The Northern Light: October 19-25, 2023 by Point Roberts Press

October 19 - 25, 2023

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IN THIS Rite Aid files for bankruptcy, Parks district planning fall

ISSUE page 3 2023

WINNER OF

festival, page 5

Candidates Q & A, page 6

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

Hungry? Ben’s Markets has the solution

43 AWARDS The Northern Light

See awards on page 16

BBBPRD2 approves levy for February 24 ballot By Nolan Baker

s A massive truck stop, convenience store and fast food outlets is scheduled to open next month at the corner of Boblett Street and the truck route. Photo by Pat Grubb

Blaine becoming a (fast) food Mecca B y P a t G r u bb Ben’s Markets, an Eastern Washington state-based convenience store and gas station operator will be opening a combo truck stop/Tesla supercharging site/convenience store and fast-food outlets on Boblett Street on the old Blaine airport site. The company’s website shows a store opening count-down clock with an estimated opening date of December 1. In November 2021, Ben’s Markets bought four Yorky’s gas stations from the Yorkston Oil Company in Blaine and Bellingham. Yorkston also owned Boblett Properties located on the airport land which the city of Blaine held a Right of First Purchase (RFP) agreement if Yorkston wanted to sell it to another party. Under the RFP, the city could buy the property at a pre-determined price. The city saw the new owners as interested

NOV 5 3 : 00 PM

For ticket sales

B EL L I N G H A M S YM PH O N Y.O R G

Rise

in actively developing the land, and were better positioned to do so sooner, then-city manager Michael Jones said in a phone interview with The Northern Light. The new Ben’s Market Travel America truck stop will open across the street from the old Yorky’s station and will include a Carl’s Jr burger joint, a Cinnabon, a Jamba Juice and a Pizza Hut. Other than the five in Blaine and Bellingham, Ben’s Markets owns 12 other outlets in Cle Elum, Ellensburg, Quincy, Ephrata, Coulee Dam and Grand Coulee. The company prides itself on its technical prowess, clean facilities, and “a seamless and efficient experience for all [its] customers.” The company is owned by Ben Yoshi. Ben’s Truck Stop received its certificate of formation from the Washington State Secretary of State on October 7. The four new food outlets join McDon-

Efe Baltacıgil cello

DiLORENZO Anthem of Hope SAY Concerto for Cello and Orchestra, “Never Give Up”, Op. 73 TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 6, “Pathétique”

alds, Taco Bell, Burger King, Subway, Westside Pizza and Teriyaki Secret all in the immediate area.

INSIDE

The Blaine-Birch Bay Park & Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2) board of commissioners announced at its October 10 monthly meeting it will present a ballot measure to renew its levy of $0.10 per $1,000 of assessed home valuation in the February 13, 2024 special election. The announcement came after the district failed to submit a levy request before the filing deadline for the upcoming November 7 ballot. District director Heather Lindsay said staff turnover due to Covid was to blame for the district missing the deadline. The proposed levy, Resolution 2023-10, will continue the same six-year, $0.10 property tax levy approved by voters in 2017. Lindsay said that although inflation has increased staffing and program costs in the seven years since voters last approved the levy, it’s imperative for BBBPRD2 to keep costs down for its constituents. “Our mission is to provide recreational opportunities to everyone,” Lindsay said. “We know that a lot of people are hurting from the economy right now and that even raising [prices] from $3 a lesson to $5 a lesson is a lot for some of our constituents. We believe that we can do everything that we offer within a budget, and that 10-cent budget we can manage.” The district offers classes and programs partnered with Blaine Youth Sports, the senior center, the city of Blaine and the Blaine school district. Lindsay said since Covid restrictions were eliminated, demand for recreation opportunities in Blaine and Birch Bay has increased dramatically. As of time of printing, BBBPRD2’s levy will be one of three proposed property taxes on the February 2024 ballot, with the Blaine school district approving an “enrichment levy” of $0.98 and a bond levy of $0.76 per (See Levy, page 3)

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

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October 19 - 25, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com

S Rite Aid filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on October 15. CNN reported the Blaine store would be closed while other national news outlets did not mention the Blaine store. Photo by Pat Grubb

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Rite Aid files for bankruptcy B y P a t G r u bb Philadelphia-based pharmaceutical retail pharmacy chain Rite Aid has announced it has initiated Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The company has been op-

Levy ...

erating in the red for the last six years with combined losses of $2.9 billion. Rite Aid announced a commitment of $3.45 billion in new financing while it undergoes restructuring. The company operates more than 2,100 stores across 17 states on both coasts and has had trouble competing with larger rivals CVS and Walgreens and online retailers

Wine Wednesdays

like Amazon. The company announced plans to close underperforming stores and put others up for sale. Rite Aid operates one store on Boblett Street in Blaine along with five other stores across Whatcom County. CNN reported that the Blaine store would be closed while others did not mention Blaine would be closed.

From page 1

$1,000 valuation. The resolution deadline for the special election is December 15. Lindsay doesn’t see the district’s levy as competing for space with the school district’s proposed property taxes, but as a continuation of the existing tax rate that brought so many recreational opportunities to the community. “The important thing about our levy is that it’s not going up,” Lindsay said. “It’s maintaining what we already have.” BBBPRD2’s budget is able to handle missing the November 2023 general election deadline, but if voters do not approve the tax in February’s special election, staffing cuts may have to be considered, Lindsay said. “We have enough funds to last definitely through the year [2024] without making any changes,” Lindsay said. “If we don’t have a levy pass next year in 2024, we will still be here in 2025, but changes will have to be made.” If passed, the property tax levy will cost $50 a year, or $4.16 a month, for a home assessed at $500,000. “If this levy passes, we have the opportunity to add more programming by increasing hours in our youth programming,” Lindsay said. “[The levy] will give us an opportunity to expand staff there so we can handle more youth.” More pickleball for everybody, Lindsay hopes.

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The Northern Light • October 19 - 25, 2023

The Northern L ght The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc. Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors. Letters Policy The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. The letters to the editor column is primarily intended to allow readers to voice their opinions on local issues of general interest to local readers. A fresh viewpoint will increase the likelihood of publication. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Consumer complaints should be submitted directly to the business in question or the local chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com. Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com

Opinion Letters

The Editor: Public safety, stewardship of our land, respecting taxpayer dollars and promoting living wage jobs are issues voters care about, not just currently but throughout election cycles for decades. District 5 candidate Ben Elenbaas represents these values not just from his seat in council chambers but also from his real-life experience. He farms the land, works a living wage job and votes on issues that come before him with careful consideration. It’s true he has more “no” votes than other council members. What I’ve observed is that he carefully considers what he might be giving up, as our advocate, if he says yes to every special interest group making a request. I’ve seen him vote no when a request lacks the important detail needed to instill trust. Ben says no while others push these requests through without transparency. His opponent works for a shellfish company and brings no experience to the county council position. In fact, at a League of Women Voters forum last week her answer to solving food insecurity, that so many of our friends and neighbors are experiencing, was to have farmers give food to the food bank. When asked about zoning, she couldn’t even form an answer. There are no simple answers to complex problems and toxic polarization feeds on simplicity. Join me to vote to re-elect Ben Elenbaas November 7 because sometimes saying no is saying yes to a safer and healthier Whatcom County. Janel Ernster Birch Bay

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The Editor: Recently, I had the privilege of spending a few hours with Hannah Ordos, candidate for county council. Not knowing what to expect, I was in for a pleasant surprise in meeting a middle-aged mom who had been attending county council meetings for the past few years. A graduate of Nooksack Valley High School and WWU, she was raised in Whatcom County, just west of Sumas. The Ordos family go back four generations. She is one of us! Clear-eyed, bright, and well-schooled, she will approach the job just right of center, even-handed, willing to listen – qualities lacking in our polarized politics. She’s running for the at-large position, meaning those candidates represent our entire county. By contrast, candidate Jon Scanlon appears to have his liberal mind made up. Further, his roots are not in our county, having moved here just five years ago. He’s a “Jonny”-come-lately. I’m fond of the concept of prudence. In political terms, that translates to “a public measure ought to be judged by its probable long-run consequences, not merely by temporary advantage or popularity” (Russell Kirk). Hannah has that temperament, not confined to the fringe, but earnest, thoughtful, principled. She is just the kind of public servant we need on our county council. Ron Polinder Lynden

Next issue: Oct. 26 Ads due: Oct. 20

The Editor: Local elections are quickly approaching. November ballots will include 8 candidates for 4 open positions on the Blaine school board. These are extremely important elected positions for our schools and community. As a Blaine parent, I am asking that all voters please take an extra step or two to research the candidates beyond what they submit for the voter’s pamphlet. Ask ques-

