The Northern Light: January 4-10, 2024

January 4 - 10, 2024

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Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer

IN THIS

ISSUE

Blaine Marine Park playground reopens, page 4

Borderite sports, page 10

Blaine real estate broker set to turn 100, page 9

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

Birch Bay plunges into the new year Birch Bay Vogt Library Express reaches funding goal

By Nolan Baker

(See Library, page 2)

s Participants packed along the Birch Bay shoreline on noon January 1 to plunge into the bay for the 41st annual Birch Bay Polar Bear Plunge. See photos of the Ring of Fire and Hope on page 15 and the polar plunge on page 16.

Photo courtesy Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce

2023 year in

REVIEW

A look back at the year that was...

January • About 3,000 people celebrated the New Year with the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce’s 40th annual Polar Bear Plunge on January 1.

• Blaine was featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live as comedian Joel McHale told the story of his crossing the border during a snowstorm.

• The ad hoc downtown advisory committee held its first meeting. The city of Blaine created the committee to consider new downtown building height and parking restrictions after developers said regulations were negatively impacting them.

• The Washington state legislature returned for session to tackle affordable housing, among other priorities.

• Abortion rights activists held a reproductive freedom rally on the state capitol steps in Olympia during the first legislative session since Roe v. Wade was overturned.

• U.S. representatives Rick Larsen and Suzan DelBene called on the U.S. Postal Service to address persistent mail delays in Whatcom County after receiving complaints from constituents.

• Pete Nelson was hired as executive director of Blaine Senior Center and quickly began implementing new programs and events.

• The city of Blaine began remediation work to clean the shoreline and reduce erosion near Blaine Marine Park, signaling that the city was nearing the end of a decade of work on its Marine Park reconstruction project.

• The city of Blaine honored Blaine police officer Keith Olson for saving the life of

someone experiencing a fentanyl overdose.

• After ditching the project in 2020, the city of Blaine decided to seek grant funding with the support of BNSF Railway to build a bridge over the railroad crossing on Bell Road near its intersection with Peace Portal Drive.

• Blaine resident Joyce Vanderpol, the oldest real estate managing broker in Washington state, celebrated her 99th birthday.

• Blaine city manager Mike Harmon was sworn into the position on January 17.

• State representative Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) cosponsored House Bill 1363 to reverse pursuit restrictions for law enforcement and allow agencies to write pursuit policy.

• Alcoa officials said the company was evaluating its options for the Intalco smelter, but had no immediate plans to demolish it, despite workers at the Ferndale plant saying smelter activity showed otherwise.

• Whatcom County Library System staff told trustees that the Washington State Department of Commerce turned down Birch Bay library supporters’ proposal to use an existing $2 million state grant for a library express, instead of the larger library project for which the grant was originally intended.

• The city considered purchasing the UPS building on Peace Portal Drive to become a justice center for an expanded police station, evidence storage, municipal court and additional city offices.

• Petrogas West LLC agreed to pay $4 million to the Northwest Clean Air Agency and make operational changes to its Cherry Point facility after expanding without

necessary permits and not reporting emissions. It was the largest penalty settlement in the agency’s 56-year history.

• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers required BP to limit the volume of crude oil handled at its Cherry Point terminal and prohibit handling crude oil at its north wing dock unless authorized. Environmental groups voiced opposition to the decision, saying the ceiling would allow the oil company to double its shipping capacity.

• Construction on east Blaine and Semiahmoo housing projects continued after the city had a booming year for development in 2022. The city’s largest new construction projects included The Ridge at (See Year in Review, page 3)

INSIDE

After years of working to secure funds for a library in Birch Bay, Whatcom County Council has given the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) the remaining money needed for a library express.

The WCLS announced county funding of $315,000 to support construction of the Birch Bay Vogt Library Express in mid-December. Whatcom County Council approved the six-figure sum after executive Satpal Sidhu recommended the county dip into its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

The funding, combined with a $2 million grant from the state of Washington and a flurry of private donations collected with help from Friends of the Birch Bay Library, came after years of petitioning state government and two narrowly failed elections. The 1,700 square-foot library express will be renovated in the existing Vogt home, at 7948 Birch Bay Drive.

“This is smaller than we originally envisioned, but we do think it’s going to bring the full possibilities of the library to Birch Bay,” said Christine Perkins, WCLS executive director. “It shows our commitment to this community and we think they’re going to end up with a lovely facility that their whole family can enjoy.”

The WCLS purchased the property from the Vogt family in April 2017, and was originally proposed as a full-service library to replace the bookmobile serving the community of currently 10,000. In 2019, the Washington state legislature approved a $2 million grant for construction, but further funding stalled when voter support did not reach a required 60 percent supermajority in the November 2021 and February 2022 elections.

By the summer of 2022, WCLS submitted a request for the state grant to be used to renovate the historic Vogt home, rather than construction of a new library. After the request was originally denied, the Friends of the Birch Bay Library took a trip to Olympia to plead their case.

Perkins said meeting face-to-face with government officials was crucial to secure funding.

“I definitely believe that having local citizens go down to Olympia and talk to the legislators was really important,” Perkins said.

After showing the state government how desperately the fourth-most populated community in Whatcom County needed consistent library services, the funding was approved in April 2023.

Now with funding secured, renova-

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The Northern Light • January 4 - 10, 2024

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Bens Travel Plaza at blaine 1300 Boblett st, blaine, wa 98230

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s The Vogt family homestead will house the Birch Bay library express.

File photo

Library ...

info@bensmarketus.com www.bensmarketus.com

From page 1

tions on the historic homesteaders’ abode can begin. The “express” portion of the library means the library will be closer in size to the Point Roberts and Sumas branches, and feature an order pickup room

(509) 859 4728

available when staff isn’t present.

Perkins said the library express will be able to provide more than the bookmobile services.

WCLS is still in the early phases of construction planning, Perkins said, but expects renovations to begin on the Vogt home in 2025 once an architect and contractor are selected.

Washington State Parks announces 2024 free days

By Nolan Baker With the new year just beginning, and local outdoor enjoyers antsy to utilize Washington’s over 140 state parks, Washington State Parks announced its slate of pass-free days for 2024.

While the first free day of the year came and went on January 1, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy Peace Arch and Birch Bay State Park while on a budget.

January 15, March 9, March 19, April 22, June 8 and 9, June 19, September 28, October 10, November 11 and November 29 will be free for all day-use visitors.

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Typically, a one-day pass is $10, and is only valid for one vehicle at a given time. Washington State Parks encourages visitors who plan on going to multiple state parks over a season to invest in an annual pass for $30. The pass can be assigned to two vehicles, but only one vehicle may use the pass at a time.

January 4 - 10, 2024 • thenorthernlight.com

Year in Review ...

From page 1

Harbor Hills in east Blaine and Horizon at Semiahmoo.

• The Bridge Community Hope Center opened a new location on Birch Bay Drive after repeated flooding forced the nonprofit to move from its Alderson Road facility.

• U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), environmentalists and a Blaine Harbor fisherman celebrated the announcement of mining protections placed January 31 on Alaska’s Bristol Bay, which has one of the largest salmon runs in the world.

• Whatcom County Council refused to include a vaccine opponent on the public health advisory board, which raised tensions between county councilmembers and staff during the January 31 health board meeting.

February • The Whatcom County Health and Community Services changed its name from the Whatcom County Health Department to represent its growing responsibilities.

• Blaine High School band alumnus Jake Wolfburg surprised Bob and Dorita Gray with an annual $5,000 scholarship in their name during the Blaine Fine Arts Association’s (BFAA) 26th annual Arts and Jazz fundraiser. Bob had announced he was retiring after four decades as Blaine’s band director and Dorita helped found the BFAA. • The Blaine Planning Commission approved a second public hearing on whether large manufactured home parks should be allowed in east Blaine after failing to reach a consensus on their recommendation for city council.

• Blaine school district formed a superintendent advisory committee for superintendent Christopher Granger to receive feedback from parents before bringing ideas to the community.

• Blaine Police Department implemented a $50,000 state grant for an officer wellness program to improve officers’ mental and physical health. The grant provided officers with education courses led by mental health professionals, therapy sessions and gym memberships.

• Birch Bay library supporters traveled to Olympia to garner support for reversing the state’s rejection of their scope change for a library express.

• Whatcom County Council unanimously approved installing stop signs at the intersection of Birch Bay Drive and Birch Point Road, leading Birch Bay residents to voice their concerns over traffic safety and not feeling involved in the decision. County councilmember Ben Elenbaas and public works employees met with residents at Tony’s Tavern in Custer.

• Blaine Chamber of Commerce named Living Pantry as business of the year during its annual general meeting on February 23.

• Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 purchased its second of two land transfers from Whatcom Land Trust for park and recreation’s California Creek Estuary Park. The 24-acre park off Drayton Harbor Road will eventually have a kayak launch, trail access and habitat conservation.

• Pacific Building Center co-own-

er Kimberly Akre was sworn in as a school board member to represent district 1 during the February 27 meeting.

• Blaine school board recommended the district hire consultants to help with purchasing a school site in Birch Bay. • Mulder’s Fundraiser Charity Boutique closed in downtown Blaine.

March • Blaine utility rates increased 17.5 percent for water and 8 percent for electric, sewer and stormwater.

• The Blaine High School chess team competed at state March 3-4.

• Amtrak restored its Cascade train service to pre-pandemic levels when it returned a second round-trip to Vancouver, B.C. • About 40 Birch Bay residents gave two hours of testimony at the March 7 Whatcom County Council meeting on their opposition to the two Birch Bay stop signs set to be installed near Birch Bay Drive and Birch Point Road.

Council and public works staff agreed to further research the stop but did not change the ordinance establishing the stop signs.

• The BP corporate office in London designated Cherry Point as a preferred location for a sustainable aviation fuel production facility with a green hydrogen capability, a $1.5 billion investment.

• The Starfish Inc. building in Blaine Harbor was demolished after being condemned in June 2022.

The building dated to at least 1953.

• Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu appointed Elizabeth Kosa as new director of the Whatcom County Public Works Department.

• Alcoa Corporation announced it would permanently close the Intalco aluminum smelter and AltaGas would develop the Ferndale property on March 16.

• Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival brought birding enthusiasts to Blaine March 17-19.

The festival had an opening night reception, birding expo, wildlife

tours and live raptor presentations.

• Canada and U.S. government officials announced that NEXUS enrollment centers would reopen at eight Canadian airports within the month. This was the first time Canadian enrollment centers reopened since the pandemic, and nearly a year after U.S. enrollment centers reopened in April 2022.

• The city of Blaine budgeted for a $950,000 deficit in its general fund as inflation required the city staff salaries and wages to increase while the city’s revenue was not keeping pace and the city had run out of its Covid-19 stimulus.

• Researchers at Simon Fraser University and Western Washington University’s Border Policy Research Institute began studying the impact of U.S./Canada travel restrictions during the pandemic with the goal of preventing future inequities if the border closes again.

• Blaine High School’s Technology Student Association students placed at state.

• Whatcom County Undersheriff Doug Chadwick announced he would run against Blaine police chief Donnell Tanksley for Whatcom County Sheriff in the November election.

• The Whatcom Council of Governments was slated to receive a $458,000 federal grant to plan an updated communications system that would improve wait time estimates at the U.S./Canada border.

April • The Washington State Department of Health announced Covid-19 masks would no longer be required in healthcare, longterm care and corrections facilities as of April 3 because of declining respiratory virus numbers.

• E-cigarette company Juul Labs was expected to pay $1.2 billion to Blaine and 1,600 other school districts involved in a class-action lawsuit settlement for the company’s role in the youth vaping epidemic.

• The city of Blaine and the de-

s Deputy city manager Sam Crawford, l., swears in Michael Harmon as Blaine city manager on January 17, 2023.

Photo by Grace McCarthy velopers of East Harbor Hills and Grandis Pond jointly decided to no longer pursue a tax-increment financing district (TIF) to fund infrastructure for the east Blaine subdivisions after deciding it would not be the best funding model. The city would have taken out bonds or loans to pay for the infrastructure and then repaid those debts through projected increases in assessed property value.

• Birch Bay resident Matt Berry circulated a survey to gauge Birch Bay residents’ interest in incorporation and formed the Birch Bay Community Political Action Committee.

• Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 hosted its first

daughter’s choice dance at the Birch Bay Activity Center.

• State senator Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) sponsored a resolution honoring the Sikh community for Vaisakhi festival.

• Repairs continued on the historic Plover passenger ferry that were more extensive than the original restoration in the mid-’90s.

• Sarbie Bains took over as owner of Blaine Bouquets and began redesigning the downtown flower shop.

• The Washington state legislature approved Whatcom County Library System’s scope change to renovate the Vogt family homestead into a library express with (See Year in Review, page 6)

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s Whatcom County councilmember Ben Elenbaas and Whatcom County Public Works Department employees address a crowd of over 50 Birch Bay residents at Tony’s Tavern on March 2, 2023. Residents were concerned about two stop signs that county council approved to be installed at the intersection of Birch Bay Drive and Birch Point Road.

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The Northern Light • January 4 - 10, 2024

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

The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVIII, No 29 Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

Blaine Marine Park playground area reopens

s The Blaine Marine Park playground and picnic area reopened December 18, 2023 as the city of Blaine wrapped up its Marine Park reconstruction project. The project created two pocket beaches and two headlands, and replaced the shoreline to improve access, safety and habitat. Landscaping will be installed later to finish the project that began in 2009, said Alex Wenger, director of the city’s Community Development Services Department.

Photo by Richard Sturgill

Letters The Editor: I’d like to express my gratitude for the Birch Bay Activity Center. Residents of Blaine as well as non-residents are blessed to have so many activities to choose from. BlaineBirch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 offers indoor and outdoor pickleball, stretch and yoga classes, Zumba, get fit, Pilates, badminton, basketball and so much more.

The cost per class is minimal and for most seniors, free. Most health insurance companies will pay to keep their members healthy. Anytime Fitness used to accept insurance, but stopped, so it’s even more important for our community to have access to the Birch Bay Activity Center.

Barbara Farnsworth Blaine The Editor: Thanks for being a five-star local newspaper that keeps our Birch Bay/Blaine community informed of all the daily, weekly and monthly activities. It takes your staff, community and volunteers to make The Northern Light great.

Kathy and Ryan Barnes Blaine The Editor: Whatcom County can really be proud of itself with higher voter turnout than the rest of Washington’s counties and the re-election of Satpal Sidhu, according to The Seattle Times.

Serving during the – at one point – 320 cases-a-day of Covid-19 and managing closures, Suez Canal blockage and supply disruption, storms, and siloed information

and disinformation. Apparently, we are a country of reason. Recovery is in progress, but nationally, it is hard to see because it is not instantaneous. Problems still exist.

Prepare for rising grocery prices as the Mississippi River is at its lowest level and Missouri farmers are having trouble shipping grain. The cost of beef and chicken feed, and therefore chicken, eggs, meat and bakery products will rise. So might restaurant and food truck prices. Now shipping through the Suez has slowed again due to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Life, for many of us, does not look like it did before economic disruptions, but we will conquer problems because of resilience and understanding facts that support recovery.

Blame and finger pointing does not help unavoidable situations. We are all responsible for our reaction to difficulties. Let us keep working with positive light of truth and facts.

Donna Starr Blaine The Editor: There are heroes among us! From the child who presented us with $6.28 from his piggy bank to help children who are hungry, to our anonymous benefactor who, for many years has offered the matching funds challenge. From our loyal donors who will do without to commit $5 or $10 each month to help feed others, and the many individuals, businesses, faith organizations, social clubs, Blaine schools’ food and fund drives and corporate supporters who are dedicated and steadfast in supporting our effort to turn hunger to hope.

You all inspire us. You are truly our heroes.

The Editor: Being a lifetime resident of Birch Bay, I am beyond thrilled that the Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 of(See Letters, next page)

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

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: Jan. 11 Ads due: Jan. 5

The outcome of the matching funds campaign this year is to us a holiday miracle. We have faced a dramatic spike in demand fueled by unprecedented need due to benefit cutbacks and the rampant costs for food, fuel, and housing. Every one of us is struggling to do more with less.

Over 700 families depend on us and seek our help each week. On distribution days we watch the line get longer and longer, as our food offerings for the day diminish.

We worry that the food will run out before everyone has been served.

You, our heroes, embodied the true spirit of the season and have given us a holiday miracle. Our $40,000 goal was not only met but surpassed beyond our wildest hopes.

Our wonderful, caring, generous community of angels raised an unbelievable $57,226.28 during our 2023 matching funds campaign!

From our food bank family and the individuals and families that count on us, thank you! Our community has never let us down. We are truly blessed.

Sally Church Blaine Food Bank director Blaine

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. Note: The December 2023 meeting will be held Tuesday, December 19.

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.

January 4 - 10, 2024 • thenorthernlight.com

2023 year in

REVIEW

By Holly Faulstich and Kate Rice Reducing stormwater impacts, improving water quality and protecting habitat are top priorities of the Birch Bay Watershed & Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) district. In 2023, BBWARM staff and partners made significant headway toward meeting those goals.

In Birch Bay, drainage and water quality problems exist where the infrastructure is undersized, failing, or non-existent. Our program builds capital improvement projects to address these issues.

In 2023, we completed a repair project on the Cottonwood Drive

2023 year in

REVIEW

By Bruce Ansell, commissioner

North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) call volumes have almost doubled in the last 10 years, exceeding 5,300 calls through November 2023. Calls for emergency medical service (EMS) now account for almost 72 percent of all emergencies. Overlapping calls occur 30 percent of the time – that’s when multiple emergencies happen at the same time. This leads to increased response times and delays in reach-

Letters ...

From previous page

fers programs for all ages in our community.

I personally have been using the activity center since the doors opened around 2010. I participate in multiple classes and play pickleball almost daily.

The benefits of exercise to keep fit – use it or lose it – are beneficial for the body, mind, and health.

With a wide variety of exercise classes, recreation activities for kids, families, adults as well as community support and scholarships where needed is a tremendous asset to our community.

5

Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resource Management District stormwater inlet structure that was badly damaged during the November 2021 floods.

We also wrapped up a comprehensive drainage study to better understand how stormwater runoff is conveyed through the Birch Point sub-watershed and how to resolve significant flooding issues in residential areas, such as Birch Bay Village. The capital projects proposed in the study will be incorporated into BBWARM’s sixyear plan as staff resources and funding allow.

In addition to construction projects, BBWARM had another successful year with community outreach and engagement.

We were able to connect with hundreds of residents at our

annual events, such as the 5th of July Beach Cleanup, A Day at the Beach, and Run with the Chums 5k Fun Run. We expanded our new Neighborhood Native Landscaping Program this year and worked with nine Birch Bay property owners to convert over 14,000 square feet of lawns to native plant landscaping, improving water quality and habitat in the watershed.

All of these programs require funding. The BBWARM district service charge has remained unchanged since its inception in 2009. This fall, we initiated a rate study and funding analysis that will help determine the total rate revenue required to meet our financial obligations

CITY OF BLAINE

and continue providing valuable services to the community. The public is welcome to attend the January 17 and April 17 advisory committee meetings in 2024 to provide feedback.

If you have any questions, please contact Holly Faulstich at HFaulsti@co.whatcom.wa.us or visit our website bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org. For more details on our activities, check out the 2023 annual report, which will be available on the website in March. And while you’re there, don’t forget to sign up for our quarterly e-newsletter!

Holly Faulstich is natural resource specialist and Kate Rice is program specialist at Whatcom County Public Works Department.

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.

January 8 6:00pm – City Council Meeting January 11 9:00am – Park and Cemetery Board Meeting

10:30am – Public Works Advisory Committee Meeting 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting

January 15 City Offices Closed – MLK Jr Day

January 22 6:00pm – City Council Meeting

North Whatcom Fire and Rescue ing emergency scenes.

Although five firefighters were hired in 2023, finding qualified candidates to fill five more existing vacancies remains challenging.

The fire district’s revenue is not keeping up with higher call volumes and costs to provide service.

The fire district is limited to a one percent revenue increase per year per state law – and this is no longer adequate to meet our community’s emergency service level needs.

