The Northern Light: May 25-31, 2023

Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay IN THIS ISSUE

May 25 - 31, 2023 FREE

Blaine residents given WCSO award, page 4

Whatcom County candidates file for August primary

B y G race M c c arthy

Whatcom County candidates are gearing up for the August 1 primary, with a number of important positions up for election. Below are positions that will most impact Blaine and Birch Bay residents:

Whatcom County Executive

The Whatcom County Executive is a nonpartisan, four-year position that is currently being held by first-term incumbent Satpal Sidhu. Sidhu is being challenged by Misty Flowers, Alicia Rule, Dan Purdy, Barry Buchanan and Sukhwant Gill.

Whatcom County Council District 4

Incumbent Kathy Kershner is being challenged by Mark Stremler and Katherine Orlowski for the district 4 seat on county council. The position is a four-year regular term and represents the greater Lynden area.

Whatcom County Council District 5

Jackie Dexter, a Blaine resident and member of Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee, is running against first-term incumbent Ben Elenbaas, who is a fifth-generation farmer and has worked at BP Cherry Point. District 5 represents the Blaine, Birch Bay, Point Roberts, Lummi Nation and Lummi Island area. The position is a four-year regular term.

Whatcom County

Council At-Large Position B

Carol Frazey is not running for a second term for one of the two at-large positions on Whatcom County Council. Atul Deshmane, Jon Scanlon, Hannah Ordos and Jerry Burns are running for the at-large position.

Blaine school board District 1

Current school board member Erika Creydt will challenge incumbent Kimberly Akre for the district 1 position, which is a four-year regular term. District 1 represents Point Roberts and part of central Blaine.

Blaine school board District 2

District 2 incumbent Dougal Thomas is not running for another term on school board.

Tana Perkins Reneau, Ben Lazarus and Dean Berkeley are vying for the empty seat, which is a four-year regular term. District 2 covers east Blaine and south of downtown.

Two other people originally filed but then withdrew from the race.

Blaine school board District 3

The district 3 school board seat has been left vacant because Erika Creydt is

(See Election, page 5)

Blaine sports onto state, page 6-7

Birch Bay Drive repavement, page 10

Thousands attend Blaine OysterFest

s Blaine Chamber of Commerce executive director Jacquee Sovereign said 5,000 people were estimated to have attended Blaine OysterFest on May 20, which is about one-third to half of the number of people who attend Blaine’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July. Over 12,600 oysters were consumed at the H and G Street plazas, Sovereign said, adding the chamber raised nearly $7,000 for local nonprofits. Net proceeds that Drayton Harbor Oyster Company raised, which were not known by press time, will go toward Drayton Harbor water-quality monitoring. Sovereign said the chamber is planning the next oyster festival for Saturday, October 7. More photos on pages 8 and 9.

PeaceHealth palliative care cuts felt in Blaine

PeaceHealth is cutting three services in Whatcom County, with the most significant being a severe reduction to the county’s only outpatient palliative care program that provides comprehensive care for people who are chronically ill.

Blaine resident Christina Needham, 70, learned PeaceHealth’s Whatcom County outpatient palliative care program would be eliminated from a staff member visiting her home in late April. Needham, who has congestive heart failure and has been homebound since being diagnosed with stage four cancer a few years ago, said she relies on the program to manage pain and offer emotional support.

“Palliative care was there for people,” Need-

ham said. “They cared when no one else did.”

Palliative care serves people with serious illnesses, such as cancer or heart failure, by focusing on relieving pain and improving quality of life. The holistic approach expands on regular health care, which is more procedural, by providing services such as chaplains and social workers. Consistent in-depth care catches symptoms before they require an emergency room visit, saving patients and insurance companies money. Unlike hospice, palliative care also gives comfort to people who are not terminally ill.

“We can’t all fit in a box,” Needham said. “We’re all different. I think it is paramount that palliative care doesn’t look at you like a

(See Health care, page 3)

Photo by Louise Mugar

Wine Maker’s Dinner

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5 Wines Paired

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City of Blaine opens survey on housing

The city of Blaine has opened a survey for people who work or live in the Blaine area to provide input on their housing situation.

The anonymous, 10-minute survey will inform city staff on housing needs as staff draft a housing action plan, which will assess the current housing situation and provide future recommendations.

The survey asks questions such as where the respondent lives, their experiences renting and whether they had barriers to purchasing a home. The questionnaire also asks for recommendations for the city.

To take the survey, visit surveymonkey.com/r/JPXVKJ7

SHOP, EAT AND READ LOCAL

Just 10 minutes south of Blaine!

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Health care ...

From page 1

box like doctors do.”

PeaceHealth cuts

The reduction to outpatient palliative care is part of larger cuts PeaceHealth is in the process of implementing. PeaceHealth spokesperson Beverly Mayhew said the healthcare system, headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, has eliminated 251 positions across Washington, Oregon and Alaska. Thirty-two of those eliminated positions were in Whatcom County, accounting for the slimmed down outpatient palliative care program and closures of the allergy and immunology clinic and overnight sleep lab.

The last day to see a physician at the allergy clinic is July 10 and the overnight sleep lab closed May 15, Mayhew said. PeaceHealth will continue sleep consultations and home sleep studies as well as refer allergy patients to PeaceHealth’s primary care providers or a specialized allergist in Bellingham.

“These changes throughout the PeaceHealth system were precipitated by the challenges all healthcare organizations in the U.S. are facing: Costs are rising faster than what we are earning for the care we provide,” Mayhew said in an email.

PeaceHealth’s decision to cut its outpatient program was made largely because it only receives a 15-20 percent reimbursement rate from insurance companies, Mayhew said.

“Palliative care is not a money-maker and it’s never been a money-maker, but it’s important care,” said Marie Eaton, community champion at the Palliative Care Institute at Western Washington University.

PeaceHealth’s outpatient palliative care program is being cut from seven to two staff members, leaving one nurse and social worker to care for about 65 patients, Mayhew said. No cuts were made to the inpatient palliative care program, which consists of three providers, two nurses, one social worker, one chaplain and an administrative assistant.

Mayhew said PeaceHealth will use a new model for palliative care that uses care navigators as well as its home health team and hospice caregivers.

“Every effort will be made to minimize the impact to patients through this transition by identifying their specific needs and aligning appropriate services,” she said.

The need for palliative care

In addition to her cancer, Needham said she has a long history of health problems that stem from a car accident when she was 20 years old. She also developed neuropathy, which has created a loss of feeling in her feet and hands, after undergoing immunotherapy to treat her cancer.

