Eagle perched along the Skagit River. PHOTO BY ED McKNIGHT

There are several sites in eastern Whatcom and Skagit counties that provide visitors with plenty of views as well as interpretive displays and even speakers. Visit the ranger stations or visitor centers as well along the way on Mount Baker Highway and North Cascades Highway for additional ideas.
Deming Homestead Eagle Park: Located off of Truck Road, on the North Fork of the Nooksack River, the park has some interpretive signs and benches. To get here, travel east on Mt. Baker Highway. After milepost 14, turn right on Truck Road. It’s an easy .3 mile one-way walk in the park.
Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center: Follow the signs in Rockport from Highway 20 and Highway 530 to Alfred Street and you’ll find the center open weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through mid February.
Howard Miller Steelhead Park: Located near the Interpretive Center is the Howard Miller Steelhead Park, near the bridge over the Skagit River. The bridge offers the best view point, but there are hiking trails at the west end of the camping areas that lead to more riverside viewing sites. Also nearby is the Bald Eagle Natural Area, a State Fish and Wildlife viewing site on Martin Road, off SR 530, just south of the Skagit River bridge.
Take a rafting trip: A winter rafting trip provides a beautiful, up close way to view eagles as they  are perched above and soar down into the water to feed on salmon.  Check out the local Wild & Scenic River Tours in Glacier, as well as Skagit RIver Adventures, Ackerlund’s Guide Service on the Skagit River, Alpine Adventures, Blue Sky Outfitters and Pacific NW Float Trips.
Milepost 100 Rest Area: The Skagit River runs directly next to this popular site at Sutter Creek on State Route 20, allowing visitors great views of feeding areas on the gravel bars on the south side of the river. Look to the mountainside—a prime eagle night-roosting site. There are interpretive displays here and parking.
Marblemount Fish Hatchery: At Marblemount, cross the Skagit River bridge and proceed past the entrance to the Marblemount Boat Launch (this is the starting place for bald eagle rafting trips and the location of a very nice bird-watching loop walk that follows the Skagit and Cascade Rivers). Go past the boat launch a half mile, then turn right on the Rockport-Cascade Road, cross the Cascade River Bridge, and take the next right to the Fish Hatchery.
Visitors can view and learn about them from volunteers with the Eagle Watchers Program hosted by the US Forest Service. Three viewing stations with off-highway parking along North Cascades Highway 20 provide spotting scopes and binoculars to help you see the birds up close. Volunteers will staff stations Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. through Jan. 29. Eagle Watcher stations are located at Howard Miller Steelhead Park in Rockport, Sutter Creek Rest area (milepost 100) and the Marblemount Fish Hatchery. View a map showing the viewing sites and learn more about Skagit River wildlife. Call (360) 856-5700 ext. 515 for more information.

by the Foothills Gazette

COUNTY – Areas of eastern Whatcom County received up to 18 inches of snowfall during this week’s storm, with temperatures below freezing and making for icy road conditions and closures. According to the National Weather Service, another strong wet system is coming through on Friday, but will bring heavy rain at times, with more snowfall in higher elevations throughout the weekend.

Snowfall accumulates on mailboxes in Van Zandt along Highway 9. PHOTO BY KELLY MAKARAVAGE

As of Wednesday evening, snow accumulation was as much as 18 inches in the South Fork Valley and Maple Falls-Glacier area, and approximately six inches to a foot and more in other communities.
The Mount Baker and Nooksack Valley school districts – closed Monday for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday – announced closures on Tuesday due to snow and icy road conditions, and continued to be closed through the week.

The Mt. Baker Ski Area, which held its Locals Qualifiers event on Monday for the annual Legendary Banked Slalom, closed on Wednesday due to weather conditions, and reopened as of Thursday morning. Ski area officials recorded an estimated 57 inches of new snow during this week’s storm, giving Mt. Baker Ski Area one of the  deepest snowbases in North America. Snow levels show a 118-inch base at Heather Meadows and 148 inches at Pan Dome.

Ski area officials have issued a deep snow warning to skiers and snowboarders, letting them know to ride with a partner (in sight) and be aware that tree wells and deep snow conditions exist throughout the ski area.

