The Northern Light: February 20-26, 2025 by Point Roberts Press

February 20 - 26, 2025

Rock barrier added along U.S./Canada border in Blaine

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U.S. Border Patrol has recently added another layer of rock to prevent people from driving illegally across the U.S./Canada border in Blaine.

According to CBP spokesperson Jason Givens, the federal agency placed 275 feet of rock along 99th Street in Blaine on January 27 and January 30. The barrier reinforces rocks placed there at least 15 years ago that have sunk into the ground.

The U.S. Border Patrol Blaine Sector has had 85 drive-throughs since 2023, according to its Facebook page.

Givens said the Border Patrol has been installing rock, concrete and block barriers in high-traffic areas to deter unauthorized vehicle crossings and mitigate risks to people living nearby, which is part of a broader strategy to address security along the U.S./ Canada border.

U.S. Border Patrol also installed concrete barriers along the border in Maine, according to media reports.

“We are committed to safeguarding the residents of northwest Washington while ensuring the integrity of our border,” wrote Rosario Vasquez, chief patrol agent of Blaine Sector, in a statement. “These measures are designed to enhance security and protect our communities from the potential dangers posed by these incidents.”

The U.S. Border Patrol installed a cable barrier near Lynden in 2020 after people were illegally driving across the border.

The International Boundary Commission (IBC) is a joint U.S./Canadian organization that oversees the border, which includes approving permanent structures added within 10 feet of either side of the boundary.

J.T. Moore, deputy commissioner for the U.S. section of the IBC, said the rock, concrete and block barriers that the U.S. Border Patrol has deployed don’t need IBC approval because they are considered non-permanent structures.

The IBC recently investigated a chainlink fence that garnered international attention after the city of Delta put it along the U.S./Canada border in Point Roberts and Tsawwassen, B.C. on January 16. The

(See Border, page 3)

Birch Bay Community Advisory Committee to hold first meeting

The Birch Bay Community Advisory Committee (BBCAC) plans to spend its first meeting discussing how it can best represent the voice of the community. It meets at Birch Bay Bible Church at 6 p.m. Thursday, February 27.

The meeting will be open to the public, though there won’t be a remote option for the first meeting. Roland Middleton, special projects manager at Whatcom County Public Works Department, will provide a report on public works activity in Birch Bay and will serve as chairperson until the committee elects that position, committee member Doralee Booth said.

Overseen by the Whatcom County government, the advisory committee was approved by Whatcom County Council in December 2024 to serve as a conduit for Birch Bay residents to provide input to Whatcom County. The BBCAC is a separate organization from the Birch Bay Incorporation As-

sociation, which is evaluating the pros and cons of Birch Bay becoming its own city. Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu appointed, and Whatcom County Council approved, committee members Doralee Booth, Daniel Mead Smith and Sheila Wood to represent residents of the Birch Bay Urban Growth Area. They also approved Stephen Nelson as a resident and/or worker within the Birch Bay community, Danielle Gaughen as a representative for the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, Bruce Ansell as a representative of North Whatcom Fire and Rescue, and David Wilbrecht as a representative of BlaineBirch Bay Park and Recreation District 2. Meetings are tentatively scheduled for the fourth Thursday of every month, though Booth said this could change. The committee will follow the Open Public Meetings Act, which requires meeting minutes and recordings to be posted on the county’s website. Oral public comment will be included at each meeting.

s O’Reilly Auto Parts opened its Blaine store at 1631 H Street in the Blaine

Photo by Grace McCarthy

ki ki ki). Look for nests in cavities, usually in trees. In flight, their distinctive coloring shows flashes under the wings and tail. The northern flicker lives to be about seven years old. There are often sightings in March, during the Wings Over Water Birding Festival (March 14-16). For more information, visit wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com.

O’Reilly Auto Parts opens store in Blaine

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O’Reilly Auto Parts has opened its doors to service Blaine customers.

The national auto parts store held its soft opening in the Blaine International Center, at 1631 H Street, on February 8.

Store manager Dominic Lupo said the O’Reilly store in Ferndale was heavily servicing Blaine residents, which at times caused delays, and O’Reilly could better assist Canadians with a location closer to the U.S./Canada border.

“We wanted to help everyone the best we can,” Lupo said.

O’Reilly sells parts for all makes and models of cars, generators and small engine lawn equipment, among other items. If the store doesn’t have a part, O’Reilly staff will work diligently to find that item, Lupo said, adding that most parts can arrive within 24 hours.

The Blaine store also offers free services, including free check engine light diagnostics, battery testing and installation, and windshield wiper installation.

“We want to be a leading part supplier in all of our markets,” Lupo said. “O’Reilly has a huge culture of helping people.”

The store is planning its grand opening this summer, which will likely be celebrated with a barbecue and car show.

Lupo said the store is run by a tenured staff, and overseen by district manager Stephen Verduin.

“We are extremely happy to be in the community,” Lupo said.

O’Reilly is open from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Photo by Chuck Kinzer / ckimageart.com

Port of Bellingham provides update on Blaine Harbor fueling

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Port of Bellingham commissioners addressed the lack of fuel services in Blaine Harbor at their February 4 meeting, nearly six months after being presented with a petition asking the port to restore the services lost after the closure of Blaine Marina, Inc, in 2015.

In August, Dream Boat Company owner Randall Parten sent a petition with about 70 signatures to the port asking it to restore fuel services in Blaine Harbor and request Semiahmoo Marina Condominium Association (SMCA) to honor its promise of offering fuel discounts to Blaine Harbor tenants. In the petition, Parten wrote that Semiahmoo Marina, as a private entity, banned him and Western Yacht Systems owner David Rasmussen from buying fuel and offering commercial services at the marina. Parten told the port that it was a public safety issue as his company also offers towing and marine rescue. Parten and Rasmussen also filed a lawsuit against SMCA alleging unlawful trade and monopoly, among other complaints.

Currently, there is only one fuel option in Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham and at the Point Roberts Marina.

Port executive director Rob Fix and commissioner Bobby Briscoe made it clear during the commission’s regular February 4 meeting that the port couldn’t add a fuel dock until an environmental cleanup of the Westman Marine site at Blaine Harbor was finished. Port staff are lobbying to secure state funding for the project, expected to cost at least $14 million, but the state is facing significant budget challenges for the 2025-27 biennium.

“It doesn’t matter what we decide or could do, nothing is going to happen until the cleanup is done, and that’s two years out,” Briscoe said.

Port staff and commissioners considered putting Blaine Harbor fueling as an agenda item for its February 18 meeting, but decided

they didn’t have solid options to put forward.

“Monetarily, we’re constrained, and it’s a pretty big undertaking,” Briscoe said. “It’s not just the fuel dock. It’s where are you going to put the fuel dock? How are you going to get it there? The cost. Is somebody going to run it or are we going to run it? There’s a lot to be discussed internally.”

Briscoe continued, “I understand the frustration. Believe me, I do. But this isn’t something that’s just being ignored. It’s on our staff’s radar for someday. We don’t know when. We have a lot of things we need to do there first.”

Blaine Marina Inc. offered fuel services in the harbor for 60 years before closing in 2015. Prior to its demise, the company competed with the SMCA across the harbor at Semiahmoo Marina. SMCA continues to provide fuel services for local boaters.

In 2016, following discussions by the port about bringing fuel services to Blaine, SMCA verbally committed to the port to offer the same fuel discounts it gave to its tenants to boats moored in Blaine Harbor. Some members of the public voiced concern to commissioners that it would give SMCA a monopoly on fueling.

The discount lasted a few years.

According to port public affairs administrator Mike Hogan, port staff approached SMCA but have not heard back regarding the fees.