Needham will now rely on the help of a local in-home health care company, which she said only focuses on basic medical care opposed to the holistic approach of palliative care. She plans to access a chaplain and social worker through the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Cancer Center.

“There are days I’ve had to

work my way through all of those dark places you go to come out of a hole,” she said. “The chaplain helped me with that.”

Needham said palliative care doctors are better trained to prescribe opioids for pain, something she said people with chronic pain often need but doctors are hesitant to authorize.

Needham’s roommate Karen Howard, who is 77 and in a walker after a hip surgery, helps look after her. Howard described their situation as silent suffering, where they’re hidden from the world’s view aside from a few neighbors who know of their condition.

“People in our circumstance can’t get out and raise a ruckus,” said Howard, a former nurse. “I would sit outside of PeaceHealth with a sign if I could.”

Eaton, with the Palliative Care Institute, said she was worried about the ability of primary care doctors, who already have long waitlists, to help fill the gap.

Both Needham and Eaton said they were concerned about not having palliative care as Whatcom County’s population ages.

According to the most recent U.S. Census data, 18.3 percent of the county’s population is 65 years old or over.

Opponents to the program’s cut have also voiced concern that seriously ill patients will frequent the emergency room more often.

“It’s a chaotic cycle of in and out of the emergency room,” Eaton said. “The outpatient palliative care program was designed to have people stay at home and have their symptoms managed as well as could be that would give them the best quality of life they could have, given the nature of their illness.”

Dr. Bree Johnston, who was PeaceHealth’s first palliative care specialist in Bellingham, said she was concerned PeaceHealth’s proposed outpatient model won’t truly be palliative care because it won’t have a palliative physician to provide symptom control, including through opioid prescriptions.

“The model they have pro-

posed is not really a palliative care model,” she said. “It’s not the same at all as what palliative care has been for these patients.”

PeaceHealth donors

Local donors raised about $2.5 million for an outpatient palliative care program in 2018 after seeing a need that the inpatient program could not address. That money secured the first five years of program funding, set to expire in 2023, and PeaceHealth committed to supporting the program’s longevity, according to the PeaceHealth website.

While many of the palliative care supporters said they understood the financial challenges PeaceHealth is facing, they voiced that there should have been a way to save outpatient palliative care. Eaton and Needham said they wished PeaceHealth would have given Whatcom County residents enough advance notice about the reduction plan so they could try to fundraise to sustain it.

“I’m quite distressed that the PeaceHealth leadership did not come back to the community that funded that program to say, ‘We’re in a budget crisis and can you help us keep the program alive?’” Eaton said. “There was no consultation with the people in the community who worked so hard to develop a robust palli-

ative care program.”

Mayhew said PeaceHealth has heard from many voices in the community and is taking stock of the concerns and discussions are continuing.

Needham said she worries about the other people in Whatcom County who will be left to find new services, especially

those who are in the outer reaches, such as Blaine and Birch Bay.

“We need to take care of the most vulnerable people in our county because that reflects who we are as a community,” Needham said. “If we’re not taking care of the people who can’t fight back, then we’re not taking care of our community.”

Live Entertainment

s Christina Needham, 70, at her home in Blaine on May 22, following PeaceHealth’s decision to severely reduce its outpatient palliative care program in Whatcom County. Needham, who has stage four cancer and is homebound, has relied on palliative care for pain management and emotional support.

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

Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Gary Lee sales@pointrobertspress.com

General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com

Contributors In This Issue Doug Dahl

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

Tel: 360/332-1777

Vol XXVIII, No 49

Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

From l.; East Blaine residents Jim Block, 93, and Audry Block, 87, were presented the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Distinguished Citizenship Award from sheriff Bill Elfo on May 18. The couple were honored for their support of local law enforcement, which has included bringing out treats, checking on deputies and inviting deputies into their home for meals and holiday gatherings. WCSO hosted an awards ceremony with several honors in celebration of National Police Week.

Photo courtesy WCSO

Blaine residents presented with WCSO award OpiniOn Letters

The Editor:

I write in response to Ms. Starr’s letter about the military-grade gun ban. Her letter contains misinformation about these guns.

I’ve no idea what she means by a “military grade weapons” ban by the state of Washington. I am guessing she is talking about the AR-15 (modern sporting rifle) and other semi-automatic rifles the state recently banned. The AR-15 is not a military grade weapon and never has been even though it looks a lot like its close cousins, the M-16 and M-4 military rifles. The difference is military rifles can fire fully automatic or in some form of burst whereas the AR-15 fires one bullet for each trigger pull. The AR-15 is incredibly popular as it is a great gun for home defense and marksmanship/target shooting.

Ms. Starr is correct that guns are sadly now the leading cause of youth deaths. Modern sporting rifles and other semiautomatic rifles are not the driving factor of these deaths. Are they deadly when used with bad intentions? Absolutely. Just as is any weapon (knife/club/car).

The AR-15 is not really suited for hunting larger animals (deer) mainly because the bullet is small and has difficulty penetrating the thick hide. The .223/5.56 bullet does not make an animal inedible unless it is a squirrel or rabbit I suppose as there would not be much left.

As a veteran I take issue with her statement that “many veterans” suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from seeing or hearing these weapons fired. I certainly do not. No doubt some may have issues but not “many.” Please do not label veterans this way.

As we have seen throughout recent history, tyrannical governments first come after the citizens’ ability to defend themselves. I highly recommend that Ms. Starr read more on the history of the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Blue states continue to punish lawful gun owners and let criminals who use guns run free. Washington state’s ban on these guns will rightly be overturned.

Mike Harkleroad Blaine

The Editor:

Look at House Bill 1144. The Democrats erased in the bill any reference of all semiautomatic rifles and added the addendum semiautomatic “all firearms.”

This is out of the Communist playbook to disarm the populace. They will settle for

rifles now but creep into handguns; Inslee is a Communist sympathizer. Ergo the Green New Deal. Please pay attention to politics, state, federal or local. Democrats want disarmament and obedience to their rule. Please pay attention to votes.

All representatives for Whatcom County, including U.S. representative Rick Larsen at the federal level, are all Democrats. I asked each how they voted on HB 1144 over two months ago and none of the representatives have responded. I also asked if they believed that criminals would obey this law. Again, no response. I also asked if this was against the U.S. Constitution. Again, no response.

I am moving out of Whatcom County at this time for personal reasons, and I hope people living in Whatcom County wake up.

