The Northern Light: December 31, 2020–January 6, 2021

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Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay

Dec. 31, 2020 - Jan. 6, 2021

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Older students to start hybrid learning, page 5

IN THIS

ISSUE

First vaccines given in the county, page 7

How to dispose of a Christmas tree, page 7

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

Answers sought in Custer oil train derailment

By Grace McCarthy

s Kenneth Cunningham, a 2004 Blaine High School graduate and North Whatcom Fire and Rescue firefighter, and intern firefighter Donovan Campeau on the scene at the Custer train derailment on December 22.

Photo courtesy Daniel Jensen

2020 year in

REVIEW

January • Hundreds of people braved the chilly Birch Bay water for the 37th annual Polar Bear Plunge. • The Birch Bay berm project started construction at the beginning of the new year.

The project will add 210,000 tons of sand and gravel to a 1.6-mile stretch of beach between Lora Lane and Cedar Avenue. • More than 60 travelers with Iranian backgrounds were held for hours at the Peace Arch border crossing on January 4 and 5 and received extra questioning, following a U.S. airstrike that killed an Iranian military figure on January 3 in Baghdad, Iraq.

Systematic enhanced screenings appear to have been limited to the Peace Arch border crossing, which suggested that the decision was made locally by CBP’s Seat-

THANK YOU SPONSORS & DONORS FOR HELPING US LIGHT UP BLAINE! BLAINE MART • GARTH & KELSEY BALDWIN • JEN FREEMAN & LEAH

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A look back at the year that was tle Field Office, which is based in Blaine, rather than at the national level. • Blaine school district hired Craig Baldwin as the Blaine Elementary School principal after former principal Nancy Bakarich moved to the district office to provide administrative support. • Blaine city councilmembers Richard May, Mary Lou Steward and Garth Baldwin were sworn into office after being elected in the November 2019 general election. • Whatcom County executive Satpal Sidhu was sworn into office on January 11. • The Northern Light broke international news after sources revealed a bulletin in which U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers were instructed to conduct enhanced vetting on individuals who had traveled to Iran, leading to up to 12

hours of questioning for up to 200 American citizens and permanent residents returning home.

(See Year in Review, page 6)

INSIDE

As investigations into the cause of the December 22 BNSF Railway derailment in Custer that forced business and home evacuations within a mile of the wreckage continue, crews have begun clearing the toppled train cars. The 108-car train was carrying Bakken crude oil from North Dakota to Ferndale refineries when what officials now say was 10 cars derailed just after 11:40 a.m. in the 7500 block of Portal Way. Five of the cars burned afire until 8 p.m. that night and a brief blaze erupted just before 9:30 p.m. the next night but firefighters extinguished it within an hour, said Courtney Wallace, regional BNSF Railway public information officer. The train was traveling at 7 mph before the accident, making it a low-speed derailment, Wallace said. Train traffic was halted until the tracks were repaired while other train traffic remained open in Whatcom County, she said. The two crewmembers aboard the train, people in the area and wildlife near the site were not injured in the derailment, said Dave Byers, Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) response section manager, during a press conference the day after the derailment. Wallace declined to link the rail accident to as many as 41 attempts to sabotage tracks this year in Whatcom and Skagit counties, responding to a question at the press conference. “This is an ongoing investigation,� Wallace said. “We’re not going to speculate on cause or on the investigation.�

This derailment comes less than a month after two Bellingham residents were charged with one count of terrorist attack and other violence against a railroad carrier after allegedly attempting to place a shunt on north Bellingham train tracks, which can cause derailment, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington. Both defendants were released November 30 from Whatcom County Jail on appearance bond.

They are scheduled for trial February 16 after they were arraigned and pleaded not guilty on December 17, according to minutes from their hearing.

The FBI’s investigation of the derailment (See Train, page 2)

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

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From page 1

is routine, Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo said during the conference. A spokesperson for the FBI’s Seattle field office said the FBI has a memorandum of understanding with the National Transportation Safety Board in Washington to investigate if crime is involved in an accident. If it’s determined a true accident, the FBI would leave the investigation, the spokesperson said.

The FBI spokesperson said he couldn’t confirm reports of a FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force Officer asking Custer residents for surveillance footage before the derailment because the investigation is ongoing but “it’s logical in the course of an investigation that we’re asking the public for tips.”

Joel Hernandez, an employee of 15 years at Beacon Battery and Tire in downtown Custer, said he’s accustomed to feeling the ground shake beneath his feet as the trains pass by his store but not to the force of the derailment.

Hernandez was writing a receipt for a customer when he stumbled, heard a loud noise and ran to see flames towering in the sky.

A quick 911 call confirmed he needed to evacuate the area immediately.

“I was terrified because I had my son with me,” Hernandez said. “I wanted to leave as far as possible and quick, but I also

didn’t want to not close down the store.”

Customers fled, leaving tires behind as Hernandez did a 10-minute store closing and drove his 7-year-old son home.

Once safely at home, Hernandez said he took time to process the event. “I was like ‘this is what you see in a movie’ and then to see it in real life was shocking,” he said.

Despite the Wednesday night fire, the train track reopened at 3 a.m. December 24 after BNSF crews inspected, rebuilt and tested the tracks, Wallace said. Trains will operate at reduced speeds as cleanup continues, the DOE said on Twitter.

Byers said during the press conference that the department believes oil contamination was contained to the site but does not yet know the amount spilled. Responders will need to calculate the amount of oil that escaped from the three ruptured tanks, burned with the fire and how much was left in the tanks.

“As far as crude oil derailment, spills and fires go, this incident could not have occurred in a better location with regard to minimizing the offsite environmental impacts of this,” Byers said.

Soil contamination is likely in the area and a full cleanup is expected to take at least a few months, Byers said. He said the DOE will determine whether wetlands and groundwater were affected.

“Washington has some of the highest expectations for how clean is clean and when we end

2020

year in

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By Erin Carampot During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Birch Bay Water and Sewer District has continued operations.

Our employees continue to safeguard public health by providing clean, safe drinking water and the management of our wastewater treatment plant.

The wastewater treatment plant staff had been grappling with some operational performance issues during this crisis, likely

the final cleanup as a result of this incident,” Byers said. “Ecology will be monitoring that and will be involved until we are confident that those cleanup endpoints have been met.”

Ty Keltner, a DOE spokesperson for spills prevention, preparedness and response, said cleanup cost is one of the last things to be determined and that could take several months.

Crews began removing the cars from the scene on Tuesday afternoon after they finished removing oil from the cars Monday this week, Keltner said.

Firefighters also operated roving air monitors, later maintained

by DOE, to detect hazardous fumes like benzene. As of December 29, the air monitors were still on scene and hadn’t detected a threat to first responders or the public, Keltner said.

State and federal legislation helped mitigate the severity of the accident, including federal regulations that improved traincar safety and design on the DOT-117 tank cars derailed in Custer, Byers said. “That likely contributed to minimizing the amount of oil that was released and the safety of the public in this incident.”

Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said in a statement he worked closely with former President Barack Obama’s administration to make (See Train, page 5)

Birch Bay Water and Sewer District due to the significant amount of sanitizers and disinfectants in use.

The water operations’ staff is in the midst of installing automated read meters throughout the district, this is a multi-year meter replacement project.

To be able to provide a safe workplace and to be able to provide essential service to our customers, we have implemented changes to how we are working.

Even though we have closed our (See BBWSD, page 5)

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December 31, 2020 - January 6, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

2020 year in

REVIEW North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) responded to 4,607 calls through November 2020.

Almost 68 percent of those calls were for emergency medical assistance; 3 percent of the calls were for fires. The remaining 29 percent of calls were for false alarms, public assists and hazardous conditions.

Jason Van der Veen was promoted to fire chief on April 16.

Chief Van der Veen has been with the district since 2007.

Fire commissioner Larry McPhail retired in July and Kimberly Calman-McMurray was appointed as the interim commissioner.

Four new career firefighters were hired and three new volunteers joined the district. Up to three career firefighters may be hired in December and will attend the North Bend Academy in January.

The administration staff moved to Northwest Station 72 located on Badger Road in August.

NWFR and the district 4 board of commissioners formed a Regional Fire Authority (RFA) committee and began meeting in August to explore the potential of creating an RFA encompassing both districts.