“Short of a discount from Semiahmoo, the Port will likely start to plan for a new fuel service in Blaine Harbor,” Hogan said to The Northern Light in September. “This will be an expensive project and challenging to permit, therefore it will likely be years before we see the project get started.”

During the February 4 meeting, Briscoe said SMCA’s monopoly on fuel prices was expected.

“They have to go to Semiahmoo, which creates a problem we always discussed they were going to do, which is jack the prices up because they got a monopoly on the situa-

tion,” Briscoe said. “Nothing we can do about that.”

Fix questioned whether a gas truck could visit the harbor similar to how a diesel truck stops there. Briscoe replied that gas, which is delivered on a much larger truck, wouldn’t be cost efficient for the port to supply. Tiffany DeSimone, the port’s director of maritime, added that gas is a greater fire hazard than diesel and suggested people could carry gas cans to their boats. She did not explain how individuals carrying gas cans presented a lesser fire hazard than having a gas truck supply boats.

Commissioner Ken Bell said he was concerned about spillage, and that a contained fuel dock would be a better option than individual gas cans.

He said he would like to see a future agenda item summarizing all of the work in Blaine Harbor for people to understand how the fuel dock fits into the larger picture.

Commissioner Michael Shepard said he wanted to make sure Blaine boaters felt heard.

“I’m trying to figure out if we should have a presentation for a more formal conversation,” Shepard said. “I want to make sure these folks in Blaine feel heard. It’s OK if the answer is ‘no’ or ‘not now,’ but I want to make sure they’re getting that response from us.”

Briscoe replied that people who were concerned could speak during the public comment session of port meetings. Fix agreed

Blaine Primary School invites public to family science night on February 27

Blaine Primary School will host a family science night for school families and the public 5-7 p.m. Thursday, February 27.

The free event will feature new science experiments, demonstrations and plenty of space and stations for local students to learn and get excited about science at the school, 820 Boblett Street.

Border ...

From page 1

fence was placed there after an elderly Tsawwassen man wandered into Point Roberts and died of exposure. The fence came down shortly after public outcry.

Moore said the nonpermanent barriers are easily movable if they hinder IBC’s work to maintain the boundary, while fences can’t be moved as easily.

Blaine STEAM specialist Terre Shapiro will lead the event, which she described as a pop-in, pop-out “open house” style, where families can participate as much or as little as they desire.

The event is not only for primary school students, but is also intend-

ed to get the entire family involved in science and the learning process.

“We feel really strongly to involve family in all of our communication and education at this level because really, family is the first teacher,” Shapiro said. “It’s fun for the families to see what the kids can do, and just to be there.”

with Briscoe, adding that the port staff wouldn’t have much more to add if the topic was listed on the next meeting’s agenda.

The discussion starts at the 1:30:00 minute mark during the port’s February 4 meeting, available on its YouTube at bit.ly/41ltPkr.

s The U.S. Border Patrol installed rock barriers along the U.S./Canada border on 99th Street in Blaine in late January. Photo by Grace McCarthy

s From l.; Port of Bellingham executive director Rob Fix and commissioners Ken Bell, Bobby Briscoe and Michael Shepard during the February 4 meeting. Image courtesy of Port of Bellingham YouTube

The Northern L ght

The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc.

Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors.

Letters Policy

The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. The letters to the editor column is primarily intended to allow readers to voice their opinions on local issues of general interest to local readers. A fresh viewpoint will increase the likelihood of publication. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Consumer complaints should be submitted directly to the business in question or the local chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com.

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Contributors In This Issue Doug Dahl, Chuck Kinzer

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Blaine chamber holds annual general meeting OpiniOn

s The Blaine Chamber of Commerce held its annual general meeting with guest speakers Blaine city manager Mike Harmon and Blaine planning director Alex Wenger at Great Blue Heron Grill on February 13. Clockwise; from top l.;

of Commerce board of directors Kristen Gomes, Louise Mugar, Don Enos, Karen Trudel, Kimberli Shea and Carroll Solomon (not pictured Tim Woodard). Skye and Mike Hill, of Hill’s Chevron, won Persons of the Year for always going above and beyond for the community and their contributions to downtown Blaine. Blaine Arts Council president Margaret Owens received the Business of the Year award for the organization’s work to highlight the arts in Blaine. Photos, in order, by Grace McCarthy, courtesy of Mike Hill and courtesy of Margaret Owens

Letters

The Editor:

It is hard for me to fathom why our U.S. President would take the world’s largest and most successful world power and turn it into a chaotic, emotional mess.

Economic and social chaos is the order of the day, along with alienation and mistrust of our historic allies. It is time for the reasonable members of our soci -

eties to reflect and remind ourselves and others of our commonality.

For 200 years, Canada and the United States of America have shared the longest undefended border in the world, in friendship and in trust. We shared respect, support, peace, loyalty and trade. Why on Earth would anyone wish to destroy that in this day and age? It is like

CiviC Meetings

Birch Bay Water and Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4 p.m., district office, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info and Zoom meeting link: bbwsd.com.

Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: ci.blaine.wa.us.

Blaine Planning Commission: Second Thursdays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: bit.ly/3EwWiZi.

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

we have declared war upon ourselves and there will be no winners. It is time to revisit our common Peace

(See Letters, next page)

Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Blaine Public Works and Park Advisory Board: Second Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Blaine council chambers. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.

Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district boardroom, 770 Mitchell Avenue. Info: blainesd.org.

North Whatcom Fire and Rescue: Third Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.

BBWARM: Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District Advisory Committee meets quarterly in-person and on Zoom. Info: bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org.

Blaine Chamber

From previous page

Arch monument in Blaine. The Peace Arch represents the lasting friendship between our two countries. The inscriptions engraved upon the Peace Arch state: “Brethren Dwelling in Unity,” “Children of a Common Mother,” and “May These Gates Never Close.” What happened? We should serve ourselves well if we revisited and recommitted to our common history and purpose. That’s how I see it.

Brian Calder Point Roberts

The Editor: Garden of the Salish Sea Curriculum hosted a beach cleanup at Marine Park in Blaine last Sunday. A group of volunteers worked to clean up beach debris to improve the health of our watershed.

Support for Garden of the Salish Sea Curriculum is provided in part by a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology, Alicia Rule in the Washington State Legislature, Whatcom Coalition for Environmental Education, Whatcom Community Foundation’s Sustainable Whatcom Fund, Drayton Harbor Oyster Company, and volunteers who are vital to helping us run our programs. We kindly thank them all.We acknowledge and respect the treaty rights of the Coast Salish Peoples to the lands and waters of the Salish Sea, and we recognize their stewardship since time immemorial.

Ellen O’Toole Garden of the Salish Sea Curriculum Lummi Island

The Editor : Joe Clark, former Prime Minister of Canada, asked Canadians to engage with their American friends and neighbors to bring down the temperature of the present situation.

I want to do my bit. I thought the best way to broaden my impact would be to write a letter to the editors of smaller local newspapers. As I live in a very small community on the west

coast of Canada, I want to focus on Alaska and Washington state, our neighbors to the north and south.

Many Canadians are concerned about the threats of tariffs and the unwanted calls of Canada becoming the 51st state. What happened, and does the U.S. have to take such drastic actions? Any problems between friends and neighbors are best resolved by negotiations, where mutual respect and facts are the main ingredients for the success.

Naturally, people become incensed if their country’s sovereignty is questioned. Only a miniscule number of people in Canada would consider joining the U.S. There is nothing wrong with the U.S. as such; it is that both countries are different in many respects, and it just is not a good idea. We have good neighbors in our community and are good friends, but they don’t want to live with me, and I not with them.

Canada has always stood by its neighbor; when U.S. Embassy personnel were threatened in Tehran in 1979 or on 9/11 when U.S. citizens were stranded in Newfoundland. Canadians fought on the U.S. side with our troops in Korea and Afghanistan.

