The Northern Light: March 14-20, 2024

March 14 - 20, 2024

City of Blaine has new emergency number, page 3

42nd legislative district bills are sent to governor’s desk

B y N ola N B aker

A number of bills from 42nd legislative district state representatives Joe Timmons and Alicia Rule and senator Sharon Shewmake passed both chambers of the state legislature, and now are either heading to the governor’s desk or already have been signed into law by Governor Jay Inslee.

Shewmake bill to assist counties with incoming water rights adjudication

Shewmake’s Senate Bill 5828 passed unanimously through the House and Senate, and was delivered to the governor on March 8 to be signed into law.

The bill would add a section to the current water rights portion of state law to allow local counties to appoint attorneys to act as water commissioners as superior courts works through caseloads.

The adjudication of the Nooksack River, the legal process of the state recording and doling out water usage claims to parties along Whatcom County’s 75-mile drinking water and irrigation source, will officially begin this spring. The process will take years and will result in thousands of claims to investigate and determine water rights by the state Department of Ecology and Whatcom County Superior Court.

Timmons bill to add judge to Whatcom County Superior Court

With a backlog of cases and a fast-approaching water rights adjudication of the Nooksack River, Timmons sponsored House Bill 1992, which would increase the number of judges on the Whatcom County Superior Court from four to five.

The bill passed the Senate unanimously on February 29, and will hopefully allow the county more capacity to get through massive caseloads and thousands of water claims in the coming months and years.

“The pandemic exacerbated the backlog of civil and criminal cases that the Whatcom County Superior Court handles and it was evident that we need another judge on this court to work through cases more efficiently and to process the department of ecology’s impending water rights adjudication,” Timmons wrote in a statement.

Inslee, after signing the bill, would ap-

(See Bills, page 2)

WA presidential primary results, page 5

Spring sports start strong, pages 6-7

Wings Over Water festival this weekend

s A rufous hummingbird photographed by Gregory Green, the featured speaker at the Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival opening reception and featured artist presentation on Friday, March 15. The festival will also feature expert wildlife speakers during the day on Saturday, culminating with a 5 p.m. keynote presentation by Holly Merker on the “Power of Birdwatching.” For more information on the festival, visit wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com.

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Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival is taking over Blaine and Birch Bay for the 21st annual weekend event Friday, March 15 through Sunday, March 17.

The festival will have free events open to the public, with the main event being an all-day birding expo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 16 at the Blaine Pavilion, 635 8th Street.

The birding expo will have a live raptor presentation from Sardis Raptor Center, youth activities, arts and crafts, wildlife exhibits and other activities. After the birding expo, keynote speaker Holly Merker will give a free presentation on the power of birdwatching 5-7 p.m. at

Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street.

Wild Whatcom will provide family bird and nature walks starting at the BP Heron Center in Birch Bay State Park at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday. No registration is necessary for the free events.

The festival will also have paid bird watching and nature trips. As of March 7, $30 tickets were still on sale for the Wings over Water opening dinner, nohost bar and featured artist reception at 5 p.m. Friday at the Blaine Senior Center. Tickets were also on sale for the Sunday morning breakfast and Merker’s presentation, “Learning the Language of Birds” at 9 a.m. at the senior center.

For more information on the Wings Over Water festival, visit wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com.

Photo by Gregory Green

Bills ...

From page 1

point the additional judge.

Timmons bill to create state public infrastructure assistance program House Bill 2020, co-sponsored

by Timmons and state representative Peter Abbarno (R-Centralia) would create a public infrastructure assistance program within the state’s emergency management division.

The bill would help the state respond to natural disasters, like the

Nooksack River floods in 2021 that devastated multiple low-lying communities that may not fully qualify for federal assistance.

“The state is experiencing disasters with greater frequency and longer duration, causing damage to public infrastructure that is

beyond the capacity of local government and tribal government response,” the bill stated.

The bill, sent to the governor’s desk on March 4, would allow the state to send supplementary assistance to counties and tribes when the governor issues an official proclamation of emergency. State assistance would go toward emergency response, debris removal and public infrastructure repair work.

