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June 2 - 8, 2022
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Lots going on in city council, page 5
Faulkner places first at state track meet, page 7
Community meeting on Inverness, page 10
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Blaine city manager Michael Jones resigns By Grace McCarthy
(See Jones, page 6)
s U.S. Border Patrol agents assess the threat situation on Blaine school district’s main campus the afternoon of May 25 after a female student received text messages threatening to kill her and shoot up the school. Blaine Police Department officers arrested a juvenile boy suspected of sending the texts May 28. No one was injured and no weapons were found. Photo by Molly Ernst
Blaine police arrests boy suspected of making school threats that rattles community By Grace McCarthy Blaine Police Department (BPD) officers arrested a Blaine Middle School student who is suspected of making anonymous threats serious enough for school district administrators to put the main campus in lockdown on May 25. The boy was arrested after sending additional threatening text messages that he said were meant to be a prank, according to BPD. No weapons have been found. BPD officers were notified of threatening text messages sent to three Blaine students on May 27, similar to the messages sent
May 25 that threatened to kill a female student and shoot up her school, according to a BPD statement. Police learned of another threatening text at 12:45 a.m. May 28 and contacted the male student who received it by phone. BPD officer Jon Landis questioned the student about inconsistencies in his story and the boy admitted he had sent all of the text messages as a prank, according to BPD. The suspect used a third-party app to send the messages anonymously. Police initially tracked the messages to a city in Alabama because the app allows the user to select phone numbers from a list, making the
Sheriff’s office uses less-lethal tactics to arrest Blaine man for firearm endangerment, eluding deputies By Grace McCarthy Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies arrested a Blaine man who attempted to elude deputies after firing a gun unsafely on May 30. Around 6:30 p.m. on May 30, Ferndale residents in the 3800 block of Bay Road reported that someone was firing a firearm unsafely and bullets were going over their heads, according to a WCSO report. WCSO spokesperson Deb Slater said the
suspect was unsafely shooting through an abandoned barn. A resident wrote down the license plate of the silver 2018 Dodge 1500 owned by the suspect, who sheriff’s deputies identified as 31-year-old Michael Robert Gubser of Blaine. Deputies attempted to stop Gubser in the 8400 block of Harborview Road but he drove away. State law prevented deputies from pursuing Gubser but they observed him get his truck stuck in mud after he drove into a grassy field. WCSO deputies
set up containment between Harborview, Anderson, Shintaffer and Lincoln roads and tracked him with K-9s. A resident in the 5000 block of Lincoln Road reported a man on their property around 1:15 a.m. May 31, and deputies found Gubser hiding in a lean-to shed. WCSO deputies used a FN 303, a less-lethal projectile launcher, on Gubser after he refused to cooperate, according (See Firearm, page 3)
messages anonymous. Landis arrested the boy in Bellingham and booked him into Whatcom County Juvenile Detention Center around 1:22 a.m. on May 28. The boy was arrested on felony charges of cyberstalking, harassment and threats to bomb or injure property, BPD lieutenant Michael Munden said. Police are in the process of obtaining a search warrant as of June 1. Munden said the boy doesn’t have previous incidents with BPD where he was a suspect but had previously been listed as (See Lockdown, page 2)
INSIDE
City manager Michael Jones resigned on June 1 after 15 years working for the city of Blaine, nearly four of which were as city manager. Jones will start a position as county administrator for Island County, which includes Whidbey and Camano islands. “It has been an honor to serve as the city manager and community development director for the city of Blaine,” Jones wrote in his departing announcement. “Although I’m sad to leave this team of employees, I’m excited for the opportunity with Island County.” In 2007, Jones began as the city’s permit manager before becoming the community development director. He served as interim city manager when former manager David Wilbrecht retired and was appointed city manager in September 2018. Jones’ resignation letter marked the sale of the city’s Gateway property, east Blaine development and leading the city through the pandemic and U.S./Canada border closure as his biggest accomplishments as manager. Jones studied hospitality management in college and worked in resorts across the country before his civics career, according to a previous article in The Northern Light. Jones earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University in geography and environmental resource management in 1998. He worked as a GIS analyst and environmental analyst in California before working as a senior planner for the city of Ferndale. “As I grew up, I started to realize I really like to be involved in making places and being a contributor to the world around me,” Jones said. “It’s the idea of making a difference in people’s lives and the places we live.” Blaine mayor Mary Lou Steward thanked Jones for his work to the city. “Michael Jones has been a very, very dedicated city manager and has accomplished a lot for the city of Blaine,” Steward said. “We wish him all the best in his new position and
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The Northern Light • June 2 - 8, 2022
Lockdown ...
From page 1 a victim, reporting party and witness in other cases. “I appreciate the patience you, as our community, have had this week. I understand how stressful and difficult it has been,” BPD chief Donnell Tanksley wrote in a statement. “Our community is very special, and we consider it a privilege to serve you all.” A female Blaine student first received anonymous text message threats around 11:12 a.m. on
May 25, and police were called at 12:16 p.m., Munden said. The second text that caused the school to go into lockdown was received at 2:28 p.m., Munden said. Lockdown started at 2:29 p.m. and Blaine officers entered the middle school at 2:32 p.m. The first text threatened the female student directly and said they would shoot up the school, Munden said. In response, BPD sent additional officers to the campus. The second text had more detail than the first, Munden said, and the person said he was on campus and was looking
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to kill the student. School administrators announced the school campus was in lockdown around 2:40 p.m. on May 25 and notified law enforcement. Several dozen personnel from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol and Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office responded, Munden said. BPD announced at 5 p.m. on May 25 that all Blaine schools were cleared and safe. There were no injuries, according to the statement. The school district started releasing students to their families at the stadium. School buses picked up students at 7:15 p.m., nearly five hours after regular dismissal. During the lockdown, parents and family members were asked to not approach or call schools. Anyone waiting to pick up a student was asked to leave the campus area. BPD officials thanked students for their response to the stressful and frightening situation. Blaine school district canceled school for the remainder of the week, and anticipated the state would not require make-up days. “Be well and take good care,” a school district spokesperson wrote on Facebook. In previous incidents, a 12-year-old Blaine student was arrested last December after being found responsible for a graffiti threat of a school shooting in a boys Blaine Middle School bathroom. A similar threat had been found in a girls Blaine High School bathroom a few days before the arrest last December. Those investigations found no evidence of an active threat, district superintendent Christopher Granger previously said. Blaine has had two threats in the past 15 years in addition to the most recent lockdown and the December lockout, district communications director Lisa Moeller said. The district canceled classes for a day in February 2018 because of threats later discovered to target Blaine, Minnesota, and the district went into a lockdown when a student brought a BB gun to school in September 2011. The lockdown came one day after a school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas in which 19 students and two teachers were killed. BPD public information officer Tami Bhachu said the tragedy led the
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s Blaine students escorted to the Blaine Boys and Girls Club on May 25. Photo by Molly Ernst
officers to respond with an abundance of caution. “Despite the chaos and difficulty of this day, we are all incredibly grateful for the partnership between our school district and police department,” Munden and Granger wrote in the statement. “Most of all we are grateful for the safety of our community’s children.” Parents on edge Birch Bay resident Ashley Donald was waiting to pick up her first-grade son and kindergarten daughter when it was announced over the speakers that students
“On the way home my son said, ‘I’m happy I didn’t die today Mom,’” Donald recounted. “That’s not something you should be saying at 8 years old.” and staff needed to stay in place while parents were asked to get in their cars and leave campus. “Don’t tell parents to leave their kids,” Donald said. “You can’t just tell us to go home and wait for a phone call.” Donald huddled with other anxious parents and traded stories of what they’d heard. After waiting nearly four hours, Donald was able to reunite with her children at the football stadium and had them home by 7 p.m. She said she believed teachers and law enforcement officers were doing their best but she hopes the school will have more organization if a lockdown happens again. “I don’t want to send my kids back. You get a gut feeling it’s not safe to send your kid to school and then you’re right because the next day they’re in lockdown,” Donald said. “It’s a scary feeling to think if you send your kid to school, you might not get them back at the end of the day.” Donald said she wished Blaine had more security such as metal detectors and requiring students’ bags to be searched. She’s also considering getting phones for
