The Northern Light: March 16-22, 2023

March 16 - 22, 2023 FREE

IN THIS ISSUE

Fire at Blaine parcel store, page 6

Wings Over

Water to

bring

birders to Blaine

March 17-19

The Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival will host an array of activities for the 20th annual event in Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo. The festival will run Friday, March 17 to Sunday, March 19.

“This is an exciting time for me when it’s all coming together and all the pieces are fitting,” festival coordinator Debbie Harger said. “We’re getting such a great response from the community. Everything is going really well so we’re excited for it to take place.”

A featured artist opening night reception will kick off the festival at 5 p.m. March 17 at the Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Festival co-founder Maynard Axelson will give a presentation and this year’s featured artist, Laurel Mundy, will display her art, during the reception. The opening event will have a Mexican buffet and no-host bar.

A birding expo will take over the Blaine Community Pavilion, which is next to the senior center, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 18. The expo will have expert speakers, vendors, wildlife exhibits, youth activities and presentations from Sardis Raptor Center. At 5 p.m., keynote speaker Mel Walters, a Puget Sound Energy scientist, will discuss how the company is trying to make operations safer for birds.

A $12 breakfast will start the last day 9-11 a.m. March 19 at Blaine Senior Center. The festival will offer free youth activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at BP Heron Center at Birch Bay State Park. Wild Whatcom and the Blaine Birch-Bay Park and Recreation District 2 will also host guided family bird walks at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday at the BP Heron Center. Parking at the state park will be free on Sunday.

New this year, artist Melanie Jordan will show her bird fractal art at the opening reception, birding expo and family activities at the BP Heron Center. Jordan draws birds on natural objects such as shells, rocks and wood. The festival offers many activities that don’t require registration. Attendees who may not have registered in advance are welome.

The Plover will not be running at this year’s event. For more information on the festival, visit wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com.

Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay

Birch Bay man charged with child rape, page 10

California Creek Estuary Park update, page 15

Starfish Inc. building comes down at harbor

City of Blaine anticipates using nearly $1 million in reserves for 2023 budget

The city of Blaine is budgeting for nearly a $1 million deficit, raising concerns about potential cuts if the budget is not balanced by next year.

Blaine City Council approved the 2023 budget late last November to have an anticipated $950,000 deficit in its general fund.

Inflation has required city staff salaries and wages to increase but the city’s revenue has not kept up pace, partially because of the U.S./Canada border closure, which has caused the budget to become unbalanced. The city doesn’t have the Covid-19 stimulus that helped it from dipping into its reserves previously.

The city will pay for the anticipated $1

million deficit out of its nearly $4 million reserve, city finance director Daniel Heverling said. If the city continued at this pace, it would deplete all of its reserves by about 2026, he said.

“I’m projecting for the next several years we’re going to be upside down for expenses outpacing revenues unless we find some source to bring in more revenues,” Heverling said.

The biggest increase in expenses for the city are salaries and wages, which make up over 60 percent of the general fund, Heverling said.

“We’re in a really tough scenario because inflation has gone up a lot, it’s like

(See Budget, page 3)

s A Boss Construction Inc. crew tears into the side of the Starfish Inc. building on the west end of Blaine Harbor on March 14. Demolition began March 13 and is expected to continue for the next week, port of Bellingham spokesperson Mike Hogan said. The building, which dates to at least 1953, was condemned last June after the structure and pier underneath it began deteriorating, with pieces of wood and concrete falling into the water below, Hogan said. Seafood wholesaler Starfish Inc. has owned the building since 2008 and owns a second building on the harbor where operations moved after the building was condemned.

Photo by Richard Sturgill

Whatcom County reaches agreement on unpermitted Petrogas facility expansion

Whatcom County and Petrogas West LLC have agreed on a permitting pathway for Petrogas Ferndale Terminal after the Cherry Point facility was found to have expanded without necessary permits.

The county will require Petrogas to obtain the permits it failed to and prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), according to a March 8 press release. The EIS will evaluate facility modifications and changes in the amount of product throughput since the last SEPA evaluation for the plant was completed in 2016.

Whatcom County Planning and Development Services director

Mark Personius said in a statement that the county has reached an agreement with Petrogas on a compliance process to address changes made at its Cherry Point plant.

B y I an h aupt closures submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and NWCAA in May 2021, AltaGas notified both agencies that it had found an unpermitted venting of volatile organic compounds at the facility, The Northern Light previously reported.

“The path forward will allow the public to participate in a transparent public review of permit applications and to provide comment on preparation of a full environmental impact statement under the state’s SEPA process, including evaluation of appropriate conditions for the facility,” Personius said.

In January, Petrogas agreed to pay $4 million and make operational changes to its Cherry Point facility after the Northwest Clean Air Agency (NWCAA) alleged that the facility had undertaken projects without obtaining required permits and reporting emissions.

AltaGas, an energy infrastructure company based in Calgary, Alberta, took over controlling interest of Petrogas in December 2020. Through emissions self-dis-

NWCAA notified Whatcom County, and both agencies conducted investigations.

The facility is the only operating liquefied petroleum gas export terminal on the west coast, according to Petrogas.

Petrogas retains its right to formally dispute the county’s determinations, but the parties have agreed on a permitting path forward in a good faith attempt to bring the facility into compliance with Whatcom County regulations and avoid costly litigation. According to the county’s statement, the permitting and SEPA compliance processes will follow standard county procedures and open to public participation.

Budget ...

From page 1

8 to 9 percent for the year, but revenue hasn’t grown,” he said.

In 2022, revenue increased because of improvements in sales taxes as the U.S./Canada border opened and property taxes as development brought more people to Blaine. The gas tax, however, still hasn’t recovered from the U.S./Canada border closure, although Heverling did note its revenue was higher this January than a year ago.

While large-scale east Blaine housing projects are gearing up or already in full swing, it will take several years for people to start moving into the homes and impacting property taxes.

“It’s really 2023 and 2024 that I think are going to be the tougher years,” Heverling said. “I’m projecting that in 2025 things should start getting better again and revenues should start growing faster because we’ll have more people who have moved in and are spending more money.”

Heverling said he was managing the budget conservatively in preparation for a potential recession this year, as national predictions show.

“Budgeting is like using a crystal ball,” he said. “It’s using the best projections and the data we have at the time.”

Heverling said the city planned to use a large chunk of its reserve this year because it had enough reserves that could prevent unnecessary cuts if the finances did better than predicted. Except for increased cost of living adjustments, the city kept the 2023 budget close to the 2022 budget.

Blaine city manager Michael Harmon told councilmembers during their March 13 meeting that the budget was so far doing better than anticipated.

“Our revenues are slightly ahead of budget and our expenditures are slightly below budget,” he said. “It’s too soon to celebrate yet but we’re trending in a positive direction, which is good.”

The city will have a better idea by July whether the 2023 budget projection is accurate, and if so, what each department will need to cut to balance the budget for 2024.

Heverling said the city will prioritize increasing revenue over cuts, but the department heads will need to closely look at how to slim their expenses.

The city has about $400,000 of federal Covid-19 stimulus funds not allocated to any projects right now. Heverling anticipates using the funds, which need to be spent by the end of 2024, for other projects.

The general fund, which pays for daily government operations such as the police department and parks, is often the most difficult for municipality leaders to balance because it is reliant on tax revenues that require voter approval to increase. The city’s street fund is also having problems, as it has for several years, but the other funds are doing well, Heverling said.

Budget

The $75 million budget prioritizes economic development, parks and facilities maintenance,

transportation and utility infrastructure, while slowly bringing back professional services cut at the start of the pandemic, according to city documents.