Due to Covid-19 and the current state guidelines, many of the community events that NWFR looks forward to participating,

North Whatcom Fire District

By Jennie Sand including parades, school fairs, memorials, Pumpkin Party, Hogs and Horses Car Show, and CPR classes were canceled. The hope is that many of these events will resume in 2021 once the virus is under control. NWFR was able to participate in the Community Assistance Thanksgiving Basket giveaway, multiple “drive-bys” celebrating birthdays and a “salute” to medical first responders

in front of PeaceHealth Hospital in April.

NWFR would also like to thank the community for their continued support of fire and medical emergency services.

NWFR would like to give special recognition to the dedicated volunteers that serve throughout the district. The district is grateful for your continued commitment and service.

Happy New Year From NEW YEAR; NEW HEALTH Your patronage and enthusiasm for our small business has not gone unnoticed and we are extremely grateful for YOU, our community, neighbors and friends. We are looking forward to serving you in the new year and bringing lots more fun and joy to Whatcom County!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

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4

The Northern Light • December 31, 2020 - January 6, 2021

Opinion

The Northern L ght The Northern Light is published weekly

by Point Roberts Press Inc. Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications.

Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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

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

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.

Ring in 2021 with annual Birch Bay celebrations

Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com

s It might look different this year, but the community will still get to ring in the new year with annual events. The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce will host a Brrr-tual Polar Bear Plunge, which is the event pictured above from last year. Participants can photograph and videotape jumping into the icy water and then send their plunge to events@birchbaychamber.com to enter to win a prize. On New Year’s Eve, the chamber will also host the Ring of Fire and Hope event that will start at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 31. Flares will be available at the Birch Bay Visitor Center, 7900 Birch Bay Drive, when it opens at 9 a.m. on December 31, according to the chamber’s website.

Photo by Chuck Kinzer/CKimageart.com

Letters

Reporter Ian Haupt ian@pointrobertspress.com Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser, production@pointrobertspress.com Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst 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 XXVI, No 28 Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

Next issue: Jan. 7 Ads due: Jan. 4

The Editor “Those that can give up essential liberty to gain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.”

These words would bring scorn and contempt from many if they were uttered today.

And yet the man who spoke these words and others who joined with him to fight for their freedom in the American Revolution made possible the freest and most prosperous nation in history.

They were bound not just by a love of liberty but by a common system of values.

There was much they disagreed about but much more that they had in common.

Today, this is no longer true.

One thing is true: our country is worth fighting for. What we now have, and too often take for granted, has come at great cost in suffering and death. These are realities we have been so far removed from for so long that we have unlearned the true worth of our freedoms. We have forgotten that what we have is not normal; that it is rare and precious … and easily lost.

“The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield, and government to gain ground.”

There will be a few who read these words and understand the threats we face. To those few I say get involved. We can begin by learning what we have and how it came to be. Read Catherine Drinker Bowen’s outstanding account of the Constitutional convention of 1787 “Miracle at Philadelphia.”

We need to learn to feel the love of liberty like those who made it possible. “What

we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated.”

The quotes are from Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Paine; men who were willing to risk everything to give us what we have.

The election is over but the fight for the Republic must go on.

Dan Rudolph Blaine The Editor: Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the amazing outpouring of love and support during the Blaine Food Bank’s annual 2020 Matching Funds Campaign.

Thanks to you, we did it. We not only met, but with a flurry of last-minute donations, exceeded our goal of $30,000, that was set by our anonymous benefactor.

These vital funds allow us to provide nourishing milk, eggs and other protein, for the next year, to friends and neighbors in our community who struggle to feed their families.

To each individual, each business and each church that responded to our appeal, thank you. To the staff and students in the Blaine school district who held a virtual ‘Let’s Make a Change’ campaign, on our behalf in lieu of a food drive, thank you.

To all who tirelessly shopped for, and hand delivered shelf stable food to fill our pantry, thank you.

This wonderful community is our life-

line. You have never let us down. Thank you for supporting our mission, for your faith in our commitment, and especially, thank you for caring.

Sally Church Blaine The Editor: The Kitsap County Health Department officer gives new meaning to “a call to arms” in this guest column: Vaccines Present a Community Challenge.

Few people realize that prior to the distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine to their locality, vaccine administers must enroll in our state’s provider program to receive any allotment.

The U.S. has experience with mass vaccine distribution, but delivering Covid-19 vaccines is at a much greater scale than all past efforts. To ensure the greatest health and societal benefits accrue from the vaccination program, providers must answer the “call to arms” by signing up to administer the vaccine. If there are insufficient provider participants, the vaccination effort will not be rapid, effective or equitable.

I encourage every eligible provider to enroll in Washington state’s Covid-19 vaccine program as soon as possible. It would give our personal health and our economy’s health a welcome “shot in the arm.”

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

December 31, 2020 - January 6, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

5

Middle and high school students to begin hybrid learning

By Ian Haupt Blaine middle and high school students will be returning to hybrid learning next week after the governor’s office and Washington State Department of Health changed their Covid-19 guidance to allow older students back into the classroom. Grades 6-9 will start on Wednesday, January 6 with half-day in-person learning that alternates weekly to online learning, while grades 10-12 will begin in-person learning on Monday, January 11.

In a December 18 message, superintendent Christopher Granger announced the Blaine school district will start phasing in middle and high school students as recent data gathered by state and national officials show that schools are not creating Covid-19 outbreaks.

The research presented in a new decision making “tool kit”

Train...

From page 2 oil by train safer but is concerned by the recent derailment. “Clearly, there is more work to do,” he said.

Custer roads that remained closed following the accident reopened on December 30, according to a Whatcom County Public Works tweet.

As for Beacon Battery and Tire, owner Mark Beckwith said business had been down with the road closures, even though people could access the store from the north. The business, which reopened on December 26, has had a front-row view of crews cleaning up the accident around the clock.

“Things happen no matter wherever you are, you don’t have to be in downtown Seattle for things to happen. You can be in Custer, too,” Beckwith said. “It’s a reality that it’s a very active train line.”

BNSF has established a claims hotline for people or their property affected by the derailment at 866/243-4784. Anyone can report tips of suspicious activity to tips.fbi.gov.

with revised metrics by the department of health recommends school districts start phasing in middle and high school students when the county’s case rate is below 200 confirmed cases per 100,000 people for the past two weeks.

Granger could not be reached before press time to confirm whether the decision to have middle and high school students return to hybrid learning would hold if the county’s case rate increased above 200 after the holiday season. , As of December 28, Whatcom County has a case rate of 190.9..

Granger could not be reached by press time to confirm whether the decision to have middle and high school students return to hybrid learning would hold if the county’s case rate increased above 200 after the holiday season.

This announcement comes after a December 15 school board

meeting where all speakers during the public comment period advocated for the board to fight to get students back into the classroom. Many of the speakers mentioned the mental health impacts that remote learning has on students and referenced recent suicides of students nationwide related to pandemic isolation.

“We are so excited to share the news of this next step with you and can think of no better gift for our community this holiday season,” Granger said in his message.

The school district will continue to follow Whatcom County Health Department’s recommendations, as well as the district’s Covid-19 procedures.

Since the school district’s ability to have in-person learning is dependent on county metrics of the community’s transmission rates, Granger encouraged community members to follow the

From page 2

business office to the public, we are still providing customer service by phone and email.

Our commissioners have worked closely with management to create a customer assistance plan for delinquent accounts in conjunction with state proclamations to suspend nonpayment water shutoffs and late fees.

We look forward to next year’s promise to resume normal operations and to help customers manage their services.

READ IT FIRST. THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

Blaine United Church of Christ

JOURNEYMAN LINEMAN

CITY OF BLAINE Due to COVID-19 and the Governor’s Proclamation, meetings are now only open to the public telephonically. Information on how to listen to the meeting live will be on the City Council agenda which is located on the City’s website homepage under Your Government, City Council, City Council Agenda.

Please check the agenda prior to each meeting as the call in number or location may change.

Monday, January 11 6:00pm – City Council Meeting Tuesday, January 12 8:00am – Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee

Thursday, January 14 9:00am – Parks and Cemetery Board

6:00pm – Planning Commission

"Where friendly people gather and become family"

City Offices Closed – Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Find us on Facebook

Council Meeting

CITY OF BLAINE

u Jes

Monday, January 18

Tuesday, January 19 9:00am – Special City All City offices are currently closed to the public. Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website.

rn s didn’t tu people away

Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.

Salary Range: $8,183 per month (effective January 1st) plus benefits

www.cityofblaine.com

Neither do we.