“This is an important step to ensure that Washington is equipped to assist local communities rebuild after natural disasters, whether flooding, wildfires, or landslides. Our state should step up so local governments can rebuild critical infrastructure when we don’t qualify for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),” Timmons wrote in a statement. Rule bill to support natural disaster response Rule (D-Blaine) sponsored House Bill 1978, which passed the House and Senate unani-

mously during the short legislative session, was signed by Inslee. The bill will go into effect June 6.

The bill defines a political subdivision as a special purpose district or junior taxing district, which will allow for more collaboration between state, county, local and tribal jurisdictions during responses to natural disasters.

The bill was inspired by the aftermath of the 2021 Nooksack River floods, and the problems that arose when infrastructure across multiple government agencies was destroyed or damaged, according to a press release from the Washington House Democrats.

“This piece of legislation will make it easier for our helpers to work together in a natural disaster, both in planning and when the actual disaster occurs,” Rule wrote in a statement. “It supports collaborative planning efforts for the next emergency and puts an end to bureaucratic red tape.”

your death. Fees could reduce earnings.

s The Washington state Capitol in Olympia. Photo by Grace McCarthy

Around BlAine And WhAtcom county

Blaine chamber to host downtown block party

The Blaine Chamber of Commerce has announced that it will move Oysterfest from May to October and replace the festival with a new spring block party on May 18. The block party will have “a laid-back backyard BBQ vibe” with a street fair, live music, food trucks and beer garden, according to the chamber.

The chamber made the decision to move Oysterfest to October because the chance of red tide increases in May. Oysterfest will occur at the chamber’s Harbor Harvest Festival in downtown Blaine on October 12. The chamber held its first Harbor Harvest Festival in 2023, with similar events as the block party.

Applications for Whatcom Conservation District board open until March 31

The Whatcom Conservation District (WCD) is seeking candidates to apply to its board of supervisors. The Washington State Conservation Commission (WSCC) will appoint two candidates to the board. Those applying need to submit applications to WSCC by Sunday, March 31.

A board of two appointed and three elected supervisors governs the WCD. The district was formed in 1946 and serves Whatcom County to advance resiliency and ecological processes on working lands, residential landscapes, waterways and open space, according to WCD.

Applicants for the appointed positions must be registered to vote in the state and may be required to own land or operate a farm. Appointed applicants don’t need to live within the district boundary, according to WCD.

For more information on applying, call WCD at 360/526-

2381 or view the “CD supervisor appointment guide” on the WSCC website, scc.wa.gov/elections-and-appointments.

Port of Bellingham marine trades job fair set for May 9

The Port of Bellingham is hosting its annual marine trades job fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 9 at the Fishermen’s Pavilion at Squalicum Harbor.

The free event will provide the public with networking opportunities and information on careers in the marine trades. All American Marine, Bellingham Technical College, Drayton Harbor Oyster Farm, Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship, Seattle Maritime Academy, the Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building, Marine Spill Response Corp. and more will be at the fair, according to a Port of Bellingham news release.

In Whatcom County, marine trades support or create more than 6,000 jobs, port executive director Rob Fix said.

Marine trades apprenticeship

The Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship, which began in October 2022, was given approval from the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council to become a permanent program, allowing the program to provide official long-term certification and recognition.

The Whatcom Working Waterfront Foundation founded the apprenticeship program to provide certified training to marine service technicians while allowing them to work their day jobs. The appren-

ticeship is a four-year, nonunionized program that allows graduates to earn a nationally recognized journey-level certification.

The program, which provides education on subjects ranging from diesel engine repair to boat building, is aimed to bring more trained workers to marine trade businesses in the area.

Upon receiving permanent status, the program will expand to more apprentices, companies, and into neighboring counties, according to a press release from the Whatcom Working Waterfront Foundation.

The program is now located at 708 Coho Way in Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham.

Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center holding youth contest

The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center (WDRC) has launched its 2024 peace poetry contest for youth ages 4-18. The contest will accept submissions until June 14.

