Foothills Gazette » April 9 – 22, 2010

Farm & Garden briefs

Becca Schwarz — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:43:55 +0000

Maple Falls Community Garden work party set
MAPLE FALLS – A work party for the Maple Falls Community Garden will take place on Saturday, April 17 starting at 10 a.m. Participants should bring tools. Plots will be assigned to those interested, and land owner Dave Halliday will bring compost from his farm. For more information, contact Dave at Crossroads Grocery in Maple Falls or visit http://maplefallsgarden.ning.com/

2010 Llama and Alpaca Info Day set
BELLINGHAM – JNK Llama Farm on Sand Road in eastern Bellingham will hold a 2010 Free Llama & Alpaca Information Day on Saturday, April 24 from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. This will be the farm’s 4th annual alpaca/llama day of workshops and education. This event is free and open to anyone. A group of owners and speakers are providing this service. The farm is located at 5015 Sand Road and can be reached at 592-2603.

IN THE GARDEN: Got spuds?

Becca Schwarz — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:42:55 +0000

by Chuck McClung

Potatoes are one of the easiest veggie crops to grow. Because they store well, they’re one of the best homegrown staple foods for winter. In the right conditions and with a few helpful hints, even the novice gardener can realize a tremendously large harvest, this year – it’s not too late! So here are the basics so you’ve got spuds!
Plant only certified seed potatoes. Potatoes from the grocery store may have been treated to prevent sprouting. Be sure that you plant a variety of potato that’s suitable for your needs. Some varieties are too “wet” for hash browns; some are less drought tolerant.
The most common question I hear is “When do I plant?” Planting time is determined by two things: soil moisture and soil temperature. Potatoes like deep, light, loose, but moist, well-drained soil in as much sun as possible. If you have puddles, it’s too early to plant potatoes. If you dig down in the soil and it’s still pretty wet, it’s still too early. Wait for the soil to drain off.
Potatoes dislike cool soil temperatures. Preferably wait until soil temperatures are in the 50s. It may still be too cool and/or too wet depending on your situation; many garden spaces, however, are ready for potato planting.
Amend your soil with compost, not sand, to loosen clay soil. Potatoes are one of the few veggie crops that prefer slightly acidic soil; so there’s no need to add lime. Avoid planting potatoes in the same place each year to help prevent disease.
Use an organic fertilizer that is higher in phosphorus (the middle number) to encourage a large potato harvest. Side dress two or three times during the season as plants grow. Stop fertilizing after the potatoes have finished flowering. Yes they flower and they’re quite showy too – I won’t tell you the color; you’ll have to find out for yourself.
Those large “seed” potatoes in the nurseries are meant to be cut into quarters, or so, and planted as “seed”. I recently saw for the first time Fir Bark Dust (powdered fir bark), a natural alternative to powdered, synthetic fungicides that are applied to the cut ends of seed potatoes to prevent rot and disease.
As potato plants grow, and create actual potatoes (tubers), they tend to grow up out of the ground. If the potatoes are exposed to sun they will burn and become bitter. So, gently “hill” or pile up soil around the plant to encourage more tuber growth and prevent sunburn. You hear of people growing potatoes in tires and filling them with straw as the potato plants grow up. This does work. But surely couldn’t one create some other kind of makeshift “hilling frame” besides tires?!
Early varieties are ready 2-3 months after planting. One can harvest a few potatoes from the sides of these plants as they grow, which also prolongs the harvest. For mid and late season potatoes, stop watering when vines die down, and harvest about two weeks later.
Store potatoes in a cool, dry place, much in the same way one would store dahlias for the winter; do not let them freeze.
Chieftain is a great early variety for the foothills that tends to resist scab and blight. Yukon Gold is one of the most popular early varieties great steamed, boiled or baked, but too moist for hash browns. German Butterball is a classic multipurpose good keeping mid-season potato.
There are also many varieties of fingerling potatoes like French Fingerling or Rose Finn Apple that grow smaller, narrower tubers. Most fingerlings aren’t ready until the end of the season, but they seem to have a more natural resistance to scab and diseases. Plus, you get bigger yields than with other potatoes, and it takes fewer pounds to plant the same space.
So here’s hoping this year, you’ve got spuds.