Applications are now being accepted for regular full-time work for a certified Lineman with a minimum of two (2) years of experience as a Journeyman Lineman or three (3) years as an Apprentice Lineman. The Lineman performs journey-level installation, maintenance, modification, troubleshooting and repair of the City electrical power distribution and lighting system. The Lineman position requires considerable knowledge of the electric utility’s equipment, facilities, layout and operations, and proficiency in the operation of any of the equipment used by the Department.

Interested persons should complete the online application on the City’s website, https://www.ci.blaine.wa.us/. The first review deadline is 4:30pm on January 15th.

2021 Friends of Birch Bay Library Calendars

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

T TREE PICK UP U O C S Saturday, January 2nd Place trees curbside by 8am or drop off at Birch Bay Waterslides Donations welcome

Please email blainescouttreepickup@gmail.com or text 360-389-8091 with address in order to get on our drivers’ maps.

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BBWSD ...

recommendations of distancing, masking, frequent hand washing, cleaning and limiting gatherings.

A community Q&A is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, January 4. There will also be a middle school hybrid learning information night at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 5, and a high school information night at the same time on Wednesday, January 6. For information and Zoom links to the meetings, visit the school district website at bit.ly/3n1jdzU.

Leonard atLaw Law LeonardD.M. D.M.Saunders, Saunders, Attorney Attorney at

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The Northern Light • December 31, 2020 - January 6, 2021

Year in Review ...

From page 1

• The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office increased its patrols of Birch Bay after residents reported a recent surge in suspicious incidents including vehicle prowls, mail and package thefts, home and vehicle break-ins and burglaries.

• The Washington State Department of Agriculture asked beekeepers on January 13 to report Asian giant hornet sightings after the first hornet detections appeared in fall 2019.

February • The city of Blaine hired two new community planners, Allison Tompkins and Stacy Clauson, to assist with community development, including regulating construction and managing park and recreation facilities.

•During their February 10 meeting, city council unanimously voted for city staff to draft amendments to Blaine Municipal Code to address vacant storefronts in downtown Blaine.

• The architects designing a new Blaine Library unveiled a 8,620-square-foot final design concept on February 11 nearly twice the size of the current library and was informed by three community meetings and an online survey.

• No bomb charges were filed against a 19-year-old whose vehicle trunk contained a nearly operable explosive device, which was discovered by Blaine officers in late December while executing a drug-related search warrant.

• SuperTrack providers notified Dr. David Allen of Bay Medical Clinic that the SuperTrack acquisition of the clinic would not go through and Bay Medical Clinic would permanently close at the end of April.

• Voters approved a Blaine school district replacement levy in a February 11 special election.

This meant property tax money continued to fund daily operations like teacher and staff salaries and classroom materials. The levy will cost property owners $1.26 per $1,000 in assessed value in 2021 and rise incrementally to $1.31 per $1,000 in 2024.

This is a lower rate than the levy it replaces, which was $1.39 per $1,000 of assessed value.

• Blaine city councilmembers voted unanimously during their February 10 meeting to contribute $550,000 to the large stormwater pond being constructed on the Gateway parcel. Businesses that owned property on the parcel asked for council’s help with the total cost of construction at the site, formerly the location of the old airport.

• Gabe Epperson became the Whatcom Land Trust executive director after serving as conservation director. Epperson replaced former director Rich Bowers, who retired after working as executive director since 2015.

• Blaine high school senior Gavino Rodriguez finished in fourth place at the state wrestling tournament on February 22.

• Whatcom County councilmember Ben Elenbaas compared RE Sources, a Bellingham environmental nonprofit organization, to domestic terrorists at a February 11 county council meeting.

• The Blaine school district hosted the 38th annual Whatcom County Middle School Math Championship that hosted over 400 students on February 29.

U.S. congresswoman Suzan DelBene, state representative Luanne Van Werven, Whatcom County executive Satpal Sidhu and school district officials awarded the winners.

March • Bernie Sanders beat former U.S. vice president Joe Biden by

a significant margin in Whatcom County’s presidential primary election. Biden beat Sanders in the state primaries.

• Life Impact Church held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 9 for the new Youth Center at the church, located in the Cost Cutter plaza. The center has a 65inch TV, foosball and air hockey tables, along with a stocked pantry with toiletries, hygiene products and a shower for homeless youth.

• The first confirmed case of Covid-19 was announced March 10 and the Whatcom County Health Department declared a state of emergency.

• Governor Jay Inslee said March 12 that he would close all K-12 schools in the state on March 17 due to Covid-19. The closure was set to last until at least April 24.

The Blaine Senior Center also closed indefinitely on March 12.

• Blaine city manager Michael Jones declared a state of emergency for Covid-19 on March 13.

That same day the school district was planning to provide food and childcare services, as mandated by the governor. B.C. provincial health authorities also asked B.C. residents to not travel to the U.S. unless it’s essential.

• Canada restricted entry from travelers who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents on March 16, but U.S. citizens remained exempt.

• Governor Jay Inslee ordered restaurants, bars and entertainment facilities to close on March 16. That same day, the U.S. Small Business Administration said it would offer disaster assistance to Washington small businesses impacted by the pandemic.

• President Donald Trump announced March 19 that the U.S./ Canada border would close to non-essential travel.

• On March 23, governor Jay Inslee issued a stay-at-home order for the state that he said would

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•Two residents and two medical professionals at Good Samaritan Society – Stafholt tested positive for Covid-19, a Good Samaritan Society spokesperson told The Northern Light on March 30.

• Unemployment insurance claims in Whatcom County skyrocketed to 4,428, compared to 238 the week before. Prior to the pandemic, the most initial claims filed in a week was 474.

•The Bridge Community Hope Center in Birch Bay starts distributing food to those in need.

• A local group named the BBSP Covid-19 Community Helpers started to help people in Blaine, Birch Bay, Semiahmoo and Point Roberts meet needs like picking up groceries and sewing masks.

• On March 21, Sukhwant Singh Gill and his son Gury Gill started giving away milk at their Shell gas station at 360 D Street in Blaine. They also started giving out free bread.

April • Governor Jay Inslee extended the stay-at-home order until May 4.

• Governor Jay Inslee and state superintendent Chris Reykdal announced April 6 that Washington K-12 schools would close for in-person learning for the remainder of the school year.

• A man was arrested in Blaine in connection with the investigation of a vehicular homicide that allegedly took place on April 4 in Acme, Washington. On April 6, sheriff’s deputies took 47-yearold Brent Gerber into custody on investigation of first-degree murder.

• On April 8, Whatcom County law enforcement and fire service agencies performed a “Salute to Medical First Responders.” Organized by the Blaine Police Department (BPD), the agencies drove in formation from a staging area in Bellingham to the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center.

• Horseshoe Coins and Antiques celebrated its 25th anniversary on April 15.

• A man in a black 1969 Chev-

rolet Chevelle led law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase that ended with his arrest in Blaine. The man was booked into Whatcom County Jail for felony charges including second-degree assault, attempting to elude a police vehicle, hit and run, possession of a stolen vehicle and theft of a motor vehicle.

• Two 19-year-olds, including one from Blaine, were injured and transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center following a single-vehicle collision in the early morning hours of April 17.

• Bay Medical Clinic closed permanently on April 30.

• The city of Blaine began looking for a new public works director after the current director, Ravyn Whitewolf, was appointed to the newly created position of engineering program director. Bob Hammond, whose held previous jobs including city manager and public works director for the city of Kennewick, was hired as an interim director.

• The city of Blaine anticipated a minimum $700,000 drop in a $7.1 million general fund budget based solely on the immediate impact of border restrictions and the governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order.

• Alcoa Corporation announced on April 222 that the company would shutter its Intalco Works smelter located in Ferndale, which employs approximately 700 people. Alcoa said it planned to fully curtail the smelter in July because of the decrease in aluminum prices.

• In a survey of 765 Whatcom County businesses taken from March 26 to April 14, about half reported being closed, 405 said they laid workers off since the coronavirus outbreak began and 195 said that they will need to do layoffs in the next two to four weeks under current conditions.

May • Governor Jay Inslee extended the state’s stay-at-home order (See Year in Review, page 12)

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Future goals: Short-term, we can’t wait for Covid to be over so we can go back to offering in-person service. Long-term, we hope to continue to grow and one day, have our own brick and mortar store.

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December 31, 2020 - January 6, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

2020

year in

REVIEW The past year has been a tumultuous experience for all of us in Whatcom County, Covid-19 disrupting every aspect of our lives.

