The Northern Light: April 28-May 4, 2022 by Point Roberts Press

April 28 - May 4, 2022

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IN THIS

ISSUE

Blaine man arrested after WinCo robbery, page 3

38th Blessing of the Fleet on May 1, page 7

PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230

County crime-filled weekend, page 13

No date given to Birch Bay State Park offers birdwatching haven reopen Canadian NEXUS centers B y P a t G r u bb

(See NEXUS, page 2)

s Birdwatchers take advantage of a beautiful morning at Birch Bay State Park on April 21. See more spring photos, page 15. Photo by Louise Mugar

City council deliberates on development committee By Grace McCarthy Blaine City Council held an hour-long study session April 25 on a potential ad-hoc development committee that would keep councilmembers up-to-date on extensive growth that is expected in east and west Blaine. New councilmembers Kerena Higgins, Rhyan Lopez and Mike Hill first proposed the new committee during the April 11 city council meeting. City manager Michael Jones advised against council creating a committee because the city’s community development services staff was already under workload strain with new development, and said council could stay informed on development through tools already available to council. Jones recommended expanding existing communication such as the city manager’s written report or

to schedule a monthly 30-minute study session; have councilmembers serve as a liaison for the planning commission and hearing examiner; or create more education and training for councilmembers. “We can modify some of what we’re doing and use some of what we already have in place,” Jones said. Jones also advised the proposed committee should not duplicate planning commission’s work. Councilmember Richard May said that if city staff put development information into the city manager’s report, it would only be what staff thought was interesting, and not what councilmembers thought needed extra attention. Higgins said she wanted to have more

g STUDIO n i n e p TOUR O

(See Council, page 5)

G ala

INSIDE

Canada and the U.S. are in discussions regarding the reopening of Canadian NEXUS enrollment centers, according to Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) senior spokesperson Rebecca Purdy; however, no projected date of reopening was offered by the Ottawa, Ontario-based media representative. While the U.S. enrollment centers reopened for applicant interviews on April 19, the Canadian offices have remained closed since the beginning of the pandemic. Local border officers on both sides of the line have unofficially attributed the continuing closure to the inability of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers to be armed while serving in the Canadian centers. Despite being specifically asked if that was the reason, Purdy merely replied that “the CBSA and the U.S. CBP are working together to mitigate the impact on members caused by the extended closures of the [Canadian] enrollment centers.” Prior to the shutdown, Canada had 12 processing centers, mostly at international airports. Blaine immigration attorney Len Saunders told The Northern Light that he has talked to officers on both sides of the border and was told the issue is Canada’s refusal to allow U.S. officers to be armed. A U.S./Canada Preclearance agreement that went into effect in 2019 authorized U.S. officers working in Canadian airports and other ports performing immigration and customs duties in preclearance areas to carry guns wherever CBSA officers carry guns. However, as CBSA officers are not allowed to carry guns in those areas, neither are U.S. officers. The agreement also allowed U.S. officers to conduct strip searches when necessary. In an earlier interview, Purdy said there was a backlog of 270,000 applicants who have submitted NEXUS applications and are awaiting interviews. Purdy was unable to provide additional detail regarding the number of U.S. versus Canadian applicants awaiting interviews but provided statistics on current NEXUS members: • 75 percent – Canadian citizens • 3 percent – Canadian permanent residents

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Coming Up . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 6 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14

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The Northern Light • April 28 - May 4, 2022

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• 20 percent – U.S. citizens • 2 percent – U.S. permanent residents Previous analysis indicates that 70 percent of Canadian members reside in B.C. and Ontario. Purdy said that there was no backlog in processing applications and that the backlog was just in conducting the interviews. She added that the CBSA and CBP assess eligibility independently and that the CBSA service standard to complete risk analysis is 30 days with that standard being met 95 percent of the time. “The time it takes to risk assess an individual application depends on several factors. If there are no eligibility concerns or missing information on file, an application takes roughly 20 minutes to complete. If there are concerns to assess or information required from the applicant, it can take up to 30 days or longer,” Purdy said. Asked if the agency had beefed up its staffing on account of the backlog, Purdy replied, “Now that the U.S. enrollment centers are opened, we are committed to maintaining the same staffing level at those [enrollment centers] as before the pandemic.” In other words, no increase in staffing is expected. Similar queries made to the local CBP media representative were referred to CBP headquarters in Washington, D.C. and remain unanswered to date. Of the 12 U.S. enrollment centers located in eight U.S. border states, six of them (including the Birch Bay Square office) showed no available appointments in upcoming months. Minnesota had two offices with appointments available on April 25, Maine had an appointment in June while two offices in New York and Vermont had August openings and Montana could offer interviews in December. To schedule an interview, go to bit.ly/3Ov3UP1.

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April 28 - May 4, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Blaine man wanted for WinCo robbery arrested after eluding Bellingham police By Ian Haupt Bellingham Police Department officers arrested a Blaine man April 21 who was wanted for his involvement in an armed robbery and assault April 6 at WinCo Foods. James Michael Discher, 29, was booked into Whatcom County Jail April 21 on charges of first-degree robbery with a firearm, first-degree assault, attempting to elude a police vehicle, and hit and run after he fled pursuing Bellingham officers upon identifying him April 21. Bellingham police lieutenant Claudia Murphy told The Northern Light in an email that at 10:17 p.m. on April 6 Bellingham officers were dispatched to an armed robbery at WinCo Foods on Bellis Fair Parkway. A loss prevention employee reported a male suspect had pulled a gun on employees after trying to steal merchandise. Surveillance video showed a male, later identified as Discher,

walking past checkout lanes with a bag of unpaid merchandise, Murphy said. Two WinCo employees identified themselves to Discher and attempted to detain him in handcuffs. According to police, Discher then pulled out a handgun from his waistband and asked, “Do you want to get shot?” Both employees released Discher, as he held the gun on them and fled the scene. At 2:45 p.m. April 21, near Primrose Lane and Telegraph Road, a Bellingham officer identified Discher, who saw the officer and immediately fled at a high rate of speed, Murphy said. The officer pursued Discher on Telegraph Road. Discher drove onto a sidewalk to pass stopped vehicles, ran a red light at a high rate of speed and sideswiped a vehicle near a construction zone while fleeing, according to the police. Bellingham police ended the pursuit after Discher entered the construction zone because of high risk to

the public and Discher’s intent to continue fleeing, Murphy said. Shortly after, officers received a tip to check a home in the 3900 block of Jones Lane in the Marietta-Alderwood area of Bellingham. When officers arrived at the property, they encountered a stunned property owner who said someone had driven a car onto his property at a high rate of speed, Murphy said. The owner told officers the suspect got out and covered the vehicle with a tarp before fleeing on foot. Officers found Discher hiding in one of the property owner’s vehicles. He was arrested without incident on the outstanding probable cause for robbery and assault from April 6. According to jail records, Discher was also booked on four outstanding arrest warrants and is being held without bail. He was scheduled to make a preliminary appearance Whatcom County Superior Court April 26.

Blaine musician hosts Ukrainian benefit concert at Performing Arts Center

s Blaine musician Gina Williams performs in Kyiv, Ukraine in December 2019.

By Grace McCarthy Blaine musician Gina Williams is raising funds for Ukrainian artists through a Sunday, May 1 benefit concert at the Performing Arts Center, 975 H Street. Williams has a master’s degree in concert piano from the University of Alberta and has strong personal and professional ties to Ukraine, where she’s spent months composing music and performing. Williams will perform classics with a jazz twist at the 7 p.m. concert. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students, veterans and seniors. “I want people to have a great time,” Williams said. “These are songs of triumph over unfortunate circumstances. A lot of the songs I have chosen echo what’s happening in Ukraine.” More than one-third of the proceeds will go to Adventist Development and Relief Agency, which is operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Proceeds will also go to a group of volunteers who will be distributing items to Ukrainian artists. Tickets can be purchased at ginawilliams.com.