her children to communicate if a lockdown were to occur again. Donald said the younger kids were less scared because they thought it was a drill, but it was still rattling for students to see cops going into the schools with big guns. She said it was extra concerning because of the two threats in December, which came as other districts in Whatcom County were facing similar threats. “On the way home my son said, ‘I’m happy I didn’t die today, Mom,’” Donald recounted. “That’s not something you should be saying at 8 years old.” Counselor recommendations Blaine school district administration brought in Whatcom County’s mobile response team to support students and staff, as well as Animals as Natural Therapy’s animals at the entrance of each school when classes returned May 31. Erika Creydt, Touchstone Health Clinic counselor and Blaine school board member, said it’s important for adults and children to understand that the school incident will impact everyone differently depending on their life experiences and what they thought occurred. “When you’re in a situation where you think your life may be in danger, trauma may turn up weeks, months or years later because of the way it manifests itself,” Creydt said. “This incident impacted people differently based on what they saw, what they thought was happening and their past experiences.” For example, Creydt said someone who has experienced domestic violence with a gun could have a different reaction to the threats than someone who hasn’t. As well, a student may have felt more secure than another student in the building where the threats were targeted. “I think it’s important people are given that space to process it and the grace that it’s hard to process,” Creydt said. “This is emotionally exhausting for kids, teachers, law enforcement officers and parents.” She added it’s OK if people don’t (See Lockdown, next page)
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Kathy Stauffer (360) 815-4718 s U.S. Border Patrol agents surround Blaine school district’s main campus on May 25. U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and Blaine Police Department responded to the school district’s threat. Photo by Molly Ernst
(See Lockdown, previous page) want to talk about the lockdown yet, because pushing people to talk about a scary event when they’re not ready can be harmful. Creydt recommended students nervous returning to school to be mindful of their thoughts, practice deep breathing exercises and yoga to counter increased adrenaline. She added peer support is valuable in collective incidents and encouraged students to talk about their resiliency in going through something hard and surviving it together. “The feeling of powerlessness is at the core of a traumatic event,” Creydt said. “Even though no one was physically hurt, a lot of people went into that state of powerlessness.” Creydt recommended adults not be surprised if they see symptoms in their children or themselves, now or in the future, and to know support is available. Trusted adults can remind students there are safety protocols in place and Blaine is a community with a strong law enforcement presence that can quickly respond. Listening to students’ fears also helps, she said, because talking about a fear can make it
Firearm ... From page 1
to Slater and the WCSO statement. Deputies found a .308 rifle, semiautomatic .223 rifle and 9mm handgun in Gubser’s truck, Slater said. Gubser was treated at St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham as a precaution and released, Slater said. He was booked into Whatcom County Jail for two counts of first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, second-degree burglary, two counts of resisting arrest, reckless endangerment and eluding police. Gubser was wanted on felony charges in Siskiyou County in northern California for driving without a license and falsely representing himself to officers in June 2020, according to Siskiyou County Superior Court records. Whatcom County Jail booking data shows he is being held without bail. On May 30, WCSO deputies
less scary. “This was a really big, scary thing for a lot of people, so they may develop symptoms. And if they do, that’s OK,” she said. “There’s a way to counter and cope with those symptoms.” Moving forward Washington state’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) published resources for adults comforting children after hearing about or experiencing school threats. Visit the OSPI website at bit.ly/3wOExzG for the resource list. Washington state law requires school districts to have a school safety plan and evidence-based threat assessment program, according to the OSPI website. Required guidelines include family reunification, meeting with first responders and communicating and helping everyone in schools. This fall, the Washington State Attorney General’s Office is expected to release a statewide reporting system for people in schools to report suspicious behavior and threats. Granger wrote, through a spokesperson in an email to The Northern Light, that district staff are required every year to complete standard response proto-
col training from the “I Love U Guys” Foundation, a nationally recognized school safety plan. The Washington Post reported that Robb Elementary School in Uvalde also uses it. Granger said the school district would like to improve from the lockdown and is using feedback to better its safety plans. “We are still in the process of gathering and evaluating feedback from staff, so that we may consider their experiences in our plans for improvement,” he wrote. “We have received feedback from both staff and parents regarding the reunification process, and there are things we know we will want to do differently should we ever have to do it again.” Granger, who has two children in Blaine schools, said he was thankful for the administrative team’s strong leadership and the love staff showed to students. “We want our students to be able to return to their routines and enjoy the many fun events to come between now and the last day of school,” he wrote. “If a student needs someone to talk to, there are trusted adults in every school building ready to help with that.”
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responded to a home in the 8900 block of Semiahmoo Drive that was struck by a bullet. Slater said both investigations are ac-
tive and are not confirmed to be related. No further information will be released at this time, she said.
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The Northern Light • June 2 - 8, 2022
Opinion
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. 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
Community pays tribute to fallen soldiers
s American Legion Post 86 and VFW 9474 of Custer hosted the Blaine Veterans Memorial Day Ceremony at the veterans memorial next to the police station on May 30. Photo courtesy Blaine Police Department Facebook
Letters
Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Ian Haupt ian@pointrobertspress.com 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, Robert Rush The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVII, No 50 Circulation: 10,500 copies
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The Editor: How would Blaine react to a mass shooting incident? We should work on issues of angst and community building. Let’s encourage “we” rather than “they and I” thinking. Our country’s founding was colonialism by the English, which we fought to be rid of. But colonialism is part of us now. It’s everywhere in subjugation, and acquisition for profit and fear/hope of control. Is there a way Blaine can nurture the calm, beautiful community bond that has made our population love this little town and made it feel safe? We can’t control that while gasoline prices skyrocket, the petroleum industry gains (70 percent or better) because they can charge what consumers allow. Our medical – highest in the world – costs are because of market. TV advertisers sell ads for audience size, not content so millions see what might be considered trash, misinformation or propaganda. We are suffering control over our bodies, minds, safety, and even social media for somebody’s profit. Who benefits by social, party, Wall Street, pharmaceutical, church and social media manipulation? Who benefits when gun production triples in 22 years as noted in
the May 17 issue of The Seattle Times? Make plans to participate in this summer’s farmers market, street fairs and community events. We can keep consumerism local. Let’s work to support and nurture our own community. Donna Starr Blaine The Editor: When children and teachers come to school, they are expected to leave their “emotional baggage” at the door and focus. It doesn’t matter that your grandfather just died, or your precious dog just died, or your parents are getting divorced, or you just found out your mom has cancer and has to start chemo. Major, major emotional trauma ... but the message at school is loud and clear: Just ignore your feelings now and buckle down and focus on learning. And to top it off, so much of what a student is expected to learn is meaningless and trivial and somehow the students already know they will never use it or apply it during their lifetime ... ever. And this takes precedence over the tragedies of their lives? Add to this severe bully-
ing at school, an abusive home life and the crushing weight of academics, and you have a recipe for disaster. Then the biggest tragedy becomes kids committing suicide or killing others in mass shootings at school. School has become a pressure cooker of emotions with no release valve. I believe our society as a whole is starving for meaning and connection, and so many young people are not finding it at home or in school. What is an education if it doesn’t make you a better person to have compassion for all living beings ... the environment, etc. They say as human beings we are hardwired to protect that which we love. School needs to focus on teaching to the heart, not just the intellect. Only when what is being taught has true meaning because it speaks to the heart, will children find true meaning in school and their lives. Cindy Kisska Birch Bay
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.