In local government, we have been challenged to learn something new every day and make consequential decisions, often without complete information or resources. It has been a humbling experience as we endeavor to meet the needs and expectations of our constituents.

That said, I believe Whatcom County’s public health response has been commendable.

The health department and our countywide emergency response team were actively engaged before the first positive case was identified to plan and prepare.

Quick response has resulted in lower case numbers relative to other counties in Washington

Home

Whatcom County Executive Office

By Satpal Sidhu,

county

and across the country. Even so, every death is a tragedy.

It is also important to recognize the pandemic’s economic impact, which has been particularly acute for our border communities.

Many people are facing economic insecurity as they prepare for the holidays, having lost their job or struggling to keep their business viable. Let’s not lose sight of their hardships.

In an effort to support economic recovery, my administration has been working with our city administrations to achieve an unprecedented level of cooperation, as we pooled federal funding to have the greatest positive impact for our communities.

I am grateful to all the mayors and municipal administrators for their cooperation and commitment to making things happen.

Together we were able to help

executive

small businesses, our schools and childcare organizations. The port of Bellingham, for instance, was a leading partner in the effort to provide ferry service, albeit limited, for residents of Point Roberts.

In the coming year we will celebrate the Peace Arch centennial and the reopening of the border, when that occurs. I have strong personal cross-border ties and truly look forward to reconnecting and welcoming our Canadian friends and family members back to Whatcom County and to re-entering Canada.

Pandemic fatigue is real, and the holiday season has us yearning to be closer to others. Please remember that this year the best way we can show that we care about our loved ones and community is to wear a mask, practice social distancing and limit travel.

First Covid-19 vaccine given in county The first Covid-19 vaccine doses given in Whatcom County were administered to healthcare workers at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center on December 18.

Agnes Kuc, a nurse in the hospital’s Covid-19 ICU, was the first person to receive the Pfizer vaccine.

“When I look back to the beginning, when there were so many unknowns, and think about all that we’ve been through since then, it means a lot to be here today,” Kuc said in a press release on the event.

In its first shipment, PeaceHealth received 975 doses of the vaccine. PeaceHealth will first vaccinate healthcare workers caring for Covid-19 patients and other high risk groups of healthcare workers, according to the press release.

As of December 30, PeaceHealth has administered over 1,000 vaccines to healthcare workers, a PeaceHealth spokesperson said in an email to The Northern Light. The hospital pri-

&

Garden

A monthly special section in The Northern Light

When choosing a real Christmas tree for holiday celebrations, consumers should think about the many ways that trees can be repurposed after the holiday season.

Some towns collect discarded trees to use them for various purposes. However, homeowners can get in on the action as well. The Old Farmer’s Almanac offers these great ideas for post-holiday tree use. ·

Prop up the tree near a bird feeder to provide another perch and shelter to birds that stick close to home in winter, such as chickadees and finches.

· String the tree with various treats for birds and put it in a sheltered location. Ideas include homemade suet, cranberries and millet. · Mulch the tree and use it in the garden in the spring. · Use boughs to insulate perennials in the garden. · Keep some branches to use as kindling in a wood stove or fireplace, or as aromatic logs for next year’s yule fire. · Sink an old tree in a personal pond. Fish and tadpoles will live and lay eggs around this sheltered area. · Collect some pine needles and sew them into fabric packets to make scented sachets for closets or drawers.

There are many imaginative ways to come up with handy uses for Christmas trees once the holiday season ends.

s PeaceHealth nurse Noa Harwick, l., gives Agnes Kuc, r., the first Pfizer vaccine in Whatcom County on December 18.

Photo courtesy PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center

oritized vaccines for healthcare workers with direct exposure to Covid-19 and then late last week began giving the vaccine to healthcare workers who might be indirectly exposed to the virus, the spokesperson said.

In other Covid-19 news, more than 1.5 million people have activated WA Notify since its launch

at the end of November.

The anonymous exposure notification tool uses smartphones to help stop the spread of Covid-19 by alerting users who have spent time near another user who later tests positive for Covid-19.

With over 25 percent of adults activating WA Notify, Washing(See Covid, page 7)

Blaine-Birch Bay Tree Pickups Local Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts will pick up Christmas trees on Saturday, January 2. Simply email blainescoutstreepickup@ gmail.com or text 360/389-8091 to get on their pick up route.

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2020 in photos - a

The Northern Light • December 31, 2020 - January 6, 2021

In May, this couple, separated by a ditch and the border between Canada and the U.S., were scheduled to get married. Their wedding plans are now on hold until the border between the two countries opens up again.

Photo by Jack Kintner

The U.S. and Canada initially agreed to a temporary border closure on March 21, barring non-essential travel between the two countries to slow the spread of Covid-19 Photo by Louise Mugar

Due to border restrictions, Blaine residents John and Sharon Andes visited with their Canadian daughter, son-in-law and new baby grandson through a metal fence on April 13.

Courtesy Photo

Blaine High School graduates celebrated the end of an unusual senior year June 12. A community parade on Peace Portal Drive celebrated graduates i afternoon before an evening graduation ceremony video on YouTube, which recorded earlier in the week.

Photo by Janell Kortle

Dozens of people involved in bringing youth activities to the Blaine comm participated in a March 9 ribbon cutting at the new Youth Center at Life Im Church, 1733 H Street in the Cost Cutter plaza.

Photo by Oliver Laz

In January, an innovative therapy puts Blaine dog’s cancer into remission.

Wiley the dog, with his veterinary team at Bellingham Veterinary. From l., Brittany Grant, Sebastian Grant, Dr. Kevin Steele, Sharon Pozzi and Dr. Edmund Sullivan.

A crowd of people listen to speakers at a Black Lives Matter rally in Blaine on Friday, July 3.

Photo by Kyra Planetz

Kasey DeJong showing November on her drivew

Photo cou

The Borderites celebrate after beating Sehome 65–53 at home on February 13.

Photo by Oliver Lazenby

A fir hy

December 31, 2020 - January 6, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

9

year like no other!

r on in the h was ever

munity mpact

zenby

A medical professional conducts a nostril swab to test for Covid-19 at Birch Bay Bible Community Church on September 1.

Photo by Ian Haupt

Amelia Vera, from Montreal, and Kyron Nakamitsu, from Maui, Hawaii, say their vows in front of local officiant Matthew Thuney at Peace Arch Park on September 12.

Photo by Ian Haupt

Christina Winkler, president of the International Peace Arch Association, during the virtual Hands Across the Border on June 14. More than 500 people attended the annual celebration of the Peace Arch.

Photo by Joey Winkler

360 Salon owner and stylist Miranda Thompson colors client Myca Cuevas’s hair on Friday, June 19.

Photo by Kyra Planetz

In order to help the Blaine community, the owners of the Shell gas station at 360 D Street decided to give away free milk to local families in April.

Photo by Oliver Lazenby

the live hornet found in way in east Blaine.

urtesy Stephanie DeJong

Local restaurants providing Covid-19 friendly outdoor dining options in November.

Photo by Louise Mugar

Blaine resident Gary Farrow, r., and skydive instructor Kelly Craig float over Snohomish in August after jumping from an airplane minutes earlier. It was Farrow’s seventh jump.

Photo By Jimmy Bernard

new cohort of Blaine kindergarteners came to school on October 12. The rst group of kindergarteners returned to school in-person on October 12 in a ybrid learning model, and the second of two groups arrived on October 19.

Photo courtesy of Lisa Moeller

Birch Bay resident and WWII veteran John Finn at home the week before his 100th birthday in August.

Photo by Kyra Planetz

Vendors and customers observing mask protocols at the Blaine Farmers Market on June 13.

Photo by Donna Raimey

Community Assistance Program volunteers helped prepare the yearly Thanksgiving baskets to be distributed to local families on November 24 in the Cost Cutter parking lot. Co-director Shirley Tobian said the baskets would feed about 950 adults and nearly 500 children.

Photo By Grace McCarthy

10

Pets & Pet Care

The Northern Light • December 31, 2020 - January 6, 2021

Best Photo Clips, Tips and products for a healthier, happier pet!

s Lindsey Freeman’s pet pig, Floyd, is 3 years old and lives indoors. He loves walks, naps, treats and baths.

s Holly’s dog, Arizona, crossed the rainbow bridge on November 21, at the age of 13. She was described as a beautiful spirit.