Chuck McClung helps others solve their gardening dilemmas and may be reached at orchidfruit@hotmail.com.

Letters

Becca Schwarz — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:41:09 +0000

Thanks for your support
We live in a small rural area and sometimes we get reminders of why we do.
Recently Barb had surgery at the University of Washington, and wow did the community and friends come together to help Frank and Barb with all the critters and to even pick me up so Frank did not need to drive to Seattle after working a 12-hour day! Everyone knows everyone and when someone needs help they all come a running even if they have jobs and are busy themselves.
Again this is a reason to NOT let us become a big city. Let’s keep it rural – a friendly area for tourists to visit and be amazed so few of these areas are left!
Thanks again to everyone. We love all of you.
—Barb and Frank Clark,
Maple Falls

Enjoyed our visit
I recently passed through your area during our family’s travels visiting the Olympics in Vancouver, B.C. It was our first time to the Mt. Baker region, and we had such a wonderful time. Who knew you could find such delicious pizza, beer and Italian food in “the woods”? Our family had a wonderful time and we appreciated the suggestions on where to visit and what to see.
Plus, our cell phones had no service! We had no idea this was going to happen. This bugged our children very much, but after several hours of no beeping and no ringing, these parents were in pure heaven. Reason alone to return to the Mt. Baker area. Thanks again for the great visit.
—Scocia family, California

Beyond dial-up internet
There are currently multiple efforts underway to improve internet service to the Foothills area and other parts of east Whatcom County. Each of these efforts requires that we know what geographic areas are most in need. Communities that do the best job of providing this information will have a better chance of getting the resources needed to bring in high speed internet service.
The Federal Communications Commission is collecting data to demonstrate the extent of the unmet need for broadband service. You can help our community by letting the FCC test your broadband speed. It takes just a few minutes. Visit www.broadband.gov/, and click “I want to test my connection quality.” Enter your address and start the test. It will ask you to take the same test twice. Please do so. There are two different software programs running the test and neither is particularly accurate. Taking the test on each program provides better information to those who may care that we are feeling cut off from the modern world. I promise that you won’t have to study for this test – just hope that you can fail it.
The following link will take you directly to a page where you can report an area without broadband coverage: www.broadband.gov/qualitytest/deadzone/ Those with a speed score of less than 256 are entitled to click on the “I do not have broadband at home” button. Many of us do not have broadband according to the FCC definition of 256 Kbps or more. Part of the FCC plan is to address broadband dead zones. I think we have areas that qualify but we need to prove it by clicking “I do not have broadband at home.”
Please help our community by:
• Having your computer take the test.
• Encouraging as many friends, neighbors and associates as you can to take the test as well – especially people who are also trapped on a slow connection.
• If you have no access to high speed internet, email me your physical address, a brief description about where to find that on a map, a brief message about the status of your internet connection (dial-up, satellite) and your name.
I am working with federal, state and private organizations to get the best possible services to our rural areas as soon as possible. I believe this is essential for the success of our schools and our economic development efforts. We are currently waiting (again) for news on a federal grant. The state will also have grant money available soon.
Thank you for the time you contribute to this. Our future depends on what we do today.
—Linda Dorsett, Maple Falls linda@envisionconsulting.biz

