Foothills Gazette » News

Everson barn burns in early morning fire

Becca Schwarz — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:44:38 +0000

EVERSON – A barn in the 6800 block of Nooksack Road (Highway 9) just south of Everson was destroyed by fire on July 29.
At approximately 1:48 a.m. firefighters from Fire District 1 arrived on scene. Units from Fire Districts 4, 7, and 14 also responded to assist. When firefighters arrived, they found a barn full of hay engulfed in flames.
Fire officials said no people or livestock were injured. The barn the fire started in was destroyed, including approximately 160 tons of hay. An adjacent barn suffered damage. Crews remained on scene until about 11:30 a.m. Thursday. Farm workers helped spread out the hay out to get it extinguished, and the farm’s sprinkler system was being used to put it out.
The fire appears to have started when one of the hay bales spontaneously combusted inside the barn. Farm owner Michelle Vandellen said the hay was feed for the 470 dairy cows on the farm. Other feed will be used to feed the cows until they are able to purchase more hay. They are hopeful insurance will cover the approximate $100,000 loss.
A number of residents reported smoke in the air. The area is expected to smolder for several days.
Additional information was not available as of press time.

Residents celebrate pergola project at Riverside Park

Becca Schwarz — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:21:33 +0000

Everson Garden Club, Lions Club, and residents contributed time, donations

by Brita Adkinson
EVERSON – Around 60 people gathered on Sunday July 25 at Everson’s Riverside Park to celebrate the completion of the pergola project.
Approximately four years ago, the Everson Garden Club began planning a pergola structure for the park. “We wanted to create a place where people could gather,” said Kim Brandt, president of the Everson Garden Club.
The pergola structure was built to provide a place where families, individuals and groups may gather for birthday celebrations, family reunions, receptions and other parties, explained Brandt. The space is open to the public year round.
The idea was first presented to the club by Everson resident Cori Litorja. Together with two other club members, Libby Mades and Judy Toon, Litorja formed the initial committee and developed a plan. Everson architect Wayne Sorenson carried out the professional design for the construction. Many in the community stepped up to help with donations and construction.
“We could not have completed this project without the help of the many, many members of the community who donated both money and labor to make it possible,” said Brandt, adding, “We received cash donations, in-kind donations of materials and also materials at cost.”
She said volunteers who managed the project included Doug and Jason Brown, Dave Wiggins and Dave Geleynse, all local residents. Many others also contributed their time and efforts, Brandt emphasized. She said although the majority of the garden club members are women, many of their husbands helped support the project with their labor.
Brandt, who works as a school teacher in the Nooksack Valley school district for approximately 23 years, said calculations of costs had not been finalized, however, the construction and landscaping costs are so far estimated to be around $30,000. A notable donation of $10,000 was offered by the Everson Lions Club.
With generous donations of soil and plants, volunteers built a retaining wall and put in a variety of trees, evergreen shrubs and flowering shrubs to surround and cover the structure. The center part of the structure has a solid roof, while the remaining part will be partly shaded by plants.
At Sunday’s ceremony, Sara Swisher, member of the Everson Garden Club, welcomed people and thanked all the volunteers and donors. Builders Dave Wiggins and Doug Brown jointly cut the ribbon to open the premises to the public. Everson Mayor John Perry was present, along with many of the volunteers. Although there was not an extensive program, people lingered in the park for a couple of hours, enjoying the snacks, and in particular, Brandt commented, they enjoyed being together, just relaxing and visiting. “We who live in Everson don’t get together like this very often, so we had a very good time,” Brandt added. She said the pergola project is a great example of how “many people make work light.”
People who wish to plan an event at the Riverside Park pergola garden should contact the City of Everson at 966-3411. According to Brandt, the City will not provide a formal booking service, however, they will make a note on the calendar of any individuals or groups who plan to use the space.

BTC brings courses to Deming, Kendall

Becca Schwarz — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:18:50 +0000

by the Foothills Gazette
DEMING/KENDALL – Bellingham Technical College has started a new program called Reaching Out East 542 that will bring college courses to Deming and Kendall this fall.
The program brings BTC evening college courses to Deming and Kendall at a reduced rate for those who qualify, only $25 per class.
Classes will be available Monday through Thursday from 6-9 p.m. at Mt. Baker High School in Deming and Kendall Elementary School. The Fall quarter starts September 22.
Fall courses include: Essential Reading, designed to sharpen reading and critical thinking; Essential Writing, to refresh your resume and cover letter, and write using supporting details and a conclusion; and Basic Math, helping to revise your personal budget by reinforcing math knowledge amd using interactive math software paired with personalized on-demand help.
Additional reading, math and English classes will be offered in the winter and spring.
For more information on course schedules and content, contact Brandi Gist, Coordinator and Basic Skills Student Advisor, at (360)752-8587 or bgist@btc.ctc.edu.

