The Northern Light: October 12-18, 2023 by Point Roberts Press

October 12 - 18, 2023

FREE

Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer

IN THIS

ISSUE

Manufactured home park debate, page 6

VFW Post 9474 looking Harbor Harvest for gravesite help, page 13 Festival photos, page 15

PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230

Borderites celebrate homecoming win Blaine man arrested on suspicion of killing neighbor By Nolan Baker

(See Homicide, page 3)

s Junior running back Colby Shipp, c., celebrates a fourth-quarter score with senior receiver Justin Minjarez, r., during Blaine’s 29-28 homecoming win over Meridian on October 6. Read more on page 7. Photo by Nolan Baker

Voters asked to consider new county jail By Nolan Baker For the monumental task of financing construction for a new jail in Whatcom County, voters will be asked to consider increasing the county sales tax from 8.8 percent to 9 percent to fund in-part what the county estimates to be at least a $39.5 million one-time investment, with more than $21 million in annual operating costs. Major capital investments include: • $12 million (with $3 million from proposed sales tax) in funding for construc-

tion of a 23-hour crisis relief center. • $8-10 million annually in capital expenses for the new jail and $8 million in one-time expenses for a behavioral health treatment center. • $6 million in capital investments to fund re-entry support services. • $4 million to maintain and expand recovery and supportive housing programs. County voters have twice rejected similar ballot measures, in 2015 with 51.4 percent rejecting the measure, and more vocally in 2017 with 58.6 percent voting no. When ballots are filled out by November 7, propo-

Motorcyclist charged with vehicular homicide on Blaine Road hit-and-run earlier this year By Grace McCarthy A Ferndale man has been arrested on charges of vehicular homicide in connection to a hit-and-run crash on Blaine Road in March that killed a 33-year-old Blaine woman. Washington State Patrol (WSP) booked Colby Jon Gunderson, 22, into Whatcom County Jail on October 6. Gunderson was being held in lieu of $250,000

bail as of October 10, according to jail booking data. Around 5:30 p.m. on March 7, Ashleigh N. Woodward, 33, was driving a 2007 Mazda with her daughter, 13, in the passenger seat. The Mazda was headed south on Blaine Road, near the intersection of Drayton Harbor Road, when Gunderson’s motorcycle attempted to pass the Mazda. Witnesses told WSP investigators that the motorcycle was driv-

ing erratically, according to the affidavit of probable cause (APC) filed in Whatcom County Superior Court. The motorcycle attempted to pass the Mazda on the two-lane road and then moved into the Mazda’s lane as oncoming traffic approached the motorcycle, according to witness statements cited in the APC. The Mazda initially moved to the right to (See Crash, page 3)

nents of Proposition 2023-04 hope a third time could be the charm to green light construction on a replacement of the current jail. The tax would also fund an in-person behavioral health facility and diversion, housing and re-entry programs. The current jail, located in downtown Bellingham adjacent to the county courthouse, was built in 1983 to accommodate 148 inmates. According to booking data by the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), as of October 9, the jail is hous(See Jail, page 10)

INSIDE

A Blaine man was booked into Whatcom County Jail on suspicion of first-degree murder on October 4. Wayne Harold Mahar Sr., 76, was arrested around 4 p.m. October 4 after Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies and Blaine Police Department (BPD) officers responded to calls of a shooting at 4612 East Street #12 in the Maple Leaf Mobile Home Park. According to the affidavit of probable cause, Mahar claimed his neighbor was threatening and harassing him but Mahar was unable to give specifics to detectives. The victim, identified by WCSO as Vincent Reames, 67, of Blaine, was pronounced dead on the scene after deputies attempted CPR, but were unsuccessful. Mahar fired a shotgun from his porch at Reames, who was standing on his own property, according to court records. Another neighbor called 911 after hearing the shotgun blast and saw Mahar “standing on his front porch holding a gun,” a WCSO release stated. “She noticed the victim lying face down on the ground in front of his residence. She asked Mr. Mahar if he had shot Reames. He replied ‘Yeah.’” According to WCSO public information officer Deb Slater, sheriff deputies had responded to at least four separate neighborhood disputes between Mahar and Reames since November 2021. None of the four previous disputes resulted in criminal activity or arrests, Slater said. The day prior, Mahar had reportedly told his other neighbor he was upset at the landlord for increasing rent, and said he threatened to shoot the landlord’s girlfriend. He also said he was going to shoot and kill Reames because Reames was harassing him. The neighbor said she had never seen Reames threaten or harass the Mahars. Following the shooting, Mahar admitted in an interview with detectives that he had wanted to kill Reames and claimed Reames “deserved to be dead.” Mahar didn’t pro-

TheNorthernLight

Coming Up . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . 11, 12 Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 7 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14

@TNLreporter

@TheNorthernLightNews

TheNorthernLight.com

ThisFLYERS Week’s

FSI SAVE

The Northern Light • October 12 - 18, 2023

GET AWAY TO BIRCH BAY!

Our Most Innovative Shades—Now with Special Rebates

2023 REBUILD

GRAND BAY CONDOS

BEAUTIFUL BAY VIEW

8244 Quinault Road

7714 Birch Bay Drive Unit #203

6964 Birch Bay Drive

$759,000 • 4 bed, 2.5 bath Birch Bay Village

$585,000 • 2 bed, 2 bath

$380,000 • 2 bed, 1 bath

Dealer Logo

Dealer Name Address City State Zip Dealer Phone Dealer Website Contractor’s License # 12345678

Our Most Innovative Shades—Now with Special Rebates

Our Most Innovative Shades—Now with Special Rebates *Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made October 1- December 5, 2023 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Rebate will be issued in the form of a Virtual Reward Card and emailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim approval. Subject to applicable law, a $3.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 12 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. See complete terms distributed with Virtual Reward Card. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2023 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.

Dealer Name

Lorraine’s Window Coverings Address

Heather T. Taylor

Rd. Ste 101 DealInnovative er Nam410 e W Bakerview Our Most Shades—Now w Bellingham, WA, Address Dealer Logo

Julie Ward

City State Zip Dealer Phone Dealer Website Contractor’s License # 12345678

City State Zip(360) 738-8175 Dealer PhoneLorrainesWindowCoverings.com Dealer Name Dealer Website Address *Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made October 1- December 5, 2023 from participating Co nbe traissued ctoinr’the s form Licofena Virtual se #Reward 123Card 456and78 dealers in the U.S. only. Rebate will emailed within 6 weeks of rebate

Dealer Logo

City State Zip Dealer Phone Dealer Website Contractor’s Licen

claim approval. Subject to applicable law, a $3.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 12 months after card

(425) 785-5771 • www.TheTaylorTeamofWa.com

*Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made October 1- December 5, 2023 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Rebate will be issued in the form of a Virtual Reward Card and emailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim approval. Subject to applicable laissuance w, a $3.00 and monteach hly feemonth will be thereafter. assessed agaSee inst ccomplete ard balanceterms 12 mondistributed ths after cardwith issuaVirtual nce and Reward each montCard. h thereAdditional after. See colimitations mplete terms may distributed with Virtual Reward Card. Additional limitations may apply. Ask papply. articipaAsk ting dparticipating ealer for detailsdealer and rebfor ate details form. ©2and 023 Hrebate unter Doform. uglas.©2023 All rightsHunter reservedDouglas. . All trademAll arksrights used hreserved. erein are theAll protrademarks perty of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.

*Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made October 1- December 5, 2023 from participating dealers in the U.S within 6 weeks of rebate claim approval. Subject to applicable law, a $3.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 12 months with Virtual Reward Card. Additional limitations may apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2023 Hunter Douglas. Al or their respective owners.

Pet Photo Contest!Pageant rfect Pet

rr A Ghostly Affair: A Pu

Creep into the Spotlight!

Prepare to be bewitched by the enchanting costumes of our furry contestants. From the mysterious to the mystical, pets of all kinds will showcase their hauntingly good fashion sense as they compete for the title of the most ghostly and ghoulish pet.

Contest runs through October 31. Categories for dogs & cats!

H oliday Parties at t He V ault Three beautiful rooms to choose from for your luncheon or evening parties.

Book now!

Get creative! Prizes for all that enter! Exciting prizes for the top winners: 1st prize The WOOF Award - $500 1st prize The HISS Award - $500 Other awards; Bark Boxes, KitNip Boxes, Goody Boxes, Trick or Treat Bags, Gift Cards, along with weekly giveaways!