The National Weather Service has issued avalanche and flood watches in some parts of the east county. A watch means conditions are favorable, but it is not imminent or occurring. Temperatures will rise into the 40s over the weekend, and snow levels are expected to fall, creating possible avalanche and flood conditions. Snow levels will begin around 5,500 feet Friday and remain there until late Saturday when it will fall to 2,500 feet. All areas could see excessive surface runoff. The winter storm watch will remain in effect from Friday afternoon through Saturday morning.

The Mt. Baker Highway Department of Transportation crew have been out clearing and sanding the highway, while Whatcom County Public Works crews also worked to clear local roads. Officials said several roads were covered in snow and ice this week, with many drivers staying off the roads. Drivers on Friday morning will likely see a wintry mix of snow, sleet and rain.

“It’s been quite a week in terms of snowfall. It’s not unusual to see this much snow lining the highway east of Glacier. But what’s unusual is that most of it came all at once. We must have got two feet of snow in one night at Power House Hill. Usually it builds up over the course of the winter, but not normally in one night. The teams have done a great job and worked really hard and long hours to keep up with it all,” WSDOT Superintendent Rod Morgan said.

“We actually have two teams that work Mount Baker Highway. We have a seven-person crew stationed at the Shuksan snow camp and a four-person crew stationed at the Maple Falls shed. The Shuksan crew covers the highway from Glacier to the ski area, and they work four ten-hour days each week. The Maple Falls crew covers the highway from Glacier west, and they have been working 12-hour shifts this last week, so we can have two people working days and two working nights. We’ve been on this schedule since last weekend and will continue this way as the weather dictates.”

Morgan added both teams are experienced and dedicated to keeping the highway cleared and safe for drivers. “There’s great communication between the teams, and they work really well together to take care of the highway and drivers. They are truly a pleasure to work with.”

Emergency management officials in Whatcom County are now compiling reports of property damage in Whatcom County due to the winter storm for informational purposes. Residents can report the damage (except for vehicle collisions) to Whatcom Unified Emergency Management at (360) 676-6681.

VAN ZANDT – The South Fork Valley Community Association is holding a Radio Roundup at the Van Zandt Community Hall on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 4 p.m. for anyone who may be interested in volunteering for KAVZ 102.5 FM.

The station is in need of a variety of positions, including web managers, programmers, and administrators. “We’re looking for what I like to call ‘worker bees’ for the station,” said Jeff Margolis, the South Fork Valley Community Association (SFVCA) board president. Volunteers are needed for an operating committee and CEO to work together to establish a relationship between KAVZ and the SFVCA. “The operating committee will generate a budget,” he added.

Margolis also expects that they will form a committee of fundraisers to fund the budget. “We need outreach, agents, and grant writers,” he said.  After those are established, the wishes of the listeners need to be fulfilled by commentators and disc jockeys. For anyone interested, be aware that working for KAVZ will be laborious so volunteer if you are truly passionate about the work.  “We are in need of commitments from people,” explains Margolis, “Hands-on people, especially.” He estimates that the station is in need of about 20 volunteers in order to run smoothly.

The span of the station reaches from the South Fork Valley to Maple Falls, Everson, and west to Smith Road. Margolis believes it has the potential to reach about 10,000 listeners or, as he notes, “twenty-thousand ears.”

He said the thought of reaching such a large audience is a rewarding feeling, especially after the group disbanded in 2010. At the time, the Van Zandt Hall was undergoing renovations, including the septic system and bathrooms, and radio station volunteers were unable to easily access the radio station in the Hall. “We faced severe limitations,” he said, noting the biggest obstacle for KAVZ is raising the necessary funds for their operation. “We can’t expect volunteers to help forever. We need to gain support to avoid burnout.”

KAVZ’s return to the air came on New Year’s Eve during a gala event at the Van Zandt Hall. The station can be heard at all hours of the day and features local news and locally produced programs. KAVZ will also focus on music, which gives disc jockeys a chance to play specialized music. Future plans for the station include web-streaming.

For more information, contact Jeff Margolis at 592-2297 or follow the KAVZ Facebook page.

Bingo in the Barn: Join in the Bingo fun and help build the South Whatcom Public Library at Sudden Valley. Families welcome. All proceeds will benefit the building fund. Sudden Valley Dance Barn, Gate 2, follow the signs. 7 to 9 p.m. Sponsored by the Friends of Sudden Valley Library. For more information contact Mary Haslam at 306-1800.