NWFR is considering asking voters for a fire levy lid lift sometime in 2024 to fund additional personnel and replace aging fire

engines and apparatus. If approved by voters, this would be the first levy lid lift in almost 20 years. Community members can learn more on our website at nwfrs.net/about-nwfr.

In addition to responding to emergencies, NWFR was excited to be able to participate in the Community Assistance Program Thanksgiving basket giveaway and Community Toy Store, trick or treating on the berm, multiple “drive-bys” celebrating birthdays and preschool visits.

NWFR would like to give special recognition to the dedicated volun-

The staff and instructors are amazing. Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 is the best bargain around.

Jan Boykin Birch Bay

organizations bringing fun and educational activities, such as Pirate Daze, Holiday Lights Dash and Wings Over Water.

The common thread for all these activities is bringing the community together.

All of this and more and they still let you volunteer to help.

That was the clincher for me.

Please support this vital part of the Blaine-Birch Bay community and vote yes to the levy renewal on February 13.

Linda Cline Ferndale

The Editor: Little did I know that when I started to take exercise classes at Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2), it would become so much more than just a gym.

Not only are there fabulous exercise classes for all ages and abilities, BBBPRD2 also has after school programs for kids, free family movie nights, outdoor activities such as hiking, photography, pottery, and many others.

BBBPRD2 partners with other

Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website.

teers who make up the volunteer water supply group, known to us as the “tender group.” The fire district is grateful for your continued commitment and service.

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

www.cityofblaine.com

Ali Olson!!!

You are the best girlfriend in Whatcom County outside of Bellingham.

Happy New Year!

Love, Ian

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“To the Editor and all of The Northern Light Staff: Thanks for being a 5-star local newspaper that keeps our Birch Bay/Blaine community informed of all the daily, weekly and monthly activities. It takes your staff, community, volunteers to make The Northern Light great. We so enjoy getting the newspaper every Thursday. Enjoy some time off for all of your staff. Keep it up in 2024!” - Kathy and Ryan Barnes

This week’s supporters: LaVonne Howard • John Baker • Kathy and Ryan Barnes You can also contribute online at thenorthernlight.com

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The Northern Light • January 4 - 10, 2024

Year in Review ...

s A crowd of students gathered in front of the Blaine school district office during a walkout on April 24, 2023. The students were demonstrating support for teachers and other staff due to be cut by the district because of low student enrollment and less state and federal funding.

Photo by Janell Kortlever

s About 5,000 people attended the Blaine OysterFest on May 20, 2023.

The event offered a street fair, cooking demonstrations and live music.

Photo by Louise Mugar

s Blaine High School held its 117th commencement for the class of 2023 on June 9, 2023.

Photo by Ian Haupt

s An unofficial Hands Across the Border event was held under the Peace Arch on June 11, 2023. The event was the first since the pandemic.

From page 3 a $2 million state grant. The decision reversed the proposal rejection in December 2022.

• Blaine High School theater performed the musical “Into the Woods.”

• East Blaine residents voiced opposition to Blaine City Council regarding a proposed city code change that would allow large manufactured home parks in east Blaine.

• Blaine students held a walkout April 24 in support of teachers after district administration planned to cut 65.2 positions because of low enrollment numbers. The students led another walkout after the school board meeting that night, which was held in the Performing Arts Center due to a large attendance.

• The American Public Works Association Washington Chapter awarded the Birch Bay berm project of the year in the environment category for projects that cost $5 million to $25 million.

• Blaine High School choir and band students competed at the San Juan Music Educators Association State Solo and Ensemble competition at Central Washington University.

May • Blaine Public Works Department began sewer construction near the Blaine school campus and senior center to upgrade dilapidated sewer lines and increase the system’s capacity. The project started May 1 and ran through the summer.

• The Blaine High School band and alumni performers played “Thank you for the Music” during longtime band director Bob Gray’s last performance.

• The 39th annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremony held in Blaine Harbor on May 7 honored fishers who have died at sea.

• McDonald’s opened at the corner of H Street and State Route 543 on May 10.

• International travelers not vaccinated against Covid-19 were allowed to travel freely into the U.S. after the Biden administration ended the Covid-19 public health emergency on May 11.

• Community pushback followed after a “C” curve was installed on H Street that prevented vehicles from turning left into Burger King.

• Beach Cat Prints celebrated the grand opening of its custom merchandise design and prints shop in Birch Bay on May 12, 2023.

• Blaine City Council approved

an ordinance exempting early learning centers from paying 80 percent of regular traffic impact fees in an attempt to help establish or expand childcare facilities.

• The second Blaine OysterFest brought an estimated 5,000 people to downtown Blaine for cooking demonstrations, street fair, live music and other activities. The Blaine Chamber of Commerce raised nearly $7,000 for local nonprofits in addition to money Drayton Harbor Oyster Company raised for water-quality monitoring.

• Blaine City Council approved an emergency six-month moratorium on processing manufactured home park building permit applications to allow staff time to clean inconsistencies in city code.

• Outcry followed PeaceHealth’s decision to cut its outpatient palliative care program that provided comprehensive care for those chronically ill in Whatcom County. PeaceHealth also closed its allergy and immunology clinic and overnight sleep lab in Bellingham.

• Blaine City Council approved city staff modify the second floor of city hall, which previously had leased offices, for police and public works administration to relocate. City manager Mike Harmon said the decision was an inexpensive solution to the police department’s overcrowded station and would only require one stop for public services.

• Blaine City Council gave support for Kulshan Community Land Trust to conduct a feasibility study on a mixed-use library project that would create an expanded library, affordable and market-rate housing and commercial space at the current Blaine library site.

• Blaine City Council began reviewing a more affordable downtown revitalization project due to the city’s financial constraints.

• Blaine High School Chamber Choir performed at Disney California Adventure Park.

• American Legion Post 86 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9474 held a Memorial Day ceremony at the veterans’ memorial park.

• Whatcom County and Washington state employment rates fully recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic with a 3-4 percent unemployment rate.

June • Blaine art, theater, band and choir students showcased their achievements during Evening of the Arts at Blaine High School.

• Whatcom County Public Works Department employees installed two stop signs at the intersection of Birch Bay Drive and Birch Point

Road despite Birch Bay residents having voiced strong opposition to the signs in the spring.

• Former Port of Bellingham commissioner, Blaine science teacher, fisherman and community leader Jim Jorgensen’s life was celebrated after he died June 8 at the age of 83.

• Blaine High School held its 117th commencement for the class of 2023.

• Bordertown Mexican Grill co-owners Nelly Santiago and Abi Garcia opened Que Onda Fusion Cuisine in the former Rustic Fork building in downtown Blaine.

• An unofficial Hands Across the Border event brought scouts from both sides of the U.S. and Canada border to swap patches and celebrate peaceful cross-border relations under the Peace Arch on June 11, 2023. The unofficial event was the first one in-person since the pandemic.

• Whatcom County Council voted for the county’s new jail to be built in Ferndale if voters approved the jail ballot measure during the November election.

• The former owners of Ocean Bay Chinese Restaurant, April Ma and Kevin He, opened Red Ginger Asian Cuisine in Bellingham.

• Whatcom County Council unanimously approved changing the zoning code regulations to increase residential density in Birch Bay after the urban growth area was found to be growing slower than anticipated.

• Blaine school district superintendent Christopher Granger announced the district planned to lay off 50 employees ahead of 2023-24 school year, fewer than what was planned for in April, as it prepared for an expected drop in federal and state funding.

• Blaine school board extended superintendent Christopher Granger’s contract to June 30, 2026 in a 4-1 vote with commissioner Erika Creydt opposed.

• Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce welcomed about 4,000 attendees to the Birch Bay Kite Festival as a celebration to kick off the summer.

• The city of Blaine received a $9.5 million federal grant to conduct a study and start the design process of its bridge at the Bell Road railroad crossing near Peace Portal Drive.

The Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program provided the funding to kick start the project, expected to cost $85 million total.

(This is the first of a two-part Year in Review. July-December will be published in the next issue of The Northern Light.)

Photo by by Ying Wang and Sheng O

2023 year in

REVIEW

By Laura Vogee, volunteer

The year of 2023 has been a full one for the Community Assistance Program (CAP). Our year-round programs, which include the clothing bank, crisis assistance, food connection and chaplain ministry, all saw increases in demand for services. Clothing bank use increased 20 percent over last year, with nearly 2,000 items

Community Assistance Program per month being claimed for reuse. The food connection is providing 36 families each week with food boxes, with additional families on our waitlist. Our chaplains assisted many experiencing financial and health challenges.

CAP’s three seasonal programs – the winter coat drive/ distribution, Thanksgiving baskets and Community Toy Store – helped many local families. Also, with the assistance

of Monte’s Just a Bite, we were able to provide a hot Thanksgiving meal to 15 of our local unhoused neighbors.

CAP places a high priority on community education, partnering with The Whatcom Dream to provide Understanding Poverty and Financial Empowerment classes, which we plan to continue in 2024.

CAP has been coordinating and hosting a monthly Community Outreach Network meet-

ing. This brings together representatives from a dozen or more local organizations that serve lower income families, allowing us to learn about and support each other’s work and find ways that we can more effectively serve our neighbors.

Many positive connections and collaborations have resulted, including a mobile shower unit that will be coming to Blaine once a week in the new year, providing a much-needed

service for our unhoused neighbors. Also, Bridge2Services now has its outreach truck at each of the Loads of Love events at the local laundromat, providing additional support services for the increasing number of those that utilize this service.

Of course, none of what CAP does would be possible without our amazing volunteers and donors. We are so grateful for all of you that care about your neighbors through CAP.

January 4 - 10, 2024 • thenorthernlight.com

2023 year in

REVIEW

7

Year in Review: Blaine High School sports

By Nolan Baker • New Blaine girls basketball head coach Gracie Phelps received the 2023 NCAA Inspiration Award on January 11 in San Antonio. Phelps began coaching the team following a national runner-up season for the Western Washington University Vikings basketball team.

• Blaine boys basketball started the regular season off hot with a 10-1 overall record and a 7-0 conference record by January 11.

• Competitive cheer qualified for the state tournament in its inaugural season on January 25. They went on to finish seventh place in the 2B/1A/2A category.