Photo courtesy Lindsey Freeman

Photo courtesy Lindsey Freeman

s Best friends Luna, l., and Barkley, r., snuggled on the couch.

s Mary Streatch‘s cat, Joey.

Photo courtesy Mary Streatch

s Jinx hiding in a paper bag.

Photo courtesy Jennifer McIntyre

Photo courtesy Christina Palicka

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December 31, 2020 - January 6, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN the Superior Court of the State of Washington, for Whatcom County, the Estate of Frank de Boer. Probate No. 20-4-00602-37 The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the Clerk of this Court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice (twenty-four (24) months if notice is not published). If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

Date of first publication: 12/10/2020.

Personal Representative: Albert de Boer.

Attorney for Estate: KEITH BODE, WSBA #7791 P.O. Box 688, Lynden, WA 98264, Tel. (360) 354-5021

Every edition online: thenorthernlight.com

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Matter and Estate of: TERRENCE LEE HARVEY, Deceased. Whatcom County Superior Court Cause No. 20-4-00621-37. NONPROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.42.030 The notice agent named below has elected to give notice to creditors of the abovenamed Decedent. As of the date of the filing of a copy of this notice with the court, the notice agent has no knowledge of any other person acting as notice agent or of the appointment of a personal representative ofthe Decedent’s estate in the state of Washington. According to the records of the court as are available on the date of the filing of this notice with the court, a cause number regarding the Decedent has not been issued to any other notice agent and a personal representative of the Decedent’s estate has not been appointed. 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 11.42.070 by serving on or mailing to the notice agent or the notice agent’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the notice agent’s declaration and oath were filed. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1)Thirty days after the notice agent served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.42.020(2)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.42.050 and 11.42.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the Decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

Date of First Publication: Dec. 31, 2020 Date Notice filed: December 14, 2020 Notice Agent: ANTOINETTE J. HARVEY Attorney for the Notice Agent: Roger L. Ellingson Address for Mailing or Service: P.O. Box 1258, Blaine, WA 98231 (360) 332-7000; Fax: (360) 332-6677

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The Northern Light • December 31, 2020 - January 6, 2021

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Exquisitely remodeled retail/cafe offering views to harbor through picture windows & expanded covered sundeck. Premiere location on highest traffic corner for your business/office/cafe.

2,300+ SF retail/cafe space plus a deck and a 2,400+ SF basement for storage/office/shop space.

This 900 SF 2 BD, 1.5 BA unit is nestled in the quiet setting of beautifully landscaped grounds.

Enjoy the back deck for quiet morning coffee or private dinners and the front deck for basking in the sunshine. Features of this condo include wood floors, wall to wall carpet and stainless steel appliances. Enjoy as your primary residence or weekend get-away! A rare find - don’t miss out on making this your new home!

Holiday gift ready to GO! Absolutely pristine-offers high quality finish work. Hardwoods, vaulted ceilings, wainscoting, and more! Spacious main floor office w/ French doors. Cozy up to fireplace in living room. Kitchen w/ granite counters, tile floors & backsplash, upgraded cabinets, fixtures, & lighting. Master suite w/Jacuzzi, shower-custom tile surround. Shelter in place with home brewers set up in garage or enjoy the serene outdoor fire pit and freshly painted cedar deck! Perfection found.

8026 Kayak Way, Birch Bay Village $680,000

Jeremy Porter • (360) 306-1794

Ruth Skeete • (360) 358-5075

GATEWAY ENTRANCE TO BLAINE!

DESIRABLE UPPER END UNIT AT JACOB’S LANDING!

360-594-8600 225 G Street, Suite 102

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124 Polo Park Drive, Sudden Valley

429 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine $788,000

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7806 Birch Bay Drive #302, Jacob’s Landing • $278,900

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IT ALL • Commercial Properties

4720 Tidal Way #103K, Birch Bay $339,500

Terry Conway • (360) 410-0503

CeCelia Breivik • (360) 303-8161

REAL ESTATE

SUDDEN VALLEY PERFECTION!

Heather Taylor • (425) 785-5771

BIRCH BAY VILLAGE VIEW HOME!

Enjoy beautiful sunsets and views of the San Juan Islands from the spacious deck on each level of this 3162 SF 3BD, 2.5 BA Birch Bay Village home.

Features include a completely finished main area, updated flooring throughout, new windows, upgraded kitchens, sauna, two fireplaces and an all season hot tub! Come and enjoy all that Birch Bay Village has to offer: golf course, marina, outdoor pool, tennis courts, playgrounds and miles of beach!

Allreal real estate/rentals estate/rentals advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair All advertisHousing Actnewspaper of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, ing in this is subject limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap familial status toorthe Federal Act national origin,Fair or anHousing intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimiof 1968 amended, which makes it any illegal nation.

Thisas newspaper will not knowingly accept advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law.

Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings to advertise any preference, limitation or dis- advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246. crimination 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.

Advertise in The Northern Light!

Call or email one of our Digital Marketing Specialists today!

360-332-1777 / sales@thenorthernlight.com

Julie Ward • (760) 522-2564

What is your house worth?

Thinking of

Listing your property?

callhugh.johnlscott.com/home-evaluation

or

Call Hugh : 360.371.5800

Hugh Brawford, Managing Broker

Your Local Expert For All Real Estate, Residential Or Commercial Services!

UNDER OFFER

5520 Canvasback Road, Semiahmoo • $699,000 On 17th Fairway, 3490 SF of Grand Living Space, 3 en-suite bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3 car garage, formal dining, bay window.

Living room large enough for grand piano.

Call Lisa for a

GRAND LIVING SPACE

Wishing you Happy Holidays and a Healthy 2021!

5366 Night Heron Dr. • Blaine $525,000 MLS #1664909

Build your waterfront dream home on this one of a kind, 37,336 sq ft. homesite hugging 215 feet of peaceful, pebbly Semiahmoo shore of Drayton Harbor.

Sunlight sparkles on gentle saltwater. Sea breezes carry the call of Eagles, Great Blue Herons and countless migratory shore birds. Ancient evergreens stand sentinel along the property perimeter. Snow-capped mountains, night lights of Blaine & White Rock BC.

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FREE

5488 Puffin Place • Blaine $260,000 MLS # 1698438

Market Analysis

Home site #20. Over 1/2 acre 23958 sq. ft. Water and Mountain view home site in Drayton Hillside on Puffin Place a gated community. Bring your plans and ambition and enjoy this most peaceful setting, and all the amenities the Semiahmoo community has to offer. Marina, Golf and Country Club, Heath Club, Spa, 200 room Inn at Semiahmoo, restaurants, tennis, pools, pickle ball and so much more.

CALL ME...

Lisa Sprague Owner/Agent

Location, Location!

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360-961-0838

see more pictures at www.briansouthwick.com

Rentals - Commercial

NELSON BUILDING

With Waterfront Views of Blaine Harbor

925 Ludwick Ave., Blaine

LEASE SPACES FOR:

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FOR LEASE Retail/ Office Space

From page 6

through May 31 and announced a four-phase plan to re-open the state, beginning Tuesday, May 5.

• Washington lawmakers, including U.S. representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Rick Larsen (WA-02) and senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell urged President Trump to address policies with China in a letter on May 1. The letter came after

Prime ground floor office and retail space in The Northern Light Cannery-style building at Blaine Harbor.

For leasing info, contact Pat Grubb

360/332-1777

360-305-0286

Email nelsbldg@msn.com

Year in Review ...

800 - 1600 s.f.

Alcoa announced the closure of the Intalco Works smelter in Ferndale.

• Covid-19 cases rose in Whatcom County as the state opened its four-phase reopening plan on May 5. In the week ending May 2, 29 people tested positive for the virus, up from 11 and 15 in the previous two weeks.

• As of May 6, Good Samaritan Society – Stafholt in Blaine hadn’t had new confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the previous two weeks. In total, 17 residents and six workers at the skilled nursing facility have tested positive, and

one had died.

• The state started its contact tracing program on the week of May 12. The contact tracing force, made up of 1,371 National Guard members, state department of licensing employees and state and local health department professionals.

• Birch Bay resident Kelvin Barton called for a USPS collection box to be installed locally in order to prevent mail theft and make life easier for Birch Bay’s sizable population.

• Blaine mailbox stores suffered from the loss of Canadian cus-

tomers, who made up about 95 percent of the stores’ customer base. Stores decreased employees and hours, while forwarding packages to Canadians. Package pickups accounted for 11 percent of local border crossings in 2018.