Pledge Drive for Glacier Creations: 3-judge panel. Pledge jar at event. Bring a song on an mp3 player. Prizes for best dress, best dance, and most pledges. Start at 8:30 p.m. Kids can stay until 10 p.m. Chair 9 Restaurant, Glacier.

Saturday, Jan. 21

Waffle Breakfast: 7 to 10 a.m. Everson Lions Club hosts a breakfast at Everson City Hall/ Senior Center. By donation.

Adventures in Narnia: Celebrate all your favorite characters from the Chronicles of Narnia with activities, crafts and Turkish Delight!  For grades K-5. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Everson Library, 104 Kirsch Dr. For more information contact Tammy LaPlante at 384-3150 x219.

Good Food: Local film showing Whatcom and Skagit County farmers will be shown at 3 p.m. at Everson Library. 104 Kirsch Dr. For more information contact Everson Library Staff at 966-5100.

Tuesday, Jan. 24

Open Mic: All welcome. 8 p.m. Graham’s Restaurant, Glacier.

Thursday, Jan. 26

Hide And Shriek: Foothills Theater, in cooperation with NVHS Drama presents the Nooksack Valley Middle School Production of Hide and Shriek.7 p.m. at the High School PAC. Tickets are $5, K-8th grade are $3 and are available at the door.

Friday, Jan. 27

Community Chili Cookoff & Western Movie Night: Little Brown Chapel in Wickersham, 6 p.m. Free. All welcome. For more information, contact Pastor John Moody at (360) 941-5218.

Hide And Shriek: See Jan. 26

Saturday, Jan. 28

Murder Mystery: The public is invited to sleuth out a 1930’s London Murder Mystery at the Everson Library. Join us promptly at 6:15 p.m. for this Whatcom Reads! event. Important clues will be missed if you are tardy, so no one will be admitted after 6:30. Please pre-register at the library. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages are included, all free courtesy of The Friends of Everson Library. For adults and youth grades 8-12. Everson Library, 104 Kirsch Dr. For more information contact Everson Library Staff at 966-5100.

Tales from the Street, Real Life Experiences from a Crime Scene Investigator: How are murders investigated? Whodunit? Join retired police officer Gifford Thompson as he recounts events from his years of working as a police officer, crime scene investigator, SWAT team member and more. Compare real life experience with fictional events in the Whatcom READS! Title of the year, “In the Presence of the Enemy”, by Elizabeth George. 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Deming Library.

Kaden Fox Fundraiser: 5 to 8 p.m. Acme Elementary School. For $5 per person you will get spaghetti, salad, bread and your choice of drink. An amazing amount of desserts to take home. All proceeds benefit the family of Kaden Fox, who was seriously injured in December.

Radio Roundup for KAVZ 102.5 FM: The South Fork Valley Community Association is sponsoring a Radio Roundup. Anyone interested in becoming part of the KAVZ radio team is invited to attend. 7 p.m. at Van Zandt Community Hall. Contact Jeff Margolis at 592-2297 or goodbuy@everybodys.com. No experience necessary.

Hide And Shriek: See Jan. 26.

Snowshoe work party: Lunch provided and some tools. Participants must RSVP by calling Mel at 746-8861 (days) or 392-1015 (evenings) or e-mail info@skitosea.com so organizers can plan lunches.

Sunday, Jan. 29

Bill Evans presents “The Banjo in America”: Tracing the banjo from its West African roots to the New World, Evans performs musical examples from the 1700s to the present day on a variety of vintage instruments. 2 p.m.  $15 suggested donation. Nancy’s Farm, 2030 E. Smith Rd. Call 966-4640    or visit nancysfarm.com. Visit www.billevansbanjo.com for more information.

Hide And Shriek: 2 p.m. See Jan. 26.

Friday, Feb. 3

Annie: Mount Baker High School Drama presents the Broadway hit musical ANNIE. 7:30 p.m. at the Mount Baker School District Auditorium. Tickets are $8 per adult, $6 per senior citizen (62 and over) and students w/ASB, 5 years & under are free.

Saturday, Feb. 4

Let’s Make Valentines! Make valentines for family and friends! For ages 4-11 years. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Deming Library, 5044 Mt. Baker Highway. For more information contact Katrina Carabba at 592-2422.

