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December 7 - 13, 2023
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NWFR considering levy lift, page 3
City council without remote meetings after ‘Zoombombing’
Survey open on Birch Bay roundabout, page 5
Winter sports start strong, page 7
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
Holiday Harbor Lights starts winter in Blaine
By Grace McCarthy
(See Zoom, page 3)
s Hundreds gathered for the annual tree lighting celebration held at G Street Plaza during the Holiday Harbor Lights festival on December 2. The festivities spanned across Blaine, and included live music, vendors markets, an obstacle dash, train rides and Santa Claus. Photo by Ruth Lauman More photos on pages 10 and 15.
Lyden appointed Blaine Municipal Court judge By Grace McCarthy Thomas Lyden has been appointed Blaine Municipal Court judge. Blaine City Council confirmed city manager Mike Harmon’s appointment of Lyden on November 27 to fill the position left vacant after judge Michael Bobbink died in September. Lyden will take over the remaining term ending in December, and then start a four-year term in January that expires at the end of 2027. “I am truly honored to serve,” Lyden said. “It’s a really nice community. I take
service to heart and I’m looking forward to integrating further. I know there are challenges, but I also believe there are a lot of opportunities for things to change for the better.” Lyden earned his law degree from the University of Idaho and was admitted to the Washington State Bar in 2007. He later was admitted to the Federal Bar Association of the Western District of Washington. Starting his career in the public sector, in 2009 Lyden became supervising attorney for misdemeanor defense attorneys
Outage leaves downtown Blaine without power By Grace McCarthy A faulted underground cable near Peace Portal Drive and Boblett Street left the majority of downtown Blaine without power on December 4. Gary McSpadden, operations and maintenance manager for Blaine Public Works Department, said an old cable burned out and shut down the grid about 5:30 p.m. December 4, one block east of Peace Portal Drive, in an alley off of Boblett Street. While public works doesn’t know what
caused the cable to fail, McSpadden said it wasn’t due to inclement weather or nearby construction. Public works crews immediately responded to the call but it wasn’t until about 11 p.m. that they located the faulted cable. A few residents near the outage remained without power, and were hooked up to a generator the morning of December 5. “Crews were on site shortly after the call but unfortunately an underground failure takes a while to find and diagnose,” McSpadden said.
A second outage occurred about noon on December 5 that lasted about 15 minutes and impacted downtown Blaine. McSpadden said a bad spot in the wire just south of the faulted cable caused the second outage. Public works finished its final repair on the cable about 7:30 p.m. December 5. The train crossing was down at Marine Drive just before the power outage on December 5, preventing people from leaving Marine Drive for about an hour. McSpadden said he wasn’t aware whether the power outage impacted BNSF Railway.
in Whatcom County. Lyden founded a private practice focused on DUI defense in 2011, which later became Keating & Lyden LLC. Lyden expanded his practice to include appeals, debtor/creditor rights, landlord/tenant litigation and business law. Lyden already has some familiarity with the Blaine community, having worked since 2018 as judge pro tempore at Blaine Municipal Court. Bobbink appointed Lyden as presiding judge pro (See Judge, page 3)
INSIDE
The remote portion of Blaine City Council meetings has been suspended as a preventative measure after a ‘Zoombomber’ spouted racial slurs during its October 23 meeting. Mayor Mary Lou Steward made the decision in mid-November to immediately stop remote meetings, and deputy city manager/city clerk Sam Crawford said he anticipates city council will vote on how meetings are conducted in the future. “[In-person only meetings] worked before,” Steward said. “There shouldn’t be any problems if we don’t have Zoom and people can still get in touch with us.” City staff have been unable to determine who caused the disruption at the October 23 meeting, when an anonymous Zoom attendee(s) loudly repeated the N-word slur during a public hearing. City staff quickly muted the account, but the disrupter joined again under a different username and unmuted themselves to continue repeating the slurs. Crawford, who oversees Zoom participating during council meetings, reported the accounts’ hate speech to Zoom, and Zoom concluded in an email that the issue was resolved in early November. While there are still a lot of unknowns around the disruption, Crawford said the incident could be connected to other public meetings in Washington state experiencing ‘Zoombombings’ from AI-generated bots shouting hate speech. According to the Walla Walla Union Bulletin newspaper, College Place City Council had a similar incident during an October 24 public hearing on property tax revenue. Officials believe an AI-generated bot appearing to be a virtual speaker gave a name and address before spouting antisemitic language. After the speaker was kicked out of the meeting, another speaker gave a name and address before
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North Whatcom Fire and Rescue plans to put levy increase before voters
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By Nolan Baker North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) is preparing to ask voters for an increase in the property tax it depends on to fund daily operations. Amid a skyrocketing number of calls, NWFR chief Jason Van Der Veen issued a statement on November 16 outlining departmental budget shortfalls. NWFR is considering asking voters to approve a levy lid lift in the August 2024 election, but commissioners have not yet approved the lift, Van Der Veen said. The levy lift would increase the property tax rate from the current $0.85 per $1,000 in assessed property value to $1.20. For an average home assessed at $500,000, the proposed levy would add $175 annually in property taxes, going up from $425 per year to $600. “We want to be transparent with our community,” Van Der
Zoom ... From page 1
repeatedly unmuting themselves and shouting sexist and racial slurs. KOIN 6 News reported that Beaverton City Council, just outside of Portland, Oregon, experienced what city officials believed were AI-generated
Veen wrote. “We are struggling to keep up with the demand for service. We need more firefighters as well as adequate facilities and equipment to respond to calls.” Call volumes have nearly doubled in the past decade, fire stations are not properly staffed to respond to all calls and response times, especially for emergency medical services, have grown longer as a result, the fire district’s press release stated. The district is also in need of replacing three fire engines, a ladder truck and Station 63 in Birch Bay, which the district wrote, “all reached the end of their serviceable lives and need to be replaced.” NWFR, which serves nearly 34,000 people across 156 square miles in Blaine, Birch Bay, Semiahmoo and Custer, responded to 5,936 calls – an average of 16.3 per day – in 2022, 57 percent of which were for emergency medical services, the release stated. bots disrupting the meeting with racial slurs. Steward said she grew concerned after seeing those public agencies in Washington and Oregon battle what they believed were AI bots. The mayor said city council worked well before it started using a remote option during the pandemic and that the public hadn’t provided comments
Property taxes fund NWFR. Voters have not been keen to reset the cap that the fire district can collect. The last time voters agreed to allow a levy lid lift for NWFR was in 2006, which set a property tax rate of $1.42 per $1,000 of assessed property value. State law limits fire districts to collect a maximum of $1.50 per $1,000 of assessed home values. Districts are limited to one percent annual increases in revenues. As property values increase, the cost per $1,000 assessed value typically decreases. NWFR now collects $0.85 per $1,000 of assessed value. Without a levy lid lift, Van Der Veen said the district doesn’t have another viable funding option. In the 2008 and 2021 general elections, NWFR asked voters to consider a levy increase to a rate of $1.40. Both times it was shot down by more than 60 percent of voters. over Zoom during the most recent meetings. Steward added she was also concerned that a speaker wouldn’t have their comment recorded during a public hearing if the city had technology difficulties. “AI can be used for very good uses, and it can be used for very bad uses,” Steward said. “And this is one very harmful use.”