WINE BAR + BISTRO + E V E N T S PA C E NW FusioN • WiNe • Beer • CoCktails

HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Capture the Moment: Take a fantastic photo of your beloved pet(s). Submit Your Entry: Send your donation of $25. You will then receive a request for your pets photo(s). Organized by New Yorkers for Justice, to benefit The Perseus Foundation and Bellingham Veterinary Proceeds will be allocated to pet cancer patients at Bellingham Veterinary who are in need of financial assistance.

www.theperseusfoundation.info

Email joni@thevaultwine.com 277 G Street • Downtown Blaine

360-392-0955

SHOP LOCAL DINE LOCAL READ LOCAL

Waterfront Open House October 12 - 18, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com

Homicide ... From page 1

vide information on threats or harassment he received from Reames. “He went into his home, grabbed his empty shotgun, went in his bedroom to get a shotgun shell, and loaded it,” court documents described the incident. “[Mahar] stepped onto his porch and with intent purposefully shot Vincent Reames in the chest from his porch at approximately 30 feet.” Mahar’s wife, Sandra, told detectives that Reames was “crazy” and had been a nuisance to the couple for years, according to court records. Mahar told his wife that he shot Reames in self-defense, claiming Reames had come onto their property threatening to kill Mahar the day prior to the shooting. Mahar admitted to having one

Crash ... From page 1

make room but then overcorrected, swerving to the left and striking two concrete barriers, according to the APC. Woodward, who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the vehicle. A witness told WSP investigators that the motorcycle had slowed down and Woodward crossed in front of it as she overcorrected and crashed into the barriers. The motorcycle then drove away. Woodward and her daughter were transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Woodward died from her injuries on April 13 and her daughter was released after suffering an intracranial bleed. WSP detectives forensically mapped the scene and found that it collaborated the witness statements. A surveillance video from Ben’s Market, just north of the crash, captured still images of the motorcycle driver and a Blaine Police Department officer was able to connect the motorcycle to Gunderson. WSP detectives interviewed Gunderson at his Ferndale home on March 21, where he showed them his Suzuki SV650 motorcycle and was described as “extremely nervous,” according to the APC. The motorcycle had no license plate and was recently painted. Shortly after meeting with investigators, Gunderson allegedly tried to take down photos of the motorcycle from his social media accounts. WSP obtained a search warrant for Gunderson’s phone records, which showed him in the area of the collision, according to the APC. Gunderson spoke with detectives again in early June and told them he attempted to pass Woodward’s vehicle. He said he never made contact with the Mazda so he didn’t believe he was involved in the crash, according to the APC. He allegedly also told investigators that he threw his helmet away shortly after the crash. It was not known by press time who was representing Gunderson.

shot of alcohol prior to the incident. Four hours after his arrest, court records show he registered a blood alcohol level of .189 percent. The legal limit in Washington is .08 percent. Mahar was booked into Whatcom County Jail later that afternoon without incident, and is currently being held in lieu of $2 million bail, which was set during his court appearance on October 5. Mahar’s arraignment is set for October 13. Court records stated if Mahar is released from custody, he will not be allowed to possess firearms or consume any intoxicants.

OPEN HOUSE: Sunday, October 15 • 12-2pm s A sign in the Maple Leaf Mobile Home Park. Photo by Nolan Baker

Check-out the

CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE on pages 11 & 12

Lighthouse Baptist Church Welcomes you to meetings with

9150 Aerie Lane Unit 5 • $1,249,000

MLS#2152676 Come and view unobstructed waterfront with direct beach access in this lovely 3 bed, 3 bath, 3,957 sqft. townhome.

kstauffer@windermere.com • kathystauffer.com

O pen House!

Managing Broker/Windermere-Whatcom

Evangelist Dan Knickerbocker Sunday, October 15 at 11 am and 6 pm Monday, October 16 through Wednesday, October 18 at 7 pm

Lighthouse Baptist ChurCh

8373 Harborview Road, Birch Bay 360-303-2793 • birchbaybaptist.com

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, October 14 • 12-2pm

429 12th Street • $729,000

MLS#2160552 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 2,550 sq. ft. Single story home on 25,000+ sq.ft. lot

kstauffer@windermere.com • kathystauffer.com

O pen House!

Managing Broker/Windermere-Whatcom

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, October 14 • 12-2pm

9159 Gleneagle Dr. • $599,000

MLS#2146471 2 bed, 2 bath, 1378 sq. ft. New price: you won’t want to miss this highly upgraded property!

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

for REAL news

READ LOCAL, READ

The Northern Light • October 12 - 18, 2023

Opinion

The Northern L ght The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc. Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors. Letters Policy The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. 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

Blaine judge remembered for service

s Blaine Municipal Court administrator Raylene King, l., and Blaine hearing examiner Rajeev Majumdar, r., paid tribute to Michael Bobbink, who served as judge for the small cities in Whatcom County and as Whatcom County hearing examiner. A Blaine native, Bobbink signed his first contract with the city of Blaine in 1991. Bobbink died on September 25. “Judge Bobbink was committed to truth, equity and justice in his court rooms and in his chambers,” King said.

Photo by Grace McCarthy

Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Nolan Baker nolan@pointrobertspress.com Editorial Intern Madisun Tobisch prpintern@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 Pete Nelson The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVIII, No 18 Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

Letters The Editor: Who should be your next Whatcom County Sheriff? Present Whatcom County Undersheriff Doug Chadwick or present Blaine city Police Chief Donnell Tanksley? The position of county sheriff is unique in that he/she is “your” law enforcement leader – directly. The sheriff is not via a bureaucratic administration (so far), as municipal and state departments are. You elect who will be your sheriff – directly. Any individual who elects to function in a public peacekeeping role, line or command, deserves our respect and gratitude – explicitly. Both Doug and Donnell deserve this. Thank you both. However, when it comes to evaluating which of these two valued law enforcement individuals is best suited to be your next Whatcom County Sheriff, present undersheriff Doug Chadwick is eminently more qualified. Simply, his 29 impeccable years with the sheriff’s office, including being undersheriff for the past four, should be enough of a differentiating qualifier. He also has served as narcotics detective field

training office, task force officer for DEA and ATF, and many other strategic supervisory roles. Doug has been a life-long resident of Whatcom County; knows well and has inherent empathy for the county and its residents (you) and is solely interested in continuing to do so – not simply pursuing another career objective. Chief Tanksley is likely a sound law enforcement individual, however there’s little value for Whatcom County citizens to engage in an experiment in new leadership of the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. Please find time to familiarize yourself with Undersheriff Chadwick’s impressive background. Visit votedougchadwick.com. Peter and Susan Werner Blaine The Editor: The main culprit in the Cain Creek tree death due to English Ivy invasion appears to be the adjacent U.S. Post Office, which apparently planted the ivy as ground cover around the building. Removing the ivy from the post office and the remaining

The Editor: I am writing to express my support of Blaine school board candidate Ben Lazarus. I didn’t know Ben Lazarus when he announced his candidacy, but I have been so impressed by him that I wanted to write and encourage others to see what a great opportunity we have as a community to elect him. Mr. Lazarus has been doing his research to truly understand what powers the school board has and what he will be (See Letters, next page) Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Civic Meetings Birch Bay Water & Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4 p.m., district offices, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info and Zoom meeting link: bbwsd.com. Blaine 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.

Next issue: Oct. 19 Ads due: Oct. 13

Cain Creek evergreens – that form a backdrop of the civic center – is a good volunteer project. Since Cain Creek is the only greenway in Blaine, maybe someone will start a Friends of Cain Creek. Jay Taber Blaine

Blaine Planning Commission: Second Thursday, 6 p.m. Info: blainepc@ cityofblaine.com. Info for joining Zoom meetings: bit.ly/3EwWiZi. Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Meetings are second Tues-

day, 5:30 p.m., location varies. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. Blaine Park and Cemetery Board: Second Thursday, 9 a.m., council chambers and virtual meeting. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330. Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info: blainesd.org. North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Third Thursday, 11 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.

