bay

(360) 332-6906 885 4th St. • Blaine, WA 98230 Pastor Sandy Wisecarver

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H Street Peace Portal Dr.

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G St.

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The Editor: A few years ago my partner Jackie got sick with a condition so rare most doctors never see it. Nonetheless, Dr. Marta Kazymyra diagnosed it, got her into the surgical rotation at Virginia Mason

Allan’s and Dr. Kazymyra’s efforts to find a replacement. Because of this, Blaine could very well end up with no local providers at all, since the local HMOs like Family Care Network and PeaceHealth have a track record of pulling out of rural situations such as ours. Who is better to find a physician who wants to be here (which is the only way it will work) than our two doctors, who know the inside of what it’s like to work here and where to go to find good prospects? Our own local doctors, who have practiced here for 40 years, have done plenty of market research, with much higher stakes

4th St.

our donors and our volunteers, and to the Blaine school district and the city of Blaine, great thanks for the essential roles that each of you played in this memorable production. See you next summer! Bryan Johnson, co-president Kitty King, co-president

within days and saved her life. A few weeks ago, Dr. David Allan shepherded me through scary open heart surgery. We trusted them then, and are glad we did. Not to mention how lucky we feel to have such talented and well-trained people here. Now that Blaine needs a new physician to take over at Bay Medical Clinic, we need to trust our local doctors to play a leadership role in solving that problem, as they have been trying to do. But the city’s coordination with them in this tricky and delicate process has been poor. Whether intentionally or not, the city is running the risk of blocking Dr.

3rd St.

(Continued from previous page)

Don’t wait! Call 360 332-9534 for your appointment today!

The Northern Light • July 25 - 31, 2019

Recent Birch Bay gray whale sightings worry wildlife experts By Oliver Lazenby For about a month from midJune to mid-July, at least one gray whale explored Birch Bay, feeding in the muddy, shallow waters. While the visit was ex-

citing for those who spotted the whale breaching in the bay, it may be an ominous sign for the eastern North Pacific gray whale population. The eastern North Pacific population, which migrates between

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Baja California and the Arctic, is going through what scientists call an unusual mortality event. As of July 18, 103 dead gray whales had washed ashore from Alaska to California this year, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fact sheet, and scientists think that’s only about 10 percent of the deceased whales. Many of the dead gray whales studied show signs of malnutrition. The whale that appeared in Birch Bay was likely trying to find more food before continuing its migration north, said Victoria Souze, principal investigator for the Whatcom Marine Mammal Stranding Network (WWMSN). Gray whale sightings aren’t unheard of in local waters – three gray whales stopped in at Birch Bay in early May 2017 – but July is an unusual time to see whales this far south, Souze said. Most gray whales leave their winter

JULY Boy and Girl of the Month

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The Northern Light • July 25 - 31, 2019

NWFR extinguishes attic fire on 9th Street in downtown Blaine By Jami Makan A house fire in downtown Blaine was extinguished by North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) on Sunday evening. The emergency call came in around 6:20 p.m., said NWFR division chief Herschel Rostov, who was the first to arrive on scene. The fire occurred in the 400 block of 9th Street. Rostov arrived in a response vehicle to manage the incident, and was followed by Ladder 63 from Birch Bay and numerous other emergency vehicles. “When I arrived, what I saw was heavy smoke in the neighborhood and very heavy smoke from the roof part of the building,” said Rostov. “When I walked around the building, there was no fire or smoke inside the building itself. All the smoke was coming out of the attic space. So it was fairly obvious that we had an attic fire.” The homeowner had reported seeing a fire in the attic space above a bathroom fan. The homeowner had initially tried to put out the fire using two fire extin-

guishers, but was unsuccessful. By the time firefighters arrived, flames were visible from outside the building. Nobody was injured in the fire, but the damage was so extensive that the exact cause of the fire could not be determined. “There was so much damage, you couldn’t easily tell by looking at what was left to know exactly what started it,” said Rostov. In order to extinguish the attic fire, NWFR firefighters entered the building through the front door with their hose line, and used special tools to pull down the ceiling. They sprayed water into the attic space of the one-story house, while many onlookers watched from a distance. The water was sourced from fire hydrants, and two tenders – used for transporting large amounts of water – were not needed after arriving on scene. The response to the fire included assistance from neighboring fire departments, including an engine car and an aid car from Ferndale, as well as a fire engine from Lynden. “We had wonderful help,” said Rostov.