Steak Dinner: Hosted by the Everson Lions Club. 5 to 7 p.m. Everson City Hall/Senior Center.

Annie: See Feb. 3.

Snowshoe work party: Lunch provided and some tools. Participants must RSVP by calling Mel at 746-8861 (days) or 392-1015 (evenings) or e-mail info@skitosea.com so organizers can plan lunches.

Sunday, Feb. 5

Rome Grange Community Pancake Breakfast: Featuring made from scratch pancakes, french toast, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee. Biscuits and gravy available too. Tickets are adults $5, kids 6-10 $2, Kids 5 and under free. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rome Grange, 2821 Mt. Baker Hwy, about 1/2 mile east of the “Y” Road.

Dick Hensold, Master Piper: Nancy’s Farm, 2030 E. Smith Rd. 2 p.m. $15 suggested donation. Dick Hensold is the leading Northumbrian smallpiper in North America. Visit www.dickhensold.com or www.nancysfarm.com for more information.

Friday, Feb. 10

Annie: See Feb. 3.

Saturday, Feb. 11

Raptor Ridge hike: Join the Mount Baker Club on this 6 mile, moderate hike. For more information, contact Pat 733-1259.

Blood Drive: Little Brown Chapel in Wickersham  is hosting a Blood Drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Let’s Make Valentines! Make valentines for family and friends!  For ages 4-11 years. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Everson Library, 104 Kirsch Dr. For more information contact Eileen Shaw at 966-5100.

Valentine’s Train at Lake Whatcom Railway: Take your sweetheart on the train. Enjoy music performed by Ben the banjo player. The coffee shop car will be selling snacks and souvenirs. Rides are 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Advance reservation by mail only. Standard fares apply except couples are $35. For more information, call 595-2218 or visit lakewhatcomrailway.com.

DEMING/EVERSON – Drama students at Mount Baker and Nooksack Valley schools are preparing to hit the stage with their winter productions over the next few weeks.

Mount Baker High School drama students present the Broadway hit musical ANNIE, during  two weekends in February. Annie is the story of the depression-era orphan girl, played by junior Maggie Pattison, who finds happiness with a grouchy millionaire (sophomore Raffi Roberts) and his loving secretary (senior Katelyn Hunter).

The shows take place Feb. 3-4 and Feb. 10-11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Mount Baker High School Auditorium, with a Sunday Matinee on Feb. 12 at 2:30 p.m. A special performance will be held on Feb. 1 at 2:45 p.m. The Mount Baker High School Honor Society will serve free refreshments to senior citizens and then, at 3:30 p.m., the Honor Society will escort guests to the auditorium to view the final dress rehearsal of ANNIE. There is no charge for this event, however participants should  RSVP by Jan. 27.

Ticket prices are $8 per adult, $6 per senior citizens (62 and over) and students w/ASB, and 5 years and under are free. Tickets are available at the door. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the show.
For more information, contact Director Melody Morris at melody@mtbaker.wednet.edu or 383-2030 ext. 4811.

Foothills Theater, in cooperation with NVHS Drama presents the Nooksack Valley Middle School Production of Hide and Shriek. Performances are Jan. 26-28 at 7 p.m. and Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. at the High School PAC. Tickets are $5, K-8th grade are $3and are available at the door.

Hide and Shriek is a mystery comedy that is sure to entertain the whole family. It’s the “Beverly Hillbillies” meets “The Monster from the Black Lagoon”. Fourteen middle school students are performing roles in the play, including: Granny Dimshroud (McKenzie Long); Aesop (Zane Sexton); Ada Dimshroud (Keyndra McCormick); June Hungerford (Annika Rauch); Ulysses Dimshroud (Douglas Tyas); Betty Hungerford (Emily Parson); Mike Hyde (James Hill); Widow Murk (Jillian Meredith); Ruth Spaulding (Anais Dawson); Paula Pembrook (Kayleasha Davis); Sheriff Green (Isaac Ziebell); Isabel Ward (Katy Oettel); Doris Finley (Sara Patrick); and Edwina Hyde (Kennedy Rainer).