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

The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVIII, No 19 Circulation: 10,500 copies

tions. Check out the local Facebook page ‘Blaine Cares For Kids.’ Do an internet search of candidates names – things will pop up. The results of the primary election prove the need for voters to learn more as there was a school board candidate, who was at the time and currently is out on bail awaiting trial for criminal charges involving her children, who still shockingly received 1,000+ votes! We need to do better and pay better attention for our kids! Yes, it is important to vote ... but it is even more important to vote with some actual knowledge of whom you are voting for. If you know nothing about a candidate other than a best-foot-forward, self-promoting paragraph in a voters pamphlet, it is absolutely OK to not vote at all versus making some random choice. Do whatever you can to get to know these candidates. I met and had an informative chat with Ben Lazarus at a community event at Blaine Marine Park. He took the time to ask and answer questions with community members, wanting to make sure he heard and understood what is important to all of us. I was impressed with his knowledge of the school board’s important role and how he will address the needs of our struggling schools in an effort to better the Blaine school district and community. Another candidate who regularly shows up as a current board member is Kimberly Akre. She is consistently available to our community, willing to help wherever needed. She truly listens. Kimberly and Ben both attended the first middle school PTSO meeting and each were ready with solutions. Both candidates genuinely care. Please vote thoughtfully Blaine! Amy Bogner Blaine The Editor: Our community should be aware that the Blaine High School Theatre Arts class is presenting the serious drama “The Crucible” this week (and last week); all performances are at the unique “Black Box Theatre,” which has very limited seating. Based on the infamous “Salem Witch Trials” (1692-1693), a very dark period in American history, the story deals with the daunting fact that human nature – no matter how “enlightened” – will always be consumed with greed and lust, and deceit and injustice. These are no trivial subjects for teenagers to take on, but our kids give outstanding, gut-wrenching performances which seem far above their experience levels. This is, no doubt, due to the steady hand of Olivia Theilemann (BHS Drama teacher) as director; and the intense performances of the students. For the audience, the approximate nearness to the “theatre-in-the-round” stage only elevates the tension and unsettles our preconceptions. Notable in the cast: Justin Ascencio as the upright “Rev. John Hale,” Jasper May as the conflicted “John Proctor,” Isabel Witt as the bewildered “Mary Warren,” and Ava Freeman as the conniving “Abigail Williams.” This dramatic play is not suitable for children. Performances will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 19; Friday, October 20; and closing night on Saturday, October 21. Tickets are $10 at the door (all proceeds benefit the BHS Theatre Arts program); doors open at 6:30 p.m.; all performances run two hours (with a brief intermission). The Black Box Theatre is a little tricky to find: when you enter the parking lot at the back of the school complex, it is located behind the grandstand. This is a “must-see”

production of which our community will always be proud. Jeanne Gossett Halsey Blaine The Editor: Because I run unopposed for the Blaine School Board, I have not been invited to some of the public forums. I write to introduce myself. I was appointed to the school board in 2022, filling an empty seat. I have degrees from Michigan State, Harvard, and Berkeley. My career is one of service to children and teachers as a Peace Corps volunteer, a 4th grade teacher, a reading specialist in California and at the Harvard Reading Clinic, a Professor of Reading Education at Syracuse University, and as the Neag Chair of Literacy and Technology at the University of Connecticut. I have worked in districts around our nation as a consultant and authored K-12 reading programs used in every state. My family has roots in Whatcom County since 1910, when my grandfather opened a stall in the Bellingham Market. I was born here and spent nearly every summer here since 1950. Achieving excellence with restricted funding is a central issue. The state still does not fully fund K-12 education. It should. Blaine, as a property-rich district but with high student needs, is also hampered by the McCleary decision. Both issues unfairly restrict our ability to support students and teachers. To accomplish this we must work together and think in new ways. We need to think more of our common good, not our separate desires. This will require greater listening and understanding. Our teachers are exceptional. So, too, is our leadership team. Each deserves our thanks for getting us through Covid and these times of restricted funding. Our leadership team has initiated new programs to support our children: school improvement plans, annual learning objectives, common curriculum materials in math, reading, and English language arts, and Professional Learning Communities. Research shows each to be highly effective. Change, however good, always makes some uncomfortable. Our leadership team must continue to be supported in order to achieve the long-term results we all desire. I would be honored to have your vote. Responses to questions are online at VOTE411. Donald J. Leu, Ph.D. Blaine The Editor: I’m Bobby Briscoe, port commissioner, commercial fisherman and longtime resident of District 5 – the coastal district. I’ve put pen to paper in support of Ben Elenbaas for Whatcom County Council District 5. Political groups in Whatcom County and beyond have taken aim at Ben’s seat for all the wrong reasons. His opponent told me in a recent phone conversation that she was running to create a super majority by claiming Ben’s seat. Is that what the people of Whatcom County deserve? A super majority that can push any agenda through skipping public input? A super majority on the council serves a select few and leaves chaos in its wake. Ben has served in this position for 4 years creating security and balance in local government, something that is scarce today. He is hardworking as a farmer, a bp employee and as a councilmember working for the people of (See Letters, page 5) Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

October 19 - 25, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com

BBBPRD2 prepares for inaugural fall festival

CITY OF BLAINE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Ordinance 23-3006, Extending Moratorium – Manufactured Home Parks

By Nolan Baker Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2) is preparing for its first community appreciation fall festival, set for Saturday, October 21 at the Birch Bay Activity Center at 7511 Gemini Street, Birch Bay. The district hopes to make it an annual event. The event goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will feature a kid’s carnival, free s’mores, a variety of food and drinks, pickleball and over 30 vendors from around the BlaineBirch Bay community. BBBPRD2 has held fall festivals in previous years, but they were mostly focused on entertainment for children. The district hasn’t held any large events like the upcoming community appreciation fall festival since before the pandemic, and it wanted to create something for the whole family this time around. “We’ve always wanted to do a community appreciation event, but then we decided to make it bigger, so it’s a bigger draw,” said Laura Nesse, activity coordinator for BBBPRD2. “Just to kind of tell the community that we appreci-

Letters ...

From page 4 Whatcom County. Ben has good common sense, and it shows in his decision-making. He does not take a political agenda to his nonpartisan position. Ben is well educated and brings valuable real-life experience to his representation of the people in Whatcom County. Join me in voting for Ben, he works hard for everyone, not just a privileged few with a political agenda. Bobby Briscoe Blaine The Editor: I write in support of Ben Elenbaas, candidate for District 5, Whatcom County Council. Ben, a lifelong, fifth-generation resident of Whatcom County, has the experience, political and practical, to best represent District 5. Ben is a graduate of WWU’s Huxley College of the Environment, works at Cherry Point, and has served this county as a planning commissioner, chair of the Charter Review Commission, and as chairman of the Cattlemen’s Association and Farm Bureau. Whatcom County is at cross roads. The pending water adjudi-

s Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 will hold the Community Appreciation Fall Festival on October 21.

File Photo

ate them, and we wanted to have events for both the young and the old to just have a nice Saturday.” Some of the 30 vendors include L&L Bakery providing cinnamon rolls and a host of other sweets. Rooted by the Bay will have coffee and tea, and there will be multiple arts and crafts vendors ready to show off their wares. The Devillies, a Bellingham-based Irish-American folk band, will also provide live music from 1 to 3 p.m.

The festival is free to attend, and ample parking along Gemini Street will be provided. For more information, visit Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2’s website at bbbparkandrec.org.

Notice is hereby given that the Blaine City Council will conduct a public hearing to consider an ordinance approving a six-month extension and renewal of the moratorium on the filing, acceptance, and processing of new applications for any manufactured home parks, as approved by Ordinance No. 2997 and affirmed by Ordinance No. 23-3002. If extended, the moratorium would remain in effect until May 22, 2024, unless terminated earlier by the City Council. The public hearing will occur in the Council Chambers at Blaine City Hall, 435 Martin Street, Suite 4000, on October 23, 2023, at 6:00pm. 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. 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. Samuel Crawford, Deputy City Manager/City Clerk

CITY OF BLAINE cation may well change the agricultural character of Whatcom County as we know it. Ben’s leadership and experience with the agricultural community will be indispensable in representing our interests on the Council during that proceeding. Likewise, Ben’s environmental education, put to practical use at Cherry Point, provide him a unique ability to protect the environment we all treasure without blind devotion to an agenda or cause. It is that pragmatic approach to all issues that come before Ben that make him the logical choice to represent District 5. District 5 encompasses the best of Whatcom County: pristine shorelines, rich agricultural lands, and small towns where we solve our issues as neighbors, not political adversaries. Like us, Ben works hard to raise his family, maintain his family’s agricultural traditions, and as the District 5 representative, strives to preserve our property so that we can make the best decisions for our family’s future. Please join me and vote for Ben Elenbaas, Whatcom County Council District 5. R. Perry Eskridge Ferndale

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.

BLAINE UTILITY CUSTOMERS: You should have received a backflow survey and letter in your last billing statement. If you have returned the survey we greatly appreciate it. We will accept them anytime at your convenience if you have not. If you have not received a survey we are happy to accommodate you however possible.

Monday, October 23 5:30pm – Study Session: Town Hall Meeting

6:00pm – City Council Meeting: Public Hearings on 2024 Budget, 2024 Property Tax, Ordinance 23-3005, and Ordinance 23-3006

Surveys can be picked up at the cashier’s desk at City Hall, Public Works, or we can email you one. To return the forms, you can drop them off at City Hall in the drop box located to the right of the front door entrance, when paying your bill, or Public Works. Feel free to mail us your survey at 1200 Yew avenue, Blaine, WA 98230.

Tuesday, October 24 3:30pm – Civil Service Commission *CANCELLED*

Thursday, November 9 9:00am – Parks and

Our reasoning for sending this survey is quite simply a Department of Health requirement to enforce a backflow, and cross connection control program. It is our continued mission to keep our city’s award winning drinking water safe for everyone. With the helping hands of our neighbors, and friends, we can continue to enjoy earth’s most precious resource. Feel free to contact Adam, our Water Quality Coordinator at 360-812-0127 (cell) or 360-332-8820 ext. 3421. Email: alackey@cityofblaine.com with questions and any concerns. We thank you to everyone for the cooperation, it helps tremendously.