Bruce Kay Birch Bay

The Editor:

I want to thank some very special and dedicated healthcare professionals and staff who have been providing critical and necessary palliative care to members of our community, including myself.

PeaceHealth recently made major cuts to this program that employed specialized services for individuals with complex and challenging care needs who do not otherwise qualify for hospice. The palliative care team includes medical, nursing, pharmaceutical, spiritual and social services.

As a consumer of these services, I am truly saddened and frustrated by PeaceHealth’s decision to terminate the care and support provided by this program.

This team has assisted me with invaluable support related to my comfort, medical and emotional needs due to my illness. It is concerning that this local care team will no longer be here when other members of this community and I next need them.

To all of you wonderful healthcare professionals and staff at palliative care, thank you.

This inglorious ending to a much-needed program, without any community input or consideration, is a disgrace. This is just one more example of our broken healthcare system.

Karen Lerner

Bellingham

The Editor:

PeaceHealth management in Vancouver, Washington is well known for making decisions that run counter to the common

good.

When the Covid-19 pandemic began, a St. Joseph Medical Center emergency department physician voiced concerns about inadequate personal protective equipment and the need for better triaging of ER patients to avoid infections. What did PeaceHealth do? They fired him.

PeaceHealth’s decision to cut outpatient palliative care services is the latest example that they are tone-deaf to the communities it serves. They claim cuts are necessary because of lost revenue during the pandemic. It is true that hospital revenues throughout the U.S. decreased.

However, relief of suffering for seriously ill patients should be PeaceHealth’s North Star. Slashing the outpatient palliative care program illustrates the lack of insight into the heart and soul of our community. It was community members who provided generous and vital seed money to launch the program, which is considered essential to quality healthcare.

Palliative programs show outcome improvements across the spectrum – better patient experience scores, lower 30-day readmission rates, fewer ER visits, shorter ICU stays, decreased hospital mortality and less cost per Medicare beneficiary. These measures are all part of how hospitals get ranked and paid. On that basis alone, how can PeaceHealth justify its decision?

Hospital-based and community-based palliative care avoids unnecessary costs. These avoided costs may not show up immediately, but it is penny-wise and pound-foolish for PeaceHealth to deny that the best organizations offer palliative care.

Obvious from legally mandated, publicly available 990 forms, the increased compensation that hospital executives received, during the pandemic, could cover the cost to maintain this vital service to the sick and suffering who have nowhere else to turn.

I suggest that locally, PeaceHealth invite the community to an open forum in which patients, donors, caregivers and all stakeholders be given the opportunity to express their concerns and get answers. That would be the honorable way to address the discontent that PeaceHealth’s actions created.

Micki Jackson Bellingham

Election ...

From page 1

now in district 1. The position is a two-year unexpired term.

Jeff Carrington, commissioner for Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2, is running against Cliff Freeman, who is listed as the president of Blaine Athletic Booster Club.

Blaine school board District 4

District 4 incumbent Charles Gibson is not running for another term after serving on the school board since being appointed in 2006. Ryan Ford and Derrick Bovenkamp are running for the position, which is a four-year regular term.

Blaine school board District 5

District 5 incumbent Don Leu is running unopposed for the two-year unexpired term. District 5 represents Semiahmoo and south Blaine.

Blaine City Council

Ward 1 Position 1

Incumbent Richard May is running unopposed for city council after two people withdrew from the position 1 race. The seat is a four-year regular term and represents east Blaine.

Blaine City Council

Ward 2 Position 3

Councilmember Garth Baldwin will not run for another fouryear regular term on city council.

Steven Tojek and Sonia Hurt are running for the position.

Ward 2 represents a section of central Blaine that is west of I-5 and runs from south of Boblett Street near the Bell Road intersection.

Blaine City Council

Ward 3 Position 5

Mary Lou Steward is running unopposed for the position 5 seat on city council. Ward 3 represents Semiahmoo and a section of central Blaine west of 6th Street and north of Boblett Street.

Port of Bellingham District 3 commissioner

Incumbent Bobby Briscoe will run unopposed for the four-year regular term. Briscoe has served as commissioner since 2016 and represents Blaine and Birch Bay in district 3.

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2

Incumbents Jesse Creydt and David Wilbrecht are running unopposed for the commissioner positions they currently hold. John Roy, owner of the newly-opened Birch Bay Bike Shop, is running unopposed for the commissioner position 3, currently held by Jeff Carrington. The commissioner positions are four-year regular terms.

Birch Bay Water and Sewer District commissioner 2 Incumbent Don Montfort is running unopposed for commissioner, which is a six-year regular term.

Fire Protection District 21

Incumbents Bruce Ansell, Matthew Rigberg and Kimberly McMurray are running unopposed for the commissioner positions they currently hold.

Sheriff

Whatcom County undersheriff

Doug Chadwick and Blaine police chief Donnell “Tank” Tanksley are running for county sheriff.

Bill Elfo is retiring after serving as sheriff since 2003. The position is a four-year regular term.

Auditor

Whatcom County chief deputy auditor Stacy Henthorn is running unopposed for auditor after an opponent withdrew from the race. Diana Bradrick is retiring as county auditor.

Assessor Incumbent Rebecca Xczar will run unopposed for the four-year regular term.

Treasurer Incumbent Steven Oliver will run unopposed for another fouryear regular term.

CITY OF BLAINE

Monday, May 29

Offices Closed – Memorial Day

Tuesday, June 6

8:30am – Ad Hoc Advisory Committee – Special Meeting

Thursday, June 8 9:00am – Parks and Cemetery Board Meeting 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting

Monday, June 12 6:00pm – City Council Meeting

Monday, June 19

Offices Closed – Juneteenth Holiday

Monday, June 26 6:00pm – City Council Meeting

Member of the Month Westside Pizza

1733 H Street, #200 (Next to Cost Cutter) Blaine, WA 98230 360-392-8922

westsidepizza.com/locations/blaine

Number of employees: 15

How long in business: Opened February 2022.

Description of the business: Serving

Lady Borderites kick down state door as bi-district champions

Last year, Blaine girls varsity softball season ended with a 7-6 loss to the Mount Baker Mountaineers in the third round of the 1A district 1/2 consolation bracket. Mount Baker went on to beat the Lynden Christian Lyncs to advance to the 1A state tournament.

“We were knocking on the door,” head coach Sean Miller said after Blaine’s 2022 season. “And next year I think we’ll kick the door down.”

On May 20, the Lady Borderites won the 1A district 1/2 championship at Janicki Fields in Sedro-Woolley, after sophomore Shaylie Daniels stole home on a wild pitch to beat the Mountaineers 8-7. The title secured Blaine a top-four seed in the 1A state championship tournament in Richland May 25-27 and more than justified its coach.