What I’m asking you to do is to talk to your Senators and Congressional representatives to encourage the present administration to engage with Canada more constructively to keep our 150-year friendship growing for the benefit of the people on both sides of the border. The U.S. and Canada have more to gain by cooperating than by having a full-blown hissy fit.

With all the uncertainty in our world, let’s show that we can be a beacon of cooperation and mutual respect of culture and aspirations.

Lutz Budde Oona River, B.C.

Volunteers clean Blaine Marine Park

The City of Blaine is excited to invite proposals from qualified organizations to manage the Blaine Welcome Center and Visitor Information Center starting in April of this year.

This is an opportunity to contribute to Blaine’s vibrant downtown community and enhance visitor experiences. Proposals are due March 3rd at 4:00 p.m. by emailing Alex Wenger, CDS Director, at awenger@cityofblaine.com.

The initial one-year contract is renewable annually, with the potential for a two-year extension.

Please see the City of Blaine website, www.cityofblaine.com, for more information.

February 21, 2025 9:00 AM – City Council Retreat

February 24, 2025 6:00 PM – City Council Meeting

February 25, 2025 3:30 PM – Civil Service Commission Meeting

March 4, 2025 9:00 AM – Public Works and Parks Advisory Board Meeting

March 10, 2025 6:00 PM – City Council Meeting

March 24, 2025 6:00 PM – City Council Meeting

March 25, 2025 3:30 PM – Civil Service Commission Meeting

Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website.

This week’s supporters:

Graham Hunter

Keith and Beth Sanborn

Elmo and Betty Creech

Tom Yeager

Mary Lee Hill

Rick and Annette Whitaker

Harry and Bea Yasayko

Nancy MacDougall

Abby Longstreth

Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website www.cityofblaine.com

supporting local journalism.

“I look forward to your paper every week. Thank you!” - Mary Lee Hill

s Whatcom County environmental nonprofit Garden of the Salish Sea Curriculum held a Valentine’s-themed beach cleanup at Blaine Marine Park on February 16. Eight volunteers picked up over 100 pieces of debris and 500 pieces of glass during the cleanup. The nonprofit uses hands-on learning with shellfish to promote environmental stewardship through working with schools and the community in Whatcom County.

Photo courtesy of Garden of the Salish Sea Curriculum

spOrts

Boys, girls wrestling show out at districts, send 15 to state

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The Blaine wrestling program had another banner weekend at the District 1 tournaments on February 15, sending at least 15 wrestlers to the Mat Classic XXXVI at the Tacoma Dome to compete for a state championship, starting Friday, February 21.

The boys team took first place in the district championship, and girls took second place.

Tickets for the tournament are on sale now at wiaa.com/tickets, and start at $37 for a two-day pass for adults or $25 for students, seniors or military, and single-day passes start at $22 for adults and $15 for students, seniors or military.

“Blaine wrestling is an absolute force to be reckoned with”

– Damon Higgins

Boys wrestling

The Blaine boys wrestling team runs on high expectations, especially against Northwest Conference opponents like the ones it faced off against at the District 1 1A tournament.

Against wrestlers from Meridian, Mt. Baker and Nooksack Valley, the Borderites showed why it’s one of the best 1A programs in the county, notching five first-place finishes and five second-place finishes.

Christopher Zamudio won the 106-pound division with a 14-8 decision over Meridian’s Treyson Lewis-Kelley. Vinnie Saia defeated teammate Cole Voight by forfeit after defeating a Mt. Baker wrestler in the semifinal round; the pair took first and second place in the 120-pound division.

Aidyn Hancock fell in the first place match to Mt. Baker, placing second in the 126-pound division. Daniel Johner defeated teammate Denali Deming for first place in the 132-pound division. In the 138-pound weight class, Matt Campion was defeated by a Mt. Baker wrestler, but defeated a Meridian opponent to earn second place.

Rhys Milligan defeated Mt. Baker’s Gunner McGrath in a 9-4 decision for the 175-pound district title. Zi Yu placed second in the 215-pound weight class, and heavyweight Otto Shelton defeat-

ed Mt. Baker’s Jeremiah Sheridan for first place.

All told, 10 Blaine wrestlers earned spots in the state tournament.

“We’re down to the guys who have been just doing the right things all year long,” head coach Tom Hinz said. “They’ve been performing well all year long, it’s just now you get to the state tournament and we’re putting some grease on the wheels. It’ll be a fun week.”

Hinz said there will be plenty of interesting matchups to watch in the tournament, especially the pair of 120-pounders, Sam Saia and Cole Voight. Hinz said most of his wrestlers, though not seeded high, have a shot at making semifinal and final rounds, and a chance to beat anybody in the field.

“Everybody’s ready for state week, you don’t have to motivate anybody for state week,” Hinz said. “The excitement of it makes everybody be where they’re supposed to be.”

Heavyweight Otto Shelton earned the four-seed for the 1A tournament, and will face one of the toughest gauntlets to the final rounds, Hinz said. The 6’3, 275-pound multi-sport athlete had a solid regular season, and will surely look to make a deep postseason run.

“It’s going to be a good match,” Hinz said.

Girls wrestling

Blaine girls wrestling had one of its most successful weekends in team history at the District 1 tournament, sending five wrestlers and five alternates to the Mat Classic XXXVI, and scoring the most total points ever as a team at a District championship, according to head coach Damon Higgins.

Makenna Lausier won first place in the 105-pound weight class with a win by fall over Mt. Baker’s Kelly Camacho. Julianna Whaley earned a second place finish in the 125-pound division after an injury in the first-place match.

Abigail Marquez defeated Mt. Baker’s Sophia Moa by fall to earn first place in the 130-pound division.

Analicea Ordonez defeated Stefany Camacho for first place in her division, and Jasmine Delo-Santos defeated Piper Dyck of Meridian by fall to earn a first-place win.

“Blaine wrestling is an absolute force to be reckoned with,” Higgins said, speaking of both his girls team and the boys success this season.

Higgins said the team started out slow this season, going 0-5 in team events to start the year before turning things around and going 6-1 to end the regular season. The young team with only two seniors – Lausier and London

Fletcher – couldn’t have picked a better time to get hot.

“I’m excited about our growth,” Higgins said. “We’re young. At the beginning of the year, I had to adjust a lot of expectations to meet our youth. Once I was able to adjust my expectations, it freed me up to coach them differently, because a young team needs a different type of coach than a mature team.”

Higgins has each wrestler set individual goals for themselves before every practice and every match. He said giving players autonomy to create their own goals allows the team to focus on the task at hand before each tournament, match or practice.

That method seems to have paid off, with the team sending five girls to wrestle at state and five as alternates.

Not only is Higgins proud of this year’s team and the effort of his duo of seniors, who he called “stalwarts” and “leaders,” Higgins said he’s excited for what the future holds as the team matures.

“I’m excited about our next three years,” Higgins said. “Even though in the past we’ve been a small [program], we’re a force. Those girls, I know they’ll bring it each year.”

s Top; Blaine’s Leah Salinas wrestles Meridian’s Kamber Schroeder in the 110-pound second place match on February 15. Salinas lost the match but won her next one to place third at the District 1 tournament. Blaine’s Jasmine Delo-Santos wrestles Meridian’s Piper Dyck in the 195-pound championship match on February 15. Delo-Santos won the District 1 195-pound championship via pinfall.

Photos by Zen Hill

s Rhys Milligan poses with his first-place medal with head coach Tom Hinz after winning the 175-pound division at the District 1 tournament on February 15.

Photo courtesy Josie Shelton

Lausier heads to wrestling state tournament in ‘Mak-attack mode’

Makenna Lausier is headed to the Mat Classic XXXVI state tournament after she placed first at the WIAA District 1 1B/2B/1A girls wrestling tournament on February 15.