Cemetery Board Meeting 6:00pm – Planning Commission Meeting

Friday, November 10 City Offices Closed – Observance of Veterans Day 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. “We love what we love to call ‘the Light!’ Thank you!” - Jeff and Nanci Lambdin

This week’s supporters:

Road Rules by Doug Dahl Q: Many states allow for a digital driver license (DDL). I checked with Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) over a year ago when I read about Arizona’s program allowing DDLs, and their answer was that there were no plans. Even Louisiana, not commonly a leader in digital matters, has it, but Washington seems hesitant. Do you know if DOL has thought about implementing this? A: Or asked another way, I can

put my credit card, my insurance cards (both car and health), my vaccination card, and a boarding pass on my phone. Why can’t my driver license be there too? I was asked a similar question nearly six years ago, and I predicted that in the near future Washington drivers would have the option of a digital driver license. At the time, a few states were pilot test(See Road Rules, page 6

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The Northern Light • October 19 - 25, 2023

Blaine City Council Ward 2 Whatcom County Sheriff Candidate Q&A Position 3 Candidate Q&A B G M C y

By Grace McCarthy The Northern Light asked Blaine City Council Ward 2 Position 3 candidates questions on why they are running for the seat in the November 7 general election. The Ward 2 position is a four-year term that represents south central Blaine, from roughly Boblett Street west of I-5 to southern city limits on Bell Road and Peace Portal Drive. The position also represents a section north of Boblett Street that is between Harrison Avenue and I-5. Written responses were provided to the questions. Sonia Hurt Sonia Hurt is a member of the Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee and a former small business owner and teacher. She is also the chair of the Salishan Neighborhood Association and Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival committee member. Hurt earned a bachelor’s degree in biophysical geography from the University of California, Los Angeles. Q: If elected, what are your top three priorities for your first year and how will you accomplish those?

s Sonia Hurt A: 1. Developing Blaine into a compelling tourist destination, creating more employment opportunities and sales tax revenue. I will continue my work with the Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee and chamber of commerce. The more revenue the city has, the more there is to invest in developing affordable housing. 2. We need to be proactive in building affordable homes. One reason Blaine is attractive to tourists is that it doesn’t have homeless people blocking our sidewalks and making tourists feel uncomfortable. I’ll encourage residents to build ADUs and work with Kulshan Community Land Trust. 3. Encourage industry by working to find buildable sites and possibly rezoning. Q: Blaine City Council is facing turning-point decisions on shaping the future of residential and downtown development. What does ideal development in Blaine look like to you and how much would you prioritize

affordable housing in that plan? A: I want Blaine to be a humane city that is more habitable, healthy, safe, ecological and equitable. It’s been shown that taller buildings make an area feel less open and less friendly. We need to maintain our small town feel by maintaining our current height limits. Buildings should have ground level businesses and residences above, which include affordable housing such as studio and one-bedroom apartments. Design elements must be employed to create a consistent seaside image. Trees must be retained, providing shade and cooling the city. Treed areas with seating should be designed to create welcoming places for people to gather. Q: The city of Blaine is working to balance its budget as inflation has caused salary and wage expenditures to outpace revenues. What areas of the budget do you believe the city should first cut and how do you propose increasing the city’s revenue? A: The pandemic and subsequent border closure had an immense impact on the city’s finances. The city has just completed its budgeting process. The city manager and finance director went through the budget line by line to eliminate every feasible item while aiming to maintain vital city services and personnel. First, I will be vigilant in watching for any form of waste, or redundancy that can be eliminated. Then, as needed by budget constraints, cut optional travel and training. I will work tirelessly to build our city’s tourism industry, attract new businesses and industry to increase revenue. Steven Tojek Steven Tojek has spent nearly 13 years in law enforcement and has lived in Blaine for just over a decade. Prior to Blaine, Tojek assisted with community development in Buffalo, New York. Tojek said in his candidate statement on the voters guide that he believes transparency and community involvement are essential. Tojek did not respond to multiple requests for responses.

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The Northern Light asked Whatcom County sheriff candidates why they are running for the position, a four-year term, in the November 7 general election. The candidates provided written responses to the questions. Doug Chadwick Doug Chadwick currently is undersheriff of Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, where he has spent 30 years working a variety of positions including chief deputy for the Bureau of Law Enforcement and Investigative Services and lieutenant of patrol operations. Raised in Whatcom County, Chadwick earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Western Washington University and enhanced his credentials through the FBI National Academy and FBI Command Institute. Q: If elected, what are your top three priorities for your first year and how will you accomplish those? A: 1. Together we’ll reduce crime and increase the safety and security of all who live and visit here. We’ll use proactive professional policing, plus prevention and intervention strategies, to identify and deter criminal activity. 2. Together we’ll design and build a modern corrections facility that meets the needs of corrections staff, offenders and the community. This includes providing inhouse behavioral health services for those suffering from mental health and substance use disorders. 3. Together we’ll devote resources to reduce the amount of dangerous drugs, such as fentanyl, coming into our community. Q: As sheriff, how would you ensure the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office takes a proactive approach to support the behavioral health needs in the community? I will enhance programs and strategies that focus on assisting people in crisis. This includes the current behavioral health deputy and co-responder programs, which partner a behavioral health specialist with a deputy to provide crisis services to people where they are. I’ll work with the health department and corrections medical staff to provide 24/7 medical, mental health and substance use disorder services within the main jail and work center. I’ll request funding from county council and the legislature to support navigators to assist those being released from jail with temporary housing and connections to treatment and other service providers. Q: What solutions as sheriff would you propose to ease public safety concerns in Whatcom County? A: I’ll continue to place a strong emphasis on training. In addition to mandated violence de-escalation and mental health training, the sheriff’s office regularly trains deputies in defensive tactics, force response, use of nonlethal alternatives/equipment and emergency first aid/CPR. To recruit and retain profession-

s Doug Chadwick al peace officers, Whatcom County must be competitive in the regional market. I’ll advocate for competitive wages, benefits and safe working conditions for sheriff’s office employees. Fentanyl and the proliferation of dangerous drugs contributes to rising crime and the tragic loss of loved ones from fatal overdoses. I’ll aggressively target those who profit from the sale of dangerous drugs to the most vulnerable in our communities. Donnell Tanskley Donnell Tanksley has worked as Blaine Police Chief for four years. Before that, he worked as chief of police at Portland State University and assistant chief of police at Western Washington University. He also has served as lieutenant at St. Louis Police Department, and in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. He earned his master’s in management from Fontbonne University in St. Louis. Q: If elected, what are your top three priorities for your first year and how will you accomplish those? A; Here's what I will do: Expand mental health training for deputies, recruit and train staff so we have safer neighborhoods with faster response times, and increase emergency preparation so we are ready for what comes our way. I’ll increase the focus on getting dangerous drugs out of our community and combating drug trafficking. Also to consider is the vote for a new jail and services. If it passes, I’ll work with county officials and others to craft a plan. If it fails, I’ll pull the community together to hear from people about their considerations. Either way, the current administration has allowed the jail

s Tanksley to Donnell deteriorate and fail to have a proper maintenance plan. Q: As sheriff, how would you ensure the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office takes a proactive approach to support the behavioral health needs in the community? A: One of my top priorities if elected is to expand mental health training for law enforcement. Rather than getting the minimum hours of mental health training, deputies should get a 40-hour crisis intervention certification. This training teaches you how to de-escalate, and how to interact with different people in the community who might be experiencing trauma. We must also create effective co-response teams with behavioral health professionals. These teams comprise mental health experts who accompany officers during specific crisis-related calls, ensuring compassionate and suitable responses. Finally, we must have direct community input on hiring decisions. Q: What solutions as sheriff would you propose to ease public safety concerns in Whatcom County? A: As Whatcom County’s next sheriff, I’ll improve public trust and accountability. I will reduce crime through quick, fair and impartial law enforcement; modernize the sheriff’s office, including our data systems; work with our community to reduce homelessness with compassion; push for more treatment for drug and alcohol use and mental health disorders; lead on building a safe, modern community justice center; and expand mental health training for law enforcement. I will prioritize policing initiatives to strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the neighborhoods we serve, fostering a sense of partnership and cooperation.

driver licenses, but it didn’t Road Rules ... digital get very far. ators sponsored a bill to authorize

From page 5

ing the idea, and with Washington consistently ranking high in the tech industry, I thought it wouldn’t be long before our state would offer a DDL. Turns out though, that what holds a state back from issuing digital licenses isn’t the technology, it’s the law (and a few other concerns). Yes, DOL has thought about it, at least recently. And not just DOL; so have our legislators, which is where the process really begins. Our law has to allow digital licenses. I thought it might happen soon; during the last legislative session a bipartisan group of sen-

I reached out to Senator Mark Mullet, who introduced the bill. It turns out that the bill didn’t die from lack of interest; instead, the interest it generated prompted some important questions. In response, the legislature funded a workgroup to research on how to best implement a DDL program. The workgroup is seeking input from law enforcement, privacy groups, states that currently have digital licenses, and other stakeholders. All that research will result in recommendations that can make digital driver licenses a reality in Washington. The work(See Road Rules, page 13

October 19 - 25, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com

Sports

s Senior defensive back Mason Akre after a Bellingham touchdown during Blaine’s 40-23 loss on October 13. Photo by Nolan Baker