June 2 - 8, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com
5
Blaine City Council roundup ... By Grace McCarthy The latest news from the May 23 city council meeting. Public comment Five members of the public showed up to the city council meeting to give public comment. Concerns regarded lack of development oversight, parks maintenance and speeding on east H Street. U.S. CBP visit Harmit Gill, new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) port director for the Blaine area, introduced himself to city staff and council. Gill said he graduated from Blaine High School, attended Western Washington University and is now a Blaine resident. Gill has served in the port director position for about 1.5 months and oversees 17 ports of entries in Washington as well as Anacortes, Bellingham and Friday Harbor, he said. “It’s an honor to be here and to introduce myself as the federal law enforcement entity that is in your town and neighboring towns,” Gill said. “My kids go to school here and we attend the local churches and temples and are part of the community.” Sewer bond approval City council unanimously approved ordinance 22-2980 that allowed the city manager to enter an agreement with DA Davidson to apply for up to a $7.5 million bond to finance the sewer rehabilitation project. City staff only expected to need $5 million and the project will be financed at a fixed rate of no higher than 4 percent for the next 10-20 years, according to a city memo. The city will pay back the bond through sewer rate revenue. The project will replace 4,000 feet of aging sewer infrastructure and add a 3,000-foot sewer main
trunk east of I-5, mostly in the Lettered Streets. Public works director Bernie Ziemianek gave an update on the sewer project. The project is still experiencing setbacks but should still be on track to be in the bid cycle by mid-June, Ziemianek said. He said public works crews discovered 30 homes around F Street dumping rainwater directly into the sewer’s stormwater, creating back-up at the sewer plant and sewer project delays. “There’s a lot going on and it doesn’t surprise me that we’re finding things we didn’t know existed,” he said. VACIS letter Mayor Mary Lou Steward wrote a letter to Blaine’s U.S. Congress representatives and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) for assistance in encouraging CBP and BNSF Railway to finish installing an updated Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS). CBP had told the city two years ago that VACIS would be replaced but it still hasn’t been addressed, Steward wrote. The current system requires trains to slow to 5 miles per hour in order to inspect railcars for contraband and human trafficking. The slow trains cause traffic delays at Bell Road and Peace Portal Drive as well as Marine Drive. The update is expected to allow trains to increase to twice the speed. “We recognize that the VACIS facility is an important part the US Customs and Border Protection infrastructure used to help secure our nation’s border,” Steward wrote in the letter. “However, the traffic blockage is not only a tremendous inconvenience, but it delays the arrival of school buses to school in the morning, it delays emergency responders as they head to a call for service, it delays ambulances transporting
CITY OF BLAINE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING SIX-YEAR TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM 2023 – 2028
Notice is hereby given that the Blaine City Council will conduct a public hearing on the proposed Six Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) 2023-2028 on Monday, June 13, 2022, at 6:00pm, and June 27, 2022, at 6:00pm. Both public hearings will occur in the Council Chambers at Blaine City Hall, 435 Martin Street. The public hearing will also be held virtually via Zoom. Information on how to “attend” the City Council meeting virtually will be included on the agenda. If the location of the public hearing changes, it will be notified on the City Council meeting agenda. The agenda can be found on the City’s website on the Friday prior to the meeting. Projects being considered for inclusion in this proposed program* are as follows: Boblett Street Channelization & Corridor Improvements* Peace Portal/Bell Road Signalization* Semiahmoo Parkway Shoreline Restoration Peace Portal Revitalization* Peace Portal Community Trail, Phase 3* City-Wide Pavement Preservation (Annual Program) Bi-Annual Sidewalk Safety Program ADA Transition Plan Development*
*Represents projects with full or partial funding. All interested citizens are encouraged to appear and be heard or submit written comments regarding this proposal. Written comments should be sent to CityCouncil@cityofblaine.com. Additional information is available from the Blaine Public Works Department at 1200 Yew Avenue, or by telephone at 360332-8820. Blaine City Hall is an accessible facility. Anyone wishing to attend and participate who may need special accommodation to do so should contact the City Clerk’s office no later than 72 hours prior to the scheduled hearing.
Samuel Crawford, Deputy City Manager/City Clerk
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.
Thursday, June 9 9:00am – Park and
s Harmit Gill, CBP’s new Blaine area port director, introduces himself to city council at council chambers May 23. Photo by Grace McCarthy patients to the hospital, and it impacts economic development in our community.” Gill said CBP ran into a couple of hurdles but is working to install the system. CBP needs to work with BNSF, which Gill said is the first hurdle, and then CBP can take over the project. The current system was installed in 2003 and is at the end of its life cycle, Gill said. If it fails before being replaced, then each railcar would need to be processed by hand or the train just wouldn’t come into the U.S. “I’m working on a sense of urgency to get the updated equipment installed,” Gill said. The new system was estimated to cost a few million dollars, but is now $5-7 million because of inflation and rising construction costs, he said. City Hall demolition update Ziemianek told council two contractors have toured the old city hall building on H Street. He said he expects to start receiving bids in the next few weeks, possibly in time to have estimated demolition costs for the June 13 city council meeting. Ziemianek said he was optimistic that demolition could start the first week of July and that Blaine Police Department chief Donnell Tanksley had asked for it to not start until after July 4. Drayton Harbor Oyster Company seeks expansion Community development services director Stacie Pratschner told council Drayton Harbor Oyster Company (DHO) has applied for a new oyster bed over almost 9 acres in Drayton Harbor. The application was submitted to What-
com County’s planning and development services department. The proposed floating oyster array will be on the harbor’s western side, south of Semiahmoo Parkway and Turnstone Lane. About 18,000 square feet of water will be covered by 22 lines with 6,600 floating mesh baskets, according to the project description. Public comment may be submitted to the county until Friday, June 10. For more information on written comment, contact Whatcom County shoreline administrator Kyla Walters at 360/778-5917 or kwalters@whatcomcounty.us.
Cemetery Board Meeting 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting
Monday, June 13 5:15pm – Study Session: Six Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) 6:00pm – City Council Meeting Public Hearing: Six Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)
Tuesday, June 14 8:30am – Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee Meeting
Thursday, June 23 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website. Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.
www.cityofblaine.com
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The Northern Light • June 2 - 8, 2022
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Deer Trail road work expected to begin August Whatcom County Public Works Department officials said they expect to begin permanent Deer Trail road repairs in Birch Bay this August. There will be a few days of single-lane closures this June as workers move utility poles, utility cables and a fire hydrant in preparation of the repairs, according to a public works press release. Deer Trail experienced a landslide in January 2021 when a county crew removed a fallen maple tree that brought part of the hillside down. The two-lane road closed to one lane for eight months until crews finished installing temporary erosion and sediment controls to the road late last October. About 90 Birch Bay residences in neighboring streets rely on Deer Trail for road access. City utility billing survey created The city of Blaine has created a survey to allow utility customers to describe their experience with the city’s utility billing de-
City of Blaine and chamber launch volunteer website, to host cleanup parties
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Donate online at blainescholarshipfoundation.org Or mail to PO Box 127, Blaine, WA 98231-0127 Blaine Scholarship Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Blaine Chamber of Commerce and the city of Blaine launched a new volunteer webpage that allows residents to sign up to help at the city’s largest events throughout the year and other city volunteer opportunities. Volunteers can register for six listed events: Blaine’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July, Art 2 Jazz Street Fair on July 16 (which
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partment. The nine-question survey asks questions on how long the survey taker has been a utility customer, if the utility bill is easy to understand, how people prefer to pay their bill and if they would pay electronically if available. To take the survey, visit surveymonkey.com/r/BlaineUB. City accepting proposals for 2022 comprehensive plan The city of Blaine has opened proposal applications for Blaine’s comprehensive plan and land use regulations. The deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday, June 30. The city’s land use and development code establishes development regulations while the comprehensive plan serves as the city’s planning document for long-term visions of the city. The public, staff, developers
and elected officials are allowed to propose changes to the documents once every year. City council will review the proposals and decide which will continue in the public review process. For more information on submitting a proposal, visit the city’s website at bit.ly/3z5o5O6. Dean’s List Blaine resident Jeffrey Marchell made Southern New Hampshire University’s winter 2022 Dean’s List. Marchell achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher to be placed on the Dean’s List. SNHU is a private university located in Manchester, New Hampshire. Covid-19 levels Whatcom County has medium Covid-19 levels, per the CDC’s community level metrics. The CDC recommends residents in medium transmission areas get tested for Covid-19 if they have symptoms and get vaccinated against Covid-19. Individuals at high risk for getting severe illness should talk to a healthcare provider about whether they should wear a mask.
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coincides with Drayton Harbor Music Festival), Drayton Harbor Days August 5-7, Holiday Harbor Lights, the beer garden benefit for the Fourth of July fireworks and the 2023 art studio tour. People can also register to help at the Blaine Welcome Center, the Alaska Packers Museum and with community outreach. The city has also added new volunteer opportunities for a downtown landscaping work party and downtown litter patrol and clean-up crews. The first work party will be 9 a.m. Saturday, June 11 and the city is looking at holding another later in the summer, city community planner Alex Wenger said. The city will provide mulch for tree planter wells and the chamber will provide flowers to install, he added. The city will have
volunteers focus on cleaning up downtown with things like watering and maintaining G Street landscaping improvements before moving outwards to areas like Lincoln Park. “We’re just trying to help the city and business owners take care of downtown,” Wenger said. To volunteer, visit the chamber of commerce’s website at blainechamber.com. The city is also bringing back its highly-anticipated Fourth of July parade and Show N’ Shine annual car show during the celebration on July 4. The chamber is looking for parade and car show participants to join in this year’s festivities. Visit bit.ly/3GcA4er to participate in the Fourth of July parade and visit bit.ly/3wEdfx2 to participate in the Show N’ Shine annual car show.
