The Northern Light: June 22-28, 2023

Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay

Local men plead guilty in separate cases, page 3

Birch Bay zoning changes, page 7

Custer teen arrested in drive-by shooting, page 13

Wenderski awarded Educator of the Year

Birch Bay Kite Festival, Splash Days kicking off summer fun

B y G race M c c arthy

Summer break is kicking off with a slate of activities for families to do in Blaine and Birch Bay Friday, June 23 through Sunday, June 25 with the Birch Bay Kite Festival, Splash Days and Home Farm Summer Market series.

Splash Days

Splash Days returns Friday, June 23 for children to cool off under sprinklers from noon to 2 p.m. at 3rd and Martin streets in downtown Blaine. Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be sold for $1 each and the Sugar Shack ice cream truck will be on site.

The event organizers, Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 and the city of Blaine, will hold another Splash Days on Friday, July 28.

Birch Bay Kite Festival

The Birch Bay Kite Festival will provide a weekend full of flying kites and family activities on Saturday, June 24 and Sunday, June 25. The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce is holding the festival at a new location, Birch Bay State Park’s BP Heron Center, and it will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

At the festival, families can make and fly kites as well as browse a vendors market selling goods and food all day on Saturday and Sunday. Musician Michael Dayvid will perform from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and The Springmans will perform from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday.

A juggler will perform from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday and noon to 3 p.m.

(See Events, page 5)

50 Blaine school employees expected to be laid off

School board members say state funding at fault for lost positions

B y I an h aupt

The Blaine school district plans to lay off 50 employees ahead of next school year, fewer than what was planned for in April, as it prepares for an expected drop in federal and state funding in 2023/24.

Blaine school district superintendent Christopher Granger said that as of June 20 the district plans to eliminate 59.5 positions for the 2023/24 school year and that 50 employees would be laid off. Granger said the other positions were eliminated through employees who were retiring or

otherwise leaving the district. The district is still reorganizing positions and staff members, and Granger said the number of employees impacted could change.

“Those are faces and people that we care about,” he said. “We wouldn’t have these positions if we didn’t think they were needed, which is why we advocate for funding that meets the needs of kids.”

The reductions in force come after the Blaine school board passed a “worstcase scenario” reduced education plan that would remove 65.2 positions for the 2023/24 school year during its April 24

Whatcom County Council selects site for jail

Whatcom County Council decided June 13 that the county’s new jail will be built on La Bounty Drive in Ferndale if its funding is approved by voters.

During a special committee of the whole meeting June 13, council passed a motion in a 6-0-1 vote, with councilmember Kaylee Galloway abstaining, to select La Bounty as the location for Whatcom County’s correctional facility. Council held the special meeting to discuss wording of

a jail tax measure that council then introduced during its June 20 meeting. Council will hold a public hearing on the measure at a future meeting before it is expected to go before voters in November.

The ballot measure seeks a sales tax of two-tenths of 1 percent, or 20 cents on a $100 purchase, to fund the new jail and behavioral health facilities. The remaining funds would pay for improved behavioral health services, diversion programs, supportive housing and re-entry for those released from jail. The new jail is estimated

to cost $137 million and expected to take three years to build.

Councilmembers said they selected the La Bounty location because it would be the most cost-effective, while some were worried about the possibility of overexpansion at the site.

The two other locations council considered were a site in the Irongate industrial area in Bellingham, which is where the Whatcom County Jail Work Center and

(See Jail, page 3)

regular meeting. Dozens of students led a walkout to demonstrate silent support for their teachers, while upset parents and community members packed the Performing Arts Center to show their disapproval and speak during public comment at the April meeting.

In July 2022, the district adopted a budget with a four-year forecast that accumulated a $14 million deficit by 2026.

The forecast for the 2022/23 school year alone projected a nearly $5 million loss,

(See School, page 6)

FLYERS

s Blaine school district superintendent Christopher Granger, l., presents second grade teacher Robin Wenderski, r., with the 2022/23 Educator of the Year award from the Lynden/Ferndale International Masonic Lodge during the June 20 Blaine school board meeting.

Photo by Ian Haupt

Blaine man with prior child rape convictions pleads guilty to molestation

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A Blaine man who previously served prison time for child rape pleaded guilty to another case involving child molestation before his trial was scheduled to start earlier this month.

Bruce David LaVine, 72, pleaded guilty in Whatcom County Superior Court on June 6 to one count of third-degree child molestation, a lesser charge than which he was originally arrested.

In July 2019, a girl known to LaVine reported to Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies that LaVine sexually assaulted her on two separate occasions in Blaine in 2016, when she was 12 years old, according to charging documents. The girl told deputies that LaVine instructed her not to tell anyone but she

came forward because she was afraid LaVine would hurt another child, the documents state.

WCSO deputies arrested LaVine on two counts of second-degree child molestation two days after the girl made the report. LaVine, whose bail was set to $100,000, was bonded out of jail two weeks later.

In 2003, LaVine was convicted of two counts of second-degree child rape, and had three child molestation charges dismissed. LaVine was ordered to 10 years in prison and three to four years of parole.

LaVine is expected to be sentenced in superior court on July 27.

The standard sentencing range for LaVine’s charge and criminal history is 3.4 to 4.5 years in prison and three years of parole, according to the plea agreement. The maximum term and fine is

five years and/or $10,000.

The state recommended LaVine receive the maximum sentencing.

As part of the plea agreement, LaVine also agreed to pay restitution to the woman for charged and uncharged counts and will remain registered as a sex offender.

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

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

Lummi Victims of Crime has a 24-hour helpline at 360/312-2015. The National Domestic Violence Helpline operates a chat line at thehotline.org/help

Birch Bay man pleads guilty to child pornography charges

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A Birch Bay man who was arrested in November 2021 on suspicion of possessing child pornography pleaded guilty in Whatcom County Superior on June 12.

Jon Thomas Lakey, 48, of Birch Bay, pleaded guilty to two charges of possession of depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct in the first degree. As part of the plea agreement,

Jail ...

From page 1

Anne Deacon Crisis Stabilization Center are on Division Street, and a vacant lot south of the current jail on Grand Avenue in downtown Bellingham.

Galloway said she abstained from voting because she had wanted to hear community feedback on the La Bounty property before confidently voting on it.

“My first choice was trying to find a way to do a horizontal design at Division [Street],” Galloway said during the June 13 meeting.