October 12 - 18, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com

Letters ... From previous page

able to do as a school board member. He has also been spending countless hours reaching out to individuals and groups like the parent teacher organizations. His motivations are very clearly to be of service to the community and be a thoughtful and educated member of the school board. In these times of divisive politics, we need to elect people who are willing to work the job they are elected to do. We need people who won’t spend their time posturing and making a scene, but instead educating themselves so they can make the best decisions possible for our community. Ben Lazarus is absolutely that candidate. Ben Lazarus will do a wonderful job representing Blaine families and students. Jenna Schrengohst Blaine The Editor: One of the best ways to evaluate candidates is to look at the people and organizations endorsing them. We may not have known the candidate for long, but we have trusted some leaders and groups for many years. Doug Chadwick, a 29-year Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office veteran, is currently undersheriff and is running for Whatcom County Sheriff. He has one of the most diverse and impressive

t e k r a Mj BLAINE’S

BY THE SEA Saturday 10 am-2 pm

O Featuring SATU PEN RDAY LOCAL ! VENDORS selling HANDCRAFTED MERCHANDISE Vendor Space Available Apply at blainechamber.com

G Street Plaza DOWNTOWN BLAINE

endorsements ever. He is endorsed by the current sheriff, Bill Elfo, and our previous two sheriffs. Longtime Whatcom County prosecuting attorney Dave McEachran endorses Doug Chadwick. Six active or retired police chiefs in Whatcom County also support him, as do many others in law enforcement. Labor is a big backer of Doug Chadwick, endorsed by the Northwest Washington Central Labor Council and Teamsters Local 231/Joint Council 28. Other respected groups endorsing him are the Whatcom County Association of Realtors, the Whatcom County Farm Bureau, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 24 and the Associated General Contractors of Washington. Elected officials who endorse Doug Chadwick include former Whatcom County Executive Jack Louws (2012-2019), Port of Bellingham commissioner Ken Bell, three Whatcom County Council members and four Whatcom County mayors. Please join all of them and me in voting for Doug Chadwick for Whatcom County Sheriff in the November 7 general election. Kendra Cook Bellingham

CITY OF BLAINE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Ordinance No. 23-3005

All interested citizens are encouraged to appear and be heard or submit written comments regarding this proposal. Written comments should be sent to CityCouncil@cityofblaine.com. Written communication must be received by 3:30pm on October 23, 2023, for it to be included in the record. Blaine City Hall is an accessible facility. Anyone wishing to attend and participate who may need special accommodation to do so should contact the City Clerk’s office no later than 72 hours prior to the scheduled hearing.

The City of Blaine is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Town Hall Meeting

6:00pm – City Council Meeting: Public Hearings on 2024 Budget, 2024 Property Tax, and ORDINANCE 23-3005

Tuesday, October 24 3:30pm – Civil Service Commission Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website. Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.

www.cityofblaine.com

Thank you for supporting local journalism. This week’s supporters:

Salary Range: $6,095 to $7,708 per month plus benefits.

First review deadline: November 3, 2023, at 4:30pm; Open Until Filled.

Monday, October 23 5:30pm – Study Session:

For further information on the property tax levy or 2024 budget, please contact the Finance Department, 360-332-8311.

For further information on the 2024 budget, please contact the Finance Department, 360-332-8311.

Interested persons should complete the online application on the City’s job page, https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/blainewa/jobs/4234164/ community-planner-ii?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

Cemetery Board Meeting 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting

All interested citizens are encouraged to appear and be heard or submit written comments regarding the proposed property tax levy. Written comments should be sent to CityCouncil@cityofblaine.com. Written communication must be received by 3:30pm on October 23, 2023, for it to be included in the record. Blaine City Hall is an accessible facility. Anyone wishing to attend and participate who may need special accommodation to do so should contact the City Clerk’s office no later than 72 hours prior to the scheduled hearing.

All interested citizens are encouraged to appear and be heard or submit written comments regarding the City’s proposed 2024 Budget. Written comments should be sent to CityCouncil@cityofblaine.com. Written communication must be received by 3:30pm on November 13, 2023, for it to be included in the record. Blaine City Hall is an accessible facility. Anyone wishing to attend and participate who may need special accommodation to do so should contact the City Clerk’s office no later than 72 hours prior to the scheduled hearing.

The Community Planner II holds a high-profile position within a collaborative work team that performs a broad range of professional planning and community development functions. These responsibilities include assisting the community with both legislative and current planning land use decisions; reviewing permits in a timely and efficient manner for all applications submitted to the City; managing the City’s ongoing permit review system; and providing staff assistance to the Planning Commission.

Thursday, October 12 9:00am – Parks and

Notice is hereby given that a public hearing for the 2024 revenue sources and proposed Property Tax Levy is scheduled for Monday, October 23, 2023, at 6:00pm. The meeting will be held in-person and virtually. Information on how to attend the City Council meeting virtually will be included on the agenda. City Council meeting agendas are published the Friday before the City Council meeting.

Public Hearings on the final 2024 budget are scheduled for Monday, October 23, 2023, and Monday, November 13, 2023, at 6:00 pm. The meeting will be held in-person and virtually. Information on how to attend the City Council meeting virtually will be included on the agenda. City Council meeting agendas are published the Friday before the City Council meeting.

Applications are being accepted for a Community Planner II with the City’s Community Development Services Department. This position requires a high level of personal integrity while providing fast, friendly, and effective customer service.

Information on how to listen to the meeting live will be on the City Council agenda which is located on the City’s website homepage under Your Government, City Council, City Council Agenda. Please check the agenda prior to each meeting as the call in number or location may change.

CITY OF BLAINE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BLAINE CITY COUNCIL

Notice is hereby given that the 2024 Preliminary Budget was filed with the Blaine City Clerk on October 9, 2023. Copies of the preliminary budget are available for review in the City Clerk’s office.

COMMUNITY PLANNER II

CITY OF BLAINE

Notice is hereby given that the Blaine City Council will conduct a public hearing to consider ORDINANCE 23-3005, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BLAINE COUNCIL AMENDING BMC 17.68.120.A.1 TO ELIMINATE THE EXCLUSION OF MANUFACTURED AND MOBILE HOMES TO REMEDY AN INCONSISTENCY WITH STATE LAW AND AMENDING TABLE 17.68.C OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCLUDE MANUFACTURED HOME PARKS, CONSISTENT WITH PERMITTED USES IN THE PLANNED RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICT AS LISTED IN BMC 17.42.020. The public hearing will occur in the Council Chambers at Blaine City Hall, 435 Martin Street, Suite 4000, on October 23, 2023 at 6:00 pm. The public hearing will also be held virtually via Zoom. Information on how to “attend” the City Council meeting virtually will be included on the agenda. If the location of the public hearing changes, it will be notified on the City Council meeting agenda. The agenda can be found on the City’s website on the Friday prior to the meeting.

CITY OF BLAINE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY COUNCIL

CITY OF BLAINE

Cecelia Young • Wes Sorstokke You can also contribute online at thenorthernlight.com

Please Support This Newspaper

$29

(or whatever you can)

Name: Email: Address: City: State: Zip:

Community Newspaper for Blaine & Birch Bay

MAIL TO: The Northern Light, 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 l 360/332-1777

The Northern Light • October 12 - 18, 2023

Blaine High School Athletic Hall of Fame

Blaine City Council plans to hold public hearing on manufactured home parks

2023 Induction Class: Gary Clausen • Mark Halldorson Marvin Theodore (Ted) Hanson Jim Jorgensen • Heidi Kuttel Burke Wayne Schouten • Greg Wright 1998-99 & 1999-00 Boys Basketball Teams

Induction Ceremony

Saturday, October 14 • 1 pm Blaine Performing Arts Center

The Immigration Law Firm •• U.S. U.S. green greencards cards/ /naturalization naturalization •• Work / investor visas Inadmissibility waivers TN (NAFTA) work permits •• Denied entry waivers U.S. Citizenship •• Removal hearingsclaims • NEXUS appeals

360-332-7100 360-332-7100

www.blaineimmigration.com• •435 435Martin MartinSt., St., Suite Suite2010 1010 ••Blaine, www.blaineimmigration.com Blaine,WA WA

Leonard atLaw Law LeonardD.M. D.M.Saunders, Saunders, Attorney Attorney at

SATURDAYS! NAPA Auto Parts and Accessories Your trusted source for automotive parts

NAPAonline.com (select the Blaine Store)

WE DELIVER TO: Blaine • Birch Bay • Custer • Point Roberts FREE LOCAL HOME DELIVERY Now Open Saturdays 9am-3pm

360-332-7018 • 365 D Street, Blaine • Mon-Fri 8 am - 5 pm, Sat 9 am - 3pm

SHOP NOW www.napaonline.com

Change your Oil * for just

*when you buy your oil & filter at Blaine

ALLEY AUTO INC We Install Quality NAPA Parts.