Jones ... From page 1
he will be very missed in the city.” Steward said the city will likely hire an interim city manager and then start searching for a permanent manager. She expects council to hold a special meeting very soon to determine the next steps. Blaine City Council is expected to conduct a nationwide search for the next city manager, according to the announcement. Jones’ last day as city manager will be June 30, per his contract. Jones said a recruiter contacted him about the Island County position and it was appealing to him because he had the opportunity to learn new things in a job similar to his current position. “Blaine is a wonderful community and I feel honored to have
s City manager Michael Jones. File photo
worked in the community for 15 years and shape its future,” he said. “I’m really confident in city staff’s ability to help the city and city council through this transition. I feel I’m leaving the organization in good hands.”
June 2 - 8, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com
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Sports Faulkner places first in state for womens 1A 100-meter hurdles By Ian Haupt Blaine High School track athlete Eleeshiyah Faulkner won the womens 1A 100-meter hurdles state championship at Eastern Washington University May 28. Faulkner, a senior, also took silver in the 300-meter hurdles. Before traveling to eastern Washington, Faulkner broke her personal record in the 100-meter hurdles that she set her last full track season freshman year. She said she was nervous because she had set high expectations. Faulkner took third in the womens 2A 300-meter hurdles state final her freshman year, running a 45.01-second personal record. After returning this year, she said state championships went well. “I’m really happy,” she said. Faulkner finished second in her 300-meter preliminary race May 26 in Cheney, running 45.43 seconds. She finished .36 seconds behind Bear Creek’s Braelyn Baker. Faulkner then won her 100-meter hurdles prelim in 16.61 seconds May 27. Faulkner said she was really confident after the prelims May 26 and May 27. The next day she ran 16.09 to
take the state championship and 46.69 in the 300-meter hurdles final, finishing second to Baker again. Faulkner was surprised to run slower in the 300-meter final than she did in the prelim, but figured it came down to fatigue. She said her high school track career was bittersweet. Her sophomore and junior years were impeded by the pandemic and jaw surgery, which put a strain on her athletic development. “I feel like if I had those two extra years of training normally I would be way past my personal records,” she said. But by taking home a state title, she finished on a good note. “It was a good season,” Faulkner said. “And emotional, being my last. But I’m still going to be running in college.” Faulkner has signed a letter of intent to run cross country for the University of Redlands in Redlands, California. Faulkner was one of two Blaine High School athletes to qualify for the 1A track and field state championships. Sophomore Deja Dube finished 12th in the discus, throwing a personal record of 98feet, 8-inches.
s Blaine senior Eleeshiyah Faulkner on the top step of the womens 1A 100-meter hurdles state championship podium May 28 at Eastern Washington University. She also placed second in the 300-meter hurdles. Courtesy photo
Powderpuff makes a comeback for BHS students Blaine High School’s Associated Student Body (ASB) brought back the Powderpuff this year, where senior girls take on junior girls in a friendly flag football game. The seniors came out on top May 31 at the Blaine High School
stadium. ASB also brought back the Buff Puff June 1, where high school boys compete in a volleyball tournament against each grade level to see who is the ultimate volleyball champion. Photos by Janell Kortlever
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The Northern Light • June 2 - 8, 2022
Health & Wellness Local choices in health, healing & fitness. A local doctor’s pre-race tips for marathoners and other racers By Robert Rush With sunnier skies, longer days and the Bellingham Bay Marathon coming up in September, it’s a good time to start talking about how to avoid injuries and ailments during vigorous exercise. Being healthy and prepared at the starting line is the single best thing you can do to make sure you make it through the race without having to visit the medical tent. It’s important to train for
a marathon. Ideally you should start about three months ahead. Suddenly doing a large amount of intense exercise without working up to it can cause joint problems and other injuries. Be sure to properly stretch to help your muscles stay loose and strong, and consider running on uneven terrain with a treadmill, elliptical machine or on a hill run. But even if you do everything you can to slowly build up strength, stamina and speed, you
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can get into trouble on race day. Here’s my best advice to avoid an injury – whether it’s on the marathon course or during any kind of intense exercise. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Hands down, the most common problem we see in the medical tent is dehydration – especially on warm, sunny days. The average person loses as much as 1 to 2 liters of water per hour during vigorous exercise. As you lose fluids, energy wanes, muscles cramp and blood pressure falls. Proper hydration should start well before the race does, ideally five to seven days beforehand. Start drinking a little more water than you normally do – and stick to water, not juice or energy drinks or soda. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends drinking approximately 16 ounces of fluid about two hours before exercise to help ensure adequate hydration and to allow time to excrete excess water. Avoid caffeinated beverages, as they have a diuretic effect. During a race, it’s important to stop for water at all hydration stations or carry water with you. You need to replenish the fluids you’re losing – about four to eight ounces every 15 to 30 minutes is a good rule of thumb. Symptoms of mild dehydration
include headache and light-headedness – bad enough to affect your time but not likely to bring you to the tent. As dehydration worsens, electrolytes – minerals such as calcium and potassium that carry energy through the body – become imbalanced, throwing off your blood chemistry, muscle function, and other key bodily functions. In more severe cases, you can get delirious. Eat properly Make sure meals leading up to the race include foods with complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, green vegetables, legumes and starchy vegetables (potatoes, squash, corn), as well as adequate protein and iron. Carry carb-rich snacks like energy bars with you. Wear the right shoes You’ll want shoes you’ve run in and know work for you. Race day isn’t the time to break in a new pair. We see plenty of nasty blisters and lost toenails in the medical tent, and the right pair of shoes can help prevent that. Allow a one- to two-month break-in period if possible. If you do get blisters, there are many topical ointments that can help. Applying moleskin adhesive padding in blister-prone areas can also lessen or prevent the impact of blisters on your race. Wear the right fabrics Skin irritation and chafing, es-
pecially of sensitive areas, is another concern. Irritation of the thighs, groin and nipples in both men and women is common and unpleasant. The right fabrics can help prevent this. Make sure everything’s synthetic and easy to dry. Avoid cotton, as it holds on to moisture and makes things worse. You might want to try a storebought lubricating balm or even Vaseline, and consider pre-emptively covering your nipples with bandages or other coverings. If you’re in pain Marathons hurt! Miles of running inevitably take their toll on most in the form of cramps, aches and pains. Joint pain is especially common. I recommend Tylenol or another acetaminophen-based pain reliever. Ibuprofen and dehydration don’t mix well — it can exacerbate any underlying kidney issues. Don’t stop suddenly We’ve observed over the years that runners who stop abruptly when they reach the finish line tend to experience more light-headedness and sometimes delirium, as blood pressure suddenly drops. Best to keep walking up to the recovery area, and gradually slow yourself down. If something really serious occurs during your race, such as (See Race tips, next page)
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chest pain, breathing difficulty, broken bones or a severe sprain, don’t try to make it to the nearest aid tent – get help. If you’re unable to call 911, have the nearest available person do so. Have fun and be safe! Robert Rush, M.D., is medical director for the Bellingham Bay Marathon and chief medical officer of surgery and medical director for trauma, acute care surgery and surgical quality at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center.
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Blaine Library starts weekly workout group By Grace McCarthy People looking for a healthy dose of exercise are in luck with Blaine Library’s new program to get community members up and moving. Blaine Library started a running and walking group May 12 to encourage the community to get outdoors with one another. The group is inclusive to everyone of all ages, whether they’re a seasoned marathon runner or looking for a structured walk. The 30-minute walk or run starts and ends at the library, 610 3rd Street, and will include time at the end for stretching and a running-related discussion. The group leaves the library at 6 p.m. every Thursday. Blaine Library branch manager Jonathan Jakobitz said library staff had been discussing programs it could offer coming out of the pandemic to help the community overcome social isolation. Jakobitz, who has a running background, said he always
s From l.; Blaine Library branch manager Jonathan Jakobitz and WCLS online experience coordinator Neil McKay on May 12. Courtesy photo looked for opportunities to find others with similar interests but Blaine doesn’t offer the number of running groups as larger cities like Bellingham. “It provides an opportunity for people to connect and move with one another, whether you’re a current runner or would like to start,” he said. Blaine is the only county library
to offer a running group, as Deming and Lynden only offer walking groups, he said. Routes will vary and go 15 minutes in one direction before 15 minutes to head back to the library. “I want to encourage people to not be afraid to join in depending whatever their fitness level is,” he said. “Come on out and connect with other people at the library.”