• Seven athletes on the girls wrestling team qualified for regionals at Squalicum High School on February 4, the most wrestlers the girls team has sent to regionals in one season, head coach Damon Higgins said.

• On February 11, six wrestlers for the Blaine boys wrestling team qualified for state. The team placed second in the district 1/2 1A regional tournament.

• Led by a 25-point fourth quarter, boys basketball defeated The Northwest School 67-56 on February 18, securing a spot in the state tournament in Yakima.

• Wrestling returned from state championships in Tacoma on February 18, after two runner-up finishes along with a third, fourth and top-10 finish for both girls and boys teams.

• Boys basketball took third place in state championships after losing to King’s Senior High School in the state semifinal, and defeating Toppenish for the third place game. It was the highest postseason finish since Blaine’s state championship in 2000.

• Blaine senior Carson Lehnert signed a letter of intent on March 13 to play basketball for Douglas College in New Westminster, B.C. • Senior boys soccer captain Joel Barrientos-Estrada netted a late winner to defeat rival Meridian High School 3-2 on March 28.

• Senior softball pitcher Piper Nissen threw a perfect game in an 18-0 win over Bellingham High School on March 29.

• Girls golf won first place in the 1A District 1 title at North Bellingham Golf Course on May 11.

Ellie Tanjuaquio placed first and later qualified for the state tournament on May 23.

• Softball won its first Northwest Conference league championship May 11 after beating Lakewood 4-3 at Pipeline Fields in Blaine.

The win gave the Borderites a 14-1 conference record, securing the top spot in district playoffs.

• Blaine’s 4x100 boys relay team qualified for the state tournament for the first time since 1994.

Sophomore relay member Josiah Weeda also qualified for state individually in the 110-meter hurdles, and finished 6th.

• Seven boys soccer players earned All-Northwest Conference honors, and head coach Gio Quesada-Ruiz was named coach of the year, along with senior defender Robert Prado earning defensive player of the year.

• After tearing through district

s Piper Nissen pitches in Blaine’s 8-7 win over Mount Baker on May 20. Softball later went to state, which was the first time the team had done so since 2009.

Photo by Ian Haupt

and state playoffs, Blaine softball was finally stopped by Montesano, losing 10-0 to the eventual state champs on May 27. This was the team’s first time at state since 2009.

• Blaine High School class of 2023 had 14 athletes sign letters of intent to post-secondary sports.

• Blaine hired Andy Olson as head coach of the football program.

Olson was head coach of Burlington-Edison High School, and brought a swath of assistant coaches from the school to revamp a fledgling Borderite football program.

• Borderite football won its first game of the season – and first win in head coach Andy Olson’s tenure – on September 15, blowing out Vashon Island 55-0. Senior Riley Ihde caught a touchdown pass, threw a touchdown pass, rushed for a touchdown, and returned a 40-yard pick-six.

• Cross-country held its first home meet of the season on September 27 in a race around Peace Arch State Park. First-year head coach Roberto Aguilera relocated the race from Pipeline Field to the more iconic cross-border park.

• On Homecoming, October 6, Blaine football defeated conference rival Meridian 28-26 on a game-winning 27-yard field goal by senior Matthew “Matty Ice” Hayes. The field goal was set up by a stellar, four-completion final drive orchestrated by junior quarterback Colin Davis.

• After girls soccer’s deep run in district playoffs played at Borderite Stadium, the team finally fell to Lynden Christian on November 4, losing 2-0 to a pair of stunning goals. A win would’ve taken the Borderites to its first state tournament since 2003.

• Senior Teya Zaddack officially announced her intent to play volleyball for Western Washington University in 2024. Zaddack earned All-NWC first-team honors, leading the Borderites to a 5-10 record.

• Blaine volleyball head coach Jacquie Tesarik announced her retirement after 10 seasons

s Lawrence Creasey Pulphus goes for a layup against Lynden Christian on February 11. Boys basketball later took third in the Class 1A state tournament, which was the first time the team had placed at state since 2004. Photo by Ian Haupt

s Cael Button wrestled in the Mat Classic in Tacoma on February 18. Button placed third after losing to the eventual state champion in the semifinal.

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s Conner Dalry holds the ball aloft after the Borderites recovered a blocked punt on September 15.

Photo by Nolan Baker coaching the Borderites. Tesarik led Blaine to its first state tournament top-10 finish in 20 years, and coached volleyball at various levels for 26 years.

• On November 14, girls soccer standouts Larissa Pluschakov, Juliana Zuzarte, Kaitlyn Ritter Von Trautmann and Lucy Dahl earned first-team 1A NWC All-Conference honors.

• On November 28, in a road game against Friday Harbor, Blaine girls basketball’s new head coach, Vic Wolffis, earned his first win for the Borderites. A longtime Whatcom County resident, Wolffis came to Blaine with two state championship trophies under his belt.

• In a 1480-1186 win against Everett High School on December 13, Ainslee Ellis broke the school record for highest individual score in a single game, bowling a 179.

Ellis broke the previous record held by teammate Bella Vezzetti.

• After starting the year 3-0, boys basketball suffered a tough week, losing 65-32 against Lakewood, then losing a heartbreaking 69-67 loss to Squalicum December 15.

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The Northern Light • January 4 - 10, 2024

Active S eniors How seniors can overcome a lack of motivation to exercise Exercise has its fair share of devotees and millions of others who recognize its value but still struggle to include workouts in their daily routines. Motivation can be a significant hurdle when it comes to exercise, and recent studies are a testament to that difficulty.

In a 2021 survey from the global fitness brand Orangetheory Fitness and Kelton Global, 43 percent of respondents indicated they lacked motivation to exercise. Lack of motivation can affect people of all ages, including seniors. However, seniors may be uniquely positioned to overcome their lack of motivation to exercise, particularly if they’re retired and have time on their hands. Seniors who aspire to exercise more frequently can consider these strategies if motivation becomes an issue.

• Exercise away from home.

During the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, a phenomenon that has been characterized as “basement burnout” developed.

That referred to the lack of enthusiasm to exercise at home when gyms and other fitness facilities were forced to close as a public safety measure. Home workouts

can become monotonous since most people do not have enough room at home to house the same array of equipment that’s available at their local gym. Seniors can overcome monotonous workouts by purchasing a gym membership at a local facility. Many clubs offer discounted rates to seniors and some even offer senior-specific fitness classes like yoga and Pilates.

• Employ the buddy system. Seniors also can enlist friends and family members to join them when they exercise. Encourage neighbors or friends to come along to the gym for a favored fitness class, or invite friends and family on hiking excursions or daily walks.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) notes that turning exercise into a social activity is a great way for seniors to maintain their motivation to exercise.

• Track your progress and celebrate your successes. The NIA touts the benefits of tracking progress when trying to stay motivated to exercise. As exercise efforts pay increasing dividends, seniors may find it’s easier to stay motivated. Success can be measured in various ways. Some might aspire to achieve healthier

blood test results at the doctor’s office, while others may hope to lose a few pounds. However you define success, celebrate when you achieve your fitness goals. Rewards such as a spa day, a night out at the theater or a weekend getaway can provide all the motivation you need to stay the course.

• Be flexible with your routine.

Mobility issues and other physical limitations may affect seniors.

Such issues need not prevent aging men and women from exercising, even if it does mean they won’t be able to hit the gym four or five days per week. Mix up your routine so you can still exercise even if physical limitations make traditional workout routines more challenging. Go for nature walks on days when your body needs a break from strength training, and check the forecast at the start of each week so you can rearrange your routine if Mother Nature makes outdoor exercise impossible on certain days.

Many people find it hard to stay motivated to exercise. Seniors can try a few strategies to ensure they stay the course with their fitness routines.

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January 4 - 10, 2024 • thenorthernlight.com

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Energy-boosting foods for seniors A nutritious diet is a key component of a healthy lifestyle.

And for seniors, the right diet can be a key part of treating any number of health issues. In fact, changing one’s diet may be something seniors can consider if they are feeling sluggish.

Food can be a helpful ally for seniors dealing with fatigue and low energy. WebMD says eating a balanced diet is one of the ways to improve low energy levels, and that balanced diet should include certain foods that are natural energy boosters.

• Whole grains: Switching refined grains for whole grains is a good way to boost energy. These grains are full of complex carbohydrates that help boost metabolism and provide energy. They’ll also work longer in the body than the more refined options.

Swap out “white” products like breads and rice for whole wheat or brown rice.

• Lean protein sources: While protein does not give the same quick boost of energy as a high carbohydrate meal, it will help fuel the body and keep a person feeling full longer. According to Discovery Senior Living, pro-

tein helps increase concentration levels, produces stronger muscles and helps maintain optimal blood sugar levels. Chicken, tuna and legumes are some notable protein sources.

• Nuts: Most nuts are a complete package that provide healthy fats, proteins and amino acids that are good for the body. The fiber and carbohydrates in nuts digest more slowly and help provide a steady supply of energy throughout the day. Replace croutons in salads with nuts, or sprinkle some nuts

on oatmeal at breakfast.

• Fruits and vegetables: Berries, sweet potatoes, dark, leafy greens, and other produce are low-calorie, low-sugar options for snacks and sides that boost health. They’re full of fiber and antioxidants that can ward off illness, and they can provide an energy boost as well. Berries and vegetables can be added to smoothies or salads.

The right foods can help seniors restore energy levels and promote overall health.

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The Northern Light • January 4 - 10, 2024

Sports Sports roundup: Gervol stands out at Gut Check Tournament

By Nolan Baker Boys Basketball After an encouraging 2-2 start to the regular season, boys basketball limped into the halfway point of the year after losing four of its last five games.

The Borderites were blown out 97-27 to a powerhouse Lynden Christian team on December 20, then lost a nail-biter to Nooksack Valley, 60-59, on December 22. The Mount Vernon Christian Holiday Tournament, held from December 28 to 30, was no kinder to the Borderites, who eked out a 51-47 win over Mount Vernon Christian in the first game, then dropped two straight to Wahkiakum, 65-55, and Adna, 58-42.