Check-out the

CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE on pages 14 & 15 s An attic fire was extinguished by North Whatcom Fire and Rescue on July 21.

Photo by Andrew Grubb

July 25 - 31, 2019 • thenorthernlight.com

24 years ago, a newspaper was born... Since 1995, The Northern Light independent newspaper has been the primary source for local news and events for the Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo community, proudly keeping our readers informed, engaged and connected, in print and online! The Northern Light since June 1995... • Number of issues published:

1,199

• Number of articles written:

25,179

• Number of Washington Newspaper Publishers Association awards received (since 2014): 104 • Total number of people reached in a single social media post: 113,726 • Number of Blaine, Birch Bay, Semiahmoo households receiving The Northern Light in their mailbox: 9,000* • Total number of published and distributed copies of The Northern Light every week: 10,500* *Independently audited by Circulation Verification Council

We look forward to continuing to share the stories of our community. This is only the beginning... 2018 - 2019

Blaine & Birch Bay

MAP W A S H I N G T O N

January 3 - 9, 2019

Memorable Blaine police A look back at Tips for staying County sheriff’s reports from 2018, page 2 BHS sports, page 6 fit in 2019, page 9 reports, page 14

B y S t e fa n i e D o n a h u e

(See Storm, page 13)

IN THIS

www.AllPointBulletin.com

Hospital district moving ahead, page 6

Tomsen continues to run up the bill, page 7

WINTER 2019

ECRWSS PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 14

FREE

Mini-crime wave hits the Point, page 12

Point Roberts, WA 98281 Postal Patron Local

Buyout sought And a new library is born... on Baker Field cell tower lease

ADVENTURES IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

By Meg OlsOn

s Hundreds of residents and visitors charged into Birch Bay during the annual Polar Bear Plunge on January 1. The event was hosted by Photo by Chuck Kinzer the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce. Photos on page 10.

A look back at the year that was he owns on Peace Portal Drive. • Birch Bay couple Pat and Patty Anderson sat down with The Northern Light to describe their 5,428-mile, 226-day boat journey around the eastern United States, called ‘America’s Great Loop.’ • Whatcom County Council appointed former chairman of the Lummi Nation Business Council Timothy Ballew II to serve a vacant at-large seat on January 16. Ballew was expected to fulfill the position until the next election and told county councilmembers he would not run for the position in November. • The state Transportation Improvement Board allocated $293,425 to the ‘Peace Portal Community Trail Phase 2’ project. The project aims to create a pedestrian connection from the new pedestrian crossing at the Peace Arch U.S./Canadian border crossing through the city to southern Blaine city limits. • Krys and Katy Bennet purchased The Railway Cafe, located at 795 Peace Portal Drive, and re-opened it on January 19.

• The Blaine school board approved a resolution to send a $12 million capital levy to voters on January 22 to fund a variety of projects the district wanted to complete over six years. Projects included updating the existing grand stand structure and purchasing property for a

(See Year in review, page 7)

INSIDE

January • Donning costumes, revelers took part in the annual Polar Bear Plunge on January 1 at Birch Bay Beach Park. The event was hosted by the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce and draws thousands of people each year. • Newly elected members to Blaine City Council, Alicia Rule, Eric Davidson, Bonnie Onyon and Charlie Hawkins took their oath of office before a regular meeting on January 8. The city council unanimously appointed Onyon as mayor and council member Steve Lawrenson as mayor, pro tempore. • Serving teens in Blaine and Birch Bay, the Health Youth Coalition hosted its first Teen Nite on January 15 at the Pizza Factory. The event featured live music, games, prizes and pizza. More than 100 people attended, including kids from Blaine, Birch Bay, Ferndale and Lynden. • Developer Mike Hill announced plans to build a mix of a commercial, office and retail space next to the Chevron gas station