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What a race! What a team! Mount Baker Experience magazine takes 93rd overall in Ski to Sea 2022. After a last minute replacement and breaking a pole, Team Experience took 93rd overall and 7th in the Whatcom County Open division. Team members were Alex Hartley (cross country ski), Andrew Grubb (downhill ski), Shayla Maupin (running), Ian Haupt (road bike and cyclocross), Elliott Smith (canoe), Linda Finch (canoe) and Austin Santamaria (kayak); who together finished the 7-leg, 93-mile race in 8:38:09. Team leader and MBE editor Ian Haupt, who competed in both the Road Bike and Cyclocross Legs, came in 31st and 23rd respectively. Equally impressive was Shayla Maupin who came in 53rd in the Running Leg. "So much fun!" Smith said. "Where do I sign up for next year?"
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10
The Northern Light • June 2 - 8, 2022
Debbie Granger awarded 2022 Puget Sound Maritime Achievement Award
s About 40 residents attended the community meeting on Inverness, an upcoming 88-unit development in Semiahmoo, at Semiahmoo Resort May 25. Photo by Grace McCarthy
s Debbie Granger accepting the 2022 Puget Sound Maritime Achievement Award. Photo courtesy Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County
The Seattle Propeller Club awarded Working Waterfront Coalition member Debbie Granger the 2022 Puget Sound Maritime Achievement Award for her contributions to the local maritime community. Granger is one of
three women to be honored with the award since it began in 1951. Granger established the Bellingham SeaFeast seafood festival, started the Bellingham Dockside Market that allows fishermen to sell seafood at Squalicum Harbor
and has fundraised for a new Fisheries and Aquaculture Center at Bellingham Technical College. She is also working to start a Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship Program to train more county residents for marine trades jobs.
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Inverness developers host community meeting By Grace McCarthy About 40 residents gathered in Semiahmoo Resort for the May 25 community meeting on Inverness, an upcoming Semiahmoo subdivision set to bring 88 single-family and townhomes. A few others attended by Zoom. Craig Parkinson, of Cascade Engineering Group, hosted the community conference with Jeff Habersetzer, chief operating officer of Harbor Custom Development (HCD), a Gig Harbor-based company developing the 37-acre area directly north of Semiahmoo Parkway. HCD is also developing the 400-unit Horizon at Semiahmoo subdivision across the parkway from Inverness, and is in contract to purchase Grandis Pond, an upcoming 1,000-unit east Blaine neighborhood. HCD hosted the meeting to gather community feedback as a beginning stage in the development process. Meeting presenters were faced with less pushback than the Semiahmoo Highlands community meeting on March 30, which brought over 100 residents concerned with the 480-unit development. Parkinson is also Semiahmoo Highlands’ civil engineer. The development falls within city of Blaine jurisdiction, between Snow Goose Lane and Shintaffer Road. The subdivision will fall within Semiahmoo Resort Association and some homes will back up to the Semiahmoo golf course. Habersetzer said the development will likely have a couple of builders and will follow standard Semiahmoo signage, gates and other branding. Inverness proposed to have 65 single-family residences in the neighborhood meeting notice, but Parkinson said that number would be closer to 88 and likely include attached townhomes. Habersetzer said he expected homes along the golf course to
be larger and around $1-1.5 million, homes in the middle of the subdivision could be $700,000900,000 and the townhomes could be $600,000-$700,000. Developers expect Inverness to attract older residents. Once approved, Parkinson said he expects the subdivision to be ready for construction summer of 2023. Community members questioned adequate traffic assessments for the subdivision that will have one split entrance across from Horizon and one emergency exit. North Whatcom Fire and Rescue commissioner Bruce Ansell, an audience member, answered another resident’s question on whether Inverness would create enough revenue to fund Station 62 located on Semiahmoo Parkway. It would not, he said. Residents asked for more information on stormwater management after the historic flooding last November. Semiahmoo resident Trevor Hoskins raised concerns on traffic flow, keeping the golf course pristine and ensuring trees will not be stripped if the development fails. Hoskins has also questioned quick, large-scale development at the past two Blaine City Council meetings. Hoskins said he was pleased how the meeting went and thought the right questions were asked. He said his biggest concerns are with water runoff and city council’s lack of acknowledgement after public comments. “Blaine and Semiahmoo are superb places to live but they’re probably the only places in the state of Washington to have room for development and I hope it doesn’t happen too much, too quickly,” Hoskins said. “I recognize the council does have a tough job but I believe it’s going to get tougher.”
June 2 - 8, 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: ELLEN SUSANNE HUNTER, Deceased. No. 224-00498-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Robert Olson 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: May 10, 2022 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: May 19, 2022 Name of Personal Representative: ADAM BURTON GOAD 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: May 10, 2022. AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Personal Representative: ADAM BURTON GOAD
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E X P E R I E N C E D SEAMSTRESS Earn $18-32 an hour sewing cushion covers and backing to tapestries from home. Phone 360-312 -3173. PT & FT Shipping & Warehouse Assistant needed at Grandview business complex in Ferndale. $16-18/hr. Call 360-3123173 or email charlotte@ saveontapestries.com
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CITY OF BLAINE
JOURNEYMAN LINEMAN Salary: $8,926 per month plus benefits; $10,000 signing bonus Interested persons should complete the online application on the City’s website, https://www.ci.blaine.wa.us/. Open until filled.
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NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Superior Court of the State of Washington, In and for the County of Whatcom, In re the Estate of ALBERT VINKES. Probate No. 22-4-00412-37 Judge: David E. Freeman. 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 Clerk of this 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 (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: 5/19/22. Personal Representative: Eileen K. Hertel. Attorney for the Estate: Keith Bode, WSBA #7791 314 5th Street, P.O. Box 688, Lynden, WA 98264-0688, Tel. (360) 354-5021
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT Chapter 18.27.100 of the Revised Code of Washington requires that all advertisements for construction services include the contractor’s registration number in the advertisement. To verify a contractor’s license, call the Dept. of Labor and Industry’s contractors registration at 1-800-647-0982.
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Patricia D. Graham, Deceased. NO. 22-4-00494-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: Robert E. Olson 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: May 19, 2022 Personal Representative: Aaron J. Graham 185 Ave. B, Apt. 2E New York, New York 10009 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. 22-4-00494-37
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: BRUCE JOHN DERR, Deceased. No. 224-00550-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge David Freeman. 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: May 27, 2022 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: June 2, 2022 Name of Personal Representative: MICHAEL BRIAN DERR 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: May 27, 2022 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Personal Representative: MICHAEL BRIAN DERR
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: DONALD E. SCHROEDER, Deceased. No. 21-4-00634-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Evan Jones 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: May 25, 2022 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: June 2, 2022 Name of Administrator: ROBERT SCHROEDER 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: May 25, 2022 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator: ROBERT SCHROEDER www.averyelderlaw.com
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: STANLEY R. SCHROEDER, Deceased. No. 22-4-00540-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge David Freeman 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: May 25, 2022 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: June 2, 2022 Name of Administrator: ROBERT SCHROEDER 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: May 25, 2022 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator: ROBERT SCHROEDER www.averyelderlaw.com
FIND IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS
12
The Northern Light • June 2 - 8, 2022
Real Estate 480 D Street, Blaine $259,000
9001 Bay Circle, Blaine $799,900
SHORES! GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD! Don’tHARBOR miss this opportunity to be in the coveted neighborhood of Harbor Shores! 2524 SF, 4 BD, 2.25 BA home features main floor master with oversized walk in double shower & custom closet, 2 large upstairs bonus rooms plus a bright open concept kitchen/living area. Large fully fenced back yard, backing up to a green belt, offers privacy & wonderful patio area for entertaining. Located one block from the beach & short drive to local shops, restaurants & services in nearby Blaine & Birch Bay. Only minutes to US/Canada Border and the I-5 and only an hour and a half south to Seattle and under an hour north to Vancouver.
Bay Properties Semiahmoo homeS, inc.
N W L U X U RY R E A L E S TAT E AT A H I G H E R L E V E L
LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!
Rare, multi-family, level, easy to build on 13,000+ SF parcel is made up of 3 2/3 city lots and may support a triplex. LISTED & Conveniently located PENDED IN 1 DAY! close to Blaine schools, stores, services, the harbor and downtown. Plus...easy access to the USA/Canada border!
JACOB’S LANDING END UNIT!