Tires • Blaine

365 D Street • Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm • 360-325-0231 Must present coupon. Good thru October 2023

s Blaine City Council listened to nearly 20 people speak during a public hearing on manufactured home parks in council chambers on October 9. Photo by Grace McCarthy

By Grace McCarthy Blaine City Council voted 4-1-2 to hold a public hearing on manufactured home parks during its Monday, October 23 meeting and consider approving large parks in east Blaine as long as they are restricted to a smaller zoning area. Council voted during its October 9 meeting, with councilmember Mike Hill opposed and councilmember Kerena Higgins and mayor Mary Lou Steward abstained. This comes after the planning commission voted during its September 14 meeting to recommend city council allow manufactured home parks that are five acres or larger within east Blaine on the condition that they have a geographic limitation. The only

area in the city currently zoned for manufactured home parks is the planned residential zone, which is about one-third of the city’s land. Planning commission’s vote strayed from city staff’s recommendation to approve large manufactured home parks in the entirety of the planned residential zone. City manager Mike Hill said during the council meeting that city staff’s recommendation to city council remained the same after planning commission’s vote because the city wanted to remain consistent. Hill said during the meeting that he wanted to follow city staff’s recommendation. Council’s vote followed nearly

20 people who spoke during a heated public hearing on manufactured home parks, and most of those who spoke were east Blaine residents in opposition of the parks. Debate on manufactured home parks started after east Blaine developers Skip and Katie Jansen submitted a text amendment request to change inconsistencies in the city’s code, which began the public process in 2022. The zoning code allows for manufactured home parks but the planned unit development (PUD) code, which allows for flexible design and more housing types, excludes manufactured home parks. PUDs are required for manufactured home park developments that are five acres or larger.

Police pursuit ends in Custer By Grace McCarthy A police pursuit that started in Lynden ended with a man being arrested for reckless driving, eluding police and resisting arrest in Custer on October 4. Lynden Police Department officers noticed a white pickup truck driving the wrong way on a one-way street in Lynden and driving on the sidewalk for

several hundred yards, Lynden police chief Steve Taylor told The Northern Light. The driver allegedly fled when officers attempted to stop the truck and continued driving west on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office deputies set out spike strips near Valley View Road that caused three of the truck’s tires to deflate, Taylor wrote. The vehicle then

drove south onto I-5, where law enforcement officers made contact with the driver. Officers pulled the driver from his truck when he refused to exit the vehicle, Taylor wrote. He allegedly continued to resist officers as they arrested him. The man was booked into Whatcom County Jail on October 4 and, as of October 11, remains in jail in lieu of $30,000 bail.

Woman suspected of making bomb threat to distract police A woman was booked into Whatcom County Jail on October 10 on suspicion of making a bomb threat at Cost Cutter to distract law enforcement officers from searching for a man known to her. Blaine Police Department (BPD) spokesperson Tami Bhachu said BPD was assisting Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies with a driver who fled a traffic stop in the 8000

block of East Street on October 9. WCSO deputies asked a woman who they believed was dating the driver about his whereabouts, and after speaking with them, she walked away. A few minutes later, around 10:30 p.m., a bomb threat was made at Cost Cutter, Bhachu said. Bhachu was unable to provide details on the threat by press time. Police immediately tracked the phone to the woman, who was

located in the 8000 block of East Street. Law enforcement did not respond to Cost Cutter because they quickly determined there was no threat, Bhachu said. BPD later asked the woman be trespassed from the store. The WCSO was unable to provide additional information on the traffic stop by press time. The woman was released from jail on October 10.

October 12 - 18, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com

Sports Sports roundup: Football wins on last second field goal

s Senior lineman Alejandro Moser-Hernandez prepares for kickoff before Blaine’s 29-28 homecoming win over Meridian. Photo by Nolan Baker

By Nolan Baker Football The Borderite football team calls him “Matty Ice.” On the score sheet, it will go down as a game-winning field goal by senior kicker Matthew Hayes. With Blaine trailing visiting 1A Northwest Conference (NWC) foe Meridian 28-26 with five seconds remaining, Hayes kicked a 27-yard field goal to put the game on ice and deliver a homecoming win that Blaine won’t soon forget. Head coach Andy Olson said there are few players on the roster that deserve their moment in the limelight more than Hayes. The senior volunteers every week to play the scout team linebacker (nobody asked him to do that) and was unfazed when Meridian took a timeout before his kick to “ice the kicker.” It didn’t work. “For Matty Ice to go have ice in his veins and deliver for us, that’s cool, that was really cool,” Olson said. “I’m happy for him, and happy for our kids in general.” Blaine walked off the field on October 6 after thwarting a last-second Hail Mary attempt by the visiting Trojans, and now sit with a 2-4 overall record, and 1-1 in NWC play. The win took the Borderites out from the conference basement, leapfrogging Meridian for 4th place with three games remaining on the year. Hayes couldn’t have the opportunity for the game-winning kick without junior quarterback Colin Davis going supernova for a dazzling final drive to bring the Borderites to within field goal range. Davis marched down the field, completing four consecutive throws with under two minutes remaining to give the Borderites three tries at the end zone. A potential touchdown by tight end Connor Dahlry was rescinded by a holding penalty, and two incompletions to wide receiver Hunter Vezzetti brought fourth down, and Hayes drilled it. “I couldn’t be happier for Colin Davis,” Olson said. “That kid is the quintessential ‘I’ll do everything’ [player]. Whatever you

need, he’s the team’s player, so for him to go perform, I don’t think anybody deserves it more. I’m really happy for him.” The entire game was a battle against Meridian (3-3, 1-2), featuring six lead changes, all in the second half. Blaine’s run defense suffocated the Trojans in the first half, with junior linebacker Blake Koreski blowing up multiple plays in the backfield. But by the third quarter, Meridian found a groove and punished the Borderites for a total of 180 rushing yards on 40 attempts. “We’ve got a little bit of a learning curve going on here as we try to teach football IQ and adjustments,” Olson said. “In the third quarter, they basically gashed us on three plays: counter, lead and sweep [runs]. Those are things that we’ll learn and grow from as we play more football.” The Borderites also gave up a kickoff return touchdown to begin the second half, its second such touchdown allowed in the past two games. Clearly the Borderites have room to improve, but Friday’s win could go down as a turning point in the program now helmed by first-year head coach Andy Olson. “This is something we can build on,” Olson said. “It’s like, ‘okay, this is what it feels like to win on homecoming, this is what it feels like to win a close one, on our home field, against a league opponent.” Blaine’s next game comes against 2A NWC rival Bellingham (3-3) at home on October 13 at 7 p.m. The Borderites have three games remaining on the season, with one last home game against Nooksack Valley on October 27. Stats provided by WhatcomPreps.com Girls Soccer Blaine girls soccer put on a great performance on the road against Mount Baker on October 4, defeating the cross-county rivals 2-0 with a pair of goals from junior captain Juliana Zuzarte. The win over Mount Baker was Blaine’s first game this season to see the Borderites score more than one goal. Head coach Gio Quesada-Ruiz chalked the extra offen-

sive push to moving Zuzarte from midfielder to forward at halftime, allowing the speedy captain more creativity and autonomy in the flow of play. She netted both goals in the second half. The Borderites are now riding its first winning streak of the season, which couldn’t have come at a more opportune time than after getting routed 6-0 to an underrated (and at the time, 0-7) Lynden Christian team. After starting its conference schedule a disappointing 0-1-1, the Borderites have bounced back in a big way in the past week, and now sit directly in the middle of the 1A NWC standings in third place at 2-1-1 with a 3-3-2 overall record. For Quesada-Ruiz, Zuzarte’s performance is part of what he expects from a veteran player that has been in the program since her freshman year. “She has the extra experience that a lot of players don’t have,” Quesada-Ruiz said of his captain. “She’s a great player, she has a natural instinct and she’s a very competitive player. That’s why she’s the captain.” Zuzarte’s two goals were her first of the season, and it brought Blaine its largest margin of victory so far this year. Perhaps her new position at forward will stick for the final four games of the regular season. The Borderite defense, led by standout junior goalkeeper Larissa Pluschakov, earned its fourth shutout in eight games this season. Pluschakov, the reigning NWC Defensive Player of the Year, and the Borderites look poised to remedy its 6-0 blunder against Lynden Christian during the rematch on October 16. “She’s the best keeper in the conference,” Quesada-Ruiz said. “But it’s not only because of Larissa. I think the defense really understands how to play the position and when to attack the ball.” The Borderites will need all facets of its game to click for the final third of the regular season. Blaine will rematch against each conference opponent one more time before seeding is announced for district playoffs. Blaine will go on the road to face Meridian on October 11 and host Lynden Christian on October 16 at 7 p.m. at Borderite Stadium. Volleyball The Blaine volleyball team’s two-game winning streak was snapped October 4 in a straightset loss to Oak Harbor, 25-20, 2517 and 25-17, then followed by another straight-set loss to Lakewood on October 10. The losses put Blaine at a 2-8 overall record with five games remaining on the year. As with the two wins last week, the October 10 loss saw setters Bella Vezzetti and Kaitlyn Harrington lighting up the stat sheet with 11 assists and a block each, while seniors Teya Zaddack and Deja Dube combined for 16 kills on the night, with Zaddack earning eight digs and Dube tallying nine.