Councilmember Barry Buchanan was on council when it put the first failed jail measure in front of voters in 2015. He said the Division Street location would’ve been ideal had the county been able to secure more land for a horizontal development that could have accommodated expansion.

“I’m torn,” Buchanan said during the June 13 meeting. “I’ve been through this process since 2015, and I have that same fear about the La Bounty location, but given the cost estimates, we have to be responsible with our tax dollars as well.”

During the meeting, county council also approved creating a calculation for the number of jail beds in the future jail and an equation to determine what triggers the future jail’s expansion.

Lakey had two counts of the same charge dropped. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. July 20.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received a tip from Apple in October 2019 that a user had uploaded several images of suspected child pornography. HSI searched Lakey’s residence in January 2020 with a federal search warrant and seized multiple items of computer related electronics and

media. Approximately 245 child pornography images and videos were found, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children identified child victims in 50 of the images in April 2021, and the evidence was transferred to the Bellingham Police Department (BPD).

BPD officers arrested Lakey on November 3, 2021, and he posted $1,000 bail later that day.

s Whatcom County Jail in 2015.

File photo

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

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

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

Letters Policy

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

Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com

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Contributors In This Issue

Doug Dahl, Samantha Ferraro

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

Tel: 360/332-1777

Vol XXVIII, No 2

Circulation: 10,500 copies

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Next issue: June 29

Ads due: June 23

Volunteers prepare Camp Horizon for summer OpiniOn Letters

s Lions Camp Horizon has been gearing up for the start of its summer season on Monday, June 26 with the help of community organizations. Camp Horizon Foundation president Don Webster said a group of 90 volunteers with Windermere Real Estate undertook building and landscape maintenance, painting and carpentry on June 9. The following day, 40 people from Lions Club and Kiwanis Club, pictured, cleaned up the property. Webster said the volunteers’ help prepared the camp to welcome children, teens and adults with disabilities who will attend the Birch Bay summer camp this year.

The Editor: I am greatly disturbed by the placing of these stop signs. I understand what the planning department, is trying to do – make the main course of traffic go to a roundabout where Shintaffer Road and Semiahmoo Parkway join to cut out on traffic around Birch Bay.

This is a great idea, the road heading to Semiahmoo is closed, and who knows how long it will be until that road is paved and the roundabout opens. Until then, they should keep Birch Bay Drive open. Once the work is done and the road is opened, and the roundabout finished, they should have a stop sign for the future Horizon Drive and let traffic continue using Birch Point Road. The planning department gets paid enough money to figure something like this, but they chose to reject the community’s desire and put up a stop sign, so now the current of traf-

fic (Birch Point Road) has to stop, even though there’s almost no traffic on Horizon Drive … unbelievable.

Keith Morris Blaine

The Editor: I am deeply dismayed to hear Living Pantry’s news that it will no longer be able to operate out of their location on Peace Portal Drive come the end of July. In a recent email to their subscribers, the business owners noted the reason: They have hit a negotiation wall with their current landlord. I am not privy to the details of the lease or negotiation troubles, so this letter is simply to implore our community to help Living Pantry stay in Blaine.

On June 14, 2021, my husband and I moved to Blaine. On June 15, 2021, we walked into Living Pantry, greeted by Shawna who was thrilled to meet new-

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.

comers and welcome us to the town. Since then, the shop has been an essential resource for us as we aim to live more sustainable lives, and it has also become a source of pride. How remarkable is it that in this small town on the edge of the country is a refillery with unique, local goods, a commitment to bettering the planet, and a bright, inviting atmosphere.

Their mission is distinct, their inventory is indispensable, and their business is needed in Blaine. I hope our community can find a way to keep this special shop running.

Juliana Kenny Blaine

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

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

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

Photo courtesy Don Webster

Road Rules: GPS is making us dumber, study shows

B y D ou G D ahl

Question: Is it considered distracted driving if I hold my phone to use maps? My car GPS is awful.

Answer: Our brains are shrinking and GPS is to blame.

At least that’s the conclusion of a study on what happens to us when we depend on our GPS to get us where we’re headed. You’ve probably heard about some GPS disasters: The tourists who drove into the ocean, the out-of-town conference attendees who drove their car into the Mercer Slough, the woman who followed her GPS to a destination 900 miles from where she was headed.

GPS is amazing, until it isn’t. And when we rely on it without thinking, we’re not so great either. It turns out that the parts of our brain responsible for navigation and planning shut off when we turn on our GPS.

When you drive (or walk or ride your bike), your brain keeps track of where you’ve been and develops options for what route to continue on. At least, that’s true when you travel without GPS. Turn your travel decisions over to your GPS, and you’re lost – literally. If you’re using GPS and it lets you down, you might have no idea where you

Events ...

From page 1

Sunday. Friends of Birch Bay Library will host story times 10-11 a.m. Saturday and 1-2 p.m. Sunday. Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 will host games from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

On Saturday, local artist David Parent will be offering painting lessons for children ages six to 12 years old 2-4 p.m. Preregistration and a $10 fee is required to participate in the painting.

On Sunday, the Birch Bay chamber will hold a free poker run along Birch Bay Drive 1:303:30 p.m. Registration is required before participants bike or drive their golf carts on Birch Bay Drive to find the best poker hand.

Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce executive director Danielle Gaughen said the festival will have more entertainment and food trucks than previous years. The chamber will give out two types of kites for free and

are or how you got there. Don’t believe me? Ask the people that have ended up in lakes, oceans and different countries.

But you didn’t ask if GPS is making us dumber, you wanted to know the law. If you want to use your phone’s GPS, you’ll need to find a way to do it hands-free.

The law prohibits using a personal electronic device while driving, and within the context of the law, ‘use’ has a broad meaning that includes holding the device. Maybe you think that’s too broad a definition but, given all the things you can do with a phone, it’s a lot clearer to write a law that says you can’t hold it than to try to describe all the things you’re not allowed to do while holding it.

In fact, that was a problem with our previous law. Washington’s first distracted driving law was passed in 2007; the same year the iPhone came out. It prohibited texting while driving but didn’t anticipate all the other things we’d soon be doing with our phones. You could have written a novel on your phone while driving, as long as you didn’t send it to anyone as a text. By the time the law went into effect in 2008, it was already obsolete.

Rather than try to predict what someone might do with their phone, now or in the future, the

law presumes that if you’re holding it, that’s because you’re doing something with it, and whatever it is you’re doing, it’s distracting, including holding your phone up to see your map. Instead, get a mount for your phone and position it so you can still see the road while glancing at your directions.