11.33 ACRE ESTATE WWW.THERIDGEATSEMIAHMOO.COM PROPERTY WITH A VIEW! Rare west facing marine view estate property encompassing 11.33 acres overlooking bays, mountains, & islands, located on Birch Point plateau high above these pristine NW waters. Spectacular sunsets. Beautifully forested, relatively level with slight slope eastward, build your dream home with elbow room offering privacy & exclusivity. Located an hour south of Vancouver, BC & under two hours to Seattle. Natural beauty and environment - a mile from Semiahmoo with its Inn, golf course, & 300 slip marina. Property could potentially be divided offering 2 separate estate size properties. Choices!
XXXX Washington Avenue, Blaine $179,000
7806 Birch Bay Drive #116, Birch Bay $464,900 JACOB’S LANDING CONDOMINIUMS!
Welcome to the Beach Life! Fabulous end unit at Jacob’s Landing featuring 2 decks! 2 BD, 1.5 BA condo has been updated with all new appliances, freshly painted & new electrical. Extra room in loft for storage. Westerly views of bay, magical sunsets, prime beach access & great Jacob’s Landing amenities: indoor pool/hot tub, tennis courts, racquet ball court, games/social room that can be reserved for private functions. Nearby restaurants, cafes, crabbing, clamming, kayaking and miles of beach. Use as primary residence or weekend getaway.
PRICE REDUCED!
TUCKED AWAY IN A QUIET CORNER AT THE MOUTH OF DAKOTA CREEK!
One of a kind waterfront property is ready for you to build your dream home! Very few lots like this left. Come bring your imagination & enjoy Blaine Community. Close to Semiahmoo Resort with its Inn and Spa, Private Arnold Palmer Golf Course, and Moorage in the 300 slip Marina. Local shops, restaurants and services are available in nearby Blaine and Birch Bay! Minutes to the US/Canada Border and the I-5 with Seattle an hour and a half south and Vancouver under an hour north. This .27 acre lot won’t last long!
Ruth Skeete • (360) 358-5075
Carl W. R. Dufton • (360) 815-6637
Julie Ward • (760) 522-2564
8045 BIRCH BAY DRIVE, BLAINE, WA • 360-371-7252 • BAYPROPERTIESNW.COM
The Hemlock • $829,950
The Douglas • $934,950 3029 square feet, 4 bedroom, loft, 2.5 baths, quality finishes
To see plans and for more information visit briansouthwick.com
Jim Kaemingk Jr. BROKER
BrianBROKER Southwick
360-224-5465
360-815-6638
jimk@windermere.com
Rentals - Residential SENIOR LIVING 1-BD apartment, 935 3rd Street, Blaine. W/S/G paid. $625/mo. First & last due at signing. No smoking.
Rentals - Rooms FURNISHED ROOMS in historic home, incl. amenities, NS, pet friendly starts at $600/mo. + deposit, references required. 360-332-3449.
Legal IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Matter and Estate of: GARRY ROSS MONTGOMERY, Deceased. No. 21-4-00962-37. 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 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 Publication of Notice to Creditors: May 19, 2022 Personal Representative: JENNIFER C. MONTGOMERY, Presented by: WHATCOM LAW GROUP, P.S. Roger L. Ellingson, WSBA #19292 Attorney for Personal Representative Casie C. Rodenberger WSBA 54348 PO Box 1258 / 289 H Street Blaine, WA 98231-1258 (360) 332-7000; Fax: (360) 332-6677
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LAW OFFICE OF A. JEFF LEGHORN, PLLC • WA REALTY LAW, LLC
D! Call Hugh SOL 360.371.5800 Email hugh@callhugh.com or text Hugh 360-739-5234 123% OF ASKING PRICE!
Rentals - Commercial
NELSON BUILDING 925 Ludwick Ave., Blaine
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Lisa Sprague 360-961-0838
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Hugh Brawford, Managing Broker
All real real estate/rentals estate/rentals All advertisadvertising in this newsing in this newspaper is subject paper is subject to the Federal Housing Act of Housing Act to theFairFederal Fair 1968 as amended, which ofmakes 1968 as amended, makes it illegal it illegal to advertise anywhich preference, or discrimination based on race, tolimitation advertise any preference, limitation or discolor, religion, sex, handicap familial status crimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference,familial limitation status or discrimsex, handicap, or national oriination. This newspaper will not knowingly gin, anadvertisement intention to any such prefacceptorany for make real estate which is in violation of the law. readers erence, limitation or Our discrimination. This are hereby informed that all dwellings adnewspaper will notareknowingly vertised in this newspaper available on accept any an equal opportunity basis. To complain of advertisement for toll-free real estate discrimination, call HUD at 1-800-which is in vi877-0246.of the law. Our readers are hereby inolation
formed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246.
briansouthwick@gmail.com
Thinking of
Call Jeff: 360.366.4925 • jeff@law-office.net
HUGH
Under Construction 2,036 square feet, 3 bedroom, 2 baths, 3 car garage, single level, quality finishes
Assistance with Buying, Developing, Leasing and Selling Real Estate Reasonable Flat Fees
Terry Conway • (360) 410-0503
CeCelia Breivik • (360) 303-8161
5835 Semiahmoo Ridge, Birch Point $899,000
Jeff Leghorn, Real Estate Attorney & Real Estate Agent
Westerly views of bay and sunsets. 4BR, 3BA. $985,000
YOUR LOCAL EXPERT For All Real Estate, Residential Or Commercial Services!
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June 2 - 8, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com
Iola June Vaughn
Kam-Way unveils Homeward Bound truck for Mekayla Bali
May 11, 1930–March 15, 2022
s Kam-Way Transportation unveils the newest Homeward Bound trucks and trailers on May 25 at Blaine Marine Park. The trucks and trailers are designed to assist in finding missing children. Photo by Hannah Cross
With the help of Washington state and Canadian law enforcement, Kam-Way Transportation unveiled the newest Homeward Bound trucks and trailers, designed to assist in finding missing children at Blaine Marine Park on May 25.
Advertise in The Northern Light and connect with
The Washington State Patrol’s (WSP) Missing and Unidentified Persons Unit and the Major Crimes Unit of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are collaborating on efforts to locate Mekayla Bali, who was 16 when she went missing from Yorktown, Saskatchewan
in 2016, according to a Washington State Patrol press release. Kam-Way, a Blaine-based company, is working with WSP and RCMP to place age-advanced photos on semi-trailers that will travel across North America to aid in the search of Bali.
Dining Guide
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readers weekly! *CVC Audited Circulation
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277 G Street • Downtown Blaine Louis Auto Glass 2011 Large Business of the Year
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To Our Canadian Friends
Proud supporters of the Blaine Community! Formerly 1st Propane of Whatcom County
Enjoy Huge Savings with U.S. Prices
13
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Our beloved mother, June Vaughn, succumbed to cancer at her home the morning of March 15, 2022. Born May 11, 1930, the second child of seven to Emil and Olive Gudmundson, June graduated from Blaine High School, class of 1948. She married Freddie Vaughn in 1951 and together they had three children; Linda, Fredrick and Gregory. They lived in Seattle until retirement in 1984 when they returned to Blaine. June perfected her baking skills early on and enjoyed sharing her creations until days before her death. She was known as Cookie Grandma to the counselors and children of Camp Eyabsut. Sewing clothes, draperies and upholstering furniture were also among her talents. For many years she sewed comforters, gifting them to family for graduation. Mom was aware of social justice issues and how people were affected in her community. She wanted to leave the world a better place. Making sure children were safe and warm was #1 on her list. She sewed comforters for those in need and donated to HIV/AIDS organizations, and many nonprofits benefiting children. She expressed her love and respect for her Lummi neighbors by providing them countless comforters to fostered Lummi youth. One of her favorite memories was helping prepare meals for the 2007 Paddle to Lummi. She wasn’t a stranger to hard work. Travel to Hawaii, Mexico, Iceland and Arizona (Mariners Spring Training Camp - Go Mariners!) were among her favorite vacations. She loved meeting new people, and made many friends over the years. She enjoyed reading all kinds of books (Women’s Reality by Anne Wilson Schaef changed her life) and she became quite a movie buff. June loved to share stories about her life and she did it with great humor. The more she shared with others the more she learned about herself. She gave birth to 3 babies but knew little about childbirth. When her great-granddaughter was born she was allowed in labor and delivery room with the midwife. She was a calm and encouraging coach for her granddaughter. She was the first one to hold the baby and she would tell this story with all the details anytime she could find someone who hadn’t heard it! June lost her hearing gradually throughout her life. Her world truly changed when the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1995 passed. That is when closed captioning for the hearing impaired appeared on televisions. She wore hearing aids for 60 years and also mastered the art of lip reading. Upon her death, she donated her ear bones to Massachusetts Eye and Ear for research. Donating her ear bones was very important to her and she hoped others would also consider all types of organ donation. Ironically, listening to others was also one of her gifts. She listened to understand, not to reply. June was predeceased in death by her parents; her dear son Greg; sisters Esther Pedersen, Margaret Rutherford, and Theo Hull. She leaves to survive her favorite daughter Linda (Richard) Pratt and her precious son Fred (Sally Hale); grandchildren Carrie (Joseph) Kinan, Erin Vaughn, Keenan (Pamela) Vaughn, Rick Vaughn (Vernessa Villar), Jennifer (Alan) Leach; five great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Also, sisters Norma Jean Bakarich, Lorene Meck; and brother Bud (Anita) Gudmundson, many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. June’s Celebration of Life be held July 24, at noon at Free Church Unitarian, 1218 Harrison Ave. Blaine. A light lunch will be served after the service. Donations in June’s name may be made to Free Church Unitarian.