Photo courtesy Gina Williams

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The Northern Light • April 28 - May 4, 2022

The Northern L ght Road rules: Yielding behind transit buses 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. 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. Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com

By Doug Dahl Question: The backs of transit buses have a flashing yellow light and a “Please Yield” sign, so I yield for them when they are pulling out of bus stops, but I see that many drivers do not. Is the “Please Yield” a request for drivers to be polite, or is it the law? Answer: You don’t see a lot of “please” in the legal code, do you? For the parents reading this, have you used please in a sentence when your child didn’t have the option of refusing? Like, you say, “Please clean your room,” but what you mean is, “You will clean your room, or I’m not driving you to Ben’s birthday party, and there’s going to be a bouncy house there.” You say please because you want your kid to like you, but you still have an expected behavior and a consequence for disregarding it. That’s what that “Please Yield” sign is like. The request is polite, but the law behind it is real. The Revised Code of Washington states, “The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a transit vehicle traveling in the same direction that has signalled and is reentering the traffic flow.” While the sign says “please,” the law says “shall.” For the folks interested in legal grammar (now I’m really narrowing my audience), shall is an imperative command; it indicates that certain actions are mandatory, not permissive. Yes, that’s a special privilege given to bus drivers that we don’t get when we’re driving our cars. For the rest of us, the law requires that before pulling into the roadway we must make sure that “such movement can be made with reasonable safety.” That

Reporting Intern Hannah Cross prpintern@pointrobertspress.com Creative Services Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser production@pointrobertspress.com Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Gary Lee sales@pointrobertspress.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com Contributors In This Issue Doug Dahl The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVII, No 45 Circulation: 10,500 copies

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Next issue: May 5 Ads due: April 29

law, and several others, put the primary responsibility for safety on the driver who is entering or changing lanes. Simply put, we must yield to vehicles already on the road. Some people might think that’s unfair, or a double standard. I think of it as more of a practical consideration. When I drive somewhere, the only time I’m pulling into or off of the roadway is at the start and end of the trip. Meanwhile, bus drivers spend about 20 percent of their time at bus stops – sometimes more. I just looked up a random bus route, and it had 35 stops in 35 minutes. That’s a lot of pulling back into traffic with a 40-foot-long vehicle, and merging is a maneuver prone to conflicts. When we yield to buses it keeps the route times more consistent, and more importantly (from my perspective), it helps prevent crashes. Part of the law on yielding to buses includes the requirement that bus drivers signal their intention. Using the turn sig-

nal does not give bus drivers a free pass to carelessly pull into the lane. The second half of the law states that bus drivers have to drive “with due regard for the safety of all persons using the roadway.” Mostly I brought this up to point out that it’s also true for nontransit drivers. A turn signal doesn’t guarantee you a spot where you want to go; it lets other drivers know your intention. I’m talking to you, guy in the gray sedan that turned your signal on simultaneously with changing lanes and never once looked back to see that there was a car where you were headed. One more thing: Thank you for yielding to buses, even when you weren’t sure if it was required by law. Obeying the law is great (obviously), but if you really want to make someone’s day out on the road, kindness is where it’s at. Doug Dahl is a manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.

Letters

Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Ian Haupt ian@pointrobertspress.com

Photo courtesy Whatcom Transportation Authority

The Editor: I love Birch Bay. If I could ask Whatcom County government, I am sure – he, she, they – would also say they “love Birch Bay.” However, I bet my perspective is different than that of the county. Over the last month I have read different articles in The Northern Light that feature actions by various parts of Whatcom County government, by individuals who do not live in Birch Bay but I would assume are in “my best interest.” Like for one: The new Birch Bay Community Park in the middle of the bay. Unfortunately, the county has set rents so high Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce will not be able to sponsor different functions at this facility. Or the proposed library. It appears that Gary and Cindy Vogt were under the impression that in the event financing did not materialize for the proposed library, they would be able to reacquire the property that was homesteaded by Gary’s great-grandparents, apparently not. There

won’t be a library there, but Whatcom County Library System will decide the best fate for that property. The Northern Light reported in the April 14 issue on the expansion of the Horizon development. This project went from 230 units to as many as 477 residences. The project “doubled when developers realized the land supported multi-family development.” My issue is not with the growth and change of Birch Bay – it will happen. I believe in local control. Change should occur, under the direction of the city of Birch Bay. Comments can be sent to: Comments@ILoveBirchBay.org. Stephen Nelson Birch Bay The Editor: I write this short note to let you know how impressed I was with the accuracy of the information in the recent background article by Ian Haupt in The Northern Light, as I begin service on Blaine’s school board. As you well know, accurate reporting

and a free press are the twin pillars of successful democracies and both require careful, diligent work. Ian took the time to get facts right. His work was even more accurate than several articles appearing in The New York Times about my work in the past, when I was at the University of Connecticut. We are so very fortunate to have your publications, and Ian as a member of your team, in our special community of Blaine. Thank you! Donald Leu Blaine The Editor: President Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “I have one yardstick by which I test every major problem – and that yardstick (See Letters, next page) Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

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

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., location varies. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. Virtual meeting info: bbbparkandrec.org/board-meetings.

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

Blaine Park and Cemetery Board: Second Thursday, 9 a.m., virtual meeting. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.

Blaine Planning Commission: Second and fourth Thursdays, 6 p.m. Info: blainepc@cityofblaine.com. Info for joining Zoom meetings: bit.ly/2CiMKnk.

Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info and virtual meeting link: blainesd.org. North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Third Thursday, 11 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.

April 28 - May 4, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

BHS Hall of Fame announces 2022 inductees By Ian Haupt The Blaine High School Athletic Booster Club and Hall of Fame Committee announced this year’s inductees for its October 8 ceremony to be held in the school district’s performing arts center. In its third induction ceremony, the booster club will honor 10 individuals for their achievements

Council ... From page 1

councilmember interaction than listening to staff presentations during study sessions. “I envision a committee being more interactive where the committee has the opportunity to be engaged and asking questions,” Higgins said. “If we’re hearing a presentation once a month, we’re not necessarily having the opportunity to drive the agenda. It’s the administration telling us what you think we want to hear. Whereas in a committee, if the chair is the one working

Letters ... From previous page

is: Is it good for America?” There is a great debate going on in our country right now: Republican versus Democrat, and liberal versus conservative. Because of this, unfortunately, legislatures ignore President Eisenhower’s yardstick. Instead of asking, “Is it good for America?” they instead ask, “What does my political affiliation say about this policy?” More often than not, policies are passed roughly along party lines. This gives a great advantage to the majority party. Bipartisan is currently the exception, not the norm. There is one proposal that I wanted to bring to your attention – Washington State SB 5897, a temporary suspension of the state motor vehicle fuel tax. It should

and contributions to Blaine High School athletics. In the player category, Jerilyn Boykin-Ginnis, Shane Moore, Joey Paciorek, Marion Gobbato, Laura Sibilia-Nelson and Joan Swansen-Campbell will be recognized for their achievements. Paciorek and Swansen-Campbell were inducted last year but were unable to attend the ceremony.

Betty Cronk will be honored as the first female coach in Blaine High School athletic history. Cronk’s family will receive her honor, as she died in 2014. Three-sport athlete Walt Blauser will be inducted as the distinguished honoree, who graduated before the state classification system was implemented in 1958. Bob and Dorita Gray will accept

the contributor honors, for their continued support to the Blaine school district and its sports program. These winners will be recognized in a special ceremony in the performing arts center 1 p.m. Saturday, October 8. More information about the inductees will be released closer to the day of the ceremony.

with you, it’s a councilmember saying, ‘I think these are the things that would probably be most helpful for the council to know.’” Councilmember Garth Baldwin said a committee providing more information on development would allow councilmembers to ask better development questions on behalf of their constituents. “We can’t have the questions to ask because we don’t have the information with which to form the questions,” Baldwin said. Jones discussed bringing back planning commission reports to city council meetings that were discontinued when city council

went remote during the pandemic. He also said councilmembers could access planning commission meeting minutes on the city’s website. City staff also recommended councilmembers check the city’s website where permit applications are published. Councilmembers questioned if a list of potential developments could be shared with council mem-

bers as a Google Doc, but Jones said it would then need to become a public document. Higgins suggested the proposed committee meet during study session times before council meetings, so all councilmembers could attend if they wanted. Higgins said she would draft the committee’s framework and have it voted on in an upcoming meeting.

be bipartisan, but it’s not. Majority Democrats haven’t given it much thought. Apparently, they would rather spend the money on whatever they choose. The other option: Suspend collection of the gas tax for the remainder of the year. This has also been proposed on the federal level. Wouldn’t it be great if every family in Washington could save about $200, no bureaucracy, no strings attached? Is this good for Washington? The bill deserves more thorough consideration. Our new state senator Simon Sefzik has tried to make this happen this past session. I’ve watched some of his speeches and it seems that he gives a more logical, evidence-based approach to policy. Rather than letting political motives drive decisions, it seems that he really does care. Andrew Bargen Lynden

NOTICE OF

FLUSHING The City of Blaine Water Division started flushing the City's water distribution system. This is accomplished by opening hydrants along the system (starting at the well fields) to move fresh water throughout the distribution system. The purpose of flushing the system is to remove any grit and debris in order to improve water quality through the distribution system. During the city flushing program city water customers may experience a temporary low water pressure and/or cloudiness when flushing is going on. The cloudiness condition (caused by air) should be only temporary, and can be cleared by running a cold water tap for a few minutes to clean and flush your service line. If the condition continues for an extended period of time please contact the Blaine Public Works. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you have any questions, feel free to call Public Works at (360) 332-8820, or visit www.cityofblaine.com for weekly area updates. Blaine Public Works.

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CITY OF BLAINE Due to Governor Inslee’s proclamation in response to COVID-19, this City Council meeting will be conducted in-person and telephonically. Information on how to watch to the meeting live will be on the City Council agenda which is located on the City’s website homepage under Your Government, City Council, City Council Agenda. Please check the agenda prior to each meeting as the location may change.

SUMMER SEASONAL – TEMPORARY $18 per hour – No Benefits Applications are being accepted for multiple seasonal maintenance workers with the City’s Public Works Department. This is a temporary position that will last up to four months. The seasonal maintenance worker position requires a high level of personal integrity while providing fast, friendly and effective customer service.

Thursday, April 28 6:00pm – Planning Commission

Duties for these positions may include but are not limited to: performing routine tasks such as weed-eating, raking, mowing, shoveling and other means of mechanical vegetation control; litter pick-up; pothole patching, pavement striping; building and other public facility repair and maintenance; traffic control in a work zone of a city right of way; cleaning and painting of fire hydrants and/or roadway curbs; trail repair and maintenance; performing other assigned duties of an equally complex nature.

Meeting *CANCELLED*

Monday, May 9 5:00pm – Study Session: End of Legislative Session

6:00pm – City Council Meeting

Interested persons should complete the online application on the City’s website, https://www.ci.blaine.wa.us/.

Thursday, May 12 9:00am – Park and

Application deadline is 4:30pm on May 20, 2022. The position is open until filled.

Cemetery Board Meeting

The City of Blaine is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

10:00am – Public Works Advisory Committee

6:00pm – Planning

The Immigration Law Firm

Commission Meeting

•• U.S. U.S. green greencards cards/ /naturalization naturalization •• Work / investor visas Inadmissibility waivers TN (NAFTA) work permits •• Denied entry waivers U.S. Citizenship •• Removal hearingsclaims • NEXUS appeals

Monday, May 23 6:00pm – City Council Meeting Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website. Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.

360-332-7100 360-332-7100

www.cityofblaine.com

www.blaineimmigration.com• •435 435Martin MartinSt., St., Suite Suite2010 1010 ••Blaine, www.blaineimmigration.com Blaine,WA WA

Leonard atLaw Law LeonardD.M. D.M.Saunders, Saunders, Attorney Attorney at

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The Northern Light • April 28 - May 4, 2022

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Senior •Track & Field Elee is making a big comeback this season after being out last year. She has been undefeated in both 100m and 300m hurdles events all month long. Elee looks forward to running track in college next year at University of Redlands.

Both the Borderites and Lady Borderites lost home games at the beginning of the week after strong defensive performances from the traveling teams. Baseball On the back of a tough 12-2 loss on the road to Mount Vernon, Blaine fell to Anacortes 3-0 April 26 at Pipeline Fields. The Seahawks scored early and the Borderites struggled to find a rhythm. They came close in the final two innings with runners on second and third. With two outs, the Anacortes defense held firm. Blaine made late substitutions in the bottom of the seventh to push the runners in, but the Seahawks pitcher struck one out and the other popped out, ending the game. The team will travel to Sehome Thursday, April 28 to play at 6:30 p.m. Then they will travel to SWAC baseball field in Seattle Saturday, April 30 for a doubleheader against West Seattle and

Chief Sealth International. The boys finish their regular season at home Monday, May 2 at 4:30 p.m. against Ferndale. They are 7-9. Softball The Lady Borderites took a big loss at home after a big win on the road. Blaine beat Meridian April 22 12-8. Then the girls started slow on their return home April 25 against Mount Baker. With the Mountaineers’ strong offense, the Lady Borderites slow start cost them. The game finished 17-3. The team was scheduled to travel to Burlington-Edison April 27. They are set to host Mount Vernon Friday, April 29 at 4 p.m. and travel to Anacortes Tuesday, May 3 to play at 6 p.m. Blaine is 5-8 this season. Boys soccer Blaine have lost three games in a row, and with two games left, the Borderites will hope to pick up a win to finish out their regular season. The team’s last two games are a home game against Sehome Fri-

day, April 29 at 7 p.m. and a game against Ferndale Tuesday, May 3 at 4 p.m. at Phillips 66 Soccer Park. The boys are 3-10 this season. Boys golf The boys will play next at Ferndale High School Tuesday, May 3 in a conference match. Tee-off is at 3 p.m. Girls golf The girls took fourth in a conference match at Skagit Golf and Country Club April 25, with 653 points. The team plays its final match of the regular season at North Bellingham Golf Course Tuesday, May 3. Tee-off is at 3 p.m. Track and field Boys and girls track and field will host a meet Thursday, April 28 against Mount Baker and Sehome. Girls tennis The Lady Borderites will travel to Lakewood Thursday, April 28 and then host Oak Harbor Tuesday, May 3. Both matches start at 4 p.m.

s Anden Holley at bat in the Borderites’ 3-0 loss to Anacortes April 26 at Pipeline Fields.

Photo by Ian Haupt

Member of the Month Annie Pflüger Photography pfluegerannie@gmail.com www.anniepfluegerphotography.com

Number of employees: One ~ My dog. How long in business: 17 Years. Description of the business: I feature wildlife and landscape photography of the Pacific Northwest. Images are available in several eye-catching mediums such as fine art paper to frame, or ‘ready to hang’ in canvas, acrylic and metal. Greeting cards and other fun items are also available. I can ship to your door anywhere in the world. How the business started: My passion behind the lens began photographing my family who played the high action sports of rugby and hockey. Once the athletes left the house, my eye shifted to nature and wildlife photography. Having spent a combined 40 years living in the state of Idaho, the San Juan Islands, and northern Washington, I feel blessed to have lived in places that offer a treasure trove of photographic opportunities! Future goals: Knowing there are people from all over the world viewing my photography is very gratifying. However, reading their personal stories through messages & realizing I have struck a chord with a particular photo is what makes it so worthwhile. These are the things that keep me going. Participation in events such as the local Art Studio Tour, the 4th of July celebration, as well as the Market by the Sea, are always on my ‘to do’ list. I will also continue to contribute to magazines in the Pacific Northwest and beyond! If I can put a smile on someone’s face when they look at an image, that is my goal. Featured businesses are selected randomly from the Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce membership.

This is a monthly feature sponsored by the Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce www.blainechamber.com • (360) 332-4544 • Join the chamber today ... membership has its privileges!

s Emersyn Bakker awaits a pitch in the Lady Borderites’ 17-3 loss to Mount Baker April 25 at Pipeline Fields. Photo by Ian Haupt

April 28 - May 4, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

The 38th year for the Blessing of the Fleet By Gary Dunster The Puget Sound commercial crab season closes by the middle of March. For me, when we get all of the gear put away for the season, it’s time to focus on preparing for the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony, which is put together and organized by the Fisherman’s Memorial Committee along with the Port of Bell-

ingham and Blaine Chamber of Commerce. The blessing this year will be 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1, and like last year, we will be outside by Gate 2 at Blaine Harbor – weather permitting. If it rains, we will be inside in the conference room. As always, our focus is two-fold: 1) To remember and recognize those fishers who have been lost

at sea since the turn of the century and those fishers who have passed away since the last Blessing of the Fleet. The ship’s bell will ring for each one we’ve lost and friends or family will put a flower in a wreath. 2) We will be led in prayer by the clergy to bless the fishing fleet to ensure safe travel to the fishing grounds and a safe return home. The wreath will

be put on the Plover and taken outside of the harbor and placed upon the waters. There will be dignitaries from the state as well as the city of Blaine and Port of Bellingham. They will all participate in the ceremony. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will perform the flag ceremony. Selena Kramme will sing for

us as she has for the past eight years. And once again the Blaine High School music department will perform under the direction of Bob Gray as they have for the past 20 years. We expect a large crowd so come early. On behalf of the Fisherman’s Memorial Committee, thank you for your continued support of the Blaine fishing committee.

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April 28 - May 4, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

&Garden

In the garden: Enjoying the springtime bounty By Rhiannon Allen Isn’t this just a beautiful time of year in the garden? The horrors of the past year’s extreme weather are behind us. Hopefully, plants that did not survive have been removed and composted or chipped already. The thirst and drought of high summer is many weeks in the future. Everything is bursting with color, life and promise. Early vegetables and herbs are yielding their bounty. It’s warm enough most days to wander leisurely in the garden rather than make mad dashes to work in between rain showers or bundle up to tackle the latest chilly garden task. I am quite skilled at finding indoor tasks to do when the weather does not beckon me outside. Oh, is that a spot of rain? I better not go outside then. But as May approaches, our rains decrease, our days are warmer and it becomes a pleasure to work outside, even if I must take shelter in the garden

shed from the occasional sudden spring rain. I like to think of May and June as months to putter and relax in the garden rather than turn my hands to labor. There are things that need to be done, especially in early May, but the pace of work slows across the month. Yes, I need to plant the warm weather vegetables like tomatoes in May, followed by cucumbers. The last of the veggie seeds like carrots and broccoli from which I want a summer harvest should go in. But I don’t think of seed planting as very time-intensive as long as the garden soil does not need major amending. It can be done in fits and starts as the mood dictates. I find that new plantings take more time. However, since my garden is relatively full already, I don’t have to invest much time siting, planting and nurturing new plants. Perhaps the only sad thing about the garden this time of year is that spring bulbs have generally finished blooming. That means

I have to spend time removing spent flowers so that energy is diverted from seed growing to nurturing good, fat, healthy bulbs for next year’s blooms. That can be somewhat time-consuming, but it doesn’t need to be done all at once. Even casually snapping off a seed head or two as I pass can lighten the load and feel satisfying. As I remove each spent flower, I remind myself that next year I will be rewarded for my effort. If you have heaths (heather-like low shrubs that bloom in spring), Aubrieta and other early spring bloomers like I do, these can be sheared just to keep them tidy. I sometimes use nicely sharpened grass shears for this because they make quick work of the job. If you’d rather spend your time sitting on your patio with a drink in hand, you are certainly not doing these plants a disservice. No one shears them in their natural habitats and they do just fine. Just about the only task that really needs to be done now is fertilizing, unless you were a re-

ally good gardener and laid down a lot of compost, composting mulch and other amendments last autumn or winter. Plants adapted to our climate generally experience their biggest annual growth push right now as sunshine becomes more plentiful yet the occasional rain is available for production of luscious new growth. Chances are that untended soil has become depleted of the nutriments necessary for growth through plants’ natural consumption of them or because winter rains flushed them out. (That’s why it’s best to lay the compost or mulch down late in the year or at least before our seasonal rains peter out, so that surface nutriments will be flushed into root areas.) If that is the case, fertilize now. The plants on my must-fertilize list for these months are garlic, roses, choisya and cole crops like kohlrabi and broccoli. Waiting until full summer is not only wasteful but can actually stress many plants. You’d

Habitat Home Inspections donates 10 percent of income to Habitat for Humanity

Habitat Home Inspections owner Brian Mattioli donates 10 percent of his gross business income to Habitat For Humanity in Whatcom County. Photo by Hannah Cross

By Hannah Cross Habitat Home Inspections owner Brian Mattioli created the business in 2017 with the goal of putting people over profit. To do this, Mattioli donates 10 percent of his gross business income to Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County (HFHWC). He first got the idea to donate part of his income after reading a book that encourages business owners to create business models that give back locally and prioritize people over profit. Mattioli grew up in a family that was exposed to many areas of real estate such as buying, renting, construction, flipping and maintenance. “Prior to becoming an inspector I personally made many mistakes with buying real estate,” he

said. “I ended up paying a lot of money to learn some important lessons about doing your due diligence.” Mattioli said it is because of his personal experiences and desire to help people make informed decisions when purchasing, selling or investing in real estate that he started his home inspection business. “I offer home, pest and sewer line inspections as well as infrared thermal imaging to look for thermal defects you might not see with your eyes,” he said. Clients hire Mattioli when they want to put an offer on a house that has an offer review date, when an offer is accepted with an inspection contingency, after they have an offer accepted but have waived the inspection contingency or when they want to have an inspection

for informational purposes. While finishing his undergraduate degree at Trinity Western University in 2008, Mattioli signed up for a spring break trip to help a Habitat for Humanity (HFH) affiliate in Hawaii. “After my first trip I was hooked and I have done HFH volunteering in California, Hawaii, Washington and Nevada,” he said. “I am actively involved in the HFHWC affiliate, recently installing flooring for their Telegraph Road townhome development, as well as Sudden Valley homes where I give a 50 percent discount or do it as a volunteer.” Mattioli said his goal is to help raise awareness of HFHWC. “I send an annual client email to help them see how their 10 percent made a difference in affordable housing in Whatcom County.” He said he hopes his business encourages people to shop at the Bellingham HFH store, donate to the store or even volunteer at one of the builds. “All of which will help provide affordable housing to families who need a hand up in a very expensive place to live,” he said. As a non-franchise home inspection business owner, Mattioli said he gets to choose how he runs his business and he encourages clients to call him anytime. He said he treats the inspection as if family or a friend were buying the property, which has helped his clients greatly, and they have given him a lot of great feedback because of this approach. “What makes my business different is I go beyond the standard of practice instead of meeting the minimum standards,” he said. “I

rather laze around than fertilize now? Then at least make a note to put down fresh organic mulch or compost next autumn, winter or very early spring. Now to sit back and relax. As the months roll on, there will be fewer garden tasks and more garden enjoyment. So why not just take in the sights and aromas? Or take a walk and see what your fellow gardeners have done? Perhaps you might even spot one sitting in the sun or idly puttering around the garden.

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Covid-19 cases rise in county, but remain low for CDC’s community transmission By Grace McCarthy Covid-19 cases are slightly increasing in Whatcom County, but remain in the CDC’s low community level rating. Residents in low transmission areas are advised to get tested if they have Covid-19 symptoms and stay updated with Covid-19 vaccines. There were 252 Covid-19 cases reported in Whatcom County the week of April 16, which is a 30 percent increase from the previous week, according to Whatcom County Health Department data. This is the highest that cases have been since the last week of February, when there were 296 cases reported. The Omicron BA.2 variant became the dominant variant in Washington state and has been found in Whatcom County, according to the health department. The Omicron BA.2 variant was first detected in the U.S. in December 2021, according to the CDC. Whatcom County has a weekly case rate of 111 cases per 100,000

people. Case rates are 97 cases per 100,000 unvaccinated people, 90 cases per 100,000 fully vaccinated people and 103 cases per 100,000 people who have at least one booster shot, according to April 16 health department data. There are now 296 Covid-19 deaths in Whatcom County. The hospitalization rate over the past week was one hospitalization per 100,000 people. In total, 1,532 Whatcom County residents have been hospitalized since the start of the pandemic. In Blaine, 3,157 Covid-19 cases, 115 hospitalizations and 24 deaths have been reported since the start of the pandemic. Of those Blaine deaths, 20 people, or 83 percent, were unvaccinated. Nearly 65 percent of Covid-19 cases in Blaine have been people unvaccinated and 77 percent of hospitalizations have been people unvaccinated. The health department is now publishing its in-depth Covid-19 report monthly, instead of weekly. In the report published April

15, which covers March 1-31, Covid-19 cases declined to an average of 18 new cases per day in March, comparable to the beginning of the Delta surge in mid-July 2021. However, this number could be higher as athome antigen test results have become more popular and are not reported. In March, 37 people were hospitalized for Covid-19 and 633 people tested positive. The weekly case average declined 84 percent from February to March. The county hospitalization rate also declined from 7 percent to 1.3 percent of all county cases from the start to the end of the month. There were only two Covid-19 deaths in Whatcom County in March, according to preliminary health department data. There were 49 deaths in January and 15 in February. The CDC’s community transmission levels for Whatcom County can be found at bit. ly/3xV6QhO. County health department data is available at bit.ly/3KdiRBS.

Blaine schools see three Covid-19 outbreaks By Ian Haupt

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nurse, communications director Lisa Moeller told The Northern Light in an email. The district’s Covid-19 dashboard on its website shows it has 27 new cases. Nine Blaine Primary School, three Blaine Elementary School and 15 Blaine Middle School students tested positive in the week of April 11-17. The last time the district moved classes to remote learning was for a four-day week at the end January when the week before it hit a district record of 153 reported Covid-19 cases. The week before that it had 144 cases. Since the week ending February 20, all schools hadn’t seen more than three cases in one week, and altogether the district hadn’t seen more than 10 cases in a week. Granger said during an April

25 school board meeting that the rise in cases is not unique to the district. According to WCHD data, the county has seen an increase in cases this month. “When the community rates go up, school rates go up,” Granger said. “So we’re seeing that reflected in our numbers in our school district, as the community rates go up in Whatcom County.” Right now, the district is only considering removing impacted cohorts of students to remote learning if more cases develop, Granger wrote in the community message. He also said the district is no longer offering daily PCR testing for students and staff because of changes with the provider. For those looking for local PCR testing options, visit testdirectly.com.

School board decides not to hold a budget work session By Ian Haupt Blaine school board member Erika Creydt moved to amend the board’s meeting calendar during its April 25 meeting to add a budget work session for June 20, but the motion died on the floor for lack of a second. Board president Dougal Thomas was absent from the meeting. Creydt had proposed during the March 28 board meeting to hold a budget work session open to the public before a regular board meeting and before budget adoption, which is scheduled July 25. Thomas and longtime board

member Charles Gibson encouraged new board members to meet privately with either Blaine school district superintendent Christopher Granger or finance director Amber Porter to become more familiar with the budget, as they said they have previously done. New board member Don Leu said during the April 25 meeting he had met with Granger three times in the past couple of weeks to learn about the budget process. He said he saw no need for a work session as he has faith in Granger and Porter (See School, page 13)

April 28 - May 4, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: ANNA PEARLE CHRISTENSEN, Deceased. No. 22-4-00444-37. 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: April 26, 2022 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: April 28, 2022 Name of Personal Representative: RENEE LARSEN 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: April 26, 2022. AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Personal Representative: RENEE LARSEN IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Claire Normand, Deceased. NO. 22-4-00346-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: Lee Grochmal 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: April 14, 2022 Personal Representative: Anne Larsen PO Box 31967 Bellingham, WA 98228-3967 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. 22-4-00346-37.

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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re Estate of LINDA L. SMITH, Deceased. No. 22-4-00250-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) 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. 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 non-probate assets. Date of First Publication: April 21, 2022 Personal Representative: Jay B. Smith Attorney for Personal Representative: Daniel E. Pizarro, WSBA #47937 Dickson Frohlich, PS 1200 East D Street Tacoma, WA 98421

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: DANIEL JOSEPH REIS, Deceased. No. 22-4-00443-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Lee Grochmal. 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: April 26, 2022 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: April 28, 2022 Name of Administrator: JOSEPH FRANCIS REIS 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: April 26, 2022 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator: JOSEPH FRANCIS REIS www.averyelderlaw.com

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The Northern Light • April 28 - May 4, 2022

Real Estate

BLAINE, BIRCH BAY & SEMIAHMOO F E A T U R E D L I S T I N G S - B I R C H B AY

Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom Inc. 8105 Birch Bay Square Street I-5 Exit 270, Blaine 360-371-5100

For the health & safety of our clients, Windermere Real Estate is pleased to follow the State of Washington’s mandate to not hold Open Houses. We are, however, available to show you your dream home by virtual tour or private appointment. Please call your Realtor for assistance.

F E AT U R E D L I S T I N G S - E L I Z A I S L A N D

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7650 Birch Bay Drive #M5

MLS #1916422 $329,500 Birch Bay Gem! Recently upgraded Maple 5, located in Bay Rim condominium development. Enjoy a waterfront development and quiet privacy. 962 square feet, 2 bedroom, 1.5 baths, dedicated parking, 228 +/- private waterfront beach with dedicated bridge, pool, picnic area, walking trails, pond, and an updated home. Home improvements include: New slider to the deck, kitchen cabinets pull out pantry & Lazy Susan, Granite countertops, stainless sink,

Brian Southwick 360-815-6638

7714 Birch Bay Drive #309

MLS #1915924 $435,000 Beachfront living at the delightful Grand Bay condominiums in Birch Bay! You’ll love the peek-a-boo water view from this light & bright two-bedroom unit that features new carpet, 9’ ceilings & air conditioning. On-trend open concept kitchen/living/dining spaces with striking granite counters + stainless steel appliances. Outdoor patio is the ideal place to relax or entertain. Complex amenities include pool/spa, kayak/bike storage, elevator and private beach access.

Leah Crews 360-305-4747

42 Eliza Island

MLS #19198843 $789,000 Let the spanning views of Bellingham Bay take you away. This beachfront, no-bank, tideland-rights cabin is located on the uber private Eliza Island. The best-kept secret in the San Juan Islands! This northwest-facing home has so much to offer, including an OutBack solar/battery-powered inverter system, propane, & the island has its own desalination water plant to keep all the comforts of home. Beautiful touches throughout, Hickory & Montana Slate flooring,

Brandi Coplen 360-201-3951

82 Eliza Island

MLS #1919808 $550,000 Unique opportunity to own on private Eliza Island! High bank waterfront-- 3-bedroom cabin w/incredible eastern views of sunrises, Canadian mountain ranges, and Bellingham Bay, looking towards Chuckanut. The Primary Loft closes off from the rest of the cabin. Stunning wood exterior, tongue & groove ceiling & walls, and beautiful vaulted ceilings. Propane stove, fridge, and solar/ battery-powered inverter system. Storage shed for your tools and yard equipment.

Brandi Coplen 360-201-3951

932-944 Georgia Street

MLS #1901389 $288,500 Great design is in the details and the spoton updates to this Northwest Craftsman set it apart from all the rest! Every 2 lots! Can’t find what you’re looking for in this low inventory market? Here’s an outstanding opportunity to build exactly what you want on these prime in-town lots. Two lots…so many options! The savvy buyer may be able build paired housing, or possibly two homes or combine both lots for house & shop, buyer to verify all details to their satisfaction.

Leah Crews 360-305-4747

9427 Turnstone Lane #5

MLS #1908387 $1,995,000 Beautiful west-facing waterfront Townhome with striking Bay/Island views and amazing sunsets. Features include exceptional living spaces with a Gourmet kitchen, walk-in pantry with wine fridge, dining room, fabulous living room with French doors that open to a large patio & fireplace with bay views, and footsteps to your private beach. There are 2 large primary bedrooms w/ensuites. One has private patio overlooking bay & White Rock. Private Casita above garage.

Lisa Sprague 360-961-0838

F E AT U R E D L I S T I N G S - S E M I A H M O O

9061 Sea Mist Lane

MLS #1915667 $685,000 Welcome home to safe, secure, Sea Smoke, Semiahmoo’s new gated community. Located within walking distance to Semiahmoo public beaches, just minutes from the Golf Course, Spa, Health club, and Resort Restaurants. This 3 bedroom 2 bath home has been fully accented and improved with a drop-down stairs case to a beautifully landscaped area featuring an outside fire pit and low maintenance yard. The deck and view area looks into a green belt, offering privacy.

Jeff Carrington 360-220-3224

5675 Garibaldi Way

MLS #1912173 $889,950 Enjoy Woodberry, & the pleasant landscape of sun, evergreens, a peaceful serene setting, nestled by sea at Resort Semiahmoo. The Cypress is slated for a July completion date. Home offers 2690 sq, ft, 3 bedrooms, office, study 2.25 baths, loft, vaulted ceilings, heat pumps/AC, radiant heating in the Primary bedroom, quality flooring, soft close cabinets, nat gas fireplace. See plans at briansouthwick.com, then click Woodberry tab.

Jim Kaemingk 360-224-5465 Brian Southwick 360-815-6638

9540 Semiahmoo Pkwy #E22 9540 Semiahmoo Pkwy #K9 MLS #1922252 $53,000

MLS #1920131 $218,000 Don’t miss this 50 ft slip in best marina in Northwest. Port tie, stern in at outside edge of the marina for easy docking of even the largest of vessels. Excellent management and clean facilities. Unit includes 30 amp power hookup, WiFi and spacious dock box plus keyless access to the laundry room, mail room, restrooms, shower facilities, and reduced price fuel dock. Remodeled café, boat store, and member only patio just outside the gate. Perfect starting point.

Matt Berry 360-389-0104

Enjoy this private gated marina community in beautiful Semiahmoo. This boat slip #K-9 is 36 Ft. and ready to moor your vessel. This spacious dock has upgraded built-in bumpers and a spacious dock box. The unit has a 30 amp power hookup, WiFi, and lots of amenities. Keyless shower, laundry, mailroom, and restrooms. Semiahmoo Marina has their own fuel dock and a beautiful cafe for lunch and all your last-minute needs. Marina located 20 miles to San Juan Islands

Christy Imperio 360-201-4100

8795 Wood Duck Way

MLS #1893263 $1,495,000 With over 5,900 sq ft of space over three levels, this stunning custom Semiahmoo home is one of the largest on the golf course. Each level will have you saying “WOW!” This home is full of many sought after amenities, such as a workshop, gym, sauna, high-quality home theater, expansive kitchen, formal dining room, large bonus room and impressive primary suite. The backyard paradise is complete w/ built in BBQ kitchen. Truly unrivaled & unparalleled.

Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718

5741 Kildeer Way

MLS #1919014 $1,285,0000 Charming traditional craftsman character home in Boundary Ridge at Semiahmoo. Very private with majestic evergreens and park like grounds. Three generous bedrooms, den (extra bed if need be), spacious bonus room with spectacular view and wonderful gourmet kitchen and great room. So much value, you’ll be more than pleased with the wonderful feeling of this quality home. New paint--roof--and tasteful interior updates. Wrap around front porch.

Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718

www.windermere.com Legal Case No.: 22-4-00155-05 PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) In the Superior Court of the State of Washington in and for the County of Clallam in Re the Estate of KEITH E. GLADING, Deceased. The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the de-cedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of lim-itations, 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 lawyer 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(i)(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 non-probate assets. Date of first publication: April 21, 2022 Personal Representative: Michael M. Barkstrom, Lawyer for Est: Carl Lloyd Gay, #9272 GREENAWAY GAY MEDINA & MYERS 734 E. 1st St., Ste. A, Port Angeles, WA 98362. (360) 452-3323

NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Superior Court of the State of Washington, In and for the County of Whatcom, In re the Estate of Susan Jean Lester. Probate No. 22-4-0038037 Judge: Evan Jones. The Co-Personal Representatives named below have been appointed as Co-Personal Representatives 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 Co-Personal Representatives 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 Clerk of this Court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Co-Personal Representatives 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 (twenty-four (24) months if notice is not published). 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: 4/14/22. Co-Personal Representatives: KELLY K. MORGAN & ERIN W. PATRICK. Attorney for the Estate: Keith Bode, WSBA #7791 314 5th Street, P.O. Box 688, Lynden, WA 98264-0688, Tel. (360) 354-5021

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April 28 - May 4, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Whatcom County sees lots of weekend criminal activity, attempted murder

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

DIRECTORY

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Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) reported several incidents of violent crime over the April 22-24 weekend. Friday Around 10:45 p.m. April 22, WCSO deputies responded to a possible Maple Falls strong-arm robbery with a handgun where a vehicle was stolen. The victim was not cooperating or providing identifiable vehicle information. Deputies contacted multiple neighbors but were unable to make any arrests. Around the same time, WCSO deputies responded to a robbery report at the gas station at Hannegan and Pole roads. A woman, later identified as 28-year-old Ferndale resident Siara Carrazco, asked a man stopping for gas to pay for items, to which he agreed. When he returned with the items, Carrazco brandished a handgun and demanded the subject’s cell phone and money. Carrazco fled after receiving the items. On April 26, after a vehicle pursuit by Lynden police, Carrazco was arrested and confessed to being involved in the April 22 robbery. The vehicle’s driver, 30-year-old Ferndale resident Aaron Nerkins, was also booked into Whatcom County Jail. Saturday Around 1 a.m. April 23, deputies responded to a report of vehicle theft in the 2300 block of Nulle Road in Bellingham. A suspect broke into a residence and stole items, including a vehicle from the garage. The homeown-

ers were upstairs sleeping. While deputies were en route to the call, Bellingham Police Department (BPD) located the stolen car in south Bellingham and attempted to stop it. It fled at a high speed and officers could not pursue the vehicle because of state law. The investigation continues. Sunday Around 1:30 a.m. April 24, deputies observed a pickup without plates traveling southbound on I-5 near Bellis Fair Parkway. The vehicle was traveling up to 50 mph, weaving and had multiple equipment violations. When deputies attempted to pull over the vehicle, the driver exited I-5 and slowed down as if he intended to stop. Instead, the driver accelerated and rammed the patrol vehicle’s front passenger side, pushing it down the onramp as the man continued onto I-5. Deputies followed the driver, later identified as 44-year-old Crayton Williams of Bellingham. Williams drove northbound in the southbound lanes of I-5. Williams’ rear side tire came off the rim because of police intervention. Williams’ vehicle sparked as he accelerated. Deputies stopped the vehicle through a second intervention. Williams ignored commands to exit the vehicle and was observed reaching by his seat. Deputies deployed a pepper powder projectile into the vehicle. Williams exited the vehicle and was taken into custody. Deputies observed a .380 automatic pistol on the floor between the

door and driver’s seat. Deputies found foils, glass pipes and torches, which are used for narcotics. In the truck bed, deputies found a stolen motorcycle. Deputies also observed an altered vehicle trip permit. With a search warrant, deputies found a partially smoked fentanyl pill. Williams was booked into Whatcom County Jail with the following charges: Driving under the influence, first-degree assault, attempting to elude a police vehicle, unlawful firearm possession, stolen vehicle possession, fentanyl possession, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest, third-degree driving with a suspended license, and vehicle trip permit violation. Williams was out on bail on charges of possession of a stolen vehicle and failure to register as a sex offender from 2021. Around 11 p.m. April 24, deputies responded to the 5000 block of Hannegan Road for a report of a stabbing. The reporting person was 29-year-old Joshua McDonald, of Bellingham, who stated he had a psychotic breakdown and stabbed the victim multiple times. McDonald worked as the victim’s full-time caregiver. The victim witnessed McDonald’s demeanor change after the assault when he stated he would call 911. McDonald was booked into Whatcom County Jail for first-degree attempted murder. The victim was medically treated at the scene and transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center.

School ...

tive assistant Tina Padilla said the district has never held a work session before a regular meeting. Work sessions have been scheduled on separate days in the past. Last year’s August 23 board meeting, which included a pub-

lic hearing on the school budget, had about 50 parents and community members present during the public comment portion to protest governor Jay Inslee’s mask mandates. A handful stayed for the public hearing on the budget.

From page 10

to devise the budget. Creydt said she met with Porter to go over the budget, but thought a public work session could be helpful for the community. A draft budget will be available July 10 on the district’s website, bit.ly/3ecBHfb, and a public hearing will be held for community members to ask questions about the budget before its adoption during the July 25 meeting. Superintendent administra-

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The Northern Light • April 28 - May 4, 2022

Sheriff’s Reports April 11, 12:07 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident injury on Birch Bay-Lynden Road and Sea Links Drive. April 11, 12:09 a.m.: Missing person on Ocean Mist Drive. April 11, 2:37 a.m.: DUI on Giles Road. April 11, 9:52 a.m.: Trespass on Blaine Road. April 11, 10:14 a.m.: Landlord tenant dispute on W. Badger Road, Custer. April 12, 11:07 a.m.: Fraud on Harborview Road. April 12, 7:13 p.m.: Assault with a weapon on Harborview Road. Suspect arrested for robbery 1st. April 12, 8:31 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Birch Bay Drive. April 12, 8:49 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Portal Way and Faris Road, Custer. April 13, 9:19 a.m.: Threat on Loft Lane. April 13, 6:32 p.m.: Sex crime (no rape) on Birch Bay Drive. April 13, 7:28 p.m.: Vandalism on Birch Point and Selder roads. April 13, 7:57 p.m.: Domestic physical on Birch Bay-Lynden and Blaine roads. April 14, 11:56 a.m.: Fraud on W. 34th Avenue. April 14, 12:53 p.m.: Trespass on Roger Road. April 14, 4:32 p.m.: Disorderly conduct on Birch Bay Drive. April 15, 9:10 a.m.: Littering on

Blaine Road. April 15, 10:29 a.m.: Theft on East Street. April 15, 11:57 a.m.: Burglary on Birch Bay Drive. April 15, 2:11 p.m.: Trespass on Ironwood Court. April 16, 11:31 a.m.: Domestic order violence on Birch Bay Drive. Suspect arrested. April 16, 3:06 p.m.: Fraud on Halibut Drive. April 16, 5:49 p.m.: Behavioral health issue on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. April 16, 9:06 p.m.: Threat on Seawan Place. April 17, 12:36 a.m.: Domestic verbal on Birch Bay Drive. April 17, 7:09 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Bay and Blaine roads. April 18, 3:22 a.m.: Disorderly conduct on Harborview Road.

April 18, 11:07 a.m.: Domestic physical on Birch Bay Drive. April 18, 12:11 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Bay Road. April 19, 2:48 a.m.: Noise on Fir Street. April 19, 3:27 a.m.: Prowler on Harborview Road. April 19, 3:05 p.m.: Vandalism on Richmond Park Road. April 19, 3:11 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident injury on Anderson and Harborview roads. April 19, 3:47 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Semiahmoo Drive. April 19, 5:07 p.m.: Theft on Tracy Place. April 19, 9:19 p.m.: Suspicious person on Zell and Willeys Lake roads, Custer. April 20, 10:34 p.m.: Harassment on Dory Court.

April 15, 11:21 a.m.: Found property on Peace Portal Drive. April 15, 3:07 p.m.: Assault on Harrison Avenue. April 16, 1:21 a.m.: Suspicious circumstance on Bayview Avenue. April 17, 2:24 p.m.: Domestic dispute (no assault) on Garfield Avenue. April 18, 11:10 a.m.: Vehicle collision on 3rd Street.

46. In an angry way 47. Ill-intentioned 49. Monetary unit of Serbia 50. S. American plant 51. One or the other 56. An alias for Thor 57. Gratuity 58. In a painful way 59. French commune 60. Promotional materials 61. Greek city 62. Assistant 63. Confederate general 64. Former NJ governor DOWN 1. Used by gymnasts 2. “Luther” actor Idris 3. Broad volcanic crater 4. Not for 5. Blur 6. Tots 7. Acted leisurely 8. About the Alps 9. Gets out of bed 10. Town in “The Iliad”

11. Welsh given name 13. Remove salt 17. Calvary sword 24. Mental disorder concerning body odor (abbr.) 25. Keeps a house cozy 26. Ballplayer’s accessory 27. Southwestern Russian city 28. Pro sports league 29. Congress investigative body (abbr.) 35. Stop standing 36. Utilize 37. Sign language 38. Famed ESPN broadcaster Bob 40. Being of central importance 41. Ruin environment 42. Dessert dish 43. Sea eagles 44. Fertilized 45. Jerry’s friend Benes 47. Indian river 48. Pass into a specified state or condition 49. Nocturnal rodent 52. A way to travel

April 18, 11:18 a.m.: Assist agency request on Peace Portal Drive. April 18, 7:41 p.m.: Assist agency on Peace Portal Drive. April 19, 5:44 a.m.: Verbal domestic dispute on A Street. April 19, 11:57 a.m.: Bullying on H Street. Report by Blaine Police Department.

53. Iron-containing compound 54. Ancient Greek City 55. NFL signal caller Matt ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

Flag Retirement Ceremony: Saturday, April 30, 1 p.m., Streets-Pike VFW Post Home, 8000 Portal Way, Custer. Please join the VFW and Auxiliary as we retire our flags. Worn, torn, faded or badly soiled flags will be collected in a container at the Streets-Pike VFW home or Ferndale Fire Hall by 12:30 p.m. on Friday, April 29. Conducted by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and Auxiliary of Custer #9474. Info: Call Tami Elliott 360/393-0360. Blaine High School Plant Sale: Friday, April 29, 3–6 p.m. and Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m.–noon, Blaine High School in the greenhouses behind Borderite Stadium. Beautiful mixed color bowls, geraniums, lobelia and other flowers and vegetables. Proceeds benefit the horticultural program. Blaine By the Sea Art Studio Tour Opening Gala: Friday, April 29, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Boating Center, 235 Marine Drive. Meet, sip and mingle with the incredible artists participating the Blaine Art Studio Tour. Fine wine and hors d’oeuvres served. Public welcome. Info: blainebythesea.com/ARTtour. Garden of Hope for Bereaved: Saturday, April 30, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., 2800 Douglas Avenue, Bellingham. Those mourning the death of a loved one can join the low-interaction event where attendees drive among displays of flowers, gardens and quotes of hope and receive a potted plant to take home and replant in honor of their loved one. Children’s activities from 2:30–3:30 p.m. Families can register for children’s activities by calling Whatcom Hospice at 360-788-6300, Ext. 4664. Sponsored by Whatcom Hospice.