The law requires us to use GPS hands-free, but it doesn’t require us to turn over our thinking to a robot. To stay engaged, take a look at the turn-by-turn directions for your route before you put your car in drive.

GPS is helpful in getting us to unfamiliar places, but letting our brains shut off while we drive isn’t great. Exercise that brain by learning your route and anticipating your next turn.

Let GPS be your backup, not your brain replacement. Otherwise, when the AI robots decide to take over the world, all they’ll have to do is wait until we get in our cars and then tell us what to do.

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

Lawful to discharge: July 4 between 10 am and midnight.

•

•

Area west of Shintaffer and all of Semiahmoo Spit. This includes all parks and beaches.

Harbor: All Port of Bellingham property plus water bodies north of Boblett and west of the railroad.

•

for a $5 donation at the festival while supplies last.

No Discover Pass is required to park at Birch Bay State Park during the festival, Gaughen said.

Home Farm Summer Market series

Home Farm will also kick off its summer market series from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 24.

The Birch Bay farm will have a vendors market, live music, food trucks, kids activities, self-guided farm tours and free train rides, according to its website. An inflatable play area and face painting are also available for additional fees.

Admission is $3 and free for children 12 years and younger. Home Farm is located at 8020 Kickerville Road.

This week’s supporters: Brian and Kathy Warner • Alison Clement • Banagan Family (or whatever you can)

s Birch Bay Kite Festival in 2022.

Photo by Chuck Kinzer / CKimageart.com

File photo

School ...

From page 1 with expenditures set at $45.3 million and revenue expected to be $40.5 million. The district expected a $6 million deficit in the 2023/24 school year, if no program adjustments were made.

Following the meeting, executive director of finance and operations Amber Porter told The Northern Light in an email that the plan would reduce next school year’s budget deficit by $3.8 million for a total of $1.2 million.

While 50 staff members may not be returning at the end of August, Granger said some of the reductions were not full-time positions. Six recess supervision positions were considered as a whole number in the overall count, although they worked 2.5 hours per day and were supported through federal funds issued to elementary and secondary schools, or ESSER.

Granger said district administration is working on staffing issues daily.

Statewide

School districts across Washington state are resorting to similar cost-cutting measures amid budget crises.

s From l.; Blaine school board members Don Leu, Erika Creydt, Charles Gibson and Kimberly Akre at the June 20 school board meeting.

Seattle Public Schools – Washington’s largest school district – is facing a $131 million projected budget shortfall next school year, where it is expected to layoff more than 60 employees. According to a March report by KUOW, district officials said 74 central office po-

A BIG THANK YOU

to all who sponsored, donated & participated in the Blaine Scholarship Foundation Annual Golf Tournament, held on Saturday June 3.

We had 152 golfers & over 15 volunteers & to Loomis Trail Golf Course - Justin Conlan, Trevin Williams, and their staff. Overall, everyone made the tournament a tremendous success! $25,000 of the money raised from this golf tournament will be given out as scholarships to the 2024 graduating senior applicants from Blaine High School.

Thanks to our Tournament Major Sponsors for their support:

Jack Surber Cal Payne Kam Sihota Eli Hanacek

sitions will be removed, but most teachers’ jobs will be safe. The central office cuts are reported to save the district around $33 million.

According to MyNorthwest, the Everett school district board has approved a plan to eliminate as many as 142 positions to account for a $28 million deficit, and the Bellevue district may fold three elementary schools due to drops in enrollment.

The budget shortfalls for all districts are the result of declining enrollment, rising labor costs and heightened student needs following the pandemic.

tatives to advocate for a reevaluation of the McCleary decision. The Washington Supreme Court’s McCleary decision requires the state to pay for all basic education costs – in attempt at equal opportunity between districts with high and low property values.

Granger said after the June 20 school board meeting that the McCleary decision restricts a property-rich district like Blaine by setting a cap on its levy collections. The district’s levy funding is then dependent on its enrollment.

Photo by Ian Haupt

she was told that although the intervention position has funding in the budget it was deemed ineffective and not used this past school year.

“A minimum of 20 percent of the ESSER funds was supposed to go toward learning loss due to Covid-19,” Schultz said. “It was never intended to bill already existing positions and people, but rather it was intended to have more staff, more resources and more support dedicated specifically to the unfinished learning of our struggling mathematicians and readers.”

Cloutier/Magellan Group, Devin Hall Bill McCombs Richard Arnold Jordan Van Kooten Lucky White Mike Allan Bob Shimota Rhyan Lopez Bill Wright Deeny Montgomery Randy Sofie Kyle Mark Cindy White Kenny Loveless Lynn Bottoms Cory Crews Kristi Reese Lyla Wood Steve Sofie Jake Poag Matt Reece Keith Kelley Mark Angie Mark Johnson Marion Ojay Rita Kendel Dan Sofie

Bryan Johnson, Leah Crews & Jen Freeman/Windermere, Kansas City Chiefs Football, Carl & Diane Dufton, Suzanne Dougan, Marta Kazymyra, HF Sinclair Refinery, Preston Mark Carol Gladsjo Glen Tobosa TJ Phillips John Gunning Dan Ojay Janine Starink Colin MacAskill CJ Stauffer Derek Dougan Morgan Manning Kam Sihota Matt Jones Matt Dohner Pat Dodd Dan Murphy Kevin Farmer Danny Esquivel Conner Oldham Sam Singh Mike Miller Adrian Newell Mike Gorze Randy Dulong Justin Farmer Sam Conway Ryan Goodwin

Men’s

McGlenn,

“I think it was well intended to level the playing field, but I don’t think that that’s been the result across the state,” Granger said.

Dewey Griffin, Silver Reef Casino & Hotel, Skagit Best Salsa, Mike Halderson, Birch Equipment, Colin MacAskill, Life Force Ninja, Edwin Brian Scott Morgan Aaron Kortlever Marion Gobbatto Rande Lu John Dudley John Dougan Devon Deboer Chris Breivik Tanner Weaver Brandon Newell Steve Hunnicut Kurt Haggman Thongpun But Danny Dougan Scott Locker Money Singh Shalane Mcintosh Eli Hanacek Ryan Shockey Greg Wendt Ramon Dima Phil Harzelak Jim Taxdahl Sheila Ray Jason Mcintosh Brit Hanacek

Anna’s

Deano Bread, L&L Bakery, NW Limousine Service/ Caleb Bowe, Birch Bay Waterslides, Hill’s Chevron, Todd & Diane Berge PLAYERS: Curtis Copeland Donna Wendt Todd Berge Greg Manning Brian Berg Wes Wright Jeff Ferry Jake Schifferl Andy Redfern Nils Lazich Jason Fox Mauriay Manning Tom Ingram Wiley Wright Russ Crawford Josh Schifferl Travis McGlen Laurel Middelaer Joey Peninger Rick Westerop Don Rathe Brian Wright Shaun Richmond Justin Rose Erin Macartney Michael Middelaer

Neal Rick Shockey Bill Taylor Tony Aguilar Ian Shook Jim Sapp Arjun Sihota Tyler Bray Scott Hawkins Dirk Currey Jeff Carrington Gary Bass Don Griffiths Stuart Lamont Charlie Van Isaac Mcintosh Rob Markusen Trevin Williams Susan Majewski Kun Butman Peter Wallace Brandon Millsap Dave Magelssen Shanna Manning Alec Berkman Scott Robertson Liz Speakman Travis Otis

Parker Wallace Austin Millsap Brian Berg Wes Wright Jeff Ferry Jake Schifferl Roberta McDougall Anthony Hernandez Joel Summers Ben Wheeler Tom Ingram Russ Crawford Josh Schiffer Sue Berkman Jeses Infante Elliott Ernst Tim Thiessen Don Rathe Brian Wright Shaun Richmond Justin Rose Mike Breivik Anthony Newell Tim Kaptein Greg Renner

Some districts, in the process of rearranging positions, have been able to rehire teachers and paraeducators who were laid off last month. Bellingham Public Schools superintendent Greg Baker announced June 9 that more than a dozen certificated staff had been rehired and 19 paraeducators had hours reinstated. In April, the district passed a plan to manage its $16 million deficit that eliminated 80 certificated staff, with a third of those employees already leaving.

Funding issues

Over the past months in Blaine school board meetings, board members and Granger have called for parents and community members to reach out to local represen-

The district will cut certificated staff, paraeducators and district office staff among others due to the lack of funding and around a 50-student drop in enrollment. Twenty-five percent of layoffs will be in the district office while 22 percent are Service Employees International Union (SEIU) members, 17 percent are administration and 14 percent Blaine Education Association members, according to the reduction plan.

During public comment June 20, math specialist teacher Michelle Schultz asked the board to reconsider eliminating a math intervention position for the second meeting in a row. Schultz said

Most board members previously spoke on the issue during the May 22 regular meeting. Board president Dougal Thomas said during the meeting that the district only has so much money and has to maintain a fund balance, but posed a question as to where concerned community members could focus their efforts.

Board member Kimberly Akre said to go straight to the source – the state legislature. Board member Erika Creydt said the board should also hold Granger accountable so that finances are being prioritized in the best interest of the students.

“I think that our superintendent is doing an excellent job in doing just that,” board member Charles Gibson said. “He’s been working on this since October.”

Board member Don Leu said the funding issues are not merely a result of the pandemic, but a sustained lack of funding of public schools across the nation.

Starink Accurate

John Dudley & Bill Wright

Drive Women:

Kendel,

12 Ryan Shockey 8’ 2” & Marion Ojay 39’ 6 “

Greg Manning, John Bennett, Gracie Bella,

Kelsey Berge, Diane Berge, Kristi Freeman,

Carl Byfield &. Neal Engledow.

BLAINE SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Larry Donovan, John Bennett, Kam Sihota, Greg Manning, Bryan Johnson, Doug Cornelsen, Curtis Copeland, Bill Wright, Todd Berge. For future tournaments and donations: www.BlaineScholarshipFoundation.org

“There’s just a slow strangulation of local school districts that’s taking place because of inadequate federal and state attention to the public education system, which has always been the way to move oneself up,” Leu said.

On June 20, Granger said students have significant needs and the district needs a system that gives it the resources to adequately address those needs. He said making these decisions isn’t easy is an understatement.

“The difficulty we have making decisions isn’t as hard as not having employment,” he said. “We sympathize with those people and advocate for funding that can address some of those things.”

County council approves increased Birch Bay density

B y G race M c c arthy

Whatcom County Council unanimously voted 7-0 during its June 20 meeting to change zoning code regulations to increase residential density in Birch Bay after the urban growth area (UGA) was found to be growing slower than anticipated.

County council adopted the zoning changes to require increasing the minimum residential densities, allowing smaller minimum lot sizes, reducing setbacks and requiring water and sewer in certain areas. The change will also set a minimum net density to ensure the land is being sufficiently used, Whatcom County senior planner Matt Aamot said, adding that the maximum density won’t change.

“If you have a lower density, then you don’t accommodate all of the land in the UGA and can sprawl into more rural areas,” Aamot said after the council meeting. “We’re trying to make the best use of land.”

The Whatcom County Planning Commission requested council approve the ordinance following its May 11 public hearing on the changes. The planning commission began looking at changing zoning regulations after the county’s 2022 Buildable Lands Report showed that Birch Bay residential development grew slower than

Water Wisely Schedule

the Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan had predicted between 2016 and 2021.

The report found current density regulations in the Birch Bay UGA wouldn’t support future growth. Single-family unit capacity would not be sufficient for the anticipated number of dwellings needed between 2021 and 2036, according to the report.

The buildable lands report indicated Birch Bay had a residential density of 4.5 units per acre between 2016 and 2021, while the comprehensive plan anticipated 5-10 units per acre, according to previous reporting from The Northern Light. Birch Bay development needs to support another 1,254 people through 2036.

County council held a public hearing at the June 20 meeting before voting that drew two residents.

Laurie Poms Nelson told council during the hearing that she was concerned there were already a lot of people moving to Birch Bay but the unincorporated area didn’t have sufficient fire or public safety services in place.

“You’re talking about changing the zoning so that more can be built on these lots and we don’t have what we need to sustain the people

(See Zoning, page 13)

Now through Sept. 15

Even-Numbered Addresses YES NO

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Hi, I’m Chuck!

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.

OF GALLONS USED

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

Odd-Numbered Addresses YES NO

Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

Weekly Water Usage Trend

Historical Avg. 19 million gallons/week

Please

2023 CONCERT SCHEDULE

Sunday: With a Little Help From My Friends Greta Matassa, Quartet + guest artists 7 pm @ BHS Black Box Theater

Tuesday:

Bouillabaisse soup recipe

Thursday: Swing Dance BHMF Big Band with Greta Matassa + dancing!

7pm | G St. Plaza Rockin’ the G Street Plaza! An energetic outdoor concert in Downtown Blaine. Free + by donation. Food vendors + beer garden. Featuring: Camille Bloom and musical friends, Charlie Porter Groove Collective, Majid Khalik’s Electric Band, Jovino Santos Neto.

7 pm @ Outdoor Pavilion: Semiahmoo Golf Resort Tickets @ blaineharbormusicfestival.org: $50

THURSDAY 7pm | Outdoor Pavilion: Semiahmoo Golf Resort Swing Dance Legendary Greg Hopkins directs the Big Band. Special guests: Greta Matassa + Clipper Anderson. Swing Dance leaders will get you dancing! Tickets @ blaineharbormusicfestival.org:

Blaine Jazz Faculty All-Stars Andy Marshall & Sus4, Trad Jazz Ensemble, Greg Hopkins with All-Star Faculty 7 pm @ Blaine PAC

Wednesday: Rockin’ the G Street Plaza! Downtown Blaine: Food vendors + beer garden. Camille Bloom + friends, Charlie Porter Group, Majid Khalik + Band, Jovino Santos Neto 7 pm

Appetizers + Desserts. Cash bar.

Friday: Student Showcase

Amazing, talented BHMF students! 7 pm @ Blaine PAC

Saturday: Jazz-by-the-Sea

BHMF Music and Arts Street Fair. Our students

perform for you! Free! @ G Street

11am-4pm

blaineharbormusicfestival.org

r ec I pe B y

S a M antha F erraro

Bellingham-based chef Samantha Ferraro has cooked up a bouillabaisse recipe, a traditional French soup recipe that mixes shellfish, fish and vegetables to create a flavorful meal. Ferraro’s bouillabaisse was featured in Bellingham SeaFeast’s Keep It Simple Seafood recipes.

Ferraro is the author of “The Weeknight Mediterranean Kitchen” and founder of the food blog, The Little Ferraro Kitchen. Her recipes have been featured in PBS Food, The Huffington Post, Los Angeles Times, Babble, Yummly and The Washington Post.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 leek, thinly sliced and washed well

• 1 small fennel, chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 large tomatoes, chopped

• 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed and chopped

• 2 pinches saffron

• 1 large piece of orange peel

• 1 bay leaf

• 4 cups seafood stock

• 1 pound clams and/or mussels

• ½ pound large shrimp

• ½ pound scallops

• 1 pound halibut

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Chopped parsley, leaves, finely chopped for garnish

• Baguette, for serving

Directions

Bring a large wide stock up to medium heat and add olive oil and butter.

Once melted, add the sliced leeks and fennel and sauté until softened and fragrant, but not browned.

Add the chopped garlic and sauté for another minute. Stir the tomato paste into the garlic for another 30 seconds.

Add the chopped tomatoes, with their juices along with the thyme, saffron, orange peel and bay leaf and give everything a good sauté for 30 seconds to one minute.

Pour the seafood stock in and simmer for 30 minutes.

While simmering, add the fish that take longer to cook, the halibut or rockfish and simmer until halfway cooked through, about 5 minutes.

Add the mussels and clams and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes.

Then add the shrimp and scallops and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes. At this point, the fish should be cooked through and mussels and clams just opened.

Remove from heat and taste broth for seasoning.

Ladle the bouillabaisse into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with toasted baguette.

Watch the recipe video at bellinghamseafeast.org/kiss

This recipe was used for Keep It Simple Seafood (KISS), a monthly seafood cooking workshop that is running in partnership with Bellingham SeaFeast and Bellingham Dockside Market. The next KISS workshop will feature Hotel Bellwether’s chef Marcello Mazzoleni’s halibut ceviche and will be held 6-7 p.m. Friday, July 7 in the Greenhouse store, at 1235 Cornwall Avenue in Bellingham.

The Bellingham Dockside Market, which offers fresh seafood for purchase, runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first and third Saturday every month at Gate 5 in Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham.

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s Chef Samantha Ferraro’s recipe for bouillabaisse, a French soup with shellfish, fish and vegetables.

Photo courtesy Bellingham SeaFeast

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.

Two stop signs installed on Bay Road in Birch Bay

Whatcom County Public Works Department installed two new stop signs on Bay Road, at the intersections of Kickerville and Valley View roads, on June 14. Flags and new traffic pattern signs led the way to the intersection of Bay and Kickerville roads, as pictured. Whatcom County Council had previously approved the stop signs in two separate ordinances.

Pets & Pet Care

How to prepare pets for Fourth of July festivities

Many people are eager for Independence Day celebrations in early summer. There is much to be excited about, as festivities often begin in the afternoon with barbecues and pool parties, and commence late at night after fireworks shows that light up the night sky. Still, not everyone enjoys the extra noise and busy nature of July 4 parties, particularly furry members of the family.

Animal control services often report an increase in lost animals between July 4 and July 6. That’s because the excitement of the holiday puts pets out of their comfort zones.

While pet owners need not

cancel their July 4 plans, they should take heed of the many ways to keep their pets safe during the festivities.

Update identification

Be sure prior to any July 4 events that pets are wearing collars with current identification information. If an address or phone number has changed since the last time you updated microchip records, be sure to check the account is current.

Be careful with alcoholic drinks

Party hosts typically serve beer, wine and cocktails. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. Animals can become very intoxicated, severe-

ly depressed or go into comas if they drink alcohol. Keep spirited drinks well out of reach.

Check with the vet

Many pets are prone to anxiety from loud noises, such as thunderstorms and fireworks, and lots of commotion – something that occurs in spades come July 4. Some veterinarians recommend a small course of anti-anxiety medication or a sedative to help pets cope with the stimuli.

Create a quiet space

Allow pets to ride out the day in their comfortable, quiet and cozy retreats. If necessary, create a space in an interior room. Cover the pet crate with a blanket and offer favorite toys or bedding to create a soothing environment. Place notes on doors and gates

While it’s best to keep pets in a locked room away from the fray, some pets like to socialize with guests and are not bothered by noises. However, alert guests with notes posted on doors and fence gates to check to make sure pets are not trying to escape behind them. All doors should be closed

firmly after entering or exiting.

Pick up debris

Firework debris can rain down on properties even if you were not shooting off the fireworks.

Curious pets may pick it up or eat it, which runs the risk of an upset stomach or even an intestinal blockage. Check your yard before letting pets out to play. Keep an eye on the grill

Pets can be opportunists, and those burgers and chicken drumsticks smell delicious to pets. Pets that get too close to the grill can become injured. And if pets eat leftovers, they may end up with digestive distress or even be poisoned by foods that are toxic to cats and dogs.

Pets need to be protected during summertime parties like Independence Day celebrations.

Photos by Madisun Tobisch

s Rosie, the chiweenie, is an outdoor lover. If the sun is out, she will be out playing fetch, swimming or playing in the sand.

Photo courtesy Breanna Buick

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IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Robert H. Elsner, Deceased. NO. 23-400565-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: Robert E. Olson

WORDPRESS, APPLE/ MAC devices? Need help with computer tasks and website. Leave message & number at 360-371-7330.

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.

COURT OF

STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Veronica Naderi, Deceased. NO. 23-4-00277-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE:

Lee Grochmal

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

Date of First Publication:

June 15, 2023

Personal Representative: Jamshied Naderi a.k.a. John Nader PO Box 5011 PMB 115 Ferndale, WA 98248

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 00277 37

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: June 22, 2023

Personal Representative: Jeanne Lowe 1139 Mojave Street Idaho Falls, ID 83404

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. 23-4-00210-37.

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

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appointed and

below

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:

June 15, 2023 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication:

Any person having

claim against

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

by serving on or mailing to the

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:

14, 2023 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication:

Real Estate

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ADVERTISE YOUR GARAGE SALE!

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

I. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned Trustee, Demco Law Firm, P.S., will on Friday, July 21, 2023 at the hour of 10:00 a.m., outside the main lobby of the Whatcom County Superior Court Courthouse located on 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington 98225 sell at public auction to the highest and best bidder, payable in the form of cash or cashier’s check or certified checks from federally or State chartered banks at the time of sale, the following described real property, situated in the County of Whatcom, State of Washington, to wit:

Unit 306 of Terrell Creek Landing Condominium, according to the Declaration thereof, recorded under Auditor’s File Number 2070203269, and any amendments thereto, records of Whatcom County, Washington. Situate in Whatcom County, Washington.

Tax Parcel Number: 400131-102416-0019 PID 122357

more commonly known as: 4823 Alderson Road #306, Blaine WA 98230 which is subject to that certain Deed of Trust dated February 15, 2017, recorded under No. 2017-0201809, records of Whatcom County, Washington, from Audrey Vandermeer as Grantor, to Chicago Title Insurance Company as Trustee, to secure an obligation in favor of Weigum Properties LLC, a Washington limited liability company, as Beneficiary. The undersigned successor trustee was appointed under document recorded under No. 2023-0200618, records of Whatcom County, Washington.

II. No action commenced by the Beneficiary of the Deed of Trust or the Beneficiary’s successor is now pending to seek satisfaction of the obligation in any Court by reason of the Grantor’s default on the obligation secured by the Deed of Trust.

III. The defaults for which this foreclosure is made include the following: Failure to pay when due the following amounts which are now in arrears: Principal $49,868.08 Interest* $5,385.12

Total principal and interest as of 2/16/2023 $55,253.20

* Interest will continue to accrue at $16.394985 per day for each day after 2/16/2023

IV. The sum owing on the obligation secured by the Deed of Trust is: $55,253.20 and such other costs and fees as are due under the note or other instrument secured, and as are provided by statute. Interest may continue to accrue. It is necessary to contact the Trustee prior to the time you tender the payoff amount so that you may be advised of the exact amount you would be required to pay.

V. The above described real property will be sold to satisfy the expense of sale and the obligation secured by the Deed of Trust as provided by statute. The sale will be made without warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances on July 21, 2023.

The defaults referred to in Paragraph III must be cured by July 10, 2023 (11 days before the sale date) to cause a discontinuance of the sale. The sale will be discontinued and terminated if at any time on or before July 10, 2023 (11 days before the sale) the default(s) as set forth in Paragraph III is/are cured and the Trustee’s fees and costs are paid. The sale may be terminated any time after (11 days before the sale date) and before the sale by the Grantor or the Grantor’s successor in interest or the holder of any recorded junior lien or encumbrance paying the entire principal and interest secured by the Deed of Trust, plus costs, fees and advances, if any, made pursuant to the terms of the obligation and/or Deed of Trust, and curing all other defaults.

VI. A written notice of default was transmitted by the Beneficiary or Trustee to the Grantor by both first class and certified mail on January 13, 2023, at the address of 6696 184th Street, Surrey, BC V3S 9B9 Canada, and 4823 Alderson Road, Unit 306, Blaine, WA 98230-9811, proof of which is in the possession of the Trustee; and the written notice of default was posted in a conspicuous place on the real property described in paragraph above on January 13, 2023 and the Trustee has in his possession proof of such posting.

VII. The Trustee whose name and address is set forth below, and whose telephone number is (206)203-6000, will provide in writing to anyone requesting it, a statement of all costs and fees due at any time prior to the sale.

VIII. The effect of the sale will be to deprive the Grantor and all those who hold by, through or under the Grantor of all their interest in the above described property.

IX. Anyone having any objection to the sale on any grounds whatsoever will be afforded an opportunity to be heard as to those objections if they bring a lawsuit to restrain the sale pursuant to RCW 61.24.130. Failure to bring such a lawsuit may result in a waiver of any proper grounds for invalidating the Trustee’s sale.

X. NOTICE TO OCCUPANTS OR TENANTS. The purchaser at the trustee’s sale is entitled to possession of the property on the 20th day following the sale, as against the grantor under the deed of trust (the owner) and anyone having an interest junior to the deed of trust, including occupants and tenants. After the 20th day following the sale the purchaser has the right to evict occupants and tenants by summary proceedings under the unlawful detainer act, chapter 59.12 RCW. For tenant-occupied property, the purchaser shall provide a tenant with written notice in accordance with RCW 61.24.060.

Additional information provided by the Trustee: If you have previously been discharged through bankruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the noteholder’s rights against the real property only.

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All real estate/rentals advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 as amended, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any

Want to

Teenager arrested in Custer driveby shooting

A 17-year-old Custer resident was arrested on suspicion of involvement in a drive-by shooting the night of June 17.

Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies responded to a drive-by shooting in the 7600 block of Custer School Road about 9:30 p.m. June 17, according to a WCSO news release. WCSO chief deputy Rodger Funk said in an email that the suspect and victim were known to each other and have a reported past conflict. Funk said no one was injured and the sheriff’s office doesn’t believe other people were involved.

Deputies identified the suspect’s vehicle and found a bullet on scene, according to the news release.

A Bellingham Police Department officer located the suspect’s vehicle in the 1800 block of Texas Street several hours later around 12:50 a.m. June 18. The vehicle attempted to elude police but struck a fence and then crashed into a tree at a dead end on North Shore Road along Lake Whatcom, according to WCSO.

Bellingham police officers arrested the driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, without incident and booked him into Whatcom County Juvenile Detention on charges of attempting to elude police, driving under the influence and hit and run.

Law enforcement officers obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and found two handguns, a Kel-Tec 9 mm rifle, magazines and ammunition, according to the news release. The boy was later charged with two counts of driveby shooting, three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and two counts of unlawful firearm.

Zoning ...

From page 7

in this area,” Nelson said.

Birch Bay resident Carol Donovan said she was concerned about increased traffic with the zoning code changes.

Councilmember Ben Elenbaas, who represents Birch Bay, said he agreed with the speakers that Birch Bay had the density of a city without some city resources. Elenbaas said he voted in favor because the county needs to increase its housing but that it was council’s responsibility to improve Birch Bay’s services, such as through increased law enforcement presence and evacuation routes.

“I’m supporting this with the acknowledgement of the issues that the callers brought up were absolutely valid and that will fall on us to think about as we’re budgeting and making land-use policy in the future,” Elenbaas said.

Birch Bay is one of 10 urban growth areas and one of three unincorporated areas in Whatcom County.

The zoning code changes are expected to go into effect in July, Aamot said.

RECENT HOUSE & LOT PRICES Blaine, Birch Bay & Point Roberts

MAY 2023

HIGHER END HOUSES: $800,000 & ABOVE: Condo with 2,203 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 464 attached garage, 180 patio, built in 2016/17, waterfront; marine and territorial views.

1- story house with 2,400 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 925 attached garage, 294 deck, built in 2018, .44 acres land.

1-story house with 1,329 square feet, 1,323 basement, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 483 detached garage, 654 patio, 1,016 balcony, built in 1976; marine and territorial views, .28 acres land.

2-story house with 1,970 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 594 and 192 enclosed porch, 976 deck, 488 patio, 864 shop, 416 and 192 carport, 976 and 160 deck, built in 1910, 5.10 acres land.

1-story house with 2,904 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 564 attached garage, 201 patio, built in 2019, .21 acres land.

1-story house with 1,948 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 517 attached garage, 324 deck, built in 1986, .34 acres land.

1-story house with 1,943 square feet, 1,338 basement, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 948 built-in garage, 1,503 deck, 448 patio, built in 2005; marine and territorial views, .34 acres land.

1-story house with 2,770 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, attached garage, patio, built in 2023; marine view. .23 acres land.

1-and a half story house with 2,406 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 5 baths, 816 attached garage, 562 balcony, 798 patio, built in 2001,; partial marine and territorial view, .90 acres land.

2-story house with 2,925 square feet, 754 basement, 3 bedrooms, 4 baths, 600 detached garage, 444 deck, 823 patio, 180 carport, built in 1994; marine and territorial views, .61 acres land.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES:

Store with 9,270 square feet, 840 mezzanine storage, 423 balcony, built in 1966, parking (built in 1990), .40 acres land.

Office with 7,633 square feet, parking, built in 2007, .30 acres land.

LAND:

.17 acres residential land.

Residential land, section of East Maple Ridge, Div.1

Residential land, section of East Maple Ridge, Div.1

Residential land, section of East Maple Ridge, Div.1

3 lots, .20 acres residential land

.39 acres residential lot; marine view.

.11 acres residential lot.

Sponsored by:

Preben “Peter” Wilhelmsen

November 4, 1942 – June 9, 2023

Preben “Peter” Wilhelmsen, age 80, passed away Friday, June 9, 2023 in Bellingham.

Peter immigrated to Vancouver, BC in 1962 from Copenhagen, Denmark. A memorial service was held at Christ Lutheran Church, in Ferndale, on Saturday June 17, 2023.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice or to the Hospice House in Bellingham at 2806 Douglas Road, Bellingham, WA 98225. Please share your thoughts and memories of Peter on line at www.sigsfuneralservices.com

pOLiCe repOrts

June 9, 2:57 p.m.: Trespass on H Street.

June 9, 5:31 p.m.: Hit and run on Martin Street.

June 10, 9:08 a.m.: Juvenile problem on D Street.

June 10, 9:23 a.m.: Trouble with subject on Martin Street.

June 10, 5:10 p.m.: 911 hangup on Birch Court.

June 10, 11:04 p.m.: Assist agency on 2nd Street.

June 11, 10:21 p.m.: Harassment on Martin Street.

June 12, 8:26 a.m.: Assault simple on H Street.

June 12, 9:17 a.m.: Theft on H Street.

June 12, 10:31 a.m.: Suspicious person on H Street.

June 12, 11:03 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Wood Duck Way.

June 13, 8:54 a.m.: Trespass on 3rd Street.

June 13, 11:42 a.m.: Runaway on A Street.

June 13, 2:46 p.m.: Custodial interference on Harrison Avenue.

June 13, 3:14 p.m.: Suspicious person on Mitchell Avenue.

June 13, 3:37 p.m.: Sex crime (no rape) on Semiahmoo Parkway.

June 13, 5:11 p.m.: Suspicious circumstance on 9th Street.

June 13, 5:51 p.m.: Runaway on A Street.

June 13, 10:22 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Peace Portal Drive.

June 14, 1:24 p.m.: Shots on Martin Street.

June 14, 4:04 p.m.: Assist citizen on Alder Street.

June 14, 5:27 p.m.: Assault simple on C Street.

June 14, 5:51 p.m.: Domestic physical on Martin Street.

June 14, 9:15 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Clyde Street.

June 14, 10:06 p.m.: Hit and run on Marine Drive.

June 15, 9:52 a.m.: Theft on Wilson Avenue.

June 15, 10:03 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident on 8th Street.

June 15, 10:15 a.m.: Fraud on H Street.

June 15, 10:52 a.m.: Assist citizen on H Street.

June 16, 10:55 a.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Martin Street.