“We’re district champions, bi-district champions here. That’s unbelievable,” an emotional Miller said after the game Saturday. “I’m so happy for these kids.”

It’s Blaine’s first softball dis-

Blaine

relay

B y I an h aupt

Blaine’s 4x100 relay team and sophomore Josiah Weeda will travel to Yakima this week to compete at the state championship meet, after both took second in their events at the 1A district 1/2 meet at Lynden Christian High School May 18 and 20.

trict championship. The last time Blaine softball went to state was in 2009.

Blaine came into the championship game favorites, but Mount Baker made it a contest. The Lady Borderites took an early lead, scoring in the first two innings, with RBIs from junior Jordyn Vezzetti and senior MaKenna Wright.

Mount Baker pushed a run in at the top of the third inning after multiple walks, but Blaine re-

sponded. Freshman Mesa Puls and Daniels each pushed in a run. After a scoreless fourth inning, Blaine’s standout pitcher Emersyn Bakker began to struggle and was replaced by senior Piper Nissen.

Miller said Bakker’s exhaustion was due to heat and possibly the team’s overreliance on her.

“It’s daunting. When you think about it, we’ve put so much emphasis on [Bakker], she’s been the center of what we’re doing,”

he said. “And Piper got to step in today and got the win. So that was good for her. It was good for her confidence, because we’re going to need her over there at state.”

The Mountaineers tied up the game at 5’s going into the bottom of the fifth. Vezzetti made it 7-5 with a two-run RBI double.

Mount Baker tied it up again with a two-run homerun in the top of the sixth, and Blaine couldn’t respond. Two pop-outs and a

strikeout from Baker in the seventh gave Blaine the chance to win it. With two outs and bases loaded, Bakker stepped up to the plate. The count was 2-2 when a deflected, wild pitch went into the dirt and Miller sent Daniels home from third. She slid into home base, winning the game 8-7. The Blaine fans and bench erupted.

“Unbelievable,” Miller said after the game. “Mount Baker played us really well.”

The team finished the game with 14 hits. Daniels had four hits in four at-bats on the day. Both Vezzetti and Wright had a RBI single and double each.

Blaine beat the Meridian Trojans 6-5 and mercy-ruled the Lynden Christian Lyncs 13-0 on the first day, May 18, to get to the bi-district championship. The Lyncs fought back through the consolation bracket to qualify for state, beating Mount Baker 13-2 May 20.

Miller and his assistant coach and daughter Riley Miller took over the Blaine program in 2019. (See Softball, next page)

team, hurdler move on to state from bi-districts

Weeda, who is also a member of the relay team, finished second in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 15.73 seconds. University Prep junior Max Seitz beat Weeda with a personal record of 15.29 seconds. Meridian had three athletes finish third, fourth and fifth, two of which ran personal records. The top six athletes qual-

ified from the event.

Blaine track and field head coach Mark Schultz said Weeda had strong runs throughout the season that showed he would be in contention of qualifying for the state meet. “I believe he’s in solid contention to be a state finalist,” he said about Weeda.

Schultz said the relay team

qualifying was a surprise.

The sprint relay team, composed of sophomore Colby Shipp, Weeda, junior Justin Minjarez and sophomore AJ Bennett, ran 400 meters in 45.21 seconds to claim the runner-up spot. Seattle Academy won with a time of 43.23 seconds. The top four teams qualified for state,

and second through fifth place were separated by nearly a half of a second.

“The relays were pretty wild and crazy,” Schultz said.

Blaine beat two teams – Lynden Christian and Mount Baker – it lost to at the district championships on May 12, which Schultz said was largely due to clean exchanges from the Borderites. Meridian’s relay team, which won at districts, didn’t make it out of the preliminary round.

The last time Blaine had a 4x100 relay team qualify for state was in 1994.

The WIAA 1B, 2B, 1A Track and Field Championships will be held Thursday, May 25 through Saturday, May 27 at Zaepfel Stadium at Eisenhower High School in Yakima.

Other Blaine athletes narrowly missed qualifying spots. Senior Madeleine Ernst threw a personal record of 107 feet, 9 inches to take fifth in the women’s javelin. Schultz said a Sultan athlete threw a 10-foot personal record to beat Ernst and, unfortunately, only four athletes qualify for state. Ernst was a foot off a qualifying spot.

This was Schultz’s first year as head track coach. He said the team struggled with low participation and injuries throughout the season, but having Weeda and the relay team qualify for state in his first year with the program is promising.

“It’s great to have an individual athlete, but I think there’s an added element to having a relay team qualify for state,” Schultz said. “I think it lays the groundwork for the team to continue to be successful.”

s Shaylie Daniels makes contact in Blaine’s 8-7 win over Mount Baker May 20. Daniels had four hits in four at-bats on the day.

Photo by Ian Haupt

s Assistant coach Riley Miller praises Shaylie Daniels for another base hit.

Photo by Ian Haupt

s Madeleine Ernst threw a personal record of 107 feet, 9 inches in the javelin to take fifth, just missing state qualification.

Photo by Molly Ernst

s Josiah Weeda, r., in the 110-meter hurdles final at Lynden Christian High School May 20.

Photo by Molly Ernst

Miller said they had 17 players their first year and won three games. The program now has two teams, and the varsity team had an 18-2 overall record before the playoffs. Miller credits Riley for the team’s cohesiveness.

“She’s the person that really bonded these kids and brought them all together,” Miller said. “She has so much passion for the game. I’m so thankful to have her as my assistant.”

Riley graduated from Blaine High School in 2016 and played varsity softball all four years. She started coaching the current ju-

nior class, which consists of Bakker, Vezzetti and others, when they were in sixth grade.

Riley said the championship game was very similar to a game earlier this season in Montesano against Bellevue Christian High School, which the girls won 1312. She said she had full belief her girls would find a win Saturday.

“I really didn’t have any doubt that they would pull it off,” Riley said.

The state tournament is at Columbia Playfields in Richland.

The Lady Borderites will play their first game at 1 p.m. Friday, May 26 against the winner of No.

5 Riverside and No. 12 Kiona

Benton. As the fourth seed, the girls could meet No. 1 seed Montesano, who they lost to 4-1 earlier this season, in the semifinal.

Miller said they’ll use it to their advantage.

“We’re going to take the mentality of the underdog and come out with a chip on our shoulder,” he said.

s The Lady Borderites celebrate their bi-district championship win at home plate.