2018

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

YEARS TheNorthernLight.com

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Storm results in Polar Bear Plunge kicks off the New Year costly damage for Blaine, Birch Bay Upwards of $5 million in damage was incurred locally from the December 20 storm that left Birch Bay Drive in tatters, according to estimates from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO). “While all of Whatcom County has been affected by this event, hardest hit was Birch Bay where significant road damage has occurred,” said John Gargett, deputy director of the WCSO division of emergency management, in a statement. Gusts peaked at 60 mph and sustained winds reached 50 mph during the storm, which hit the hardest between 1:45 and 3:45 p.m., Gargett said. Low atmospheric pressure caused a storm surge in Birch Bay that lifted 3-to-5-foot waves over the drive, crashing into businesses and homes. Power outages were reported for thousands of Puget Sound Energy customers across Whatcom County. Some households in the southern portion of Birch Bay, including Point Whitehorn, were without power for 18 to 20 hours, Gargett said. At least 12 homes were damaged on Birch Bay Drive as well as approximately 10 businesses, Gargett said. Bay Breeze Restaurant and Bar, located at 7829 Birch Bay Drive, was damaged so severely it was red-tagged by the county, meaning it is unsafe to enter. Recognized by its bright-blue exterior, the restaurant opened in May. A statement posted to Facebook on behalf of Bay Breeze staff and owner Chris Choi said the restaurant would be forced to cancel all events and close until further notice. “We promise to keep everyone posted on what the future holds for the Breeze as we figure things out but it is going to take some time before we have any real information to share,” Choi wrote. “Thank you all for your support. We are Birch Bay strong.” To lend support to the restaurant and its employees, staff at The Beach at Birch Bay and Boardwalk Restaurant hosted a benefit on December 27. The event featured a silent auction and a performance by The Replayzmentz, among others. “We are humbled by the generosity of our community,” read a statement from Bay Breeze. “We thank each and everyone one of you for reaching out and coming together to help us during this difficult time.” In addition to damaging about a dozen residences in Birch Bay, the storm forced at least two families out of their homes, Gargett said. One family had to relocate to Bellingham temporarily because their home was floating, held down only by plumbing. The most costly and time-consuming repair will be to Birch Bay Drive, which was severely undermined by wave action resulting in large cracks and subsidence of the road bed. Currently, one northbound lane is open between Harborview and Shintaffer with a 10 mph speed limit, according to the WCSO. Southbound traffic from Birch Bay Village and Birch Point must use Shintaffer

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Park district commissioners are considering a buyout proposal for their lease with the company that owns the Verizon cell phone tower. At their August 13 meeting commissioner Bennett Blaustein reported that Landmark Dividend, a company that specializes in ground lease acquisitions, was “really pushing” to buy out the lease the district entered into with SBA Communications in 2011. SBA has also approached the district with a lease buyout offer. The lease currently pays the district $1,250 per month and contains a clause for inflation adjustments for the term of the agreement. Unsure of the length of the term, commissioners asked secretary Lynn VanBuskirk to have a copy of the lease for discussion at their September meeting. “We would get a lump sum,” Blaustein said, with initial numbers being suggested in the $200,000-$250,000 range. The land would remain the property of the park district and when the lease expired it could be renegotiated or terminated. Blaustein asked commissioner Stephen Falk to look into the proposal with him. “It looks to me like it might be the right thing to do but I want to make sure it helps the community,” he said. “I would go for a bird in the hand,” agreed commissioner Linda Hughes. She added that having the money now could allow for future investments or to enhance the park system with improvements or land acquisition. Blaustein said with cellular technology changing, the value of the tower could diminish in coming years. In 2017, he said, over 60 percent of Verizon’s new deployment was using small-cell technology rather than tower installations. “All of the cellular companies are starting to move to small cell technology and when they do they won’t need towers,” he said.