The Borderites seem to be running out of time to make a push for district playoffs with only a few remaining games in its regular season schedule. It could be a challenge for Blaine to even match its win total from the 2022-23 season when the Borderites went 4-13. The Borderites will continue to fight on through the remainder of the season, and will face off against Squalicum at home on October 12 at 7 p.m. Stats provided by WhatcomPreps.com

Combination Meals Buy One, Get Second

1/2 PRICE!

with purchase of 2 drinks!

DINE IN OR TAKE OUT. Of equal or lesser value. Not valid with other offers. Lunch or Dinner. Exp. 10/26/2023

DINE IN TAKE OUT &

DELIVERY thru Viking Food

HAPPY HOUR 7 DAYS & ALL DAY SUNDAYS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR LUNCH & DINNER!

758 Peace Portal Dr. • Downtown Blaine

360-332-4045

www.pasodelnorte.net

home & garden

Saturday, Oct. 14 • 9am - 5pm Fun for the whole family! HUGE One Day Sale! FOR THE KIDS! Candy Hunt • Craft Table • Pumpkin Bowling Fall Treats from Mom VW’s Kitchen 8210 Portal Way • Blaine, WA Exit 270 just north of Birch Bay Square

N Mon. thE ru Sat. 9-5

360-366-3906 • vwhomeandgarden.com

A lot of good things under one roof Experience the 2023 Tiguan.

A negotiable documentary service of up to $150 may be added to the sales or CAP cost of New or Used Vehicles.

The Northern Light • October 12 - 18, 2023

Active S eniors

Overcoming senior loneliness: We are in this together By Pete Nelson It is fair to say we live in an interesting time in history, where crisis has become the norm. Where information is plentiful, technology is ever consuming, and frankly, we all live with a little bit of chaos. It doesn’t help that we also have to endure a pandemic that won’t seem to let us go. Yet, life continues to move forward and time, unfortunately, continues to move at a rapid pace. However, within community, there has never been a better time to unite and realize we are in this together. Life does throw its obstacles. It always has. This will never change. The challenges we face are different than we may have faced in the past but it is our commonalities that give us hope and tell us we can endure. These commonalities, which we sometimes forget, are the foundation of what really makes life good: To live with purpose, to help those we love and those in need, to embrace kindness, to enjoy family and friends, to nurture community, and to continue to learn and grow from the trials and tribulations we endure. When we focus on what we have in common, instead of our differences, we realize we are all in this life together … and we are not alone. It is easy to look at differences: Politics, religion, professions and careers, education level, ethnicity, age, and so much more. But it is more important, in a deeper sense, to look at what we share and to understand that together we are much stronger and can

handle just about anything life throws at us. Let’s learn from each other. So why do we have so many lonely people? Our children. Our seniors. Isolation is affecting us emotionally and physically and has caused a mental health and wellness epidemic within the U.S. Many people have depression. Chronic illness associated with isolation and loneliness has become a predominate factor for the wellness of society. Suicide among our children and seniors is too high. It’s not so easy to look at but an issue we can’t turn away from. Let’s address loneliness in our community because it exists. Let’s come together to focus on our commonalities and to focus on basic needs of those within our community. Here is an idea! Let’s acknowledge each other and our need to be recognized. Embraced. In simple terms: Kindness. One community that I know quite well is the Blaine Senior Center, a membership community of about 600 Blaine residents. A diverse population of many ethnic groups, ages 50-100 and higher, with affluence from a little to a lot. They are a group of seniors that consist of three separate generations with talents across the board. Within this population we play, learn, teach, listen and embrace community. And there is one mandatory mantra: Kindness. Does this mean everyone is the same? Of course not. Yet we focus on the commonalities. To give and receive with gratitude.

s Blaine Senior Center patrons enjoy lunch during in February. To acknowledge each other, help within our community, and to enjoy the simple things in life: Each other. Some give more. Some need more. But this is life. Everyone is a part of the community. We don’t talk about politics or religion. We don’t talk down to each other. We understand in the

CD Special

% 5.00 for 7 months

APY*

Earn 5.00% APY* on a 7-month certificate of deposit (CD). Minimum $5,000 deposit of new money** to open.

Firs

t da

y of

reti

rem

ent

Interest Rates Effective: 09/08/2023 * APY is Annual Percentage Yield. Penalties may be imposed on early withdrawal. **New money is described as funds not previously held on deposit at First Fed within the last 30 days. Opening deposit can be combined with existing funds once the initial $5,000 new money requirement is met.

Visit ourfirstfed.com/personal/savings/cd-rates or scan the QR for details.

File photo

game of life our similarities are what bring us together. We are all getting older no matter who you are. It’s amazing what can grow within ourselves and others when we embrace respect for life and acknowledge others with kindness, help, laughter and support. So here is the challenge: Be kind to our children, seniors and all those in between. Kind words matter. Listen to understand. Check in with your neighbor. Nurture those around you and watch what happens. Say hi when it isn’t the norm. Say thank you when it is needed. Give when you can. Ask for help if it is needed. Let’s tackle the loneliness epi-

demic by letting others know they are not alone. The Blaine Senior Center is a community resource that is here for you. As a senior, you are not alone. Come and join our community. As a Blaine resident, know we believe intergenerational connection is an important ingredient for this community, and we hope our paths cross soon with one of our community events or amazing resources available here for you. And please, stop by and say hi when you are in the neighborhood. Pete Nelson is the executive director of Blaine Senior Center and oversees operations at the Blaine Community Center.

NATHAN L. McALLISTER

Semiahmoo, Blaine & Birch Bay is my home.

ATTORNEY AT LAW, PS

Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Probate & Family Law 360-734-0338

1313 E. Maple St., Ste 208 Bellingham www.NathanMcAllisterLaw.com

CALL ME FOR A FREE

Market Analysis on your home.

Lisa Sprague Broker

360-961-0838

October 12 - 18, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com

�&.�E �CINIC

161 O Grover Street, Suite B9

360.318.0880

Can couples move into assisted living facilities together? The decision to move into an assisted living facility requires careful consideration, and that decision may require even greater deliberation for couples. The organization SeniorLiving.org, which is devoted to empowering older adults to age with ease, notes that many assisted living facilities offer living arrangements for spouses who do not necessarily require the same level of care and attention as their partners. Though each facility is different, and some may not allow couples to live together when one person requires significant help with day-to-day living, many provide apartment-style living in which housing units are equipped with safety features, such as handrails and wheelchair accessibility, that can make daily living safer for aging individuals with physical challenges without making life difficult for their partners with no such issues. In addition, SeniorLiving.org notes that, at most assisted living facilities, residents will only pay for the services required, meaning couples will not have to pay for services such as medication management and activities of daily living assistance for the spouse who does not require such help. Such flexibility can make life easier and more affordable for couples who choose to move into assisted living facilities together.

Clayton Sulek Denturist

BellinghamDentureClinic.com

Lisa Lanham Denturist

Over 35 years of combined experience/

• Full Dentures/ Cast Metal Partial Dentures

• Repairs - most done in-house same day

• Immediate Placement Dentures (Placed same time as extractions)

• Relines - including Soft Liners

• Implant-Retained Dentures • Resin Partials & Flippers

• Tissue Conditioners • Dental Referrals • Consultations are always FREE

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION AND EVALUATION. Visit our Bellingham location at 1329 King Street

File photo

It's never too late to start Whole Pilates

A little Extra Care with a lot more Peace of Mind. Call 360-354-5985

Whole Pilates of Birch Bay

Authentic Classical Pilates

905 Aaron Dr. • Lynden, WA • www.lyndenmanor.com

Private training in studio or online Contact colleen@wholepilates.com

DISCOUNT

MONUMENTS & URNS 1118 W. Smith Rd.