Wind energy project off the table

Becca Schwarz — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:39:25 +0000

by STEPHANIE KOSONEN
COUNTY – Squalicum Mountain residents spoke up in opposition during rcent Whatcom Counyu Council meetings regarding a proposed community wind energy project in the area.
Cascade Community Wind Company was planning three wind turbines for the area. However, neighbors petitioned Council for a halt on wind projects upon learning about the plans.
The Council approved an emergency moratorium at its Feb. 23 meeting after about eight people expressed concerns that the turbines could cause public health problems and a danger to wildlife. Those opposed want a revision of the county’s alternative energy ordinance, adopted in 2008, particularly to create larger setbacks for wind energy projects near residential areas. The emergency moratorium lasts 60 days.
Cascade Community Wind Company chose the location because it is zoned forestry, which is meant for projects like this, said Terrance Meyer, professional engineer for Cascade Community Wind.
A public hearing on the issue was held in mid-March.
Many called for a one to two-mile setback, something Meyer said would make the project impossible.
The opponents are exhibiting “a case of the nimbys (not in my back yard),” stated Lisa Neulicht of Ferndale. She said she is shocked that the project is being put on hold and urged the council to base their decisions on science.
Liz Vennos of east Bellingham said she is not ashamed to take the “nimby” stance because of the project’s potential for causing neurological, visual and cardiac disorders.
“It’s important that if this device is allowed to operate in our environment, that we be absolutely certain it doesn’t have a negative impact on our health and on the environment,” Vennos said.
The project’s supporters said when wind power is done efficiently and with community support, it provides a green way to enhance an area’s energy independence.
Although birds do sometimes fall victim to spinning wind turbines, the National Audubon Society and the Sierra Club both favor wind power, Meyer added. Wind energy has a net positive impact for wildlife because it offsets global warming and reduces the burning of fossil fuels, he said. “It does not have an impact on whole populations and there is no harm to birds as a species,” he said.
Patty Mullin of east Bellingham urged the council to take a better look at the negative effects of wind turbines, including Wind Turbine Syndrome, which could cause people to lose sleep. She also cited concerns about the resale value of homes near the project.
In addition, Mullin said she has recorded the winds from her home on Squalicum Mountain Road and doesn’t believe they are adequate for producing power.
Meyer said in a telephone interview that Whatcom County doesn’t have the ideal weather for wind power, but it’s good enough. “There are plenty of people who put solar panels up in Western Washington even though it’s not Arizona,” Meyer said.
Health concerns are not credible, he added. “If your attitude’s good, it’s going to go out in the wash,” he said. “Some of them may get this Wind Turbine Syndrome but that’s all based on if you don’t like something, it’s going to affect you.”
Cascade had just begun to contact people in the Squalicum Mountain neighborhood to hear their concerns when the moratorium was added to the council agenda as a last-minute item, Meyer said.
“Once it looked like something might work (on Squalicum Mountain), then we started our neighbor outreach, and that I thought was going well,” he said.
When someone told him not to miss the council meeting because his project was going to be discussed, Meyer said it caught him off guard.
“It was an unfortunate way to find out from the community that they didn’t want it there.”
Meyer said each turbine would have provided eight jobs and $900,000 to the local economy. Cascade has abandoned the Squalicum Mountain project for now.
Meyer said the company will look for other areas for wind turbines in the county. “We develop community wind energy projects within areas where neighbors are on board,” Meyer said, adding rhe company gives partial ownership to people who live near the projects.
The company will continue to gather wind data, Meyer said. The Port of Bellingham’s waterfront land in Bellingham is a site that could be a possible site for turbines, he said.

Police Report

Becca Schwarz — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:38:46 +0000

compiled by Brent Cole
The following items were compiled through reports filed with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO):

Animal Cruelty
• Deputies responded to a report of a dog being stabbed during a domestic issue between adults in the 6200 block of Elm Circle, Paradise Lakes. A man was booked into the Whatcom County Jail for animal cruelty 1st degree and assault (domestic violence) 4th degree.

Assault
• March 28: WCSO responded to an assault report three times in the 7800 block of Campers Corner, Columbia Valley. Deputies contacted all people involved and arrested two adults for assault fourth degree. They were booked into Whatcom County Jail.
• April 2: WCSO responded to a physical domestic between two men in the 200 block of Azure Way, Paradise Lakes. A man was arrested for assault 4th (domestic violence) and booked into Whatcom County Jail.

Burglary
• April 3: A burglary was reported in the 7400 block of 2nd Street, Maple Falls. There are no suspects or leads at this time.
• April 1: WCSO deputy responded to the 8400 block of Fir Lane, Peaceful Valley, for a burglary report. Unknown suspect(s) forced entry into a home, entered and stole items. Case is under investigation.

Criminal Impersonation
• March 25: WCSO contacted an Acme man during a traffic stop at the corner of Slater Road and Rural Avenue. The man provided two different identities before deputies discovered his true name. He was taken into custody on three outstanding warrants, and also booked into jail for criminal impersonation 1st degree.