Photo by Ian Haupt

s Blaine’s 4x100 relay team from l., Colby Shipp, Justin Minjarez, AJ Bennett and Josiah Weeda.

Photo by Maddy Ernst

s Piper Nissen pitches in Blaine’s 8-7 win May 20. Photo by Ian Haupt

(See Softball, previous page)

Blaine OysterFest May 2023

Blaine OysterFest drew a crowd of about 5,000 people to downtown Blaine on May 20 for its second event. The festival offered a variety of entertainment, includ-

ing a street fair, Semiahmoo Resort cooking demonstration, live music, Beach Cat Brewing beer garden and kids food court. The seafood barbecue’s net proceeds

went to local nonprofits. BlaineBirch Bay Park and Recreation District 2’s Picnic in the Park provided kids activities at Blaine Marine Park.

Photo by Louise Mugar

Photo by Louise Mugar

Photo by Grace McCarthy

Photo by Ruth Lauman

Photo by Louise Mugar

Photo by Grace McCarthy

Photo by Grace McCarthy

Photo by Grace McCarthy

Photo by Louise Mugar

Photo by Louise Mugar

Photo by Louise Mugar

Birch Bay Drive repaving to start after Fourth of July

Whatcom County public works crews will repave Birch Bay Drive this summer with work starting in July.

Plans for the Birch Bay Drive Pavement Rehabilitation project

Did you know this about

Dental

Many pet health experts say that a pet’s first professional dental examination and cleaning should occur at around age two or three. Ideally, pet parents should brush their pets’ teeth daily to ensure that plaque and tartar does not accumulate and lead to significant periodontal issues. Older pets tend to require more frequent brushings,

include grinding and repaving

2.25 miles of Birch Bay Drive from Jackson Road to Alderson Road, Lora Lane to Shintaffer Road and the section of Harborview Road from Birch Bay Drive to Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Crews will also replace and construct sidewalks, Americans with Disabilities Act ramps and rapid flashing beacons at crosswalks.

Construction work will start July 10 and finish in October, according to public works.

Drivers and pedestrians should expect short, single-lane closures during the day while crews work on utility holes, sidewalks, pedestrian curb ramps and driveway entrances. All grinding and paving operations will occur at night, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday night through Friday morning, and include longer single-lane road closures.

Each road section will be repaved by the weekend, according to public works.

More information and project updates can be found at bit. ly/3MO9fBU.

pet’s dental health?

while younger pets and small dog breeds may not need daily brushing.

There are plenty of pet-safe toothpastes available; do not use a human toothpaste, as such products contain ingredients that are not safe for pets. Pets should be acclimated to having their teeth brushed at an early age to make it easier to do so in ensuing years.

In addition to brushing, pet

owners can help their pets keep teeth clean by providing dental-friendly snacks and toys that can be chewed to scrub teeth.

Also, feeding pets a nutritious diet that consists of some hard food to scour teeth during eating also is helpful. Some foods contain additives that help keep plaque from hardening into tartar, so speak with a dentist to see if this is appropriate for the pet’s needs.

LIVE-IN HOUSEKEEPER in exchange for rent in Birch Bay. 360-371-5059.

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

Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: May 5, 2023 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication: May 11, 2023

Name of Administrator: LAKEN BUDGE

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

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

Telephone: (360) 325-2550

Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com

DATED: May 5, 2023 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262

Attorney for Administrator LAKEN BUDGE www.averyelderlaw.com

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

Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: May 11, 2023 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication: May 18, 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: May 11, 2023 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator CINDY MAXWELL www.averyelderlaw.com

LANDSCAPING & More!

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.

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: DALE HENRY DYKSTRA, Deceased. No. 234-00485-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge David E. Freeman The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 AND 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors:

May 9, 2023 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication: May 18, 2023

Name of Administrator: MELISSA WEAVER

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

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: THOMAS HAMILTON EDWARD (AKA TOM HAMILTON EDWARD), Deceased. No. 23-4-00476-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge David E. Freeman

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

Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors:

May 8, 2023 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication:

May 11, 2023

Name of Administrator:

SHAWN EDWARD

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

Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550 Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com DATED: May 8, 2023

Bay Properties

SF attached garage, 272 SF patio, 317 SF balcony, built in 2017; partial marine view, .45 acres land.

2- story house with 3,106 SF, 3 BD, 3 BA, 670 SF built-in garage, 540 SF deck, built in 2022, .33 acres land; marine and territorial view.

1-story house with 1,396 SF, 3 BD, 2 BA, 624 SF attached garage, 336 SF deck, built in 1973, waterfront; marine view, .20 acres land.

New 1-story house with 1,923 SF, 3 BD, 2 BA, 800 SF attached garage, built in 2022; marine and territorial view, .23 acres land.

1-and a half story house with 2,854 SF, 4 BD, 3 BA, 594 SF attached garage, 242 SF patio, built in 2014, 2,400 SF storage built in 1994, .33 acres land.

3-story house with 2,960 SF, 3 BD, 4 BA, bonus room, built-in garage, built in 2022; marine and territorial view, .25 acres land.

New house built in 2022.

2-story house with 2,800 SF, 3 BD, 3 BA, 725 SF attached garage, 700 SF patio, built in 2003, . 35 acres land.

1-story house with 2,725 SF, 3 BD, 3 BA, 1,200 SF attached garage, 462 SF patio, 466 SF deck, built in 1994, .37 acres land.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES:

Store with 1,874 SF, 1,900 SF basement, remodeled in 1975; marine view, .09 acres land.

LAND:

5 Residential lots #s 44, 45. 46, 47, 66 16.97 acres agricultural land.

4 Residential lots #s 1, 2, 33, 34

3 Residential lots #s 39, 41, 42

4 Residential lots #s 5, 36, 37, 61

1 Residential lot # 40

2 Residential lots #s 3, 49

3 Residential lots #s 38, 43, 65

6 Residential lots #s 4, 7, 35, 50, 55, 56

14 lots 6, 51, 52, 53, 54, 57-60, 63, 64 ,67 and parcels MF-6, MF-7 (Harbor Hills)

2 Residential lots #s 48, 62

6 parcels MF-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8

#305, Pacific Point, 9545 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine 9125 Shearwater Road, Blaine

5412 Lonicera Drive, Blaine 5467 Tsawwassen Loop, Blaine

8141 Cowichan Road, Blaine

1515 D. Street, Blaine 5468 Lasiandra Drive, Blaine

5682 Lux Lane, Blaine 8637 Great Horned Owl Lane, Blaine 8755 Wood Duck Way, Blaine

633 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine

East Maple Ridge, Div.11, and Harbor Hills Pkwy, Blaine

East Maple Ridge,

Pkwy, Blaine

East Maple Ridge, Div.11, and Harbor Hills Pkwy, Blaine Harbor Hills Parkway, Blaine

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 1-800-877-0246.