CascadeMonuments.com

PORTABLE OXYGEN FOR YOUR ON-THE-GO LIFESTYLE Inogen® Rove 6™ System

$50 MONUMENTS OFF CASCADE383-9146 Headstones

Converts the air around you into medical grade oxygen

Cascade Monuments

Flats

Urns

(360)

Inogen® Rove 6™ delivers up to 12 hrs, 45 min2 of oxygen

Inogen One® G4® System

1. 14-day risk-free trial- Return within 30 days of purchase for a full refund of purchase price. 2. Battery life up to 12 hours, 45 minutes between charges when used on flow setting 1 with extended battery. 3. The Inogen One® G4® weighs 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) with a single (8 cell) battery pack.

Portable and lightweight. Inogen One® G4® weighs as little as 3.3 lbs.3

Call us toll-free at

1-855-758-1339 CLAIM YOUR

14-DAY RISK-FREE TRIAL1

PM230469 EN_EX_USA Rx Only. © 2023 Inogen, Inc. 301 Coromar Drive, Goleta, CA 93117 Inogen One® G4® and Inogen® Rove 6™ are trademarks of Inogen, Inc. The usage of any Inogen, Inc. trademark is strictly forbidden without the prior consent of Inogen, Inc. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners or holders. USES: The Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrator provides a high concentration of supplemental oxygen to patients requiring respiratory therapy on a prescriptive basis. It may be used in home, institution, vehicle, and various mobile environments. DO NOT USE IF: This device is not intended to be used in any way other than described in the indications for use. Do not use in parallel or series with other oxygen concentrators or oxygen therapy devices. This device is to be used as an oxygen supplement and is not intended to be life sustaining or life supporting. ONLY use this product if the patient is capable of spontaneous breath, able to inhale and exhale without the use of a machine. The conserving, or pulse dose, oxygen delivery technique used by this device is contraindicated in persons whose breathing during normal resting would be unable to trigger the device. Proper device triggering, setup and operation must be confirmed by an experienced clinician or other respiratory professional. Not for pediatric use. Not for use by tracheotomized patients. WARNINGS: The device produces enriched oxygen gas, which accelerates combustion. Do not allow smoking or open flames within 2m (6.56ft) of this device while in use. If you feel ill or uncomfortable, or if the concentrator does not signal an oxygen pulse and you are unable to hear and/or feel the oxygen pulse, consult your equipment provider and/or your physician immediately. If you are unable to communicate discomfort, you may require additional monitoring and or a distributed alarm system to convey the information about the discomfort and or the medical urgency to your responsible caregiver to avoid harm. Use only spare parts recommended by the manufacturer to ensure proper function and to avoid the risk of fire and burns. To avoid danger of choking or strangulation hazard, keep cords away from children and pets. TALK TO YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: The oxygen flow setting must be determined and recorded for each patient individually by the prescriber, including the configuration of the device, its parts, and the accessories. It is the responsibility of the patient to periodically reassess the setting(s) of the therapy for effectiveness. The proper placement and positioning of the prongs of the nasal cannula in the nose is critical for oxygen to be delivered.

Your Connection to Community Resources • Medicare/Medicaid • Long-Term Care • Caregiver Support

Aging & Disability Resources (360) 738-2500

• Housing • In-Home Care

• Medical/Dental • Legal Options • Prescription Assistance

Confidential and Free of Charge www.nwrcwa.org

Family Caregiver Support (360) 676-6749

The Northern Light • October 12 - 18, 2023

Jail ... From page 1

ing 163 inmates. Since March 2020, booking restrictions have been implemented to attempt to keep the jail population manageable while the county court system worked through hundreds of backlogged cases. Still, the jail remains at or over capacity on a weekly basis, according to WCSO data. WCSO corrections lieutenant Caleb Erickson said that corrections staff at the downtown jail are forced to constantly improvise ways to fit more people than the jail was built to safely house. “Everything is designed for 148 people,” Erickson said. “It’s full as a tick.” Erickson said corrections staff have had to increase capacity in makeshift ways as the jail stays above capacity. That included turning the men’s indoor recreation area into dormitory-style bunks that hold up to 20 inmates and the women’s into a dry food storage unit, the women’s block converting from 64 beds to bunk beds to accommodate 128 people in the same square footage and having inmates sleep on cots on the ground when bunks are full. The jail is not only constantly at or over capacity, but is also experiencing major infrastructure challenges. Two elevators service the entire complex, and have been partially working for the past three years, Erickson said. In January 2022, the county canceled all in-person visits besides lawyers and case managers due to the state of the elevators. Four washer/dryer units are used for hundreds of inmates every day. Three are currently working after one was destroyed in a fire. “It’s anybody’s guess,” Erickson said on the status of the dilapidated laundry room. “Sometimes we’re down to one, sometimes we got two. Sometimes you can get one of them to rotate, but it doesn’t heat. We’ve had a couple of fires in recent months.” By 2004, just 20 years into the lifespan of the jail, the county Law and Justice Council recommended the construction of a new jail to accommodate overcrowding. By 2011, the Whatcom County Jail Planning Task Force formed to make recommendations to council on what a new jail should look like. In 2014, a property in Ferndale on the corner of LaBounty and Slater roads was purchased as the site of a new jail. In 2015, voters narrowly rejected a measure to fund a new, 521-bed facility. Again in 2017, voters rejected another sales tax measure to fund construction, this time by an even wider margin. Some voters rejected both measures due to the lack of accommodation for nonviolent drug offenses and crimes of poverty. County government responded by creating a flurry of task forces and institutions to find rehabilitative alternatives to locking people up. In 2015, the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force began recommending incarceration alternatives to pretrial defendants who are deemed safe for bail and reviewing criminal justice

and behavioral health programs. In 2018, the Ground-Level Response and Coordinated Engagement (GRACE) program provided alternatives to “high utilizers” of stretched-thin emergency and criminal justice systems. In 2019, the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) model was adopted to help those who kept getting arrested for unmanaged substance use, mental health challenges or extreme poverty. Whatcom County Democrats ratified a resolution against voting for the November 7 ballot measure, citing a lack of transparency from the county government on potential taxpayer costs, and the inability to reduce the underlying causes of incarceration. The Whatcom County Democrats were a key opponent to the 2017 ballot measure that proposed a jail of 244 cells, now the county is proposing a roughly 440-cell jail, “with no explanation or public discussion,” according to the Democrats’ resolution. “The county budget is stretched tight, only getting by because of federal pandemic relief funds,” the resolution stated. “The additional staff and maintenance costs not covered by the tax will eat up our capacity to provide other services to the community.” County Democrats also pointed to other means of incarceration reduction such as cash bail reform. The county’s 2023 Needs Assessment Report showed that 98 percent of inmates in county jail are being held pretrial, and that nearly two-thirds of those cannot afford to post bail. The Democrats declined to provide additional comment. Jed Holmes, community outreach facilitator for the Whatcom County Executive’s Office, said any legislation toward cash bail reform has to come from the state legislature. “That’s just not in our realm of responsibility,” Holmes said. “There’s a long list of things that should be done with regard to criminal justice reform. The amount of those things getting done in this building are very small.” County executive Satpal Sidhu has been an avid proponent of the new jail. In a statement to The Northern Light, Sidhu urged the public to vote yes on the ballot measure. “This is a complex issue with many facets and requires huge investments both to build a new building for the current jail and a behavioral health care center,” Sidhu wrote. “I admit that this may not be a perfect solution, but this is the best compromise solution.” To date, all seven Whatcom County mayors publicly approved the current ballot measure, and all seven city councils have approved resolutions supporting the initiative. Erickson believes in order for a jail to have the power to rehabilitate, rather than simply punish, it needs things like natural lighting, art, long lines of sight for corrections staff, and adequate room for inmates to live. “Any corrections building should function as a limiter of people’s freedom. Taking away your liberty is the restriction,” Erickson said. “It shouldn’t be anything in addition to that.”

s The Whatcom County Jail library was converted from three individual closets in 2019.

s Some sound-deadening tiles have fallen off the ceiling on the first floor of the jail.