By Nolan Baker Football With the clock ticking under five minutes in the third quarter and Blaine football trailing 27-17, junior quarterback Colin Davis botched a handoff to junior running back Jaiden Paez. The resulting fumble gave the ball to the visiting Bellingham Bayhawks on Blaine’s 33 yard-line. The very next play Bellingham quarterback Josh Leonard hit senior receiver Wyatt Stephan for a 33-yard touchdown, and the Borderites were down for the count. Those back-to-back plays were a microcosm of Blaine’s 40-23 loss on October 13. The Borderites made costly mistakes and Bellingham’s potent combination of Leonard and Stephan took advantage. Stephan tied a Whatcom County record on Friday night, hauling in five touchdown passes on seven total catches for 197 receiving yards. Partner-in-crime Leonard became the 19th player in Whatcom County history to reach 40 career touchdown passes. “There were a couple plays where [Stephan] made great contested catches,” Blaine head coach Andy Olson said. “But the other ones, those are on us: mental miscues. We’re just young football players making mental mistakes. We just have to clean that up.” The Borderites tried to stay

close with Bellingham, ending the first half down just 10 points after senior kicker Matthew Hayes drilled a last-second field goal. But Blaine’s secondary just couldn’t handle Stephan, who accounted for five of Bellingham’s six touchdowns on the night. After a heroic homecoming performance on October 6 against Meridian, where junior quarterback Colin Davis led Blaine on a game-winning two-minute drill, Davis struggled in the rain against Bellingham. Davis rushed for a score in the first quarter and threw two touchdown passes – one an electrifying, 72-yard catch and run to senior Tyler Bouma – but threw multiple interceptions that kept the Borderites in a hole it couldn’t climb out of. “It’s hard throwing in the rain, there’s no doubt about that,” Olson said of his quarterback. “I feel like we, as receivers, didn’t do him any favors. We dropped a lot of balls and then [Bellingham] started to bring some heat and we didn’t do a good job picking it up for him.” With the passing attack thwarted, and junior running back Colby Shipp out with an injury, Jaiden Paez was given the rock plenty of times Friday night. He finished with career highs in rushing attempts (22) and rushing yards (115). Inside linebacker Blake Koreski

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continued his great defensive year, tallying four tackles, one tackle for loss and a fumble recovery. Blaine (2-5, 1-1) remain in fourth place in 1A Northwest Conference standings, now staring down the toughest stretch of its remaining schedule, going on the road to face first-place Lynden Christian (5-2, 2-0) on October 20 at 7 p.m., and second-place Nooksack Valley (5-2, 2-1) at home on October 27 at 7 p.m. Stats provided by WhatcomPreps.com Volleyball Blaine volleyball bounced back from two straight-set losses last week to Oak Harbor and Lakewood with a 3-1 (25-17, 25-22, 18-25, 25-15) win over Squalicum at home on October 12. Senior standouts Teya Zaddack and Deja Dube, in what is becoming a habit of the pair, dominated the stat sheet in the win over Squalicum. Zaddack earned a double-double with 18 kills and 16 digs, and Dube had a great defensive performance with 15 digs to go along with seven kills. As head coach Jacquie Smith is

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on the night. Senior Emersyn Bakker also contributed with three kills, 11 digs and two aces. For head coach Jacquie Smith, this team is deeper than just the (See Sports, page 10)

What Stan Bianchi wanted to say about Jim Jorgensen at the Blaine High School Athletic Hall of Fame 2023 Induction Ceremony Awards ceremonies don’t always go like they are planned—think Chris Rock and Will Smith. O.K., so this wasn’t quite that dramatic, but this past Saturday at the Blaine High School Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Stan Bianchi was supposed to introduce an award for Contributor Jim Jorgensen. Unfortunately, there was some confusion, and this didn’t happen. Stan was quite honored to be asked by Patricia Jorgensen to speak at this ceremony to present the award to Jim’s son Chris. To correct this oversight, I thought I’d just buy this ad so that Stans's words do not go undelivered. Stan wanted everyone to know that Jim knew about this award, and he was humbled and honored by it. Jim loved kids. He loved students who loved learning and even those who didn’t. He was a teacher, a coach, and a helper. Jim started teaching 6th grade and then moved on to high school where he taught Earth Science to all Blaine freshmen. He initiated the trip to Eastern Washington to study rock formations. Taking two busloads of freshmen for three days on an overnight trip was just a little bit crazy. Jim also taught ornithology and as a result that led to the “Wings Over Water” Annual Bird Festival. He taught outdoor classes from how to build a fishing rod to picking and cleaning a duck. With student involvement, he created the Salmon Enhancement program on Dakota Creek. Jim did this because he was always a teacher first. He started the golf program at Blaine. He owned a local business. He was a Charter Boat Captain, an avid duck hunter and a dog owner. He was a Whatcom County Port Commissioner, and he was the driving force behind the development of Blaine’s Marine Park. I know that many of these acts are not necessarily related to Blaine’s sports program, but this tells you about the kind of person Jim was. I was once asked how I would like to be remembered—my response was as a good friend. Jim was a good friend. Jim would probably tell you that his two most amazing accomplishments, along with a little help from Patricia, were his two student-athlete children MaryAnne and Chris. Beautiful small-town moments like the Induction Ceremony for the Blaine High School Athletic Hall of Fame are treasured when you lose a friend of 60 years. For the family, it is a bittersweet moment for a mother to see her son accept an award for his father. Grief is difficult. It’s sad because we all know that Jim is no longer physically here with us, and yet, in some amazing spiritual way, I can tell you, he was standing right there on the stage by his son—beaming with pride.

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The Northern Light • October 19 - 25, 2023

Blaine School Board Districts 1, 2 Candidate Q&A By Grace McCarthy The Northern Light asked Blaine School Board District 1 candidates questions to learn why they are running for the seat in the November 7 general election. The candidates provided written responses to the questions. Kimberly Akre Kimberly Akre is a current Blaine School Board member, appointed in January to the position. She coowns Pacific Building Center and has children who have attended Blaine schools. Born in Blaine, Akre attended Whatcom Community College and has served as president of Blaine Chamber of Commerce. Q: If you retain your seat, what are your top three priorities for your first year and how will you work to accomplish those? A: My priorities for the upcoming school year will be to keep working with the board and administrators to find ways to work within our budget and provide quality education for all the students in the district. I also want to spend some time volunteering in the schools so that I can be hands on and knowledgeable about the schools. I also plan to continue to make myself as accessible as possible to the community so they know that if they have a question or concern, they can come to me, and I can help them find the answers they are looking for. Q: Blaine school district’s 2022-23 budget forecast a $14 million deficit by 2026 if expenditures continued to outpace revenues. How would you like to see the district balance the budget? A: The budget issue is incredibly difficult to navigate. We are working within a system that requires us to provide so much for students and does not offer adequate funding for these needs. There are only so many things that we can do locally to work within these constraints. My biggest concern is that we will end up having to make cuts that will be detrimental to the district and community. So my hope is the community will unite and advocate for adequate funding. I will continue to keep educating myself about school funding and work with the board to try and minimize the effects of the budget shortfall. Q: What do you believe are the top issues facing the school district, and how will you work as a school board member to address those? A: The main issue that the district is facing right now is funding. We are so fortunate to have great educators whose main goal is to ensure student success. They are asking for support in achieving their goals and the board and administration want to be able to provide that. I will encourage people to support the proposed bond/levy vote that will allow us to continue to operate while also making much needed upgrades to facilities and working on future district projects. Erika Creydt Erika Creydt is a current Blaine

School Board member for District 3, elected in 2021. Creydt is a third-generation Blaine resident who works as clinical director at TouchStone Counseling. She has three children and earned a doctorate in clinical psychology from Adler University in Chicago. Q: If re-elected, what are your top three priorities for your first year and how will you work to accomplish those? A: Strong academics, safety for youth/staff, and support for teachers and students. Being a teacher is very hard work and teachers need to feel heard and supported in order to do their best work. I t’s important that we give teachers the tools and resources they need to thrive and do their best work with students. It’s critical that the environment is one that fosters communication. Q: Blaine school district’s 2022-23 budget forecast a $14 million deficit by 2026 if expenditures continued to outpace revenues. How would you like to see the district balance the budget? A: It is absolutely vital that the district have a yearly work session on the budget that is open to the public where we go through – line item by line item – and ensure we are being good stewards of the public money. We need board members who advocate for transparency, are willing to provide oversight and view asking questions as part of their job. Q: What do you believe are the top issues facing the school district, and how will you work as a school board member to address those? A: Loss of enrollments has created a challenge for the district in that the budget then contracts when we see large changes. We need to foster a culture from the top down that encourages communication about why-then reacts to how we can better retain students via meeting their needs. Parent voices are important and need to be heard. Parents provide essential information and insight into what their kids are experiencing and what they need to thrive. When we value these voices, people won’t leave the district and we will have a more stable budget that positively impacts the system as a whole. Blaine school board district 2 Dean Berkeley Dean Berkeley previously served as a North Whatcom Fire and Rescue commissioner, former Vice President of the Sedro-Woolley Fire Fighter Association and is president of a HOA in Blaine. Berkeley studied at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and British Columbia Institute of Technology. Q: If elected, what are your top three priorities for your first year and how will you work to accomplish those? A: Increase help/funding for IEP programs. Increase help/funding for trades and expand that into the 8th grade. Look for extra ways to make money for the school. Example: Open the concession stands for all school sporting events,