Aug. 13 benefit planned for local family

Becca Schwarz — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:17:19 +0000

by the foothills gazette
DEMING – Friends and community members are organizing a benefit in August to raise funds and support for a local family. Deming-area resident Tim Kelley, husband and father of six, was severely injured on July 14 after falling off of a ladder at a work site. He remains hospitalized.
The Kelley Family Silent Auction & Benefit will be held Friday, Aug. 13 from 5 – 10 p.m. at the Mount Baker High School Commons. The event includes food and a silent auction, and possibly live music from a local band.
As of press time, details for the benefit are still being worked out. In the mean time, a Facebook page called the K-Eight Project has been set up for those in the community wanting to post well wishes and follow news about Tim’s progress, the family and upcoming benefits.
Donations of items and volunteer help are sought for the event. Monetary contributions are also welcome. For more information about the benefit or how to donate, visit the K-Eight Project on Facebook, the news update section at www.foothillsgazette.com or call (360) 599-3320.

Primary: Three seek County Council seat

Becca Schwarz — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:11:35 +0000

by the Foothills Gazette
COUNTY – Whatcom County voters received ballots this week for primary election on Tuesday, August 17.
Three candidates are seeking the Whatcom County Council District 1 seat. Following the Top 2 Primary, the two with the most votes will advance to the general election in November.
The candidates are Acme resident Theresa Sygitowicz, Bellingham resident Jean Melious, and Tony Larson, also of Bellingham.
Sygitowicz, an east county farmer and former small business owner, has worked for 17 years for PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s Hospital. Until recently, she served as an EMT and volunteer firefighter in Whatcom County Fire District 16, where she served for over 15 years. Her website is www.theresa4council.com and can be reached by phone at 318-4565.
Melious, 52, is an associate professor at Western Washington University associate professor, and land-use and environmental law attorney. She has been a member of the Whatcom County Planning Commission since 2007, serving as chairwoman in 2009 and 2010. Other community involvement has included the Bellingham Historic Preservation Commission, Bellingham Community Development Advisory Board, and coached high school students in debate. Her website is VoteforJean.com and she can be reached at 714-1459.
Larson, 46, is the publisher of the Northwest Business Monthly and former owner of the Bellingham Bells baseball team. His community involvement includes being the past chairman of Northwest Private Industry Council, past president of WWU Alumni Board of Directors, and work with United Way, the chamber of commerce, convention and visitors bureau and economic development council. His website is www.Getwhatcomworking.com.
Statements from the candidates can be found within the voters pamphlet circulated by the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office, or watch for candidate statements online at www.foothillsgazette.com.
Any registered voter who has not received a ballot or needs a replacement one, or person who would like to register to vote, should contact the Auditor’s office at 676-6742.
Additional information is available online at www.whatcomcounty.us by clicking on Auditor, and reviewing the election timeline and information section.

SCHEDULE
Ballots for the Aug. 17 primary were mailed on Thursday, July 29. The deadline for in-person registration to vote for the Aug. 17 primary is Aug. 9. The deadline to file as a file write in candidate for the Aug. 17 primary is Aug. 16. Any voter who has not received a ballot, or needs a replacement one, should contact the Auditor’s office at 676-6742.

Artist Point: Snow removal starts

Becca Schwarz — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:06:46 +0000

by the Foothills Gazette
COUNTY – After weeks of unseasonably cold spring and early summer weather, this week’s weather took on summer with temperatures in the high 80s and sunny skies. The change in weather comes at the same time the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has begin the annual provcess to remove snow from the end of Mount Baker Highway, allowing motorists to access Artist Point.
With a bulldozer, excavator and blower, the WSDOT crew started work Tuesday, July 6, to remove snow from the last few miles of Mount Baker Highway. The effort began under sunny skies and warm temperatures.
“I guess the switch to summertime just started… If it stays like this, it will work real well for us,” said Theo Donk, maintenance supervisor for the Washington State Department of Transportation.
Artist Point is 5,400 feet above sea level and is covered in snow most of the year.
Warm temperatures will aid DOT workers by helping to melt the snow, which is deeper than normal because of late seasonal snowfall and a cool spring into summer.
Donk said the goal is to take four weeks to clear snow from the last 2.7-mile stretch of the Mount Baker Highway.
“The snow gets deeper as you go up the hill,” he said.
The snow depth is about five feet at the lower gate at Mt. Baker Ski Area, where the road closure starts, and a little more than 20 feet in the parking lot for Artist Point.
The work will begin with a bulldozer, which can move plenty of snow in a hurry, Donk explained. It will move snow until what remains is at a depth that the excavator and blower, which come in after the bulldozer, can handle.
Artist Point is a popular viewpoint that sits at the end of the highway and features 360-degree views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker. It is the starting-off point for numerous stunning mountain hikes.
Artist Point usually is open from July to the first substantial snowfall of the year in late September or early October.
Last year, it opened on July 14 and closed on Sept. 29.