Safe highway driving
On New Year’s Eve, my family and I were happily heading towards Maple Falls to enjoy a dinner out to celebrate together. We almost did not get to see the new year and I am writing to send a very heartfelt “Thank You” to a few strangers, whose safe driving saved our lives. We were driving East, against a solid train of cars coming home from one of the busiest days Mt. Baker ski area has seen this season.  As we came around a corner there were suddenly headlights directly in front of us. This was an area of the highway, like most of Mt. Baker highway with mere inches of shoulder. The car was too close to slow down, we were forced to swerve violently off the road as the car swung back into its westbound lane and we missed colliding by maybe a couple of feet. We had no time to react to this however because a second car pulled out to pass and was directly in front of us before we had corrected our direction from the first car. This car was even closer and as we swerved again, our car began to fishtail all over our lane. These cars were passing on a blind corner –trying to inch ahead in a solid train of cars that stretched for miles. What did they hope to gain and was it worth risking the lives of countless passengers in the many cars all around them?
We want to thank the drivers of the cars that followed those two brainless idiots. We owe our lives to you. Your ability to react, or predict the danger of that blind corner allowed you to be stopped completely and avoid hitting our car as it spun into the oncoming lane. I can only imagine that you were as horrified as us to see the wide, terrified eyes of a family of four, with two young children strapped into their carseats staring back into your headlights only feet away. Possibly you were tired from a day at the mountain and the long drive home, but you were still able to stop from smashing into us and we are deeply grateful for your cautious driving in light of the split-second situation that occurred.
We live and work on Mt. Baker highway and are fully aware of all the dangerous and senseless drivers, we see them every single day. It is drivers like you who slow down and take caution when you see the reckless actions of others that matter. Thank you, thank you, thank you… we cannot say it enough. This New Year’s day had special meaning to us, we woke up safe and sound in our own beds and were truly grateful to be alive and together.
–The Schenck family
Gary, Angela, Sadie (6 years old) and April (3 years old)

Keep pets safe during cold spells
The Whatcom Humane Society (WHS) wants to help pet owners keep their animals safe, dry and healthy during the winter season by following a few simple guidelines.
•  Don’t leave animals outdoors for extended periods of time.  Shorthaired, very young and very old animals are extremely susceptible to the elements.
•  If you must leave a dog outdoors, the dog must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough for the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat.  The doghouse should be turned to face away from the wind and raised a few inches off the ground.
•  The Whatcom Humane Society has a limited number of free doghouses available to pets of residents in need.  Doghouses are availabe at either shelter locations (Williamson Way or Baker Creek Place) on a first-come, first-serve basis. WHS also accepts donations of new or used dog houses for this program.
•  Pets that spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes the animal’s energy. Routinely check your pets water dish to make sure the water does not freeze.
•  Livestock animals need extra grain, hay and a source for water.   Wind and rain proof jackets or blankets should be provided for horses, goats and other animals.
All outdoor livestock should have access to a dry, draft-free shelter.   The Whatcom Humane Society has a limited amount of free livestock grain and hay available to the animals of residents in need. Vouchers for hay and grain are available at either shelter location (Williamson Way or Baker Creek Place) on a first-come, first-serve basis.
•  Warm engines in parked cars can attract cats and small wildlife that crawl up under the hood to stay warm.  Before starting your car, bang on the hood to scare any animals away.
•  Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pets feet. Wipe your animals feet off with a damp cloth after walks or outdoor exercise.
•  Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but has a sweet taste that attracts animals. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach of all domestic and wild animals.
•  If you are aware of an animal in need or that is kept outdoors without proper shelter from the elements, contact the Whatcom Humane Society Animal Control & Rescue Department at (360)733-2080.
–Laura Clark, Whatcom Humane Society