Firearm
• March 24: The sheriff’s office responded to reports of an argument and gunshot in the .5800 block Camper’s Corner, Columbia Valley. Upon arrival, the deputy developed probable cause to arrest two men for felon in possession of a firearm. They were both arrested and booked into the Whatcom County Jail.

Fraud
• March 24: WCSO responded to the 5000 block of Mount Baker Highway after a Bellingham man attempted to obtain cash through the use of a fraudulent credit card. He was found to be in possession of three fraudulent access devices. He was booked into the Whatcom County Jail.
• March 31: A person contacted WCSO regarding a credit card fraud report in the 1500 block of Mount Baker Highway. Someone fraudulently used the victim’s credit card number to make several purchases online. The card was never lost or stolen.
Theft
• March 23: WCSO responded to a report of a shoplifter in the 5000 block of Mount Baker Highway. The man was contacted and admitted to stealing a bottle of tequila. He was issued a citation for theft 3rd degree and released.
• March 31: WCSO deputies took a report of a theft in the 6500 block of Limestone Road, Columbia Valley. A juvenile suspect was identified and the case will be forwarded to the juvenile prosecutor’s for charges.
• March 22: Resident reported theft of mail during a rash of mail thefts in the Columbia Valley area.
• March 18: WCSO responded to a report of a transient observed stealing wine from a store in Acme. The suspect had left prior to law enforcement arrival. Probable cause was posted for his arrest for theft 3rd degree.

Suspended license
• March 23: A WCSO deputy contacted a driver in the 8000 block of Kendall Road. A woman was arrested for Driving While License Suspended 3rd degree. With consent, a search of the vehicle revealed a small amount of suspected drug and drug paraphernalia. She was arrested and later released for driving while license suspended 3rd degree, possession (less than 40 grams) and possession/use of drug paraphernalia. The vehicle was released to its owner, who has a valid driver’s license.

News Briefs

Becca Schwarz — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:38:06 +0000

Sumas library services discussion set
SUMAS – A conversation about library services in Sumas will be held on Monday, April 19 at the Sumas Library. Branch Manager Penny Leenders, Public Services Manager Regan Robinson and Whatcom County Library System Director Joan Airoldi will be on hand to talk with residents about services, including what is working well and what can be improved. Coffee and cookies will be provided. The discussion will be held from 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Sumas Library, 451 2nd Street. For more information, call 988-2501.

Public Service Center to open for season
GLACIER – The Glacier Public Service Center will reopen for the season on Sunday, April 25. Operating hours will be Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8 a.m. 4:30 p.m. through May 27, according to lead staff Magenta Widner. At the end of the May, the Center will increase operating hours to five days per week, closed Tuesday and Wednesday until the daily schedule starts in mid-June. The Center can be reached at 599-2714 during open hours.

South Fork photo contest under way
SOUTH FORK – The Blue Mountain Grill is holding its 3rd annual photo contest now through May 2. Residents can submit photos taken within a 10-mile radius of the restaurant at 974 Valley Highway in Acme. Photos can be color or black and white, and of various sizes, framed or unframed. The deadline for submissions is May 2. Voting will be done by customers during the week of May 3-9, and awards will be announced at the restaurant on May 15. For more information, contact the Blue Mountain Grill at 595-2200.

Talent Show auditions on April 19
DEMING – The annual Mount Baker Community Talent Show will be held on Friday, April 23 at the Mount Baker Auditorium at 7 p.m. Auditions for the show will take place on Monday, April 19 from 5–7 p.m. in the auditorium. Prizes are awarded to the show’s top winners, who are selected by the evening’s audience. For more information, contact the school office at 383-2015.

County residents walk for MS research
COUNTY – Whatcom County residents are invited to participate in the annual Bellingham Walk MS event, held this year on Saturday, April 10. The event raises money for multiple sclerosis research, as well as services and programs for people with the disease. The three-mile walk starts at 9:30 a.m. at Barkley Village in Bellingham; registration is at 8:30 a.m. This is the 20th anniversary of Walk MS in Washington. To register or make a donation, visit walkwas.nationalmssociety.org.