Conditions

After weeks of colder weather and late season snowfall, a lot of snow remains in the high country. While snow melt is starting, officials advise visitors and hikers to be aware of conditions. For information, stop in at the Glacier Public Service Center or contact the Mt. Baker Ranger District at (360) 856-5700. Updated conditions are posted online www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/.

Crossroads Grocery & Video expands

Becca Schwarz — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:43:03 +0000

New beer cave, additional food items available
by Brita Adkinson
maple falls – Crossroads Grocery, located on the corner of Mount Baker Highway and Silver Lake Road in Maple Falls, opened an expanded area of their store in mid-June.
“We needed more space,” said Dave Halliday, who owns and manages the store together with his wife Jen. The Hallidays own the building which also accommodates the Mount Baker Baptist Church. They were able to increase the store space with 600 square feet by retrieving a part of the church premises that was less essential to the church’s activities.
The expansion enabled the husband-and-wife team to install a new, larger counter for fresh produce, including a lot of locally grown and organic produce, and now available daily. Dairy products are also on display in a new, larger counter with a larger variety.
The new space at the back of the store hosts a brand new beer cave – a chilled room filled with more than 200 different beers, including rare micro-brew, craft beers and foreign brand products such as Jamaican, Belgian and German beers. “Our range of beers has changed as much as changing from night to day,” said Halliday. In addition, the store expanded their wine products and now have more than 100 different wines available, and have also upped their movie rentals to 2,400.
“We’ve also increased our stock of gluten-free products,” Halliday said, adding many local people appreciate being able to buy gluten-free baking mixes, pizza crusts, pie crusts and other items.
The store accepts food assistance programs, including the Special Supplemental Nutritional Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC program).
“We currently employ 10 people on full-time and part-time basis,” Halliday said, “and we endeavor to provide employment for people who are permanent residents in our area.”
Jen Halliday, who manages the bookkeeping, makes her own brand of handcrafted soaps which are for sale at the store. Future plans include selling ski gear, fishing gear and bicycle parts. The Hallidays, who bought the store two years ago, said the reward for their long hours of work is to get to know the customers and be able to put something back into the local community.
For more information, contact Crossroads Grocery and Video at 599-9657. The store is located at the intersection of Mount Baker Highway and Silver Lake Road in Maple Falls and open seven days a week.

Mount Baker Lions Club to hold annual Rubber Ducky Race

Becca Schwarz — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:28:29 +0000

MAPLE FALLS – The Mount Baker Lions Club will hold their annual Rubber Ducky Race on Saturday, July 17 at Boulder Creek in Maple Falls. The race begins at noon, and will be held rain or shine. Prizes, including $400 for the 1st place winner, $200 for 2nd place and $100 for 3rd place. Hot dog, chips and soda meals will be sold for $4. Tickets are available for $5 each at Mountain Man Espresso, Maple Falls Liquor Store, The Frosty Inn and Starvin’ Sam’s or by calling Paulene Shaw at 599-1265. Proceeds benefit the Mount Baker Scholarship Fund and Community Activity Funds.

Ellis Dentistry moving to Nugents Corner

Becca Schwarz — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:25:12 +0000

by Brita Adkinson
WELCOME – Ellis Dentistry, a dental clinic based in Deming, is set to move to Nugents Corner at the end of this year.
Business owners Dr. Randy Ellis and his wife Julie Ellis purchased land just east of Dodson’s IGA store, along Mount Baker Highway, after working many months to obtain the permits required to operate a clinic there.
“This is a great location for us,” said Dr. Ellis, who graduated in 1999 from Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon.
Dr. Ellis practiced dentistry in Bellingham before he took over the dental clinic in Deming in 2001. Within a few years, Dr. Ellis and his staff began feeling crowded in their 1,000 square foot office and installed a fourth dental chair to cater for the increasing clientele. They are currently operating with a total of nine staff – Dr. Ellis, one clinical coordinator, three dental hygienists, two dental assistants and two front office administrators.

“The new space will be a 3,000 square feet building,” said Dr. Ellis, adding, “We didn’t want to move to Bellingham.” Most of their clients live locally and are glad they don’t have to travel to Bellingham for dental treatment, he said.