small and large. Q: Blaine school district’s 2022-23 budget forecast a $14 million deficit by 2026 if expenditures continued to outpace revenues. How would you like to see the district balance the budget? A: We need to look at cutting the fat from the top and work our way down, working with the minimal [senior] management. Teachers/ counselors/nurses would be the last to be cut. The money provided to the district is all our money and needs to be managed properly to give our children the best education/experience in life. A new priority needs to be set for spending and I will work with the board on that. Q: What do you believe are the top issues facing the school district, and how will you work as a school board member to address those? A: Ask parents why they are pulling kids from our school? Ask why we lost so many teachers and psychologist. Ask why the teachers were forced by the superintendent to close their tutoring classes after school. We need to hear from the community and the students that can voice their opinion on classes and issues they are frustrated with. Then work with the board on how to fix the concerns. Ben Lazarus Ben Lazarus is a full-time instructor at the British Columbia Institute of Technology who teaches aircraft mechanics. He previously owned Westwind Marine boat repair in Point Roberts and has two daughters attending Blaine schools. Q: If elected, what are your top three priorities for your first year and how will you work to accomplish those? A: In my first year, my priorities will be to listen to as many voices as I can, learn how to be effective as a board member, and build as many collaborative relationships as I can. I think it is very important to listen and gather information before deciding what needs to be changed, because things often happen for reasons that we don’t understand before digging a little deeper. I have been attending PTO meetings because they are a great place to speak to both parents and staff. My daughters and their friends (currently attending BHS) have provided me with insight from the students’ perspective. Q: Blaine school district’s 2022-23 budget forecast a $14 million deficit by 2026 if expenditures continued to outpace revenues. How would you like to see the district balance the budget? A: I want us to create a learning environment that attracts more students back into our schools, and the additional funding that would bring. The arts often bear the brunt of budget cuts, but I believe that our arts programs and sports teams are crucial to keeping students in school. Trades programs can provide learning opportunities that are very difficult to replicate in homeschooling. For those who still want to choose homeschooling, I would

Blaine school board district 1 candidates

s Kimberly Akre

s Erika Creydt

Blaine school board district 2 candidates

s Ben Lazarus

s Dean Berkeley

like to find ways for our schools to support those students, and bring some of that revenue back into our district. Q: What do you believe are the top issues facing the school district, and how will you work as a school board member to address those? A: Other than seeking better funding from the state, I keep hearing about vaping/bullying in the bathrooms, and a desire for better engagement with our super-

intendent. A new bathroom coordination app is being implemented, and I will be listening to hear if it is effectively resolving problems. Regarding Dr. Granger, I have heard both support and opposition to his leadership. I will be listening to teachers, administrators and Dr. Granger himself to form my own opinion so I can improve how we guide and direct him and I can make an informed vote when his contract is up for renewal.

Sports ...

itself up from conference basement-dwellers to a middle of the pack program that Smith believes can be a tough matchup for any team once district playoffs begin. “We are fortunate that our league gives us an opportunity at the playoffs,” Smith said. “We are continuing to discuss our goals and striving to play our best as we wrap up the regular season.” Stats provided by Whatcom Preps Cross-Country Blaine cross-country competed in the massive, 171-competitor 2023 Lake Lap Invitational at Lake Padden in Bellingham on October 12. 10 runners from Blaine competed against 10 teams from across Whatcom and Island counties. Of the 11 teams in the field, Blaine placed 10th with a team score of 250. Blaine’s top performer was junior Tucker Green, who ran the 2.6mile lap around Lake Padden with a time of 15:29.4, placing 45th in the massive field of runners. Green was followed far behind by teammates Sam Stiles (16:36.3) and Ian Tuski (16:43.5) who both placed in the top-100. The Borderites now travel south to Bellingham for the Northwest Conference Championship at Civic Field on October 18. The boy’s junior varsity race starts at 3:20 p.m., featuring Blaine soph-

From page 7

top players who consistently rack up the statistics. Sophomore Carly Saunders and junior Brie Smith have both impressed their head coach this season. “Saunders has had a lot of growth in her game physically and mentally. She is currently third in hitting for our team and has been contributing,” Smith said. “Smith loves the game and puts everything into her training and development. She has stepped up defensively for us, helping make our hitters shine.” After the win, the Borderites travelled to Meridian on October 16, losing in straight sets (25-16, 25-13, 25-16). Teya Zaddack led the team with nine kills, 11 digs, one block and three aces. Dube had four kills, while Harrington and senior Bella Vezzetti combined for 19 assists in the 3-0 loss. After a tumultuous start to the season that saw Blaine fall to 0-6 and the bottom of the NWC standings, the Borderites went 3-3 in the last six games, seeming to find a footing in the second half of the season. Although a 1A state playoff berth is more than likely out of reach, the Borderites (3-9) pulled

(See Sports, page 13)

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Legal Superior Court of the State of Washington For King County Estate of Thomas Patrick Murdock, Deceased. No. 234-06639-9 SEA. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.40.020, .030 Leslie Audrey Neuberg Murdock 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: Oct. 19, 2023 Personal Representative: Leslie Audrey Neuberg Murdock Attorneys for Personal Representative: Amy E. Tucker, WSBA #29276 Perkins Coie LLP 1201 Third Avenue, Suite 4900 Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 359-8000

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

FIND IT IN THE CLASSIFIEDS

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 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

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• Commercial • Warehousing All real real estate/rentals estate/rentals All advertis- • Distribution advertising in this newsing newspaper is subject • Manufacturing paperinisthis subject to the Federal Housing Act of Housing Act to theFairFederal Fair 4100 Sq Ft Hi Bay Warehouse 1968 as amended, which ofmakes 1968 as amended, makes it illegal it illegal to advertise anywhich preference, With Ldg Dock & Washroom limitation or discrimination based on race, tocolor, advertise any preference, limitation or dis- AVAILABLE NOW religion, sex, handicap familial status crimination based on race, color, religion, or national origin, or an intention to make “Near Truck Route & Mall” any such preference,familial limitation status or discrimsex, handicap, or national oriEmail or Call Don Nelson ination. This newspaper will not knowingly gin, anadvertisement intention to any such prefacceptorany for make real estate For Availability & Rates which is in violation of the law. Our readers

erence, limitation or discrimination. This are hereby informed that all dwellings adCall: 360-305-0286 newspaper will notareknowingly vertised in this newspaper available on accept any Email an equal opportunity basis. To complain of advertisement for real estate which is in vi- nelsbldg@msn.com discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800877-0246.of the law. Our readers are hereby inolation formed that all dwellings advertised inMore this Real Estate on Pg. 12 newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246.

The Northern Light • October 19 - 25, 2023

Real Estate

Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom Inc. 8105 Birch Bay Square Street, #101 Blaine, WA • 360-371-5100 I-5 Exit 270

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MLS #2161024 $395,000 Comfortable and cozy coastal living. Welcome to this charming 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath well-maintained home! Full of ample light, spacious large rooms, substantial kitchen, with updated appliances. Fully fenced yard, gorgeous trek deck front & back, including fabulous gazebo & hot tub. Embrace advantages of low-maintenance living with manageable, nicely manicured yard with 2 storage sheds, and plenty of parking for an RV, boat, or trailer. All that Birch Bay has to offer.

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7609 Birch Bay Drive #107

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MLS #2163053 $430,000 Discover affordable living within Birch Bay Village with this 3 bed, 2 bath home totaling 1,404 sf. Built in 2005, this features all the modern amenities expected with vaulted ceilings, skylight, walk-in closet plus spacious primary bathroom. Ductless mini-splits provide energy-efficient heating and cooling year-round plus wood stove for staying cozy in winter. Enjoy parking convenience with a spacious driveway and detached garage/shop. Recent improvements.

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October 19 - 25, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com

Road Rules ...

OBITUARIES

From page 6

group’s report is due in about a year; Senator Mullet anticipates that the legislature will be able to pass a digital driver license bill in 2025. Putting a driver license on your phone isn’t as simple as taking a picture of your current license. Whatever system the state builds, privacy will need to be a key component. You know how when you show your friend a photo on your phone and they scroll, either accidentally or on purpose, to the next photo and you start worrying about what it might be? Consider getting pulled over and handing your phone to the officer instead of your physical license. You’d want to make sure that if the officer accidentally tapped the edge of the screen it wouldn’t reveal last night’s embarrassing (or incriminating) photos. Our phones contain a lot of information about us; showing our ID, whether to law enforcement, your bank, the liquor store, or anywhere else shouldn’t be an opportunity for someone to learn something about you that they don’t deserve to know. As much as some people might want digital driver licenses now, it’s even more important that the system we create works for both the people that manage it and the people who are subject to it. To quote Senator Mullet, “ The extra time and research being put into it between now and then will help make the program successful. Folks are going to have to wait a little longer than we hoped, but I think we’re going to see these digital driver’s licenses in the not-too-distant future.”

Sports ... From page 10

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omores Oscar Taylor, Ethan Reynolds, Rhys Milligan and freshman Jonathan Clarke. The varsity race begins at 4:40 and features seven Blaine runners competing in the multi-surface, 5,000-meter course that meanders around Civic Field’s track and outdoor grass area. Admission for adults is $7, free for students with an ASB card, and $3 for children, senior citizens and military with ID.