Kindergarten registration open
COUNTY – Families in the Mount Baker School District with students starting kindergarten can sign up for Kindergarten Registration this month at local elementary schools. The following times have been established: Kendall Elementary School will hold registration on Tuesday, April 20 from 4–7 p.m. at 7547 Kendall Road; Harmony Elementary School on Wednesday, April 21 from 4–7 p.m. at 5060 Sand Road, Bellingham; and Acme Elementary School on Thursday, April 22 from 4–7 p.m. at 5200 Turkington Road in Acme. Entering kindergarten students must be five years old by August 31. Parents need to provide proof of immunizations and a birth certificate.

Democratic convention this weekend
BELLINGHAM – The Whatcom County Democratic Party will hold its county convention on Saturday, April 10 at Shuksan Middle School, 2713 Alderwood Ave., Bellingham. The convention starts at 10 a.m. and is open to all Democrats in Whatcom County. For more information, visit WhatcomDemocrats.com.

Work party slated for local trail
MAPLE FALLS – The Mount Baker Club will hold an Earth Day work party event on the Maple Falls-Glacier portion of the Bay to Baker Trail on Saturday, April 17. Participants will do some simple trail clean up along the way, but are asked to bring gloves and hand pruners if available, as well as lunch. Hand tools will be provided. The 6-mile round trip trail follows an old railroad bed. Participants should meet in Maple Falls at 10 a.m. at the Crossroads Grocery. For more information, call 966-3999 or 392-1015.

100 years: Fair scholarships available
LYNDEN – The Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden is launching a Centennial Scholarship Program as part of the celebration for the fair’s 100th year. The $1,000 Northwest Washington Fair Centennial Scholarships will be awarded to Whatcom County high school graduating seniors. Scholarships will be given to students who emulate the Northwest Washington Fair’s five core values: youth, community, agriculture, education and entertainment. The number of scholarships awarded is at the discretion of the Northwest Washington Fair. Application criteria is available at high school counseling centers, the fair office and www.nwwafair.com. Applications must be postmarked or delivered to the following address by May 4, 2010: Centennial Scholarship Committee, Northwest Washington Fair, 1775 Front St., Lynden, WA 98264. The Northwest Washington Fair will celebrate its 100th year Aug. 16-21.

Animal reps on hand at KendallWatch
KENDALL – Animal group representatives, including the Whatcom Humane Society and WeSnip, will be featured speakers during the next meeting of KendallWatch on Monday, April 12. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in the Kendall Elementary Library. For more details, visit www.kendallwatch.us.

National Forest proposals sought
COUNTY – The public is invited to submit project proposals that will benefit the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest by April 26. The submitted projects will be considered for 2010 and 2011 grants. Projects must be on or benefit National Forest lands, such as enhancing forest ecosystems, restoring land health and water quality, or improving the maintenance of existing facilities within the national forest. A project submission form is available at http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/projects/rac/ or by calling the Sedro-Woolley office at 856-2601.

Volunteers needed for Friendly Visitors
COUNTY – Individuals interested in working one-on-one with seniors through Interfaith Coalition’s Friendly Visitors program are invited to participate in an orientation and training session on Wednesday, April 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. or on Tuesday, May 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Saint James Presbyterian Church, 901 14th St. in Bellingham. Call 756-5179 for more information or to reserve a space. Friendly Visitors serves people who are disconnected from the community for a variety of reasons, including mobility limitations, health issues, few friends or family living nearby, residence in a rural setting, or outliving a spouse, partner, family or friends.

Public invited to SVFL meeting
SUDDEN VALLEY – Sudden Valley Friends of the Library (SVFL) will hold a public meeting on Saturday, April 10 from 2-4 p.m. in the Dance Barn in Sudden Valley to discuss the proposal to place a library in the Middle Barn at the Community Center. For more information, or to become a member of the SVFL, send your name and contact information to Jerry Peel at profpeel@aol.com.