Among professional services that will be added are full-time positions for an administrative coordinator for the Community Development Services Department, a police detective, a parks and cemetery maintenance worker, facilities crew chief, building code enforcement officer, public information officer and payroll account technician for the finance department.

The city is seeing healthier revenues in some areas. Sales tax is expected to increase 20 percent and the business and occupation tax is expected to increase 27 percent from the 2022 budget. Fees and permits also increased in the general fund by 45 percent of last year’s fee and permit revenue.

The largest areas of the 2023 budget are $18.8 million in the sewer fund, $15.8 million in the electric fund, $13.8 million in the general fund and reserve and $7.7 million in the water fund. The utility funds are self-sustaining, meaning they are paid for by their respective utility bill.

The city’s property tax revenue will equal $1.4 million in 2023; the 1 percent increase from last year will only increase the revenue by $13,400.

Budget reactions

Harmon said he plans to meet with department heads to discuss the budget and council will look at the budget in-depth later this month.

Harmon said he’s no stranger to budget issues. Fairfield, Iowa, a town of 9,000 people, had a negative general fund balance when Harmon started the job as city manager. He helped decrease expenses and increase revenues to improve the city bond rating and improve funding for emergency events.

“Unfortunately, it’s familiar territory,” he said.

The unbalanced city budget has created hesitation for some councilmembers to vote on projects such as the downtown revitalization project, which would clean up and improve the downtown core, and the tax-increment financial district (TIF), which would establish an east Blaine taxing district to pay for infrastructure in new developments. The city and developers would be responsible for the TIF debt if development is slow.

Mayor Mary Lou Steward said she’s been meeting with anyone who wants to discuss the budget as well as listening to the concerns of developers.

“We’re in a critical position right now because the border was closed for two years and so much in Blaine depended on Canadians coming across and buying gas, buying milk and supporting our mailboxes,” Steward said. “Blaine is in a very tough position right now, financially. We are monitoring the situation very carefully.”

Steward said the city is limited on general fund revenue as it doesn’t have many retail businesses in Blaine.

Councilmember Garth Baldwin said he trusts Heverling’s decision to use reserve money and said $1 million sounds like

a lot of money, but isn’t as much when compared to the cost of city projects.

“It goes to show that we’re not out of the woods yet,” Baldwin said. “Our economy is not as strong as we need it to be.”

Councilmember Eric Davidson said he wanted to see what expen ditures would be necessary for the downtown revitalization project and whether they could be done over a longer period of time.

“I don’t think we’re in dire straits but we definitely need to make sure we’re conservative with our spending and we need to spend money on the right things,” Davidson said.

Councilmember Kerena Hig gins said she is looking carefully at discretionary spending such as in the downtown revitalization project.

“I’ve been really reluctant to give my wholesale approval of that, knowing some of the funds could be used better elsewhere,” Higgins said of the downtown revitalization project. “I appreciate the city reconsidering the proposal and modifying it.”

Councilmember Mike Hill said he was in favor of helping the private sector grow, through things such as downtown zoning, so it could bring more revenue to the city for expenses that will happen regardless of development, such as the $7 million sewer project. Hill has started a coffee club every Tuesday morning at Starbucks to discuss improving the city of Blaine. Anyone is welcome to join.

“The infrastructure, whether new people come or don’t come, has to be done,” Hill said. “To get it paid for, we’re going to have to do something. We need to get businesses going downtown. We need to get homes built. If we don’t, all that’s going to happen is property taxes are going to go up and rates are going to go up.”

Councilmember Rhyan Lopez said the city had plush reserves to lean on but he was still nervous to dip into them. He’d like to see the city have three months of operating cash and believes asking for monthly budget updates is the best thing he can do right now.

Lopez also said he saw TIF and improving downtown zoning as tools that could help the city.

“It’s not low risk, but it’s lower risk than other alternatives,” he said of TIF.

Councilmember Richard May said council and staff are in constant communication to get the numbers as they develop. He added he hopes some of the budget may work itself out this year.

“This year, when we saw we were heading in the right direction but not picking up fully, we made the decision to take a ‘wait-and-see’ approach,” May said. “We’ll still absolutely maintain the reserves but will use the extra part that’s been higher.”

Harmon said the city will do its best to maintain public services, but reducing expenses will come with a reduction in services.

“It’s important for the public to understand the city has some difficult choices in front of it with regard to how we continue to provide those essential services yet maintain fiscal responsibility,” Harmon said.

The Northern L ght

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

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

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

Letters Policy

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

Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com

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Contributors In This Issue

Kevin Coleman

Pete Granger

Norman Pillen

The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230

Tel: 360/332-1777

Vol XXVIII, No 39

Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

Next issue: March 23

Ads due: March 17

B y n or M an p I llen and p ete G ran G er

While Alaska might be more than 1,000 miles away, Washington shares a lot more with the 49th state than most people realize.

This is especially true in the fishing industry where the relationship between Washington and Alaska runs deep and ripples throughout Washington’s economy and communities. We are seeing the complexities and the nuances of this relationship play out right now in a lawsuit that the Seattle-based Wild Fish Conservancy brought against the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in 2020 with the goal to shut down southeast Alaska’s small boat, hook-and-line Chinook troll fishery in the misguided name of saving the southern resident killer whales (SRKW).

Shutting down Alaska’s troll fishery will not bring us any closer to addressing the deeper, complex issues that are driving the decline of our local orca and salmon populations. Instead, it will have devastating impacts on hundreds of fishing families and businesses that rely on Alaska’s troll fishery for their income and jeopardize the economic stability of Washington and

Alaska’s coastal communities.

The Editor: Wow, what a showing from our Whatcom County basketball teams at the state tournament in Yakima!

First of all, being a lifelong Borderite, I have to say congratulations to Blaine for bringing home the third place trophy. I also want to give a huge shoutout to the Lynden High School pep band. When it was realized that the Blaine High School pep band would not be able to make it, Lynden stepped up big time.

Not only did they rock the dome with their impressive pep music, but they cheered for Blaine, a fellow Whatcom County team. Even some of their student section, dressed in Borderite orange vests and wigs (most likely supplied by our amazing Blaine cheer squad), cheered and chanted for a good part of Blaine’s semifinal game Friday night.

I think people often root against Lynden, I know I do, because they are just so good and win so often. I for one changed my tune during the tourney. From top to bottom, what I saw from Lynden was a class act. Go Borderites ...

Preston Bouma Birch Bay

The Editor:

Birch Bay has always been known as a resort or retired area. Maybe families now

Op-Ed: Lawsuit could impact Whatcom County marine businesses

Blaming Alaska’s troll fishery for the SRKW’s decline might sound like an easy solution, but the reality is not that simple – nor does it follow the well-documented science pointing to the habitat loss and degradation, toxic water pollution and dams in the pacific northwest that are harming our local salmon populations, and with them, the SRKW.

Just last month, Washington state released its State of Salmon in Watersheds 2022 report that provides a sobering snapshot of the status of Washington’s salmon populations and the pressures feeding their decline. The report reinforces the major impact that habitat loss (much of it driven by Washington’s booming population) is having on Washington’s salmon, with one-third of Puget Sound’s 2,500 mile shoreline lost due to armoring and 50 to 90 percent of land along Washington waterways lost or greatly modified by humans. The report leaves no doubt that the way to bring back Washington’s Chinook is by addressing these issues in our own backyard.