s With the snip from a large pair of scissors, Whatcom County Library Board of Trustees chair Marvin Waschke officially opened the Photo by Louise Mugar new Point Roberts Library on August 11. More photos at allpointbulletin.com

CROSS-BORDER TRAVEL

MAGAZINE

By Meg OlsOn Whatcom County parks engineers are scratching their heads trying to figure out how to design a long-lasting dock for Lighthouse Marine Park. In July, the dock was taken out again after “stress cracking” was discovered throughout the structure, according to parks design and development supervisor Rod Lamb. “This was the third time it was in the

water,” Lamb confirmed. The dock was originally launched in 2015 to replace the old wooden dock that was removed from service in 2009. It failed after a month in the water and the county spent $27,000 in materials to repair it, sharing the rest of the costs with the dock manufacturer and installer. It was back in the water in mid2016 and survived the 2017 season before the current damage caused the county to pull it for public safety reasons. So why can’t a new dock be built to

withstand the same conditions the old wood and floatation foam dock put up with for 16 years with minimal annual maintenance? “It’s different than the last time,” Lamb said. “There are new requirements the old dock didn’t need to meet,” such as allowing light to penetrate to the water below. Lamb said engineers were reevaluating the design and costing out alternatives. “We will do some analysis,” Lamb said.

sus 2018, there were 32,490 and 32,084 total votes cast in the seats held by Luanne Van Werven and Vincent Buys respectively in 2016. In 2018, there were 41,578 and 41,520 total countywide votes cast in the same races. Republican votes increased 9.4 percent for Van Werven (18,409 in 2018 vs. 16,834 in 2016) and 14 percent for Buys (19,808 in 2018 vs. 17,408 in 2016) so Republican apathy isn’t an issue, it seems. The big news is Democratic turnout. Democratic votes in the Van Werven race

YEARS

in 2018 increased 61 percent countywide (21,101 in 2018 vs. 13,082 in 2016) and 99 percent in the Buys race (21,712 in 2018 vs. 10,867 in 2016). While state senator Doug Ericksen wasn’t up for election in 2016, results from the 2018 primary show he too has a tough horse race ahead of him. He received 19,147 votes in this primary while his two Democratic challengers combined had 22,620 votes, 3,473 more than him. Ericksen is going to need some fancy silver spurs come November.

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Church .............................................. 9 Classifieds ........................................ 20 Coming Up ...................................... 17 Crossings ........................................... 3 Library, Obituaries ......................... 18 Opinion .............................................. 4 Seniors ............................................ 19 Tides ................................................ 19

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Lighthouse Marine Park dock puzzling engineers

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Pat gruBB

The three state district 42 races for senator and representatives in the 2018 primary showed that the current Republican incumbents have a headwind against them in the upcoming general election in November. What accounts for this turn of affairs? Were Republican voters content to let their mail-in ballots sit on the kitchen counter or were Democrats more energized than usual this go-around? Comparing countywide primary results in state representative races in 2016 ver-

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All real estate/rentals advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246.

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Real Estate

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Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom Inc. 360.371.5100

8105 Birch Bay Square St. I-5 Exit 270, Blaine

BLAINE, BIRCH BAY & SEMIAHMOO SEMIAHMOO SHORE OPEN HOUSES

9466 Turnstone Lane #41 $1,095,000

OPEN12-5 DAILY

MLS# 1408418. Newest Semiahmoo Shore waterfront home with soaring vaulted great room design & expansive full width covered patio featuring full height stone fireplace & ample room for shoreline entertaining. All the exceptional design elements you'd expect at Semiahmoo Shore with fantastic guest suites on both main & upper floors. All main living on entry level, gated luxury at Semiahmoo spit with incomparable saltwater & mtn. views. Dir: Take I-5 North to Exit 270, head W (L North bound/R South bound) on Birch Bay Lynden Rd. to R on Harborview to L on Lincoln which becomes Semiahmoo Pkwy all the way to Semiahmoo Spit.