—compiled by the Foothills Gazette

County contests seek local talent

Becca Schwarz — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:36:51 +0000

COUNTY – Whatcom County residents are invited to participate in two contests sponsored by the Grange.
An arts and crafts contest will be held on Monday, April 19 at the Ten Mile Grange, 6958 Hannegan Road. Residents can knit, crochet, sew, paint, carve, paste, cut, stain, sculpt, photograph – anything crafty – and enter into the 2010 Whatcom County Arts & Crafts Contest. The event is open to all in Whatcom County; Grange membership not required. Winning entries are eligible for cash prizes at the State competition in June. There are categories for both adults and children.
Full details can be found in the Program Handbook, available on the State Grange website at www.wa-grange.org. Entries are due between 10 a.m. and noon on April 19. Questions can be directed to Edith Ward at 398-1296.
The Whatcom County Grange is also looking for talent in the form of singers, musicians, and variety acts to represent the county at the NW District competition on Sunday, April 25. Winners will receive cash prizes and advance to the State competition on Friday, July 2, held in Whatcom County.
The competition takes place Sunday, April 25 at 2 p.m. in Pierce County. Whatcom County Grange will assist with transportation. Pre-registration is required. The categories include: vocal, instrumental, and variety (includes dancing, skits, monologues, readings, etc.).
For more information, see the State Grange Program Handbook (page 6) at www.wa-grange.org. To register, or for more information, contact Bekki Weston at 671-7862 or e-mail russweston@juno.com.

Frey named Lynden superintendent

Becca Schwarz — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:36:08 +0000

DEMING – Mount Baker Assistant Superintendent Jim Frey has been selected as the new superintendent of the Lynden School District. The post starts this summer.
The Lynden school board voted 3-1 last week to approve Frey. The two other candidates were David Vander Yacht, principal of Isom Elementary School within the Lynden School District, and Michael Olson, assistant superintendent of the Stanwood-Camano School District.
Frey started with the Mount Baker School District in 2000, and has served as an elementary school principal and assistant principal at the high school. He was named assistant superintendent in 2007.
Details of a timeline to select a new assistant superintendent for Mount Baker were not available as of press time.

Fire District 14 sets meeting about draft plans

Becca Schwarz — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:35:36 +0000

by the Foothills Gazette
KENDALL – Whatcom County Fire District #14 will hold a public meeting next week regarding the district’s draft Capital Facilities Plan.
The meeting takes place on Tuesday, April 13 at 7 p.m. at the Kendall Fire Station, 7528 Kendall Road.
In addition to the draft Capital Facilities Plan, there will also be discussion on the Draft Mitigation Fee Plan.
The growth Management Act requires a Capital Facilities Plan. The district is currently in the process of examining its draft plan, ecently completed.
District 14 provides emergency services to an area of roughly 72 square miles and is served by volunteers from three stations located in Kendall, Sumas and Welcome.
The draft plans include an overview of inventory and capital assets and resources, forecast of future capital facilities needs, proposed additional or expanded facilities, and financing. The plans are posted on the District’s website at http://www.wcfd14.org/.
Additional information about the draft plans will be in the next Foothills Gazette.

Nooksack Valley teacher, students named Heroes

Becca Schwarz — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:34:51 +0000

by the Foothills Gazette
EVERSON – A Nooksack Valley teacher and two students will be recipients of an Environmental Heroes award by RE Sources for Sustainable Communities.
Teacher David Ostlund and students Kelli Finet and Jenessa Moore are being recognized for their work with the Nooksack Valley High School Environmentally Friendly Club. The club has organized several eco-friendly projects at the school including food composting and reducing energy on campus to reduce to the school’s annual carbon footprint.
The awards ceremony, which is also a fundraiser for RE Sources, will take place Friday, April 23 at Bellingham’s Bellwether Hotel Ballroom starting at 5:30 p.m. Tickets cost $50 per person. According to RE Sources, community members are nominated for the award through an open process and are selected by board members and past honorees.
In addition, the EFC Club will hold its annual Garage Sale fundraiser, set for Saturday, April 17. The event includes an environmental fair to help educate the community about environmental issues, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as a sumo wrestling challenge throughout the day. Nooksack Senior Isaiah Caldwell will host an open mic from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All are welcome.
The EFC Club is accepting donations for the sale through April 15. For more information, e-mail nooksackefc@hotmail.com.