The contest encourages youth to hone their creativity and use poetry, or other forms of written word, to explore themes of peaceful conflict resolution, according to a WDRC release.

WDRC is a Bellingham-based nonprofit aimed at tackling conflict through meditation, training, facilitation and community engagement.

WDRC will host poetry writing workshops throughout Whatcom County before the contest deadline. Winners will be able to read their poems at WDRC’s annual Peace Builders Awards Gala in October, and at a youth peace poetry reading event at Village Books.

The poetry contest is part of WDRC’s youth program, which helped over 600 youth last year.

For more information about the contest, visit bit.ly/49IbeR6.

Blaine finance director resigns

The city of Blaine’s finance director Dan Heverling resigned from his position at the end of February.

Karla Flaming, the department’s senior accountant, will serve as interim director. City manager Mike Harmon told Blaine councilmembers during their February 26 meeting that city staff was sorting through 10 applications after it closed the job posting the week before.

Heverling has worked as finance director since 2021. He mentioned at previous council meetings his interest in returning to his former career in law enforcement, potentially as an officer in Blaine.

“We’re sad to see him go and we wish him well on his future endeavors, whatever those may be,” Harmon said.

City of Blaine has new number for utility emergencies

The city of Blaine has switched to using a new emergency contact number for city government-related emergencies, including power outages, water leaks and sewer overflows.

City staff announced the contact number, 866/605-5183, on March 4. The number is only for city customers. People experiencing life-threatening emergencies or reporting crimes still need to call 911.

The city of Blaine recommends residents save the emergency line in their contacts to reduce response times during emergencies.

Blaine residents can also visit the city’s website, bit.ly/3N5NAT8, and click “utility alerts” under the news flash section to be notified via text or email about utility interruptions.

“Prior to this, we literally

had our line crew answering calls about why the power was out,” city manager Mike Harmon said during the March 11 city council meeting. “They would stop fixing the system, answer a call and then go back to fixing the system.”

City staff plan to advertise the emergency number through flyers, postcard mailers, social media and the public utility bill.

s Dan Heverling. File photo

The Northern L ght

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Vol

39

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APA Museum hosts educational tours opinion letters

The Editor:

Looking out the window, it is hard to believe that our annual Blaine Scholarship Foundation golf tournament is just three months (and small change) away – Saturday, June 1. We are in the midst of planning for another fun-filled day at Loomis Trail Golf Club, and we wanted to be sure that you’ve added this date to your calendar.

For those of you who have not participated before, the purpose of this event is to raise scholarship money for seniors at Blaine High School. For over 25 years we have been able to supply financial aid to a significant number of our graduating class members as they embark on the next step of their education. To achieve this goal, we sponsor a golf tournament that has become a “must play” event (all skill levels welcomed!), so much so that we are forced to form a waitlist as we draw near the big day. Please visit our website blainescholarshipfoundation.org for details and registration.

For our loyal returnees, you know the drill. Form your team, visit the website (blainescholarshipfoundation.org), register and spread the word. We have not changed the entry fee ($125) for several years so that we can remain the best buy/most fun tournament that you will enjoy this summer.

The course is spectacular, the atmosphere is relaxed and fun, and years of scholarship recipients express their gratitude for offering them a leg-up for meeting the ever-increasing expenses of continued training and education. Register now to assure you place in this year’s fun day.

See you June 1!

Todd Berge, Blaine Scholarship Foundation board member Blaine

The Editor:

Calling all women golfers! The Ladies of Loomis Golf Club would like to invite you to join us for our 2024 golf season.

Our league runs April through September, every Thursday at 9 a.m., beginning April 4. We are a social league and offer friendly, competitive games for those wishing to participate. Our weekly games are based on both individual stroke play and team events. We welcome ladies of all golf levels and experience.

If you are interested in meeting new people and having fun, please join us for our annual kick off meeting on March 28 at 11 a.m. at the Loomis Trail Golf Course in Blaine. For more information about our league, please go to golfloomis.com/ladies-club or email us

civic meetings

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

Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: ci.blaine.wa.us.