Counseling and Personal Coaching Transformational Hypnotherapy co-creating rapid change for personal growth
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Join Birch Bay-Blaine Toastmasters. Join us at Blaine-Birch Bay Toastmasters to speak, listen, practice and/or overcome your fears
We meet on Tuesdays • 6:30-7:45 pm SUN/10AM @580 C ST
For details please contact Pete 360-739-5375 or pcorcorran@gmail.com
14
The Northern Light • June 2 - 8, 2022
Coming up
Sheriff’s Reports May 18, 7:15 p.m.: Welfare check on Stein Road. May 18, 11:22 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Stein Road, Custer. May 19, 9:24 p.m.: Assist citizen on Birch Bay Drive. May 19, 9:42 p.m.: Alarm audible on Nautical Court. May 20, 11:19 a.m.: Behavioral health issue on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. May 20, 2:30 p.m.: Suspicious person Alderson Road. May 20, 8:34 p.m.: Second-degree assault on Birch Bay Drive. May 21, 1:40 a.m.: Property found on 2nd Street. May 21, 10:48 a.m.: Assist citizen on Beachcomber Drive. May 21, 12:43 p.m.: Landlord tenant dispute on Fir Way. May 21, 2:54 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident blocking on West Badger Road, Custer. May 21, 5:55 p.m.: Music on Birch Bay Square Street. May 21, 6:46 p.m.: Hot rod on Behme Road, Custer. May 21, 7:32 p.m.: Vehicle theft on Beanblossom Lane. May 21, 7:37 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident injury on Selder and Bay Ridge roads. Suspect arrested for DUI. May 22, 8:52 a.m.: Civil problem on Horizon Drive. May 22, 12:35 p.m.: Shots on Blaine and Hall roads. May 22, 8:43 p.m.: Trespass on
Birch Bay-Lynden Road. May 23, 12:01 a.m.: Impound private on Breeze Loop. May 23, 7:17 a.m.: Behavioral health issue on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. May 23, 10:48 a.m.: Theft on Birch Bay Drive. May 23, 10:57 a.m.: Parking problem on Sole Drive. May 23, 11:33 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident on California Trail and Alderson Road. May 23, 1:13 p.m.: Missing child on Boblett Road. May 23, 7:53 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Dahl Lane. May 24, 2:56 a.m.: Death investigation on Shintaffer Road. May 24, 8:02 a.m.: Behavioral health on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.
Police Reports May 21, 1:43 a.m.: Found firearm on 2nd Street. May 21, 9:17 a.m.: Panic alarm on Harrison Avenue. May 21, 9:29 a.m.: Civil matter on 10th Street. May 21, 1:47 p.m.: Civil matter on Adelia Street. May 21, 3:12 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Leighton Street. May 21, 9:58 p.m.: DUI on Boblett Street. May 22, 2:35 a.m.: Vehicle colli-
Crossword ACROSS 1. Absence of difficulty 5. Preserve a dead body 11. Gratitude 14. The act of coming together again 15. More cushy 18. Visionaries 19. Large, fish-eating bird 21. Indicates near 23. NY Mets legend Tommie 24. Icelandic books 28. Pop 29. Hammer is one 30. Sense of self-importance 32. Thyrotrophic hormone 33. Can’t be found 35. Electronic data processing 36. Passports and licenses are two 39. Snake-like fishes 41. Air Force
May 24, 11:44 a.m.: Suspicious person on Boblett Street. May 24, 9:05 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Loft Lane. May 25, 4:59 a.m.: Traffic hazard on Sweet and Stadsvold roads. May 25, 8:34 a.m.: Theft on Birch Bay Drive. May 25, 2:38 p.m.: Threat on H Street. May 25, 2:59 p.m.: Trespass on Birch Bay Drive. May 25, 10:25 p.m.: Shots on Alderson Road. May 25, 10:34 p.m.: Music on Yellow Fin Court. May 26, 9:25 a.m.: Burglary on Sweet Road. May 26, 8:45 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Birch Bay Drive.
42. Popular computers 44. Intermediate ecological stage 46. Wings 47. Used in combination 49. Laid back 52. Jewelled headdress 56. Slow 58. Famous Falls 60. Reassertions 62. Periods of time 63. Hyphen DOWN 1. Body part 2. Mimics 3. Expel large quantities 4. Sea eagle 5. Genetically distinct varieties 6. Dialect of Chinese 7. Famous Mr. T character 8. Consumed 9. Chinese dynasty 10. Menace to yards
12. Ireland 13. Palm trees 16. Fungal disease 17. Willis and Robert are two 20. Affirmative! (slang) 22. It shows who you are 25. The First State (abbr.) 26. Get older 27. Associations 29. Woman (French) 31. Sunscreen rating 34. Brew 36. Leader 37. Plants in the legume family 38. Burn with a hot liquid 40. Junior’s father 43. Scads 45. Morning 48. Length of a line (abbr.) 50. Double curve 51. Small, thin person 53. Worn by exposure
sion on Peace Portal Drive. May 22, 7:14 p.m.: Trespassing on Peace Portal Drive. May 23, 12:48 a.m.: Criminal traffic stop on Peace Portal Drive. May 23, 3:57 p.m.: Threats on H Street. May 23, 4:06 p.m.: Attempted bank fraud on Rene Court. May 23, 4:14 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on 4th Street. Report by Blaine Police Department.
to the weather 54. Mars crater 55. Humanities 57. Word element meaning ear 58. To the __ degree 59. Residue of something burned 61. It cools your home ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W
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Live Music at The Vault: Friday, June 3, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: Tea Seas Trio. Info: thevaultwine.com. Plant Sale: Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Blaine G Street Plaza. Trees, shrubs, shade plants, succulents, berries and herbs. Fundraiser for Salishan Neighborhood Association. Info: 360/201-4726. Explore the Shore With A Naturalist: Saturday, June 4, 2 p.m., Birch Bay State Park. Meet at the BP Heron Center. Identify different organisms and body parts/adaptations that help them survive, relate organisms to the food web and have fun finding cool creatures on the beach! Naturalist training offered. Info: fobbsp.org. Clamming 101: Saturday, June 4, 3 p.m., Birch Bay State Park. Meet at the BP Heron Center and learn from the Department of Fish and Wildlife about our clams. Info: fobbsp.org. Birch Bay Beach Cleanup: Wednesday, June 8, 4–6 p.m., Semiahmoo Park, 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway. Help keep trash out of the Salish Sea. Info: re-sources.org/2022/01/2022-beach-cleanups. Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, June 9, 7 p.m., , 277 G Street. This week’s theme: toys and games. Info: thevaultwine.com. Live Music at The Vault: Friday, June 10, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: Dick and Jane. Info: thevaultwine.com. Pancake Breakfast: Saturday, June 11, 8–11 a.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee and orange juice. $7 adults, $5 kids under 6. Info: 360/332-8040. Captain George Vancouver Day: Saturday, June 11, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., in the parklet at end of Alderson Road. Find out what Captain Vancouver discovered here in Birch Bay 230 years ago. Sponsored by the Birch Bay Historical Society. Taco Bowl Dinner: Friday, June 17, 5–7:30 p.m., American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. Serving fresh taco salad in a homemade tostada bowl with all the fixings. $9. Open to the public. All proceeds support the American Legion and our veterans and children’s programs. Info: 360/3717311. Third Sunday Breakfast: Sunday, June 19, 9 a.m.–noon, American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. Serving eggs to order, biscuits and gravy, French toast, pancakes, ham or sausage, coffee, milk and orange juice. Adults $9, kids 4–7 $4, ages 3 and under are free. Open to the public. All proceeds support the American Legion and our veterans and children’s programs. Info: 360/371-7311. Whatcom Dream Financial Empowerment for Teens: Tuesdays, June 21–July 12, 1–2 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 4815 Alderson Road, Birch Bay. Free. This course for teens will teach the basics of good money management, giving students a head start on a secure financial future. For more info or to register: 360/296-0441 or kevin@thewhatcomdream.org. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program.