Photos by Grace McCarthy

s WCSO corrections lieutenant Caleb Erickson stands in front of the two elevators used to move people through the jail. In-person visitations for family and friends were suspended in January 2022 due to the elevators’ unreliability.

s The hallway that leads to a courtroom in the jail. A window is boarded with wood on a room used for attorney visits. The glass from the visitation room was used to replace another window in the jail.

s An extra bed is placed in a hallway.

s The recreation room at the jail.

October 12 - 18, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com

NEXT ISSUE: Oct. 19 AD DEADLINE: Oct. 16

CLASSIFIEDS

MARKETPLACE Announcements

Cleaning

Heating/Air

Your EVERYTHING Store!

A+ Cleaning Service

Clean Air Comfort Systems

WE CLEAN IT ALL!

Residential, business, new construction & move-outs. Very Affordable. Call Lisa for a free estimate.

upplies

& Party S ike’s

Dollar$ Plus

360-318-3345 360-371-0172

Licensed • Bonded • Insured

RESPECT YOUR VETERANS

Computer

Birch Bay Square-Unit 116 • I-5, Exit 270

360-656-5201

Computer

STAMMTISCH

Repairs & Upgrades

German Speakers Social 360-584-7515

• PCs • Windows • Wireless Setup • Home & Office Networking • New Computer Set-up • Spyware, Malware & Virus Removal

Auctions

ABANDONED VEHICLE

AUCTION NOTICE Meridian Towing

DATE: Tue, Oct. 17, Wed, Oct. 18 & Fri, Oct. 20

Viewing at 8 am • Auction at 9 am

AUCTION ADDRESS:

925 Boblett St. Blaine, WA 98230

We come to you!

NWcascades.com Blaine • Birch Bay • Semiahmoo

360-371-7277

www.Meridian-Towing.com OR call 360-746-9100 • M-F 8-5 Published October 12, 2023

Auto

NEW CARS

HINTON

Construction COMPLETE REMODELS

Specializing in Renovations & New Construction Kitchens & Baths • Custom & Spec Homes Decks, Garages & Additions

(360) 305-2592

completeremodels@yahoo.com www.completeremodels.net

CHEVEROLET•BUICK

8139 Guide Meridian • Lynden, WA HintonMotors.com Celebrating 71 years of business with a tradition of trust since 1947. Your only locally owned and operated GM Dealer in Whatcom County with a non-commissioned sales staff.

Louis Auto Glass

BELLINGHAM 1512 N State St. • 360-734-3840 LYNDEN 407 19th St. • 360-354-3232 LouisAutoGlass.com Since 1929, Louis Auto Glass has been the leading auto & residential glass company serving Northwest Washington. The Adelstein family has owned & operated the company for four generations. Quality workmanship & customer satisfaction has remained as strong as ever.

Child Care

3 Year Guarantee on all work No Job Too Big or Small I Free Estimates New Construction • Remodeling • Siding Windows & Doors • Fencing • Drywall • Painting Lic # CCINTEGCN869DD

Electric

HOTLINE ELECTRIC Service/Construction Residential - Commercial Industrial Licensed • Bonded • Insured

HotlineElectric.net

HOTLIE*914J7

360-393-8246

Handyman

4560 Legion Drive, Blaine

NOW ENROLLING Infants & Toddlers F/T & P/T Call today! 360-332-7135

Lic.#CLEANAC851MG

Landscaping

• Landscaping • Property & Gutter Cleaning • Junk Removal • Mini Excavations FREE ESTIMATES

360-220-3634 ABC LANDSCAPING & More! Clean ups, berry removal, shrub/hedge trimming, beauty bark, gravel, pavers, retaining walls, power washing, gutter cleaning, hauling. 360-8200446. Licensed & Insured. ABCLALM790DJ www. abclandscapingandmore.com.

ELITE LANDSCAPE

& MINI-EXCAVATION LLC Fall Cleanup • Lawn Care Tree/Bush Trimming Tree Removal • Excavation Landscape Installation

360-296-4824

EliteLandscapeExcavation.com *ELITELM817BB

Plumbing

360-746-4902

icnwllc@comcast.net

Semiahmoo Kids Kamp

OPEN: Mon-Fri 6am - 5:30pm

CleanAirComfortSystems.com

Mark St. Germaine

Full Day Preschool Before & Af ter School Care Limited Space Ope n M-F 6:30am-6pm

MORE Smiles Learning Center

360-398-9400

Quality construction since 1987 Licensed & bonded

Enrolling for:

360-371-7285 semiahmookidskamp@gmail.com

in combined rebates

when you get a CNG approved furnace, boiler or Tankless Water Heater. CALL NOW 24/7

Integrity Contracting N.W. LLC

AUTO GLASS

$400-$1350

COMPLR*006PP

360-354-2129

Business Services PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT Chapter 18.27.100 of the Revised Code of Washington requires that all advertisements for construction services include the contractor’s registration number in the advertisement. To verify a contractor’s license, call the Dept. of Labor and Industry’s contractors registration at 1-800-647-0982.

Find it in the Classifieds!

Legal IN THE SUPERIOR COURT FOR KITSAP COUNTY STATE OF WASHINGTON In re the Matter and Estate of: Gene Alan Eaton, Deceased No. 23-4-01066-18. NOTICE TO CREDITORS, RCW 11.40.030 The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the Decedent must, before the time when the claim would be barred by any applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to personal representative 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 by the later of: (1) Thirty (30) days after the personal representative served or mailed this notice as provided in RCW 11.40.020(1)(c), or (2) Four (4) months after the date of first publication of this notice. If the claim is not presented within this time period, the claim will be forever barred except as provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective for claims against both the Decedent’s probate and non-probate assets. Notice of First Publication: October 12, 2023 Personal Representative: D. Willow Eaton Address for mailing or service: D. Willow Eaton 1580 SW Hollyhock Ln. Port Orchard, WA 98367

READ LOCAL

25¢ for each additional word

Delivered to every home in the 98230 zip code.

WE ACCEPT:

PLUS, your ad appears ONLINE FOR FREE at thenorthernlight.com/classifieds

Plus Newstands in: Bellingham • Ferndale Custer • Birch Bay Semiahmoo • Blaine

360-332-1777 sales@thenorthernlight.com Legal

Lic# BENPLPI783KU

Electronics & Accessories

• Bluetooth ear pods & speakers • Chargers - wall & car, incl type C • Cords - short Décor & long alloween

Ask about our Specials!

$20 for 15 words

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: JEANETTE STEVENSON, Deceased. No. 23-4-00961-37. 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: October 9, 2023 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: October 12, 2023 Name of Administrator: MARCIA STEVENSON 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: October 9, 2023 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator MARCIA STEVENSON

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: TOMMY P. RYSER, Deceased. No. 234-00699-37 NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge David Freeman. The Person 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 of the decedents’ probate and nonprobate assets. Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: September 27, 2023, with the Clerk of Court Date of First Publication: September 28, 2023 Name of Personal Representative: Allison Lea Ryser Attorney for Personal Representative: Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339 Address for Mailing or Service: True North Legal Services, PLLC PO Box 934, Bellingham, WA 98227 P: (360) 639-3393 E: Genissa@truenorthlegalservices.com DATED: September 27, 2023 True North Legal Services, PLLC Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339 Attorney for Personal Representative: Allison Lea Ryser

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Helmer Sieber, Deceased. NO. 22-400996-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: Robert E. Olson. The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: October 5, 2023 Personal Representative: Terry Sieber 1223 Kelly Road Bellingham, WA 98226 Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 22-4-00996-37

Superior Court of the State of Washington For King County. Estate of Charles C. Lovell, Jr., Deceased. No. 23-4-06438-8 SEA. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.40.020, .030. Lance Lovell has been appointed as personal representative (“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 attorney of the personal representative 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) 30 days after the attorney 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 RCW 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets. Date of First Publication: September 28, 2023. Personal Representative: Lance Lovell Attorneys for Personal Representative: Anthony J. McCormick, WSBA #44150 Perkins Coie LLP 1201 Third Avenue, Suite 4900 Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 359-8000

Want to find a new home?

Place your ad in

CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE call 360-332-1777

You’ve come to the right place!