Blaine Planning Commission: Second Thursday, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: bit.ly/3EwWiZi.

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Meetings are second Tuesday,

at ladies.of.loomis@gmail.com.

Donna Wendt Ladies of Loomis board member

Blaine

The Editor: I am writing to you on behalf of the Birch Bay View Homeowners Association. We are a small community of 171 properties off Selder Road and Birch Bay Drive in Birch Bay. Last May our new HOA board was elected and began attempts to revitalize the community. To this end, we contacted homeowners who did not comply with codes, covenants and restrictions, primarily addressing homes and yards that were health hazards, overgrown, littered, cluttered, and abandoned. Because no one had been held accountable for a long time we quickly realized that greater authority needed to come into play.

We turned to the Whatcom County Planning and Development Services Department and Whatcom County Health

(See Letters, next page)

5:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. Blaine Public Works and Park Advisory Board: Second Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Blaine council chambers. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.

School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district boardroom, 770 Mitchell Avenue. Info: blainesd.org.

Whatcom Fire and Rescue: Third Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.

s A group of fifth graders from Bellingham toured the Alaska Packers Association Museum, 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, on February 22. The museum, located in the old cannery building, pays tribute to the Blaine area’s rich fishing history through artifacts and old photographs. Drayton Harbor Maritime, which operates the Plover ferry, oversees the museum. The museum is currently open 1-5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, though it will open at 9 a.m. during Wings Over Water March 15-17. Student tours can be made by appointment. “It was a blast having them visit,” said Bill Brooks, museum director. Photo by Bill Brooks

2024 WA presidential primary results are in

B y N ola N B aker

The Washington Secretary of State Office released the first count of ballots from the March 12 Presidential Primary, with voters showing overwhelming support for incumbent President Joe Biden as the Democratic party nominee, and former President Donald Trump representing the Republican party.

Over 1.25 million ballots have been counted across the state since the most recent update on the morning of March 13, with nearly

200,000 ballots estimated remaining to be counted. In Whatcom County, 161,486 votes have been counted as of 8 p.m. on March 13, with 1,900 ballots estimated left to count.

After picking up nominations in multiple states including Washington on Tuesday night, both Trump and Biden will be the presumptive presidential nominees for the second consecutive campaign season.

Biden won 85.7 percent of the 653,859 votes for the Democratic Party ballot across the state, and 82.7 percent of the 30,070 votes

Blaine City Council ...

B y G race M c c arthy

The latest news from the March 11 Blaine City Council meeting … BTAC appointment

Blaine City Council unanimously appointed Custer resident Doug Cornelsen to the Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee as the committee’s Blaine Chamber of Commerce representative.

Cornelsen was the only applicant to apply for the seat. Cornelsen is treasurer of Blaine Chamber of Commerce and a mortgage loan officer at Blaine

Letters ...

From previous page

and Community Services Department. After numerous code enforcement investigation requests, emails and phone calls, not one case was acted upon. By their admission, inspections were done from the street, never entering the properties. We have a copy of the administrative policy document, revised in 2020, that points to several violations that could have been cited.

For being a modest community, our taxes are high and have been raised again. The newly constructed million-dollar home Horizon community adjoining us has a tsunami exit that the county has not seen fit to grant us. Our community was established in 1959.

I cannot imagine that we are the only homeowners who would like to see their ever-growing tax dollars returned, at least in some measure, back to our community.

Have you been alerted to similar issues? Do you have an investigative reporter? Can you make this public for us?

Brigitte Parra

Birch Bay View Homeowners Association vice president Birch Bay

The Editor:

With the bustle of planning for Birch Bay’s 2024 event season, I sit at my desk in reflection, gratitude and anticipation. The process in putting these celebrations together gets a guy to thinking about the ever-present inquiry: Why?

Why our events matter

“It takes a village …”

At the heart of our events lies

from Whatcom County.

Trump won 73.8 percent of the 599,070 votes cast statewide on the Republican side of the ballot, while earning a slightly higher 75.2 percent of the 24,666 votes from Whatcom County.