Currently, 115 southeast Alaska troll fishery permit holders live in Washington and migrate to Alaska each summer to make their income. In addition, there

OpiniOn Letters

moving in have felt frustrated at getting things done. They have tried to get their own post office and library and, so far, no luck. Maybe a school is an even larger fight. I wish them luck on it all.

Dorothy Bush Blaine

The Editor: Substitute House Bill 1240 should not become law in Washington. This bill will do nothing to promote public safety and only burdens the law-abiding gun owners in this state with undue hardship and limitations on exercising their constitutional rights (not a privilege). I want to repeat that. We have a right to keep and bear arms and this legislation would greatly limit underserved communities from doing so.

This bill especially limits communities of color and protected classes such as immigrants and LGBTQ community members from protecting themselves as they see fit. This bill will make the remaining firearm types available for purchase more expensive, and therefore, more out of reach for the low-income, hard-working folks who still want the ability to defend themselves.

This bill is the epitome of white privilege and is a continuation of the historically racist roots of gun control in the post-war south. Rich, wealthy people will contin-

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 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 Planning Commission: Second Thursday, 6 p.m.

Info: blainepc@cityofblaine.com. Info for joining Zoom meetings: bit.ly/3EwWiZi.

are many Washington seafood processors, distributors and transportation companies that rely on southeast Alaska’s troll fishery as a key source of revenue. Not to mention the restaurants, retail stores and fish markets that are committed to only sourcing troll-caught salmon because of its trusted reputation for sustainability and premium quality. The southeast troll fishery generates $148 million annually in economic outputs for the business sectors in the northwest and beyond.

Seafood Producers Cooperative (SPC) is one of those businesses. Founded in 1944, SPC has about 400 fishermen-member owners with a state-of-theart processing plant in Sitka, Alaska that employs 100 seasonal and resident workers, and an office in Bellingham for the sales and accounting staff. SPC has the distinction of being the longest surviving and largest operating seafood cooperative in the U.S. Alaska’s troll fishery makes up about 50 percent of its annual production on average and is integral to SPC’s goal to provide the highest quality salmon to wholesale and directly to consumers. The Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County is another local entity that (See Op-Ed, next page)

ue to live in gated communities with paid security or have already purchased their “assault weapon” firearms, while younger, poorer communities will be greatly restricted by this bill.

This bill will fall on the wrong side of history, as it is a classic example of anti-civil rights legislation. I implore everyone to oppose this bill and protect our civil rights in Washington. Please stand for everyone’s rights and not just the wealthy, white, elitists in this state.

Thank you for your consideration. Please stop SHB 1240.

Kyle List Birch Bay

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

Correction

In the March 9 issue of The Northern Light, an article on kindergarten registration incorrectly stated the documents needed. Immunization records are required by the first day of school, not at the time of registration.

We regret the error.

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., location varies. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

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

Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info: blainesd.org.

North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Third Thursday, 11 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.

City of Blaine honors Landis for service

Golf course Living at Semiahmoo!

5650

Sanderling Way • $669,000

2 beds, 3 baths, 1722 sq. ft. • MLS# 2043106

Experience the ultimate in golf course living with this single-story cottage, perfectly situated on the 16th fairway of Semiahmoo’s prestigious Arnold Palmer designed golf course. Wake up to a breathtaking tee-to-green view that is wide open & beautiful, making a perfect natural backdrop. The award-winning Mithun designed floor plan boasts all the right features: with an open great room that has vaulted ceilings & large windows creating an abundance of natural light.

Kathy Stauffer (360) 815-4718

kstauffer@windermere.com • kathystauffer.com Managing Broker/Windermere-Whatcom

s Mayor Mary Lou Steward presented Blaine Police Department officer Jon Landis with a certification of appreciation during the March 13 city council meeting. The recognition came ahead of Landis’ retirement on Friday, March 31. Since 1995, Landis has served many capacities in the police department, including school resource officer, traffic safety officer, child abuse investigator and field training officer.

(See Op-Ed, previous page)

relies, in part, on the future survival of Alaska’s troll fleet. The coalition works hard to promote the vitality and economic benefits of Whatcom County’s working waterfronts and has over 130 business members, including a number of Bellingham trollers who fish in Alaska and marine service companies that supply, build, repair and service Alaska’s troll boats.

It’s perhaps ironic that Wild Fish Conservancy’s lawsuit threatens some of the biggest salmon stewards and advocates out there: Fishing communities in Alaska and the pacific northwest. For decades, trollers have been on the frontlines of fighting old-growth logging in southeast Alaska’s Tongass National Forest and supporting removal of the four lower dams on the Snake River in the Columbia River Basin.

This commitment to sustainability stems from the intimate relationship between trollers and salmon; trollers catch each salmon individually with a hookand-line before carefully placing it on ice. That’s why troll-caught salmon fetches some of the high-

est prices in the marketplace; it’s a premium quality product that truly honors and fully maximizes every single salmon caught.

As fishing families and businesses that rely on clean and intact waterways, healthy ecosystems and sustainable fisheries, our future is tied to the health of the orcas and wild salmon. It’s time to stop passing the blame around and, instead, realize that we’re all in the same boat and start pulling in the same direction.

Arguing over who is catching whose fish hasn’t helped wild salmon in the past and it won’t help them now. We need collaborative partnerships that promote what’s best for the salmon, including doubling down on restoring critical salmon habitat and addressing the root problems. Alaska and Washington’s fishing families and businesses will continue to fight for what’s best for wild salmon and we hope others will join us.

Norman Pillen is president of Seafood Producers Cooperative and works out of both SPC’s Bellingham and Sitka offices. Pete Granger ia a commercial salmon fisherman in Washington state and on the Whatcom County Working Waterfront Coalition board.

“Thanks

PUBLIC HEARING

Thursday, March 23, 2023 · 4 p.m. 7096 Pt. Whitehorn Rd, Birch Bay

During the regularly scheduled board meeting, the Commissioners will review a proposed increase to the General Facility Charge Rates (GFC). More information on the proposed changes to the GFC Rates can be found on the District’s website: https://bbwsd.com.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call 360-371-7100, or email office@bbwsd.com.

Interested parties may attend the meeting in person or via Zoom. Zoom Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85805016504 Meeting ID: 858 050 165 04 Phone Access: +16699009128,,681498263# US (San Jose) +13462487799,,681498263# US (Houston)

Arthur

Photo by Grace McCarthy

Whatcom County to replant $30,000 of plantings damaged on berm during events

B y I an h aupt

Whatcom County Public Works crews will replant $30,000 worth of plantings on the Birch Bay berm in late spring that were damaged during the past two years, said Roland Middleton, public works special programs manager.

Hagen’s of Blaine fire impacts office, smoke in warehouse

Firefighters responded to an office fire at a downtown Blaine parcel store on the night of March 10. North Whatcom

Fire and Rescue (NWFR) and Lynden Fire Department units were called to the Hagen’s of Blaine, at 253 Martin Street, on March 10, fire chief Jason Van der Veen said.

NWFR was dispatched at 11:13 p.m. and the first engine arrived on scene at 11:21 p.m. Van der Veen said electrical wiring in the office seems to have started the fire. The fire was con-

tained to the office but smoke damaged the warehouse.

A store owner arrived at Hagen’s to check on a burglar alarm and found smoke coming from the building. Van der Veen said it’s not uncommon for an older alarm system to have all of its alarms go off at the same time.

Some of the store’s doors were barricaded because of previous criminal activity, which made it difficult for the firefighters to quickly gain access to the building, Van der Veen said.

There were no injuries.