Makenna, who wrestles in the 105-pound weight class, will go to the Tacoma Dome to compete for a state title Friday, February 21 and Saturday, February 22.

Blaine girls wrestling placed second at the district tournament, qualifying the team for state.

Makenna has been having a dominant senior season. After going to the state tournament last year, she wrestled her way back into another Mat Classic tournament.

“I would like to place at state,” Makenna said. “But I didn’t think I was going to get this far so I can be proud that I’ve made it this far in wrestling.”

Blaine head coach Damon Higgins taught Makenna in sixth grade and encouraged her to join the wrestling team that following year.

“I had a couple friends who he also tried to get into wrestling, so it felt like a good opportunity to try it,” Makenna said. “I honestly didn’t think I was going to stick around this long.”

She has wrestled ever since Higgins’ recruitment in seventh grade.

“She’s a workhorse, she can beat up on anyone,” Higgins said. “Mak has ‘Mak-attack mode,’ where she’ll get mad at herself and she’ll start tearing into her opponent.”

Makenna tore into the competition at the district tournament, pinning her opponent in every match she won. This was her third first-place finish after she won the Santa Slam Juanita Tournament and the Woolley Women’s Tournament earlier this season.

“We put together a pretty hard tournament schedule,” Higgins said. “I’ve tried to keep us seeing 3A or 4A girls because generally they bring better athletes.”

Due to the tough regular season competition, Higgins said Makenna is prepared to compete for a state title.

“A big factor is being in a good

head space of being prepared to wrestle,” Makenna said. “I used to be super nervous and really anxious before matches.”

The state tournament will be her last matches as a wrestler for Blaine.

“I put so much time and effort into the sport,” Makenna said. “It feels weird that I might not do it ever again.”

Makenna is planning on attending college but doesn’t intend on wrestling after she graduates from Blaine High School. Instead, she will focus on academics, which she has excelled at so far.

“She’s able to listen and understand things from the first time,” her mother Renee said. “She’s always working on stuff.”

Makenna has been a scholar at Blaine High School and is even doing Running Start to accelerate her transition to a university.

“I definitely have to work hard to make sure that I get all of my homework done,” Makenna said. “I feel like it’s gotten a lot easier since last year. I had a lot of difficult classes.”

Right now, she would like to attend the University of British Columbia.

She has dual citizenship since her father, Fritz, was born in Canada.

Looking back on her senior year with the wrestling team, Makenna said she will miss the things the team experienced off the mat more than the wrestling.

“I have a lot of memories of driving back from tournaments,” Makenna said. “People singing along to songs really loudly and having fun even after long tournaments.”

One great memory would be placing on the podium at state, Makenna said, something she fell short of last season. In order to bounce back this year, she will have to wrestle clean.

“We’re really looking to eliminate small errors,” Higgins said. “One small error and a really bad wrestler can beat a really good wrestler.”

Makenna has the physical and mental skills to make a state title run this weekend with her team, Higgins said.

“I firmly believe she will be on the podium this year,” Higgins said.

Contact: colleen@wholepilates.com

s Makenna Lausier has her hand raised after her pinfall victory over Kelly Camacho in the 105-pound championship match at the District 1 1B/2B/1A tournament on February 15.

Photo by Zen Hill

All aboard: Meet the Railway Cafe’s owners Rodney and Vicka Haywood

B y Z e N h ill

Blaine has many trains pass by on its train tracks, but a caboose that has stuck around since the 1980s is known today as The Railway Cafe.

The Railway Cafe at 795 Peace Portal Drive is located inside a 1921 train caboose. Co-owners Vicka and Rodney Haywood have been offering coffee and breakfast staples there since 2018.

“This thing was not a static structure,” Rodney said. “It’s actually built to ride on the rails.”

The restaurant has a patio and outdoor seating with views of Drayton Harbor to supplement its limited indoor seating. The walls inside the wooden box car are lined with sarcastic signs that Vicka says expresses her personality.

“There’s always something here someone can relate to,” Rodney said.

Along with the humorous

decorations, Vicka brings a unique culture to Blaine as she grew up in Israel. She was born in Moldova but lived in Israel until 1996.

“I’m bringing flavors to my pastries from the Middle East and the Mediterranean,” Vicka said. “I brought a lot of my background with me.”

She came to the U.S. to visit her brother in Atlanta, where she met her husband-to-be, Rodney, who

was in the Navy. When Rodney transferred to Whidbey Island in 2003, the couple decided to settle in Washington.

During a trip to Blaine, they saw the caboose and immediately recognized its potential. A month later, it was for sale and they jumped at the opportunity to be the next tenants of the train car.

The caboose was brought to Blaine by Tony Andrews, owner of the former Tony’s Just A Bite. At first it was a gift shop, but it became a cafe in 2009 under the current owners of Peace Arch City Café.

Since 2018, the Haywoods have been serving breakfast burritos, sandwiches, baked goods, coffee, milkshakes and more.

“We have some awesome food, and we have a killer atmosphere,” Vicka said. “We always use fresh ingredients. We make them to order so they’re not sitting under a heat lamp.”

Restaurant recommendation: Vicka and Rodney recommended readers try the railway club sandwich and any milkshake.

This article is part of a series in The Northern Light highlighting Blaine and Birch Bay restaurants.

Blaine embraces Pacific Island and Korean flavors at Aloha Cafe

B y Z e N h ill

Aloha Cafe is just over half a year old, but the Pacific Island themed restaurant has already seen ample support from the Blaine community.

Drisana Horton is a Pacific Islander and her husband John Horton is Korean, so they blended their two cultures into their cafe at 684 Peace Portal Drive.

“We opened this up because we felt like Blaine needed diversity,”

Drisana said. “We created the menu with all the things my family loves.”

Drisana was born in San Diego after her parents moved from the Philippines. The Hortons started their family in San Diego before moving to Birch Bay in 2015.

The Hortons have owned Super Duper Teriyaki in Bellingham for four years. Restaurant ownership brought Drisana into the restaurant business for the first time after she’d mainly been focused on raising her eight children.

“I was a stay at home mom for 19 years,” Drisana said. “I love kids. I love my family.”

Drisana’s new family, the Blaine community, has welcomed the new restaurant with open arms.

“Everybody loves it,” Drisana said. “They love that the waffles are gluten free, and that it’s different.”

The waffles are made from mochi, a Japanese rice cake, and are made without gluten, dairy or eggs.

“It’s crispy on the outside, but chewy on the inside,” Drisana said.

Along with the waffles, which come with a variety of toppings, the cafe also serves Hawaiian shave ice, boba, bingsu (Korean snow ice), lattes and teas. The cafe stays open until the evenings because Drisana wants it to be accessible for kids getting out of school.

“I have kids that age and there’s not much for them to do here,” Drisana said. “It’s a place to hang out. I have a bunch of games.”

Drisana envisions putting together a Pacific Islander festival to continue her goal of bringing her culture and diversity to Blaine.

As for Aloha Cafe, she wants locals who haven’t visited yet to experience the atmosphere.

“It’s a low-key, laid back feel that’s uplifting,” Drisana said. “I hope whoever walks in here comes out feeling good.”

Restaurant recommendation: Drisana recommends readers try the #1, which is a classic mochi waffle with strawberries, banana and Nutella. For a drink, she recommends the pineapple cloud or pineapple sunset.

This article is part of a series in The Northern Light highlighting

and Birch Bay restaurants.

Blaine

s Rodney and Vicka Haywood inside of Railway Cafe at 795 Peace Portal Drive on February 7. They have owned the restaurant inside the 103-year-old caboose since 2018. Photo by Zen Hill

s A bear claw from The Railway Cafe. Photo courtesy of Vicka Haywood

s Drisana Horton inside Aloha Cafe at 684 Peace Portal Drive. Horton and her husband, John, opened the restaurant in August 2024.