• The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board announced May 6 that restaurants with liquor licenses could sell pre-mixed cocktails to go. Local restaurants like Bob’s Burgers and Brew, Paso Del Norte and The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro immediately took advantage of this new rule.

• Late interim police chief Mi-

chael Knapp was honored for his service during the candlelight National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. on May 13. Knapp was serving a Lynden’s interim police chief when he passed away at 79 after being struck by a vehicle in downtown Lynden.

• U.S. border agents arrested a 41-year-old Ajitpal Singh Sanghera at the Pacific Highway Truck Crossing on May 9 as he headed to Canada with $3 million in cocaine.

(See Year in Review, next page)

December 31, 2020 - January 6, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

Year in Review ...

13

OBITUARIES

From previous page

June • Whatcom County was approved June 5 to move to phase 2 of the state’s four-phase Safe Start reopening plan.

• On June 9, Blaine city manager Michael Jones issued an emergency order allowing businesses to use plaza space, with a special permit.

• Blaine High School seniors graduated in a pre-recorded ceremony of students receiving their diploma on June 12.

• Whatcom Unified Command (WUC), the multi-jurisdictional group that assembled to respond to Covid-19 in Whatcom County, distributed more than 100,000 single-use face masks to help businesses with re-opening requirements.

• Under restrictions, immediate family members separated by the U.S./Canada border were allowed to enter Canada on June 9. Blaine City Council approved the order at its June 22 regular meeting.

• Hands Across the Border, an annual event that celebrates the peaceful relationship between U.S. and Canada, celebrated online on June 14.

• Blaine City Council designated June 19, 2020 as Juneteenth Independence Day, to celebrate people who had been enslaved in the U.S., at its June 22 council meeting.

• Blaine musician Gina Williams hosted a June 25 forum on race in a Facebook live video.

• A statewide mandate that required people who are in public and cannot distance more than six feet to wear cloth face coverings went into effect on June 26.

• The Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2) reopened following its closure during phase 1 of the state’s four phase re-opening plan.

Jacqueline (Jacquie) Hazel Nighbert

September 28, 1950–December 12, 2020 Jacqueline (Jacquie) Hazel Nighbert, 70, of Blaine, Washington passed away peacefully at her home in Birch Bay on December 12, 2020.

Jacquie leaves behind her husband Jack and loving daughter Haylee, and the many friends who were blessed to know her. Jacquie was a beautiful soul and an amazing mother, wife, sister, and friend. The impact she had on others in her life is immeasurable. Her energy was infectious and people loved to be around her. She had the most gorgeous smile as well as a playful sense of humor that everyone gravitated to. She was kind to everyone she met and was a natural caregiver.

Jacquie was born in Vancouver, B.C. on September 28, 1950 to parents Daryl (Joe) and Mildred Sayers. After graduating from David Thompson Secondary in Vancouver, Jacquie worked in the Canadian airline industry as a flight attendant and secretary. Her skills working with people were evident early, and jobs in the hotel industry followed. Jacquie worked as an event planner for Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine. However, her favorite job of all was as an event planner with the Bellwether Hotel in Bellingham. She especially enjoyed working with owners Fahri and Robin Ugrlu and the lasting relationship that followed.

Jacquie met her husband Jack in 1981. The many border crossings for both resulted in their marriage in March 29, 1983 in a warm civil ceremony presided by Judge Ed Ross. On February 7, 1988, the birth of daughter Haylee Noelle provided a lifelong joy.

Jacquie was forever planning adventurous outings with daughter Haylee. From visits to see Mickey, to camping at lakes in B.C., to enjoying sunsets on west coast beaches, Haylee further experienced her mother's love.

Jacquie enjoyed many special relationships with friends. Next door neighbors Nancy and Bill Reilly radiated kindness, and were always present when needed. Liz and Dave Walser also helped Jacquie through her trying times. Special friends Cari, Denise, and Anne nurtured Jacquie's bargaining abilities at various shops in Bellingham. Bonnie and Dave and Jan always kept Jacquie close to their hearts.

Jacquie's life's message taught us to be our better selves.

Thus, the world became a better place. Rest in peace lovely wife and mother. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.sigsfuneralservices.com.

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From page 7

ton state ranks among the top five states for use of exposure notification technology when compared to the adult population of Washington, according to the press release.

Governor Jay Inslee announced the launch of WA Notify on November 30. The tool was developed by the Governor’s Office in partnership with the state department of health, Apple and Google with leadership from the University of Washington.

WA Notify will not identify the person who tested positive or where the exposure may have occurred. It works without collecting or revealing users location or personal data.

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John Phillip Kaye

October 30, 1933–December 10, 2020 John Phillip Kaye died peacefully at home on December 10, surrounded by family.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Nancy Kaye; brother Dr. William Kaye; sons John, James, and Matthew Kaye; daughter Maria Lopez; daughters-in-law Renee, Jana, Kayoko, and Megan; grandchildren Samantha, John, Caytie, Steffany, Tim, Andrew, Lucy, Ed, Nick, Michele, Zachary, and David; great-grandchildren Caydon, Elijah, Otto, Olive, Elliot, and June. He was preceded in death by his wife of 24 years, Catherine Kaye.

A funeral mass was held at St. Anne Catholic Church in Blaine, on December 28.

He was an honest man, a man of integrity, perseverance, and determination. He was a man of faith - in God, the Catholic church, his country and our future generations. He believed that hard work and grit could overcome all obstacles. He was a hard worker and took great pride in a job well done. He was a leader, with tremendous inner strength, courage and confidence.

John was kind of a Renaissance man. He was a craftsman, carpenter, farmer, master gardener, family historian, cowboy, sheep herder, cat lover, gourmet cook, hunter, advocate of sustainable agriculture, proponent of healthy diets, fisherman, boater, kayaker, cross country skier, backpacker, lover of German sports cars, card player, traveler, and shooter. He loved to entertain friends and family over long dinners that invariably started off with a stiff martini, followed by good food, good conversation and good red wine. With a couple glasses of red wine in him, he loved to dance, typically to Neil Diamond or Gordon LIghtfoot songs. He suffered from a stutter and claimed to be an introvert, but if you knew John, you know that he was anything but. He insisted on knowing his neighbors whether they wanted to know him or not. John believed in civic duty and was an active volunteer and community activist.

He believed strongly in supporting our veterans and played an integral role in bringing the Vietnam wall to NW Washington.

John took great pride in being a soldier and an officer in the United States Army, where he served for 26 years. He was a member of the 4th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, served in combat in Vietnam, as a battalion commander in Nuremberg, Germany and as a military advisor to the Shah of Iran. In his combat fatigues or in his Army blues, John cut a pretty dashing figure. At the young age of 33 years old, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and retired as such 10 years later, eschewing the opportunity to advance his career by attending the Army War College in Washington, DC. Phase 2 of his life entailed losing Catherine to cancer, marrying Nancy, creating Eagle Wings farm, starting three businesses and then enjoying retirement with trips to Arizona to shoot, New Zealand and Canada to fish, and a cruise around South America.

Perhaps John’s greatest legacy was his role as a father to his three sons and one daughter. He instilled the values of respect, pride, integrity, perseverance and hard work. He had some hard edges that were softened and forgotten by shows of compassion, generosity and love.

He was a fortunate man. Fortunate in that he led a full life and had two wonderful partners to share it: Catherine and Nancy. Two remarkable, strong resilient women who loved and adored him, complemented him, and made him a better man.

John Kaye was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son and brother. He will be greatly missed and leaves us rich with memories.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Vietnam Veterans of America, or a charity of your choice, would be appreciated.

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14

The Northern Light • December 31, 2020 - January 6, 2021

Coming up

Police Reports December 12, 8:00 a.m.: Officers responded to the 600 block range of E Street to report construction noise before construction hours on the weekend. Officers contacted the job foreman and advised him of the violation.

The foreman agreed to stop the noise until the legal construction hours.

December 12, 11:26 a.m.: While on routine patrol, officers checked the license plate of a vehicle driving northbound in the 2500 Block of Peace Portal Drive.

The vehicle was expired 08/26/2017 but, listed as sold on 05/06/2019 and had not been currently registered. The vehicle was stopped in the 1100 Block of Mary Avenue.

The driver was determined to be suspended in the 3rd degree. Driver was arrested, cited and released with a mandatory court date.