Middleton said public works had prepared for some replanting in the berm’s project budget, but didn’t expect the overuse and severe seasons of the past two years. The $30,000 for the plantings is covered in the project budget, so no action is needed from Whatcom County Council.

“[People] have been loving it to death in a few spots,” he said.

Walkers have worn in an unintended pathway on top of the berm, parallel to the cement walkway, and crowds during Birch Bay events like the Ring of Fire and Hope, Discover Birch Bay Days and the Fourth of July have damaged plantings in other areas.

The county’s permits for the project require it to plant a certain amount along the berm and ensure those plants reach maturity. Public works crews are still evaluating the percentage that needs replanting and will wait until spring to begin planting.

Middleton first announced the necessary replanting on the

February episode of the Birch Bay BuzzPod, which is hosted by Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce event coordinator Sacha Sanguinetti and available on the chamber’s website at birchbaychamber.com. Middleton said on the podcast that the plants are also needed because their roots hold the berm together.

“Those plantings are not only required by regulatory agencies through our permits, but are also a requirement by the designer,”

NOTICE OF FLUSHING

The City of Blaine Water Division started flushing the City's water distribution system. This is accomplished by opening hydrants along the system (starting at the well fields) to move fresh water throughout the distribution system. The purpose of flushing the system is to remove any grit and debris in order to improve water quality through the distribution system.

During the city flushing program city water customers may experience a temporary low water pressure and/or cloudiness when flushing is going on. The cloudiness condition (caused by air) should be only temporary, and can be cleared by running a cold water tap for a few minutes to clean and flush your service line. If the condition continues for an extended period of time please contact the Blaine Public Works.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you have any questions, feel free to call Public Works at (360) 332-8820, or visit www.cityofblaine.com for weekly area updates.

Blaine Public Works.

he said. “When you’re putting together and restoring a natural beach system, plants are a part of that. It’s not just a pile of rock.”

While it won’t be orange, plastic safety fencing, public works is planning to have a minimum amount of fencing to keep berm-goers out of the replanting sections. Middleton said the fencing may run perpendicular to the waterline to keep people from walking where plants have yet to reach maturity and guide them to the beach.

Lehnert signs with Douglas College

s Firefighters respond to Hagen’s of Blaine on March 10.

Photo courtesy NWFR

s People walk along the Birch Bay berm on March 10. Photo by Ian Haupt

s Blaine senior Carson Lehnert signs letter of intent on March 13 to play basketball for Douglas College in New Westminster, B.C. In photo: From l., Reggie Powell of D-Block Hoops, Kyle Impero of Hoop Vision Northwest, Douglas College head coach Matt McKay, Lehnert, Blaine High School (BHS) basketball coach Nate Sullivan, former BHS coach Brett Farrar, former BHS assistant coach Jessy Farrar and former BHS coach Rob Ridnour. Courtesy photo

s Carson Lehnert, c., with his parents Robert Lehnert and Michelle Lehnert at Blaine High School. Courtesy photo

Sports roundup: Spring sports begin, boys golf tees off at Semiahmoo

Blaine High School spring sports started their seasons this week as the weather cleared up.

Baseball

Blaine boys baseball opened its season with an 8-0 win against South Whidbey High School March 11 at South Whidbey.

The Borderites will host Burlington-Edison High School Friday, March 17 at Pipeline Fields in Blaine for their first home game of the season. The team will travel to Ferndale High School to play the Golden Eagles Tuesday, March 21 at 4 p.m. for its first conference game of the season.

Boys golf

The boys golf team began its season at Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club March 14. Blaine head coach Richard Shockey said Lynden Christian High School won the match with the lowest team score and Ferndale High School’s Baylor Larrabee won the match with a low score of 68, which is four under par. Blaine junior Uno Nevarez shot a personal best on the day, with a 40 on the front nine holes.

“We’ve got a young team that will be competitive as the season goes on,” Shockey said.

Blaine will play next in a conference match at North Bellingham Golf Course Monday, March 20. Tee time is 2 p.m.

Girls golf

Blaine girls golf opened its season at Homestead Farms Golf Course in Lynden March 14, according to its schedule.

The girls will play next in a conference match at Sudden Valley Golf and Country Club Tuesday, March 21.

Boys soccer

Blaine boys soccer tied 2-2 at Anacortes High School March 14 in its first game of the season.

The Borderites will travel to Burlington-Edison Thursday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m. to take on the Tigers. Then they will travel to Granite Falls High School to take on the Granite Falls Tigers Saturday, March 18 at 11 a.m.

Girls softball

The Lady Borderites open their season in a conference game 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 21 at Oak Harbor High School against the Wildcats.

Girls tennis

Blaine girls varsity tennis team was scheduled to open its season at home March 15 against Sedro-Woolley High School.

The girls will play next at Squalicum High School on Tuesday, March 21 with matches starting at 4 p.m. Track and field Blaine track and field was scheduled to run, jump and throw at Burlington-Edison March 15. The team will compete next in the Lynden “Bedlington Invi-

tational” Track Meet on Friday, March 24 at Lynden High School. Events begin at 3:30 p.m.

Fix a Leak

• Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.

• Identify toilet leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the color shows up in the bowl after immediately after the experiment to avoid staining the tank.)

• Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any water on the outside of the pipe to check for surface leaks.

s Blaine’s Vance Hoptowit hits out of a bunker on hole 9 of Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club on March 14.

Photo by Ian Haupt

Salmon tacos with avocado garlic lime creme sauce recipe

Homeownership is Within Your Reach

Saturday, March 25 • 11:30 am – 1 pm

Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street

Learn about becoming mortgage ready:

• How much can you afford

• Understanding credit

FREE!

• Budgeting for down payment & other expenses

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• Tips during the loan process

Space is limited. Reserve today!

360-752-8253 or Doug.cornelsen@bannerbank.com bannerbank.com

KATAZOME TODAY

Featuring contemporary artworks of a traditional Japanese textiledyeing process made by seven national and international artists.

Wednesdays - Sundays, Noon - 5 PM Lightcatcher building | 250 Flora St. | Bellingham www.whatcommuseum.org

Hi, I’m Chuck!

Hi, my name is Chuck Rudolph. I moved to Bellingham from San Diego, CA two years ago to be close to my daughter and her family. I have four children, 11 grandchildren and soon to be 5 great grandchildren.

B y K ev I n c ole M an Bellingham SeaFeast program director Kevin Coleman has a tasty salmon taco recipe that can be made in celebration of the next Keep It Simple Seafood cooking class on Saturday, March 18 at the Bellingham Dockside Market.

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh or frozen Sea to Shore Seafood Co. Coho or Sockeye salmon filet, deboned

• 2 tbsp chili sauce (this is brushed on the salmon filet)

• 1 cup frozen or fresh yellow corn, canned corn not suggested

• 1 cup red pepper

• 1 cup sweet onion (sweet onions make all the difference. Other onions can be overpowering)

• 1 cup cilantro (optional)

• 1 lemon

• 2 cups chopped red cabbage

• 1 cup chopped tomatoes

• 2 tbsp olive oil (I like using homemade rosemary and garlic olive oil for a robust blend of flavors.)

• 6 medium flour tortillas

• Salt and pepper to taste if needed

In a large cooking pan heat to medium-high and add the olive oil. If you have a whole filet, be sure to cut the salmon into 4-inch sections. This helps cook the fish and allows the chili sauce to be distributed more over the fish. Cook salmon for 4-6 minutes before turning over. This allows good caramelizing on the filet. Once you turn the filet over, the skin side will cook and allow the filet to easily remove. Once the temp reaches 145 degrees, you can remove the salmon from pan and let rest in a covered dish. Add the corn, red pepper and onion to the same pan and cook on medium. This allows all those flavors to be added to the vegetable mix for the taco.

