New ferries to bolster fleet still years away
Currently, 19 ferries serve the state’s island communities. — State, A2
Ferndale participates in Bedlington Invite
Next track & eld meet is at 10 a.m. April 6 at Civic Field, Bellingham. — Sports, B2
Five people arrested in connection to suspected large drug trafficking organization
Sta Reports
WHATCOM — Following a focused investigation, on Wednesday, March 20, members from the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force, Whatcom County Sheri ’s O ce, United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Washington State Patrol (WSP) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air served search warrants on two locations and two vehicles in Whatcom County.
According to a press release from the Whatcom County Sheri ’s O ce, the search warrants resulted in ve arrests and the seizure of approximately 3.24 pounds of suspected powdered fentanyl and more than $6,000 in cash.
e two locations were in the 6000 block of Neevel Road, east of Ferndale, and the 5300 block of Guide Meridian in Bellingham.
“At the Whatcom County Sheri ’s O ce, we continue to be dedicated to eliminating deadly drugs from our community,” Whatcom Sheri Donnell “Tank” Tanksley. “We are grateful to have partnerships on the local, state and federal level who share this dedication. I encourage our community members to report suspicious and criminal activity to law enforcement authorities.” ese search warrants and subsequent arrests and seizures were the culmination of an investigation led by the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force. is investigation was spurred by reports of increasing opioid overdoses and open-air drug use occurring in the city of Bellingham.
According to a query of overdosecoded emergency services requests to the What-COMM Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, there were 24 overdose-related calls generated in 2023 between Jan. 1 and March 10 in the downtown Bellingham business district.
at same search in 2024 for Jan. 1 through March 10 showed 63 overdose-related calls, WCSO reported.
In response to reports of this increase in drug activity, the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force and the
DEA Bellingham Resident O ce began surveillance in that area and discovered connections between a known Mexican Drug Tra cking Organization (DTO) and local drug re-distributors suspected of selling large quantities of fentanyl in the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County.
In addition to the suspected fentanyl and cash seized, investigators found a sawed-o (illegally modied) shotgun, multiple cell phones, suspected drug ledger notes, multiple empty baggies, a scale with residue, and shotgun shells, WCSO reported.
While investigators were at the Neevel Road location conducting the search warrant, they witnessed a vehicle drive by that location.
e vehicle had originated from another address linked to the DTO. Carlos Monreal Ceballos, a person of interest, was identi ed as a passenger. A plastic container was found under the seat in this vehicle containing white powder, suspected to be fentanyl, WCSO reported. After the search warrants were executed, 35-year-old Victor Alcala Arellanes, 24-year-old Jesus Garcia Covarrubias, 23-year-old Carlos Ramos Navarrette, and 29-year-old Carlos Monreal Ceballos admitted to some level of involvement with owning and/or delivering the drugs, WCSO reported.
Probable cause was established for the following: For Arellanes: two counts of delivery of a controlled substance, fentanyl; and possession with intent to deliver, fentanyl. For Covarrubias, Navarrette and Ceballos: delivery of a controlled substance, fentanyl; possession with intent to deliver, fentanyl; unlawful rearms, short barrel shotgun, and alien in possession of a rearm. ese individuals were all transported and booked into the Whatcom County Jail on March 20 without incident. Probable cause was also developed to arrest 48-year-old eron Chin of Bellingham for two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, fentanyl. Chin was already in custody at the time, WCSO reported. is case was investigated by the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force, the Whatcom County Sheri ’s O ce and DEA Bellingham with assistance from HSI, WSP, CBP Air and the Bellingham Police Department. Investigators are seeking the arrest of three more co-conspirators who will be identi ed at the time of arrest.
In 2021, the band Southbound, pictured above, performed at Pioneer Park in Ferndale. Below, this year’s Summer of Fun series includes movies, food, live music and activities in Ferndale’s parks almost every weekend throughout the summer. (Ferndale Record file photos)
FERNDALE — e City of Ferndale has announced a full slate of summer parks activities for 2024, including everything from acrobats to Space Band. Participants can enjoy movies, food, live music and activities in Ferndale’s parks almost every weekend throughout the summer. is year, Ferndale’s parks events are made possible in part by the support of WECU, a local credit union serving Whatcom County for more than 80 years.
Food Truck Fridays
Second Friday of each month in Pioneer Village.
Friday, June 14 – Space Band
Friday, July 12 – Bellingham Circus
Guild
Friday, August 9 – Jim Buk Tu
Music in the Park
Live concerts on Pioneer Village stage.
Friday, July 19 – Baby Cakes
Saturday, Aug. 17 – Lemon Creek
Flicks in the Park
Fridays in Pioneer Village: June 21, June 28, July 12 and Aug.23 inside Pioneer Pavilion with an earlier start time.
More activities with dates to be announced soon, including Yoga in the Park, Wee Ones Nature Hunt, and Tie Dye Your T-Shirt.
As always, Ferndale parks events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Communications and Community Relations O cer Megan Juenemann at 360-685-2353 or meganjuenemann@cityo erndale.org.
Ferndale School District
FERNDALE — e Ferndale Public Schools Foundation is only a few months into its existence, but the team has already found many avenues to bridge the gaps for local students. is is thanks to the hard work of the Foundation team, as well as the generosity of the Ferndale community, who have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to the organization already.
“We are fueled by the overwhelming support from our community partners and donors who share our belief in the potential of our students,” said Foundation board member Dr. Sislena Ledbetter. “ anks to these partnerships, we’ve already provided vital nancial support to numerous students, covering expenses such as test fees, clothing, food, and other essential student items.” e Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-pro t that is separate from Ferndale School District, was founded this summer with the goal of helping Ferndale students in need of additional support by removing fees, o ering scholarships, and paying for necessary materials. Its mission is “Removing nancial barriers so students can soar.”
One speci c way the Foundation has helped is by covering the cost of sports physicals for students at FHS. “ ese are kids that have never been able to enjoy playing, and really wanted to learn, but all these barriers were lingering,” said Andrea Tafoya, the Latinx Student Support at FHS. “Fortunately, the Foundation took away that barrier for us and they’re able to now play.”
Individual Board members also covered the fees for three students to attend the CASHE (Children of Aztlan Sharing Higher Education) Conference at Washington State University last month. is is a leadership conference for Latinx students, and an opportunity for them to gain access to higher education, said Tafoya. “To see other students of color at a university, the impact is really big,” she said. “ is shows the extent of how much the Foundation Board members are
See Foundation on A5
The newly created Ferndale Public Schools Foundation was founded in summer 2023 to help Ferndale students by removing fees, o ering scholarships and paying for necessary materials. (Photo courtesy Ferndale School District)
serve the island communities of Washington, but the state needs 26 boats to fully ll the sailing schedule. While some are blaming a switch to electric boats for the delay in getting new vessels built, the problems go back nearly 25 years.
In 1999, voters approved Initiative 695, which repealed the state’s motor vehicle excise tax. After the state Supreme Court found that unconstitutional, the Legislature stepped in to cut the tax, eliminating a major funding source for Washington State Ferries (WSF).
As a result, from 20002010, no new boats were built when the state should have been making a boat a year, said Ian Sterling, WSF Director of Communications. No new ferries were built until 2010, after the state was forced to pull the aging steel electric class ferries from service after cracks were found in their hulls. ree 750 passenger ferries were added to the eet in 2010 and 2011. Since then, four new boats were added. But after a decade of inaction, the replacement of ferries isn’t happening fast enough to keep up with demand.
“It’s been kicked down the road, kicked down the road, now you have a problem,” Sterling said. “As they retire as a eet and wear out, there is nothing to replace them.”
e state looked for ferries it might be able to buy, but Sterling said there’s “just not a big inventory out there of boats we could just go get o the shelf.”
In 2018, the state approved construction of ve new ferries, one every year, but Gov. Jay Inslee insisted electric hybrid ferries be built, and now the state is having di culty nding builders who will do the job for the money the state has available.
Rep. Andrew Barkis, ROlympia, urged the governor to declare a state of emergency for the ferry system and build two diesel ferries now. Barkis said he believes because the state already has a diesel boat builder, this would provide faster relief for the eet.
e WSF disagrees.
“We can always have these conversions later when we have the eet stabilized,” Barkis said.