June 16, 12:02 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident blocking on H Street.

sheriff’s repOrts

June 5, 12:35 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer

June 5, 1:12 p.m.: Mental health issue on Birch Bay-Lynden Road and Portal Way.

June 5, 2:44 p.m.: Trespass on McGee Road.

June 5, 2:45 p.m.: Littering on Kickerville Road.

June 5, 6:03 p.m.: Threat on Red Cedar Road.

June 6, 5:59 p.m.: Mental health issue on Selder Road.

June 6, 9:03 p.m.: Landlord tenant dispute on Bay Road.

June 6, 9:33 p.m.: Trespass on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer.

June 6, 10:41 p.m.: Burglary on Custer School Road, Custer.

June 7, 7:12 a.m.: Domestic physical on Alder Street.

CrOssWOrd

17. Greek mythological figure 18. Small amount 22. Orthodox church altar 25. Actress Tomei 27. Excited 28. Looked directly at 29. Popular cold desserts 30. More reasonable 32. Disk above the head of a saint 34. Devoted to the extreme 35. Make an effort

the surf

June 7, 10:30 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Seawan Place.

June 8, 8:10 a.m.: Domestic physical on Shipyard Road.

June 8, 10:55 a.m.: Theft on Helweg Road.

June 8, 12:37 p.m.: Vehicle abandoned on Drayton Harbor and Blaine roads.

June 8, 4:25 p.m.: Domestic order violation on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer.

June 9, 12:17 p.m.: Vandalism on Jackson Road and Highland Drive.

June 10, 5:56 p.m.: Vandalism on Fir Tree Lane.

June 10, 10:43 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Custer.

June 10, 11:05 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Blaine Road.

Report by Blaine Police Department

51. Popular Georgia rockers

It’s in all living cells

Unspoken language

to you’ abbreviation

ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

tides

Whatcom Dream Financial Empowerment Class: Mondays and Thursdays, July 6-20, 6:30-7:30 p.m., CAP Center, 508 G Street, Blaine. Free. Learn financial management skills for a more secure financial future. For more info or to pre-register: 360/296-0441 or kevin@thewhatcomdream. org. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program.

Financial Empowerment for Teens: Monday–Thursday, July 24-27, 1-2 p.m., CAP Center, 508 G Street, Blaine. Free. Teens learn money management skills for a more secure financial future. For more info or to pre-register: 360/296-0441 or kevin@thewhatcomdream.org. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program.

Trivia at the Vault: Thursday, June 22, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Splash Days: Friday, June 23, noon–2 p.m., Third and Martin streets. Kids beat the heat in a street party with fire hydrant sprinklers. Small children must be supervised, shoes recommended. Ice cream by Sugar Shack plus hot dogs, chips and refreshments. Sponsored by Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

Live Music at The Vault: Friday, June 23, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: Trio Sueño. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Summer Market Series: Saturday, June 24, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Home Farm, 8020 Kickerville Road. Handmade and local goods, live music, food, kids activities, farm fun and more. Admission $3, kids 12 and under free. Info: homefarm.farm.

Kite Fest: Saturday, June 24, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sunday, June 25, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Birch Bay State Park. Free kites (while supplies last), kite flying, Paint with Doug, live entertainment by Michael Dayvid, The Springmans and Wren the Juggler, games and crafts, story time, vendors and poker run. Complete schedule of events at birchbaychamber.com.

Native Plant Walk: Saturday, June 24, 1-4 p.m., meet at the BP Heron Center in Birch Bay State Park. Join just to learn the native plants of Birch Bay State Park with a member of the native plant society.

Virtual Travel Tours: Indonesia: Saturday, June 24, 2-3:30 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Join presenter Lawrence Pang as he shares highlights of his travel experiences and brief video clips of selected destinations in Indonesia – Surabaya & Semarang. Info: wcls.org.

Live Music in the Park: Saturday, June 24, 4 p.m., Birch Bay State Park wildlife theater (upper day use area). A showcase concert with Bellingham Community Band full of big band and classic music. Bring a chair and a picnic and enjoy.

Sukhwant Gill Campaign Kickoff: Saturday, June 24, 4–6 p.m., 234 D Street. Former Blaine councilman and current candidate for Whatcom County executive, Sukhwant Gill, hosts an evening with food, fun and conversation. Info: electgillforcountyexecutive@gmail.com.

Summer Reading Kickoff: Thursday, June 29, 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Join us for this all-day kickoff celebration. We will be distributing Summer Reading books to all youth, and offering fun crafts for the whole family. Info: wcls.org.

Night Market by the Sea: Wednesday, June 29, 5-9 p.m., Blaine’s G Street Plaza. Find homemade crafts, photography, plants and planters, pottery, baked goods and more. Info: blainechamber.com.

Trivia at the Vault: Thursday, June 29, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Info: the- vaultwine.com.

Live Music at The Vault: Friday, June 30, 7 p.m., 277 G Street. Featuring: Adrian Clarke. Info: thevaultwine.com.

July 4th Pancake Breakfast: Tuesday, July 4, 8-10 a.m., Blaine Senior Center, 263 G Street. Pancakes, sausage, eggs, coffee and juice bar, breakfast burritos. Adults $15, seniors and kids $10. Seatings at 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Reservations suggested. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.

Blaine’s Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration: Tuesday, July 4, downtown Blaine. Show-n-Shine car show, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.; arts and crafts street fair 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; parade at noon; live music 1:30-5:30 p.m.; fireworks at Marine Park at 10:15 p.m. Info: Blainebythesea.com.

Book Sale: Tuesday, July 4, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. DVDs, CDs, coffee table books, teen and children’s books, adult fiction and nonfiction. All proceeds support the Blaine Library’s building project. Info: wcls.org.

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.

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.

Weather

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.

Narcotics Anonymous: Mondays, 7-8 p.m., Blaine United Church of Christ basement, 855 4th Street. Everyone welcome. Info: Blainenarcoticsanonymous@gmail.com.

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

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

Since June 16, 1995, The Northern Light newspaper has been the primary source for local news and events for the Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo community, proudly keeping our readers informed, engaged and connected, in print and online!

The Northern Light since June 1995...

• Number of issues published: 1,403

• Number of articles written: 28,694

• Number of Washington Newspaper Publishers Association awards received (since 2014): 250

• Number of Blaine, Birch Bay, Semiahmoo households receiving The Northern Light in their mailbox: 9,584*

• Total number of published and distributed copies of The Northern Light every week: 10,500*

37 YEARS