Cut the lemon in half and squeeze all the juice into the pan. Stir and cook for five minutes. At the last minute or so, add the cilantro. If you’re not a cilantro fan, then don’t add it. Salt and Pepper to taste if needed.

In another pan, heat to high and add just a little olive oil. This is for the tortillas to be heated and toasted. Once the pan is heated add the tortilla, one at a time,

s Salmon tacos with avocado garlic lime creme sauce.

and slowly spin it. Some tortillas will start expanding heat bubbles. They can be quite tasty and give a truly authentic taste and feel. Be sure to turn after a minute or two. Repeat this until you have a golden toast tortilla. Repeat this and cover with aluminum foil to retain heat in the tortillas.

Now take the corn, pepper, and onion mixture and place a spoonful on the tortilla. With a fork flake the salmon and apply it on top of the mixture. Then add red cabbage and tomato. Finally, drizzle the avocado garlic lime sauce over this all and fold up and enjoy.

Avocado garlic lime crème sauce ingredients:

• ½ large avocado

• ½ cup sour cream

• 3 cloves of garlic

• ½ cup cilantro

• 1/3 cup lime juice

• ½ tspn granulated onion

• ½ tspn chili powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients and

emulsify until smooth. Place it in the refrigerator and let chill. This will last 7-10 days and be refrigerated

KISS (Keep It Simple Seafood) is a monthly seafood cooking workshop program with Bellingham SeaFeast and Bellingham Dockside Market. Get tips and tricks for preparing seafood on the third Saturday of the month through May at Squalicum Harbor’s Fishermen’s Pavilion, 2599 South Harbor Loop Drive in Bellingham. Local chefs, restaurants and fisherfolk demonstrate simple and delicious recipes the whole family will love that highlight our local ocean bounty. Each workshop is during Bellingham Dockside Market so you can pick up local seafood straight from the fisherfolk who caught it.

The Bistro at Shuksan executive chef Matthew Boudousquie will prepare seafood gumbo at the next cooking workshop, 12-1 p.m. Saturday, March 18.

Watch the salmon taco recipe video: Bellinghamseafeast.org/kiss

Call

360-671-6060

Solstice Senior Living at BELLINGHAM

2818 Old Fairhaven Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98225

Yuken Teruya; Billowing, 2013; Kimono made with bingata dyed linen.

Photo by Yoshikazu Nema. Courtesy of the artist.

Photo courtesy Bellingham SeaFeast

ADVICE FROM THE PROS

Q: What is the best way to reduce taxes through charitable giving?

A: The IRS only allows charitable deductions on tax returns if you itemize your taxes. Because the Standard Deduction is high, we find that many clients do not itemize. One very effective way to give and reduce your taxation is through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA account. If you are 73 years old and must take a Required Minimum Distribution this will reduce your taxable income. QCDs are an effective way to give charitably and receive a tax benefit! If you need help maximizing tax reduction strategies, I encourage you to reach out to your advisor. Skyline Advisors can help guide clients through QCDs and other charitable giving opportunities that can lower taxes.

405 32nd Street, Suite 201, Bellingham (360) 671-1621

www.myskylineadvisor.com

Q: Does my sitting posture really matter?

Jordan Crim, DPT Physical Therapist

A: Sitting posture has been shown to be directly related to back and neck pain. It is more likely you will experience back pain with sitting in a slouched position. To improve sitting posture fully scoot to the back of the seat, making sure your feet are touching flat to the ground. If this is not possible in your chair, you may need a stool for your feet or pillows to fill in the space between your buttock and the back of the chair. Some may also benefit from supporting the natural curve of the low back with a throw pillow or lumbar roll. These tips are generalized, and often the optimal sitting posture is patient specific. For an individualized assessment, as well as other techniques to help your neck and back pain, visit Capstone Physical Therapy, located in Birch Bay Square and in Blaine on H street.

8125 Birch Bay Square Street • Suite 248, Blaine WA 98230 360-366-5511

www.capstonept.com

The Mullenix Team Brokers

978 Peace Portal Drive Blaine, WA 98230 (360) 318-4999

info@peacearchrealestate.com

Q: Is Spring a Good Time to Sell My Home?

A: Spring is a great time to sell a property for several reasons. One, the real estate market typically sees an uptick in activity during spring, as more people start actively looking for new homes. As the weather begins to warm up and the days become longer, viewing homes becomes more appealing to buyers. Additionally, with the school year winding down, families are often looking to move before the next academic year starts. Finally, the natural beauty of Whatcom County is particularly striking in the spring, and sellers can showcase their homes’ outdoor features, helping them stand out and attract buyers. Overall, spring presents a fantastic opportunity to sell your home. If you want more information about selling your home, please call us at 360-922-0102, email info@peacearchrealestate.com, or visit our website at www.peacearchrealestate.com

www.peacearchrealestate.com

Q: A:

Chad Nickisch

Mortgage Loan Officer

NMLS# 569502

Office:  (360) 650-5361

Cell:  (360) 510-3739

Can I get a loan for home renovations or remodels?

Yes, Peoples Bank offers a variety of options. From a cash-out refinance to a renovation loan or a home equity line of credit we have a solution for you. Improvements include but are not limited to major remodels, a new roof, new kitchen or smaller projects like new carpet, paint, or appliances. Need future value of improvements? No problem. From licensed contractor work to DIY our home loan specialists are here to help every step of the way. Call today to find out what is right for you.

Bellingham Real Estate Loan Center • 3100 Woburn St. • Bellingham WA, 98226

This monthly feature provides you an opportunity to speak to the Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo community and answer some of their specific questions or some general questions from your business that almost every new client wants to know. Your ad will be 5” wide x 4” tall, in full color with your photo and contact information plus your question and answer.

EXCLUSIVITY - Each business category is limited to one advertiser. Here’s your opportunity

Blaine Cordata Lynden Ferndale Barkley

Birch Bay man charged with child rape while in prison for child porn, messaging minors

A 34-year-old Birch Bay man who is incarcerated for child pornography and sending sexually explicit messages to minors has now been charged on suspicion of raping a child in Everson over a decade ago.

Troy Allan Pike pleaded guilty in Whatcom County Superior Court last March for using Instagram to send sexually explicit images and messages to minors in Louisiana in 2018 as well as having child pornography on his phone.

Pike was sentenced in July to 4.5-years at Coyote Ridge Corrections Center in Connell for two counts of communication with a minor for immoral purposes and one count of first-degree possession of depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. He was also required to serve three years of probation and register as a sex offender, according to Whatcom County Superior Court records. Upon learning of Pike’s conviction, a woman contacted Everson Police Department last August and said Pike, who was known to her family, assaulted her in 2005 or 2006. The woman, who was about 10 or 11

years old at the time, told police she was asleep in her bedroom when Pike, who was then about 16 or 17 years old, assaulted her, according to Whatcom County Sheriff Office’s declaration in support of arrest. An unidentified person watched the assault, according to the police report.

In early January, the Whatcom County Prosecutor’s Office determined probable cause existed to file charges for first-degree child rape, which holds a maximum penalty of life in prison and/or $50,000. Pike was extradited from Connell to Whatcom County on March 7. His arraignment hearing is scheduled Friday, March 17.

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic or sexual violence, the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) 24-hour hotline is available at 360/715-1563 or 877/715-1563.

Brigid Collins Family Support Center, a Bellingham-based nonprofit working to end child abuse, can be reached at 360/734-4616 and brigidcollins.org.