“We are well down the road of electri cation at this point, so to stop and just go back to diesel doesn’t make a lot of sense,” Sterling said.
at a time. Many builders are interested, and bids are due mid-spring.
Converting the eet to hybrid diesel-electric boats, however, is challenging. Vigor, the builder originally selected to build the hybrid ferries, proposed a price of $200 million, much higher than DOT estimates, and the state and Vigor could not settle on a price.
Now, the search for a boat builder is nationwide, not just statewide. Sterling said if they must, the state is open to having multiple contracts with multiple builders if it means more than one boat can be built
e Wenatchee, a jumbo MK-II ferry built in 1989, will be the rst to be modi ed to run on electricity. According to Sterling, it should be in the water in fall of 2024. As for the rest of the eet, Barkis said getting one new boat by the end of the decade might be the reality, while Sen. Marko Liias, D-Edmonds, said he thinks two new boats could arrive in late 2027 or early 2028.
“With ferries I am trying to underpromise and overdeliver. I think we have given people false hope for many years,” Liias said. e issue is not the construction of electric
See Ferries on A5
Marty Lynn Allbaugh
Sept. 10, 1958-March 19, 2024, of Everson, died unexpectedly at his home. Marty was born to Lawrence and Alma Allbaugh at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bellingham. He married his late wife Kathy on Sept. 21, 1990 and together they raised their family. Over the years they worked side by side to build a beautiful park that they could share with the people that they loved.
Kathy Jo Davenport, the beautiful, spiritual, beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend peacefully went to be with her lord and savior at her home in Lynden on Tuesday, March 5, 2024.
Kathy was born on June 18, 1957 in New Orleans, Louisiana, the rst of two children of Ralph E. (Joe) Davenport Jr. and Sarah Kate omas Davenport.
Kathy attended multiple elementary schools due to the family having to move for her daddy’s work. She initially started elementary school in Waco, Texas, and subsequently moved to Louisiana, California, and then back
Dwight Vernon Chilton, aged 90, completed hisnal journey on March 21, 2024, in Lynden.
Born in Ruble, Missouri, to Grant and Alpha Chilton on Dec. 27, 1933, Dwight’s life was a testament to unwavering faith, boundless love and selfless service.
Dwight married the love of his life, Eileen K. Brawley, at the Nazarene church in Redford, Missouri, on July 11, 1953. His dedication to his country was evident as
Marty worked as a mechanic in Whatcom County for over 40 years, part of that time at Everson White Farm Equipment and in more recent years for himself at MLA. He was a part of the Puget Sound Antique Tractor and Machinery Association, where he enjoyed participating in tractor pulls with his 1974 White tractor, which was the rst White tractor to be sold in Whatcom County.
to Texas for grades 6-9. She then moved to Cody, Wyoming for her remaining high school years, where she graduated from Bronc Cody High School in May 1975. Kathy was a Brownie and a girl scout in elementary school. During her high school years, she played basketball and ran track, with a strength in hurdles. She was on the drill team, a dancing Broncette, and was homecoming princess her senior year. She was an incredible seamstress, which she learned from her Aunt Sue and Aunt Peggy and she made many of her own clothes. During her younger years she loved to squirrel hunt, sh, run trout lines before and after
Marty was the best Pa, always prioritizing his grandkids, xing their cars and trucks, attending their games and practices and trying to celebrate them in whatever way that he could.
school, ski, swim and go to the beach. Kathy and her sister Vickie had many wild animals growing up, including raccoons, skunks, a rosy boa constrictor, guinee pigs and Sammy the squirrel. She was an avid music lover and in 1970 her daddy took her and the family to see Elvis Presley at the Astrodome in Texas. She loved it. After graduation, Kathy worked for Dr. John Bluher, DDS, as a dental assistant. She had a variety of other jobs including inventory specialist, real estate processor, and cook. Kathy traveled a lot through her adult life, living in multiple states: Texas, Louisiana, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, California and Nevada, before settling down in Ferndale. Kathy became a mom in her early 20s and dedicated her life to her ve children: one son Zachary, and four daughters; Jessica,
he served two years in the Army before embarking on a journey that would lead him and his family from Missouri to Washington State in 1965. Initially, Dwight worked alongside his father in the berry business until 1975 when he assumed ownership of Chilton Berry Farms. Later on, he transitioned into a new chapter of his career, becoming an insurance agent for Country Companies, where he served until his retirement at the age of 67.
Retirement didn’t slow Dwight down; instead, he redirected his energy towards serving his community and church, Crosspoint Nazarene Church. He tirelessly visited shut-ins, provided transportation for friends to appointments, and ran
We are saddened to announce the death of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, wife and friend, Jewell (Nelson) Pearson. Jewell passed away unexpectedly on March 12, in Palm Springs, CA. Jewell was born on April 28, 1936 and grew up in Fairbanks, AK. While in Fairbanks, she met and married Roger Nelson of Ferndale. ey raised four children while residing in Fairbanks, AK, Sunnyvale, CA, and Houston, TX, before settling down in Ferndale in 1977. Together, they gathered many friends along the way and enjoyed many social ac-
Teresa ‘Tracy’ Grace Spillman of Lynden passed away in January 2024 after a long illness. She was born on April 28, 1955 and graduated from Mariner High School in Everett. She then proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force. Tracy served her country nobly for 21 years. She loved adventure and served in all four corners of the U.S. plus the Pentagon and four remote assignments in Germany, e Netherlands, Greenland and Alaska. During this time, she received numerous meritorious awards and achievement medals. Af-
tivities including golf, traveling, boating in the San Juan Islands and clam digging at Birch Bay. Over the years, Jewell engaged in ower arranging, cake decorating, and was an accomplished quilter and seamstress, knitter and crocheter. She liked entertaining and was an incredible cook. She was married to Roger for 55 beautiful years, until his passing in 2009. Jewell later married Lowell Pearson in 2011 and relocated with him to Palm Springs. ey took great care of each other and had a great a ection for one another. Lowell said she was the nicest person he has ever known. ey spent more than 12 joyful years together. Jewell volunteered as a
Marty was always looking for ways to help, sel ess and giving, he loved his community, his family and his friends. He will be missed by his children, Jessica and Brian Jager, Matt and Lani Allbaugh and Emily and Jamie Elsbree. But more than that he will be remembered as Pa by his grandkids, Elliot, Grace, Caden, Layla, Josh, Luke and Zach; he loved them more than anything. A celebration of life will be held April 6 from 2-4 p.m. at Berthusen Park in Lynden in the antique tractor pavilion, to those that considered Marty to be family or a friend.
Jamie, Shannon, and Sara whom she loved with her whole being.
ey were the light and joy of her life. She always said raising kids was her greatest accomplishment. Kathy loved big and she loved ercely. She adored being a mom and grandma to her grandbabies whom she gave special nicknames to. She always had a cold popsicle waiting and a treat for each of them when they came to visit, along with a big Kathy hug. Her happiest times were when all her family were under the same roof with her spending time eating, laughing, and simply being together. She spent the last 24 years of her life with her life partner Brian, with whom she had a special connection with. ey watched Nascar often and they loved to indulge in good food. Kathy enjoyed singing, dancing and telling stories. One
errands, embodying the spirit of compassion and kindness.
Dwight’s legacy extends beyond his professional and community contributions. His life was a testament to his deep faith in God and his fervent belief in sharing the message of salvation. He never hesitated to engage others in conversations about faith, always seeking to lead them towards Christ with unwavering love and gentle guidance. His question was, “do you know where you will spend eternity?” and then he would say, “tell me your salvation story.” If you didn’t have one, he would make sure you did.
Dwight is preceded in death by his parents, Grant and Alpha Chilton, his brother Norman Chilton, and Great Grandson Cecil Frazier. Dwight’s memory will be cherished by his beloved wife, Eileen K.
candy striper, worked on local fundraisers, and later in life, for Westinghouse and Varian, but undoubtedly her favorite job was working at Ferndale High School as an o ce secretary in the ‘80s. She loved working with the students and sta and made many meaningful relationships there. She was a social butter y and befriended people wherever she was in life. She enjoyed mystery novels, crosswords and games. She relished a good bargain, nding lucky “Bobbie Jo” pennies, and toasting with mimosas. She was a bit of a card shark and enjoyed playing Pinochle with family, Bridge with her gal pals, and cribbage with anyone she could talk into playing with her. She
of the many fond memories our family shares was going treasure hunting with mom out at Cherry Point, in search of agates. We all have jars of treasures and memories we will hold on to forever. We love you mom to the moon and back, always, as she would say. Kathy is survived by her mom Sarah Kate, her sister Vickie, her life partner Brian, and her ve children: Zachary, Jessica, Jamie, Shannon, and Sara. Her nine grandchildren: Aspen, Zachariah, Nikel, Olive, Chandler, Carter, Kyler, Emma, and Isla. Her two great-grandchildren Nova and Niko. Her two nephews Ben and Joe, as well as cousins, aunts, Petey (her dog), and many loving, life-long friends. A celebration of life gathering will be held on Sunday, May 26 in Washington. Details to follow.
Chilton, and their four daughters: Carol Weg (Rick), Ann Kleindel (Don), Pam Postma (Brent), and Kelly VanderVeen (Pete). He is also survived by his four sisters: Yvonne Bieshevel, Janice Newman, MaryJane Haak (Ken), and Rae Overstreet (Larry). Dwight leaves behind a legacy of love, including 10 cherished grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
e Chilton family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the sta at Christian Health Care Center for their exceptional care and compassion during Dwight’s nal days. In celebration of Dwight’s remarkable life, a celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 29 at Crosspoint Nazarene Church in Lynden. All who were touched by Dwight’s life are welcome to join in honoring his memory and legacy of love.
nurtured lifelong friendships, but her real joy came from being with family. She adored family outings and reunions and fostered special relationships with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
We will miss her kind heart and big hugs, her wry sense of humor, her beautifully handwritten cards, her faithful friendship and her homemade raspberry jams and perpetual pie. We will miss seeing her ery auburn hair, open toed sandals, and pedal pusher pants. We will just miss her. Jewell was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Nelson, her son, Michael Nelson, her sister, Bobbie Jo Collier, and brothers Freddy Cook and Ricky Collier.
She is survived by her husband Lowell Pearson, her sister Betsy Sharp (Bert), brother Kenneth Cook, daughters Lori Hagen, Leslie Nelson (Peter), son Bert Nelson (Tami), daughterin-law Debora Lillard, and grandchildren Shelley Fields (Alex), Maehren Leisinger (Ryan), Sarah Hagen, Eli Hain (Bethany), Walker Nelson (Shana), Taylor Nelson, Cole and Riley Nelson. Great grandchildren Rowen Fields, Drew Fields (Jue May), Van Leisinger, Simon Leisinger, Odin Leisinger, and Vivian Hain.
If you didn’t know and love Jewell, it’s just because you hadn’t met her. A local memorial is being planned for later this year.
ter her honorable discharge from the service Tracy moved back to Everett. Wherever she went she proudly wore her Air Force Retired cap. She enjoyed swapping stories with other vets and welcomed “thank you for your service” comments with a smile and graceful nod. Tracy had a fun-loving spirit. She enjoyed playing softball with her brothers, Frank and Dutch, and delivered papers with them. She devoted her time after school helping Uncle Tom run his neighborhood store in Mukilteo. She won trophies in bowling, enjoyed picnics, camping, parades, Little League baseball and playing Santa for her nieces and nephews at Christmas. And she had good times with her mother, Grace, driving around Europe in her Lada. Born with a life-threatening defect, Tracy had emergency surgery at Seattle Children’s Hospital when only a day old. With her little body under siege, she was a ghter, a survivor, and she continued to embrace life with an independent and determined spirit.
Tracy was preceded in death by her mother Grace DeRooy-Spillman-VerHoeven, father Kenneth Spillman and her brother Frank Spillman. She is survived by her sister Pam (Spillman) Bulthuis (Doug), brother “Dutch” Kenneth Spillman (Janet) and nieces and nephews Franklin, Heather, Lennelle, Scott, Brian, Karen and Jon and their families.
In recent years and as her health began to fail, Tracy moved north to be near her sister, Pam, and brother-inlaw, Doug, in Lynden. She was a friendly neighbor to many there and was devoted to her family of cats. (When she passed, Scamper was found snuggling beside her.) She was also a woman of faith and was at peace knowing that her tired body would soon be in the company of Jesus.
Celebration of life for Sara Cuene-Watson this Friday, March 29 at an open house from noon4 p.m. at First Reformed Church, 610 Grover St., Lynden. All are welcome.
In July, she will be buried with military honors at the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent.
Her company and playful laugh will be forever missed.
Memorials in Tracy’s name may be made to the Humane Society of Whatcom County. Deceased’s funeral arrangementshave been entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home.
Wednesday’s newspaper. If letters cannot be sent electronically, they may be typewritten or neatly handwritten and must be received by Friday if they are to publish in the following Wednesday’s newspaper.
Letters should not exceed 300 words. Guest opinions may not exceed 500 words and must include a clear photograph of the author.
Your letter or guest opinion must include your full name, complete address and telephone number. Your address and telephone number will not be printed in the newspaper, but will be used for veri cation by newspaper sta . Neither unsigned letters nor letters containing personal attacks of a libelous nature will be published.
e Tribune and Record newspapers reserve the right to edit or refuse any letter. Furthermore, space limitations may also preclude letters from being published.
All columns and letters on the opinion page are the views of the authors and do not necessarily re ect the views of the Lynden Tribune or Ferndale Record newspaper.
Readers of the Lynden Tribune and Ferndale Record newspapers are encouraged to submit articles of interest for inclusion in our newspapers. Submitted articles should focus on areas of interest to the communities we serve.
Opinions, complaints and politicking belong in the Letters to the Editor, and will not run as a feature article.
Articles promoting a vendor’s services, or advertisements disguised as articles, will not be accepted.
e Lynden Tribune and Ferndale Record have a separate mechanism for advertising a business, and that is where such information should be kept.
Further, during the election cycle (June through the rst week of November), no letters to the editor nor commentaries naming candidates they support will publish in our newspapers.
During the election cycle we publish candidate statements and responses to questions in a Q&A format as we provide balanced election coverage. Our e orts to be accurate, as well as balanced in our coverage, are not negotiable.
Easter is when potted Easter Lily plants start showing up in nurseries and supermarkets like poinsettias during the Christmas season. ey adorn the altars and pulpits of most churches on Easter Sunday, but why don’t sightseers ock to elds to enjoy the spectacular sea of white blooms?
e answer is a small group of family lily farmers who are bulb producers. ey need to clip the owers to concentrate the plant’s nutrients on bulb development. Fields of white owers on the ground are not as sight pleasing as miles of standing colorful tulips. Because Easter lilies have delicate owers shaped like trumpets, they are best grown in greenhouses and shipped carefully short distances to retailers.
Don C. Brunell
Even though the market for Easter lilies has declined because fewer people are attending church service, it remains an important religious symbol to Christians. Many churches have statues and paintings depicting Saint Joseph carrying the child Jesus and a white lily. On Easter Sunday, churches are adorned with dozens of potted lilies which are wonderful sights.
It is an emblem of Joseph’s integrity and purity; and someone who was a manual la-
Editor, To the homeowner who was disappointed by Mayor Scott Korthuis’s comment about Homestead’s plainti s: Your letter ended with how plainti s are “representing the right of homeowners to vote on how dues are spent.”
And that is our desired outcome too but when we “re-examine the facts” as you suggest, we nd our reality has been quite the opposite:
Jan. 2020: Our unincorporated HOA was incorporated by attorney David Andersson, who made himself Board of Directors and Governor, a position that allows him to direct funds into a bank account. is was done without permission
borer, husband, and earthly father to Christ. e world Easter Lily capital is Smith River, Oregon, which borders California. It is home to less than 900 residents, but roughly 95 percent of the global Easter Lily bulb production. Easter lilies thrive in Smith River’s cool, foggy climate but to be for the Easter holiday, preparation of the lily bulbs begins in July when the ower rst blooms. e deep green plants grow in the shadows of the giant Coastal Redwoods which also prefer the cool foggy weather.
In fact, ve farms owned by four families in the area grow around 14 million Easter lilies each year. “ ere’s one farm in Oregon and three in California, so there are essentially four farms that are keeping this crop alive for Easter,” said lily farmer Matt Westbrook. Sacramento’s KXTV (ABC a liate) John Bartell interviewed Westbrook last April.
“Before WWII, Easter lilies came from Japan. After WWII, they needed a new place to grow them, so they brought them to the West Coast, and they grew the best right here in Smith River,” said Westbrook. Many elds of lily elds are located between Highway 101 and the Paci c Ocean shores. e white- owered elds are every bit as striking to the eye as the multi-colored tulip elds in western Washington and Oregon; however, they do not last as long. Once the
from homeowners, taking control of our money from the start, by our own lawyer.
Feb. 2020: Before lawsuits were led, plainti s and lawyers sent a demand letter to 18 Paradise, instead of an invitation to mediate.
If the intent was to lower our fees and give us control, why not begin with mediation where all sides have a voice? Demand letters represent only one.
April 2020: A realestate lawyer was asked to determine if 2018 HOA law applied to Homestead. He believed it did, presented to HOAG members but they chose a class action instead.
Four years later, lawyers continue collecting money from homeowners to pay their legal fees, incurring risk of liens, collections, and late charges for homeowners, but not one step closer to having our fees directed by us, for us.
2020 - 2023: During initial meetings between MJ and plainti s, Josh o ered to lower fee to $65, Mick o ered $80; no follow-up negotiation from plainti s. At least two invitations to mediate with other parties and a letter from Mayor Scott asking that we nd a way forward, extended to plainti s, they declined. After four years, we’re still no closer to accountability for homeowners but sadly, much closer to losing the gem of Lynden.
Maureen Dowling Lyndenblossoms take hold, farmers clip the owers.
Meanwhile this is the time of year people start scrambling to book tours to your tulip elds in western Washington and Oregon. e tulips are in full bloom during April and May when up to a million visitors travel to the colorful elds.
In fact, as opposed to Easter lilies, tulip plants, owers and eld viewing is big business worldwide. For example, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is the largest in America and added more than $65 million to the local economy last year.
Tulips are historically associated with the Netherlands which remains a major bulb producer and tourist destination. at nation exports €250 million ($271 million) in bulbs each year, according to Statista.
Why benchmark Holland? Dutch growers came to America’s west coast to escape wartorn Europe and plant their treasure bulbs in our fertile coastal river valleys. ey are like the Netherlands without iconic windmills.
Finally, the good news is Easter Lily bulbs are hardy and can be transplanted into a cool spot in your garden. ey are sturdy like da odils bulbs only they bloom in late June or early July, not March and April, in our temperate climate.
-- Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer, and columnist. He retired as president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization and now lives in Vancouver. He can be contacted at theBrunells@msn.com.
My rst thought was so they can weed out the votes they don’t agree with? row them away?
ese are real thoughts.
Not only that, but many people vote independent and that’s not even an option? What if they are not Democratic or Republican?
I’ve asked that in my email twice that I have sent to the link below and I still haven’t received a reply as to a reason why they do not include other options besides Democratic or Republican?
Common sense tells us this is not right or OK. Really makes one wonder what is really going on?
I don’t care which party you vote for, but it should always be con dential.
Editor, When I received my voter’s ballot this year I was stunned and upset that they still actually require all legal voters to mark on the outside of the envelope which party they are voting for. Isn’t that supposed to be con dential?
Please email your concerns to Elections@ co.whatcom.wa.us. It’s time to voice our concerns together. I honestly do not trust this process called mail-in ballots and I know that there are many others who don’t either. It’s time to get back to basics. ey will refer you to RCW 29A.56.050-Allocation of delegates & RCW 29A.04.620-Rules. Which I did read, and it really doesn’t make sense and doesn’t really explain why they require this process.
Oh and, by the way, if you decide not to mark your ballot, they stated they will send you a cure letter. Look up that de nition. Shouldn’t we as legal voters have a right and responsibility to question processes and to keep our leaders in check?
Time to use your common sense.
Jill Shelly LyndenLynden PRCA Rodeo returns to NWW Fair
LYNDEN — e Northwest Washington Fair will again feature the Lynden PRCA Rodeo in 2024, promising an unforgettable experience for rodeo enthusiasts. Dates are Aug. 12-13 at 7 p.m. Witness the prowess of nationally ranked cowboys and cowgirls, showcasing their skills in an electrifying display. With C5 Rodeo providing top-tier rodeo stock, the combination of Jody Carper, the esteemed voice of rodeo, and Matt Merritt, the beloved rodeo entertainer, ensures that this rodeo is an unmissable spectacle.
e Lynden PRCA welcomes ‘Women’s Breakaway Roping’ the fastest growing event in rodeo, as a new event in 2024.
Tickets for the 7 p.m. grandstand show go on sale to the public at 9 a.m. Friday, March 29. Tickets do not include gate admission, which is required. e Lynden PRCA Rodeo is presented by Coastal Realty and is part of the Bank of the Paci c Grandstand Entertainment Series.
For access to the online presale starting March 27, people can subscribe to the ‘Friends of the Fair’ email at nwwafair.com/ email.aspx.
Tickets can be purchased at nwwafair.com, the Northwest Washington Fair O ce at 1775
Front St., Lynden, and by phone at 360-354-4111. VIP and group ticketing are also available. e 2024 Northwest Washington Fair will be presented Aug. 8-17.
LYNDEN — Whatcom County residents are invited to a special informational event on Wednesday, March 27 at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds in Lynden.
Local water users who rely on private wells or surface water–including homeowners as well as farmers–will receive court summons via mail likely sometime this summer, requiring them to le details about their water use with the Whatcom County Superior Court.
At this event, several top water rights experts will guide attendees through the process of ling with the court, including important details about documenting their speci c water rights and historical water use.
Specialists expected to present include Bill Clarke, water rights attorney; Jill VanHulle, hydrogeologist; Katie Faber, water resources scientist; Andy Dunn, hydrogeologist; Jay Manning, environmental attorney; and Jay Gordon, agricultural & environmental policy expert.
Whatcom water users who don’t le with the court, or le with incorrect or insu cient detail, are at risk of losing some or all of their access to water as a part of the adjudication, which is an extensive lawsuit requiring users to prove their water rights.
Next week’s event will start at 6:30 p.m in the People’s Bank Farm Pavilion at the fairgrounds. e program is expected to run until about 8:30 p.m.
More information at whatcomfamilyfarmers.org.
BELLINGHAM — No Two Persons by Port Townsend, Wash.based author Erica Bauermeister is the Whatcom READS 2025 book selection. Sasha taqʷšəblu Lapointe, author of the 2024 featured title, Red Paint: e Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk, made the announcement at the close of the March 15 Whatcom READS author event at the Mount Baker eatre.
Liane Moriarty, bestselling author of Big Little Lies, said of No Two Persons, “If you’re passionate about reading, I know you’ll be passionate about this book.”
Bauermeister is the New York Times bestselling author of ve novels, including e Scent Keeper, e School of Essential Ingredients, and her latest, No Two Persons. She also has written a memoir, House Lessons: Reno-
vating a Life, and is the co-author of two readers’ guides, 500 Great Books by Women and Let’s Hear It for the Girls. Her books have been Reese’s Book Club and Indie Next Picks and have been published in over two dozen countries. Learn more about the author at her website, ericabauermeister.com. Leading up to the author events in March 2025, the librarians, library sta and booksellers on the Whatcom READS planning committee will o er free community programs that explore themes from No Two Persons. Inspired by the book, the 2025 Whatcom WRITES prompt is “ e Book at Changed My Life.” Visit Whatcom READS website, whatcomreads.org, and social media pages for updates and to get involved.
Average gasoline prices in Washington have risen 10.6 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $4.37/g on March 25, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 2,666 stations in Washington. Prices in Washington are 41.2 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 14.3 cents per gallon higher than a year ago. e national average price of diesel has risen 2.0 cents in the last week and stands at $4.02 per gallon.
According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Washington was priced at $3.59/g on March 24 while the most expensive was $5.39/g, a di erence of $1.80/g.
e national average price of gasoline has risen 6.4 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.51/g on March 25. e national average is up 27.0 cents per gallon from a month ago and stands 8.7 cents per gallon higher than a year ago, according to GasBuddy data compiled from more than 11 million weekly price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country.
“We’ve now seen the national average price of gasoline rising for four straight weeks, which isn’t uncommon for this time of year. What is uncommon is the number of attacks on Russian oil re ners; attacks which could have ripple e ects worldwide if they continue,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “Russia could see more capacity impacted by the attacks, forcing it to buy such products on the global market, pushing prices up everywhere. With oil prices now under more pressure and attacks potentially increasing on Russian re ners, we could be in for a few more weeks of rising prices. Signi cant as well is the fact that Americans are now seeing in ation again at the pump with prices higher than they were a year ago.”
GasBuddy data is accessible at http://prices.GasBuddy.com.
Continued from A2
boats, as electric boats exist worldwide. Price is the big issue.
“We do have a bucket of money to build these boats,” Barkis said. “ e challenge is, if we keep seeing these bids come in at twice and three times what they were, we won’t be able to build the number of boats that we need within this budget.”
In the long run, electric ferries will be a great deal for taxpayers, Sterling predicted, as they will last 30 years longer than a boat
running on diesel fuel. “It’s great for the environment, but we are burning 150 million gallons of diesel fuel a year, so there is a big cost to that, and being able to run on electricity eliminates a large part of that cost,” Sterling said.
On top of electrifying the eet, all of the ports need a reliable and steady electrical connection to recharge batteries while ferries are docked. e available budget for port electri cation, combined with the cost of boats, has legislators worried. e
Continued from A1
current budget funds ve new boats. Sterling says the boats can be put in the water regardless of port electri cation because the hybrid boats can run on diesel while the batteries recharge.
WSF wants to achieve an entirely electric eet by 2050. is involves con-
about the Foundation and is hoping that even more folks will join in to help local students. “A proverb wisely states, ‘Many hands make for light work,’” she said. “We are thrilled to invite many more hands to join in this collective e ort, enabling us to remove nancial barriers for even more students in Ferndale School District. Let’s go.” To learn more about the Ferndale Public Schools Foundation or donate, visit https://www.ferndaleschoolsfoundation.org or contact Volunteer Executive Director Tracy Diehl at 360-201-8168.
verting six current vessels to hybrid-electric propulsion, building 16 new hybrid-electric vessels and installing shore charging capabilities at 16 terminals. But considering the current condition of the eet, getting there might be di cult. “God forbid we have any problems within the eet, which we have seen time and time again. We don’t have anything to back it up,” Barkis said. Liias also said there won’t be any quick xes. “We can’t promise rosy things to ferry communities anymore,” Liias said. “We have to be dead honest with folks about what’s possible. It is not possible to get boats faster than 2027 or 2028.”
-- e Washington State Journal is a non-pro t news website funded by the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation. Learn more at wastatejournal.org.
March 30-31
Easter at the Farm
Fun for all ages celebrating the arrival of spring will take place March 30-31 during Easter at the Farm at Whatcom County’s Bellewood Farms & Distillery. Photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny will be o ered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Both days also will include live music by Lyndenbased Queen’s Bluegrass from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bellewood Farms is at 6140 Guide Meridian, within seven miles of Bellingham, Ferndale and Lynden.
A Candy Pop-up Store, new this year, will feature a variety of sweets and gift baskets. For more information about Bellewood Farms, call 360-318-7720 or visit www.bellewoodfarms.com.
Minds alive!
Third Monday of each month
Minds alive is a partnership between
The Upfront Theatre and NWRC to o er improv classes for anyone with early stage memory loss and their care partners. These classes are from 2-3 p.m. the third Monday of each month at The Upfront Theatre, 203 Prospect St., Bellingham. Classes are designed to engage participants in improv exercises that tap into the present moment through creativity, connection and joy. Specially trained Upfront improvisers will facilitate a creative experience surely to enrich, support and entertain. This class will provide a safe and fun environment to engage in imagination and creativity, social engagement and connection, laughter and joy, increased mood and confidence, improved quality of life, an opportunity to fully be in the moment, sense of accomplishment and success. Caregivers/Care partners welcome but not required for attendance. Registration is required, either online, by email at info@theupfront. com, or by phone 360-200-8697.
March 27
It’s Theater, Comedy & Music!
Live from Bellingham! It’s Theater, Comedy & Music! Bellingham City Club turns its focus to local entertainment at its upcoming Wednesday, March 27 program at the Bellingham Yacht Club, 2625 S. Harbor Loop Drive, Bellingham. Catered lunch will be served beginning at 11:45 a.m. followed by a presentation by our esteemed panel that will bring the vibrant spirit of Bellingham’s live performance scene straight to you. To register and for more information please see www.bellinghamcityclub. org.
March 30
36th annual Fairhaven Plant and Tree Sale
The 36th annual Fairhaven Plant and Tree Sale is from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
March 30 in the Hillcrest Parking lot, 14th Avenue and Fairhaven Parkway in Bellingham. This one-day sale features local and regional growers and provides the community a chance to buy trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, veggie starts, carnivorous plants, metal art and garden decor. Vendors donate a portion of sales to Fairhaven
Neighbors which uses the proceeds for neighborhood improvements and grants to local non-profits.
April 3
Birchwood Garden Club’s
April meeting
Birchwood Garden Club’s April meeting is from 7-9 p.m. April 3 at 121 Prospect St., Bellingham. Topic: Deer Resistant Planting with Diana Wiesan. Bellingham’s Old City Hall Museum Rotunda Room. Visit birchwoodgardenclub.org for more information.
April 5-27
Recycled Arts Resource Expo
Come to the opening reception of Allied Arts of Whatcom County’s 12th annual Recycled Arts Resource Expo (RARE), from 6-9 p.m. Friday, April 5. Allied Arts of Whatcom County is at 1418 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham. RARE celebrates creative reuse through this juried art exhibit. Allied Arts also spotlights art organizations and facilities promoting sustainability. For more information visit www.alliedarts. org or contact Xandra Blackburn at 360-676-8548 x102 or gallery@
alliedarts.org. Gallery hours are from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
April 7
Gospel concert
Gospel concert with Keepers of the Faith, 6 p.m. Sunday, April 7 at Nooksack Valley Reformed Church, 602 E. 2nd St., Nooksack. Doors open at 5 p.m. Free will o ering, refreshments following. Call Donna at 360-9665165 for more info.
April 20
LC Artisan & Vendor Market
Lynden Christian’s Artisan & Vendor Market from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. April 20. Admission is free. Come out and shop a diverse group of local artisans, crafters and directs sales vendors. There really is something for everyone at this fun market. This year’s market will utilize the entire LCHS gym, allowing for wider walkways for our loyal shoppers and larger booth options for our fantastic vendors. Call 360-318-9525 to inquire about booth availability or a vendor application.
April 20
Spring Shred and e-Cycle
BECU’s Spring Shred and e-Cycle Event will be held on April 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Bellingham Lincoln Creek Parking Lot, this free event o ers a collection of
• Secure Document Shredding by Shred-it
• Electronic Recycling by 1PC
• Non-perishable food and cash donations by Western Washington University Food Bank
• Clothing and household item donations by Northwest Center The event address is: 800 Lincoln St. Bellingham. Lynden residents will benefit from this opportunity to declutter and reduce their carbon footprint in an environmentally friendly way.
position player has returned to the team.
LYNDEN — By virtue of superb pitching, solid defense, and acceptable hitting, Lynden baseball is o to yet another promising start in 2024.
e pitching sta 's exceptional performance has resulted in just four runs given up in 28 innings of work.
“Our pitchers have thrown strikes,” manager Cory White said. “ ey’re not putting pressure on our defense by walks or hit by pitches… Our defense has done a great job…
“If you can pitch and you can play defense, you got a chance to win a lot of high school baseball games if you don’t give the other team extra outs. Our pitchers have done that up to this point.”
While the Lions' pitching prowess may not surprise Lynden baseball followers, White explained that only one starting
“Kael (Stapleton) is the only returning position player,” White said. “ ese are all new guys getting after it.” White elaborated on the role experienced players will play in helping younger ones develop and hone their skills.
“I was talking to them today, they’re very good about being a good teammate and you know, sometimes older guys can kind of use that, ‘Hey we’re the older guys and you guys are just young freshmen and sophomores.’ Where our seniors are very welcoming and encouraging to our younger players.” e Lions skipper also touched on the strategic transition his team will undergo within the eld, expressing willingness to move players around and institute a small-ball approach. Starting spots are open for the taking right now.
“It’s gonna come down to
guys that are swinging the bat are the guys that are gonna nd a spot in the lineup,” he said.
Reigning NWAC Pitcher of the Year and in elder Lane Simonsen is one of the players White and the Lions will count on to have a positive in uence on the younger players.
“He’s loyal to the program,” White said. “He’s a kid that’s all in during the school season but he’s all in during the summer season as well too. He wants to play with his teammates and get after it.
“He’s a leader by example, he gets after it. He gets after his teammates a little bit in a good way to where, ‘Hey we gotta make sure we pick each other up,’ and gets after it that way. Good leaders do that. He works really hard in the o season, he works really hard during the season and it’s just one of those guys that’s a good teammate.
See Lynden on B2
EVERSON — Nooksack Valley softball is nding its footing with a 1-2 record after two lopsided games with the Pioneers being on both sides of the spectrum. In their last game on March 21, they lost by a signi cant margin of 14-3 against Lynden Christian. Head coach Tom Harmon shared his thoughts regarding his team's performance and identi ed the area that needs the most improvement. “I think we just need to grow as a team in all areas,” he said. “I won’t say it’s one or the other, I just think as we start meshing together, the pieces will come together. Whether it’s pitching, hitting defense, we’re just trying to nd our groove.”
On March 19, the Pioneers crushed Bellingham 20-0, however, they followed this win up with the loss to Lynden Christian at Nooksack Valley Middle School on March 21. “ is week’s been a funky week for us because we’ve had 10 kids out almost every day with illness,” Harmon said. “ at’s not an excuse, we’re just trying to get our
mojo together. We’re working on that. I think just playing and then getting to see the consistency in our lineup, and then getting to see our two young pitchers kind of mold with each other and how they compliment what they do.”
Harmon also touched on areas of optimism and his perspective on the team’s chemistry thus far.
“I don’t think we have one leader,” he said. “I think we have a group that likes to get along and play well together.”
Harmon further touched on their chemistry and observations in their loss to Lynden Christian.
“As we kind of get that steadiness as a group together, I think that will be a strength that we have,” he said. “We’re not gonna blow anybody’s drawers o but I think as we go, the way we play it here. e thing I liked is even when things weren’t going well, you couldn’t tell with us and that’s a huge piece.
“You know, you get some things and they start not going well, [some] tend to get quiet and not talk. We didn’t do that on defense, we kept plugging away. For me, that’s a ray of hope there.”
See Nooksack Valley on B2
Squalicum on March 19. It was the rst perfect game Slesk could recall a Meridian pitcher throwing in his quarter century experience of managing Meridian’s baseball program.
“We didn’t have to do a lot o ensively or defensively to win that game,” Slesk recalled.
what he views as the biggest reason for Meridian’s early-season success. “It’s been an overall group e ort so far,” he said. “ ere hasn’t been one standout that’s carried us and especially at the plate. It’s just kind of been the whole group, our bottom half of the order has been really good which is awesome.
“ ey’ve really started some rallies for us and got us going and then we’ve picked them up.” Slesk further emphasized the direction he sees his ballclub moving forward with more game experience.
“We still have some really good hitters who haven’t hit their stride yet that are really coming into their own right now,” he said. “I’m excited for that and there’s potential to have a really good season.”
e individual highlight of Meridian’s recent success was junior left-handed pitcher Jonah Aase’s perfect game against
Aase struck out 17 of the 18 batters he faced, a portrait of pitching dominance combined with dominant command.
“He’s a real competitor out there,” Slesk said. “He takes baseball very seriously. He’s gotten better from his freshman to his sophomore year, his sophomore year to his junior year, just continuing to make good strides. He’s not sitting on his laurels, thinking, ‘I’m great’, and everything like that – he works at it.”
Whether or not the Trojans can sustain this early season success remains to be seen.
ey’re leading the Northwest Athletic Conference in runs per game with over 17, while the next closest is Blaine/ Oak Harbor (eight runs per game).
e Trojans rst four wins of the year have come against Coupeville, a 2B school, Friday Harbor (1-3), Granite Falls (1-4) and Squalicum (0-5). eir schedule will get increasingly more competitive from here on out.
Doing our part to train the contractors of the future!
Eight of their next nine opponents possess a .500 or better record.
Slesk touched on how the 4-2 loss to Lakewood (2-1) on March 21 can be a learning tool moving forward into the tougher schedule.
“We didn’t play catch very well out on the diamond and it ended up hurting us,” he said. “We don’t make a lot of errors but we had three in that game. en just things that we could have prevented. It’s not good to lose but it might have been a good one for us to kind of have a wake up call for the team.”
Slesk also emphasized the mindset his team needs to carry moving forward to sustain continued success. “ ey need to be focused on every pitch of every game,” he said.
“ ey need to learn how to get ready to play a baseball game and get their mental focus before the game.
“ at’s something we're working on.
“We’re getting a lot of good reps in practice, the kids are working hard, it’s just that mental approach before the game and just being involved with every pitch of every game.”
Meridian’s next game is against Bellingham at Meridian High School at 4 p.m. on March 28.
Continued from B1
Another source of optimism for the Pioneers is the veteran presence and steady production of senior center elder Lainey Kimball. She nished second in batting last year across the county with a .579 average. She echoed similar sentiments of what she sees going well for the team early in the season.
“Right now we’re looking really good with the mental part of it,” she said. “A lot of times when a ball comes our way (on defense) girls are doing really well, knowing where to go, what the next move is when they catch the ball, stu like that. Especially too with the younger players on the team.
“It’s really nice as a senior to see that potential and it’s only the third game,
so we know once we work out those kinks – as long as we know that the mental side of it is there, the rest of it will come with more games.” One of two seniors on the team, Kimball was a part of the 2022 state championship squad and makes herself available to her teammates for insight and expertise.
“Hitting-wise I always say you wanna stay focused but you gotta take your mind o of it too,” she explained. “ e second I step into the box, the rst thing I start doing is singing a song. I say, stay out of your head, have with it and trust your training.”
e Pioneers will return to action against Anacortes at Nooksack Valley Middle School at 4:30 p.m. on March 28.
Continued from B1
“He’s a good guy to have on our team, without a doubt.”
Simonsen explained his role on the team and how he can help other players improve.
“ ere’s a lot of upperclassmen that are contributing right now, so we’re just accepting them (underclassmen) and helping them learn the ropes and just kind of gure things out,” he said.
“ ey’re carrying that on to these younger players,” White said.
“We got the Spencer Adams’, we got the Matthew Carrolls, we got these young guys, so now when they get to be the juniors and seniors, they pass the torch on again.” rough the rst quarter of the season, the standings show the cultural transfer has been successful, while White touched on other areas of improvement for his ballclub. “We gotta make the routine plays on the in eld, we haven’t
Aside from Simonsen, White highlighted the contributions of all the Lions’ senior leaders and explained their approach to speaking when necessary and “leading by example,” through strong work ethic.
made that at times,” he said. “We just got done playing three games on arti cial turf and then when you come back and play on grass and dirt, things change a little bit and that happens. “But our kids are busting their butt and they’re working hard, so we’ll keep getting after it.”
Lynden’s next three opponents are Cedarcrest (0-1), Sehome (1-4) and Anacortes (4-2).
On April 1, they’ll face Mount Vernon (31) and two-time reigning conference player of the year, Xavier Neyens, at Sherman Anderson Field, at 4 p.m.
March 19. (Joe
On March 19, Meridian junior Jonah Aase pitched a perfect game against Squalicum and struck out 17 of the 18 batters he faced. Meridian manager Steve Slesk said it was the first Meridian perfect game he could recall from 25 years of coaching.
Sponsored by
seeking qualification statements from firms with expertise in right of way valuation and acquisition, construction engineering, construction management, and materials testing and inspection services for its Ferndale Terrace Project.
A copy of the document that lists the requirements for submission of this RFQ may be obtained from the City’s website at www.cityofferndale.org/ferndaleterrace/.
The submittal date for SOQs is 4:30PM, Thursday, April 11, 2024. Questions regarding this RFQ should be directed to Katy Radder at KatyRadder@cityofferndale.org
Helen Zylstra says volunteering is about ‘quietly helping others’
Ask Helen Zylstra about volunteering. The Nooksack resident said recently that there are a lot of volunteers who deserve recognition for their e orts. However, Zylstra admits to not liking the attention, just the things she does to help other people.
“I would want to be completely humble in an article about volunteering,” she told the Lynden Tribune. “So much of the blessing is in quietly helping others, while no one notices.”
Raised on a farm in Lynden, Zylstra graduated from Lynden High School. These days, she volunteers with Summit Thrift Store in Lynden and Quaker Cove Retreat in Anacortes, a Christian camp “where I rake pinecones for Jesus and do other grounds keeping.”
In days past, Zylstra volunteered with 4-H. “For over 20 years I lead the Country Partners 4-H club and did years of volunteering for the Whatcom County Youth Fair,” she said.
The following is from an interview with Zylstra.
Lynden Tribune: Why did you get started with volunteering?
Helen Zylstra: How did I get started volunteering? Well, 4-H, because I had children that wanted to be in 4-H so I became a leader. After my children were grown, I still loved being a leader, so I continued. I don't regret one day
health care; all my energy was needed for work.
Tribune: What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Zylstra: I enjoy volunteering because it's loaded with new experiences and people. Most of the time people are so appreciative of one's help or an extra hand.
Tribune: Describe a moment while volunteering that has stuck with you.
Zylstra: I can't say there is just one moment that sticks with me. But I do know this, that my life has been richly blessed by those I have come to know while volunteering. OK… It might be the time at 4-H camp when we were having a water fight and the VanVoorst twins, big boys, ganged up on the leader and lifted a 50-pound garbage can filled with water and dumped it over my head. What a surprise!
Tribune: What does your community mean to you?
Zylstra: My community means comfort, home, friends, church, family.
Tribune: What would you like to tell anyone who may be interested in becoming a volunteer?
Zylstra: Our community is loaded with volunteers; one I can think of o the top of my head is Joanne Odens. Now that girl is a volunteer. She has been a 4-H leader for longer than me and currently still is.
If you know of a volunteer you’d like to see the Lynden Tribune and Ferndale Record feature in our monthly Whatcom Wonders special section, please email bill@lyndentribune.com or call 360-354-4444. Thank you.
CONVENIENCE STORE
Delta Country Market 1306 Birch Bay-Lynden Rd, Lynden 360-354-1680
DENTAL
Premier Dental Center 2086 Main St, Ferndale - 360-380-4553
dentistferndale.com
Christensen Home Services
P.O. Box 29286, Bellingham www.christensenhomeservices.com
Call or Text 360-594-1468
Everson Vision Clinic, Dr. Alex Ilyin, OD 205 W Main St, Everson • 360-966-0445
Bethgutman.evc@aol.com
CHS Northwest
3500 Meridian St., Bellingham • 360-734-4010
1720 LaBounty Dr, Ferndale • 360-380-0578
415 Depot St., Lynden • 360-306-3800
119 17th St., Fairway, Lynden • 360-354-5671
300 Main St., Lynden • 360-354-1198
102 Nooksack Ave., Nooksack • 360-966-4193
www.chsnw.com
Portal Way Farm and Garden
6100 Portal Way, Ferndale • 360-384-3688
www.PortalWayFarmAndGarden.com
Smits Compost 9030 Guide Meridian, Lynden • 360-354-3583
www.smitscompost.com
Originals by Chad 521 Front St., Lynden • 360-318-0210
Lynden Florea
306 Front St., Suite B, Lynden
360-306-8819 • lyndenflorea.com
Lynden
• lyndendutchbakery.com
CABINETS
Lynden Interiors 2017 Front St., Lynden • 360-354-4149 www.lyndeninteriors.com
Westside Building Supply 8353 Guide Meridian, Lynden • 360-354-5617
CARPET CLEANING
Northwest Professional Services 360-354-4145 • www.npsclean.com
191 Birch Bay Lynden Rd, Lynden
CEMETERIES
Greenwood Cemetery • thegreenwoodcemetery.com
East Wiser Lake Rd., Lynden • 360-647-4001
Lynden Cemetery • www.lyndencemetery.com
South Side of Front St., Lynden • 360-647-4001
CLEANING SUPPLIES
Bay City Supply
360-671-7400 • www.baycitysupply.com
P.O. Box 2073, 1250 Iowa Street Bellingham, WA 98229
COFFEE
Cruisin Coffee 1976 Kok Rd., Lynden Town Plaza, Lynden 5885 Portal Way, Ferndale • 360-738-3789
COMPUTER SERVICES
Lynden Computer Services 360-319-5923 • lyndencomputer.com
CONCRETE
Mt. Baker Mobile Mixing, LLC
360-319-4285
www.mtbakermobilemixing.com
CONSTRUCTION
TSquared Inc Construction & Roofing
Troy Visser • 360-815-2616
Family Care Network
Lynden Family Medicine • 360-354-1333
1610 Grover St., Suite D-1, Lynden
Birch Bay Family Medicine • 360-371-5855
8097 Harborview Rd., Blaine
www.familycarenetwork.com
Ferndale Family Medical Center • 360-384-1511
5580 Nordic Way, Ferndale
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Lynden Interiors
2017 Front St., Lynden • 360-354-4149 www.lyndeninteriors.com
Vander Griend Lumber Co. Inc.
8461 Depot Rd., Lynden • 360-354-2155
Walls & Windows Inc. • 360-676-5223
4131 Hannegan Rd., Ste. 104, Bellingham
HOME LOANS
Edge Home Finance- Mortgage Broker
Dave Ohligschlager- Loan Officer * O/C 360-815-1768 • daveo@edgehomefinance.com
NMLS #891464 / 422225
Movement Mortgage
Hendor Rodriguez, Loan Officer
700 Front St. Suite B, Lynden 360-820-1787 • hendorthelendor.com
Hendor.rodriguez@movement.com
NMLS
Amy
Lesa
M&M Floral 5453 Guide Meridian, Bellingham 360-398-1315 • www.mandmfloral.com
Whatcom Cremation & Funeral
“Our Community’s Most Affordable Cremations & Burials - from $995”
360-734-7073 • wcremation.com
FURNITURE
Colony House Furniture
303 Front St., Lynden • 360-354-5554
www.colonyhousefurniturelynden.com
GARAGE DOORS
Overhead Door Company of Bellingham 202 Ohio St, Bellingham • 360-734-5960
www.ohdbellingham.com
Vander Griend Lumber Co. Inc. 8461 Depot Rd., Lynden • 360-354-2155
Westside Building Supply 8353 Guide Meridian, Lynden • 360-354-5617
GARBAGE & RECYCLING
Nooksack Valley Disposal & Recycling, Inc. 250 Birch Bay-Lynden Rd, Lynden 360-354-3400
GIFT/SPECIALTY SHOP
Appel Farms - The Cheese Shop 6605 Northwest Dr., Ferndale • 360-312-1431 www.appelcheese.com
GREASE TRAP
CLEANING
Lil John Sanitary Services, Inc. Mark Mellema • 360-398-9828
www.liljohnsanitary.net
GLASS, RESIDENTIAL
Louis Auto Glass
1512 N. State St., Bellingham • 360-734-3840
407 19th St., Lynden • 360-354-3232
1721 E. College Way, Mt. Vernon • 360-424-9759
Lyndale Glass • www.lyndaleglass.com
110 7th St., Lynden • 360-354-3937
6172 Portal Wy., Ferndale • 360-384-5956
Vander Griend Lumber Co. Inc. 8461 Depot Rd., Lynden • 360-354-2155
www.jefflamphere.com
VanDalen Insurance
Shane VanDalen 517 Liberty St., Lynden • 360-354-4433
PEST & RODENT CONTROL
Environmental Pest Control Inc.
3003 Bennett Drive, Bellingham • 360-676-5120 www.epestcontrol.net
PET CARE
Northwest Kitty Care www.northwestkittycare.com • 360-319-7536 instagram.com/northwestkittycare
PRESSURE WASHING
A Guy Named Bob 360-815-7207 • thehawkgroup@comcast.net
PRINT & PUBLISHING
Lynden Print Company www.LyndenPrintCo.com
113 Sixth Street, Lynden • 360-354-4444
Lynden Tribune www.LyndenTribune.com
113 Sixth Street, Lynden • 360-354-4444
REAL ESTATE
HomeSmart One Realty Kyle Christensen 414 W. Bakerview Rd. #103, Bellingham www.kylechristensenrealty.com Call or Text 360-594-1468
HomeSmart One Realty- Rick Meyer Managing Broker, GRI, CRS, SRES 414 W. Bakerview Rd. #103, Bellingham Call or text: 360-410-1213
Real Estate Support Services, LLC
As-built floor plans, marketing photography Art Van Allen ~ 360-255-1477 ressllc@gmail.com
facebook.com/RealEstateSupportServicesLLC RECREATIONAL
VEHICLE STORAGE
Bellingham RV Storage Quality Covered RV Storage Bakerview/Irongate area • Bellingham, WA 360-671-6100 • BellinghamRVBoatStorage.com
RECYCLING, REMOVAL & YARD DEBRIS
Green Earth Technology 774 Meadowlark Rd., Lynden • 360-354-4936
RENTAL EQUIPMENT
Brim Rentals 350 Duffner Dr, Lynden • 360-354-4411
www.brimtractor.com
Westside Building Supply 8353 Guide Meridian, Lynden • 360-354-5617
RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE
Bordertown Mexican Food Truck 312 3rd St, Lynden • 360-305-1290
Little Caesars
1804 18th St., Lynden • 360-354-8656
ROOFING
Joostens Roofing
Bellingham • 360-815-7663
Mt. Baker Roofing, Inc. 360-733-0191 • www.mtbakerroofing.com
SENIOR CARE
Echo Valley Adult Day Care and Respite 8472 Silver Lake Road, Maple Falls, WA 98266 Echovalleyrespite.com • 360-319-8958
SEPTIC INSTALLATION
Tyas & Tyas 3966 Deeter Rd., Everson • 360-988-6895
SEPTIC TANK PUMPING
Lil John Sanitary Services, Inc. Mark Mellema • 360-398-9828
www.liljohnsanitary.net
SPORTS & RECREATION
Dave’s Sports Shop 1738 Front St., Lynden • 360-354-5591
Lynden Skateway 421 Judson Street, Lynden • 360-354-3851
www.LyndenSkateway.com
VETERINARY
Kulshan Veterinary 8880 Benson Rd, Lynden 6220 Portal Wy, Ferndale
www.kulshanvet.com • 360-354-5095
VITAMINS
Lynden Nutrition Center 527 Front St., Lynden • 360-354-4884
Performing regular maintenance can ensure more e cient operation and help prevent costly repairs down the road. Below are general checks to keep your vehicle in good operating shape. Read your owner’s manual for more detailed information on your vehicle’s speci c requirements. When performing “do-it-yourself” maintenance, always take appropriate safety precautions.
Air Filter: Captures dirt particles and ensures clean air ow to the engine. Inspect at every oil change.
Battery: Powers the starter motor, acts as a voltage stabilizer for the electrical system and makes up any shortfall when the alternator cannot meet the vehicle’s electrical demands. Inspect the battery cable connections at every oil change and clean as needed. Always wear eye protection and gloves when servicing a battery.
Belts: Most vehicles use a single serpentine belt to operate under-hood accessories such as the alternator, although V-belts still are used in some applications. Inspect at every oil change.
Fluids:
• Brake Fluid: Critical to proper brake system performance. Check the level at every oil change.
• Engine Coolant: Prevents engine freeze-up in winter and boil-over in summer, and protects the cooling system from rust and corrosion. Check the level at every oil change.
• Engine Oil: Lubricates and cools the engine while cleaning internal parts. Running your car low on oil can cause serious engine damage. Check the level at least once a month.
• Power Steering Fluid: Transfers hydraulic pressure to reduce steering e ort. Check the level at every oil change.
• Transmission Fluid: Helps transfer engine power to the wheels, lubricates internal parts, maintains seals and acts as a coolant. Check the level at every oil change.
Gasoline: Use gasoline with the octane rating recommended by the vehicle manufacturer — a higher fuel grade will not provide additional bene ts. Gasolines that meet TOP TIER™ standards do a better job of preventing and removing internal engine deposits.
Hoses: Circulate vital liquids such as engine coolant, transmission uid and power steering uid. Inspect at every oil change.
Tires: As the only part of your vehicle in contact with the road, tires have a major e ect on ride, handling, braking and safety. For optimum performance, tires must have adequate tread depth, show no signs of physical damage and be properly in ated. Inspect tires and check in ation pressures at least once a month.
Courtesy of AAA.com
LYNDEN — e following are some of the stories coming out of the Lynden School District as reported in the district governing board’s March 7 and March 21 agendas:
March 7 good news
• Isom Elementary’s Character Strong word of the month in February was cooperation. Isom’s tech lab was in need of keyboard covers to use for the development of keyboarding skills. Isom tech coach Mrs. Bowman connected with LMS woodshop teacher Mr. Klassen, who created a design to meet their needs. With the help of Isom alum and current LMS student Owen Bennett, they helped build 28 keyboard covers.
• Congratulations to Lynden High School wrestlers Belen Lopez, Christian Velasquez and Clarence Valladares for qualifying for the 2A state tournament. Belen Lopez brought home a third place win while Christian Velasquez placed 12th in the state.
• Both the girls and boys basketball teams secured a spot in the 2A state tournament and traveled to the Yakima SunDome during the nal week of February.
• Lynden High School’s performance of e Music Man was a huge success.
• Lynden High School boys and girls basketball teams and cheer squad joined Bernice Vossbeck Elementary School students for a teamwork assembly on Feb. 20. Team representatives shared the characteristics of a good teammate and Coach Roper connected the ideas to the classroom and beyond. e basketball teams participated in a 4-on-4 scrimmage with fth graders while the cheerleaders led the school in several cheers.
• Fisher second grade student Tatem Lanksbury took the CKLA writing and literacy lesson a step further than what was required during class and has written and illustrated several ouch stories to create a book series, even providing teasers to the next book about to be published.
Ferndale School District
The Ferndale School District Governing Board meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at Mountain View Learning Center; 5780 Hendrickson Road. Meetings are open to the public. Visit ferndalesd.org for more information, including meeting times and board agendas, which are released no later than 24 hours before the meeting.
• Isom and Vossbeck elementaries celebrated I Love to Read month in February. Isom started the month with a kicko assembly and continued with a Read-a- on fundraiser which resulted in Isom students reading 162,272 minutes in the month of February. Vossbeck kicked o the month with a Books and Breakfast event and continued celebrating with a Read My Shirt day, a Poetry Day, a Snack, Snuggle, and Read event, and a book character dress-up day.
• Fisher Elementary celebrated National Reading Month in March. Events planned included a book character parade, a Reada- on, an assembly, and a visit by e Cat in the Hat and ings 1 & 2.
March 21 good news
• Four sta members at Lynden Academy attended the Washington Association for Learning Alternatives (WALA) conference in Lake Chelan. ey returned energized with knowledge to share about uniquely connecting with, and the meeting the needs of, the families, students and sta in LA’s alternative learning environment.
• More than 150 students participated in a teen heart screening held on March 7. e event was hosted by Lynden HOSA (health-
Lynden School District
care) Club and Lynden Christian High School. e screening of high school students from both Lynden Christian and Lynden High School included a review of their personal and family health history, blood pressure, height, weight and body mass index, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and an on-site physician review of their test results. Students also received chest-compression CPR and AED de brillator training. e event was sponsored by local
The Lynden School Board meets at 7 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. Visit lynden.wednet.edu for more information, including board agendas, which are released no later than 24 hours before the meeting.
paramedics, EMT’s, Peace Health Cardiology and Boston Scienti c.
• Congratulations to the Isom Elementary PTA. ey were selected by the Washington State PTARegion 8 as one of the recipients of the R.E.G.I.O.N. Award for Winter 20232024. ey have been recognized for their Reada- on fundraiser which raised over $12.000 in two weeks through community donations and sponsorships to support students who logged reading min-
Nooksack Valley Schools
utes. ese funds are intended to be used toward items that bene t students and sta , including grade level enrichment opportunities, classroom grants and supplies, and learning tools and equipment at the school.
• Congratulations to LMS student, Kai Regner, who recently competed in the Special Olympics in Wenatchee. Kai received a gold medal in individual basketball skills for earning the fastest time in the dribbling event.
The Nooksack Valley School Board meets the third Thursday of each month. Visit nv.k12.wa.us for more information, including board agendas, which are released no later than 24 hours before the meeting.