The Democratic ballot in Washington allowed for voters to choose “uncommitted delegates” instead of a specific preferred nominee. So far, more than 48,000 Washington voters (7.4 percent) and nearly 3,000 Whatcom County voters (9.6 percent) voted uncommitted.

18 and Clay Salzman to start as building official April 1.

Banner Bank. According to his application, Cornelsen’s father graduated from Blaine High School in the ’50s and Cornelsen is involved with Christ the King Community Church in Blaine. Senior planner, building official join CDS

The city’s Community Development Services (CDS) Department has two important hires: a senior planner and building official.

CDS director Alex Wenger announced to city council that the city hired Mike Beck to start as senior planner Monday, March

the power of community, the single biggest asset in any vibrant small town. Birch Bay is fortunate to have engaged citizens, businesses and organizations that band together to welcome the myriad visitors to our beautiful shoreline. Without this spirit of cooperation, local events would not occur at the level to which we’re accustomed.

The conclusion of summer brings exhaustion, and we’re ready for the relative solace and quiet of the off-season. A sense of relief and contentment also sets in, knowing that we successfully “made it through another one!” These experiences only serve to create a stronger community bond.

Why become involved in community events

First, it’s important to define being “involved.” Many think this means simply volunteering or contributing materially to events. Yes, we are always looking for manpower and donations (can’t stress that enough), but there are several other ways to support and get involved:

Attending community events with family and friends helps boost numbers and make them more vibrant. Participate and register for the activities, many of which are free.

Spread the word. Invite people to “Join the fun in Birch Bay!” We use several different marketing channels to promote our community and events, but good old-fashioned word of mouth advertising can’t be beat.

Attend events in other communities. Check out the event calendars for Blaine, Lynden, Ferndale, Everson, Sumas, Bellingham and our Skagit County

Across multiple Super Tuesday states, more than 250,000 people rejected the incumbent president’s reelection bid, with multiple news outlets reporting that many are using the ballot as a way to send a message of disapproval over the Biden administration’s support of Israel through the war in Gaza, which now enters its sixth month.

The Whatcom County Auditor’s Office will release another ballot count at 5 p.m. on March 13, and certify the primary results on March 26.

City newsletter

Beck worked as planner at Skamania County Community Development in southwest Washington and Salzman worked as building official for the town of Tiburon, near San Francisco.

The hiring signals the end of a difficult six months for the planning department as its staffing was nearly cut in half during that time due to departing department leaders and employees. The department will now operate at full staffing capacity, though the tourism and economic development coordinator position, which Wenger previously held, was consolidated into Wenger’s role as director.

neighbors. The more successful each individual regional event is, the better for all.

Share your ideas and suggestions. We always welcome input and ideas!

Whether it’s volunteering, donating, or becoming involved in

In other city news, mayor Mary Lou Steward started a monthly newsletter on city announcements and updates. The first newsletter was published March 6 and included brief updates on the mayor’s decision to suspend oral comment at city council meetings, JIJ Corporation’s recent manufactured home park community meeting, and the city’s February 26 open house on its downtown revitalization project.

The newsletter is available on the city’s website, ci.blaine. wa.us, and people can subscribe by clicking “notify me” to the right of the newsletter.

another way, we look forward to seeing you in 2024.

Community, it’s why we do it!

Sacha Sanguinetti, event coordinator of Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce

Birch Bay

sports

Blaine soccer, baseball start season hot

Office@LifelineRentals.com

Baseball

Borderite baseball started off the season with a pair of blowout wins, defeating Burlington-Edison 15-2 on March 8 and University Prep 15-4 on March 11.

The Borderites’ bats were red hot to start the season, scoring 14 runs in just the second inning of its first game, and were well-supported by solid pitching on the mound.

Blaine’s “ace” pitcher, senior Kieran Markusen, earned his first win of the season against Burlington-Edison, giving up just three hits and one earned run through four innings of work, striking out four batters and walking none.