Judge...
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From page 1
tem last December. Lyden has presided over the Everson-Nooksack Municipal Court since January and could become judge of Sumas Municipal Court, where Lyden also served as pro tem for Bobbink. Lynden said he will remain founding partner at his firm but has significantly reduced his caseload. Blaine Municipal Court handles gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors and infractions as well as issues protection orders. As judge, Lyden will ensure the court follows ethical standards. He will approve search warrant applications, quickly process arrested individuals and conduct trials, among other duties. Lyden described his judicial philosophy as geared toward rehabilitation and reintegration. “This is a well-used saying, but I try to remember that everyone who comes before me is fighting a battle that I know nothing about,” he said. “Often, I know very little that’s going on in an individual’s life and I have such a short amount of time to get familiar with them. The real hope is that we can figure out a solution and move someone out of being a defendant in the court system for good.”
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s Judge Thomas Lyden in Blaine Municipal Court on December 6. Courtesy photo
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The Northern Light • December 7 - 13, 2023
Opinion
The Northern L ght The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc. Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors. Letters Policy The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. The letters to the editor column is primarily intended to allow readers to voice their opinions on local issues of general interest to local readers. A fresh viewpoint will increase the likelihood of publication. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Consumer complaints should be submitted directly to the business in question or the local chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com.
Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Nolan Baker nolan@pointrobertspress.com Creative Services Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman production@pointrobertspress.com Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Gary Lee sales@pointrobertspress.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com
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Semiahmoo Resort rings in the holidays
s Semiahmoo Resort hosted a Holiday Lights Market on December 1 that celebrated the holidays with live music, a vendors market, tree lighting and other activities. The resort will continue holiday events leading up to Christmas, including holiday movies and letters to Santa Claus. Photo by Ruth Lauman
Letters The Editor: As an impoverished border town with nothing to do or see, longtime Blaine residents have apparently adopted a losing mindset, one where they are resolved to that longstanding situation. City leadership, such as it is, is no exception. To turn this untenable situation around and set a course for prosperity requires looking at longterm public investments in attractions that draw tourists, like they did in La Conner. Tourists want to see art galleries and museums, not churches downtown. Tourism appears to be what the city chose by default as its economic recovery plan, without any idea as to how to make that transition from a fishing economy that died two generations ago. The city could solicit fresh ideas from its citizenry, but that would take a change in mindset. Jay Taber Blaine
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Vol XXVIII, No 26 Circulation: 10,500 copies
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Civic Meetings Birch Bay Water & Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4 p.m., district offices, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info and Zoom meeting link: bbwsd.com.
Next issue: Dec. 14 Ads due: Dec. 8
Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: ci.blaine.wa.us. Blaine Planning Commission: Second Thursday, 6 p.m. Info: blainepc@ cityofblaine.com. Info for joining Zoom meetings: bit.ly/3EwWiZi. Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Meetings are second Tues-
day, 5:30 p.m., location varies. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. Blaine Park and Cemetery Board: Second Thursday, 9 a.m., council chambers and virtual meeting. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330. Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info: blainesd.org. North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Third Thursday, 11 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.
December 7 - 13, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com
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Public works invites comments on future roundabout at Birch Bay-Lynden, Blaine roads By Nolan Baker Whatcom County Public Works Department has invited the public to share its thoughts on a proposed roundabout project to replace an often traffic-jammed four-way intersection at Birch Bay-Lynden and Blaine roads. The four-way intersection, which is controlled by a single,
blinking red light, often delays travelers during peak hours, especially during summer months, according to public works. Plans to upgrade the intersection to a continually flowing, higher speed roundabout have been in the works since at least 2020, but delays have pushed back the expected groundbreaking to summer 2025.
Whatcom County Public Works Department said construction of a roundabout would also include new drainage systems, pedestrian sidewalks and create “curb-separated bicyclist facilities.” Public works is still in the design phase of the project. The final aspect of the design phase is to conduct a public comment period, which the county urges any-
one who travels through the intersection to share their thoughts and concerns. The survey can be found at bit.ly/4a80LiL and takes roughly five minutes to complete, according to the county website. Public works will hold a virtual public meeting to gain more public feedback, but a date has not been announced.
The Border Policy Research Institute (BPRI) has opened an online survey to gather input from people impacted by the U.S./ Canada border closure during the pandemic. The survey will remain open until the end of February 2024. Anyone residing in a U.S./ Canada border town who was
impacted during the pandemic border closure is encouraged to share their experience in the survey, said BPRI postdoctoral fellow Andréanne Bissonnette. “This project is a way to gather those stories about how people were impacted and inform our research and provide tools for government officials about how border closures have impacted border communities,” Bissonnette said.
“If we have to take that step in other public health emergencies, it will help mitigate the impacts on our communities.” The responses will be mapped to show a visual representation of experiences in each border region, including overall similarities and place-based experiences. The survey responses will be part of larger research with Simon Fraser University
By Grace McCarthy The city of Blaine has hired an alternate hearing examiner to fill in when the appointed examiner recuses from a hearing to avoid a conflict of interest. Blaine City Council appointed Phil Olbrechts as hearing examiner pro tempore during its November 27 meeting after Blaine hearing examiner Rajeev Majumdar recently removed himself from a hearing. Majumdar declined to comment on the case. Olbrechts is located in Granite Falls and serves as a hearing examiner in 25 municipalities and as an alternate examiner for four government entities, including Seattle and Snohomish County. Since
1997, Olbrechts has conducted over 2,000 hearings, he wrote in an email to The Northern Light. Olbrechts has represented neighborhood groups and developers as a land use attorney. He has represented parties at different levels of court, including the Growth Management Hearing Board and appeared as part of a legal team at the U.S. Supreme Court. The hearing examiner administers impartial hearings, similar to a judge, on land-use and development applications and appeals. The examiner makes recommendations on planned unit developments to city council, and is the final decision-maker for conditional use permits, land use variances and shoreline substantial
PeaceHealth required to pay millions to WA low-income patients The Washington State Office of Attorney General has required PeaceHealth to refund up to $13.4 million to thousands of low-income patients at five hospitals across the state, including in Bellingham, after failing to inform them that they qualified for financial assistance. The refunds will be distributed to over 15,000 people, some of whom will receive direct refunds and others will need to apply through a claims process. PeaceHealth will mail checks totaling $4.2 million, including $400,000 in interest, to over 4,500 patients. The average direct
payment will be over $900; eight people will receive more than $10,000 and about 50 will receive over $5,000. PeaceHealth will also refund up to $9.2 million, including $900,000 in interest, to 11,000 people through the claims process. The attorney general’s office will notify qualifying people of how to apply for a refund. According to the state attorney general’s office, the office began investigating PeaceHealth in 2020 and found that the healthcare system failed to screen patients (See Refunds, page 13)
December 11 6:00pm – City Council Meeting December 14 9:00am – Park and
December 25 City Offices Closed
in Burnaby, B.C. that examines equity of the U.S./Canada pandemic border measures. The stories will be published anonymously on the BPRI website. “It will be important to have this archive of stories, not forget what happened and have a concrete tool to better our policies,” Bissonnette said. To participate in the survey, visit bit.ly/482Ektv.
City of Blaine contracts with hearing examiner pro tempore
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.
Cemetery Board Meeting 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting
Research institute collecting stories from border towns during the U.S./Canada border closure By Grace McCarthy
CITY OF BLAINE
December 26 3:30pm – Civil Service Commission Meeting
December 28 TBD (morning) – City Council Meeting Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website. Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.
www.cityofblaine.com
The Immigration Law Firm •• U.S. U.S. green greencards cards/ /naturalization naturalization •• Work / investor visas Inadmissibility waivers TN (NAFTA) work permits •• Denied entry waivers U.S. Citizenship •• Removal hearingsclaims • NEXUS appeals
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s Phil Olbrechts. Photo courtesy Phil Olbrechts
development permit applications. Olbrechts’ contract with the city will pay him $180 per hour of work and will last through the end of 2025.
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The Northern Light • December 7 - 13, 2023
Nooksack Nordic Ski Club offers winter adventures for people of all ages By Nolan Baker When asking a local Washingtonian what images come to mind when thinking of skiing at Mt. Baker, the first thing is usually some lunatic dropping down dozens of feet into endless powdery nothingness. But that doesn’t have to be the only option, says Pete Tryon, president of Nooksack Nordic Ski Club. For those who aren’t interested in the heart-pounding adrenaline of backcountry skiing, don’t want to shell out for increasingly expensive lift tickets, or just don’t have the knees they used to have for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing can be a viable option. Nooksack Nordic Ski Club has been organizing like-minded skiers to get out on groomed trails around its namesake river since the 1990s, Tryon said. What started as a small group of dedicated winter recreationists has slowly grown into a yearly institution in the Mt. Baker foothills. The club works alongside the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission to keep dozens of miles of trails groomed, maintained and usable. Tryon said that while the club receives yearly grants from the parks commission and from federal institutions, it still needs hundreds of hours of labor from its team of volunteers to get everything ready for winter. “We have a number of backcountry trails that are un-groomed,” Tryon said. “Those require more or less yearly maintenance for trees falling down on them and brush growing up. We use brush cutters and chainsaws to clear that, and
that’s totally the club volunteers’ responsibility.” That might sound like grueling work to some, but Tryon said many of the club’s volunteers relish the opportunity to get out in nature and break a sweat. “There’s a number of us who think it’s real fun to go clear brush,” said Tryon, who hails from the cross-country ski Mecca of Alaska. “It’s a chance to meet up with your friends, it’s a chance to get out in the woods.” Before those terrified of yard work go running for the hills,
ATHLETES
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MONTH
Hailey Ferrell Sophomore • Swimming Hailey recently competed at the WIAA State Swimming Tournament. She finished 2nd in the 500m free and 8th in the 50m free. She was also named a NWC All Conference team swimmer for both events.
Jackson Veals Senior • Boys Wrestling Jackson recently completed a tournament at Mariner High School where he won the most pins award with four pins in one tournament. The Borderites took 1st in that tournament. SPONSORED BY:
Tryon said trail clearing is not a requirement of members. Membership costs $20 annually for an individual, or $35 for a family or household, and grants access to monthly, weekly and daily updates on conditions, a contact list to find groups to go out with, and overnight trips to high-quality ski areas around Washington and British Columbia. The club uses two main trail systems alongside SR542: the lower Salmon Ridge SnoPark, featuring multiple groomed and backcountry trails of varying length and difficulty, and the upperelevation White Salmon trail, which is more difficult to access and features mostly ungroomed trails. Those two trail systems offer more than a dozen different adventurous paths to take, some of which are about a mile round trip, while other trails like the Salmon Ridge parking lot to “Big Tree Meetup” loop can reach 7.8 miles, with a mix of groomed and backcountry features. Just recently, the club was given a permit by the U.S. Forest Service to create a backcountry connection between the Salmon Ridge trails to the higher-ground White Salmon trails. The connecting trail allows for the hardiest cross-country skiers to make an entire day of meandering through dozens of miles of forested, snow-covered trails. For those just trying out cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, Tryon recommends the River Trail loop. The route offers passage for both backcountry skiers and snowshoers and is just 1.4 miles round-trip. The trail begins right off the Salmon Ridge SnoPark parking lot and features views of the Nooksack River along an almost entirely level gradient that twists in and out of thick forest and onto river overlooks. Like any winter sport,
Photos courtesy Nooksack Nordic Ski Club
cross-country skiing is weather dependent, and needs good snow to have prime skiing conditions, Tryon said. With an upcoming El Niño winter predicted by meteorologists, Tryon worries that this season may not have enough cold weather to offer good snow conditions in the lower foothills of Mt. Baker. Tryon assures that even if snow conditions aren’t great, there’s still plenty to do. Just across SR542 from Salmon Ridge SnoPark is the Silver Fir Campground, which Tryon says is closed for overnight camping during the winter but can still be a great resource for a family looking to recreate in the mountains, with or without snowfall. “Even if there’s no snow, it’s a great family and small kid hike.” Tryon said. “The campground has big trees right up next to the river, and you could take a baby stroller through the rain, through the trees and have a pretty neat afternoon.” Most Pacific Northwest recreationalists know how to enjoy
themselves while drenched and freezing cold, but what the Nooksack Nordic Ski Club uniquely offers is a chance for folks who spent their whole lives skiing, or someone who just got fitted for their first pair of snowshoes, to interact and enjoy the boundless beauty that the North Cascades and its wilderness provides. “Some of us are downhill skiers that have gotten older and don’t want to spend so much money on downhill skiing, or they’re not quite the gonzo-style backcountry skier anymore,” Tryon said. “One of the things I’m actually quite proud of is that the club really support snowshoers as well as skiers. We have snowshoers that have joined the club specifically saying, ‘We appreciate what you’re doing, and we’d like to join to support it.’” Those that want to support or join the Nooksack Nordic Ski Club can find more information on their website: nooksacknordicskiclub.org.
December 7 - 13, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com
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Sports Boys wrestling and girls basketball start winter hot By Nolan Baker Boys basketball After a stellar 2022-23 season that saw the boys basketball program make a deep state playoff run behind seniors like Matthew Russ, Carson Lehnert and Lucas Smith, the Borderites have high expectations going into the new season. Blaine started out with a nail-biting, 76-72 overtime win on the road against Friday Harbor on November 28, but dropped its next two games, losing 59-46 to Archbishop Murphy on December 2 and 74-43 to Bellingham on December 5. In the Borderites opening win, junior Josiah Weeda led the way offensively with a team-high 29 points and 9 rebounds. Weeda hit a clutch three-pointer to send the game to overtime, and the Borderites outscored Friday Harbor 14-10 in the extra period. The next home boys basketball game is set for Saturday, December 9 at 7:15 p.m. when Blaine takes on Northwest Conference foe Oak Harbor. Stats provided by WhatcomHoops.com Girls basketball With new head coach Vic Wolffis leading the Borderites, the girls basketball team jumped out to an early 2-0 start to the season. Beginning with a long road (and ferry) trip out to Friday Harbor on November 28, the Borderites beat the hosting Wolverines 28-10 in a game shortened to one half so the Borderites could catch the ferry back across the Sound. In its first full-length game, this time at home facing Bellingham, the Borderites exploded offensively for a 53-30 win. The first Northwest Conference
match for both teams, the Borderites were led by three players recording over 10 points on the night, and a flurry of three pointers that helped pull the game away early. While this team is stacked with talented seniors, it was freshman Teia Dube that led the game with 19 points, including eight in the third quarter alone. Teia’s older sister, senior Deja Dube, was right behind with 12 points of her own, while commanding the offense and not getting subbed out until the fourth quarter. Senior Jordyn Vezzetti was locked in from beyond the arc, notching 17 points including three three-pointers. “Everything looks good when the shots go down,” head coach Vic Wolffis said. “Everything works when the shots go down. It just makes your job a little bit easi-
er, and it makes it fun for the girls.” The next game is set for Friday, December 7 at 7:15 p.m. when the Borderites host Cascade (Everett). Boys wrestling In its first tournament of the new season, boys wrestling showed out at the Mariner Holiday Tournament in Everett on December 2, earning first place in the five-team varsity field with 187 total points. Fifteen wrestlers were entered into the varsity tournament for Blaine, 10 of whom placed in the semifinal round, earning the Borderites its third straight victory at the Mariner Holiday Tournament, according to head coach Tom Hinz. Multiple Borderite wrestlers went home with individual accolades, like senior Victor Gervol, who placed first overall and earned the Outstanding Wrestler
award for the tournament. Jackson Veals won the Most Pins Award, with four pins throughout the tournament. Junior varsity, which fielded nine wrestlers, also dominated the field with three weight class winners, and two runners-up. Blaine boys wrestling was scheduled to host its only home meet of the season on December 6 at 6 p.m. against Lynden, Sehome and Mt. Baker. After that, Blaine travels to Sedro-Woolley for the Spud Walley Invitational on December 9, starting at 10 a.m.
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www.MountBakerExperience.com s Freshman Teia Dube shoots a floater surrounded by three Bellingham defenders in the third quarter of Blaine’s 53-30 win over Bellingham on December 5. Photo by Nolan Baker
8
The Northern Light • December 7 - 13, 2023
Health & Wellness Local choices in health, healing & fitness. PeaceHealth welcomes new primary care and pediatric providers
s Rajbir Dhaliwal.
s Diego Aviles.
PeaceHealth Medical Group has new primary care and pediatric healthcare providers at the PeaceHealth Family Medicine and PeaceHealth Pediatrics clinics, both located at 4545 Cordata Parkway in Bellingham. Family practice appointments can be made by calling 360/2180714 and pediatrics appointments can be made by calling 360/752-5246. Below are bios provided by PeaceHealth. Family practice Rajbir Dhaliwal, MD, practiced as a hospitalist at St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Kentucky for six years before joining PeaceHealth.
s Emily Webb.
His practice interests include nutrition, behavioral health issues and management of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. Dr. Dhaliwal received his medical training at St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies, and completed his residency at the St. Elizabeth Family Medicine Residency Program in Edgewood, Kentucky, where he was chief resident. Diego Aviles, MD, practices family medicine and includes prenatal and pediatric care in his scope. Dr. Aviles received his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine in Barbados and completed his three-year residency in family medicine at PeaceHealth
s David Abraham.
Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington. He also holds a degree in microbiology. Emily Webb, DO, born in Lynden, enjoys taking care of patients of all ages, as well as whole families. Her interests include procedures, acute issues, chronic conditions and working with patients on healthy lifestyles and disease prevention. She is a graduate of Pacific Northwest University in Yakima, Washington, and completed her family practice residency at Central Washington Family Medicine in Ellensburg, where she was chief resident. David Abraham, DO, specializes in adult internal medicine. He
Expert care in your hometown Taking care of my friends and neighbors is a privilege. It comes with a big sense of responsibility and empathy.
Mervat Saleh, MD Hematologist Oncologist PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center peacehealth.org/expert-care
s Kriti Narwal.
is a graduate of the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pikeville, Kentucky, and completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa. Additionally, he holds a master’s degree in biomedicine from Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Pediatrics Kriti Narwal, MD, has special interests in autism, asthma and gastrointestinal disorders. She completed her medical training at Aureus University School of Medicine in Oranjestad, Aruba, in the top 10 percent of her class. Her pediatrics residency at Maimonides Medical Center
s Anna Snyder. in Brooklyn, New York, gave her further experience caring for premature babies and children with genetic disorders like William’s Syndrome, Crouzon Syndrome and Edwards Syndrome. Anna Snyder, MD, MA, completed her medical degree at the University of Washington in Seattle, where she also earned a master’s degree in bioethics. Her pediatric residency at Seattle Children’s Hospital included a focus on adolescent medicine and her medical interests include sports medicine, reproductive health, gender care and care for children with medical complexity.
December 7 - 13, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com
Health & Wellness Local choices in health, healing & fitness. Jingle Bell Run to benefit Arthritis Foundation Dec. 9 By Grace McCarthy The Jingle Bell Run will once again return to Bellingham on Saturday, December 9 to benefit the Arthritis Foundation through its festive fun run. The event will celebrate its 37th year with a 5K run/walk, one-mile walk, children’s fun run with elves and dog trot at Bellingham High School, 2020 Cornwall Avenue. Participants are encouraged to wear holiday attire as they support people impacted by arthritis. The race will also have photos with Santa, a costume contest and music from the Bellingham High School band. “I’m delighted to share with our community our message to end the number one cause of disability in the United States,” said Lori McKnight, associate director for the great west region of the Arthritis Foundation. Same-day registration and packet pick-up opens at 7 a.m. The costume contest is at 8:15 a.m., followed by the kids’ fun run at 8:30 a.m. The 5K, dog trot and one-mile walk will start at 9 a.m. Individual registration is open through December 9, but team registration closed December 1. For an individual, the 5K and one-mile walk cost $45, 5K dog trot costs $55 and the children’s run costs $30. With all of the registration and fundraising funds going toward the Arthritis Foundation, Jingle Bell organizers have set a fundraising goal of $140,000. As of December 4, the race had raised $90,200 and had 1,520 registrants, according to its website. Proceeds will support awareness outreach as well as treatment and cure research. Bellingham is ranked number two in the nation for its number of Jingle Bell Run participants, McKnight said. Arthritis impacts about one in four adults and one in 250 adolescents, or about 60 million people living in the U.S., according to the Arthritis Foundation. The foundation, a national organi-
zation dedicated to arthritis research and advocacy, holds Jingle Bell Runs across the country. To learn more or register, visit jbr.org/bellingham.com.
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10
The Northern Light • December 7 - 13, 2023
Holiday Harbor Lights brings festivities across downtown Blaine Holiday Harbor Lights was an all-day affair on December 2, with events at various locations around town marking the start of the winter holidays. Among the celebrations were vendors markets, live music,
an obstacle course, photo opportunities with Santa, miniature train rides and a tree-lighting ceremony. (See Holiday Harbor Lights, page 15)
Photo by Grace McCarthy
Photo by Jami Makan
Photo by Grace McCarthy
Photo by Celine Mauger
Photo by Celine Mauger
Photo by Grace McCarthy
Photo by Grace McCarthy
Photo by Ruth Lauman Photo by Grace McCarthy
Photo by Grace McCarthy
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December 7 - 13, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com
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Legal IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Wesley Thomas Frazier, Deceased. NO. 23-4-01078-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: David Freeman. The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: November 30, 2023 Personal Representative: Jennifer Bryan 4561 W 16th Avenue Vancouver, BC V6R 3E8 CANADA Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 23 4 01078 37
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON FOR SNOHOMISH COUNTY In the Guardianship/Conservatorship of: SUSAN LEE MATCHETT, Individual. No. 23-4-00576-31 NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL PROPERTY RCW 11.56.100 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Erna Hajdarevic, the Guardian/Conservator of Susan Lee Matchett has sold by negotiation the following described property located in Whatcom County: 546 D Street, Blaine, WA 98230, with a property description of: Lots 25 and 26, Block 17, per map of the City of Blaine, Whatcom County, Washington, as per the map thereof recorded in Book 1 of Plats, Page 35, in the Auditor’s Office of said county and state. Parcel ID: 410131 099166 0000 for the gross sum of $182,000.00 with one-half escrow fees to be paid by Seller. Application to confirm will be made to the court on or after December 17, 2023. Offers or bids will be received at the office Des Moines Elder Law at the address stated below prior to such date. Date of First Date of Publication: December 7, 2023 Des Moines Elder Law c/o Ermin Ciric 612 South 227th Street Des Moines, WA 98198 206-212-0220 Presented by: DES MOINES ELDER LAW
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: MICHAEL DEAN INGALLS, Deceased. No. 23-4-00841-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Robert E. Olson The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator 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 Administrator or the Administrator’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 probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 AND 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: November 16, 2023 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: November 23, 2023 Name of Administrator: EVAN P. INGALLS Attorney for Administrators: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262 Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com DATED: November 16, 2023 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator: EVAN P. INGALLS www.averyelderlaw.com
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY In Re The Estate of: WILLIAM PAUL BRASSFIELD, JR., Deceased. No. 23-4-07688-2 KNT. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030) (NTCRD) The person named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this Estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below, a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditors as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of this notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and RCW 11.40.60. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: Thursday, November 30, 2023 Personal Representative: Danny Brassfield DATED: November 20, 2023. Counsel for Personal Representative Peter Klipstein, WSBA #26507 Address for Mailing or Service: CURRAN LAW FIRM, P.S. 33400 9th Avenue S, Suite 120 Federal Way, WA 98003 Telephone: 253-852-2345 Facsimile: 253-852-2030 Email: pklipstein@curranfirm.com Curran Law Firm, P.S. 33400 9th Avenue S, Suite 120 Federal Way, WA 98003 (NTCRD) RCW 11.40.030, Rev 7/05
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: HAROLD WAYNE LOERKE, Deceased. No. 23-4-01080-37 NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge David Freeman. The Person named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both of the decedents’ probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: November 29, 2023, with the Clerk of Court Date of First Publication: December 7, 2023 Name of Personal Representative: Frank Harold Loerke Attorney for Personal Representative: Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339 Address for Mailing or Service: True North Legal Services, PLLC PO Box 934, Bellingham, WA 98227 P: (360) 639-3393 E: Genissa@truenorthlegalservices.com DATED: November 29, 2023 True North Legal Services, PLLC Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339 Attorney for Personal Representative: Frank Harold Loerke
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: CHARLOTTE JANE RYERS, Deceased. No. 23-4-01095-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge David E. Freeman The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator 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 Administrator or the Administrator’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 probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 AND 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: November 17, 2023 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: November 23, 2023 Name of Administrator: GEOFFREY BURKE FIREBAUGH Attorney for Administrators: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262 Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com DATED: November 17, 2023 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator: GEOFFREY BURKE FIREBAUGH www.averyelderlaw.com
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: GERALD K. ZEVENBERGEN, Deceased. No. 23-4-00929-37 NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Evan Jones. The Person named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both of the decedents’ probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: November 14, 2023, with the Clerk of Court Date of First Publication: November 23, 2023 Name of Personal Representative: Michael Scott Zevenbergen Attorney for Personal Representative: Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339 Address for Mailing or Service: True North Legal Services, PLLC PO Box 934, Bellingham, WA 98227 P: (360) 639-3393 E: Genissa@truenorthlegalservices.com DATED: Novemebr 14, 2023 True North Legal Services, PLLC Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339 Attorney for Personal Representative: Michael Scott Zevenbergen
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: LYNDA S. FEENSTRA, Deceased. No. 23-4-01055-37 NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Lee Grochmal. The Person named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both of the decedents’ probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: November 15, 2023, with the Clerk of Court Date of First Publication: November 23, 2023 Name of Personal Representative: Ina Kathleen Feenstra Attorney for Personal Representative: Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339 Address for Mailing or Service: True North Legal Services, PLLC PO Box 934, Bellingham, WA 98227 P: (360) 639-3393 E: Genissa@truenorthlegalservices.com DATED: Novemebr 14, 2023 True North Legal Services, PLLC Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339 Attorney for Personal Representative: Ina Kathleen Feenstra
MORE LEGALS ON PAGE 12
12
The Northern Light • December 7 - 13, 2023
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Legal IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Matter of the Trust of: ANNETTE TENNYSON, Deceased. No. No. 23-4-01088-37. NON-PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS RCW 11.42.030 . Judge Robert E. Olson 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 of 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 Decedent has not been issued to any other notice agent and a personal representative of Decedent’s estate has not been appointed. Any person having a claim against 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. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty (30) 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 (4) 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 Decedent’s probate and non-probate assets. Date of First Publication: November 23, 2023 The notice agent declares under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Washington on November 16, 2023, at Bellingham, Washington, that the foregoing is true and correct. Robert Tennyson, Notice Agent AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Notice Agent 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham, WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com www.averyelderlaw.com Court of Notice Agent’s oath and declaration and cause number: Whatcom County Superior Court, cause number as per above caption.
MORE LEGALS ON PAGE 11 for REAL news
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Email hugh@callhugh.com Text Hugh 360-739-5234 HUGH BRAWFORD, Managing Broker
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8849 Goldeneye Lane MLS#2076794 4,055 Sq Ft. • $1,249,000
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All real real estate/rentals estate/rentals All advertisadvertising in this newsing newspaper is subject paperinisthis subject to the Federal Housing Act of Housing Act to theFairFederal Fair 1968 as amended, which ofmakes 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal it illegal to advertise any preference, or discrimination based on race, tolimitation advertise any preference, limitation or discolor, religion, sex, handicap familial status crimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference,familial limitation status or discrimsex, handicap, or national oriination. This newspaper will not knowingly gin, anadvertisement intention to any such prefacceptorany for make real estate which is in violation of the law. readers erence, limitation or Our discrimination. This are hereby informed that all dwellings adnewspaper will notareknowingly vertised in this newspaper available on accept any an equal opportunity basis. To complain of advertisement for toll-free real estate discrimination, call HUD at 1-800-which is in vi877-0246.of the law. Our readers are hereby inolation formed 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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THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
December 7 - 13, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com
13
OBITUARIES
Refunds... From page 5
for financial assistance eligibility, failed to meaningfully disclose available financial assistance and collected payment from people that the system knew were likely eligible. A settlement was filed in Whatcom County Superior Court in late November. PeaceHealth wrote off the bills if the patient was sent four bills without paying but never informed them of their eligibility, according to the state general’s office. No patients had outstanding medical debt from care they received that was eligible for a refund. PeaceHealth officials wrote in a statement that the healthcare system cooperated with the investigation. “PeaceHealth is committed to identifying every single person who can benefit from charity care,” PeaceHealth general counsel Tom Karnes wrote. “We welcome this opportunity to continue to lead the way in charity care, providing physical and financial healing to the most vulnerable in our communities.” Over the past five years, PeaceHealth said it provided charity care totalling $258 million to 66,300 patients, $83 million of which went to patients who hadn’t verified their income. PeaceHealth noted that the $4.2 million it will pay directly to people is less than 1.6 percent of its charity care expenditure since 2018. PeaceHealth will improve its screening of patients for financial assistance by asking about household income and size upon registration. The healthcare system will continue providing patients with financial assistance information. In addition to Bellingham, patients in Sedro-Woolley, Friday Harbor, Longview and Vancouver were impacted. The attorney general’s office said the violations occurred while Washington households earning at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line were eligible for free or discounted out-of-pocket hospital expenses. However, a new Washington state law helps people earning up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level. People can contact PeaceHealth at 877/314-2011 with questions about whether they qualify for a refund. People who don’t believe they are receiving the financial assistance they are entitled to on their hospital bill can file a claim with the state attorney general’s office. More information about Washington’s medical financial assistance law and qualification is available at affordablehospital.wa.gov.
Leland “Lee” D. Carlson
Mary Regan
September 28, 1942 – November 28, 2023 Leland “Lee” D. Carlson, age 81, of Nooksack passed away Tuesday, November 28, 2023 in Lynden. Lee was born September 28, 1942 in Renton, WA to parents Lawrence Dale and Marjory Geraldine (Keele) Carlson. A graveside service at Enterprise Cemetery in Ferndale will be held 1 p.m., Wednesday, December 6, 2023. To view a more complete obituary and share memories please log onto www.sigsfuneralservices.com.
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January 4, 1940 – October 12, 2023 Mary Regan was born in Detroit, MI on January 4, 1940 and passed away peacefully in Blaine, WA on October 12, 2023. She was preceded in death by her two parents, Joseph and Dorothy Regan, as well as her brother Joseph. Also predeceasing her was her longtime partner Harry Price in 2020. Earlier in life, living for many years in the Los Angeles area, Mary always said she wanted to live either in the mountains or by the ocean. She got her wish when she moved to Coarsegold in the Sierra foothills, near Yosemite in California, and lived there for several decades. After Harry’s passing she moved to the beautiful Birch Bay area of Blaine, Washington, where she could see the bay from her back porch. Mary will be missed by her two daughters, Maureen Cyr of Seattle, WA and Carol Cyr of Los Gatos, CA, as well as by her grandson Bernard.
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The Northern Light • December 7 - 13, 2023
Sheriff’s Reports November 21, 1:15 p.m.: Forgery cold call on Ocean Mist Drive.
November 26, 4:26 a.m.: Suspicious person on Camas Drive.
November 21, 9:12 p.m.: Moving vehicle accident injury on West Road.
November 26, 10:43 a.m.: Suspicious person cold call on Bruce Road.
November 21, 9:36 p.m.: Trespass on Semiahmoo Parkway.
November 26, 12:13 p.m.: Domestic – physical on Birch Bay Lynden Road.
November 21, 9:44 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Semiahmoo Drive. November 22, 1:54 a.m.: Suicidal subject on Birch Bay Lynden Road.
November 25, 2:36 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Birch Bay Drive.
November 22, 2:51 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Kickerville Road. November 22, 8:03 p.m.: Runaway cold call on Halibut Drive. November 22, 10:07 p.m.: Overdose on Harborview Road. November 23, 1:50 p.m.: Death investigation on Starfish Lane. November 23, 4:30 p.m.: Missing person cold call on Custer School Road. November 23, 10:32 p.m.: Shots on Kickerville Road. November 24, 12:40 p.m.: Harassment on Birch Bay Drive. November 25, 12:23 p.m.: Death investigation on Sandcastle Drive. November 25, 10:16 a.m.: Burglary cold call on Blaine Road.
1. Mimic
4. Payroll firm 7. Perform in a play 10. Opine: __ philosophical 11. Crony 12. Political action committee 13. 1991 Wimbledon winner 15. Affirmative 16. Exclamation of disgust 19. Action of connecting 21. A way to calm 23. Especially fine or decorative clothing 24. Walked proudly 25. Group of people related through male heir 26. Supplemented with difficulty 27. Soft touch 30. Erases 34. Spanish river 35. A princess can detect it 36. Clouds of gas 41. A way to get through
November 26, 8:52 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Bay Ridge Drive. November 27, 1:25 p.m.: Overdose on Mayfair Place. November 27, 4:20 p.m.: Civil problem cold call on Harbor Drive. November 28, 10:23 a.m.: Suspicious person on Terrace Avenue.
Police Reports November 24, 3:08 p.m.: Civil problem on Leighton Street. November 25, 12:26 p.m.: Vehicle theft on Peace Portal Drive. November 25, 2:03 p.m.: Drugs on F Street. November 25, 7:24 p.m.: Animal problem on A Street. November 26, 11:09 a.m.: Landlord/tenant dispute on Clyde Street. November 26, 2:58 p.m.: Domestic – physical on Mary Avenue. November 26, 7:28 p.m.: Trespass on Peace Portal Drive. November 26, 8:38 p.m.: Threat on Peace Portal Drive.
Crossword ACROSS
November 26, 8:46 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Fawn Crescent Road.
45. Part of a book 46. Southwestern US state 47. Fields where rice is grown 50. Area in Ghana 54. Sayings 55. Involve deeply 56. Compels to act 57. “Ignore all rules” 59. Indoor entertainment space 60. Born of 61. Back muscle 62. Sea dweller 63. Tools that resemble an axe 64. Prefix denoting class or kind 65. Tooth caregiver DOWN 1. Inspiring 2. Put into a box 3. Breathes out 4. Pacify 5. Patriotic society for women 6. Fell down 7. Clothing 8. Dishwasher detergent brand 9. Former French
republic 13. Single lens reflex 14. Men’s fashion accessory 17. Consumed 18. Marry 20. __ up: intensifies 22. Body of water 27. People of southern Benin 28. Decorate a cake with frosting 29. Snag 31. Yearly tonnage (abbr.) 32. Records brain activity (abbr.) 33. Car mechanics group 37. Brought up to snuff 38. __ faire: Economic approach 39. Phil __, former CIA 40. Affixed 41. Period of adolescence 42. Substance 43. Danced 44. Baked without its shell 47. Parts per billion (abbr.)
November 27, 12:42 p.m.: Civil problem on Boblett Street. November 28, 5:05 p.m.: Drugs on 2nd Street. November 29, 12:38 p.m.: Theft on H Street. November 29, 4:09 p.m.: Vehicle theft on Peace Portal Drive. November 30, 8:08 p.m.: Trespass on H Street. December 1, 12:42 p.m.: Burglary on 4th Street. December 1, 12:55 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Mitchell Avenue. December 1, 8:49 p.m.: Landlord/ tenant dispute on 15th Street.
48. Satisfaction 49. Balkans river 51. Christmas carols 52. Partner to tonic 53. “The Godfather” character Johnny 58. Swiss river ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W
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Live Music at the Senior Center: Friday, December 8, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Come dance or line dance with a variety of country and classic rock by Jaded Lovers. Donations appreciated. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org. Live Music at The Vault: Friday, December 8, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring: Darla Kendrick. Info: thevaultwine.com. Artist Reception: Saturday, December 9, 2–4 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. View the gallery and shop from local artists. $15 per person includes beverage and nosh. Percentage of proceeds go to the children’s arm of Allied Arts. Info: thevaultwine.com. Community Holiday Craft Fair: Saturday, December 9, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Blaine Middle School cafeteria, 975 H Street. Shop local handmade crafts, gifts, signs, candles, jewelry and more. Raffles and refreshments. Live music by the middle and high school choirs and bands. Benefits Blaine Middle School PTSO. Cookie Exchange and Holiday Fun: Saturday, December 9, 1–3 p.m., Northwood Chapel, 580 C Street. Bring two dozen cookies to share and an empty container for your selections. Live music, petting zoo, horsedrawn wagon rides and hot cocoa. Everyone invited. Christmas with Santa: Saturday, December 9, 2–3:30 p.m., American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. A fun time visiting with Santa plus face painting, presents, hot cocoa, cookies and crafts. Kids 12 and under free. All others by donation. Open to the public. Lighted Christmas Stroll Through Pioneer Village: Friday and Saturday, December 8 and 9, 15 and 16, Pioneer Park, 2004 Cherry Street, Ferndale. Stroll the cabins and see the park lit up with over 90,000 lights, hear Christmas music and see costumed volunteers greet you with holiday cheer. Info: ferndaleheritagesociety.com. Children’s Holiday Concert: Friday, December 15, 6:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Children from Semiahmoo Kids Kamp sing holiday songs plus an appearance from Santa. Info: 360/332-8040. Santa’s Family Movie Night: Friday December 15, 7 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Santa arrives at 6:30 p.m. Playing family-friendly holiday movie. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and watch the movie on the big screen. Free popcorn. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. Homeownership Workshop: Saturday, December 16, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. No-cost workshop for new and aspiring homeowners to learn how much you can afford, understanding your credit, budgeting for a down payment and other expenses and more. Space is limited. RSVP doug.cornelsen@bannerbank.com or 360/752-8253. Intergalactic Holiday Dance Performance: Sunday, December 17, 2 p.m., Blaine Performing Arts Center, 975 H Street. Day-to-Day Dance students perform. $15 at the door or online at daytodaydance.com/. Under 2 free.
Ongoing
The Bridge Food Bank: Fridays, 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m. The Bridge Community Hope Center’s new location is 7620 Birch Bay Drive. New registration required at thebridgehope.com or call 360/366-8763. Volunteers welcome.
December 7-13 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
Th 7
Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, December 7, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Theme: general knowledge. Info: thevaultwine.com.
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.
Tides DATE
Coming up
1.2
CAP Clothing Bank: Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon and Wednesdays, 5–7 p.m. 508 G Street. The Community Assistance Program clothing bank is now located in the basement of the CAP Center providing free clothing and linens. Donations accepted only during open hours or by special arrangement. Info: blainecap.org or 360/392-8484. Meals on Wheels Frozen Meals: Thursdays 11:30 a.m.–noon, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Adults 60+ pick up five frozen meals. Suggested donation $5 per meal or whatever is affordable. First-come, first-serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040. Senior Community Meals: Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Suggested donation of $5 per meal ($8.50 if under 60), or whatever is affordable. First-come, first-serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040. The Bridge Clothing Bank Boutique: Open Wednesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Donations accepted Wednesdays, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. or by appointment. The Bridge Community Hope Center’s new location is 7620 Birch Bay Drive. Friends of Birch Bay Library: Meets second Mondays. 6:30 p.m., Birch Bay Birch Bay Vogt Library site, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. Info: friendsofbirchbaylibrary.org. Friends of Blaine Library: Meets third Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Find out the latest library news at this monthly FOBL Board of Directors meeting. All members and guests are welcome to attend. Info: blainelibraryfriends.org. Alaska Packers Association Cannery Museum: Open Saturdays and Sundays, 1–5 p.m., 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway. Free, donations welcome. Birch Bay Book Club: Wednesday, December 20, 4–5:30 p.m., Birch Bay Vogt Library Express, 7948 Birch Bay Drive. December title: The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles.
Weather Precipitation: During the period of November 27 to December 3, 1.4 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2023 year-to-date precipitation is 23.8 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 54.9°F on December 3 with a low of 27.6°F on November 28. Average high was 47.5°F and low was 34.3°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
Blaine Book Club: Friday, December 15, 1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. December title: Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk by Sasha taqwšeblu LaPointe.. Info: Kelly at 360/305-3637. Narcotics Anonymous: Mondays, 7–8 p.m., Blaine United Church of Christ basement, 855 4th Street. Everyone welcome. Info: Blainenarcoticsanonymous@gmail.com. Blaine Serenity Al-Anon: Mondays, noon–1 p.m. on Zoom. Have you been dealing with alcoholism with a friend or family member? Info: Jerrylyn at 360/305-2246. Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Thursdays at noon, Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at noon, women’s meeting Mondays at 4 p.m., Blaine United Church of Christ basement, 855 4th Street. Info: 307/349-0450.
Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
December 7 - 13, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com
Holiday Harbor Lights ...
15
Semiahmoo, Blaine & Birch Bay is my home.
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For 28 years, The Northern Light difference: Did you know? October 12 - 18, IN THIS
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2023
per of Blaine and Community Newspa
Manufactured , page 6 home park debate
Blaine man arrested on suspicion of killing neighbor
More people live in Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo than anywhere else in Whatcom County outside of Bellingham.
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Harbor Harvest king VFW Post 9474 loo page 13 Festival photos, page 15 for gravesite help,
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
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com booked into What A Blaine man was egree suspicion of first-d County Jail on er 4. murder on Octob r Sr., 76, was arrest Maha ld Haro e Wayn WhatOctober 4 after deped around 4 p.m. ff’s Office (WCSO) com County Sheri t (BPD) Police Departmen e Blain and at uties ing to calls of a shoot officers responded Leaf Mo#12 in the Maple 4612 East Street ble bile Home Park. affidavit of proba According to the was bor ed his neigh cause, Mahar claim sing him but Mahar haras threatening and tives. detec to specifics was unable to give ified by WCSO as The victim, ident pro67, of Blaine, was ties Vincent Reames, the scene after depu nounced dead on ful. but were unsuccess attempted CPR, porch his from un Mahar fired a shotg his own on ing stand was at Reames, who to court records. ng property, according called 911 after heari Another neighbor ding 29-28 and saw Mahar “stan O r., during Blaine’s the shotgun blast ng a gun,” a WCS ver Justin Minjarez, holdi porch Photo by Nolan Baker with senior recei on his front ed the victim lying fourth-quarter score notic “She . , c., celebrates a release stated on page 7. d in front of his res- s Junior running back Colby Shipp more groun Read the 6. er on Octob shot face down over Meridian on Mr. Mahar if he had homecoming win idence. She asked d ‘Yeah.’” Reames. He replie ation O public inform According to WCS ff deputies had re, sheri Slater Deb r boroffice four separate neigh es sponded to at least third en Mahar and Ream 2023-04 hope a hood disputes betwe . None of the four nents of Proposition light con2021 r. since November nal acbe the charm to green current crisis relief cente resulted in crimi tion of a 23-hour l ex- time could t of the previous disputes annually in capita in struction on a replacemen er Slater said. • $8-10 million fund an in-person $8 million also laN Bak d and o told tivity or arrests, woul N jail y tedly tax new B sion, r had repor penses for the health jail. The facility and diver The day prior, Maha landses for a behavioral al task of financing behavioral health programs. he was upset at the For the monument jail in Whatcom one-time expenr. his other neighbor re-entry threatent cente for a new rent, and said he fund housing and jail, located in downtown He construction will be asked to consid- treatm lord for increasing l investments to The current courts landlord’s girlfriend. • $6 million in capita es. ent to the county kill County, voter ened to shoot the adjac sales tax from and servic ty rt gham shoot coun to suppo Bellin the modate try going expand recovin 1983 to accom sing er increasing 9 percent to fund in-part re-en also said he was n to maintain and house, was built ing data Reames was haras nt to least a • $4 millio rtive housing programs. According to book Office seen 8.8 perce Reames because estimates to be at r 148 inmates. and suppo said she had never ff’s what the county tment, with ery twice rejected simila him. The neighbor com County Sheri is housrs. inves have What s Maha ime the the voter s by ty one-t haras on nt Coun or the jail with 51.4 perce tted $39.5 milli Reames threaten annual operas of October 9, ing, Mahar admi measures, in 2015 $21 million in ly in (WCSO), Following the shoot had more than investments ballot (See Jail, page 10) ure, and more vocal detectives that he . Major capital rejecting the meas g no. When in an interview with and claimed Reames ating costs 58.6 percent votin 7, propoes pro- 2017 with wanted to kill Ream ” Mahar didn’t pro- include: out by November $3 million from filled are (with s n dead. ballot millio be to ruc• $12 “deserved . 14 3) in funding for const Coming Up . . . . posed sales tax) (See Homicide, page
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household in y Blaine, Birch Ba hom iaicihdemoo hicu em ved Slar thn ged wia Motorcyclist char n earlier this year t-and-ru on Blaine Road hi
vit ding to the affida ting erratically, accor (APC) filed in Wha of probable cause bail as of Octo rior Court. com County Supe ing data. to pass the Ashbook ccarthy 7, M pted h e c attem Marc a r on By G The motorcycle and then Around 5:30 p.m. ng a road drivi on ane ted was two-l 33, arres , a on the has been N. Woodward A Ferndale man hter, 13, in Mazd into the Mazda’s lane as oncoming in con- leigh a with her daug ular homicide moved , accordcharges of vehic Blaine 2007 Mazd seat. The Mazda was headached the motorcycle nd-run crash on nger inter- traffic appro statements cited in the APC. nection to a hit-a ar-old the passe ss e Road, near the that killed a 33-ye right to ed south on Blain Harbor Road, when ing to witne Road in March lly moved to the ton The Mazda initia n of Dray Blaine woman. attempted to ) booked sectio e rcycl (WSP l moto Patro ’s 3) Washington State (See Crash, page What- Gunderson a. Witnesses told WSP inerson, 22, into the Mazd Colby Jon Gund rcycle was driv6. Gunder- pass moto ber the Octo that on vestigators com County Jail in lieu of $250,000 son was being held to jail ber 10, according
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