Alice May “Sunny” Brown July 5, 1934 – September 28, 2023

Alice “Sunny” Brown was born in Seattle, Washington to parents John Ogden and Jeanne Robertson. Living in the South Park neighborhood at the time, the family soon moved to Queen Ann Hill where Sunny and her younger sister Rosalie attended John Hay Elementary and later Queen Ann High School. She remained a “Grizzly” right up to the end, attending many high school reunions and luncheons. Sunny enjoyed three marriages. The first was to Jim Reid, and together they had the first of Sunny’s three beautiful daughters, Kerry Sue Reid. Sunny’s second marriage was to Ward Hicker, who was also a graduate of Queen Ann High School. Sunny and Ward had daughters Jan and Julie and son Joe, and the family resided in the Ridgecrest neighborhood of north Seattle until the late 1970s. Sunny’s last marriage was to Jerald (Jerry) Brown of El Paso, TX, after which Sunny returned to the Seattle area. Sunny was a working mom and spent her early career as a bank teller before moving into loans and real estate appraisal. Later in her career she worked in administration at Crowley Maritime, a company and position she very much enjoyed. After leaving the workforce in the late 1990s, Sunny moved to the Birch Bay community where she enjoyed a busy and vibrant retirement. Sunny embraced and loved her new community, and like everywhere she lived she made many new friends. Sunny strongly believed in giving to her community, and she helped with and advocated for numerous campaigns and initiatives. Sunny devoted countless hours as a volunteer with Drayton Harbor Maritime where she served over 20 years as coordinator for the Alaska Packer’s Association (APA) Cannery Museum and with fundraising to maintain the historic MV Plover. Sunny also enjoyed her time with Free Church Unitarian in Blaine and the many friends she made there. Throughout her life Sunny was an upbeat, engaging, and outgoing personality whose smile could warm the coldest days. Sometimes it seemed like she had more friends than stars in the sky, and along with her family she deeply cared for them all. Sunny is survived by her sister Rosalie McCreary; daughters Kerry Reid (Grant Morris), Jan Roe (John), Julie Benson (Gary); son Joe Hicker (Katey Niemer); three grandchildren of which she was immensely proud of: Blake Benson (Chloe), Dusty Benson, and Hailey Roe. Also of special note are the many alumni of the Marker Boys Scuba Diving Club of the late 1960s and 70s that Sunny and Ward belonged to, many of whom became like extended family. Our family is ever grateful to all who shared and made the rich life that mom so enjoyed and was at complete peace with when she left this world for the next. An open house celebration of Sunny’s life will be held Friday, November 3 from 1 – 4 p.m. at the Cannery Lodge & APA Museum at Semiahmoo Park, 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine. Parking is limited, please consider carpooling if possible.

Frederic “Fred” Straight 1941 – 2023

On September 12, 2023, Frederic “Fred” Straight transcended this life for his next grand adventure. Born in 1941 in Manila, the Philippines, Frederic left his native tropical home to join his family in California in 1957. At age 18 he enlisted in the Army, using his talent for learning languages to become a specialized translator. Fluent in five languages, and able to converse in several more, Fred spent his adult life traveling the world with his family. His career took him to assignments in Hawaii, South Korea, Germany, The Netherlands, Japan, and Guam, as well as eight different states within the US. Preferring to stay busy, Fred tried to retire two times before the third one stuck, finally settling in the quiet oceanside town of Birch Bay with his wife. Fred made the most of his time in this area, enjoying his daily latte at Woods Coffee, meeting with his veteran’s group, and visiting the senior center. In June of 2023, Fred was diagnosed with advanced cancer. A lifelong scholar, Fred found peace and comfort from his studies of Buddhism in his final weeks. He lived all his 82 years quite fully, and fearlessly faced his next adventure in the same way he faced this life; with an eager heart, a curious spirit, and an appetite for a delicious meal! He leaves behind his wife of 54 years, Cris, his son Freddie, daughter Mennelle, and grandsons Nick, Christopher, and Ben. He is also survived by his siblings, Joseph Jr., Maryanne, Jane, Frank, Mary Louise, Christian, and Marilyn. He was preceded in death by his loving parents Joseph and Nita, as well as his brother David.

Philip Xi-Sheng Wu 1930 – 2023

Philip, a remarkable individual who touched the lives of many, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2023 at the age of 93. Born in Shanghai, China in 1930, Philip embarked on a journey that would lead him to great accomplishments and cherished memories. Philip’s quest for knowledge and passion for engineering brought him to the United States, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in the vibrant city of Chicago, IL. It was there that he laid the foundation for his future endeavors. Beginning his career with the Illinois Institute of Technology, Philip quickly made a name for himself as a talented and dedicated engineer. His innovative ideas and tireless work ethic propelled him to new heights, and his contributions to the field were highly respected. Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, Philip ventured into uncharted territory and founded a successful mechanical engineering design firm in the city of Honolulu, HI. The year was 1967, and by 1978 he solidified his vision for a company as Mechanical Engineers of Hawaii (MEH). MEH flourished under his guidance and continues to thrive today, a testament to his vision and leadership. However, beyond his accomplishments in the professional realm, Philip was a man of diverse interests and passions. He found solace and joy in playing tennis, channeling his creativity through woodworking and photography, and exploring the wonders of nature through hiking and diving. His zest for life was evident in his appreciation for fine dining, Chinese culture, and his keen eye for real estate and architecture. Above all else, Philip cherished the time he spent with his loving wife, Virginia, and their children. His family was his greatest source of happiness and strength. His unwavering love and support for them knew no bounds, and his presence will forever be missed but never forgotten. Philip is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia; their son Geo; daughter Christine; granddaughter Maile (Gabe) Montemuro; great-grandson Ford; and sisters Mildred Ying and Christina Hsi. His legacy lives on through each of them, as they carry forward his values, his love, and his indomitable spirit. Philip Xi-Sheng Wu, a visionary, a mentor, and a loving family man, will forever be remembered for his countless contributions to the field of engineering, his zest for life, and the profound impact he had on those fortunate enough to have crossed his path. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his memory be a source of inspiration for us all. A celebration of life for Philip will occur at a later date. Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.sigsfuneralservices.com.

Eileen Patricia Queen

March 24, 1936 – September 2, 2023 Eileen passed peacefully at her residence in Blaine on September 2, 2023, at the age of 87 years. Eileen was born in Vancouver, B.C. and moved to Powell River, B.C. while in elementary school, where she lived until her mid-twenties. Eileen loved life in Powell River, enjoying the simple pleasures of country living and family life, being the third eldest in a family of six children. In1960, Eileen moved to the U.S. where she met and married Jack Queen. The Queen family moved to Blaine in 1971. Eileen had four great passions in life: her faith, family, friends, and community. Joining St. Anne Catholic Church brought all those passions together, offering a place to practice her faith, raise her family and find friends that shared her passion for community service. Eileen’s husband Jack was a veteran, and the Queen family was active in the American Legion Post #86. Eileen was a tireless volunteer for her church, community and for the Legion Auxiliary Unit #86, where she served as the unit chaplain for over 30 years. Eileen was predeceased by her husband Jack; son John; sister Margaret; and brother Ernie. She will be lovingly remembered by her sisters, Josephine and Diane; brother Tom; daughter Dorothy (Dave) Crandell and son Joseph (Magen) Queen; and her grandchildren Justin, Bradley, Nicholas, Lucas, Jessalyn, great-grandchildren Asher, Addelisse, Hudson and Arlo as well as many nieces and nephews. The Crandell/Queen families would like to thank the care team at Stafholt for their care over the last seven years and to the hospice team for their support during Eileen’s last days. Service will be held at St. Anne Catholic Church in Blaine on October 27 at 10:30 a.m. All those whose lives touched Eileen’s are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Blaine food bank in memory of Eileen.

The Northern Light • October 19 - 25, 2023

Coming up

Sheriff’s Reports October 9, 12:18 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Comox Road. October 10, 1:30 a.m.: Burglary on West Badger Road. October 10, 11:33 a.m.: Shots on Birch Bay Square Street. October 10, 1:28 p.m.: Sex crime (no rape) cold call on Valley View Road. October 10, 4:16 p.m.: Fraud cold call on Fern Street. October 10, 9:52 a.m.: Juvenile problem on Kickerville Road. October 10, 10:17 p.m.: Traffic stop arrest on California Trail. October 10, 7:17 p.m.: Vehicle prowl cold call on Birch Bay Drive. October 11, 1:53 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on East Street. October 11, 5:35 p.m.: Runaway cold call on Rock Crab Drive. October 11, 5:38 p.m.: Death investigation on Creasey Road. October 11, 11:29 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Cottonwood Drive. October 12, 2:17 p.m.: Death investigation on Niska Road. October 12, 4:33 p.m.: Trespass on Birch Bay Lynden Road. October 12, 7:49 p.m.: Suspicious person cold call on Portal Way. October 12, 8:13 p.m.: Suicidal

subject on Loomis Trail Road. October 13, 9:34 a.m.: Neighborhood dispute cold call on Elmwood Drive. October 13, 11:14 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Sweet Road. October 13, 1:37 p.m.: Theft cold call on Haynie Road. October 13, 4:58 p.m.: Suicidal subject on White Road.

Police Reports October 7, 11:05 a.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Bayview Avenue. October 7, 5:39 p.m.: Animal problem on Alderson Road. October 7, 9:40 p.m.: Theft on H Street. October 8, 2:33 a.m.: Suspicious person on A Street. October 8, 6:01 p.m.: Trouble with subject on C Street. October 8, 9:17 p.m.: Hot rod on H Street. October 9, 8:50 a.m.: Vandalism on D Street. October 9, 10:14 a.m.: Vandalism on Marine Drive.