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 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 1-800-877-0246.

Road Rules: Dealing with tailgaters

Question: What is the appropriate, safe, and legal response when I am traveling in a center lane, at the speed limit, boxed in by other traffic, and a non-emergency vehicle speeds up behind me and starts flashing its high-beams?

Answer: What do you already know about the driver this person is asking about, just from this question? Besides that. Yes, they’re feeling an excessive sense of urgency. As a practice, it’s wise to separate yourself from those kinds of drivers, and it sounds like you’re looking for the best way to do that.

Legally, you’re not violating any laws by remaining in your lane. There isn’t a law called driving too close to the vehicle behind you. The law requires drivers to travel in “the righthand lane then available for traffic,” and from your description, you can’t move any further right. It’s not your responsibility to give that driver a clear path but, even so, it’s probably appropriate (which is to say, a suitable option given the circumstances). Having someone on your tail flashing their highbeams at you can ramp up your own driving stress. You don’t want to let the anxiety or urgency of other drivers push you to feel the same.

You probably don’t need to hear this, but someone might: another driver violating traffic law in a way that affects you does not give you permission to also violate the law. Yes, the driver that’s tailgating and flashing their highbeams is disregarding at least two laws (following too closely and use of multiple-beam road-lighting equipment.) That doesn’t justify a response of brake-checking the driver behind you. Tailgating is already a high-risk behavior; why would anyone want to compound it by slamming on their brakes in front of that driver?

Wouldn’t it be great if you could say to the person behind you, “I see you, and I’ll move over as soon as there’s a gap in traffic.” Given the limited communication tools available for drivers, if your plan is to move over, activate your turn signal (even if you don’t yet have a gap to move into.) This lets the driver behind you know you see him. (It’s probably a him. Men are over three times more likely than women to be involved in a serious or fatal crash involving following too closely.)

Beyond your turn signal, how friendly do you want to get? If you can see the driver through your rearview mirror, I suppose you could also offer a wave, followed by a hand shrug (when you hold up your arm

and relax your wrist with your palm facing up) to let them know you see them but there’s nothing you can do at the moment. Of course, hand signals are easily misinterpreted, so use discerningly.

It’s difficult to be patient when someone’s on your bumper, but don’t let that driver rush you into the other lane, cutting off another driver. To make sure you’re leaving that driver enough room, wait until you can see the entire front bumper of the car you’re pulling in front of in your rearview mirror before moving into the lane.

And to the people following too closely, if you’re a chronic tailgater, it’s time to reevaluate your driving. The rest of us know it’s not helping, because we end up right behind you at the next off-ramp. There are a lot of us who aren’t doing it (I know because they email me questions like this). Join us in making our roads safer for everyone. You’ll also benefit from less stress as you’re driving and arrive happier. Win-win!

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

Dorita L. Gray (Whelan)

December 7, 1956 – May 5, 2023

Dorita L. Gray (Whelan) of Ferndale, passed away at Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham on May 5, 2023. She was born on December 7, 1956 in Fort Collins, CO to Jonathan and Aili Whelan, joining three brothers (Denny, Don and Dean) and two sisters (Debbie and Danette). Dorita graduated from Poudre High School (Go Impalas!) in Fort Collins and, after working for a year, began her studies at Western Washington University, majoring in industrial design. In her freshman year at WWU (Go Vikings!), she met a young music education major named Bob Gray; they started dating, became a couple, enjoyed college at Western, and were married on June 27, 1981 in Seattle. Six weeks later Bob started teaching at the Blaine School District and Dorita began her wonderful, creative pursuit of a more artful community.

Dorita was a bright, engaging woman, quick with a smile and a positive word. She was passionate and emotional; maybe a tad opinionated and not shy about sharing. Dorita was a talented, innovative artist creating mostly hand-built porcelain and stoneware jewelry. In the 1980s, she served as a volunteer administrator for Allied Arts of Whatcom County, she sat on numerous arts boards, she was an integral member of the Blaine Fine Arts Association for decades, and she was a primary organizer for the BFAA’s “Arts & Jazz!” celebration. Dorita was also the best ever school band volunteer, chaperone, fundraiser, supporter, etc.; a “Band Mom” for many in our crazy, loving Band Family at Blaine High School (Go Borderites!).

Dean

- Attorney at Law

Dorita loved her dogs; Marcus, Jackson and Henry, 40 years of golden retrievers! She loved looking at the stars, especially the Perseid meteor shower in August. She loved roadtrips with Bob, for many years to Colorado and then anywhere in the Northwest looking for new routes and roads. Dorita loved her family and friends, she thoroughly enjoyed the many visitors who came to share their hearts during her 42 days in hospice. And, Dorita loved Bob and he loved her. Dorita was proud of her Finnish heritage and worked daily to embody the Finnish concept: Sisu, that is to exhibit strength and dogged perseverance when faced with difficulties or hardships. Dorita’s strength and positive attitude while seeking answers on this long, difficult walk with cancer are a true inspiration.

Dorita îs preceded in death by her parents, Jonathan and Aili Whelan; her father-in-law, Bob Gray, Sr.; her brothers Denny, Don and Dean Whelan; and her brother-in-law, Bob Comegys. Dorita is survived by her husband of 41 years, Bob Gray; her sisters Debbie Comegys of Severance, CO and Danette Gardner (Doyle) of Fort Collins, CO; her mother- and sister-in-law Donna Gray and Sharon Gray of Lake Stevens, WA; and her numerous Whelan and Gray cousins, nieces and nephews.

Dorita and Bob, as well as Donna, Sharon, Debbie and Danette, and all of our extended Blaine family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Whatcom Hospice House for their attentive assistance and loving care during Dorita’s stay. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to either the Blaine Fine Arts Association, Blaine, WA or Whatcom Hospice House, Bellingham, WA. A Celebration of Life for Dorita is planned for this summer, date and time to be announced.

JoAnne Dwyer

August 22, 1947 – May 3, 2023

Our sweet sister, aunt, cousin and best friend will be missed so much.