Photo by Zen Hill

s The #2 from Aloha Cafe, a taro waffle with bananas, strawberries, blueberries, cream, almond clusters and toasted coconut. Photo courtesy of Drisana Horton

ADVICE FROM THE PROS

Q: How will the new administration impact my taxes?

A: In 2025, key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are set to expire on December 31, 2025. If no new legislation is enacted, the tax code will revert to its pre-2017 structure, potentially leading to higher tax rates and reduced deductions for many taxpayers.

While the TCJA has provided tax benefits to most individuals and businesses, upcoming changes may significantly impact your tax bracket, standard deduction, and available credits. Highnet-worth individuals should also pay close attention to potential changes in the Federal Estate Tax.

Under the current administration, new tax legislation is likely to be enacted, thus staying informed and planning ahead is crucial. As a best practice, you should always consult your tax or legal advisor when new legislation is authorized. At Skyline Advisors, we help clients navigate tax changes and optimize their financial strategies.

Q: When temperatures drop below freezing, pipes can freeze and burst, causing serious water damage. How do I prevent that from happening?

A: • Insulate Exposed Pipes in unheated areas with pipe insulation or heat tape.

• Keep a Slow Drip Running from faucets connected to outside walls.

• Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

• Open Cabinet Doors where pipes are located

• Know How to Shut Off Your Water and where the shut-off

Q: How can sellers make their home stand out in today’s market?

A: Buyers are more selective right now, so making your home stand out is key. Pricing correctly from the start is crucial—overpricing leads to longer market times and price reductions. Presentation matters! Homes that are clean, staged, and well-photographed attract more interest and sell faster. Small updates, fresh paint, and decluttering can make a big impact. While the market has shifted, buyers are still motivated, especially for move-in-ready homes. Working with an experienced agent who understands pricing strategies and market trends can make all the difference in getting your home sold efficiently.

Brandi Coplen 360-201-3951 bcoplen@windermere.com www.brandicoplen.com

Q: How Can Physical Therapy Improve Posture and Reduce Back Pain?

A: Poor posture is a common cause of back pain, leading to muscle strain, spinal misalignment, and limited mobility. Physical therapy offers effective solutions to correct posture and alleviate pain through targeted manual therapy and exercises.

A physical therapist assesses posture and identifies muscle imbalances, spinal stiffness, and pelvic asymmetries that contribute to poor alignment. Manual therapy techniques help restore pelvic balance, improve spinal mobility, and optimize muscle tone. Strengthening exercises for the core, back, and shoulders provide essential support, while stretching routines enhance flexibility and reduce tension.

Postural education teaches patients how to maintain proper alignment in daily activities, preventing future issues. With consistent physical therapy, individuals can reduce back pain, improve spinal health, and enjoy a better quality of life.

8097 Harborview Road Birch Bay, WA 98230 360-371-3888 • www.7elements.life

Natalie Milligan, MPT, MS

Wiebusch

Man sentenced for smuggling people across the U.S./Canada border

B y G race M c c arthy

A 46-year-old Oregon man who was arrested last May for helping smuggle people across the U.S./ Canada border was sentenced in federal court to 15 months in prison on February 10.

Jesus Ortiz-Plata, 46, of Independence, Oregon, was sentenced in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington in Seattle following him pleading guilty to conspiracy to transport certain aliens for profit on November 20, 2024. Ortiz-Plata was arrested on May 23,

2024, after Homeland Security Investigations linked Ortiz-Plata to assisting with illegal smuggling from the Blaine and Sumas area to Oregon and California.

In late 2022, U.S. Border Patrol investigators began seeing Ortiz-Plata’s phone number as a contact for people caught crossing the U.S./Canada border illegally. One of those cases included an August 2023 apprehension of 29 people who tried to enter the U.S. illegally on a train from Canada.

On May 23, 2024, Ortiz-Plata was arrested in Everett alongside Juan Pablo Cuellar-Medina, then

35, of Everett, and three people who had been smuggled. Both Ortiz-Plata and Cuellar-Medina were charged with conspiracy to commit illegal transportation of a non-citizen for private financial gain, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or $250,000. Federal court records show Cuellar-Medina’s charge was dismissed without prejudice on October 11, 2024, meaning the case could be refiled in the future.

Two of the men smuggled illegally in May 2024 had crossed the U.S./Canada border in a freight

train, while another said he had walked across the border, according to federal court records.

Court records showed the two men who crossed by train paid $2,000 each and were reportedly not given food or water while in Everett.

U.S. District Judge James L. Robart described the crime as “callous,” according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington.

“He was a commercial smuggler,” Robart said of Ortiz-Plata. “He wasn’t doing this for altruistic pur-

poses, he did it for cold hard cash.”

The court recommended Ortiz-Plata serve time at the Federal Detention Center in SeaTac, followed by three years of supervised release.

Ortiz-Plata’s federal public defender, Jesse Cantor, declined to comment.

“These transnational smuggling groups charge thousands of dollars and risk the lives of those trying to reach the U.S.,” U.S. attorney Tessa Gorman wrote in a statement. “We will continue to investigate these smuggling groups to hold members accountable.”

Pets & Pet Care

Tips for pet fire safety

Every year, about 750 accidental home fires are caused by pets or wild animals, according to the National Fire Protection Association. These fires are often the result of pets interacting with everyday household items, such as cooking equipment, fireplaces, space heaters, lamps, electrical wiring and candles.

In 2023, there were 1,763 fires caused by open flames such as

candles in Washington state. While not all 1,763 fires were caused by animals, it is a stark reminder of the risks they bring into our homes and urges us all to exercise caution lighting candles in homes where our furry friends are present. A pet’s simple curiosity can lead to dangerous situations, putting both animals and homeowners at risk.

The Washington State Fire

Marshal’s Office recommends these key pet fire safety tips:

Keep pets away from cooking equipment: Pets are naturally curious and may bump into, turn on, or knock over stoves, ovens or other kitchen appliances. Keep pets safely away from cooking areas, countertops and stovetops.

Protect pets from candles and lamps: Never leave pets unsupervised near candles, lamps or space heaters. A pet can easily knock over a candle or lamp, igniting a fire.

Use fireplace safety screens: Always use a metal or heat-tempered glass screen on fireplaces and keep it securely in place to prevent pets from getting too close to the flames. It’s also important to establish a “pet-free zone” of at least three feet around the fireplace to avoid burns or accidents.

Guard your fireplace vents: Keep pets away from the outside vents of your chimney, which can get very hot. Glass doors and screens on fireplaces can

stay dangerously hot for several hours after the fire has been extinguished, posing a burn risk to curious pets.

tery-operated, flameless candles can provide the same ambiance as traditional candles without the risk of fire. These can be a safer alternative for pet owners. Secure electrical cords: Many pets, especially puppies and kittens, are prone to chewing on electrical cords. Keep cords out of reach, and ensure they are in good condition to prevent pets from accidentally chewing through them and causing a fire hazard.

For more information, contact the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office at 360/596-3904.

Courtesy of the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office

Use flameless candles: Bat-

File photo

SUPERIOR

In re parentage:

Petitioner: NIKOLE J. TIERNEY

And Respondent: JERED G. LARSON No. 25-5-00007-37

Summons: Served by Publication (SM)

To: Jered G. Larson:

Petitioner has started a court case by filing a petition. The name of the Petition is: Petition to Decide Parentage. You must respond in writing if you want the court to consider your side.

Deadline! Your Response must be filed and served within 60 days of the date this Summons is published: February 20, 2025.