Alejandro Moser-Hernandez and Brady Dohner hit well in the opening game, combining for four of the Borderites’ nine hits, and freshman Evan Yates led the team with three RBIs in the first high school baseball game of his young career.

It was also a special day for first-year head coach Hunter Anderson, who earned his first career win as head coach, against his alma mater Burlington-Edison, no less.

The Borderites’ 15-4 win against University Prep on March 11 also came with a monster second inning, this time with Blaine exploding for eight runs on a string of solid hitting.

Pitcher Diego Gutierrez started on the mound for the Borderites, and after a shaky first inning, he settled down nicely in the second inning to earn the win. Dohner, pitching in relief, looked locked-in during his three innings, allowing two hits and zero earned runs, while striking out four.

The Borderites were down 3-0 before the bats woke up, but Anderson said the team knew the game was still well in control.

“We didn’t have any fear or any panic in our dugout,” Anderson said. “Down 3-0 with these guys, we know we’re a couple of swings, a couple of hard 90s and just a couple plays away from getting right back into it. It takes one guy like Aaron Garza to hit a double and score two runs and then we’re moving.”

The Borderites combined for 30 runs in just two games, and Anderson hopes that discipline in the batter’s box can continue.

“We try to take quality at-bats every time we get out there,” Anderson said. “It doesn’t matter what the score is. It doesn’t matter what the situation is. We tell our guys, ‘You have a job to do.’ Whether we’re down zero to three or we’re up a couple of runs, our job and our mindset doesn’t change,” Anderson said. “That’s part of what we’re trying to do moving forward.”

With two more non-league games still to play before the conference schedule begins, Anderson hopes the team can continue its solid pace through a

long spring.

“It doesn’t matter who we play, we treat every game like it’s a playoff game,” Anderson said. “Heading into conference play, we know we’re going to get really, really good competition from Northwest Conference opponents and we embrace that and we invite that. We know if we want to be at our best at the end of the season, we want to see everybody’s best guys, everybody’s best performance.”

Boys Soccer

Boys soccer kicked off its season with a 2-1 win against Anacortes at Borderite Stadium on March 12.

Junior forward Blake Koreski opened up the scoring just seven minutes into the season when he beat his defender on a stellar through-ball from senior midfielder Xavier Blanco, placing the ball past the keeper to go up 1-0.

Blaine’s lead was threatened with a penalty kick awarded to Anacortes early in the second half, but sophomore keeper Abel Carlson-Vega dove left and blocked the attempt, preserving the Borderite’s lead. It was Carlson-Vega’s first start in goal for the varsity team, and he said he had an inkling of where the penalty shot might go.

“I saw that guy who was taking the PK, every time he was crossing it, he hit it with his right foot and he curved it away,” Carlson-Vega said of the Anacortes

penalty-taker. “So I assumed he’s going to do the same thing on the PK.”

Carlson-Vega assumed correct, and the greenhorn keeper made the save of the night.

Koreski scored another to put Blaine up 2-0, again tearing up the left side of the Anacortes defense. The insurance goal was needed once Anacortes was able to convert on its second penalty kick of the day after a handball was called on Blaine.

The Borderites held on for the final 15 minutes of the match, winning 2-1. Blaine’s next game is at home on Thursday, March 14 at 7 p.m. against Burlington-Edison.

Girls Basketball

While the girls basketball season was cut short with a pair of postseason losses during January’s 1A Northwest Conference district tournament, one Borderite is still being recognized for her on-court achievements.

Senior Jordyn Vezzetti was named to the All-Northwest Conference second team, and will play on the 1A all-state senior team for the 2024 Washington State Girls Basketball Coaches Association Senior All State Games, set for Sunday, March 17 at King’s High School in Seattle.

Vezzetti was the only Blaine athlete to earn the all-state honor, and will play alongside a trio of Nooksack Valley players com-

s Blaine pitcher Brady Dohner looks up to the sky in the final inning of the Borderite’s 15-4 win over University Prep on March 11. Dohner pitched three innings in relief, striking out four batters.