The Borderites now sit at 3-8 with a 1-5 Northwest Confer-

2023

4-1 record with two wins over Friday Harbor, and wins against Overlake and Cascade. But the Borderites also have the reverse record against conference opponents, currently sitting 1-4 in NWC play. The Borderites’ lone win against a conference opponent came all the way back in the second game of the season against Bellingham.

The Borderites entered winter break at 3-2, and now sit at 5-5 after a couple of tough blowout losses to Lynden Christian and Nooksack Valley on December 20 and 22, then a mixed bag of a performance at the Trojan Storm Classic at Meridian High School.

Blaine started the tournament with a clutch 47-42 win against Overlake on December 28, but followed it up with a 55-33 loss to Squalicum on December 29. In

the final game of the tournament, the Borderites again defeated Friday Harbor, this time by a score of 50-26.

Blaine will now hit the road for a few more conference matchups, first on Thursday, January 4 against Sedro-Woolley, then on Saturday, January 6 against Squalicum. The Borderites next home game will be Tuesday, January 9 at 7:15 p.m. against Meridian.

Boys Wrestling Senior wrestler Victor Gervol continued his dominant season on the mat at the Gut Check Wrestling Tournament at the ShoWare Center in Kent on December 28. Gervol finished in first place for the 285-pound weight class, bringing his dominant season to an outstanding 19-0 individual record.

The Borderites placed 28th

overall in a massive tournament field that featured 69 high school wrestling programs from around Washington, putting up a team score of 54.0. Blaine finished as the highest-placing Whatcom County team in the field.

At The Rock on Vashon on December 29, Blaine placed 12th in the much smaller, 16-team tournament with a team score of 62.5. Borderites Vinnie Saia and Christophe Zamudio placed third and fourth in their respective weight classes, while Mt. Baker High School dominated on its way to a second-place finish with a score of 166.

The Borderites next matchup will be another tournament, this time at Mount Vernon High School on Saturday, January 6, starting at 9 a.m. The Borderites host one final home meet, against Lakewood on Wednesday, January 17.

Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office

year in

REVIEW

By Bill Elfo, outgoing

ence (NWC) record. While the team currently sits near the bottom of the conference standings, there is still plenty of time left in the season for the Borderites to gun for a 1A District playoff spot.

Blaine boys basketball’s next home game is Thursday, January 4 at 7:15 p.m. against conference rival Sedro-Woolley.

Girls Basketball Blaine girls basketball had a busy winter “break,” if one could even call it that for this 5-5 team scrapping its way to stay afloat in a fiercely competitive conference.

The Borderites have an interesting split in their conference and non-conference record through the halfway point in the season. Girls basketball has done well against the five non-conference teams it’s faced, earning a

s h e r i ff

Your Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) continues to proudly serve the BlaineBirch Bay community. After several years of staffing shortages, the sheriff’s office is finally nearing full law enforcement staffing. Ten new deputy sheriff positions were gained in the 2023-24 budget and we are working to fill those positions.

Deputy Joel Douglas, a veter-

an of many years of law enforcement service, is assigned as your new Birch Bay neighborhood deputy. He was introduced to the community at the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce meeting and community events in the bay area. Deputy Douglas is replacing former neighborhood deputy Derek Jones, who was selected for the detective unit.

Following tradition, deputies ushered in the New Year by plunging into Birch Bay during the annual Polar Bear swim.

WCSO continued our commitment to public safety with extra patrols during the largest event

of the year in the Birch Bay area, the Fourth of July fireworks. As they do each year, members of the Jail Alternatives Work Crew helped clean up the resulting litter. (This year, they collected enough to fill three 30-yard dumpsters.) We joined other first responders for our annual National Night Out on August 1 at Birch Bay State Park. Deputies also were out in force participating in Trick-or-Treat on the Berm. We enjoyed meeting so many of you.

Of course, deterring and responding to crime is our top focus. On October 4, deputies

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Having served as the Blaine police chief for over six years and your sheriff for the past 21 years, I am now retiring and my last day was December 31, 2023. I want to thank you and this community for your support of law enforcement over the years and your many kindnesses to me personally. I plan to remain engaged in community volunteer service and hope to see you in the future.

2023 year in

REVIEW

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In 2023, Birch Bay Water and Sewer District (BBWSD) focused on infrastructure to support future population growth and protect water supply systems. This work included securing financing from the Washington State Department of Commerce Public Works Board (PWB) to upgrade critical systems. The district was awarded two construction loans totaling nearly $3 million to increase reliability and capacity improvements of the water supply.

The first loan is funding the installation of a new water storage tank and upgrades to the water delivery system in Point Whitehorn. The second will fund the upgrade of aging water systems in Birch Point. The interest rate is 1.65 percent, saving money and keeping utility bill rates low.

BBWSD continues involvement in the adjudication of water rights in the Nooksack wa-

s Bill Elfo.

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Birch Bay Water and Sewer District tershed to preserve future water supply of its customers.

With respect to environmental stewardship, BBWSD continues safe, responsible operations for the treatment of wastewater and delivery of drinking water. The district also installed solar panels on its administration building this year.

On January 24, the Washington State Auditor’s Office notified BBWSD that it received a clean accountability and financial statements audit – its 12th consecutive.

On April 21, the Washington State Department of Ecology notified BBWSD that it received a 2022 Wastewater Treatment Plant Outstanding Performance Award. This is the 21st award BBWSD has received since 1999.

In June, work began to replace a water main on Shintaffer Road, including the installation of two fire hydrants and the improvement of the impacted road surface. The project was completed in September.

Erin Beebe Carampot is an accounts receivable clerk at BBWSD.

January 4 - 10, 2024 • thenorthernlight.com

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11

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: CRAIG COOK, Deceased. No. 23-4-01132-37.

AMENDED NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Lee Grochmal 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: December 4, 2023 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: January 4, 2024 Name of Administrator: CINDY MAXWELL 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: December 4, 2023 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator: CINDY MAXWELL www.averyelderlaw.com

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Philip G. Kelly, Deceased. NO. 23-401172-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: Lee Grochmal The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by 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: January 4, 2024 Personal Representative: Anthony Scott Fairris 1513 Shannon Court Carrollton, TX 75006 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. 23-4-01172-37.

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Beverly Alta Odell, Deceased. NO. 23-4-01162-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: Robert E. Olson 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: January 4, 2024 Personal Representative: Brian Kincaid 21821 82nd Ave. West Edmonds, WA 98026 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. 23-4-01162-37.

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: KATHERYN ELIZABETH HAMILTON, Deceased. No. 23-4-01165-37 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: December 21, 2023, with the Clerk of Court Date of First Publication: January 4, 2024 Name of Personal Representative: Leslie Anne Hamilton-Copps 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: December 21, 2023 True North Legal Services, PLLC Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339 Attorney for Personal Representative: Leslie Anne Hamilton-Copps

FIND IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: GERALD LYNN WELLS, Deceased.

No. 23-4-01147-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge David E. Freeman The Personal Representative named below has been appointed and has qualified 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 probated 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 Filing of Notice to Creditors: December 7, 2023 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: January 4, 2023 Name of Personal Representative: JAMES EUGENE HARMON Attorney for Personal Representatives: 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: December 7, 2023 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Personal Representative: JAMES EUGENE HARMON

In accordance with Sec. 106 of the Programmatic Agreement, AT&T plans a New monopole at 288 D STREET, BLAINE, WA. Please direct comments to Gavin L. at 818-898-4866 regarding site WAL00172.

1/4, 1/11/24 CNS-3767723# THE NORTHERN LIGHT

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: KIMBERLY ANN BARNES, Deceased. No. 23-4-01201-37 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 of the 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 11.40.070 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 11.40.020(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.

The Notice Agent declares under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Washington on the 21st of December, 2023, at Parkville, MD that the foregoing is true and correct.

Notice Agent: Andrew Michael Barnes c/o Resident Agent, Genissa M. Richardson Attorney for Notice Agent: 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: December 21, 2023 True North Legal Services, PLLC Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339 Published in The Northern Light January 4th, 11th, and 18th 2024.

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of readers frequently purchase products or services from ads seen in Community Newspaper of Blaine, Birch Bay & Semiahmoo

Call or email to advertise: 360-332-1777 or sales@thenorthernlight.com

Statistics audited by the

12

The Northern Light • January 4 - 10, 2024

Real Estate

Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom Inc. 8105 Birch Bay Square Street, #101 Blaine, WA • 360-371-5100 I-5 Exit 270

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MLS #2163316 $995,000 Rare find in this beautiful low-bank Birch Bay waterfront condo where you can paddleboard or kayak off your own private beach! A 2-story, 3 bdrm, 3 bthrm at the desired Coast Haven Condominiums in the heart of the bay. Remodeled and updated kitchen & bathrooms with high-end finishes, cabinets, flooring, all new windows and coverings, & newly painted exterior. Open floor plan with living room & kitchen boasting a fabulous view plus a deck.

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MLS #2186144 $879,000 Birch Bay waterfront home, 1874 sq ft, low bank with beach rights. Walk out your back door to the best hard-packed sand flats in Washington State. The perfect westerly-facing, unobstructed water view! Enjoy beach fires, sunsets, crabbing, clamming, boating.

This property is perfect for full-time living or Airbnb! High ceilings in an open great room with a featured front room fireplace, located within walking distance to area restaurants, hair salon, beach trail system, & state park.

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7806 Birch Bay Dr #711

MLS #2140732 $285,000 Fresh off a stunning remodel, don’t miss this completely dialed in ground floor unit in sought after Jacob’s Landing! The open floor plan sets the tone, and you’ll love the brandnew windows, water heater, cabinets, LVP flooring, trim, fireplace, backsplash & bathroom/shower...all the things are done! Walk out the slider to direct garden/patio access and the sweet smell of saltwater. This is the ideal full or part time residence + Jacob’s Landing allows short term vacation rentals.

Leah Crews 360-305-4747

7714 Birch Bay Dr #108

MLS #2179608 $549,000 Discover coastal luxury in this 3-bed, 2-bath ground-floor condo. Newer stainless appliances, granite countertops, and hardwood floors adorn the open living and dining areas with vaulted ceilings. A stunning master suite and a bay-view patio await.

Enjoy a large hot tub, storage room for bicycles, kayaks, paddle boards and access to a beautiful private beach. Whether it’s a permanent residence or a weekend escape, relish Birch Bay’s local amenities.