81%

of readers frequently purchase products or services from ads seen in Community Newspaper of Blaine, Birch Bay & Semiahmoo

Call or email to advertise: 360-332-1777 or sales@thenorthernlight.com

Statistics audited by the

FIND IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

The Northern Light • October 12 - 18, 2023

Real Estate

Birch Bay Home in Quiet Location

Rentals - Commercial

FREE INTERNET

NELSON BUILDING 925 Ludwick Ave., Blaine

Qualify today for the Government Free Internet Program

LEASE SPACES FOR:

4957 Highland Dr., Blaine

3 Beds, 2 Baths, 1,188 Sq Ft. • $399,500

1188 sq. ft. / 3 bedrooms, two full baths. With this home you get a remodeled home (march last year) with quality finishes including new paint, laminate flooring, quartz countertops, plumbing to bathrooms and kitchen, soft close cabinets, stainless appliances, new washer and dryer, vanities, toilets, interior doors, light fixtures, all new outlets and switches,+ new hot tub. This site offers more than a home, it offers great parking including RV Parking with sewer discharge, fully fenced yard, generous in the front and backyard, patio, outbuilding, apple and cherry trees as well as garden area. Title has been eliminated, on a slab and has tie downs. See it soon.

360.815.6638

briansouthwick@gmail.com

Thinking about selling or buying property? Let’s talk about this

interesting market & what your home is worth! HUGH BRAWFORD, Managing Broker

Call Hugh! 360-371-5800 Email hugh@callhugh.com Text Hugh 360-739-5234

www.CallHugh.com Connect your Business

• Commercial • Warehousing • Distribution • Manufacturing 4100 Sq Ft Hi Bay Warehouse With Ldg Dock & Washroom AVAILABLE NOW “Near Truck Route & Mall” Email or Call Don Nelson For Availability & Rates

YOU QUALIFY for Free Internet if you receive WIC, SNAP, Medicaid Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension, Survivor Beneﬁts, Lifeline and Tribal.

Call: 360-305-0286 Email nelsbldg@msn.com

Rentals - Residential $2000/MO. 2-BD Blaine-4plex, lower-unit. Open, efficient, bright. Fireplace, storage, all appliances, covered parking. $1000 Dep. N/S, N/P, W/S paid. 360-961-6828 or 360-961-0704.

All real real estate/rentals estate/rentals All advertisadvertising in this newsing newspaper is subject paperinisthis subject to the Federal Housing Act of Housing Act to theFairFederal Fair 1968 as amended, which ofmakes 1968 as amended, makes it illegal it illegal to advertise anywhich preference, or discrimination based on race, tolimitation advertise any preference, limitation or discolor, religion, sex, handicap familial status C O N N EC T S crimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimsex, handicap, familial status or national oriination. This newspaper will not knowingly gin, anadvertisement intention to any such prefacceptorany for make real estate which is in violation of the law. readers erence, limitation or Our discrimination. This are hereby informed that all dwellings adnewspaper will notareknowingly vertised in this newspaper available on accept any Bonus offer: 4G Android Tablet with one time co-pay of $20 an equal opportunity basis. To complain of advertisement for toll-free real estate discrimination, call HUD at 1-800-which is in viACP program details can be found at www.fcc.gov/affordable-connectivity-program-consumer-faq 877-0246.of the law. Our readers are hereby inolation formed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246.

CALL TODAY (866) 955-0398

BACKED BY A

with our readers In these Popular Special Sections

YEAR-ROUND

CLOG-FREE GUARANTEE

23,600 people read

The Northern Light every week!

Health&Wellness

AFT

First week of every month

Active Seniors

Filt

af E Le

BEF

Filt

f Lea

Second week of every month

EXCLUSIVE LIMITED TIME OFFER!

ADVICE

20 + 10 %

FROM THE PROS

Third week of every month

Last week of every month

Advertise Now! Call 360-332-1777 or email sales@thenorthernlight.com

HOME&GARDEN

NATIO

’S

Third week of every month

Pet Care

OFF

A R GU

YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE *

OFF

SENIORS & MILITARY!

FINANCING THAT FITS YOUR BUDGET!1 Subject to credit approval. Call for details.

Promo Code: 285 FREE GUTTER ALIGNMENT + FREE GUTTER CLEANING*

CALL US TODAY FOR

A FREE ESTIMATE

1-855-240-7789

Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 2pm-8pm EST

*For those who qualify. One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. **Oﬀer valid at time of estimate only. 2The leading consumer reporting agency conducted a 16 month outdoor test of gutter guards in 2010 and recognized LeafFilter as the “#1 rated professionally installed gutter guard system in America.” Manufactured in Plainwell, Michigan and processed at LMT Mercer Group in Ohio. See Representative for full warranty details. Registration# 0366920922 CSLB# 1035795 Registration# HIC.0649905 License# CBC056678 License# RCE-51604 Registration# C127230 License# 559544 Suﬀolk HIC License# 52229-H License# 2102212986 License# 262000022 License# 262000403 License# 2106212946 License# MHIC111225 Registration# 176447 License# 423330 Registration# IR731804 License# 50145 License# 408693 Registration# 13VH09953900 Registration# H-19114 License# 218294 Registration# PA069383 License# 41354 License# 7656 DOPL #10783658-5501 License# 423330 License# 2705169445 License# LEAFFNW822JZ License# WV056912

October 12 - 18, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com

VFW Post 9474 requests help with honoring grave sites for Veteran’s Day By Madisun Tobisch The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9474 is asking for help from the community in identifying local graves needing recognition for Veteran’s Day. Last May, to celebrate Memorial Day, VFW Post 9474 representatives visited Hillsdale and Haynie cemeteries with the hope of placing an American flag on the grave of each U.S. veteran. It did not take long for them to realize that while some graves were marked as belonging to a veteran, many others were not. In September, VFW Post 9474 representatives purchased 100 permanent grave markers to install at U.S. veteran graves. If demand proves high enough, more will be purchased, said Post 9474 representative Steve Nelson. The post plans to work in coordination with local cemeteries but is also hoping for community input. Those with information about final resting places for veterans in the area can email info@vfwpost9474. com and should include the veteran’s name, branch of service, approximate time of active duty, name of the local cemetery and approximate gravesite location. Donations to Post 9474 are accepted, but the 6-inch grave marker and flag holders are free with installation included, Nelson said. The Streets-Pike VFW Post 9474 started in 1947 and was named in remembrance of two 21-year-old WWII veterans, one from Blaine, and the other from Custer. Post 9474 was active during and after the Korean and Vietnam wars, but recent years have seen involvement dwindle, Nelson said. “It’s a different generation that had to mess with Iraq and Afghanistan, so I can understand their stance,” Nelson said. The average age of members is about 76, he said, the same age as the post itself. “Without the participation of younger veterans, the future of Post 9474 is uncertain,” he said. “While that reality is accepted, the lack of future recognition of individual U.S. veterans is not.”

Blaine, Birch Bay & Point Roberts SEPTEMBER 2023

DESCRIPTION HIGHER END HOUSES: $800,000 AND ABOVE: 1-story house with 2,365 SF, 4 BD, 4 BA, 617 SF attached garage, 467 SF patio, built in 2002, .36 acres land.

LOCATION

Michael Burnet Bobbink

March 25, 1946 – September 25, 2023 8620 Great Horned Owl Lane, Blaine

$1,205,000

Unit #205 $1,250,000 Condo with 1,890 SF, 2 BD, 2 BA, built in Pacific Point 2002, waterfront; marine and territorial views. Condominiums, 9545 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine 2- story new house, built in 2023, 35 acres 2834 Shore Pine Place, Blaine land.

$1,680,000

It is with great sadness in our hearts that we share that our beloved Michael Bobbink, husband, dad, grandpa, uncle, brother and friend unexpectedly passed away at his home in Bellingham on September 25, 2023 after a brief battle with cancer. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, October 14, at 2 p.m., at the Bellingham Yacht Club, 2625 S. Harbor Loop Drive, Bellingham, WA 98225. To view a more complete obituary and share memories please go to www.sigsfuneralservices.com

2-story house with 1,558 SF, 2 BD, 2 BA, 8581 Semiahmoo $800,000 (house only) 984 SF deck, built in 1984. Drive, Blaine 329 Gulf View Crescent, Point Roberts

$1,050,000

Condo with 1,802 SF, 2 BD, 3 BA, de- Unit B304, Marin tached garage, built in 2013, waterfront; Condominiums, marine and territorial view. 9535 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine

$977,000

2-story house with 4,240 SF, 3 BD, 4 BA, 2,335 SF patio with fire pit, hot tub, attached garage, 50 feet waterfront; marine view, .44 acres land.

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL