The Northern Light: April 27-May 3, 2023

April 27 - May 3, 2023

Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay

East Blaine manufactured home parks, page 3

State approves Birch Bay library express scope change

Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) will move forward with plans to renovate the Vogt family homestead into a library express after Washington state legislature approved the project’s reallocation of a $2 million state grant, according to an April 25 announcement.

The funding will be used to turn the library site, at 7968 Birch Bay Drive, into the Birch Bay Vogt Library Express, which will offer a small collection of library materials, computer and internet access, and other library programs while acting as a community gathering spot for meetings up to 40 people.

The $2 million grant will cover most of the costs of renovation, according to the press release, but local nonprofit Friends of Birch Bay Library must raise an additional $300,000 to fully fund the project. WCLS executive director Christine Perkins said it is standard procedure to have local community support partially fund such projects.

The state grant was originally intended to fund building a 7,600-square-foot public library on the former Vogt property that would have cost $6.5 million. However, Birch Bay voters twice narrowly rejected creating a library capital facility area that would have created a taxing district to pay for $4 million of the $6.5 million library project. Voters opposed the district in the November 2021 and February 2022 elections, the latter of which failed the supermajority by only 26 votes.

In June 2022, the WCLS Board of Trustees decided on a scope change and proposed a $2.5 million interior remodel of the building to create a library express to the state. The reallocation request was initially denied in December 2022, but the state reversed its decision in April following community member, library staff and state legislator outreach.

Perkins said WCLS staff was dancing a happy dance when they heard the project had been approved.

“We know that the Birch Bay community has been waiting a long time for a community library,” Perkins said. “We are grateful for their patience and persistence. And we are really grateful to our state legislators for supporting this project.”

(See Library, page 6)

PRESENTEDBY :

Plover undergoes extensive repair, page 10

Filing week nears, page 13

School staff cuts prompt student walkout

For Blaine school administrators, Monday, April 24 ended pretty much the way it started with a student walkout. A large crowd of high school students, many dressed in red to support their teachers, walked out of school before classes began and marched to the school district’s administrative offices to protest planned cuts to educators and other district staff. They walked out again at the regular monthly school board meeting held later that night after the board voted 4-0 (with one abstention) to approve the administration’s plan (Resolution 2223-08 Reduced Education Program Plan for 2023-24).

The administration had proposed cuts to the educational program citing smaller than projected student enrollment for the 2023-24 school year as well as reduced income from state and federal funding sources. State law requires school districts planning to terminate certificated employees to

give notice by May 15.

In July 2022, the district adopted a budget with a four-year forecast that would put it $14 million in the red by 2026. The forecast for the 2022-23 school year alone projected a deficit of nearly $5 million with expenditures set at $45.3 million and revenue expected to be $40.5 million. In that forecast, the district also expected a $6 million deficit in the 2023-24 school year, if no program adjustments were made.

Executive director of finance and operations Amber Porter told The Northern Light in an email that the district will reduce the 2023-24 deficit $1.2 million with this reduced education plan.

“Also, if we find any more savings in our current fiscal year, we will preserve even more programs – and that will create a larger deficit,” Porter wrote. “The goal will be to use all our resources to preserve programs and still target a minimum fund balance of 6 percent at the end of 2023-24.”

Under the plan passed by the school

board, a total of 65.2 positions would be eliminated, not all of which are full-time. Of this, 38.2 are teachers, paraeducators,

s A crowd of students gathered in front of the Blaine school district office during an April 24 walkout to protest the district’s plans to cut about 65 part-time and full-time employees, including teachers, paraeducators, librarians and staff from administration, food service and transportation. The district says the reduced education plan, which the school board approved 4-0 with one abstention, is mainly due to a smaller-than-projected student enrollment and decreased government funding. Photo by Janell Kortlover

Town hall on opioid use in Birch Bay, Blaine

A town hall on opioid use in Birch Bay and Blaine will take place 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 4 at the Performing Arts Center, 975 H Street.

The community group Birch Bay-Blaine Thrives (BBT) will bring together Blaine Police Department, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Whatcom Health and Community Services (WHCS), Blaine school district and students to discuss the use of addictive drugs, including fentanyl, in the community. Presenters will go over trends, risks, myths and what people can do to

stop the substance use, according to an event flier.

“We wanted to make sure we were staying ahead of it,” Kari Holley, who co-facilitates BBT, said of fentanyl. “It is really on the forefront of everyone’s mind so we thought it would be a good time to hold a town hall.”

Holley said she hopes the town hall will allow people to discuss their worries and observations as well as ask questions. She would like for youth to feel empowered to share their experiences but added they will not be pressured.

“It’s looking at how we can make a safe and thriving com-

munity that looks out for one another, especially our students and youth,” Holley said.

BBT is made up of Blaine school district, WHCS, businesses, churches, social services and other community members dedicated to preventing substance use in Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts. BBT’s monthly meetings are open to the public and held noon to 1:30 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month in the school district’s boardroom.

“People who are struggling themselves or have a family member who is struggling are not alone,” Holley said. “This is a community that is here.”

East Blaine residents voice opposition to city council on manufactured home parks

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About 40 east Blaine residents let Blaine City Council know they opposed a proposed change to city code that would allow large manufactured home parks in east Blaine.

The residents packed into overflow seats at the start of the April 24 city council meeting at city hall. One by one, just over 20 residents took to the podium and spoke for over an hour during public comment period. Concerns were raised on a variety of topics, including potential lack of affordability and landownership, loss of city property tax revenue and watershed impacts.

Last year, the developers of East Harbor Hills requested a zoning text amendment to city code that would allow for manufactured home parks in east Blaine planned unit developments (PUDs), which are five acres or over. Current code allows manufactured home parks in east Blaine, but not in PUDs.

The discussion has been an on-

Photo by Grace McCarthy

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

Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com

Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com

Reporter Ian Haupt ian@pointrobertspress.com

Creative Services

Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman production@pointrobertspress.com

Office Manager

Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com

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General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com

Contributors In This Issue

Joseph O’Sullivan / Crosscut.com

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

Tel: 360/332-1777

Vol XXVIII, No 45

Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

State senator Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) sponsored a resolution honoring the Sikh community for Vaisakhi festival that the senate passed on April 14.

Vaisakhi celebrates the spring harvest and the beginning of the New Year in northern India. Vaisakhi, held in midApril, is one of the most religiously significant days in Sikh history.

“The Sikh community has been an incredibly open and hospitable community where I live in Whatcom County,” Shewmake said in her floor speech on April 14. “This is a very unique holiday where it’s all about equality. It’s about making sure that we’re recognizing the humanitarian work of the Sikh community, but also the humanity in all of us. And I’m so

Shewmake’s resolution honors Sikh community OpiniOn Letters

thankful that this community has been in America, in the world, but also in my hometown.”

Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu was among the dozens in attendance to watch lawmakers pass Senate Resolution 8638 in Olympia.

To read the entire resolution, visit bit.ly/3LsaAOn.

Blessing of the Fleet proclamation

The Editor:

Driving by the senior center, I was excited to see the new golden siding on the building front. It looked really well with the white and gray trim and gave the building some snap. Later, I discovered that it is to be painted over with a sterile and cold ice blue. How boring! Thus was it ever that just as the sleepy village of Blaine was about to crackle, the project goes pop.

Richard Mollette Custer

The Editor: Wonder and awe are the feelings evoked by the stellar performances in

Blaine High School’s theater production of “Into the Woods.”

Three vignettes on the stage at once and prodigious cross-rhythmic singing are a tribute to the expert direction of Ms. Theilemann and Mr. Marshall coupled with the gifted singing and acting of students whose abilities far belie their ages. What a show!

Kay Dee Powell Blaine

Please

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.

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.

s A group of people celebrate the state senate passing Senate Resolution 8638 in Olympia on April 14. Included in the photo are Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham), Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu and Manka Dhingra (D-Redmond), the first Sikh legislator in the U.S. Courtesy photo

s Mayor Mary Lou Steward presents Gary Dunster with a Blessing of the Fleet proclamation during the April 24 council meeting. Photo by Grace McCarthy

School ...

From page 1

educational support staff, librarians, etc. Another 27 positions would come from the district office, district-wide staff, athletics, food service, maintenance and operations and transportation. Hours for the two nurses would be cut the equivalent of 0.40 FTE (Full Time Equivalents).

Staff salaries make up 85 percent of the district’s budget, Porter said.

The evening school board meeting began in the former district office located behind the newer administration office on H and Mitchell streets. The room was filled beyond capacity with the crowd spilling out the foyer onto the lawn. After an audience member asked about the room’s legal capacity, board chair Dougal Thomas proposed that the meeting be adjourned and moved to the Performing Arts Center, which had previously been prepared for a large crowd.

During the public comment period, nearly a dozen speakers addressed the board asking them to reconsider the plan to cut staff. Susan St. Claire related her family’s long history with Blaine schools and said until recently she was proud of the school district.

“Although over-estimating school enrollment was not mismanagement, using the resultant over-funding with abandon was.” St. Claire said. “That over-funding never belonged to Blaine and common sense said it would have to go back to the state.”

Tiffany Udman, a 16-year teacher at Blaine Elementary School, told the board that the “Reductions in force proposed under Resolution 2223-08 will destroy trust and exacerbate the

fear that has grown steadily under current leadership,” adding the district’s ‘rainy day’ fund “far exceeds the legal minimum of 6 percent and what is considered fiscally responsible.”

Jodi Greene, one of two registered nurses, said the administration’s cut in nurses’ hours “would lead to an unsafe environment,” and said the Washington’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s model suggests additional nurses’ hours are needed.

Using financial data supplied by the school district, longtime Blaine teacher Dan Persse cast doubt on the budget assumptions behind the district’s plans to cut staff. Citing the district’s statements that the McCleary decision resulted in a loss of levy income, Persse said the district had failed to tell the public that it had received $5.6 million in 2018 and that the district’s beginning general fund balance had grown $6.9 million since the decision was implemented.

“Last year alone the district added $3.4 million to the reserve fund,” Persse said. He then compared what the district had projected for the last four years for the beginning balance with what the actual figures turned out to be.

“My point is, the district either does not know how to forecast or is sending a different message to the community than what is factual,” he said. Persse asked the board to meet with the Blaine Education Association “to go over our financial analysis first so you can see how financially secure the district is.”

Later, during discussion of the resolution, Porter said the “district is not assured that we have adequate resources to cover our expenses” but added the district was not bound to these adjustments if there were positive

changes, mentioning possible legislative developments.

“How do we become a district that serves 8.5 percent fewer students?” Porter asked the board. Referring to an earlier suggestion that the district move money from one fund to another, she said, “We aren’t actually allowed by state law to do that.”

Porter cited inflation and employee contracts coming due in 2024 as well as diminished enrollment as causes of concerns for budgeting. “At some point, we need to match up our expenses with our enrollment levels. We have legal obligations to notify our staff and that’s why we’re doing it in April. In a few months, we’ll have better information,” she said.

In response, board member Charles Gibson said, “We have to prepare for the worst and hope for the best.” Thomas added, “Obviously, the last thing I want to do is to lay off teachers, but we have fiscal responsibility as a board.” At that point, various members of the audience began heckling until Thomas warned them he would close the meeting if the interruptions continued.

Calling for the vote, four directors voted “aye,” with board member Erika Creydt abstaining, saying, “One, the board hadn’t held a work session on the budget and, two, the board had been told the budget was in good shape until July and now we’re being told that it’s a crisis. My personal opinion is that we should just take more time.” Her remarks were met with a long burst of applause from the audience. “Just to be clear,” Thomas said in response to Creydt. “We don’t have work sessions on budgets, a work session is for learning. It was the desire of the board not to have one. What we

talked about is, if anyone needed to learn more, then we could.”

The resolution having passed, the audience then stood up and walked out.

The draft budget will be available to the public July 10. On July 24, the board will hold a public hearing before adopting the 2023/2024 budget.

Ian Haupt contributed to the reporting of this article.

s Blaine high school and middle school students participate in the walkout in front of the district office on April 24. Photo by Grace McCarthy

s Community members packed the Blaine school board meeting before the meeting was moved to the Performing Arts Center. Photo by Pat Grubb

Library ...

From page 1

* Project expenses include property purchase, a new foundation, parking expansion, full interior renovation, roof repairs, improved weather-proof windows and exterior cladding, Americans with Disabilities Act and public safety upgrades, and archeological preservation.

Gary Vogt and his wife, Cindy Lou, live next door to his family home that they sold to WCLS to become a future library site. Vogt told WCLS that he couldn’t visit the Blaine library when he was young.

“Our vision for this project was to honor Birch Bay’s history and honor my grandparents Grover and Anna Vogt by opening this great home to the Birch Bay community and its visitors as a library,” Vogt said. “A library will be a great asset for this community.”

The community will have access to the first floor, porch of the home and the surrounding property. Staff workspaces and storage will be on the second floor.

To learn more about the project, visit wcls.org/birch-bay.

Homes ...

From page 3

going debate in the city’s planning commission, which will approve or deny the text amendment. If planning commission votes in favor of the amendment, a recommendation to change the code will be presented before city council for final approval.

A second public hearing was scheduled earlier in April but the city canceled it because it needed to further research the proposed code change’s compliance with the city comprehensive plan and

state law. The hearing is anticipated for the Thursday, May 11 planning commission meeting.

East Blaine resident Lenore Onyon said she and her husband own a manufactured home on two acres.

“I’m not against mobile homes, but when you don’t own the property underneath and you might fall on hard times and get evicted, I don’t see the value in that at all,” she said.

East Blaine resident Patrick Scully expressed concern about the financial impact the manufactured homes could have on the city with a loss in property tax revenue.

“The first thing that comes to my mind is what a fiscal disaster it will be for the city and its residents,” Scully said. “The city of Blaine is borrowing money from its reserve. It’s on life support. I hope my fellow citizens understand that they’re borrowing money from the future.”

East Harbor Hills developer Skip Jansen spoke during the public comment period of the meeting.

“The staff directed us to apply for this text amendment to correct this flaw in the zoning code and that is what we’re trying to do,”

Jansen said. “We’re trying to correct this flaw that is inconsistent with state law.”

The inconsistencies with manufactured home parks being allowed in east Blaine but excluded in PUDs were erroneously made through several code changes in the early 2000s, Jansen said. He added PUDs allow greater flexibility and creative design than is possible under regular zoning regulations, which is consisent with the city’s comprehensive plan.

“It’s so frustrating to see the public with such a misconception,” Jansen said. “To me it’s very simple and unfortunately the public is off on a tangent and they’re not understanding what we’re trying to do here.”

Jansen said he envisions a nice manufactured home park that could serve retirees who no longer wanted to maintain their home and have more flexibility to travel. Rental fees could pay for landscaping and a $1 million clubhouse, he said.

At the end of the council meeting, councilmember Richard May suggested the city hold a town hall on the issue. The audience applauded the idea.

Bellingham Bike Swap scheduled for Sunday, May 7

Bellingham’s Shifting Gears nonprofit is putting on its annual Bellingham Bike Swap at Boundary Bay Brewery’s alley and beer garden Sunday, May 7.

The Bellingham Bike Swap offers community members an opportunity to purchase used bikes and gear at a lower cost than retail prices, making the joys and benefits of biking a little more affordable, according to an April 4 Shifting Gears press release.

Shifting Gears is a women-led, women-directed nonprofit in Bellingham, creating welcoming recreational opportunities that

encourage confidence, wellness, growth and joy for all women. It started putting on the bike swap in 2018, and, according to the release, 25 percent of each sale will assist with funding the nonprofit’s biking and hiking programs. Boundary Bay Brewery is located at 1107 Railroad Avenue in Bellingham.

The swap is open 1-5 p.m. May 7. Individuals looking to sell gear can drop off items 7-10 a.m. Sunday, and sellers can pick up their checks and unsold gear 6-8 p.m. For more information, visit letsshiftgears.com.

s The future Birch Bay Vogt Library Express. Photo by Grace McCarthy

Sports roundup: Blaine spring sports close

For some, regular season spring sports action wraps up this week. And with playoffs approaching, Blaine softball, boys soccer and baseball all look like favorites at districts.

Baseball

Blaine boys baseball is on a roll heading into its last few games of the regular season. The Borderites have won six straight games since losing to the Lynden Lions on the road April 11.

On April 25, the team beat the Lakewood Cougars 6-1 at Lakewood High School. Before that, the boys narrowly beat both the Nooksack Valley Pioneers and the Squalicum Storm 9-8. Prior to these games, the Borderites beat the Lynden Christian Lyncs 7-4, the Sedro-Woolley Cubs 2-1 and the Meridian Trojans 6-2.

The Borderites will host the Oak Harbor Wildcats at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 27 at Pipeline Fields. The team will travel to Bellingham High School to take on the Bayhawks at 6 p.m. Friday, April 28. The boys finish their season at Marymoor Park in Redmond with a double-header against The Overlake School Owls, who knocked them out of the 1A district 1/2 playoff last season.

Blaine is 12-4 overall this season and 9-4 in conference.

Boys golf

Blaine boys golf will play their last conference match May 1 at Avalon Golf Links in Skagit Valley. Tee off is at 3 p.m.

Girls golf

Blaine girls golf will play next at Whidbey Golf Club in a multischool conference match Thursday, May 4. Tee off is at 3 p.m.

Boys soccer

Blaine boys soccer lost its first game since preseason April 20. The Borderites fell 2-1 to the Meridian Trojans at home. Earlier this season, the boys narrowly beat the Trojans at their home field with a late goal that saw the game finish 3-2. The team bounced back from the loss with a commanding 4-0 win over the Lynden Christian

playoffs

Lyncs April 24 at the Blaine High School stadium.

The boys were scheduled to play the Nooksack Valley Pioneers at Nooksack Valley Elementary April 26. They will host the Mount Baker Mountaineers 7 p.m. Monday, May 1 for their last game before playoffs.

As of press time, the team was

7-2-2 overall and 5-1 in conference.

Girls softball

The Lady Borderites are perfect. The team has won 10-of-10 games so far this season. Recently, the girls beat the Lynden Lions

8-4, the Ferndale Golden Eagles

7-0 and the Anacortes Seahawks

11-1. All games were at Pipeline Fields in Blaine.

The team was scheduled to play the Mount Vernon Bulldogs Wednesday, April 26. The girls host Burlington-Edison Tigers on Friday, April 28 and travel to Mount Baker High School to face the Mountaineers Tuesday, May 2. Both games are at 4:30 p.m.

As of press time, the team was 10-0 overall and 9-0 in conference.

Girls tennis

Blaine girls varsity tennis team has been progressing all season,

head coach Amanda Dahl said. While the team lost to the Mount Vernon Bulldogs at home April 25, Dahl said the girls played competitively, winning games within sets and pushing deuce tiebreakers. She said the team is in a transitional season after losing seven seniors from its varsity squad last year but Blaine’s tennis future is looking strong.

The girls will play next at Ferndale High School on Thursday, April 27 with matches starting at 4 p.m. Track and field

Four Blaine track and field athletes traveled to the GearUp Eason Invitational meet at Snohomish High School’s Veteran’s Memorial Stadium April 22.

Sophomore Josiah Weeda placed seventh in the mens 110-meter hurdles final with a time of 16.22 seconds. Junior Deja Dube placed 12th in the discus with a throw of 91 feet, 1 inch. Senior Madeleine Ernst placed 15th in the javelin with a throw of 94 feet, 2 inches.

Sophomore Kaitlyn Harrington took 34th overall in the womens 200 meters in 27.98 seconds and placed 11th in the high jump at 4 feet, 8 inches.

s Blake Koreski battles his Lynden Christian opponent in the Borderites’ 4-0 win at Blaine High School stadium April 24.

Photo by Rie Pomeroy

s Tori Taengdaen hits a backhand shot in Blaine girls tennis match against Mount Vernon High School April 25. Photo by Ian Haupt

& Home Garden

A monthly special section in The Northern Light

Whatcom County Home and Garden Show slated for this weekend

G Street Sewer Improvements

There will be road closures at different areas of the project and detours will be in place as the construction progresses. Drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians encountering the construction areas are encouraged to avoid the area if possible, be patient, proceed with caution, follow all traffic signs and obey flaggers at all times. Weekly updates will be added to the city’s website: www.ci.blaine.wa.us/1119/G-Street-Sewer-Improvements.

Improvements will address several deficiencies that currently exist in the system and increase the current system’s capacity to accommodate the expected growth (both commercial and residential) coming to the City.

Contract Amount: $4,254,210.56 • Contractor: Strider Construction

Blaine Public Works • Erick Aurand, Civil Engineer 360-815-8374 • eaurand@cityofblaine.com

The largest home and garden show north of Seattle is returning for its 42nd year the last weekend of April.

The Building Industry Association of Whatcom County’s (BIAWC) Whatcom County Home

and Garden Show is set for Friday, April 28 through Sunday, April 30 at Northwest Washington Fairgrounds in Lynden. The weekend event will be chock-full of workshops, youth activities, speakers, vendors, live demonstrations and a beer garden and wine tasting, according to its website. Seattle-based gardening expert Ciscoe Morris will give a presentation on the plants blooming this time of year 1-2 p.m. on

Sunday. Kelle Rankin-Sunter of BlaineCORE will give a presentation on dahlias 1-2:30 p.m. on April 28 at the Banner Bank stage. Other seminars and workshop topics include energy efficiency, improving organizational skills, mixology, charcuterie design, cookie decorating, weeknight recipes and line dancing. Some events have additional costs.

(See Show, next page)

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.

Photo courtesy BIAWC

Show ...

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Over 100 vendors will focus on roofing, landscaping, window cleaning, construction, flooring and other related industries.

The event’s family day will be Saturday. Families with children can stay entertained by meeting Elsa and Anna from “Frozen” and Spiderman, face painting and making balloon animals, partici-

& Home Garden

pating in a scavenger hunt and a young entrepreneurs’ market.

Ferndale’s Outlaws Saloon will have a beer garden with cocktails.

Ladies’ night will be 5-8 p.m. on Friday and guys’ night will be 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, both with a local makers market pop up shop.

The event will have wine and cider tasting 4-8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and Chuckanut Bay Distillery will have whiskey tasting.

Founded in 1978, BIAWC is a nonprofit organization made up of

professionals in the home building and construction industry.

Tickets are available $8 in advance or $10 at the door. The show will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Photo courtesy BIAWC

The Plover undergoes repairs similar to original restoration

With the historic Plover ferry undergoing repairs more extensive than its original restoration in the mid-’90s, the ferry’s captain and shipwright are working against the clock to make it seaworthy this summer.

During a regular inspection

last September, the U.S. Coast Guard discovered that significant repairs were needed before the vessel could carry foot passengers between Blaine Harbor and Semiahmoo Spit. Shipwright

Steve Alaniz has been fixing soft spots on the vessel’s wooden hull and stem post on the front of the boat, something he said has re-

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.

After College I was drafted into the U.S. Army for two years. I then started my career as a U.S. History teacher at the Catholic High School level and realized I needed to make more money. At that time, a teacher’s weekly salary was $90. I searched for another career and after taking many tests through the county for police, fire and probation I was offered a job with the San Diego probation department. I spent 30 years in that department before retiring. I worked in adult casework, juvenile investigations and ran the juvenile maximum-security unit for 14 years. It was rewarding work and I had an amazing team of professionals to work with. I lived in San Diego 62 years before moving here and decided that I didn’t want to cook, do housekeeping or maintenance. My daughter and I searched for a place where I had the freedom to enjoy my time as I wanted. The obvious answer for me was Solstice Senior Living in Bellingham.

Solstice Senior Living at BELLINGHAM

2818 Old Fairhaven Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98225 360-671-6060 • SolsticeSeniorLivingBellingham.com

quired him to brush up on skills from decades ago.

“This is more complicated and more involved than the original restoration because we didn’t have to take the keel or bow out before,” said Richard Sturgill, the Plover’s captain. “That’s like taking someone’s backbone and jaw out.”

Sturgill led efforts in the mid’90s to restore the Plover, which was used to transport cannery workers between Blaine and the Alaska Packers Association cannery on Semiahmoo Spit.

The U.S. Coast Guard most re-

cently inspected the repairs on April 19, when they gave shipwright Steve Alaniz the OK to start putting the boat back together. After replanking the boat, Alaniz said he will caulk and paint it.

“We’re putting things back together so that’s good because before we were taking things apart,” Sturgill said. “It’s a tedious, arduous process to do it right.”

Sturgill said the ferry isn’t anticipated to need major repairs for decades after this work is finished. He added the repairs are still in line with the $30,000 repair budget that Blaine City Council ap-

proved for funding last year.

The Plover carried nearly 8,000 one-way passengers between Semiahmoo Spit and Blaine Harbor in 2022, making it the ferry’s busiest year on record.

Alaniz said he hopes the state’s oldest passenger ferry is ready for the first sailing on Memorial Day weekend, but isn’t certain what the timeline will end up being.

“This second restoration will assure the Plover will once again be providing visitors and town folk alike with a unique experience upon our local waters,” Sturgill said.

marine view.

16.97 acres agricultural land.

9.67 acres agricultural land. 8.90 acres agricultural land. 9.98 acres agricultural land.

9.83 acres agricultural land. 5.11 acres wooded residential land.

5331 Nootka Loop, Blaine

8820 Wood Duck Way, Blaine

5469 Lasiandra Drive, Blaine

5388 Goldfinch Way, Blaine

5488 Canvasback Road, Blaine

Markworth Road, Blaine

s Plover shipwright Steve Alaniz, l., and civilian U.S. Coast Guard marine inspector Chris Schilling examine the 78-year-old vessel during the U.S. Coast Guard inspection on April 19.

Photo by Richard Sturgill

EXPERIENCED

Earn $18-32 an hour sewing cushion covers and backing to tapestries from home.

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Clean ups, berry removal, shrub/hedge trimming, beauty bark, gravel, pavers, retianing walls, power washing, gutter cleaning, hauling. 360-8200446. Licensed & Insured. ABCLALM790DJ www. abclandscapingandmore.com.

FRENCH BULLDOG PUPPIES

Ready mid-May for a forever home. Parents onsite. Vet check, vaccination, and antiworm included. Call 360-3183867.

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In the matter of the Estate of HELENE SLACK, Deceased. No. 23-4-0037437. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS.

(RCW 11.40.030) Judge Robert E. Olson

LESLIE-ANNE MARGARET HOLMES has been appointed as Personal Representative/Administrator of the above estate. Any person having a claim against the Deceased must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner provided by RCW

11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the 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 have commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020 (1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of this notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim will be forever barred except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 or 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the probate and nonprobate assets of the Decedent.

DATE OF FILING OF NOTICE TO CREDI-

TORS WITH CLERK OF THE COURT:

April 14, 2023

DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION:

April 27, 2023

PERSONAL REPRESENATIVE/ADMINIS-

TRATOR: Leslie-Anne Margaret Holmes

ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL

REPRESENTATIVE/ ADMINISTRATOR:

Mark W. Stowe, WSBA#16655

ADDRESS FOR MAILING OR SERVICE:

Stowe Law PLLC 276 Boundary Bay Road, P.O. Box 129 Point Roberts, WA 98281

Phone: (360) 945-0337

Email:stowelawpllc@outlook.com

STOWE LAW PLLC:

Mark W. Stowe, WSBA# 16655

Attorney for Administrator

Leslie-Anne Margaret Holmes

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of:

DONALD MARTIN PILCHER, Deceased.

No. 23-4-00368-37. NOTICE TO CRED-

ITORS. 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:

April 13, 2023 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication:

April 20, 2023

Name of Personal Representative:

DONALD MICHAEL PILCHER

Attorney for Personal Representatives:

Judge Lee Grochmal

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.

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Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262

Address for Mailing or Service:

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

Telephone: (360) 325-2550

Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com

DATED: April 13, 2023.

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

Attorney for Personal Representative:

DONALD MICHAEL PILCHER

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Melvin Thomas Gerry, Deceased. NO. 23-4-00351-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: Evan P. Jones

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

Date of First Publication:

April 20, 2023

Persona Representative: Janella Raye Hunsaker 3320 S Fort Apache Rd #120 Las Vegas, NV 89117

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. 23-4-00351-37.

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IN THE DISTRICT COURT FOR THE STATE OF WASHINGTON, IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM ATLANTIC SPECIALTY INSURANCE COMPANY, Plaintiff(s) V. JODI WATERMAN; DAVID SAENZ, Defendant(s). No. CV22-1137.

SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION.

The State of Washington to David Saenz,

Defendant:

You are hereby summoned to appear within 60 days after the date of first publication of the Summons, which date wasMarch 30, 2023, and defend the above-entitled action in the above-entitled Court, and Answer the Complaint of the Plaintiff, Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company, and serve a copy of your Answer upon the undersigned attorney for the Plaintiff, Dellwo, Roberts & Scanlon, PS at their office address below stated, and in case you fail to do so, judgment will be rendered against you according to the demand of the complaint which has been filed with the Clerk of the Court.

This action seeks to recover the sum of $13,733.35 plus Plaintiffs statutory fee and taxable costs. This claim arises from a motor vehicle accident which occurred on October

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.

of First Publication: April 13, 2023

Filing week coming up

Those interested in running for public office will need to keep track of the filing period coming up. The election division in the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office will be accepting applications from Monday, May 15 until Friday, May 19. A fair number of elected positions in Blaine are up for election this year, including all of the school board seats:

• Blaine City Council, Ward 1 Position 1, currently held by Richard May, is up for a 4-year regular term.

• Blaine City Council, Ward 2 Position 3, currently held by Garth Baldwin, is up for a 4-year regular term.

• Blaine City Council, Ward 3 Position 3, currently held by Mary Lou Steward, is up for a 4-year regular term.

• Blaine school board, District 1, currently held by Kimberly Akre, is up for a 4-year regular term.

• Blaine school board, District 2, currently held by Dougal Thomas, is up for a 4-year regular term.

• Blaine school board, District 3, currently held by Erika Creydt, is up for a 2-year unexpired term.

• Blaine school board, District 4, currently held by Charles Gibson, is up for a 4-year regular term.

• Blaine school board, District 5, currently held by Donald Leu, is up for a 2-year unexpired term.

• Fire Protection District 21, Position 4, currently held by Matthew Rigberg, is up for a 6-year short and full term.

• Fire Protection District 21, Position 5, currently held by Kim-

OBITUARIES

Lukas Andrés Liechty

March 29, 2023 – April 17, 2023

Lukas Andrés Liechty (Baby Warrior) was born to Jason and Sarah Liechty on March 29, 2023 at just over 24 weeks gestation. A mighty and tiny miracle baby who was loved the moment his parents knew he was expected. He overcame many preemie milestones and passed on April 17, 2023 due to an infection.

Sharon Rose Neem

March 1, 1941 – April 19, 2023

Sharon Neem of Camano Island, WA passed away of heart failure April 19, 2023, in Bellingham, with her entire family by her side. She was 82 years old.

Sharon was born in Oak Park, IL on March 1, 1941, to the late Robert B. Griffith and Catherine Thompson Griffith. They lived in Illinois until moving to Hot Springs, MT, and when she was a teenager the family moved to Kennewick, WA where she graduated from high school.

Sharon attended Columbia Basin Junior College and worked as a stenographer and secretary for General Electric and Boeing. She later became a small business owner, providing typesetting services called Sharon’s Type.

She married Ted Peter Ferguson, originally from Seattle in 1964, and they raised two sons Greg Falon and Brian Scott. They lived in Kennewick and later moved to Burlington, WA. Sadly, Ted passed away of heart failure in 1983 and Sharon worked tirelessly to ensure that Ted’s memory lived on, and that the family knew who he was.

Her second marriage was to Rein Neem, originally from Parnu, Estonia and later from White Rock, B.C. They married in 1990 and resided in Blaine. Sharon retired from the typesetting business and she and Rein traveled to many places such as Mexico, Canada and Hawaii.

Sharon moved to Camano Island in August 2022 to be closer to family. She had a Havanese puppy, Lucky, who brought her many smiles.

berly Calman-McMurray, is up for a 6-year regular term.

• Birch Bay Water and Sewer District, Position 2, currently held by Don Montfort, is up for a 6-year regular term. There is a plethora of Whatcom County seats up for election as well. Whatcom County Council Position 5, currently held by Ben Elenbaas, and Carol Frazey’s at-large Position B seat are up for election. The assessor, auditor, sheriff and treasurer positions are also up for election.

Finally, the Port of Bellingham, Commissioner District 3 (which represents Blaine and Birch Bay) is up for a 4-year regular term. Bobby Briscoe currently warms that seat.

For more information on how to file, visit the auditor’s office website at bit.ly/3uJXLUP. Whatcom County Council approved new precinct boundaries during its April 11 meeting that will go into effect for the August primary election. For more information, visit bit.ly/41DLpOz.

Dean Prather - Attorney at Law

Planning Wills, Probate, and Transfer on Death Deeds

Real Estate Contracts, Deeds, and Easements dean@deanpratheresquire.com

Sharon cherished her family. She loved genealogy and preserving family history. She enjoyed attending musicals, plays, and traveling. She was past president of the Whatcom County Genealogical Society, currently serving as chair of the publicity and newsletter committee. She was an active member of the Blaine Senior Center, and a proud member of the Whatcom Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Sharon was a patriot and believed strongly in the Constitution and loved our country and its military.

Sharon is survived by her sons, Greg Ferguson and his wife Kari Ferguson and grandsons Cole Ferguson and Keegan Ferguson of Stanwood, WA; Brian Ferguson and his wife Jennifer Ferguson of Camano Island, WA and grand-daughters Abigail Ferguson and Natalie Ferguson of Mt Vernon, WA; stepdaughter Carmen Payne and her husband Timothy Payne, and her stepgrandchildren Sydney Payne and Logan Payne of Maple Ridge, BC.

She will be laid to rest next to her first husband Ted Ferguson in Burlington, WA. A private family memorial service will be held graveside and a Celebration of Life will be planned in the coming months of 2023.

Donations may be made in her honor to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation https://t2t.org or the American Heart Association https://heart.org .

Please visit www.hulbushfuneralhome.com to share your thoughts and memories and sign the online guest register. Arrangements are under the care of Hulbush Funeral Home, Burlington, WA.

s The Whatcom County courthouse and civic center, 311 Grand Avenue in Bellingham, houses the audtior’s office. File photo

sheriff’s repOrts

Apr. 17, 10:38 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident on Birch Bay-Lynden and Harborview roads.

Apr. 17, 11:22 a.m.: Fraud on Deltop Drive.

Apr. 17, 12:07 p.m.: Trouble with a customer on Birch Bay Drive.

Apr. 17, 4:01 p.m.: Vandalism on East Street.

Apr. 17, 4:13 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Custer School Road, Custer.

Apr. 17, 11:42 p.m.: Traffic stop on Blaine and Legion roads. Suspect arrested for criminal traffic citation.

Apr. 18, 5:59 a.m.: Vehicle theft on Sole Drive.

Apr. 18, 9:28 a.m.: Burglary on Sole Drive.

Apr. 18, 11:56 a.m.: Mental health issue on Surf Place.

Apr. 19, 11:16 a.m.: Trespass on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

Apr. 19, 1:22 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Sweet Road.

Apr. 19, 2:48 p.m.: Arson on Birch Bay Drive.

Apr. 19, 4:11 p.m.: Theft on Shipyard Road.

Apr. 19, 7:18 p.m.: Fraud on Delta Line Road, Custer.

Apr. 19, 10:35 p.m.: Animal problem on Behme Road, Custer.

Apr. 20, 4:49 a.m.: Trespass on Birch Bay Drive.

Apr. 20, 8:07 p.m.: Animal problem on Creasey Road, Custer.

ACROSS

1. It’s all over the beach

Apr. 21, 11:05 a.m.: Theft on Drayton Harbor Road.

Apr. 21, 12:55 p.m.: Overdose on Nakat Way.

Apr. 21, 1:23 p.m.: Vandalism on Gemini Street.

Apr. 21, 1:43 p.m.: Forgery on Birch Bay-Lyndon Road, Custer.

Coming up

Apr. 21, 11:15 p.m.: Mental health issue on Surf Place.

Apr. 22, 7:43 a.m.: Trespass on Harborview Road.

Apr. 22, 9:46 a.m.: Fraud on Bridger Road.

Apr. 22, 2:21 p.m.: Vandalism on Birch Bay Drive.

pOLiCe repOrts

Apr. 14, 8:59 p.m.: Assist citizen on Peace Portal Drive.

Apr. 15, 10:53 a.m.: Subject stop on H Street.

Apr. 15, 11:03 a.m.: Welfare check on Martin Street.

Apr. 15, 1:29 p.m.: Property found on H Street.

Apr. 15, 9:53 p.m.: Assist citizen on H Street.

Apr. 16, 10:33 a.m.: Threat on Alder Street.

Apr. 17, 2:32 a.m.: Parking problem on Bell Road.

Apr. 17, 12:55 p.m.: Suspicious person on D Street.

Apr. 17, 5:46 p.m.: Trespass on 3rd Street.

Apr. 17, 10:02 p.m.: Property found on Bell Road.

Apr. 18, 6:31 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident blocking on C Street.

Apr. 18, 9:19 a.m.: Assist agency on 3rd Street.

Apr. 18, 10:46 a.m.: Neighborhood dispute on H Street.

CrOssWOrd

6. Expression of wild excitement

7. Arrange in order

Apr. 18, 10:59 a.m.: Assist citizen on H Street.

Apr. 18, 12:04 p.m.: Domestic order violation on 15th Street.

Apr. 18, 12:25 p.m.: Trespass on Marine Drive.

Apr. 18, 1:14 p.m.: Follow-up on Marine Drive.

Apr. 19, 7:55 a.m.: Disorderly conduct on 2nd Street.

Apr. 19, 10:52 a.m.: Assist citizen on H Street.

Apr. 19, 2:44 p.m.: Theft on H Street.

Apr. 19, 10:26 p.m.: Parking problem on 6th Street.

Apr. 19, 10:45 p.m.: Parking problem on C Street.

Apr. 20, 5:28 p.m.: Trespass on Peace Portal Drive.

Apr. 20, 6:19 p.m.: Trespass on C Street.

Apr. 21, 9:46 a.m.: Welfare check on Boblett Street.

Report by Blaine Police Department

47. Mars crater

48. Plant of the lily family

51. Suitable in the circumstances

52. Hillside

53. Metrical foot

54. Amazon river tributary

58. Adult male human

Into the Woods Theater Performance: April 27–29 at 7 p.m., April 30 at 2 p.m., Blaine Performing Arts Center. Blaine High School Theater Arts department perform. Adults $12, students $7.

2023 Home & Garden Show: Friday, April 28, 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., and Sunday, April 30, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., NW Washington Fairgrounds, Lynden. A weekend of fun and inspiration for the whole family. Workshops, speakers, vendor displays, live demonstrations, beer garden, wine tasting, whiskey night, kids activities and more. Tickets $8 in advance or $10 at the door. Sponsored by the Building Industry Association of Whatcom County. Info: biawc.com.

A Toxic Relationship – Plastics and Your Health: Saturday, April 29, 9:30–11:30 a.m. on Zoom. Featuring a lecture by Dr. Philip Landrigan, director of the Global Public Health Program and adjunct professor of environmental health at Boston College. Dr. Landrigan has a life-long pediatric practice and is a renowned expert on the effects of plastic on human health. Info: climate@lwvbellinghamwhatcom.org. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Bellingham-Whatcom County.

Spring Open House: Saturday, April 29, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., VW’s Home and Garden, 8210 Portal Way. Greenhouse tours from 11 a.m.–noon plus oneday sales and planter bar. Info: vwhomeandgarden.com.

Car Wash Fundraiser: Saturday, April 29, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Blaine Middle School parking lot. Corner of H and Mitchell streets. $5 donation. Fundraiser for the Blaine High School Class of 2023 safe and sober grad night. Swing into Spring Dance: Saturday, April 29, 6–9 p.m., Pioneer Pavilion, 2007 Cherry Street, Ferndale. Swing dance lessons from 6–7 p.m. and dance from 7–9 p.m. Local big band Swing Connection will be providing live music, bottled water and light snacks provided. Hosted by Ferndale Arts Commission.

Blaine High School Band and Alumni Band Performance: Tuesday, May 2, 7 p.m., Blaine High School gym. Blaine High School’s concert, jazz and wind ensemble bands will perform. Plus, in honor of BHS band director, Bob Gray’s retirement, BHS alumni are invited to attend and perform. Info: blainesd.org.

Introduction into Seed Saving: Wednesday, May 3, 6–7:30 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn how to grow and save your own home garden seeds with an expert from the Salish Seed Guild. Info: wcls.org.

Talking About Opioids: Trends, Risks, Myths, What We Must Do: Thursday, May 4, 6:30–8 p.m., Blaine Middle School Performing Arts Center. A conversation for youth and adults with local experts and programs. Guest speakers from Blaine Police, Whatcom Country Sheriff’s Department, Whatcom Health and Community Services, Birch Bay-Blaine Thrives, Blaine students. Info: kholley@blainesd.org.

Star Wars Day: Thursday, May 4, 6:30 p.m., Blaine skate park (behind the library). Dress as your favorite Star Wars character and walk together down Peace Portal Drive and back to the skate park. Free. Hosted by Greg Nuzum’s social media group, #sightings_of_blaine.

Cinco de JAZZ Party: Friday, May 5, 7–10 p.m., Blaine Senior and Community Center, 763 G Street. Performances by Blaine High School Jazz Band and Chorus, Bellingham Dixieland All Stars and swing dancing.

Admission: $15/adults, $5/students and $10/senior center members. Doors open at 6:30pm. Sponsored by Blaine Harbor Music Festival/Pacific Arts Association.

5. A cirque 8. Corpuscle count (abbr.) 11. Influential report author 13. Satisfaction

Recurring only at long intervals

8. East Indian cereal grass

9. Hillsides

10. Bird beak covering

12. Baseball stat

14. Edge of a surfboard

19. Wrapping accessory

ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

tides

1. Soviet Socialist Republic

2. Zoroastrian concept of holy fire

3. Venomous snake genus

4. Uninteresting

5. Straightforwardness

23. Express approval 24. Deduce 25. Similar 26. Born of 27. Automobile 28. Obliged to repay 29. Live in 34. Influential journalist Tarbell 35. Set aflame 36. OJ trial judge 37. Scottish town 39. African nation 40. Egg-shaped wind instrument 41. Mimic 42. Frees 44. In slow tempo 45. Sword 46. Related on the mother’s side

Weather

Precipitation: During the period of April 17-23, 0.7 inches of precipitation were recorded. The 2023 yearto-date precipitation is 9.9 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 61°F on April 22 with a low of 36°F on April 17 as well. Average high was 52°F and average low was 43°F.

Disney Breakfast: Saturday, May 6, 8:30–11:30 a.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Join the Blaine High School chamber choir for a morning of music and magic. $10 for children under 11 and seniors, $15 adults and high school students.

Blaine Market by the Sea Opening Day: Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Blaine’s G Street Plaza. Vendor info: 360/332-4544. Local artisans and vendors. Info: blainechamber.com.

Blessing of the Fleet: Sunday, May 7, 1:30 p.m., Blaine Boating Center, 235 Marine Drive. Info: bit.ly/3LuUROh.

Supper with the Superintendent: Tuesday, May 9, 6 p.m., Blaine High School orange and black box theater (entrance behind the stadium). Blaine school district superintendent Christopher Granger will host a question and answer session. Refreshments provided.

Ongoing

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.

Meals on Wheels Frozen Meals: Thursdays 11:30 a.m.–noon, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Adults 60+ pick up five frozen meals. Suggested donation $5 per meal or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040.

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 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.

Birch Bay Book Club: Wednesday, May 17, 4 p.m., Birch Bay Vogt Library site, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. May title is Walking Across Egypt by Clyde Edgerton. Info: klia1@mac.com.

Blaine Book Club: Friday, May 19, 1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. May title: The Bad Muslim Discount by Syed Masood. Info: Kelly at 360/305-3637.

Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Washington legislature fails to pass new drug law, special session is likely

State lawmakers have until July to pass a new drug possession statute in response to a 2021 Supreme Court decision that invalidated the old law. Since the legislature failed to pass a compromise bill on Sunday night before the 2023 regular session ended, a special session likely will be called to finish this work.

Senate Bill 5536, one of the last bills debated in the 105-day legislative session, failed 43-55 in the Democratic-controlled House. Several Democratic lawmakers voted against the bill, and not a single Republican supported the compromise from House and Senate Democrats.

The collapse of legislation after two years of difficult negotiations was a bitter turn for Democrats, who were set to celebrate a host of big wins secured in recent weeks: a package to ease the housing crisis, increased education funding, new dollars for a host of climate projects and new restrictions on firearms.

“I’m flummoxed, I’m flummoxed,” said House speaker Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma) shortly after the vote. Jinkins blamed the failure on House Republicans for not getting behind a deal before the existing law passed as a temporary measure. That temporary law sunsets in July.

“Their failure to provide any votes for this bill is going to result in methamphetamines, fentanyl, heroin being legalized, and the possession of those drugs, across the state of Washington,” Jinkins said.

House Republicans had warned for weeks that they didn’t support the House Democrats’ approach. They backed a version passed earlier this year in the Senate, with higher penalties for drug possession. With their objections not satisfied, several GOP House lawmakers said during the final debate that they preferred to see the bill fail, which would allow local governments in their districts to pass their own drug laws.

This sentiment was echoed by the Washington Associations of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. In a statement Sunday evening, the association said it supported the earlier Senate version of the bill, which included a gross misdemeanor penalty, which is

considered “a balanced approach to incentivize those found in possession of drugs to successfully complete treatment.”

“Local governments will have the ability to enact policies and ordinances for their communities to break the cycle of drug abuse, provide help to individuals in need, and take back our public spaces,” the statement said.

In his end-of-session news conference Sunday night, governor Jay Inslee said lawmakers must find a fix before July, which will mean calling a special legislative session sometime in the coming weeks to pass any compromise reached.

“It is unacceptable to me, it is unacceptable to the state of Washington to decriminalize drugs,” Inslee said, standing alone instead of being flanked by Democratic lawmakers touting their wins at the end of the year.

“We expect the Washington state legislature to produce a bill that will not decriminalize drugs, will provide measures for treatment and will provide some sanction for those who fail to accept treatment.”

The Washington Supreme Court’s Blake decision in 2021 invalidated decades of criminal convictions and related penalties. Lawmakers have been trying ever since to find a compromise solution.

Conservative Republicans would like to see the return of a felony statute, while the most progressive Democrats favor decriminalization. The broad middle favors some sort of criminal penalty less severe than a felony, such as a gross misdemeanor. Figuring out how to ramp up substance-use treatment programs adds another layer of complexity to the debate.

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Parks and rec district hosts first daughter’s choice dance

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2) hosted its first daughter’s choice dance at the Birch Bay Activity

Center on April 22. Young girls wore their best dresses and brought special adults in their lives to dance the evening away in

the gymnasium. Local volunteers helped supply the snacks, balloons, a photo backdrop and more.

Photos courtesy BBBPRD2