Mike Kent 360-527-8901

9436 Turnstone Ln #35 $825,000

OPEN12-5 DAILY

MLS# 1201008. Semiahmoo Shore 2187 sq. ft. "Sunrise" home w/ soaring 12'10" ceilings in great room & large windows taking full advantage of views over the Open Space meadow & Drayton Harbor. Finished in Driftwood theme including Wide Plank Flooring, Linear fireplace, quartz countertops, full stainless appliance package, dbl. garage w/ epoxy floor & Covered patio. Miles of beaches & walking trails connect with this exclusive gated enclave of fine homes. Minutes to U.S./Canada border & under 3 hours to Seattle. Dir: Exit 270 West on Birch Bay Lynden Rd., R on Harborview, L on Lincoln Rd., to Semiahmoo Pkwy., Semiahmoo Shore on Left.

Lisa Kent 360-594-8034

9454 Turnstone Lane #38 $1,195,000

OPEN12-5 DAILY

MLS# 1360795. Remarkable Quality & Location with incomparable Saltwater Vistas of Drayton Harbor & Mt Baker. Exquisite craftsmanship throughout. Soaring vaulted ceilings in Great Room. 2 Luxurious Suites including owners on main. Gated entry. Direct access to trails & Beach and world Class resort nearby with Championship Golf, Saltwater Marina, Tennis, Pool & more. Open for viewing 12-5pm 7 days a week. Dir: Exit 270 West on Birch Bay Lynden Rd., R on Harborview, L on Lincoln Rd., to Semiahmoo Pkwy., Semiahmoo Shore on Left.

Lisa Sprague 360-961-0838

SEMIAHMOO OPEN HOUSES

OPEN:30-3 12 SUN

8783 Clubhouse Point Dr $1,049,000

MLS#1232342. Presale now available! Last opportunities to be a part of Semiahmoo’s unique “Clubhouse Point”. Premium, Southern exposure on 18th fairway, lake & green, A. Palmer Design. Primary living on main, office open to your secluded individual interior courtyard. Expansive decks, walls of windows bring the outdoors in. Huge kitchen, top notch appliances, stunning combinations of wood, stone, metals, juxtaposed w/substantial stonework create inviting design. 3 car garages.

Brian Southwick 360-815-6638

OPEN2-3 1 SUN

9129 Great Blue Heron Lane $1,495,000

MLS#1436514. Stunning west facing waterfront home is the crown jewel of Boundary Ridge. Meticulously maintained home shows brand new. Casual elegance is the theme of the open great room with walls of windows that capture every view. Main floor living with beautiful, custom designed builtins. Ideal floor plan has a wine cellar that opens to a warm & inviting family room. Three private guest suites are ideal--lots of bonus space. Friendly and inviting yard serves as the perfect backdrop overlooking the Bay.

Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718

MLS#1453001. Waterfront residence thoughtfully designed with exquisite mill work & attention to detail. Raised entry ceiling captures spectacular island & western view. Deck floats over the bay with beach access just down the street. This quality updated home exceeds "Street of Dreams" style. Comfortable, yet elegant appointments through-out. Dramatic great room, inviting kitchen--all main floor living is ideal. Endless hours of enjoyment in this unparalleled masterpiece. Waterfront living at its best!

Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718

SEMIAHMOO OPEN HOUSES

9169 Great Blue Heron Lane $1,960,000

OPEN2-3 1 SUN

MLS#1472364. One of a kind, dream waterfront home. Custom built-gracious & spacious main floor living that captures views from every angle. Timeless--classic Contemporary Northwest home that offers stunning waterfront. Premier lot in all of Boundary Ridge--Semiahmoo's Crown Jewell--this home makes an exceptional presentation in the masterful landscape that frames this beauty. Exquisitely maintained this property is ready to enjoy. Covered deck, 3 stone fireplaces---a must see on your PNW tour of excellence!

Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718

9145 Great Blue Heron Lane $1,850,000

B I R C H B AY O P E N H O U S E S

7714 Birch Bay Drive #403 $539,000

OPEN1-3 SUN

OPEN0-2 SAT 1

5425 Quail Run $692,000

MLS#1462701. Perfect location at Semiahmoo! Views of the 9th fairway offer plenty of sunshine. This single-story home has 3 bed & 3 baths, large open great room, living, and kitchen. Hardwood floors throughout the main living space, with French doors that open up to the large deck in the back. Stainless steel appliances, granite counters, great attention to detail -- this is a great home for those wanting that sunny exposure!

Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718

MLS#1481553. Enjoy sunsets from this deluxe, topfloor, waterfront condo. This sunny West facing, fully furnished residence features 9 ft ceilings, customs cabinets, slab granite counters, tile & wood flooring. Exceptional quality throughout this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath condo. Lower level has its own entrance for use as an office or guest suite. Luxurious bathrooms include radiant heated tile flooring & jetted tubs. Two decks for entertaining & 2 assigned covered parking. Deeded beach access. Amazing ocean view! MLS# 1481553

Randy Weg 360-305-5704

B I R C H B AY O P E N H O U S E S

1OPEN-3 & SUN SAT 1

8628 Ashbury Court $639,000

8324 Fawn Crescent Dr $445,000

OPEN SAT 1-3: Gerry Allen 360-920-0563 & OPEN SUN 1-3: Daphne Gastis 360-824-0993

4846 Broadway Drive

$299,999

MLS#1491459. Beautifully maintained cabin - overlooking Birch Bay beaches, full water view, walking path to beach. Sleeps 7 - great deck and additional storage!

Jeffrey Carrington 360-220-3224

FOR ALL REAL ESTATE, RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL SERVICES PLEASE

Call Hugh -360.371.5800

MLS# 1470926. Strategically tucked beside Loomis' lucky 13th tee. This charmer enjoys a stellar golf course, Clubhouse & Mt. Baker view! All primary living on main. Rich cherry flooring welcomes. Den/office, stately dining room flank entry. Spacious living room adjoins high end s/s/granite kitchen. Powder room, laundry & expansive luxe master suite complete main floor. Upper level enjoys 2 generous guestrooms, full bath; glass French doors open to a generous Mt. Baker view, bonus room with wet bar! 3/2.5 + 2 flex rooms.

Linda Keins 360-815-6640

MLS #902245

Tom Street 360-224-2755

Global Exposure • Local Expertise

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$175,000

Owner contract possible at 20% down, 6.5% 30 year Amortization

Some residential zoning, currently in open space. Possible conservation easement opportunity. Great tax advantage. Call Hugh for details!

Semiahmoo Marina boat slips AVAILABLE!

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Linda Keins 360-815-6640

FOR SALE BY OWNER Birch Bay Village lot, 8078 Kitimat. $95,000. 90' frontage on landscaped street. 604-2638833 or cel 604-218-2584.

Rentals Wanted SEEKING RENTAL Small camper, RV or B&B weekly for the month of August. Excellent local references. N/S. Call 919-225-7687 or email heavenonharp@gmail.com.

7806 Birch Bay Dr. #1007 21 ACRES on Kickerville JUST LISTED! $175,000 at Headwaters on Terrell Creek 1-BD end unit with updated kitchen & appliances. Large floorplan with patio close to Birch Bay Beaches. Cozy wood burning FP, partial saltwater & sunset views. Amenities; Tennis courts, indoor pool, hot tub, racquetball court, game & exercise room. Laminate floors throughout. HURRY, THIS WON’T LAST!

9666 Ronald Drive, Blaine

MLS # 1491560. Vintage 70's split level, original throughout! 4beds, 3 baths, 2 wood burning fireplaces, traditional defined kitchen, dining, family, living, plus rumpus room! 2148 sq ft

www.windermere.com

In case of inclement weather, please call agent to confirm open houses.