If you do not file and serve your Response or a Notice of Appearance by the deadline:

• No one has to notify you about other hearings in this case, and

• The court may approve the requests in the Petition without hearing your side (called a default judgment). Follow these steps:

1. Read the Petition and any other documents that were filed at court with this Summons. Those documents explain what the other party is asking for.

2. Fill out a Response on this form: FL Parentage 302, Response to Petition to Decide Parentage You can get the Response form and other forms you may need at:

• The Washington State Courts’ website: www.courts.wa.gov/forms

• Washington LawHelp: www.washingtonlawhelp.org, or

• The Superior Court Clerk’s office or county law library (for a fee).

3. Serve (give) a copy of your Response to the person who filed this Summons at the address below, and to any other parties. You may use certified mail with return receipt requested. For more information on how to serve, read Superior Court Civil Rule 5.

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In the matter of the Estate of JUNE KATHERINE LEWARNE, Deceased. No. 254-00087-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030)

LESLIE ANN BAROUX has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above estate. Any person having a claim against the deceased JUNE KATHERINE LEWARNE must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner provided by RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s Attorney at the address stated below, a copy of the claim, and filing the original of the claim with the Court in which the probated proceedings have commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020 (1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of this notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim will be forever barred except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 or 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the probate and nonprobate assets of the Decedent.

DATE OF FILING OF NOTICE TO CREDITORS WITH CLERK OF THE COURT: January 24, 2025

DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: February 6, 2025

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: LESLIE ANN BAROUX

ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Mark W. Stowe, WSBA #16655

ADDRESS FOR MAILING OR SERVICE: Mark W. Stowe, Attorney Stowe Law PLLC 276 Boundary Bay Road, P.O. Box 129 Point Roberts, WA 98281

Phone: (360) 945-0337

Email:stowelawpllc@outlook.com

DATED this 24th day of January 2025. Mark W. Stowe, WSBA# 16655 Attorney for Personal Representative LESLIE ANN BAROUX

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: ROBERT BRUCE CAMERON, Deceased. No. 25-4-00112-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Evan Jones

DATED January 29, 2025 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator: SHAWN THOMAS PITTMAN

4. File your original Response with the court clerk at this address: Whatcom County Superior Court Clerk, 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 301, Bellingham, WA 98225

5. Lawyer not required: It is a good idea to talk to a lawyer, but you may file and serve your Response without one. Legal papers for this case will be accepted at: Whatcom Law Group, P.S. Service address: 289 H Steet, Suite A Mailing address: PO Box 1258 Blaine, WA 98231

Note: You and the other party may agree to accept legal papers by email under Superior Court Civil Rule 5 and local court rules. This Summons is issued according to Rule 4.1 of the Superior Court Civil Rules of the state of Washington.

The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors

January 29, 2025 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication: February 6, 2025

Name of Administrator: IAN B. CAMERON

Attorney for Administrators: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262

Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229

Telephone: (360) 325-2550

Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com

DATED January 29, 2025

AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S.

STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262

Attorney for Administrator

IAN B. CAMERON

Estate Real Estate

Real Estate

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Mary Ann Blythe, Deceased. NO. 254-00117-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: Robert E. Olson

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Barbara Brandt, Deceased. NO. 25-400133-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: Robert E. Olson

COURT OF THE

OF WASHINGTON IN AND

COUNTY In

the

of: WALLI J. RIGGS, Deceased. No. 254-00123-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Jennifer Slattery. The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors January 31, 2025 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: February 6, 2025

Name of Administrator: CHELA RIGGS

Attorney

The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

Date of First Publication: February 13, 2025

Personal Representative: Nancy Blythe 3234 Northeast 98th Street Seattle, WA 98115

Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225

Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225

Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: GLENN EDWARD PERSSON, Deceased. No. 25-4-00132-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Jennifer Slattery

Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: February 5, 2025 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication: February 13, 2025

Name of Administrator: NANCY DARNOLD

Attorney for Administrators: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262

Address for Mailing or Service:

Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229

Telephone: (360) 325-2550

Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com

DATED: February 5, 2025

AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S.

STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262

Attorney for Administrator: NANCY DARNOLD

Date of First Publication: February 20, 2025

Personal Representative: Cindy Maxwell PO Box 32510

Bellingham, WA 98228

Attorney for the Personal Representative:

Katti Esp

301 Prospect Street

Bellingham, WA 98225

Address for Mailing or Service:

Katti Esp

301 Prospect Street

Bellingham, WA 98225

Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 25-4-00133-37

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: HARRY I. BOWEN, Deceased. No. 254-00167-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Evan Jones. The Personal Representative named below has been appointed and has qualified as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: February 14, 2025 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication: February 20, 2025

Name of Personal Representative: SETH T. BOWEN

Attorney for Personal Representatives:

Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262

Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229

Telephone: (360) 325-2550

Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com

DATED: February 14, 2025. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262

Attorney for Personal Representative: SETH T. BOWEN

Road Rules: Snowmobiles on the road

Question: When the roads get snowy, are snowmobiles allowed to ride on them in town?

Answer: Last week, when our streets were covered with a blanket of snow I saw a monster truck drive through my neighborhood. I don’t mean a jacked up pickup truck with oversize tires sticking out past the fenders a few inches, like we normally complain about. I’m talking about an actual home-built monster truck with enormous tires entirely outside the body of the vehicle. I didn’t see if it had a license plate, but this person clearly built this with no intention of ordinary road use. On other snow days I’ve seen people driving all-terrain vehicles down the street, cars towing people on sleds, and cross-country skiers gliding down the middle of the road. And you have a snowmobile zipping through your neighborhood.

It almost seems like traffic laws are suspended by snowfall. But they aren’t, at least in most situations. Each of the road users I mentioned above violated at least one traffic law. However, there are a few circumstances when it’s legal to operate a snowmobile on a public road.

At the most limited level, you’re allowed to cross a roadway on a snowmobile, with some conditions. The snowmobile operator must cross at 90 degrees to the road at a place with no obstructions. They must stop before entering the road and yield to any vehicles using the roadway, and they must be at least 100 feet from any intersection. This provision in the law is so that if you’re riding on a snowmobile trail that intersects with a public road, you can cross the roadway to continue your journey. For the snowmobile operator who wants to make the road their travel route, there are only a few options.

Option one: When a road is completely covered with snow or ice and has been closed to motor vehicle traffic during the winter months. For example, Highway 20 in the North Cascades. Due to snowfall and avalanche danger in the winter, the Department of Transportation closes the gates for the 37-mile stretch of highway that goes over the mountains. Until DOT clears the road, snowmobiles are welcome to ride in the closed section.

Option two: When the governing body in charge of the road says it’s okay. Years ago we had a snowstorm that made many roads in the county impassable for ordinary cars. On approval from the folks in charge, the local search and rescue team with their snowmobiles and off-road trucks delivered critical medicines to people stuck in their homes and transported people in the community to medical facilities for life-saving treatment.

Option three: In an emergency when roads are impassable by

OBITUARY

Leo Roy Wegner

May 25, 1940 – January 18, 2025

Leo was born in Elgin, ND, and joined the U.S. Army in 1957, and had his 18th birthday near the DMZ in South Korea while driving tanks. Leo married Yvonne Guidon from British Columbia, they had two children, Leo ‘Wray’ and Dwayne. Leo came to Blaine with his two young boys in 1969, and after a few years married Lise Christoffersen, also from B.C. Both of his children went to Blaine school from 1st thru 12th grades, something Leo was very proud of.

In the 1970s and 1980s Leo was a real estate broker working in offices in Blaine, Ferndale, and later in his career in Bellingham. In the early days, Leo was president of the Blaine Jaycees as well as a member of the Blaine Building Council for many years. Always a lifelong Republican, Leo was even a state delegate for Ronald Reagan in his first White House run in 1976. Later, Leo enjoyed regular attendance at the United Church of Christ in Blaine where he was in charge of maintenance.

