Ferndale seeks applicants for community scholarship
WECU expands Education Grant Program
CQC will award as many as three $3,000 scholarships in 2025. — News, A2
Supports educational initiatives in Whatcom and Skagit counties. — News, A5
Happy Thanksgiving!
NOVEMBER 27, 2024
SINCE 1885
FERNDALE, WASHINGTON • $1.50
Ferndale looking for new police chief Kevin Turner to leave Nov. 27, will become Burlington police chief By Bill Helm Editor
FERNDALE — The City of Ferndale is now looking for a new police chief. After eight years in the top seat, Chief Kevin Turner has resigned his position to become chief of the Burlington Police
Department. His last day at Ferndale will be Nov. 29. According to a Nov. 19 news release from the City of Ferndale, Turner announced his departure in an Oct. 28 notice to city staff. “This was not an easy decision as this has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” Turner told the city. “Thank you for your support of me and the PD, and the friendships we’ve built along the way. I feel immensely proud of what we’ve accomplished over the last several years, and I am honored to have
Ferndale City Council rejects tax increase
served this community with the Ferndale Police Department.” Turner joined the Ferndale Police Department in February 2017. Before Ferndale, Turner was the Grantsville City, Utah chief of police. “I have been in law enforcement for 28 years now and still love it,” Turner told the Ferndale Record. “I have really enjoyed my time with Ferndale and for the relationships I have here, which makes it tough to move on to this next chapter. I can honestly say the team I’ve worked with here are some of the best.”
In the City of Ferndale news release, Mayor Greg Hansen stated that Turner “led the Ferndale Police Department with integrity and professionalism and successfully shepherded Ferndale through the rigorous accreditation process, making Ferndale one of only two accredited agencies in Whatcom County.” Turner explained that the accreditation is through Washington Association of Sheriffs & Police Chiefs [WASPC] “and is the gold standard for police agencies.” “I am very honored and proud that we accom-
plished becoming an accredited agency,” Turner said. “This was definitely a team effort led by Lt. Matt Huffman. I am also very proud of our training program which, in my humble opinion, is second to none. I firmly believe that training increases professionalism, understanding and ultimately produces a higher quality of service for our community.” Turner was one of four finalists the city of Burlington interviewed to replace Mike Luvera, who resigned in July. With close to three decades in See Turner on A5
Chief Kevin Turner will leave the Ferndale Police Department on Nov. 29 to take over as chief of the Burlington Police Department. (Photo courtesy City of Ferndale)
Pioneer Park ‘all lit up and beautiful’
By Racquel Muncy For the Record
FERNDALE — To keep costs down for Ferndale residents, council voted not to increase property taxes during its meeting on Monday, Nov. 18. According to City Finance Director Danielle Ingham, property tax makes up 15% of the revenue in the 2025 general fund and is estimated to be about $2.1 million. Council Member Jon Mutchler thanked staff for not asking residents for an additional 1%. “We all know it’s not going to kill us one way or the other,” he said. Mutchler said this is the third year the city has been able to not increase property taxes while maintaining a healthy budget and that is something to be proud of. A public hearing was held, and no comments were received. After a fourth and final budget workshop, council also held the first of two budget hearings. “The 2025 budget reflects stable revenues with successful grant funding across all funds,” Ingham said. She said successful grants have included the recent COPS grant by the Ferndale Police Department which has hired additional officers to reach a fully staffed police department. According to the memo, this will help with overtime costs, which were substantial in past years while understaffed. Ingham said areas of concern include a flattening of sales tax which reduces funds for the general fund. In a memo to staff, Ingham said sales tax is down and the funds from the utility tax are expected to decrease as the utility tax was decreased from 9% to 8%. She said in the memo that staff strongly recommends not making any additional tax cuts moving forward. The final 2025 budget will be approved in December. Council also approved a package of salaries for the senior staff members’ contract renewals. Mayor Greg Hansen said he put together a salary study comparing City of Ferndale positions with other similar cities, spoke with the employees, looked at benefits and other efforts to find a fair salary for the senior staff members. “I don’t think that is hyperbole to say that these truly are some of the best in the business here working for the City of Ferndale,” Hansen said. “They are to a person accomplished in their forward-
Dec. 6-7, the Ferndale Heritage Society will host the 2024 Old Fashioned Christmas celebration in Pioneer Village. (Bill Helm/Ferndale Record file photos)
Ferndale Heritage Society looks forward to this year’s holiday festivities By Luke Seymour Staff Reporter
FERNDALE — On Dec. 6-7, the Ferndale Heritage Society will host the 2024 Old Fashioned Christmas celebration in Pioneer Village. The holiday event will be held from 4-9 p.m. both days. Admission is $5 for adults to $3 for children. Toddlers under 1-year-old get in for free. Members of the Ferndale Heritage Society, Linda Harkleroad and Tom Brand are two of the main organizers of this year’s festivities. Harkleroad said although seasonal refreshments such as hot chocolate and apple cider will be provided, the main attraction will be the cabins. “At the most, you pay $5 and for that much money, you’re really getting a real deal,” Harkleroad said. “You get the opportunity to go into each cabin which are each decorated with all kinds of old fashioned decorations and participate in different activities. Refreshments are provided at the end by WECU. There will also be crafts for kids in the Pioneer Pavilion.” Live musical performances will also be provided by the Ferndale High School Band and Choir, local pastor and music teacher Jon
See Council on A3
See Holidays on A3
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38 pages • Volume LIII • Number 40
Thursday 37°/46° Friday 35°/46° Saturday 34°/46° Sunday 34°/45°
Everson-Nooksack • A6 Forum • A4 Calendar • A2 Legal Notices • B4 Classifieds • B4 News • A2
Obituaries • A5 Puzzles • B5 Sports • B1
Record offices closed Nov. 28-Dec. 1 for Thanksgiving www.ferndalerecord.com