The staff members are involved in designing the new premises. Contractor Dennis Pipman, of Mount Vernon, specializes in building dental clinics, and will coordinate the installment of vacuum compressor equipment, digital X-ray machines and extensive plumbing for six fully equipped treatment chairs.
The new clinic will have a quiet, separate room for patients who receive sedation or relaxation treatment. Some patients, who need long hours of treatment, choose the option of sedation, Dr. Ellis explained, and said he and his staff strive to offer patients a wide choice of treatment options. “We will also have a quiet, private room for consultations,” Dr. Ellis added.
Because buildings in the area operate on septic systems, the clinic will have waste collected and taken care of by specialized services for medical waste, ensuring the clinic’s operation will be safe and clean.
Dr. Ellis refers patients with particular conditions such as severe gum diseases or need for braces to specialists in Bellingham, and he takes part in the Washington State Continuing Education (CU) program for dentists.
“We want to create long term stability for our patients,” Dr. Ellis said. “Our staff team maintains a preventative philosophy… Don’t wait until it hurts!”
The members of staff are excited about getting new equipment, Dr. Ellis said. Almost all equipment will be brand new, including some of the latest in dental technology. “We look forward to the new gadgets!” he said with a smile.
Ellis Dentistry can be contacted at 592-1100.

Everson resident prepares trip to India for volunteer service

Becca Schwarz — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:24:41 +0000

by Brita Adkinson
EVERSON – Retired school teacher Sue Ann Heutink, of Everson, is traveling to India to volunteer at shelters helping people who have survived human trafficking.
Heutink taught at Nooksack Valley High School for 31 years and currently serves as an advisor for students at Whatcom Community College in Bellingham. On July 29, Heutink will depart for Kolkata, India. There, she will meet up with a group of about 12 other volunteers, all connected to the Emancipation Network, a US-based non-profit organization helping victims and survivors of human trafficking. The organization rescues victims, creates and maintains shelters for them, and works to restore their health and well-being, in order that they may build a normal life for themselves, Heutink said.
Heutink and the other volunteers will visit several shelters, where they will carry out therapeutic art programs with the survivors, including painting, crafts and gardening activities.
“These survivors need education and empowerment,” Heutink said, adding, “They need help to make a life for themselves.”
Human trafficking is a rapidly increasing criminal industry, said Heutink. Victims include adults and children who are kept in slavery, sometimes for many years. Currently, an estimated 27 million people are held as slaves, worldwide. Over half of these are children and teenagers. They may have been kidnapped or sold, and suffer sexual exploitation and forced labor such as carpet-making and agricultural labor.
Creating and maintaining shelters for victims is important, Heutink said. “Many of the children cannot go home, because their own parents were the ones who sold them.” Heutink added that many people who were forced into prostitution cannot go back to their villages or communities because they carry a stigma and will not be accepted back.
In the winter of 2008, Heutink watched a television documentary about human trafficking. “It touched my heart so much,” Heutink remembered. “It really hit me.”
She decided she had to get involved in helping these people. “I examined the projects,” Heutink said, “and became convinced that Emancipation Network is a legitimate organization where 80-90 percent of donations goes to directly benefit the clients.”
The organization was founded in 2005 by a couple, Sarah Symons and John Berger of Palm City, Florida. Berger left his 17-year career in Wall Street investment banking to join Symons in building shelters for survivors and establish educational activities for them. With the help of friends and supporters, Emancipation Network has built 10 shelters so far.
“We don’t talk about these people as victims, but instead, we call them survivors,” Heutink said. This helps these people be aware that they have accomplished something significant by surviving their ordeals, she added. A young girl, who was kidnapped at 9 years of age and held in captivity for around six years, impressed Heutink by taking pride in her escape from imprisonment, and in her personal journey back to self-confidence and enthusiasm for life.
In preparing for her journey, Heutink is collecting donations for the project. She welcomes donations in the form of gifts for women and children, such as clothes, toys, soap, shampoo, make-up products, creams and lotions, hair brushes, hair ties, toothpaste and toothbrushes. “Donations in the form of money are welcome,” Heutink said and explained that donations will be used for maintaining shelters and for educational activities.
Talisa Duran, a student at Nooksack Valley High School, plans to introduce the Emancipation Network to the local community with a booth at the upcoming Everson-Nooksack Festival. At her booth, visitors will be able to get detailed information about the organization’s projects and can donate money toward Heutink’s project or other current projects. Products made by survivors of human trafficking will be for sale at the booth. Duran is doing work for Emancipation Network and is presenting information about human trafficking as her senior project at school.
Before her departure, Heutink plans to host one or a few parties, called a “freedom party” to raise awareness about human trafficking issues and to raise money for the project. Anyone interested in supporting or hosting a freedom party, or contribute in some way to her volunteer service, may contact Sue Ann Heutink via e-mail at saheutink@msn.com.