JoAnne was born in Oakland, CA and graduated from Centralia High school in 1965. She then attended Central Washington University where she received a BA in education. She was hired by the Seattle School District where she spent many years as an elementary school teacher. She went back to college and received her Masters Degree and Principal certification in education in 1985 from Seattle Pacific University. She then became a Consulting Special Education Teacher until her retirement in July 2004.

She was a champion of every underdog, both human and dogs too. She always rescued the senior dogs that no one wanted. She also championed for the students who needed additional support as a special education teacher.

When she retired she moved to a condo in Blaine, with a beautiful view overlooking the water. It was her pride and joy. She loved living in Blaine and volunteered at the food bank and Friends of the Library. She always supported her local artisans and crafters.

Her favorite things were yearly sister trips, mermaids, seashells and glass balls.

She was preceded in death by her father Ed Dwyer; her Mother June Dwyer; and her Brother Phil Dwyer

She is survived by her four sisters: Sheila Dwyer, Peggy (Michael) Smith, Patricia (Don) Richardson, Susie (Ed) Schneider; sister-in-law Susan Dwyer and her best friend of 50+ years Cheri Fraley. She also had many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews that she adored. We will miss our beloved JoJo Forever! A memorial will be held at a later date.

sheriff’s repOrts

May 12, 8:05 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Drayton Harbor and Blaine roads.

May 12, 8:51 a.m.: Suspicious person on Burk Road.

May 12, 1:07 p.m.: Domestic order violation on Cambridge Loop.

May 12, 5 p.m.: Missing person on Salish Lane.

May 12, 6:37 p.m.: Trespass on Grandview Road.

May 13, at midnight: Juvenile problem on Birch Bay Drive and Harborview Road.

May 13, 10:35 p.m.: Music on Cedar Street.

May 14, 12:57 a.m.: Domestic physical on East Street.

May 14, 1:25 a.m.: Minor in possession of alcohol on Loomis Trail Road, Custer.

May 14, 7:25 p.m.: Disorderly conduct on Birch Bay Drive and Alderson Road.

May 15, 4:34 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident with pedestrian on Morgan Drive and Harborview Road.

May 15, 6:03 p.m.: Harassment on Anderson Road.

May 15, 6:57 p.m.: Trouble with subject on Bay Road.

May 15, 7:34 p.m.: Harassment on Bay Road.

May 15, 7:35 p.m.: Suspicious person on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer.

May 16, 11:16 a.m.: Suspicious person on Valley View Road, Custer.

May 16, 11:25 a.m.: Mental health issue on Harborview Road.

May 16, 12:58 p.m.: Fight on Harborview Road.

May 16, 6:04 p.m.: Theft on Shipyard Road.

May 17, 1:23 a.m.: Suicidal subject on Seavue Road.

May 17, 12:55 p.m.: Burglary on Blaine Road. Suspect arrested.

May 17, 8:24 p.m.: Domestic order violation on Harbor Drive. Suspect arrested.

Coming up

May 18, 12:12 a.m.: Domestic verbal on Sunrise Road.

May 18, 1:46 p.m.: Domestic physical on Harbor Drive. Suspect arrested.

May 18, 8:54 p.m.: Runaway on Halibut Drive.

May 19, 6:03 a.m.: Trespass on Birch Terrace Drive, Custer.

May 19, 11:37 a.m.: Traffic hazard on Drayton Harbor Road.

pOLiCe repOrts

May 12, 2:14 p.m.: Domestic order on 4th Street.

May 12, 2:13 p.m.: Sex crime (no rape) on H Street.

May 12, 8:02 p.m.: Assist citizen on H Street.

May 12, 8:23 p.m.: Serve paper on Portal Way.

May 12, 11:57 p.m.: Suspicious on Birch Court.

May 13, 12:34 a.m.: Vandalism on Adelia Street.

May 13, 9:46 p.m.: Vandalism on Kingsley Avenue.

May 13, 3:54 p.m.: Civil problem on Alder Street.

May 13, 6:24 p.m.: Theft on 12th Street.

May 14, 6:21 p.m.: Assist citizen on Harbor Drive.

May 15, 8:12 a.m.: Animal problem on Cherry Street.

May 15, 10:43 a.m.: Landlord tenant dispute on Clyde Street.

May 15, 3:29 p.m.: Vandalism

CrOssWOrd

12. South Korean idol singer

14. Pirate 17. Pituitary hormone (abbr.)

18. Mistake 20. Promotions 23. Prepares 24. Partner to flowed

25. State lawyer

26. Patti Hearst’s captors

29. Pound

30. Electronic data processing

31. Sports player

32. Treats with contempt

35. Apprehend

on Milhollin Drive.

May 15, 6:47 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Marine Drive.

May 15, 11:12 p.m.: Runaway on Clyde Street.

May 16, 12:23 p.m.: Assault simple on H Street.

May 16, 9:11 p.m.: Threat on Peace Portal Drive.

May 16, 10:01 p.m.: Serve paper on Madison Avenue.

May 17, 7:18 a.m.: Juvenile problem on F Street.

May 17, 9:44 a.m.: Juvenile problem on Bayview Avenue.

May 17, 4:40 p.m.: Assault simple on Clyde Street.

May 18, 1:19 p.m.: Serve paper on H Street.

May 18, 1:45 p.m.: Suspicious circumstance on Canvasback Road.

May 18, 4:49 p.m.: Theft on Peace Portal Drive.

Report by Blaine Police Department

44. Male parent 45. The 23rd letter of the Greek alphabet

46. Female bird

47. Autonomic nervous system

ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

tides

May 25-31 at Blaine.

Double Art Exhibition: Tuesdays – Saturdays, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., through July 15, Gallery Syre, 465 West Stuart Road, Bellingham. Featuring a new drawing exhibition by local artist David Syre and a photography exhibition by Andy Bronson and Hailey Hoffman. Info: gallerysyre.com.

Amphibians of the Northwest: Saturday, May 27, 3 p.m., Birch Bay State Park wildlife theater. Hop along with our local amphibians at a talk by Whatcom County Amphibian Monitoring Program. Learn about amphibian biology along with the different species you can find in this area.

Music in the Park: Sunday, May 28, 3–5 p.m., Birch Bay State Park BP Heron Center. Live music by On the Loose Band, eclectic country western and swing music. Bring a chair and picnic and come enjoy this rocking good time.

BHS Baccalaureate 2023: Wednesday, May 31, 7–8 p.m., Birch Bay Bible Community Church, 4460 Bay Road. Local Blaine churches are joining together to honor BHS class of 2023. Graduates, families and friends are invited to a special celebration worship service.