Lummi Victims of Crime has a 24-hour helpline at 360/312-2015.

The National Domestic Violence Helpline operates a chat line at thehotline.org/help.

Crew Connections set for Saturday, March 18

Commercial fishing vessel captains and owners will be recruiting new crew members to help with the summer fishing season from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 18 at Bellingham Dockside Market. Those interested are encouraged to bring their resume and ask questions.

Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition and Foundation is hosting the networking event, Crew Connections, in partnership from the port of Bellingham and Bellingham Dockside Market. Crew Connections will take place at the Fishermen’s Pavilion, 2599 S. Harbor Loop Drive in Belling-

ham. Informational brochures about being a crewmember on a gillnet fishing vessel, purse seine and fishing tender are available on whatcomworkingwaterfront.org.

The dockside market will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 18 at Squalicum Harbor. The market sells fresh seafood and has a cooking demonstration.

The Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition is made up of over 135 members from various maritime sectors to promote the vitality and economic benefits of the maritime industry in Whatcom County, according to a press release on Crew Connections.

42nd district legislators to host town hall in Ferndale

State senator Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) and state representatives Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) and Joe Timmons (D-Bellingham), all of the 42nd Legislative District, will hold a town hall in Ferndale 1-2 p.m.

Saturday, March 18. The town hall will be in person at Ferndale High School, 5830 Golden Eagle Drive.

People are encouraged to submit questions ahead of the town hall at bit.ly/3Ji0TzP.

Auto

Louis Auto Glass

has remained as strong as ever.

HOTLINE ELECTRIC

NO. 23-4-00227-37. PROBATE NOTICE

TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE:

Lee Grochmal

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

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: PAULA MARIE BROILES, Deceased.

No. 23-4-00239-37. NOTICE TO CREDI-

TORS. Judge Evan P. 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:

March 13, 2023 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication: March 16, 2023

Name of Administrator: CINDY MAXWELL

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: March 13, 2023

AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262

Attorney for Administrator: CINDY MAXWELL www.averyelderlaw.com

Judge David

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: March 8, 2023 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication: March 16, 2023

Name of Personal Representative:

ROBERT HELMSTETTER

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: March 8, 2023.

AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262

Attorney for Personal Representative: ROBERT HELMSTETTER

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: ROSALIE VIRGINA FRASER (AKA VIRGINA FRASER), Deceased. No. 23-4-0019937. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Evan P. Jones

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

Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors:

February 27, 2023 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication: March 9, 2023

Name of Personal Representative: STEPHANIE MCSORLEY Attorney for Personal Representative: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262

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

Telephone: (360) 325-2550

Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com

DATED: February 27, 2023

AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S.

STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262

Attorney for Personal Representative: STEPHANIE MCSORLEY

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom

In Re the Estate of Julia Estella Tebay Caplinger, Deceased. NO. 23-4-00227-37. PROBATE NOTICE

TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE:

Lee Grochmal

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

Date of First Publication:

March 16, 2023

Personal Representative:

Wayne Holmes Caplinger 1278 Chuckanut Drive Bellingham, WA 98229

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. 23 4 00227 37

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All real estate/rentals advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800877-0246.

All real estate/rentals advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in olation of the law. Our readers are hereby 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.

Jr. Ski to Sea registration open for race on May 13 OBITUARY

The Junior Ski to Sea is set to return this year on Saturday, May 13 after a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic and will look a little more like the race it emulates.

Whatcom Events, the event planner that organizes Ski to Sea, Mt. Baker Hill Climb and other events in Whatcom County, has added a downhill ski or snowboard leg and a kayak leg to the now four-leg relay race. The ski/snowboard leg will virtually handoff from Mt. Baker Ski Area to Lake Padden for the run, mountain bike and kayak legs.

Assistant race director Sarah Beck said race organizers are hoping to have over 60 teams compete in the new race format.

“The purpose of the approach was to introduce kids to the lifelong recreational activities that are so unique to Whatcom

County,” Beck said.

The race is open to youth 8-18 years old, with three divisions of varying distances and three subdivisions based on gender. The relay legs range from a half-mile to nearly three miles, the mountain bike leg being the longest at 2.7 miles for the middle and high school divisions.

Whatcom Events has partnered with other local nonprofits to provide equipment for racers at no charge and will also have team scholarship opportunities available, according to a March 8 news release. Instructional clinics for the bike and kayak legs may also be available to prepare racers.

Registration is open and more information can be found at skitosea.com/jrrace. Kids looking to join a team or teams looking for a racer are encouraged to use the race message board at bit.ly/41YA4Jn.

John Patrick “Casey” Rector

June 3, 1963 – March 10, 2023

John Patrick “Casey” Rector now loves us from above after family and friends were able to surround him during his last few days sharing memories, expressing love, honoring his Navy service and praying for peace.

Casey was born June 3, 1963 in Craig, CO. He grew up surrounded by horses and his sisters, a cowboy right next to his Dad. If you ask his dad, Casey destroyed perfectly good haystacks by building forts, roping and riding anything with hair. Casey started school in Basalt, CO and finished his education at Rye, CO, graduating in 1982. Casey’s teachers and friends will not remember him for being a standout scholar but for his sense of humor, never ending pranks, for being the toughest kid in school and a loyal to the end friend to those he liked. It was here that his lifelong friendship with Pat, later Kirk, David and Donnie began. They all learned by living hard in those days, they came to know each other, and the principal’s paddle well. He was also a “star” athlete, as he liked to remind us all, playing football, wrestling and riding rodeo in high school.

Casey enlisted in the US Navy in October 1983. He served on the USS Carl Vinson for four years as the Plane Captain (head mechanic) on an A6 Intruder crew. He reenlisted in 1987 and was assigned to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island where he became a heavy equipment operator. Casey ended his time in the Navy in 1989.

He began what would become over 20 years with Western Forest Products and it is there that he and Christie began their love story. They married on May 18, 2001, forever bonding their family with Casey’s daughter Katie and Christie’s son Zachary and then sons Zane and Kolton, making it complete.

Casey and Christie built their life in Blaine, establishing a deep community with friends. Casey became Coach Casey to many Blaine youth, always feeling that it was important that kids had fun playing. He also umped baseball games and was known as the joker behind the plate, working to crack batters up. Christie and Casey spent many anniversaries happily on ball fields, celebrating with a concession stand hot dog.

Later in life Casey also worked at the Pacific Building Center, Westside Building Center and drove for Northwest Car and Limousine, where he made lasting friendships. It was at Pacific Building Center where he would be kindly referred to as “Omaha.”

In 2017, Casey suffered a stroke. With Christie and his children by his side, he truly showed us all what true strength, determination (mixed with a little stubbornness and a few f-words) and deep love can accomplish. As he always had, he continued to make us laugh with jokes and pranks. And he certainly knew how to greet us, sometimes with his bright smile, other times with that mischievous look, other times with just the best hug.

Everyone who knew Casey knew that he had many passions, interests and collections. The list is long but we all know it starts with the Broncos and the Navy. Just a few others include a good History Channel show, rocks, hunting and woodworking. And who can forget his coffee cups, almost as important as the actual coffee.

Casey loved being with family. He cherished the role of “PaPa” to his grandchildren and always looked forward the next time he could go home to Colorado to visit his family. It was a special event last year when he was able to take his wife, children and grandchildren to Colorado, where they, all along with his sisters, were able to celebrate his dad’s 80th birthday.

Casey will always be a beloved husband, father, son, brother, grandpa, uncle, friend and coach.

Dean Prather - Attorney at Law

Casey is survived by his wife of 21 years Christie, of Blaine; his children Katie of Burlington, Zachary (Farrah) Rector, Zane Rector and Kolton Rector of Blaine; grandchildren Maxx, Kamden, Londyn; father John and stepmother Judith Rector; sisters Coe Scott, Rabecca Rector and Tina Rector; in-laws Linda, Becky (Eric), Paul and Beth Thompson; many nieces, nephews and a community that loved him. He was preceded in death by his mother Patsy Lou Jones and sister Debbie Kendall.

A memorial service will be held at the Squalicum Boathouse, 2600 N Harbor Loop Drive, Bellingham, at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 17, 2023 with lunch to follow. We encourage attending in blue jeans and/ or favorite St. Patrick’s Day attire.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Whatcom Hospice House, 2800 Douglas, Bellingham, WA, 98225.

The Rectors and Thompsons would like to thank Brenda Reid. What started out as a friend taking a caregiver job became a beautiful addition to our family. We now know that she was put in place not to just take care of Casey but to care for all of us. It is thanks to her that Casey was able to remain at home. We will be eternally grateful to you, Brenda.

pOLiCe repOrts

Mar. 3, 7:03 p.m.: Welfare check on Sandwood Lane.

Mar. 3, 8:26 p.m.: Death investigation on Semiahmoo Parkway.

Mar. 4, 3:13 a.m.: Assist citizen on D Street.

Mar. 4, 9:37 a.m.: Serve paper on Clyde Street.

Mar. 4, 12:05 p.m.: Welfare check on Sandwood Lane.

Mar. 4, 12:58 p.m.: Serve paper on 15th Street.

Mar. 4, 2 p.m.: Assist citizen on Madison Avenue.

Mar. 4, 6:12 p.m.: Counterfeit on H Street.

Mar. 5, 12:34 a.m.: Disorderly conduct on Alder Street.

Mar. 5, 11:34 a.m.: Vandalsim on Clyde Street.

Mar. 5, 1:05 p.m.: Property found on H Street.

Mar. 5, 2:35 p.m.: Vehicle prowl on H Street.

Mar. 6, 9:26 a.m.: Harassment on H Street.

Mar. 6, 10:19 a.m.: Harassment on Peace Portal Drive.

Mar. 6, 2:54 p.m.: Trespass on H Street.

Mar. 6, 8:25 p.m.: Follow up on Alder Street.

Mar. 7, 5:58 a.m.: Domestic physical on H Street.

Mar. 7, 8:01 a.m.: Trespass on Alder Street.

Mar. 7, 10:25 a.m.: Littering on H Street.

Mar. 7, 10:39 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances on H Street.

Mar. 7, 2:40 p.m.: Civil problem on Clyde Street.

Mar. 7, 3:12 p.m.: Theft on Alder Street.

Mar. 8, 9:23 a.m.: Disorderly conduct on Peace Portal Drive.

Mar. 8, 11:13 a.m.: Welfare check on Peace Portal Drive.

Mar. 8, 12:17 p.m.: Vehicle theft on Bayview Avenue.

Mar. 8, 12:23 p.m.: Welfare check on 8th Street.

Mar. 8, 12:42 p.m.: Trespass on Peace Portal Drive.

Coming up

Street.

Mar. 8, 2:31 p.m.: Juvenile problem on H Street.

Mar. 8, 5:11 p.m.: Trespass on H Street.

Mar. 9, 11:52 a.m.: Juvenile problem on H Street.

Mar. 9, 4:57 p.m.: Mental health issue on Bayview Avenue.

Mar. 9, 6:34 p.m.: Subject with a weapon on 2nd Street.

Mar. 10, 8:59 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident blocking on 6th Street.

Mar. 10, 9:59 a.m.: Sex crime, no rape, on H Street.

Mar. 10, 10:25 a.m.: Juvenile problem on H Street.

Mar. 8, 1:13 p.m.: Theft on 10th Report by Blaine Police Department

sheriff’s repOrts

Mar. 2, 8:31 a.m.: Sex crime, no rape, on Treevue Road.

Mar. 2, 3:54 p.m.: Slim jim on Quinault Road.

Mar. 3, 12:17 a.m.: Domestic verbal on Halibut Drive.

Mar. 3, 1:10 p.m.: Theft on Shipyard Road.

Mar. 4, 11:24 a.m.: Mental health issue on Delta Line Road, Custer.

Mar. 5, 12:47 a.m.: Suspicious person on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

CrOssWOrd

16. Spanish island 17. Unlimited 18. Where golfers begin

22. No charge 25. Print errors

27. Professional drivers

28. Kiss box set

29. Short, fine fibers

30. Administers punishment

32. Czech city

34. Normal or sound powers of mind

35. The academic world

36. Crustacean

37. Currency 38. Pastoral people of Tanzania or Kenya 40. Cloth spread over a coffin 41. Grouped together 42. On land 43. Glistened

College sports conference 52. Zero 53. Midway between

Mar. 5, 4:06 a.m.: Missing person on Starfish Lane.

Mar. 5, 7:25 a.m.: Runaway on Harborview Road.

Mar. 5, 7:50 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Tracy Place.

Mar. 6, 5:40 p.m.: Suspicious person on White and Giles roads.

Mar. 6, 5:48 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Birch Bay Drive.

Mar. 7, 10:57 a.m.: Threat on Grandview and Koehn roads.

Mar. 7, 1:39 p.m.: Fraud on Birch Bay Drive.

northeast and east 54. Type of screen 56. The 13th letter of the Greek alphabet

ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

Weather

What’s Next: Resources As We Age: Friday, March 17, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Free informative fair with representatives from organizations and businesses offering senior services will be on hand to assist you and answer questions. Presentation by Northwest Regional Council on delivering coordinated support for seniors and people with disabilities, relating to in-home care, Medicaid, caregiver support services, long-term care options and other general resources targeting seniors and those with disabilities at 10 a.m.; presentation by Whatcom Transit Authority at 11 a.m.; presentation by What-Comm 911 on what to expect when calling 911, scams targeting seniors, and have recommendations for personal alarms at 1 p.m.. Info: 360/332-8040.

Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival Opening and Artist Reception: Friday, March 17, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Community Center 763 G Street. Tickets: $30, no-host wine and beer, available at wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com or at the door (space permitting).

Movie Night: Friday, March 17, 7–9 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Playing family friendly movies. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and watch the movie on the big screen. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival: Friday, March 17–Sunday, March 19. Field Trips, wildlife cruise, birding expo, kids activities, bird viewing stations, presentations, live raptors presentations and more. See full schedule at wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com.

Annual Native Plant Sale: Saturday, March 18, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Pioneer Park, 2004 Cherry Street, Ferndale. Fill your landscape with beautiful, low-maintenance native plants. Over 40 species of trees and shrubs available. Info: whatcomcd.org/native-plant-sale. Sponsored by the Whatcom Conservation District.

Pruning 101 (and Refresher): Saturday, March 18, 10 a.m.–noon, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. This is the perfect time to start pruning. Discover what tools are required, why prune, growth habits of trees/bushes and how to make the best decisions in your pruning projects. Info: wcls.org.

42nd Legislative District Town Hall: Saturday, March 18, 1–2 p.m., Ferndale High School, 5830 Golden Eagle Drive, Ferndale. Ask questions and get updates with Senator Sharon Shewmake, Representative Alicia Rule and Representative Joe Timmons.