Crossword ACROSS 1. Male children 5. Robert Wagner series “Hart to __” 9. Unfolded 11. Digestive disease 13. Wednesday 15. Malignant tumor 16. Conscientious investment strategy (abbr.) 17. Slowed 19. Letter of the Semitic abjads 21. Weights of cars without fuel 22. Former CIA 23. Asian country 25. Instead 26. Ancient Egyptian King 27. Privies 29. Shopping trips 31. Paradoxical anecdote 33. It’s on the table 34. Ancient Persia ruler 36. Small American

October 14, 9:25 a.m.: Domestic verbal on Salish Lane. October 14, 10:14 a.m.: Vehicle theft cold call on Flambeau Road. October 15, 12:43 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Haynie Road. October 15, 9:10 a.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Fir Way. October 15, 12:18 p.m.: Trespass on Sweet Road.

rail 38. File extension 39. Days (Spanish) 41. Everyone has one 43. South American plant 44. About ilium 46. Vanished American hoopster Bison 48. A type of breakfast 52. Uncooked 53. Examined 54. Christian recluse 56. Strong posts 57. Some are for pasta 58. Skinny 59. School-based organizations DOWN 1. Ringlet 2. Type of complex 3. Midway between north and northwest 4. It becomes something bigger

5. German courtesy title 6. Genus of birds 7. Marked by public disorder 8. Least aggressive 9. Russian city 10. Insect repellent 11. Interruptions 12. Scoundrels 14. 1,000 calories 15. What one does overnight 18. Dwarf planet 20. Pipe 24. Black powdery substance 26. Set of four 28. Canned fishes 30. North Carolina college 32. Secured 34. A disgraceful event 35. Physical suffering 37. The home of the free 38. Some are boys 40. Satisfy 42. Makes very

October 9, 2:53 p.m.: Sex crime (no rape) on Mitchell Avenue. October 10, 9:42 a.m.: Vandalism on H Street. October 11, 1:41 p.m.: Domestic – physical on E Street. October 12, 8:24 a.m.: Domestic – physical on Harrison Avenue. October 12, 3:49 p.m.: Shots on Birch Court. October 13, 9:15 a.m.: Burglary on Harrison Avenue. October 13, 10:01 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Alder Street. Report by Blaine Police Department

happy 43. South American plants 45. Modes of transportation 47. Female sheep 49. Type of torch 50. Piece of merchandise 51. Jump over 55. Wife of Amun ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

Community Toy Store: Donations accepted through December 1. Registration deadline: November 26. The Community Toy store provides families with limited financial resources to purchase gifts for their children at drastically reduced prices. Donations of online wish lists, new, quality toys, gift cards for teens and monetary donations appreciated. Info: blainecap.org. Sponsored the Blaine Community Assistance Program. Great Washington Shakeout: Thursday, October 19, 10:19 a.m. The public is invited to drop, cover and hold on wherever you are – whether it’s at work, home or school. At about the same time, more than 120 Washington tsunami sirens along the inner and outer coast will be tested using the real wailing sound of a tsunami warning, not the Westminster chimes that are typically used during the monthly tests. NOAA Weather Radios will also sound an alarm. Please do not call 911. Birch Bay Chamber Luncheon: Thursday, October 19, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m., Birch Bay State Park bp Heron Center. Speakers: Whatcom County Sheriff Bill Elfo and Blaine School District superintendent Dr. Christopher Granger. RSVP: birchbaychamber.com. Fraud and Scam Workshop: Thursday, October 19, 5–6 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Learn to protect yourself and be aware of today’s scams. Info: 360/332-8040. BHS Drama Performance of The Crucible: Thursday–Saturday, October 19–21, 7 p.m., Blaine High School black box theater (behind Borderite Stadium). Tickets $10 at the door. Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, October 19, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: general knowledge. Info: thevaultwine.com Live Music at The Vault: Friday, October 20, 7 p.m, The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring: Chuck Dingee. Info: thevaultwine. com. Queer Birding at Point Whitehorn: Saturday, October 21, 9–11 a.m., Point Whitehorn Marine Reserve, 6899 Koehn Road. Queers of a feather flock together! Join us for a fun morning bird walk in this beautiful woodland habitat. This walk is open to anyone - however, it is created with an intention to bring together queer birders of any birding ability. Limited Space. Register: eventbrite.com/e/queer-birding-at-point-whitehorn-tickets-720018704327. Sponsored by North Cascades Audubon Society. BBBPRD2 Fall Festival: Saturday, October 21, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Family fun with vendors and giveaways, kids games, s’mores, baked goods, pickle ball, live music by The Devillies. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. Author Reading: Saturday, October 21, 1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Join author Michelle Eames as she reads from her recently published book: Riding Lessons, Things I Learned While Horsing Around. The reading will be followed by a Q&A and book signing. Info: wcls.org.

Tides

Trunk or Treat: Saturday, October 21, 6–8 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Blaine Ward, 2550 Thornton Road, Ferndale. Chili cook-off, carnival games followed by trunk or treat in the parking lot. Family-friendly costumes encouraged. Info: 360/603-3393.

October 19-25 at Blaine. Not for navigation.

Alderson Road Clean-up: Monday, October 23, noon–2 p.m. Meet at the Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Equipment and snacks provided. Sponsored by the Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District.

49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W DATE

Thanksgiving Basket Registration: Ready-to-cook Thanksgiving dinners will be provided free of charge to residents of Blaine, Birch Bay, Custer, and Point Roberts who have limited financial resources. For more info and to register, visit blainecap.org or call 360/393-9483 by November 10. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program.

TIME

Th 19 2:42 am

HEIGHT

TIME

HEIGHT

3.1

10:34 am 13.6

3:27 pm 11.5

7:35 pm 12.7

Fr 20 3:32 am

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4:39 pm 11.8 Sa 21 4:28 am

11:44 am 13.5 8:09 pm 12.4

3.4

12:58 pm 13.5

6:23 pm 11.7

8:59 pm 11.9

Su 22 5:32 am

3.7

2:00 pm 13.6

8:05 pm 11.1

10:39 pm 11.3

Mo 23 6:42 am

4.0

2:46 pm 13.7

8:59 pm 10.1 Tu 24 12:35 am 11.0

7:48 am

4.5

3:22 pm 13.9

9:39 pm

8.8

We 25 2:23 am 11.1

8:50 am

5.1

3:54 pm 14.0

10:17 pm

7.3

Weather Precipitation: During the period of October 2 to 8, 0.41 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2023 yearto-date precipitation is 13.96 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 75.4°F on October 7 with a low of 48.5°F on October 6. Average high was 68.8°F and low was 51.6°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

Job Fair for Seniors: Thursday, October 26, 9:30 a.m.–noon, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Meet local employers who want to hire seniors. Info: 360/332-8040. Family Halloween Movie Night: Friday, October 27, 7 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Enjoy a family-friendly Halloween movie. Free. Bring a chair or blanket and watch the movie on the big screen. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. Ghost Hunting 101: Friday, October 27, 8 p.m., Lions Camp Horizon theater. Professional ghost hunter and psychic Charles Crooks of Bellingham Ghost Tours, will teach about all things paranormal. Class includes learning techniques and equipment used to hunt for ghosts. Ages 16 and up. Limited space available. $47. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. Trick or Treat on the Berm: Saturday, October 28, 3–5 p.m., along Birch Bay’s berm. Trick or treat at stops along the berm, treats and Halloween activities at the Birch Bay Vogt Community Library property, 7948 Birch Bay Drive. Info: birchbaychamber.com. Blaine Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Meeting: Thursday, November 2, 7:30–8:30 a.m., Semiahmoo Resort, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway. Info: director@blainechamber.com. The Write Stuff: Thursday, November 2, 6:30 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Do you have a book inside you just waiting to be written? Join author Barbara Davis-Pyles for a discussion of your genre options, the writing process, and the tools you need to get it done. Info: wcls. org. American Legion Riders Craft Bazaar and Bake Sale: Saturday, November 4, 9 a.m.–3 p.m,, 1688 W. Bakerview Road, Bellingham. Start your holiday shopping and support local crafters. All proceeds from the bake sale, raffles and food sales will go to the John Fassett Scholarship fund for Whatcom County high school graduates. Sea to See Art Show: Saturday, November 4, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Blaine Community Center Pavilion, 635 8th Street. Get a jump on your holiday shopping. Live music and food. Info: blaineartscouncil.org. Nordic Fest: Saturday, November 4, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Ferndale Events Center, 5715 Barrett Road, Ferndale. Annual Scandinavian fair with Scandinavian bakery, Norse kafé, Nordic crafts, entertainment and more. Admission: $5, under 12 free. Presented by the Daughters of Norway. Info: archismith001@comcast.net. Open Book: A Festival for Readers: Sunday, November 5, noon–5 p.m., Ferndale Events Center, 5715 Barrett Road, Ferndale. A book lover’s dream day with books, book swag, authors, book talks, readings and weird and wonderful hands-on bookish experiences. Info: wcls.org. Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Pets & Pet Care

October 19 - 25, 2023 • thenorthernlight.com

Made inKiwiNew Zealand! Kitchen

See us at Trick or Treat on the Berm!

Best Photo Clips, Tips and products for a healthier, happier pet!