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7954 Birch Bay Dr #38

MLS #2006209 $94,999 Affordable beach front living! Welcome to this cozy cottage in Birch Bay with Panoramic views of the ocean. Light & bright all around with vaulted ceilings & skylights.

The ample cabinets throughout are in excellent condition. Original, clean, comfortable, custom furniture made by Lazyboy and other quality COs. to be included in the sale. All white appliances, new furnace, and mounted TV with surround sound. The added guest bedroom has a separate entrance.

Jessica Bates 410-0900

Skeena Way - Lot 10

MLS #2067337 $115,000 Great Birch Bay Village building lot on creek & beaver pond w/lots of wildlife including Great Blue Herons, ducks, & more. Very affordable lot to gain access to “Village” amenities such as saltwater marina w/brand new docks being installed, private golf course, tennis, pickleball, clubhouse etc. Better yet, build your dream home. 24/7 Guard Gated security & community patrols for added “Peace of Mind”. Numerous beachfront parks & miles of beaches to explore.

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8286 Cowichan Road

MLS #2186274 $519,000 Fabulous Birch Bay Village location on Kwann Lake. Single-level home w/large composite deck & partially fenced yard overlooking a beautiful lake. Room for RV and/or boat. Add a dock to launch your paddleboard, sailboat or kayak. Well-built w/ideal floorplan. 24/7 gated & manned security, beaches, tennis, pickleball, dog park, marina, clubhouse, parks & more. 2 hrs to Seattle & 15 minutes to U.S./Canada border.

Terrific full or part time vacation property.

Mike Kent 360-815-3898

FIND IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS! THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

Want to find a new home?

Rentals - Commercial

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, makes it illegal 925 Ludwick Ave., Blaine it illegal to advertise anywhich 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 • Commercial any such preference,familial limitation status or discrimsex, handicap, or national oriination. This newspaper will not knowingly • Manufacturing gin, anadvertisement intention to any such pref- • Warehousing acceptorany for make real estate which is in violation of the law.

Our readers erence, limitation or discrimination. This • Distribution are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper available on accept any newspaper will notareknowingly 4100 Sq Ft Hi Bay Warehouse with an equal opportunity basis. To complain of advertisement for real in vi- Ldg Dock & Grade Lvl Doors discrimination, call HUD toll-freeestate at 1-800-which isWashroom, 877-0246.of the law. Our readers are hereby inolation AVAILABLE NOW formed that all dwellings advertised in “Near this Truck Route & Mall” newspaper are available on an equal opporEmail or Call Don Nelson tunity basis. To complain of discrimination, For Availability & Rates call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246.

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MLS #2169372 $1,100,000 Discover country living in this meticulously maintained single-story home on 4.8 acres, offering an impressive 2,613 sqft. of space. The cozy entry opens to a kitchen that seamlessly flows into the inviting living area. Vaulted ceilings with immaculate wood inlay & clerestory windows provide an abundance of natural light - an atmosphere that’s as spacious as it is welcoming. For the auto/DIY enthusiast, there’s a 2-bay pole building with in-ground lift, a 2-car garage.

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4563 California Trail

MLS #2186685 $369,000 Freshly upgraded 3 bed/1.75 bath home with so many new updates: waterproof laminate flooring (no carpet anywhere!), tiled bathrooms & charming eat-in kitchen w/ on trend white cabinets, butcher block counters & stainless steel appliances. Easy access to I-5, Blaine & Birch Bay + Sunday Harbor community BBQ/picnic area, boat launch, dock & playground. The low maintenance yard w/ shed + firepit is the ideal place to relax or entertain. Cash buyers only.

You’ve come to the right place!

5770 Nakat Way

MLS #2181888 $1,075,000 Birch Bay Village stunner, a wow! JWR Design / gated community. Northwest Contemporary waterview Craftsman. Options with this home. 1828 sq. ft. on the primary level and 906 sq. ft. on the Garden level. Gentle driveway takes you up to the primary level with 2 car garage. This level features the primary bedroom & ensuite full bath, Great room concept, grand kitchen featuring a 5x9 granite countertop island, Pantry, office, dining room, guest 3/4 bath, utility room.

Brian Southwick 360-815-6638 SEMIAHMOO

8610 White Road

MLS #2156471 $6,000,000 First time offered, Borderline Lake and adjacent development property of 105.83 acres features a 2,350 ft competition water ski lake with a long history as a private and competition waterski lake serving Western Washington & Canada. Located minutes from Canadian border, this property features a private ski lake, two boat houses, boat launch, judging tower, and multiple docks.

Network of well-maintained trails, land for potential development of a 2nd ski lake.

Matt Berry 360-389-0104

Semiahmoo Pkwy

MLS#2186520 $388,000 A rare find in Whatcom County--beautiful shy 12-acre parcel for your dream home, a huge shop, & accessory dwelling unit!

Exceptional location, a premier spot in the Semiahmoo area--just 15 minutes to I5--close to Bellingham & an even shorter distance to the U.S./Canadian border. Level, easy-to-build site with water & electricity in the street. There are a lot of design choices when you are working with such a spacious piece of usable ground. Ideal location.

Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718

January 4 - 10, 2024 • thenorthernlight.com

2023 year in

REVIEW

Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce

By Sacha Sanguinetti and Danielle Gaughen

I’ll be heading back to Olympia to work on your behalf. In 2024, the legislative session is short – just 60 days – getting underway on January 8 and ending on March 7. In 2023, my main accomplishments were centered around behavioral health, public safety, housing and providing a tax break to food producers and consumers.

Before the start of the 2023 session, I made a promise to you that I would work hard on issues encompassing law enforcement and mental health.

The two really do work well in tandem, and the two bills that passed both chambers and became law this year include House Bill 1679 (a helping kids in crisis bill) and Senate Bill 5352 (which amended our state’s police pursuits laws).

Both bills reflect my commitment to you.

I was also the prime sponsor of House Bill 1573, which extends a tax break until 2035 to the hardworking people of our

stroom facilities in Birch Bay and providing more effective communication channels.

All of these efforts will continue as the calendar flips to 2024. Discover Thursdays will once again kick off the new year, showcasing more of our membership and what Birch Bay has to offer. Kite Festival returns to the state park in June. Sand Sculpture and Rollback Weekend are once again at the Beach Park, and Derby Day will unof-

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ficially close out summer. Plans are in place for Trick-or-Treat on the Berm as well as many other events and activities.

The most effective way to keep up with all that’s going on in Birch Bay is to join the growing list ofm followers on the chamber’s social i n d media channels through Facebook, GAMES Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Sacha Sanguinetti is events coordinator and Danielle Gaughen is executive director for the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce.

fees the first year!

(.org)

SUN/10AM

SUNDAYS 10AM

ES

By Alicia Rule

Joan passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by those who loved her deeply.

Born in Denver, CO to Florence Cooper, Joan was a self proclaimed “matriarch,” a well deserved title.

She had grand stories of adventures and travel with the love of her life Everette Cannon, who preceded her in death December 7, 1987.

She was a Master Gardener and grew a beautiful stunning array of roses. She loved being outside with her family enjoying the sunshine and playing in the dirt planting flowers.

She was an honorary mama, grandmother and called herself “GG” to her two great-grandbabies who she “was blessed to be able to watch them grow.”

She is survived by her chosen daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who lit up her eyes every time she saw them.

Joan was considered by some to be a child prodigy. She was performing piano concertos at the age of 3, she played briefly with the Denver Symphony Orchestra at age 13. By 14, she was teaching others the art. She enjoyed teaching her great-grandson how to play piano.

We are so blessed to have spent a beautiful Thanksgiving together.

Her friend Val described her as “a loyal friend who always made her feel uplifted after their conversations and will be truly missed.”

She is preceded in death by her grandmother, her mother Florence, husband Everett Cannon and friend/companion Paul Bregoli.

She is survived by those who were privileged to call her family, and lucky enough to call her a friend.

She will be greatly missed.

Stay golden, girl.

DIRECTORY

RI

REVIEW

February 7, 1935 – December 19, 2023

SE

year in

Joan Edwards Cannon

LL

2023

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

FA

2023 saw continued growth and activity for the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Center. All events experienced increased attendance and participation and staff pushed forward with advocacy efforts on important issues facing the Birch Bay community.

We kicked off the year with Discover Thursdays, a new, multimedia marketing campaign designed to highlight membership and the community overall. Kite Festival was hosted at Birch Bay State Park and the facility was a perfect fit for this event, offering plenty of space and no power lines to interfere with kites. July saw the return of the Rollback Weekend Car Show to Birch Bay Beach Park, something the community has been wanting for several years. Sand Sculpture Competition, Derby Day, Trick or Treat on the Berm, Ring of Fire and Hope, and Polar Bear Plunge rounded out the busy event schedule.

The chamber also hosted a candidate forum, numerous networking opportunities, and participated in legislative updates.

We continued dialogue with Whatcom County officials about the future development of the Beach Park, getting public re-

O B I T U A RY

13

SEPTEMBER: 580 C St., Blaine

360-332-8610

northwoodchapel.com

State representative Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) state who grow fruit and vegetables and provide us with dairy products, seafood and wine.

Not only do these food producers enjoy a tax break, but so do you every time you’re in the checkout lane with your groceries. This legislation enables our food producers to stay competitive across state lines and in an ever more competitive global marketplace.

Last session, I also worked hard to secure funding for a new 23-hour urgent care center for behavioral health ($9 million), a new 911 dispatch center ($1 million), emergency transportation for behavioral health emergencies ($800,000), the Ferndale Resource Center ($3 million), and a medical drug detox at the Wellness Center on Lummi Nation ($8.1 million).

I also fought hard to secure two new master of social work programs ($4 million) at Western Washington University and Washington State University to see more professionally trained social workers. Most importantly, I also secured $42.5 million

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for my popular outdoor education bill from the 2022 Legislative Session, House Bill 2014, that received almost unanimous bipartisan support.

Rep. Alicia Rule has served the 42nd district since January 2021 and lives in Blaine. You can keep up with her legislative work by signing up for her biweekly newsletter, at bit.ly/4aq2jom, or following her legislative Facebook page.

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14

The Northern Light • January 4 - 10, 2024

Sheriff’s Reports December 13, 5:39 p.m.: Hit and run on Birch Bay Square Street.

December 13, 9:39 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Creasey Road.

December 14, 9:47 a.m.: Overdose on Birch Bay Lynden Road and Portal Way. December 14, 6:08 p.m.: Theft cold call on Henley Street.

December 15, 3:15 p.m.: Fight on Portal Way. December 15, 7:20 p.m.: Fugitive arrest on Pacific Highway.

cold call on Blaine Road.

December 23, 1:08 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Sunburst Drive.

December 25, 10:19 a.m.: Burglary on Kickerville Road.

December 26, 5:20 p.m.: Hit and run cold call on Deer Trail and Birch Bay Drive.

December 17, 2:54 a.m.: DUI arrest on Loomis Trail Road.

December 18, 11:41 a.m.: Burglary cold call on Fir Street.

December 18, 12:06 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Jackson Road.

December 18, 12:18 p.m.: Theft cold call on Morrison Avenue.

December 19, 2:31 p.m.: Vehicle theft cold call on Henley Street.

December 19, 9:09 p.m.: Missing person cold call on James Tree Lane.

December 20, 8:44 a.m.: Burglary

December 28, 4:22 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Birch Bay Drive.

December 29, 1:15 p.m.: Shots on Giles Road.

December 29, 3:24 p.m.: Theft cold call on H Street Road.

December 29, 4:41 p.m.: Shots on Haynie Road.

December 27, 1:22 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Camas Drive.

December 30, 3:21 p.m.: Theft cold call on Kickerville Road.

December 16, 7:15 a.m.: Vehicle theft on Evans Drive.

December 16, 11:58 a.m.: Vehicle theft on McMillan Avenue.

December 17, 1:35 p.m.: Theft on 4th Street.

December 18, 2:31 p.m.: Vehicle theft on H Street.

December 18, 7:05 p.m.: Theft on Boblett Street.

December 18, 7:48 p.m.: Drugs on 3rd Street.

December 18, 9:07 p.m.: Drugs on Boblett Street.

December 22, 8:08 a.m.: Moving

cal period 46. Automobile 48. You can take it 49. A radio band 51. Jaws of an animal 52. Short-billed rails 54. Chinese province 56. Shameless and undisguised 60. Horizontal passage into a mine 61. Adult males 62. Fail to entertain 63. Dried-up 64. City in north-central Utah 65. Southern U.S. 66. German river 67. Oxygen 68. Make law DOWN 1. Curved segment 2. Wings 3. From pentane (Chemistry) 4. Gradually gets into 5. Commercial document (abbr.)

6. Overhang 7. Christmas and New Year’s have them 8. Type of bulb 9. Lacking a plan 10. Tattle 11. Rockers like it

“heavy” 12. One who’s been canonized 14. Indicate time and place 17. Nobel Prize winner in physics 20. The voice of Olaf 21. Fragmented rock 23. They __ 25. Master of Philosophy 26. Backside 27. Landmark house in L.A. 29. An act of undue intimacy 30. From which a later word is derived 32. Equal to 10 meters 34. Neither 35. Computer language 37. Sacred book of Judaism 40. A woolen cap of Scottish origin 42. A way to dedicate 43. Challenges 47. British Air Aces 49. Large, influential bank 50. Portended 52. Cavalry-sword 53. Vaccine developer

vehicle accident injury on Peace Portal Drive.

December 22, 8:35 a.m.: Vehicle theft on Garibaldi Court.

December 22, 10:34 a.m.: Theft on Garfield Avenue.

December 22, 6:39 p.m.: Suicidal subject on 15th Street.

December 23, 8:55 a.m.: Vehicle theft on Adelia Street.

December 24, 7:27 p.m.: Theft on C Street.

December 24, 7:59 p.m.: Vehicle theft on 3rd Street.

55. Napoleonic Wars general 56. Italian Seaport 57. Hip joint 58. __ Clapton, musician 59. Insect repellent 61. Decorative scarf 65. Delaware ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W DATE

TIME

HEIGHT

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3:43 am

8.5

6:36 pm

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Su 7

Tu 9

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HEIGHT

10:51 am 13.8

1:36 am 10.4

4:31 am 10.0

11:15 am 13.6

7:14 pm

5.5

3:06 am 11.6

5:47 am 11.3

11:39 am 13.5

7:52 pm

4:06 am 12.7

7:37 am 12.2

12:11 pm 13.5

8:32 pm

Mo 8 4:52 am 13.7

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12:49 pm 13.5

9:14 pm

5:32 am 14.4

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9:56 pm

We 10 6:10 am 14.8 2:35 pm 13.6

Live Music at The Vault: Friday, January 5, 7 p.m, The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring: Louis Ledford and Nora McLaughlin.

Info: thevaultwine.com.

Annual Curbside Christmas Tree Pick Up: Saturday, January 6. Put trees to the curb by 8 a.m. Donations welcome by venmo@BSA-TROOP-4026 or tie an envelope with donation to the tree. Sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 4026. Info: Laura at 360/389-8091.

2.5

1.8

10:55 am 12.6 10:40 pm

Mason Bees - Alternative Pollinators: Saturday, January 6, 10 a.m.–noon, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn how to support all pollinators in your own backyard. This workshop will present an overview of the problem and introduce you to native pollinators plus discuss how to establish and maintain a healthy mason bee colony in your yard. Info: nwcore.org.

College Football Championship Watch Party: Monday, January 8, 4:30–8:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Watch the Washington Huskies vs. Michigan Wolverines on the big screen. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.

Cruising with Heino: Wednesday, January 10, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn tips, tricks and find the best deals. Answers to your ocean cruise ship/cruising questions. A media presentation by Heino Sunter and handouts. Info: nwcore.org.

Community Dinner: Wednesday, January 10, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Featuring Pete’s BBQ pork sandwiches, potatoes and coleslaw. Cost: $5. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.

“A Journey Toward Hope and Healing”: Thursdays, January 11–February 8, 1–2:30 p.m., Blaine United Church of Christ, 815 4th Street.

This educational and supportive grief group covers many dimensions of grief, including the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual aspects of grief. Group is co-led by two Whatcom Hospice bereavement caregivers. Limited space. Preregistration required at 360/733-5877 or email whatcomhospicegrief@peacehealth.org.

“That’s Not How I Remember it” Performance: Thursday–Saturday, January 11–13, 7 p.m., Blaine High School Black Box Theater (enter behind the stadium). One-act all-ages comedy designed and directed by BHS students. Entry by donation (cash only). Snack bar and pizza raffle.

Teen Board Game Night: Friday, January 12, 6–8 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Teens play Dungeons and Dragons, Catan and more. Free. Registration required at bbbparkandrec.org.

Nerf War: Saturday, January 13, 1–3 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Kids ages 8–14 bring your Nerf guns and we’ll provide the ammunition and pads to make forts for protection! Create teams or stand as an individual against everyone in this fun two hour event. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

January 4-10 at Blaine.

Not for navigation.

Sa 6

Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, January 4, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Theme: general knowledge plus ugly holiday attire.

Info: thevaultwine.com.

Rain Gardens and Rain Barrels: Saturday, January 13, 10 a.m.–noon, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn about creating a rain garden and how to manage the runoff and/or standing water by planting a “mini-forest floor” that will absorb and manage that extra water in your yard. Info: nwcore.org.

Tides

Fr 5

Blaine Chamber Networking Breakfast: Thursday, January 4, 7:30 a.m., Semiahmoo Resort, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway, Speaker: Blaine Community Assistance Program. Info: blainechamber.com.

Group Fitness Demo Day: Saturday, January 6, 8 a.m.–noon, Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Free 25-minute classes including yoga, strength fundamentals, Pound, cardio fusion, Total Barre and Zumba. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

Police Reports

Crossword ACROSS 1. Bleated 6. Snakelike fish 9. Database management system 13. Russian-American violinist 14. Wendy’s founder Thomas 15. Ancient Italian-Greek colony 16. Negatives 17. Rescued 18. Self-immolation by fire ritual 19. Assigns tasks to 21. Island nation native 22. Trade 23. Detergent brand 24. Famed NY Giant 25. Before 28. Split pulses 29. Extremely angry; highly incensed 31. Body part 33. American state 36. David __, US playwright 38. Move one’s head slightly 39. Secret rendezvous 41. Improved 44. A place to exercise 45. 18-year astronomi-

December 28, 3:15 p.m.: Sex crime cold call on Leeside Drive.

December 26, 7:10 p.m.: Shots on Sunburst Drive.

December 16, 11:30 a.m.: Overdose on Loft Lane.

December 16, 2:59 p.m.: Vehicle theft cold call on H Street Road.

Coming up

1.2

Mason Bees Alternative Pollinators: Wednesday, January 17, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn how to support all pollinators in your own backyard. This workshop will present an overview of the problem and introduce you to native pollinators plus discuss how to establish and maintain a healthy mason bee colony in your yard.

Info: nwcore.org.

Supper With the Superintendent: Wednesday, January 17, 6 p.m., Blaine Elementary School library. The community is invited to a questions and answer meeting with Blaine school district superintendent Dr. Christopher Granger. Light meal provided. Info: blainesd.org.

Movie Night: Friday, January 19, 7 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Playing family friendly movies. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and watch the movie on the big screen. Free popcorn. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

Ongoing 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.

The Bridge Food Bank: Fridays, 2 p.m.–4:30 p.m. The Bridge Community Hope Center’s new location, 7620 Birch Bay Drive. New registration required at thebridgehope.com or call 360/366-8763. Volunteers welcome.

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.

Weather

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.

Precipitation: During the period of December 25 to 31, 0.5 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2023 year-to-date precipitation was 28.8 inches.

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.

Temperature: High for the past week was 60.7°F on December 29 with a low of 38.5°F on December 31.

Average high was 58.3°F and low was 45.4°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

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, 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.

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

January 4 - 10, 2024 • thenorthernlight.com

15

Ring of Fire and Hope celebrates New Year’s Eve in Birch Bay The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce rang in New Year’s Eve with the Ring of Fire and

Hope along the Birch Bay shoreline on the evening of January 31, 2023.