December 12, 11:40 a.m.: Blaine Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the city limits of Blaine. Officers determined the driver and a passenger were in violation of a domestic violence no-contact order. The driver was arrested for driving on a

suspended license. The passenger was arrested for violation of the no-contact order and booked into the Whatcom County Jail.

December 12, 2:25 p.m.: A Blaine resident called to report that all of the tires on his vehicle had been slashed. Officers are investigating. At this time there are no suspects or witnesses.

December 12, 3:30 p.m.: Blaine Police Department officers investigating a vandalism case observed a vehicle listed as stolen. The vehicle was parked at a local motel. The suspect driver was also listed as a runaway from a neighboring jurisdiction. The juvenile was released to her parents upon arrival, and the vehicle was released to the registered owner.

December 12, 8:36 p.m.: An officer conducted a traffic stop on vehicle where the registered owner’s driving status was suspended. The officer found the driver was the registered owner and arrested her for driving with a suspended license. A citation will be sent in the mail to the violator.

December 13, 12:10 p.m.: While on routine patrol, an officer checked the license plate of a vehicle, which returned with the registered owner to be suspend-

ed. A traffic stop was initiated on the vehicle. The driver was the registered owner. They were arrested, cited, and released with a mandatory court date.

December 13, 2:48 p.m.: An officer observed a vehicle parked in the 1600 Block of Bayview Avenue with an expired temporary tag. The vehicle was marked for 72 hour impound.

December 13, 3:53 p.m.: Blaine police were called to a business because an unknown man was continually parking in their employee parking area, but was not an employee. A manager at the business was told to contact police if the vehicle returned so the man could be trespassed.

December 13, 9:39 p.m.: Blaine Police Department officers responded to the 200 block of Martin Street for a report of vandalism. During the investigation, officers determined an intoxicated individual broke out a window of the building. The building owner wanted to pursue charges for the damages; the individual was taken into custody and booked into Whatcom County Jail.

Reports by Blaine Police Department.

DATE

TIME

HEIGHT

TIME

HEIGHT

Fr 1 12:17 am -1.7

8:13 am 10.

5:02 pm 8.2

1:34 pm 7.4

Sa 2 12:53 am -1.5

8:47 am 10.36

2:26 pm 6.97 5:50 pm 7.74

Su 3 1:31 am -0.96 9:19 am 10.32

3:20 pm 6.31 6:52 pm 7.15

Mo 4 2:11 am -0.08 9:51 am 10.23

4:14 pm 5.38 8:12 pm 6.50

Tu 5 2:55 am 1.13 10:21 am 10.14

ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

First Annual Semiahmoo Polar Bear Swim: Friday, January 1, at 10 a.m.

Meet at the Beach Activities Center to start the new year with a dip in the Salish Sea. Scout Tree Pick Up: Saturday, January 2. Place trees curbside or drop off at Birch Bay Waterslides. Please email blainescoutstreepickup@gmail. com or text 360-389-8091 in order to get on our driver map. Donations welcome.

Blaine Chamber of Commerce Virtual Meeting: Wednesday, January 6, noon. Speaker: Michael Jones, City manager for the City of Blaine will give an update on current city projects and plans for 2021. Zoom info available at blainechamber.com.

New Relics Art Exhibit: Tuesday–Saturday, January 8–30, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Allied Arts of Whatcom County, 1418 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham.

New Relics presents works created in our modern era but with a nod to traditional themes and techniques featuring work from Richard Bulman, Nikole Dixon and Jessica Molnar. Info: alliedarts.org.

Ongoing:

Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce Virtual Meetings: Third Thursdays, 1 p.m. Meeting ID on birchbaychamber.com.

49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W

DOWN 1. Currency exchange charge 2. River in Tuscany 3. Breakfast dish 4. Defunct European currency 5. Upper class young woman 6. Part of a purse 7. Self-contained units 8. Boxing’s GOAT 9. Legislators 10. Flightless birds 11. U. of Miami’s mascot is one 12. Floating ice 13. Low, marshy land 16. Seldom 18. Lyric poems 22. Law enforcement agency (abbr.)

23. Full extent of something 24. __ Claus

Brrr-tual Polar Bear Plunge: Friday, January 1. Celebrate the new year with a dip in the waters of Birch Bay. This year’s event will be held virtually.

Submit photos for the virtual costume contest and plunge video contest to events@birchbaychamber.com.

The Bridge Clothing Bank Boutique: Open Wednesdays 3–5 p.m. and Fridays 12–5 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road. Donations by appointment, call 360/366-8763.

January 1-7 at Blaine.

Not for navigation.

25. Naturally occurring solid material 27. Acquired brain injury behavior science (abbr.)

28. Thirteen 29. Partner to cheese 30. Member of a Semitic people 31. One thousandth of an inch 33. Former CIA 35. Most lemony 36. Engage in 37. Small Eurasian deer 39. Provisions 42. All humans have them 43. Swiss river 44. Storage term (abbr.)

46. Famed Broadway lyricist Sammy 47. Dutch colonist 48. Full-grown pike fish 49. Egyptian sun god 50. Flute 51. Flew off!

52. Scottish tax 53. Young women’s association 54. Populous Brazilian city 55. Malaysian Isthmus 56. Pointed end of a pen

Birch Bay Ring of Fire and Hope: Thursday, December 31, 7 p.m., Birch Bay waterfront. Light up Birch Bay as we reflect on the old year. Flares available at Birch Bay Visitor Center, 7900 Birch Bay Drive, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. while supplies last or bring your own (without a spike). Limit one flare per family. Info: birchbaychamber.com.

The Bridge Food Distribution Program: Fridays 3:30–5 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road. Registration required at thebridgehope.com or call 360/366-8763. Volunteers welcome.

Tides

49. Train group (abbr.)

50. Frames per second 53. Have surgery 57. Formal withdrawal from a federation 58. Guitarist sounds 59. Greek war god 60. 2,000 lbs.

61. Helps escape

Friends of Birch Bay Library Calendar Fundraiser: Purchase a 2021 calendar featuring photos of beautiful Birch Bay taken by local photographers. Cost: $20 available at friendsofbirchbaylibrary.org.

Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Mondays 9 a.m.–noon, Wednesdays 5–7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.–noon. Delivery options available.

Info:360/332-6350 or blainefood@hotmail.com.

Crossword

ACROSS 1. Partner to “oohed” 6. Relaxing places 10. Humorous monologue 14. Simple elegance 15. Bearable 17. Disobedience 19. Express delight 20. Gov’t attorneys 21. Wake up 22. A type of band 23. Remain as is 24. Turfs 26. Battle-ax 29. Volcanic crater 31. The mother of Jesus 32. One’s life history 34. “Rule, Britannia” composer 35. Doubles 37. Jacob __, American journalist 38. House pet 39. S. African river 40. Broad sashes 41. Establish as a foundation 43. KGB double agent Aldrich __ 45. Part of a book 46. Taxi 47. Pancakes made from buckwheat flour

Please wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.

5:08 pm 4.19 9:52 pm 6.04

We 6 3:43 am 2.59 10:53 am 10.07

Blaine Chamber of Commerce Virtual Meetings: First Wednesday, noon. Meeting ID on blainechamber.com.

Blaine Library: 610 3rd Street. Closed in-branch visits. Curbside holds and pick up, Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Info 360/305-3637.

Meals on Wheels & More: Wednesdays 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Adults 60+ pick up one fresh and six frozen meals. Suggested donation $5 per meal. First come first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040.

Toastmasters Virtual Meetings: Tuesdays 6:30–7:45 p.m. Info: 360/9331671.

Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

6:00 pm 2.83 11:46 pm 6.11

Th 7 4:39 am 4.15 11:25 am 10.02

Coffee With The Contractor Virtual Meetings: Fourth Thursdays, 8 a.m. Learn the progress of the Birch Bay berm project with members of Granite Construction, Whatcom County Public Works and the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce. Meeting ID on birchbaychamber.com.

6:52 pm 1.40

Weather Precipitation: During the period of December 14 to 20, 2.0 inches of precipitation was recorded. During the period December 21 to 27, 2.7 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2020 year-to-date precipitation is 43.2 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 49.7°F on December 26 with a low of 28.1°F on December 12.

Average high was 46.1°F and average low was 32.8°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

Sheriff’s Reports December 24, 7:36 a.m.: Subject with weapon in progress on Lincoln Road and Shintaffer Road.