Get your pet ready for Halloween Dressing up for Halloween is one of the more enjoyable ways to celebrate the spooky season. It’s not uncommon for people to be planning their costumes well ahead of Halloween, and seeing as the pop-up retailer Spirit Halloween starts taking over vacant properties by the middle of August, it’s never too early to begin thinking about the thrills, chills and candy to come. Pet owners often choose to include their companion animals in Halloween festivities. Data from a 2022 PetSmart national survey showed more than 75 percent of pet parents surveyed planned to dress their pets up for Halloween and other fall occasions. Some city-dwelling individuals even planned to match their pet’s fall attire to their own. In 2019, the National Retail Federation estimated Americans would spend $490 million on pet costumes in 2020, which was more than double the figure spent around a decade prior. Rubies, the largest manufacturer of pet costumes in the U.S. and Europe, shared these statistics in 2022, many of which will stay

consistent this year. • Vermont, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Utah, and Maine are the states most likely to have dress up their pets. • A pumpkin, hot dog and bat are the three most popular pet costumes. Star Wars-themed costumes also are favorites year after year. There are plenty of costumes and pet clothing designed for pets, but not all of them are recommended by humane organizations or vets. Those who choose to include pets in Halloween festivities should keep these tips in mind when selecting costumes. • Can the pet move properly? Check to see if the clothing item is sized appropriately so that it is not restrictive. Make sure the pet can walk properly, jump, groom, and relieve itself. Do not leave pets in costumes for too long, as they may affect the animal’s ability to control body temperature. • Is your pet stressed? Look for behaviors that may indicate the pet is stressed by wearing the costume. Pets feeling anxious may

Air-dried & Freeze-dried

K9 Naturals

Open: Mon - Fri 11am-5:30pm • Sat 11-5 • Closed Sun I-5 exit 270 in Birch Bay Square

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groom excessively or make more www.bowwowwoofs.com pup to Call noise thanyour usual. Dogs may early, pant booking WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT! up quickly. something like a lot or yawn. If a pet isOr pawing or pulling atthat? the costume, it might be making the animal uncomfortable. Dogs tend to be more tolerant of costumes than cats, though each pet is unique. • Can body language be relayed? Pets use body language to communicate with other animals. Costumes could interfere with that ability. If the pet will be wearing the costume indoors and not in proxBooking up quickly... CALL NOW! imity to other animals, it may be • Full Service Spa Groom fine. Pets who will be walking outdoors and come into contact with • Express Wash other companion animals might • Deluxe Spa Bath act differently and other animals • Spa Therapies may act aggressively when faced • Certified Groomers with a pet in a costume. on Staff • Is it safe? Choose costumes that do not impede the pet’s vision or its ability to walk. Select maBook Now OPEN: Mon-Fri & Every-Other-Sat 8am-4pm for the terials that are fire-retardant and Holidays! nontoxic. Book Online or Call 360.392.8465 Pet costumes are quite popular 4855 Goldstar Drive • Birch Bay on Halloween, and pet parents can www.CanineDivineSpa.com have fun celebrating while also keeping pets’ comfort and safety in mind.

NEED a GROOM?

Pet Photo Contest!Pageant rrrfect Pet

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! 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!

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). Photo by E. A. Hegg, Whatcom Museum Collection 1988.16.8

Organized by New Yorkers for Justice, to benefit The Perseus Foundation and Bellingham Veterinary

THE PET SHOW

OPENS OCT. 21 | Old City Hall Explore heartwarming pet images from the Museum’s photo archives, capturing extraordinary moments like Laura and her pup. The collection spans decades, with the oldest photo dating back to 1890.

Proceeds will be allocated to pet cancer patients at Bellingham Veterinary who are in need of financial assistance.

www.theperseusfoundation.info

whatcommuseum.org

ADOPT A PET! We’re looking for good homes! To adopt one of us please call our Adoptions department at (360) 733-2080

Or visit us at 2172 Division St., Bellingham, WA 98226 Hi, I’m Marigold!

Hi, I’m Razzy!

Hi, I’m Sprinkles!

Hi, I’m Quinn!

View more about us at www.whatcomhumane.org

The Northern Light • October 19 - 25, 2023

2023

WINNER OF

43 AWARDS The Northern Light

2023

Washington Newspaper Publishers Association

Better Newspaper Contest Awards

We are pleased to report that The Northern Light newspaper and our special publications received 43 awards at the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association’s 2023 Better Newspaper Contest at the state conference in Kennewick last week. The entries, judged by out of state newspaper professionals, represent the best editorial, reporting and advertising published by Washington’s weekly newspapers in the past year. I am so proud of our outstanding editorial, design and sales teams.They continue to excel at delivering real news and designing ads that work. We also appreciate the quality work submitted by contributors. Patrick Grubb I am especially proud that the newspaper received a Community Service Award for our Blaine Athletic Hall of Fame coverage, and for the second year in a row we received Ad of the Year for Blaine by the Sea featuring the Wings over Water Northwest Birding Festival. Our Third Place in General Excellence demonstrates that The Northern Light And, the winners are: is truly a group achievement. Reporting fairly and accurately on local news and making sure the newspaper gets in the hands of Blaine and Birch Ian Haupt Bay community members is what we do and we are pleased that the judges appreciated our efforts. Last, but certainly not least, we’d like to recognize you, our readers THIRD PLACE and advertisers for your support and engagement. Without you, we Blaine Athletic Hall of Fame wouldn’t be here. Thank you.

Community Service Award

Event/Festival Sections THIRD PLACE

Back to School 2022-23 Ruth Lauman, Lisa Moeller, Molly Ernst

The Northern Light Pat Grubb, Louise Mugar, Molly Ernst, Ian Haupt, Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman, Grace McCarthy

Advertising

Ads Featuring Animals

Branding Ad

Northwest Kitty Care Doug De Visser, Molly Ernst

SECOND PLACE

Art Studio Tour Ruth Lauman, Louise Mugar

Summer Fun in the Park Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser, Molly Ernst

SECOND PLACE

Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce Ruth Lauman, Louise Mugar

News Government Story THIRD PLACE

A jump in assessments Pat Grubb

munity New h Bay’s Com

Birch Blaine and

Birc Blaine and

mun h Bay’s Com

er ity Newspap

Jeanie Luna

Ad of the Year FIRST PLACE

Blaine by the Sea Ruth Lauman, Louise Mugar

Blaine Harbor Music Festival Doug De Visser, Molly Ernst

Tourism Special Sections SECOND PLACE

Waterside 2023 Aly McGee, Doug De Visser, Louise Mugar, Pat Grubb

Special Section Covers SECOND PLACE

Mount Baker Experience Fall 2022 Matthew Tangeman, Doug De Visser, Ian Haupt, Louise Mugar

Single Advertiser, 1/2 Page or Larger

THIRD PLACE

THIRD PLACE Bargain Betty’s Fireworks Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst

Use of Small Space FIRST PLACE

Old Fashioned 4th of July Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst

Youth-Oriented Content SECOND PLACE

Birch Bay Waterslides Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser, Molly Ernst

Experience Coupeville Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser, Louise Mugar

Dank of America Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser, Molly Ernst

SECOND PLACE

Use of Clip Art

Pirate Daze Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser, Molly Ernst

Old Fashioned 4th of July Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst

Lifestyle/Culture Sections

FIRST PLACE

Birch Bay Budz Doug De Visser, Molly Ernst

Color Ad, Smaller than 1/2 Page

THIRD PLACE Wings Over Water Ruth Lauman, Molly Ernst

THIRD PLACE

Art Studio Tour Louise Mugar, Ruth Lauman

FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE Buds Garage Doug De Visser, Molly Ernst

Comprehensive Coverage Crime & Court Story SECOND PLACE

FIRST PLACE

Lifestyles Feature Story

Breaking News Photo

Future of the Alcoa smelter Grace McCarthy

U.S. Border Patrol agents off the hook after court ruling Ian Haupt

Tidepooling Tongue Point Ian Ferguson, Madi McKay

U.S. Border Patrol agents surround school’s main campus Molly Ernst

Breaking News Story

FIRST PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Sports News Story

Time on the Columbia River Eric Lucas, Bruce Bjornstad

Blaine softball comes up short against Mount Baker Ian Haupt

THIRD PLACE

FIRST PLACE

Pacific Coast Weddings Aly McGee, Doug De Visser, Louise Mugar

History Feature Story FIRST PLACE Mount Baker Lodge stood in Heather Meadows, Ian Haupt

Pickleball becomes the official state sport Hannah Cross

Ser ving Blaine & Birch Bay Since 1995

spaper

paper munity News Bay’s Com

Ruth Lauman

Color Ad, 1/2 Page or Larger

Schools in lockdown due to threat Grace McCarthy

Birc Blaine and

Gary Lee

Waterside 2022 Aly McGee, Pat Grubb, Doug De Visser, Louise Mugar, Alan Majchrowicz

THIRD PLACE

READL! LOCA

THIRD PLACE

Advice from the Pros Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser, Louise Mugar, Molly Ernst

THIRD PLACE

Ads Celebrating Where You Live

Multiple-Advertiser Ad

Samson Estates Winery Ruth Lauman, Doug De Visser, Louise Mugar

THIRD PLACE

Ruth Lauman, Louise Mugar

Peas in a Pod Mobile Detailing Doug De Visser, Molly Ernst

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

THIRD PLACE, OysterFest,

Molly Ernst

SECOND PLACE

Catch the Cat Killer Doug De Visser, Louise Mugar

FIRST PLACE

Arts & Entertainment Ads

Ad Campaign

Aly McGee

MD Medical Spa Doug De Visser, Molly Ernst

Romantic Ads

Windermere Real Estate, Damian Pro Doug De Visser, Gary Lee

Superior Fish Doug De Visser, Louise Mugar

Doug De Visser

FIRST PLACE

THIRD PLACE

Nolan Baker

Single Advertiser, Smaller than 1/2 Page

Most Original Idea

General Excellence

Discover Coupeville Doug De Visser, Louise Mugar

Grace McCarthy

Pat Grubb, Publisher

Doug De Visser, Ian Haupt & Molly Ernst

FIRST PLACE

Louise Mugar

225 Marine Drive • Ste 200

I Blaine, WA 98230 I 360-332-1777 I TheNorthernLight.com I sales@thenorthernlight.com