Leo is survived by his two sons, Leo ‘Wray’ (Heidi), Dwayne, and his sister, Judy Wegner. Leo’s grandchildren include Courtney, Devon, Blake, Annalise, Gage, Caden, and Lucy. His predeceased siblings include Albert Wegner, Gertrude Fortune, Wilbur Wegner, Marilyn Young, Arnold ‘Arnie’ Wegner.

A Celebration of Life date to be announced at a later date.

Jeffrey Lee Olson

October 29, 1960 – February 10, 2025

Jeffrey Lee Olson passed away unexpectedly February 10, 2025. Jeff was born October 29, 1960 in Grand Forks, ND, to Robert Olson and Audrey Easterby Schwartz.

Jeff graduated from Blaine High School in 1979. His lifelong friends Chris Walsh and Donny Bowe were his sidekicks all through school and up until his passing. In his early years he enjoyed dirt bike riding, motocross, and hunting and fishing with his dad, where he developed his love of the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, crabbing with his boys and gardening were his true pleasures in life. The sunshine on his face brought out his wonderful smile. He also enjoyed cooking and loved to be the grill master.

One of Jeff’s first jobs was working on fishing boats in Alaska. He then learned to weld and became a master welder working at Glacier Bay Wood Stoves, Mantle, Intalco and Blaine Shipyard where he worked with his son Braidon teaching him the skills to also become a master welder. Jeff retired from Blaine Shipyard after a long career.

His greatest joy in life, his four sons, Braidon, Dalton, Jayden and Chase along with his grandson Cameron, whom he loved deeply. He always answered the phone when they called with “hey buddy” and ended with “I love you buddy” when done.

His other companion in life was his dog Helix, always by his side and on alert when Jeff would have complications due to his diabetes. Bringing comfort and love, Jeff cherished his steadfast Helix.

Jeff is survived by his sons, Braidon (Holly), Jayden and Chase; grandson Cameron; parents Robert (Hong) Olson and Audrey Easterby Schwartz; siblings Rory, Gwen and Kim (Bob), along with many nieces and nephews. Jeff was preceded in death by his loving son Dalton and his Stepfather Robert Schwartz.

“He Is Gone

You can shed tears that he is gone, or smile that he lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that he’ll come back,Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.

You can be empty because you can’t see him, or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, Or you can be happy for today because of yesterday.

You can remember him and only that he’s gone,Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, Be empty and turn back Or you can do what he’d want, Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”

- David Harkins

automobile due to snow. Let’s say you’re stuck at home following a snowstorm, and while shoveling a drift from your front door you slip and fall, breaking your arm. If you’re lucky enough to have a neighbor with a snowmobile, they could transport you to meet

up with an aid car, or all the way to the emergency room if the whole city is snowed in.

Option four: When traveling on a designated snowmobile trail. Many of the trails in Wash(See Road Rules, page 15)

sheriff’s repOrts

February 7, 12:18 a.m.: DUI arrest on Jackson Road.

February 7, 10:39 a.m.: Civil problem on Seavue Road.

February 8, 9:17 a.m.: Trespass on Birch Bay Square Street.

February 8, 3:15 p.m.: Suspicious person on Quinault Road.

February 8, 3:46 p.m.: Vehicle theft cold call on Morgan Drive.

February 8, 5:41 p.m.: Hit and run on Birch Bay-Lynden Road and Sunrise Road.

February 9, 6:03 p.m.: Mental health check on Salish Lane.

February 9, 6:31 p.m.: Moving vehicle accident on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

February 10, 1:46 p.m.: Suspicious person on McGee Road.

February 10, 4:09 p.m.: Hit and run cold call on Semiahmoo Drive.

February 10, 6:49 p.m.: Moving vehicle accident blocking on Kickerville Road.

February 10, 6:54 p.m.: Hot rod on Harborview Road.

February 10, 8:21 p.m.: Fraud

cold call on Bay Road.

February 10, 11:05 p.m.: Domestic physical on Salish Lane.

February 11, 1:36 a.m.: Warrant arrest on Valley View Road.

February 11, 2:24 a.m.: Domestic violence arrest on Salish Lane.

February 11, 12:24 p.m.: Theft cold call on Petticote Lane.

February 12, 6:44 p.m.: Domestic violence cold call on Delta Line Road.

February 13, 9:08 a.m.: Harassment on Birch Bay Square Street.

February 13, 7:03 p.m.: Suspicious person on Leeside Drive. February 13, 8:00 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Legion Drive.

pOLiCe repOrts

February 8, 3:03 p.m.: Surrender of weapons on Wilson Avenue.

February 8, 8:01 p.m.: Burglary on Wood Duck Way.

February 8, 8:28 p.m.: Serve warrant on H Street.

February 9, 2:29 p.m.: Vehicle prowl on Adelia Street.

February 9, 4:38 p.m.: Security check on H Street.

February 10, 6:59 a.m.: Fraud on Hughes Avenue.

February 10, 12:42 p.m.: Hit and run on 3rd Street.

February 10, 2:18 p.m.: Death

investigation on 12th Street. February 11, 1:45 p.m.: Vandalism on Marine Drive.

February 12, 11:09 a.m.: Overdose on E Street.

February 12, 12:00 p.m.: Juvenile problem on H Street.

February 12, 12:25 p.m.: Trespass on Semiahmoo Parkway.

February 12, 7:28 p.m.: Vandalism on 6th Street.

February 14, 6:16 a.m.: Missing person on Peace Portal Drive.

February 14, 12:21 p.m.: Burglary on Birch Court.

60. Ocean 61. Cathode-ray tube 62. Cologne 64. It starts with these two

Coming up

Books and Bites: Friday, February 21, 1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. February title: The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and A Dangerous Obsession by Michael Finkel. Info: Kelly at 360/305-3637.

Family Movie Night: Friday, February 21, 7 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Playing family friendly movies. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and watch the movie on the big screen. Free popcorn. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

Sauerkraut and Fermenting: Saturday, February 22, 10 a.m.–noon, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Homemade crispy kraut made right in your kitchen. Natural probiotics and prebiotics to help your microbiome. Learn the basics of fermentation. Free. Info: nwcore.org.

Paint and Sip Hot Chocolate: Saturday, February 22, 5:30–7:30 p.m., L&L Bakery, 477 Peace Portal Drive. Enjoy an evening painting a winter scene and enjoy hot chocolate while you paint. $30. Registration required at bbbparkandrec.org.

Live Music at Packers: Saturday, February 22, 6 p.m., Packers Kitchen + Bar, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway. Enjoy an acoustic evening with Charlie Partin. Info: Semiahmoo.com.

Library Budget Listening Session: Tuesday, February 25, 6–7:30 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. WCLS administrators will review the library system’s budget forecast and ask community members for their input about the library services that matter most to them and their families and their suggestions about how to move towards fiscal sustainability. Each session will include a brief presentation followed by a Q&A and hands-on interaction and discussion. Info: wcls.org.

Dahlias Workshop: Wednesday, February 26, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Dahlias are considered the premier cut flower. Easy to grow but there are some definite tips. Presentation includes experienced dahlia growers, demos and answering questions. Free tubers. Info: nwcore.org.

Family Science Night: Thursday, February 27, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Primary School, 820 Boblett Street. An evening full of scientific experiments and demonstrations. Open to the public.