Blaine By The Sea Art Studio Tour: Saturday, April 30, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Free event showcasing the art of 30+ local artists in their studios and other Blaine locations including Atwood Farm Brewery, Living Pantry, Blaine Welcome Center, GLM Winery, Blaine Boating Center, Peace Arch State Park, Peace Arch City Cafe, Semiahmoo Resort and The Vault Wine Bar. For a complete list of artists and their locations visit: blainebythesea.com/ARTtour. Blessing of the Fleet: Sunday, May 1, 1:30 p.m., Blaine Harbor gate 2 (in the conference room if raining), 235 Marine Drive. Honoring the fishers lost at sea and the fishers who have passed away this year. Info: 360/332-8090. Gina Williams Ukrainian Benefit Concert: Sunday, May 1, 7 p.m., Blaine Performing Arts Center, 975 H Street. Blaine artist Gina Williams will host a Ukrainian benefit concert. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, students and veterans. Tickets and more info at ginawilliams.com. Blaine Chamber of Commerce Meeting: Wednesday, May 4, noon–1 p.m., Blaine Boating Center, 235 Marine Drive. Speaker: Stacie Pratschner, City of Blaine community development director. Lunch catered by Westside Pizza $7. RSVP and pay online: Blainechamber.com. Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation Community Meeting: Thursday, May 5, 5–8 p.m., Blaine Boating Center, 235 Marine Drive. Open to all ages and community members. The park district seeks community input to help shape the short-term and long-term goals. Also learn about park projects and updates. Info:bbbparkandrec.org.

Tides Apr 29 to May 4 at Blaine. Not for navigation.

Native Plant Walk: Sunday, May 8, 1:30–3:30 p.m., BP Heron Center in Birch Bay State Park. The walk will go from the beach through the uplands along a forested trail to the Terrell Creek estuary. Discover Pass required for parking. Sponsored by the Washington Native Plant Society.

TIME

HEIGHT

TIME

HEIGHT

Th 28 4:29 am

9.2

11:08 am

1.6

5:22 pm

7.5

10:51 pm

3.4

Fr 29 4:55 am

9.0

11:42 am

0.6

6:20 pm

8.1

11:39 pm

4.3

Sa 30 5:19 am

8.9

12:14 pm -0.1

7:10 pm

8.6

Su 1 12:23 am

5.0

5:41 am

8.7

12:44 pm -0.5

7:56 pm

8.9

5.7

6:03 am

8.4

1:16 pm -0.7

8:44 pm

9.1

1:51 am

6.2

6:25 am

8.1

1:48 pm -0.7

9:30 pm

9.2

6.7

6:43 am

7.9

2:22 pm -0.6

10:20 pm

9.1

Mo 2 1:07 am

Tu 3

Live Music at The Vault: Friday, April 29, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: RJ Rex. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Mother’s Day Bake Sale & Blooms + Mini Market: Saturday, April 7, noon–5 p.m., Hone Farm Pick & Events, 8020 Kickerville Road. Hosting several small businesses in time for Mother’s Day. Featuring flowers and hanging baskets, baked goods, fresh coffee, curated gifts and more. Preorder flowers and baked goods at home farm.farm.

49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W DATE

Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, April 28, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: Nerd trivia. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Spring Plant Walk: Saturday, April 30, 1:30–3:30 p.m., Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve. Join us for a walk and learn about the flowers, shrubs and trees of this forest on the edge of the sea. Sponsored by the Washington Native Plant Society.

Police Reports

Crossword ACROSS 1. Orator’s podium 5. UK-Netherlands gas pipeline 8. Partner to “oohs” 12. African antelope 14. Indigenous Thai person 15. Monetary unit of Angola 16. Becomes less intense 18. Insurance mascot 19. Tech hub __ Alto 20. Actress Tomei 21. Airborne (abbr.) 22. Type of smart watch 23. Natives 26. Incompetent person 30. Rare Hawaiian geese 31. Unspoken relationships 32. Passports and licenses are two 33. Claw 34. Status quo 39. Mimic 42. Fur-lined cloak 44. Ancient foreigner

Coming up

We 4 2:39 am

Weather

Precipitation: During the period of April 18-24, 0.7 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2022 yearto-date precipitation is 14.1 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 69°F on April 24 with a low of 37°F on April 19 and 20. Average high was 54°F and average low was 47°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

Ongoing Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Mondays 9 a.m.–noon, Wednesdays 5–7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.–noon. Delivery options available. Info:360/3326350 or blainefood@hotmail.com. The Bridge Food Distribution Program: Fridays 3:30–5 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road. 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. The Bridge Clothing Bank Boutique: Open Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m, The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road. Donations by appointment, call 360/366-8763. Meals on Wheels: Thursdays 11:30 a.m.–noon, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Adults 60+ pick up one hot and six frozen meals. Suggested donation $5 per meal or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040. Lincoln Park Ivy Removal: Sundays, 2 p.m., H Street entrance of Lincoln Park. Help remove invasive ivy from trees. Wear pants and long sleeves, bring gloves and garden sheers. Will postpone if high winds. Info: blainenivyleague@outlook.com. Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) Meetings: Mondays 6:30–8 p.m., CAP Center, 508 G Street, Blaine. A support group for parents of adult children dealing with addiction, but open to anyone (18 or older) seeking to learn a better way to help an addicted love one. Evidence-based, structured curriculum and offer peer support at no cost. Info: palgroup.org or email Bev and Dave at wamillards@comcast.net. Alaska Packers Association Cannery Museum: Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, 1–5 p.m., 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway. Free, donations welcome. Info: 360/371-3558. Blaine Serenity Al-Anon: Mondays, noon–1 p.m. on Zoom. Have you been dealing with alcoholism with a friend or family member? Info: Jerrylyn at 360/305-2246. Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at noon, women’s meeting Mondays at 4 p.m., Blaine United Church of Christ basement, 855 4th Street. Info: 208/750-8772 or shannonsessions2020@gmail.com. Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

April 28 - May 4, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com

Spring emerges in Blaine, Birch Bay People were enjoying the spring weather between Semiahmoo Spit, downtown Blaine,

Birch Bay State Park and Blaine Harbor on April 22. Photos by Hannah Cross

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The Northern Light • April 28 - May 4, 2022

Community meal program idles as volunteers focus on other food distribution By Grace McCarthy Community Assistance Program’s (CAP) free meal program for people experiencing food in-

security won’t be returning to Blaine Senior Center anytime soon as organizers focus on other local food distribution opportunities. The program, which

paused during the pandemic shutdowns in March 2020, will remain idle because of logistics such as volunteer numbers, time and resources.

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The program fed anywhere from 70 to 100 people experiencing food insecurity once a week on Wednesday evenings. About 10 church and business teams would rotate every few months to shop and cook groceries in the senior center kitchen, which CAP executive director Dan DeMent said is the only kitchen that can support the program in Blaine. DeMent said he’s not confident the program would be able to bring all of the teams back partly because of costs; it costs a team about $1,000 per year but DeMent estimates that number is higher with inflation. Teams also have about 10 volunteers, which may be hard to find, and volunteers working in the kitchen need to have their food-handling certification, he added. The senior center also stopped serving congregate meals during the pandemic. “We don’t know if, or when, we’ll be able to bring the program back,” DeMent said. The program started at Peace Arch City Café’s old building across from the police station in 2011. Volunteers started putting on a meal once a week that

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served 10-15 people and about a year later moved it to the senior center to serve anyone, with a focus on those experiencing food shortages. “There were a number of benefits,” DeMent said. “It wasn’t just helping people who were food insecure.” CAP board member Laura Vogee, who ran the program, said restarting it would be similar to rebuilding it from the ground up. “It’s not just the senior center, we’d have to get enough teams together and get the leadership to oversee and run it,” Vogee said. “There’s a lot of pieces to put back together if we were to do the community meal program.” The nonprofit doesn’t have plans to bring it back right now, Vogee said partly because she’s now running CAP’s Food Connection program that started in April 2020. The food distribution program serves community members surplus foods from restaurants that food banks are unable to accept. The food is distributed 2:30-3:30 p.m. every Tuesday at Blaine Christian Fellowship, at 902 Adelia Street. To sign up, email food@blainecap.org and include a name and phone number or call 360/392-8484. More information is available at blainecap.org/ food-connection. “We thought it was a very worthwhile program but we want to do it right and sustain it,” DeMent said of the community meals.