December 24, 10:36 a.m.: Vehicle theft cold call on Birch Bay Drive.

December 24, 12:24 p.m.: Welfare check in progress on Sole Road.

December 24, 2:10 p.m.: Drunk in progress on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer. Subject arrested for driving under the influence.

December 24, 9:56 p.m.: Vandalism in progress on Loomis Trail Road, Custer.

December 25, 9:54 a.m.: Assist citizen in progress on Jess Road, Custer.

December 25, 9:59 p.m.: Alarm audible in progress on Bay Road.

December 25, 10:03 p.m.: Harassment cold call on Portal Way. December 26, 1:24 a.m.: Civil problem cold call on Portal Way and Loomis Trail Road.

December 26, 7:51 a.m.: Mental in progress on Surf Place.

December 26, 2:08 p.m.: Civil problem in progress on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

December 26, 3:07 p.m.: Littering in progress on Portal Way. December 26, 4:19 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident injury in progress on Kickerville Road and Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

December 27, 10:38 a.m.: Parking problem in progress on Fern Street.

December 27, 1:44 p.m.; Welfare check in progress Birch Bay Drive.

December 27, 3:49 p.m.: Civil problem cold call on Bay Road.

December 27, 4:31 p.m.: Serve warrant in progress on Pacific Highway.

December 27, 10:04 p.m.: Suspicious person in progress on Birch Bay Square Street.

December 28, 12:38 a.m.: Whatcom record in progress on Surf Place.

December 31, 2020 - January 6, 2021 • thenorthernlight.com

2020

year in

REVIEW January 3, 1:28 p.m.: A person called to report that a very tall metal flagpole at a business was leaning dangerously over because of a windstorm. The police arrived and noticed the flagpole did not appear to be in any danger of falling anytime soon. The police officer also found that if the flagpole did fall over, it would fall into an empty field. An employee at the business indicated that they put in a priority work order to have the flagpole fixed. The police officer advised the business to call 911 if the pole fell over.

January 5, 2:30 p.m.: A Blaine officer responded to a report of an attempted burglary. Officers contacted the homeowner who explained they caught a subject on their closed-circuit television acting strangely in their back yard.

The video shows the man knock the back door and then attempt to steal the camera once he notices it. When the homeowner came to the door she found the man running back to his van, which was parked in the driveway.

January 7, 7:23 p.m.: An officer took a report of an ongoing neighbor dispute. It was reported that neighbors were driving by at high rates of speed and flipping off the reporting party. The officer contacted the other party who blamed the reporting party. Information on how to obtain a no-contact order was given to the reporting

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Police reports: The best and the weird, January through June party upon their request.

January 9, 7:16 p.m.: A Blaine officer was doing routine patrols and located a disabled vehicle on the side of the road. The officer contacted the driver and a friend who showed up to help with the disabled vehicle. The officer ran the friend through the Department of Licensing and her license came back as suspended in the third degree. She was arrested for driving on a suspended license in the third degree and was released with a future court date.

January 19, 7:09 p.m.: Blaine officers responded to a report of a vehicle backing down the northbound on-ramp at Interstate 5 and D Street. Officers were later advised that the vehicle was now at a local gas station. Officers contacted the driver and spoke with him about the dangers of backing down an on-ramp. The driver apologized. He told officers that he was lost and that he wouldn’t do it again.

January 27, 12:50 p.m.: A Blaine resident called 911 to report an older male in his 30s walking with a substantially younger female and advised the two were holding hands. The complainant told 911 dispatch that he suspected human trafficking. Officers responded and contacted the male and female who voluntarily identified themselves and advised that they are in a dating relationship.

Officers determined the male is 16 years of age and the female is 17 years of age and were not committing any crimes, just enjoying a walk in the park. Officers cleared with no incident.

March 8, 8 a.m.: Blaine officers responded to the 1200 block of 3rd Street for a report of a man asking to use a phone to call 911.

Officers arrived and contacted the individual who was exhibiting signs of ill mental health.

While speaking to the individual he advised officers he witnessed his phone and pillow levitate and can’t find his phone now. Officers advised the man to cease knocking on random doors and disrupting the peace. The man walked away on his own accord.

March 18, 1:44 p.m.: Blaine officers responded to the 2400 block of Earls Court for a report of a neighbor dispute. A woman complained her neighbor directly behind her was throwing rotten fruit over the fence and yelling about her dog, which she claimed was disrupting her children at play. Officers determined no crime was committed. The complainant provided a photograph of one half of a potato at the bottom of the fence.

March 19, 11:40 a.m.: A parent reported their child called or messaged him saying he believed someone was in the house. The police arrived and contacted the

young man who stated that after he contacted his dad, he discovered there were no humans in the house, but a bird had gotten inside. The bird was causing a lot of noise as it was trying to escape.

The bird was safely removed from the house.

May 10, 5:30 p.m.: Blaine officers responded to a harassment complaint reported in the 1600 block of Runge Avenue.

The complainant reported an individual had walked into their residence without permission, yelling at children. Officers located the individual who stated he was upset about the behavior of the children. The individual was told to seek out an adult to address the behavior of the children.

May 28, 2:05 a.m.: Officers responded to a noise complaint of someone singing loudly, possibly chopping wood and possibly fighting. Officers found the house after hearing what sounded like someone chopping wood. The residents refused to answer the door and hid out of sight, which caused them to quiet down. The residents did not appear to have been in a physical fight. Officers cleared with no further action.

May 29, 12:45 a.m.: A parent reported someone egged her house. The police determined the reporting person’s juvenile child egged another person’s house, and

then the juvenile from that house egged the reporting person’s house. The police determined no property was damaged to either house, and neither parent wanted to pursue charges. Both juveniles agreed to stay away from each other.

June 13, 1:04 a.m.: A Blaine officer on patrol noticed a man urinating in public, behind his car parked on Peace Portal Drive.

When the officer stopped to talk to the man, the man began walking away. The officer verbally identified himself as police and told the man to stop. The man kept walking and sat back down at the bar. The officer confronted the man who claimed to make a stupid mistake and didn’t want to get in trouble. Police advised the bartender the man was cut-off and also advised the man he had committed a crime in Blaine. The man was released with a warning and advised to stop when the police call out to him.

June 27, 2:27 a.m.: A person reported a suspicious person was stumbling around their yard. The police located the person sleeping in a yard who was highly intoxicated. The police woke the person up who indicating they were trying to get home, but was lost.

The police gave the person a courtesy ride home and had his mother keep watch over him. Officers cleared with no further incident.

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16

The Northern Light • December 31, 2020 - January 6, 2021

We are so grateful for our clients and are honored to have worked with you all in 2020!

Leah Crews leahcrews@windermere.com 360-305-4747

Jen Freeman jenfreeman@windermere.com 360-815-0803

7407 Clamdigger Drive

4290 H Street

8641 Harbor Drive

4104 Fishermans Bend Lane

436 A Street

5331 Coastal Loop

256 Whitetail Loop

4897 Dory Court

3923 Sweet Road

5300 Ocean Cove Lane

4249 Lee Lane

9721 Vista Terrace

5778 Salish Road

4420 Castlerock Drive

9535 Semiahmoo Parkway #B304

1067 Peace Portal Drive #5

4844 Oakridge Drive

7500 Clamdigger Drive

4403 Castlerock Drive

8435 Seafair Court

2230 Dodd Street

724 B Street

623 B Street

5522 Whitehorn Way

5416 Snow Goose Lane #407

6082 Birch Point Road

231 Peace Arch Court

4729 Bayshore Drive

50 Birch Court

1323 Wilson Avenue

4455 Castlerock Drive

4759 Bayshore Drive

7507 Seashell Way

1016 Peace Portal Drive

4855 Lighthouse Drive

8280 Cowichan Road

5544 Salish Road

4360 Bridger Road

8346 Richmond Park Road

5756 Salish Road

6155 Semiahmoo Lane

9668 Harbor Court

8433 Catalina Court

4423 Castlerock Drive

9129 Great Blue Heron Lane

4296 Birch Bay Lynden Road

9598 Sherwood Drive

7926 W. Golf Course Drive

3730 W. 88th Street

8814 Giles Road #4

8394 Kickerville Road

9550 Sherwood Drive

9464 Odell Street

8371 Goldenbrook Way

5937 Normar Place

Jen Freeman • jenfreeman@windermere.com • 360-815-0803

Leah Crews • leahcrews@windermere.com • 360-305-4747