Photo courtesy Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce

Photo by Sabrina Gomez-Vannelli

Photo courtesy Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce

Photo courtesy Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce

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By Meg OlsOn Whatcom County Council has approved changes to county code that will eliminate exemptions to mandatory garbage pickup in Point Roberts.

At their June 5 meeting, council heard from an almost evenly split 15 community members on the proposal, which would establish a mandatory minimum service level of a 32-gallon can of garbage to be picked up twice-monthly and billed through the property tax roll.

Opponents of the proposal cited a number of reasons for their opposition, primarily that the minimum service level was too high. “This exceeds the needs of 80 percent of those surveyed (in a 2016 online survey sponsored by the county solid waste division) who self-haul or use tags,” FREE Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay September 9 - 15, 2021 Kimberly Butts said. to plan a 4th of July celebration, the first since 1916. On June 20, they had Ken Calder, also opposed to the chang- s Back in 1976, a group of civic-minded people got together HHHECRWSSHHH a reunion at Ruby White’s house. See story, page 16. Standing, from l.: Postal Fred Customer DeHaan, Rosy Negron, PRSRT STDCarla Scherer, Pauli DeHaan, George es, submitted a petition signed by 364 sea- Scherer, Pat Jorgensen, Doreen Peltier. Seated: Norma Peltier, Ruby White, Kris Manning. U. S. Postage Photo by Shelley Damewood PAID sonal and full-time residents asking that IN THIS Permit NO. 87 council delay the decision until September Blaine, WA 98230 to allow a recently formed solid waste subcommittee of the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee to continue to look at the issue. erts hospital district on June 26 that Unity according to Unity Care.

Cites client base and “increasing Those in favor of the change as well as Care NW would end its contract to proThe number of people being served at community turmoil” county staff pointed out that PRCAC had vide services on the Point as of December the Point Roberts Clinic, as well as the been pondering the garbage collection B y M e g O l s O n 31, 2018, but would provide services on a number of visits, have been declining, acfor over two years, held numerous public a n d P a t g r u B B month-to-month basis if needed until June cording to the resolution. The number of meetings, sponsored an online survey and 30, 2019 and help with a possible transi- visits per year shrank from 1176 to 1033 sent out a mailer.

Unity Care NW is done with the Point tion to an alternative service provider. between 2015 and 2017, which is de“There have been numerous opportuni- Roberts clinic.

According to the June 25 resolution, the (See Hospital, page 8) ties for people to put in their two cents’ Citing declining use, a disproportionate Point Roberts Clinic does not fit with

ISSUE

Former BHS student wins big with tuba, page 5

Borderite sports are back, page 7

Blaine featured in new novel, page 10

Unity Care NW decides against renewing clinic contract Discover Birch Bay Days brings community fun Free financial literacy class offered in Blaine

By Grace Mccarthy

worth,” Arthur Reber said. “This process If you struggle to balance has a healthy bud-thorough and collaborative,” been very get, local nonprofits are heresaid to help. taxpayers’ association president Mark Financial literacy nonprofit Whatcom Robbins.

Chamber of commerce president Dream will offer six moneyDee management Gough said her association also supclasses from Tuesday, September ported28 theuntil proposal, agreeing that mandaTuesday, November 2 at thetory newtrash Commupickup was the obvious solution nity Assistance Program (CAP) to thebuilding, perennial problem of dumping gar508 G Street. Classes will bage be held 6:30on the roadsides.

7:30 p.m. every Tuesday.

Jeff Hegedus with the Whatcom County Whatcom Dream is a nonprofit that Health Department said by establishing a started in Bellingham in 1999 to educate mandatory minimum service level for all residents struggling with developed finances. The properties, as determined by nonprofit’s founders realized the reason which properties have a water connection, why their working low-income neighbors it would lead to vendor stability because remained in poverty was because they more users would support the system. didn’t know how to manage money properly, said Kevin Stray, a Whatcom Dream (See Garbage, page 7) volunteer who will teach the Blaine classes

administrative burden and “community turmoil,” the board of directors of the non-profit health care provider voted at its June 25 meeting to discontinue the contract to operate the Point Roberts Clinic.

Notice was delivered to the Point Rob-

the other clinics Unity Care NW operates in Ferndale and Bellingham, which it described as “patient centered medical homes.” Close to half of the visits to the Point Roberts clinic are for urgent care, and not for primary medical care,

Arts and music fest makes a comeback

By Meg OlsOn “The Point Roberts Arts and Music Festival is back on the water,” says Arts Foundation founder and festival organizer Craig Jacks.

After being put on the shelf for a year, the festival will be back for its 23rd year,

running three weekends in August.

Kiniski’s Reef Tavern is partnering with the foundation, offering a location, planning assistance and funds for this year’s event. “We decided to make it longer so more people can enjoy it,” said tavern manager Allison Calder. The first weekend (See Arts & Music, page 14)

Weddings

Jump into family fun and events Taste PNW wine, beer and spirits

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Experience outdoor art and museums

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Classifieds ........................................ 20 Coming Up ...................................... 19 Garden ............................................. 15 Library ............................................ 18 Obituaries ........................................ 22 Opinion .............................................. 4 Seniors ............................................ 18 Tides ................................................ 10

YEARS

GRANT GUNDERSON: 25 YEARS AT MT. BAKER A special publication of The Northern Light

this fall.

“We think finances are an important slice of everyone’s life and if we can handle [money] well, we can make everyone’s lives better,” he said.

AFTER PARADE FAMILY ACTIVITIES: The classes will teach budgeting, han- BEGIN THE DAY AT THE H Breakwaters Bar & Grill Community Center 1437 Gulf Rd. dling new and old debt, credit scores and STARTSofAT 12 fun NOON along 3-5. The Birch BayatChamber s Birch Bay’s seaside offered another weekend family September of Commerce history, achieving and maintainingPancake finan- Breakfast Point Roberts Marina.hosted the POINT ROBERTS MARINA 7:15-11:15 am festival PREP benefit GulfPark Rd. and fromRecreation Marine Dr. to Tyee Dr. Friends of Birch AT 10:30 PM help fromPRBlaine-Birch Bay District 2 and Library.Reef Attendees cial stability, retirement planningFlag andRaising the fun-filled Ceremonyevent, 11:30with am featuring Winds HBay Kiniski’s Tavernenjoyed activities such as a pancake breakfast, outdoor kid games and rubber duck derby. More photos on page 16. psychology behind money.

Photo by Chuck Kinzer/CKimageart.com Stray, who has a business degree from St. Martin’s University, said he sees people struggle the most with debt, long-term planning and responsible spending.

Financial classes are geared toward people earning low incomes, but Stray said all are welcome.

Classes will be offered to about 20 people, but there’s not a set limit. Scheduling foot warehouse in September 2020 that al- cused on what he can control. in advance is recommended, but attendees B y G r a c e M c c a r t h y lowed it to store over 20,000 boxes awaitTodd Robinson, Security Mail Services can also show up to the classes.

Over a year-and-a-half after the U.S./ ing cross-border customers. manager, echoed Baron’s sentiments. The “We hope a lot of people will be inter“We used up all of the creativity we had last year-and-a-half has been hard but with ested, come out, learn more about money Canada border closure and Blaine mailbox and how to deal with it,” Stray said. “We’re stores wait patiently for the return of loyal to maximize the space we had, which is boxes stacked high around him, he said always excited to put on another class in Canadian customers, all while they’ve set- what prompted renting the warehouse,” he’s in a much better place than he would tled into an adapted business routine.

Baron said. have predicted.

Blaine.”

Mail Boxes International owner Brant Baron and other mailbox operators are “When [the border] first closed down, I The program will offer free financial mentoring to people who finish the course. Baron said his parcel store has changed its mostly catering to Canadian companies would have never anticipated being closed No childcare is available during the eve- business strategy to stay busy during the that need products from the U.S. forward- this long. I thought three months, maybe, ed. Although business has been better, he tops,” Robinson said. “I’m pleased with ning classes, so people will need to plan border closure.

To deal with parcels yet to be picked up, emphasized his situation is not detrimen(See Financial classes, page 4) (See Box stores, page 2) the H Street business rented a 4,800-square- tal and he has leaned into his faith and fo-

Point Roberts July 4 Happy Birthday USA PARADE

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20 21 - 20

Blaine mailbox stores use creativity as they wait for the U.S. to open Canada border

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Single-use plastic bags ban starts October 1 By eMily Feek Sales of single-use plastic bags will be banned in Washington state beginning on October 1 after governor Jay Inslee rescinded the proclamation delaying the original January 1, 2021 start date.

The ban prohibits the sale of single-use plastic bags for grocery stores, restaurants, small vendors and retail businesses, according to a department of ecology (DOE) press release. Instead of using these bags, businesses can either sell customers bags

that are compliant with the ban or customers can bring reusable bags.

Stores can sell paper bags or more durable plastic bags for eight cents. The eight-cent charge, mandated by law, is not a tax, but is kept by the merchant both to encourage customers to bring their own bags and to account for the increased cost of compliant bags.

While the ban goes into effect on October 1, businesses can implement changes sooner, said Dave Bennett, DOE solid waste management program spokesperson.

“Nothing is preventing a business from charging a fee and using compliant bags right now,” Bennett said. “We encourage those businesses to do that and start making those changes now.”

The bag ban is intended to cut down on pollution caused by plastic bags, which are difficult to recycle and can clog recycling sorting machines, according to the DOE. In addition to the ban, Inslee signed a new state law regarding plastics use and (See Plastic bags, page 4)

INSIDE

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The Northern Light • January 4 - 10, 2024

Birch Bay Polar Bear Plunge 2024 The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce hosted the 41st annual Birch Bay Polar Bear Plunge on New Year’s Day. Brave partici-

pants splashed into the cold Birch Bay water to mark the beginning of 2024.

Photos by Molly Ernst

We’ve Got That CHICKEN PARMESAN OVER SPAGHETTI Available daily in January starting at 11AM Breaded chicken breast cutlet covered with melted parmesan and mozarella cheeses atop spaghetti in a bright and tangy tomato sauce. Served with a side of vegetables and garlic toast

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