Ongoing
June 2 – 8 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
TIME
Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, June 2, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. This week’s theme: general knowledge. Info: thevaultwine.com.
Whatcom Dream Financial Empowerment Class: Thursdays, June 23–July 21, 6:30–7:30 p.m., at the CAP Center, 508 G St., Blaine. Free. Improve your financial management skills and learn strategies that can give you a more secure financial future. For more info or to register: 360/2960441 or kevin@thewhatcomdream.org. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program.
Tides DATE
Evening of the Arts: Thursday, June 2, 6:30–9 p.m., Blaine High School cafeteria and black box theater (enter behind Borderite Stadium). Student artwork will be on display, while the drama, choir and band perform in the theater. Local artists will jury the exhibition, selecting awards in a variety of media. The drama, choir, and band performances will begin at 7 p.m. Come enjoy an evening of great music, performance, and art.
Weather
Precipitation: During the period of May 23-29, 0.9 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2022 yearto-date precipitation is 17.5 inches.
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:360/332-6350 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.–12 p.m., 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.
Temperature: High for the past week was 71°F on May 23 with a low of 49°F on May 28. Average high was 59°F and average low was 55°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
June 2 - 8, 2022 • thenorthernlight.com
Blaine area residents connect through painting rocks in the community By Hannah Cross Blaine and Birch Bay residents have been placing vibrantly decorated rocks for community members to find in local areas since the creation of the Blaine/Birch Bay Rocks Facebook group. Group creator and original administrator Victoria Cooper said she created the group in inspiration of her youngest daughter, Jordyn. “We would go on little family walks, hikes, beach days, park days and different family activities and she’d find these painted rocks from different areas around Washington,” she said. Cooper said it would brighten her family’s day when they found those rocks, so they began collecting each one they found. It was because of the joy that it brought her and her family that Cooper said she created a Facebook group for the Blaine and Birch Bay area in September 2016 after seeing similar groups in other communities. “It took a little bit of time to get the group started, but we’re close to 1,000 members now and I’m just shocked and in love with the little community we’ve created,” Cooper said. Macinda James joined the group in the summer of 2017. Through her passion for painting rocks, she became moderator and then eventually second administrator. “This group is a way to get outside and meet amazing people,” James said. “We are always looking for more people to join, it doesn’t matter what kind of artist you are.” James said the group has begun engaging in community outreach projects such as painting rocks to support community events. Rocks can also be found in community rock garden boxes at the Beachwood General Grocery Store, The C Shop and Blaine Marina. “Our Halloween trick-or-treat event is widely enjoyed by community members of all ages,” she said. “People decorate rocks with Halloween themes and then get to hand them out as treats.” Jake Willmorth joined the group last summer. “The first thing that sparked my interest
was when I went for a walk after lunch with my family and we noticed one painted rock with the group name on the back and then we noticed another and decided to look into it,” he said. Willmorth said he thought the community was a great outlet for artwork and to make somebody’s day. “Sitting down for a few hours here and there is worth the pictures of reactions I’ve seen for some of my rocks.” Willmorth said his wife and son will gather around the table to paint rocks with him as well as go for family walks to hide and hunt for other artists’ rocks. “Styles vary from inspirational quotes, scenery, silly illustrated puns and cartoon characters.” Ricky MacWilliams joined the group at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. “It all started when I found a painted rock at The C Shop and I thought it was cool,” he said. “A friend of my wife told me about Blaine/Birch Bay rocks, so I checked it out and joined.” MacWilliams said his work was not great in the beginning but with practice and paint pens his artwork has improved since he first started. “We also do monthly challenges usually based on a theme and the holiday that month,” he said. “The administrator spins a computer wheel and someone wins a great prize.” Renee Gugich joined the group in February 2021 after her daughter, Lindsay, saw a post on Facebook and they both have been searching and painting ever since. “Rock painting is a fun, addicting and stress-relieving hobby,” she said. “Searching for and hiding painted rocks also has another benefit – exercise.” Gugich said she has walked up to four miles while hiding and searching. James encourages people in and outside of the community to get involved with the group by searching “Blaine/Birch Bay Rocks” on Facebook to request access to the private group. She said the goal of the group is to spread joy and connect with the community. “You never know when you need to find something that will make you smile.”
Art Studio Tour wraps up second weekend
s Blaine artist James “Jim” Agnello presents his art at the second Blaine Art Studio Tour on May 28. Agnello featured his art around Whatcom County for the past 30 years, most notable for the”Welcome to Old Town” Coca Cola mural in downtown Bellingham. He predominately carved furniture from driftwood and painted, but a stroke in December 2020 left him with limited movement that forced him to learn to draw with his left hand. Agnello’s art will be displayed again at the June 25 art studio tour, the last of the three-part series every month from April to June. For more info, visit blainebythesea.com/arttour. Photo courtesy Midori Santos
The 59th
June 11 & 12, 2022
Free day parking! Self-contained Camping Available with Reservations
2022 Bull of the Woods
2022 President
Lonny Schroeder Troy Baisden
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Poster Courtesy of Les Schwab
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s An assortment of rocks decorated by Blaine/Birch Bay Rocks member Ricky MacWilliams. The group will paint rocks and share them with the community via events and rock garden boxes. Photo courtesy Ricky MacWilliams
15
Exhibitions start at 11am
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16
The Northern Light • June 2 - 8, 2022
Road Rules: Are seat belts always needed, especially at slow speeds? By Doug Dahl Question: Is there a speed at which wearing a seat belt isn’t important because I’m going slow enough to where I won’t get hurt? Answer: I’m pretty sure that if I answered this question with an actual number there would be people out there who treat it as a rule: “Oh, I don’t put on my seat belt until I’m going at least 13 mph.” You might think I’m joking, but there’s actual data to (sort of) support the idea. Every year the Washington Traffic
Safety Commission conducts a seat belt use observation survey. Yep, it’s just what it sounds like. Observers count how many people wear their seat belts, using enough locations and vehicles to get an accurate representation of seat belt use statewide. According to the most recent survey, 94 percent of vehicle occupants in Washington wear a seatbelt, and it’s been at roughly that level since the early 2000s. How is this relevant? The survey also tracks seat belt use based on road type. The rate on state
routes (with generally higher speed limits) is about 95 percent while the rate on city streets (read slower speed limits) is at about 90 percent. County roads fall in between. It seems that some people are, consciously or not, adjusting their seat belt use to the speed of their driving. Before we address the flaw in the logic there, I think we can agree on the opposite; there are speeds where all the safety features available on the highest safety-rated vehicles can’t protect you from physics. The human
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body is a flimsy container for our consciousness, at least when you consider the speeds with which we are capable of traveling, and when your delta-v exceeds human limits there’s no seat belt or air bag that can make up for it. At the other end, we don’t generally worry that our walking or running speeds will get us into a life-threatening situation. However, designers have developed airbag jackets for pedestrians that would deploy if they sensed that a person is about to be struck by a car. Maybe that sounds silly, but it also highlights the problem with the original question. In an 18 mph collision in a car you have a one in 10 chance of a serious injury; if you want your odds to be more like one in 100, you’d have to go slower, obviously. The problem with that number, whatever it turns out to be, is that it doesn’t factor in anyone else on the road. Despite a steady seat belt use rate, the number of unrestrained fatalities has increased to the highest number since be-
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fore 2010. Just since 2019 unrestrained fatalities have increased over 30 percent. If seat belt use rates are staying the same, what has changed? It’s not more people on their phone; that number went down a bit. Most likely, it’s speed. In the last couple of years there has been a spike in the infractions written for speeding in excess of 40 mph over the speed limit. Yeah, that’s a lot over the limit. To be fair, most people aren’t driving like that, so it doesn’t take a lot of extra tickets to cause a spike, as there aren’t a lot of those issued to begin with. What it does show is that when speeds go up, so do serious crashes, even if our other driving habits remain steady or even improve a bit. Driving at a safe speed reduces your risk of a crash, and the severity of injury if you’re in a crash, so let’s buckle up and respect the speed limit. Doug Dahl is a manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.
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