Counting ballots
We completed the General Election and witnessed four very close races that drew out the final decision longer than we normally see. Many of you have wondered why the ballots can’t be counted more quickly than they are.
Let me take the opportunity to explain the process for counting ballots in the Auditor’s Office. After the troubles in Florida in 2000 (remember the hanging chads?) and the court case following the Rossi-Gregoire Governor’s race of 2004, a whole new framework of ballot review, inspection, and accountability has become the norm across the state. I know for many the perception is: “I mark my ballot, I mail it in; don’t you just open it and send it through the counting machine?” It’s not quite that simple.
When a ballot envelope arrives in the Auditor’s Office, the initial process requires scanning it into the tracking system to be able to account for it throughout the process. The signature on the envelope is then compared to the original registration signature on file to determine whether this ballot should proceed or if further information is needed from the voter.
If a ballot envelope is held up due to the signature not matching, having no signature at all, or a number of other causes, the voter is contacted by mail (and also by phone) in order to address this defect before certification day.  Ultimately, on certification day, a reconciliation report must be presented to the Canvassing Board that accounts for and explains what happened to every ballot that was received in the office. That’s 60, 70, even 80,000 ballots.
If the ballot proceeds, then it is removed from the envelope and is inspected to be sure the counting equipment will be able to read the votes accurately.  Workers look to see that there are no food stains or other matter on the ballot, whether the ballot is marked in the area where the counting machine will read it, and whether the ballot is physically damaged.
Washington is a “voter intent” state so we are also required when inspecting a ballot to make every effort to determine that what the voter intended is reflected on the ballot. An eighty-two page manual outlining the guidelines for interpreting this has been adopted by the Secretary of State and is followed by all counties in Washington. If any ballot falls into the numerous intent categories, it must be duplicated in order to have the votes on those ballots counted as the voter wishes.
This will all lead to a delay in the counting process because the ballots will require duplication. The ballot duplication process is labor intensive and time consuming as an exact duplicate must be made and proofed so that it counts accurately. The duplicate and the original can always be matched again for review.
Write-in votes are all accounted for as well and state law requires we treat write-ins for “none of the above”, “anyone else,” Mickey Mouse, or Santa Claus the same as any other legitimate write-in.  This can at times require duplication if the arrow wasn’t completed, and accounting for these in the ballot counting stage also slows the process.
For this election 30,000 ballots were received on Election Day and the day after (almost 50 percent of the ballots cast). As you can see, these ballots require time to process.  At the Auditor’s Office, we have always stressed accuracy over speed in processing the ballots.
How can the processing time be reduced? The Auditor’s Office will be performing its post-election review and will look at additional ways to continue to ensure accuracy and reduce the processing time. We will also meet with our citizens’ advisory group to seek their input as well. What can you do to help us?  If before Election Day you have determined how to vote, then cast your ballot and submit it early. Please keep your ballot clean, follow the instructions, and avoid write-ins like Mickey Mouse and the like.
We are partners in the election process and together we can provide fair, accurate and timely results.
–Debbie Adelstein, County Auditor

DEMING – Sustainable Connections awarded five Whatcom County businesses as sustainability champions at the organization’s annual All Members Meeting & Potluck on January 12. The North Fork Brewery was awarded as a Leader in promoting Healthy Environment. “The North Fork has been a leader in choosing local first, buying green power and reducing their waste through SC’s Toward Zero Waste Program,” a press release stated. “They were also one of the first businesses to sign up for an assessment through the Community Energy Challenge and since have made continual energy efficiency improvements, replacing doors, windows, insulation and even a large solar panel array in their parking lot, which has inspired many other businesses around the county to follow suite.” The award categories were leaders in promoting Strong Community, Healthy Environment, Meaningful Employment and Buying Local First as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

DUI: Holiday results released
WHATCOM – The results of the recent Holiday DUI enforcement campaign conducted from November 24, 2011 through January 2, 2012 recorded 134 motorists were stopped and arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), and statewide, law enforcement officers arrested 3812 drivers for DUI. In Whatcom County, the Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden and Western Washington University Police Departments, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington State Patrol, participated in the extra emphasis patrols, with the support of the Whatcom County Traffic Safety Task Force. The extra patrols were funded by a grant from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. During the same time period, in Whatcom County, the Washington State Liquor Board provided undercover officers to look for violations such as over service and underage drinking.  Officers checked 12 establishments and found two violations that resulted in either warning letters or citations. Last year during the same time period, officers in Whatcom County on routine and extra patrols arrested 151 people for DUI. For additional information about the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, visit www.wtsc.wa.gov.

Wild Seafood Exchange conference aimed at independent fishermen
WHATCOM – The 2012 Wild Seafood Exchange, presented by Fishermen’s News in partnership with the Port of Bellingham, will be held in Bellingham on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Best Western Plus Lakeway Inn & Conference Center in Bellingham. Previously held in Seattle, the one-day conference is aimed at the independent commercial fisherman who wants to learn about marketing and direct marketing to restaurants, retailers, brokers and seafood buyers. The day includes a Restaurants Speak Panel Discussion, with executive chefs from local restaurants discussing what they look for in wild seafood products and vendors. The moderator will be Peter Philips, publisher of Fishermen’s News. Confirmed panelists as of press time include: Mataio Gillis, of Ciao Thyme; Jim Ashby, of Community Foods Co-op; and Kevin Weatherill, President of The Markets LLC. Izetta Chambers, J.D., of the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program, and Melinda Sweet, of the Desire Fish Company will share information about successful marketing. In addition, participants can learn about funding sources for business operations, new equipment, vessel repowers and new construction. State and federal sources, as well as private lending will be discussed. One-on-one round-table discussions with shipyards, direct marketers, funding experts and colleagues will also be held. Early bird registration through Jan. 20 is $70 per person, and later $90. For more information, visit wildseafoodexchange.com or contact Denise Philips at denise@philipspublishing.com or (206) 284-8285.

Baking, candy contest coming up
COUNTY – The annual County-wide Baking & Candy Contest will be on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at Ten Mile Grange (6958 Hannegan Road, just north of the Pole Road). Entries are due between 10 a.m. and noon that day, and the contest is open to everyone. Grange membership not required. Entry classes include five for children. Recipes need not be original recipes from cookbooks are welcome). That same evening at Ten Mile Grange, a potluck dinner will begin at 6 p.m. Following dinner, an auction of the day’s entries will begin at approximately 6:45 p.m. As the requirements vary for each category, it is important to obtain a copy of the Entry Rules, which are available in the Program Handbook, at www.wa-grange.org and click on “2012-13 Program Handbook,” and look on page 21. For those without internet access, a printed copy of the Rules can be obtained by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Edith Ward, 1440 E. Kelly Road, Bellingham, 98226. For more information, please contact Edith Ward at 398-1296.

by Marnie Jones
COUNTY – Voters in the Nooksack Valley and Mount Baker School Districts are being asked to approve levy measures on the Feb. 14 ballot.

Nooksack Valley
Voters in the Nooksack Valley School District will decide on the district’s request for a general fund levy for educational maintenance and operations as well as a technology and capital projects levy.

The maintenance and operations levy is intended to replace an expiring levy and provides 20 percent of the district’s funding, while the latter is required to fund four specific types of expenditures: classroom technology, energy retrofitting, telephone system replacement, and roofing for district buildings. Both levies are four-year measures, lasting from 2013 to 2016 and expected to bring $3.7 to $4.2 million into the district annually.

Nooksack Valley Superintendent Mark Johnson clarifies that taxpayers need not expect rising costs if the levies are approved. The expiring levy totals 20 percent of the district’s operating funds and the replacement levy on this year’s ballot will do the same if approved. “We’re talking about a large volume of our overall budget,” Johnson emphasized. “It’s really vital.”

The amount will be reduced in 2013 even if both of these levies pass, as the school district will make the final payment on its current bonds in December of next year. This will create what district literature calls a “significant decrease” in the overall tax rate. “That is a red letter day for our tax payers and our community,” according to Superintendent Johnson. “Our community will finally own all these facilities.”

The technology and capital projects levy, which is separate from the replacement general fund levy, would allow the school district to repair roofs and retrofit buildings for energy efficiency. According to Johnson, these upgrades will be based on a completed energy audit which identified 20 items in need of improvement for a total bill of $500,000. The energy cost savings resulting from these improvements would be expected to pay for the repairs in just four years. “It makes good sense to do that,” Superintendent Johnson said.

In addition to roofing and energy retrofitting, the second levy would fund updates to classroom technology and an outdated telephone system. “Our phone system is 25 years old, and we bought it used then,” Johnson said. “We can’t even get parts to repair it anymore.”

As for classroom technology, modern computers and equipment are not part of the state’s contributions to education. A total of $100,000 per year of the proposed levy will go towards technology upgrades for students.

In discussing what funds are needed and how they’ll be used, Superintendent Johnson explained what his district has accomplished with taxpayer support. “Our district has received a lot of awards for student achievement, and we’re proud of that. I’d be embarrassed to ask for levy money if I didn’t feel that our schools were doing good things for kids.”

In addition to being in the top 5 to 10 percent of achieving schools in several state and national studies, the district was one of 15 “outperforming districts” in a Standards and Poor survey of Washington State schools in 2005. This was based on a comparison of demographics to achievement, and relates closely to the districts track record of doing more enrichment with relatively less funding than some other districts.

Mount Baker
Voters in the Mount Baker School District are being asked to approve a 4-year Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy and a 6-year Facilities and Technology Levy on Feb. 14. The Mt. Baker School Board unanimously approved the levy amounts and length of each during the Dec. 8 meeting.
If approved, the Educational Programs and Operations Replacement Levy would bring in between $4.87 million and $5.57 million each year from 2013-2016. The levy would help fund the day-to-day operations of the district. The measure is not a new tax but would replace the four-year maintenance and operations levy that expires at the end of 2012.  The Educational Programs and Operational Replacement Levy accounts for about 20 percent of the district’s general fund budget. It helps maintain class size, offsets transportation costs not covered by the state apportionment, as well as after school activities and athletics and curriculum supplies and textbooks.

The Facilities and Technology Levy is proposed as a 6-year measure. It will assist the District in the repairs of roofs and other maintenance needs.  It will also provide technology for student learning and help provide for transportation needs to meet state requirements.  The Mt. Baker School District is the State of Washington’s second largest district geographically and relies heavily on school bus transportation.

The Facilities and Technology measure unlike a bond measure does not require the district to pay interest on the amount and the measure and once approved, will replace a 1997 Bond that will be paid in full at the end of 2013. The Mt. Baker School District also receives state timber revenue to support capital projects.  This measure will allow the school district to continue to qualify for these revenues. This past year that amount was equal to $.503 million dollars.

The two measures, if approved by voters, sets the maximum amount of money the district can collect in property taxes from residents.

The estimated overall school property tax rates range from $4.80 in 2013, to $4.56 per $1,000 in 2016. That means a person with a home assessed at $200,000 would pay $960 in school property taxes in 2013 and $912 in 2016. The total tax rate in 2012 that is already approved by voters is estimated to be at $4.27.  This is a difference of $.53 cents in 2013 and $.29 cents per thousand in 2016.

About $1.30 per $1,000 of the projected tax rate in 2013 is for outstanding district bonds that the voters approved in 1997.

For more information, visit www.mtbaker.wednet.edu/.

The facility, constructed and owned by Whatcom County, is being managed by the non-profit Opportunity Council. A local advisory committee made up of  residents is working with the Opportunity Council.

“With input and participation from the community, the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center will be a vital part of the health, economy and future development of the foothills area,” Executive Director of the Opportunity Council Dave Finet said.

In addition to gathering ideas, the meeting will inform local residents about current facility use and how to reserve space. The center opened in September, and currently houses a Head Start program and offers a community meeting room.

The EWRRC is located at 8251 Kendall Road in the Kendall/Columbia Valley. The Opportunity Council is a local community action agency that provides programs that “help people, change lives,” including emergency and transitional housing, energy assistance and child care resources.

According to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of a stabbing in the 8400 block of Cimarron Way in Paradise Lakes at approximately 11 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14. “An adult male was transported by friends to the District 14 Fire Hall suffering from apparent knife wounds,” stated a press release from the WCSO. “Medical treatment was initiated, but the male succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.”

The deceased man was identified as John Thomas “John-John” Anderson, 20, of the Kendall area. He died en route to the hospital.  Whatcom County Medical Examiner Gary Goldfogel said Anderson, who was stabbed with a pocket knife,  suffered a “non-survivable” injury to his heart and bled to death.

WCSO officials said at the time of the initial stabbing report, the Sheriff’s office had also received a call from another male in the area who stated that he had been attacked by several individuals and defended himself with a knife.

The individual who used the knife is 18 years old and is cooperating with authorities, the Sheriff’s Office said. It is believed the stabbing was an act of self-defense and no arrests have been made.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, “It appears that an argument had occurred between a group of individuals in the area, which led to a fight. During the fight, one male was struck in the head with an object. The male then used a pocket knife to defend against the attack, stabbing the assailant.”

“The deceased party was a member of the Insane Clown Posse street gang and was accompanied by six other members of this gang when he confronted the individual who stabbed him,” Sheriff Elfo said.  “The person who stabbed the deceased party was not arrested and our investigation continues to determine if his actions were justified in self-defense.”

The investigation is being forwarded to the Whatcom County Prosecutor’s Office.

No further details were available as of press time.