ACROSS

1. Tropical Asian plant

5. Yankees’ slugger

Judge

10. Helps to preserve food

12. Plant disease

14. One who predicts

16. Equally 18. Burundian franc

19. Pouch

20. Arizona city

22. Surround

23. Hard, heavy timber

25. Witnessed 26. They __

27. French river

28. A way to drink

30. Small constellation

31. Peruse a written work

33. Type of hound

35. Plant of the goosefoot family

37. Evade or escape

38. A way to confine

40. Volcanic crater

41. Weekday

42. Women’s service organization (abbr.)

44. Local area net-

work

45. Sensory receptor

48. Posted

50. Tibetan pastry

52. Licensed for Wall Street

53. Very willing

55. Golf score

56. Consume 57. Touchdown

58. Tends to remind 63. In a way, smoothed 65. Poke holes in the ground

66. Herbaceous plants

67. Taiwanese river DOWN

1. Body art 2. Boxing’s GOAT 3. Film for posterity (abbr.) 4. Prayer 5. Calculating machine 6. Keyboard key 7. Outburst 8. Man-eating giants 9. New Hampshire 10. Type of sword 11. Counting 13. Pants style 15. Political action

committee 17. U.S. government legislative branch 18. Civil Rights Act component 21. Contractors take one

23. Spanish soldier 24. A person’s brother or sister 27. Expressed pleasure 29. Song of praise 32. Shock treatment 34. Patti Hearst’s captors

35. Counteract 36. Goes over again 39. Popular Dodge truck

40. Male adult 43. A part of a river where the current is very fast 44. Rope used to lasso 46. Become less intense 47. Subway rodent 49. Lead alloy 51. Japanese honorific title 54. Advise someone 59. Famous NYC museum

tides

February 20 - 26 at Blaine. Not for navigation.

Whatcom Farm Expo: Saturday, March 1, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., WECU expo building of the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds, Lynden. Learn about all the resources available to you, from local organizations to businesses and community groups. Local speakers give presentations on topics related to all aspects of farming.Free. Hosted by Whatcom Conservation District and Whatcom County Public Works. Info: whatcomcd.org/whatcom-farm-expo.

Dahlias Workshop: Saturday, March 1, 9:30–11:30 a.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Dahlias are considered the premier cut flower. Easy to grow but there are some definite tips. Presentation includes experienced dahlia growers, demos and answering questions. Free tubers. Info: nwcore.org.

Arts and Jazz Fundraiser: Rescheduled to Saturday, March 1, 7 p.m., Blaine High School cafeteria. Family fun, art, music and theater performances, culinary sampling, live and silent auctions. Tickets at the door: $10 adults, $5 students/seniors, children under 5 free. All funds raised support scholarships and extracurricular experiences for students in the Blaine school district arts departments. Info: blainefinearts@gmail.com.

Hadestown Musical Performance: Thursday–Saturday, March 6–8 and 13–15, 7 p.m., Sunday March 9 and 16, 2 p.m., Blaine Performing Art Center. Blaine High School students perform . Tickets $12; staff, students, seniors, military $10.

Boating Safety Classes: March 10–13, April 7–10, May 5–8, June 9–12. Eight-hour course in two-hour sessions over four days. For anyone wishing to learn safe boating skills and qualify for a Boater Education Card, issued by the Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission. Cost: $15 plus separate downcast of e-book or $25 for printed book. Info and reservations: bliaux.com or email boatingsafetyWA@gmail.com. Sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Bellingham and San Juan Islands Flotilla.

Ongoing

Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Mondays 9 a.m.–noon, Wednesdays 5–7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.–noon. Info:360/3326350 or Info@blainefoodbank.org.

The Bridge Food Bank: Fridays, 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 7620 Birch Bay Drive. New registration required at thebridgehope.com or call 360/366-8763. Volunteers welcome.

CAP Clothing Bank: Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon and Wednesdays, 5–7 p.m. 508 G Street. The Community Assistance Program clothing bank is now located in the basement of the CAP Center providing free clothing and linens. Donations accepted only during open hours or by special arrangement. Info: blainecap.org or 360/392-8484.

Weather

Precipitation: During the period of January 27 to February 2, 1.1 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2025 yearto-date precipitation is 2.6 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 45.9°F on January 31, with a low of 21°F on January 27. Average high was 42.7°F and average low was 26.3°F.

Senior Community Meals: Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Suggested donation of $6 per meal ($10 if under 60) or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040.

The Bridge Clothing Bank Boutique: Open Wednesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Donations accepted Wednesdays, 11 a.m.– 2 p.m. or by appointment. The Bridge Community Hope Center’s new location, 7620 Birch Bay Drive.

Friends of Birch Bay Library: Meets second Mondays. 6:30 p.m., Birch Bay Birch Bay Vogt Library site, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. Info: friendsofbirchbaylibrary.org.

Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to

Bellingham SeaFeast recipe: Clams with linguine

There’s something truly special about a simple yet elegant seafood pasta dish. Clams with linguine is a coastal classic, packed with briny goodness and the perfect balance of garlic, wine, and fresh herbs. It’s quick to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends.

Katie Hinton, of Bellingham Pasta Co., dishes up a mouthwatering clam linguine featuring food found locally at Bellingham Pasta Co., Taylor Shellfish and the Lummi Seafood Market.

Ingredients

• Olive oil

• 3 shallots, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 cloves garlic, sliced

• 1.5-2 pounds of small clams, cleaned and rinsed (discard any open ones)

• 1 cup white wine

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Pinch or more of red chili flakes to taste

• 1 bunch Italian parsley, chopped

• Linguine

• Pasta water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the pasta water

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.

Step 2: Build the base of the sauce

In a large saucepan, heat a good drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.

Add chopped shallots and sea-

son with salt and pepper. Sauté until tender.

Stir in sliced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the clams

Add your cleaned clams to the pan.

Increase the heat, cover and cook for 3-5 minutes, just until the clams begin to open.

Step 4: Cook the pasta

Drop your linguine into the boiling water and cook for about 3 minutes or until al dente.

Step 5: Build the sauce

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the opened clams to a bowl and set aside.

Pour white wine into the saucepan and let it simmer for a minute.

Add lemon juice, red chili flakes and chopped parsley for that fresh, vibrant flavor.

Step 6: Combine everything

Using tongs, transfer the cooked pasta directly into the sauce pan, tossing everything together on a low simmer to absorb the flavors.

Return the clams and their juices to the pan and turn off the heat.

Step 7: Prepare to serve

Take a few ladles of hot pasta water and swirl it around your serving bowl or platter to warm it up.

Drain the water, then add the linguine, clams and sauce to the dish.

Step 8: Garnish and enjoy Sprinkle with extra parsley for a fresh, bright finish.

Serve family-style and enjoy with crusty bread and a glass of white wine.

If any clams remain closed after cooking, discard them – don’t force them open.

The cooking video for Katie Hinton’s clam linguine recipe for Bellingham SeaFeast Keep It

From page 13

ington’s Sno-Parks are roads that are open to motor vehicles until wintertime, when they become groomed snowmobile trails. It might seem fun to ride through town on a snowmobile, but if cars are still able to use the road, it’s not legal. Crashes between cars and snowmobiles are rare (because they rarely share the road), but when they do happen, the snowmobile rider is the one who loses.

Doug Dahl is a Blaine resident, manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.

Simple Seafood (KISS) cooking demonstration can be viewed at bit.ly/4hZchRj. KISS is a seafood cooking workshop in partnership with Bellingham SeaFeast and Bellingham Dockside Market.

s Katie Hinton’s clam linguine. Photo courtesy of Bellingham SeaFeast

This Area is Booming!

The Northern Light is now mailed directly to 10,027 homes, 620 more than last year. Effective 2/13/25

More people live in Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo than anywhere else in Whatcom County outside of Bellingham.

The Northern Light difference:

• mailed to every household in Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo.

• largest audited newspaper circulation in the county

• 10,500 copies distributed every week

• 85% regularly read The Northern Light and 81% frequently purchase products/services from ads in the newspaper