Birch Bay Market: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., across from The C Shop, 4825 Alderson Road. Farmers market, home decor and gifts. Info: BirchBayMarket@gmail.com.

Evening of the Arts: Thursday, June 1, 6:30–9 p.m., Blaine High School Orange and Black Box Theater and cafeteria (entrance behind Borderite stadium). Student artwork will be on display while drama, choir and band students perform. Info: blainesd.org.

DVSAS Garden Tour: Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., various gardens in Bellingham. $25 per person. Rain or shine. Addresses will be announced to registered attendees. Proceeds benefit Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services. Register at dvsas.org.

Day at the Beach: Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., Birch Bay State Park, 7290 Birch Bay Drive. Naturalist-led beach walks, kids activities, volunteer appreciation and more. Free. Info: bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org. Sponsored by BBWARM and Whatcom Conservation District.

Live Music at Birch Bay State Park: Saturday, June 3, noon–1 p.m., BP Heron Center, 7290 Birch Bay Drive. Bellingham’s Homegrown Irish-American folk band The Devillies perform an eclectic mix of original and traditional songs and tunes from dear auld Ireland and beyond.

Supper with the Superintendent: Thursday, June 8, 6 p.m., Blaine High School Black and Orange Box Theater (entrance behind Borderite stadium). The community is invited to this town hall-style, question and answer session with superintendent Christopher Granger. Info: blainesd.org.

Blaine High School Class of 1963 Reunion: Saturday and Sunday, August 5 and 6. Members of the Class of 1963 and surrounding classes are requested to reach out for details. 360/224-3631 or 360/366-5445.

Ongoing

Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Mondays 9 a.m.–noon, Wednesdays 5–7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.–noon. Delivery options available. Info:360/332-6350 or blainefood@hotmail.com.

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

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

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.

5. The habitat of wild animals

6. Sun up in New York

7. Cygnus star

8. Male parents

9. Talk to you (abbr.)

10. A place to clean oneself

11. Southwestern US state

36. Excessively talkative

Weather

Precipitation: During the period of May 15-21, no precipitation was recorded. The 2023 year-to-date precipitation is 10.5 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 84°F on May 15 with a low of 52°F on May 20 as well. Average high was 70°F and average low was 59°F.

Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

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

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

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.

Alaska Packers Association Cannery Museum: Open Saturdays and Sundays, 1–5 p.m., 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway. Free, donations welcome. Birch Bay Book Club: Wednesday, June 21, 4 p.m., Birch Bay Vogt Library site, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. May title is Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. Info: klia1@mac.com.

Blaine Book Club: Friday, June 16, 1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. June title: One Two Three by Laurie Frankel. 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 Senior Center, 763 G 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.

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

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Pan-seared black cod with sauteed spring asparagus

B y t I na h o B an

Wood Stone executive chef

Tina Hoban prepares a pan-seared black cod with spring asparagus sauté that would go great as an outdoor patio dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 2-6 ounces black cod fillets

• 4 ounces trumpet mushrooms

• 8 ounces asparagus

• ½ large leek

• ½ small head of radicchio

• ¼ cup white wine (Tina used pinot gris)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 10 Moroccan oil-cured black olives (or Kalamata olives)

Directions

• Prep vegetables

• Remove tough parts at the bottom of the stems for the mushrooms. Slice lengthwise into half or quarters.

• Remove green part of leek and

Sustainable Connections green home tours returns

Sustainable Connections Green Home Tours and Talks returns Saturday, June 3 for its first in-person event since the pandemic. The tour will showcase a variety of homes built to be environmentally friendly.

Participants can spend the day taking self-guided tours at five homes in Bellingham where they will have the opportunity to meet the builders and designers involved in creating the home, according to a Sustainable Connections press release. The homes include a net zero energy home and Whatcom County’s first certified “Passive House,” which is a highly energy-efficient home. A duplex unit and three accessory dwelling units will also be shown during the tour.

Instinct Builders, [bundle] design studio, Envision Residential and Commercial Remodeling, and Bellingham Bay Builders will be part of this year’s tour.

Two workshops will be held at the Sustainable Connections office, 1701 Ellis Street in Bellingham. The hour-long presentations will center on energy efficiency from CAZ Construction

at 11 a.m. and The Community Energy Challenge at 1 p.m. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 3. The tour and workshop are $10 per adult and free for children. To purchase tickets, visit sustainableconnections.org.

save for another recipe. Slice white part of the leek in half lengthwise. Rinse off any grit from the leek and cut across into thin slices. Reserve half for another use.

• Remove any tough part of the asparagus stalks. Slice the remainder into ¾-inch pieces.

• Pit olives and cut into quarters.

• Remove the core from the radicchio. Cut in half lengthwise, (See Recipe, page 16)

Photo courtesy Bellingham SeaFeast

Recipe ...

From page 15

then across into strips. Prepare dish

Heat two medium-size sauté pans over medium-high heat. For fish, add 1 tablespoon

olive oil to the first pan. Pat the fish dry, season with salt and pepper, then place the skin side down and cook for around four minutes, or until the skin is crispy. Turn the fish over and cook on the other side for another 3-4 minutes, or until just cooked through.

While the fish cooks, sauté the veggies. Add 1 tablespoon oil to the second hot pan. Add the mushrooms and cook until they begin to brown and soften.

Add the asparagus and leeks and sauté until the asparagus turns bright green.

Add the olives, wine and

lemon juice, and sauté just until the liquid evaporates, then toss in the radicchio.

To plate, place the veggies on a platter and top with the black cod.

Watch the recipe video at bellinghamseafeast.org/kiss.

Hoban graduated from culinary school and worked as a pastry chef at well-known restaurants in Seattle and Minneapolis. Hoban moved to a farm in Whatcom County where she homesteaded and started Scratch Desserts using

the farm’s bounty. She works as corporate chef of innovation for the Wood Stone Corporation.

Keep It Simple Seafood classes

This recipe was used for KISS (Keep It Simple Seafood), a monthly seafood cooking workshop that ran this spring through May 20 with Bellingham SeaFeast and Bellingham Dockside Market. Each workshop was during Bellingham Dockside Market, which continues to run the first and third Saturday every month.

BAHN MI SANDWICH

Available daily in June starting at 11:00AM

Choice of soy-ginger marinated grilled chicken breast or thin sliced marinated grilled tofu on toasted baguette with pickled julienne cucumber, cabbage, carrot, and Daikon radish. Drizzled with sweet chili aioli. Garnished with cilantro and diced jalapeño. Served with choice of fries, coleslaw, or potato salad.

$12.95