CAP Center Open House: Sunday, March 19, 1–3 .p.m., CAP Center, 508 G Street. Come see the Community Assistance Program facility, meet some of our volunteers, and learn about the work that CAP does in our community. Refreshments provided. info@blainecap.org.

Recipe Swap and Share: Monday, March 20, 4–5:30 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Bring a recipe to share with others. It can be a treasured family recipe, a cookbook favorite, or something of your own creation! This month’s theme is brunch favorites plus share a sample of your dish, or just partake of what others bring to the recipe potluck. Info: wcls.org.

Uncorked: Winemaker Dinner: Friday, March 24, 6 p.m., Semiahmoo Resort, 9565 Semiahoo Parkway. Savor award-winning wines masterfully paired with seasonally-inspired menus. Tickets: semiahmoo.com/uncorked.

Homebuyer Education Class: Saturday, March 25, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn about becoming mortgage ready, how much you can afford, understanding credit, budgeting for a down payment and other expenses and tips during the loan process. Free. Limited seating. RSVP: 360/752-8253 or Doug.cornelsen@bannerbank.com.

Ladies of Loomis Golf Club: Thursday, March 30, 9:30 a.m., Loomis Trail Golf Course, 4342 Loomis Trail. Meet and greet meeting. All skill levels welcome. Info: apriljm@comcast.net.

Ongoing

Meals on Wheels Hot Lunches: Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Suggested donation of $5 per meal ($8.50 if under 60) or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040.

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

Friends of Blaine Library: Meets third Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Find out the latest library news at this monthly FOBL Board of Directors meeting. All members and guests are welcome to attend. Info: blainelibraryfriends.org.

Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) Meetings: Tuesdays 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 peer support at no cost. Info: palgroup.org or email Bev and Dave at wamillards@comcast.net.

Alaska Packers Association Cannery Museum: Open Saturdays and Sundays, 1–5 p.m., 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway. Free, donations welcome. Info: 360/371-3558.

Birch Bay Book Club: Wednesday, April 19, 4 p.m., Birch Bay Vogt Library site, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. April title is One of Ours: by Willa Cather. Info: klia1@mac.com.

Blaine Book Club: Friday, March 17, 1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. March title: Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams. Info: Kelly at 360/305-3637.

Blaine Serenity Al-Anon: Mondays, noon–1 p.m. on Zoom. Have you been dealing with alcoholism with a friend or family member? Info: Jerrylyn at 360/305-2246.

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Thursdays at noon, Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at noon, women’s meeting Mondays at 4 p.m., Blaine United Church of Christ basement, 855 4th Street. Info: 307/349-0450.

Blaine Arts Council: Meets second Thursday, 6:30 p.m., at Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Meeting is open to the public. The council promotes, cultivates and supports the arts in order to enrich the lives of the community through creativity with a variety of cultural events, education and shows. Info: blaineartscouncil.org.

Birch Bay-Blaine Toastmasters: Wednesdays, 6:30–7:45 p.m., Blaine High School, 1055 H Street, room 104. Learn to tell your favorite stories well. Info: Laura 360-371-7330 or agelesslaura@gmail.com.

Parks and rec purchases last piece of land for California Creek Estuary Park

A 24-acre park along California Creek that will provide a kayak launch, trail access and habitat conservation for salmon and migratory shorebirds is becoming closer to a reality.

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2) purchased 12 acres, the second of two land transfers, from Whatcom Land Trust (WLT) for the California Creek Estuary Park on February 24. The day-use park, situated off Drayton Harbor Road, will include a kayak launch, 3/4-mile trail, picnic shelter, environmental education stations, restroom and 50-car parking lot.

WLT, a Bellingham-based conservation nonprofit, began looking at land with high ecological value around California Creek nearly a decade ago. This started what both groups described as a beneficial partnership: WLT, which could move more nimbly as a nonprofit, purchased land for BBBPRD2 to operate as a park while the district applied for state grants from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office to purchase the land.

“We were able to essentially be a bridge owner for the park district so they didn’t lose out on the opportunity to get this property because of timing issues,” WLT conservation director Alex Jeffers said.

WLT purchased the first half of the California Creek park in 2017, and transferred the land to BBBPRD2 in 2020. In total, WLT has purchased 100 acres along the estuary that extends to Bridge Way, though not all of it will go to the parks and recreation district.

The park area is environmentally significant for a slate of reasons, including the estuary and side channels of California Creek that are important habitat for salmon rearing and mudflats at the mouth of Drayton Harbor that provide feeding grounds for migratory shorebirds. Protecting California Creek water quality will also benefit Drayton Harbor shellfish harvesting, Jeffers said.

The park will also offer easy public access off Drayton Harbor Road and can be used for environmental education and field trips, said Ted Morris, BBBPRD2 capital projects specialist. Morris has worked as a BBBPRD2 volunteer since he helped restart the district in the mid-2000s and worked as a WLT volunteer coordinator for a few years after retiring from being the head park ranger of Birch Bay State Park.

The park will protect 900 feet of Drayton Harbor shoreline and 1,800 feet of California Creek shoreline, according to a press release on the land purchase.

WLT placed conservation easements to ensure critical habitats, such as the mouth of California Creek, were protected from park development.

Whatcom Conservation District and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association assisted WLT and BBBPRD2 with restoration. The organizations removed invasive Himalayan blackberry bushes and English

ivy, planted thousands of native trees and shrubs and added wood debris to the creek mouth for salmon, Jeffers said.

BBBPRD2 has the opportunity to acquire surrounding property in the future. Jeffers said WLT could transfer another 30 acres to BBBPRD2, but the district would need to secure additional grants to buy the land. Morris said it’s unlikely the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office would provide grants for open space without a project plan.

“We keep that possibility open. If there was a benefactor or a way to have 30 more acres, I’d love to do that,” Morris said. “I’m just not sure if we’d be able to get a grant to do that and, with our budget, we survive on a 10 cents per $1,000 levy so we don’t have a lot of money in the park district to purchase those types of things.”

BBBPRD2 received $1.3 million in grants and has spent about $800,000 from the grants and some district funds.

In addition to restoration, the parks district has done most of the preliminary work, such as removing four buildings on the property and completing site plans. Now, Morris said, the district is waiting on Whatcom County to approve the shoreline and environmental permits. Though wary of delays, Morris said he hopes the park is finished by the end of 2024.

“I would love to begin construction sometime this summer,” he said. “If we’re able to

(See Park, page 16)

s Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 purchased its second piece of land from Whatcom Land Trust for the California Creek Estuary Park. The 24-acre park, located near the mouth of California Creek, will offer habitat conservation, trail access and a kayak launch.

Photo by Dave Sawicki/courtesy Whatcom Land Trust

Park ...

From page 15

do that, and everything falls into place, I’m hoping we might be able to finish construction by the end of next year.”

The park will also serve as a trailhead for the future Bay to Bay International Trail, a bicycle and pedestrian trail connecting the south end of Birch Bay State Park to Peace Arch Historic Park. Morris, who started working on the trail over a decade ago, said near-

ly all of the trail easements have been secured to California Creek but trail construction and additional Blaine easements are needed. Morris said he would eventually like to move the trail off the roadway, and hopes someday it could connect to Ferndale and

White Rock, B.C. trail systems.

“We’re excited to be able to provide this day-use park for the residents of Birch Bay and Blaine

as well as all of the visitors to Whatcom County,” he said. “It’s going to be a great park when we finally get it done.”

Solar installation at Taylor Dock in Bellingham

s Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 purchased the California Creek Estuary Park in two phases. The second piece of land was purchased on February 24. Map courtesy BBBPRD2