Hugh Brawford

ERT: L A R FIXE 29,000 $3

OPEN1-3 SUN

OPEN2-3 SAT 1

MLS# 1427710. One of a kind quality home, no expense has been spared, hardwood floors, granite counter tops, Trex decking along architectural accents. NW living at its best, large lot, peaceful setting, minutes to shared beach. Whether a vacation home, VRBO or full time living, large windows unique loft with room for two more beds, patio and decks makes a bird watchers paradise this is a must see.

F E AT U R E D

Rentals - Rooms

Birch Bay Waterfront • $259,000 8026 Birch Bay Drive #237

Looking for fabulous sunsets and magnificent views of Birch Bay? You’ll love this Mariner’s Cove 2 BR, 1.75 BA with gas FP. Large oceanfront deck perfect for grilling and relaxing. Complex has indoor pool, hot tub. MLS# 1456312

www.marketplacesothebysrealty.com

Rentals - Commercial

NELSON BUILDING 925 Ludwick Ave., Blaine

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The Northern Light • July 25 - 31, 2019

OBITUARIES

Bay Breeze reopens after storm damage By Jami Makan

William Charles Murphy was born October 23, 1930 to George and Florence Murphy of Blaine, Washington. He grew up and went to school in Blaine, graduating in the class of 1948. Bill’s father, George, died when Bill was in the primary grades in school. He was raised by his mother who never remarried. He Joined the US Marine Corps and served as a rocket launcher in the Korean War. He had a brief stint as Marine recruiter in Spokane. After his discharge, he attended Western Washington College earning a degree in education. He married Jessie Lou Maddox, Bill and Jessie Lou had two sons, Patrick, of Blaine and Dirk and wife Kylee of Lynden, He leaves two grandsons Nick and Kyle. Bill’s first teaching and coaching job was at Meridian School District. He left Meridian to come to Blaine after earning his master’s degree from Washington State University. He served as school counselor, then vice principal, then principal at Blaine High School. He retired from administration in 1985 and went to work as an outside salesman for Border Brokerage Company. He also ran for and was elected to the Blaine School Board where he served for two years. He worked for the brokerage company for 34 years until illness forced his retirement in late spring 2019. During summer seasons while a school employee and later as a brokerage employee, Bill worked in the salmon industry in Bristol Bay, Alaska where he supervised cannery crews in Egegik and South Nak Nek. Bill was a consummate fisherman, hunter, and horse lover. Bill cast a large shadow in Blaine and his cheery “Top of the morning to you” greeting will be sorely missed.

Sylvia Margaret Johnson

Photo courtesy of Chris Choi

permits and underwent electrical and fire inspections. The restaurant had to be restaffed with more than 20 individuals, about 60 percent of whom are returning staff. On July 12, the restaurant finally reopened with a soft opening and limited menu. A full menu is expected to be introduced this week. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through

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November 27, 1938 - June 30, 2019 Sylvia Margaret Johnson, age 80, of Blaine, went to be with her Lord on June 30, 2019 due to complications of COPD. Born to Ivan and Betty Nicholson in the Central Butte area in Saskatchewan, Sylvia married and moved to Blaine, Washington in 1963. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, a registered nurse, homemaker, and deli worker. She enjoyed reading, attending church, landscaping, and gardening, but her passions were home, family, and friends. Her loved ones will fondly remember family gatherings at her house with fried chicken, potato salad, and coleslaw at the picnic table in the front yard. Sylvia was preceded in death by her brother Clinton Nicholson. She is survived by her brother Edwin Nicholson, two sons David Johnson (Lisa) and Shane Johnson, six grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends in Canada and the U.S.A. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at Moles Farewell Tributes – Bayview Chapel (2465 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Whatcom Hospice House and the COPD Foundation. To share your memories of Sylvia, please visit www.molesfarewelltributes.com.

s The damaged interior of Bay Breeze Restaurant immediately following the December 20 storm.

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Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, it is open from 11 a.m. to midnight with karaoke starting at 9 p.m. Choi wished to thank the entire Birch Bay community for their support during the restaurant’s closure, which included a silent auction and benefit concert by The Replayzmentz one week after the storm. “I got a lot of help from the community and I really appreciated them,” he said.