Photos by Nolan Baker

s Blaine senior Jordyn Vezzetti was voted to the All-Northwest Conference second team, and will play for the 1A All-State senior team on Sunday, March 17 at King’s High School.

sports

(Continued from previous page)

ing off of their second consecutive 1A state championship win.

Through an up-and-down season for the Borderites under new head coach Vic Wolffis, Vezzetti was a team leader that deserved the recognition for her years of hard work at the end of her high school athletic career, Wolffis said.

“It’s a sense of accomplishment for both the athlete and the program,” Wolffis said. “For years [Vezzetti] has been playing basketball and doing multiple sports, so it’s nice to see the recognition for her accomplishments which have come from a lot of hard work, a lot of sweat and a lot of dedication.”

Vezzetti led the Borderites in points and rebounds per game, averaging 14.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, according to Blaine Athletics.

Even battling through injuries late in the season, Vezzetti constantly showed her natural scoring abilities and led the Borderites to a solid 10-12 (6-9 NWC) season record.

“We had stretches where scoring was such a challenge and one thing Jordyn brought was just a constant attack,” Wolffis said. “That’s probably one of her greatest strengths. She’s just an attacker and I don’t think she thinks too much about the game.

She’s not a super analytical player or anything. She just really attacks the rim.”

Athletes were nominated and voted on by high school coaches, and Vezzetti will be one of four

on Sunday, March 17

1A

s Blaine pitcher Diego Gutierrez eyes the batter in the first inning of Blaine’s game against University Prep on March 11. Gutierrez got the win, allowing two earned runs on three hits.

s The Blaine baseball team celebrates during its eighth-run second inning on March 11 against University Prep. The Borderites won 15-4, starting the season 2-0.

Photos by Nolan Baker

s Junior forward Blake Koreski, r., celebrates after his first of two goals against Anacortes during Blaine’s 2-1 win on March 12.

Whatcom County girls competing on the 1A all-state team. Her game will start at 4 p.m.

when the

team faces off against the 2A team.

March 26 is Diabetes Alert Day: Make it a family affair to avoid the epidemic

B y D r . S a ND hya

G elou

March 26 is Diabetes Alert Day, a one-day “wake-up call” focusing on the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of understanding your risk.

I am a diabetologist, meaning I specialize and focus on preventing and treating diabetes.

Diabetes Alert Day is a good time to shine a spotlight on prevention because prediabetes, in most cases, is reversible before it progresses to Type 2 diabetes. That’s the good news.

My interest in diabetes started with trying to help members of

my own family take charge to improve their health. If we take action early, we can prevent dangerous complications.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that 96 million U.S. adults aged 18 years or older had prediabetes in 2019.

Type 2 diabetes rates increased in young people during the Covid-19 pandemic. Obesity and Type 2 diabetes present significant public health challenges. The link between the two conditions is important because too many extra pounds substantially increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes, which is a major cause of premature mortality and contributes to a range of long-term health conditions including chronic kidney disease, heart disease, and microvascular complications including eye disease, foot disease, amputations and much more.

These scenarios are not inevitable, but they are likely if we carry on as we are – because diabetes is now considered an epidemic, not only in the U.S. but worldwide.

There are steps families can take to help their kids avoid being diagnosed with diabetes when they are combined with healthier eating. Setting a new normal can lead to healthier

habits for everyone in the family. And, it can be fun!

Moderate exercise is one family strategy. Start slowly and build up a pace that works for you.

• Aim for 60 minutes of physical activity a day; 10- or 15-minute sessions are OK.

• Stay positive and focus on progress.

• Encourage your child to join a sports team.

• Keep a jump rope, hand weights and resistance bands at home.

• Throw a Frisbee.

• Limit screen time.

• Take walks together – after a meal is a great time.

• Move more, both in and out of the house. Rake leaves, shovel snow, garden, etc.

To sum up: About 1 in 3 people under the age of 21 is at risk for Type 2 diabetes due to weight issues and inactivity.

Young people with Type 2 diabetes develop complications faster than those who develop the condition as adults.

Remember, even little changes add up to a healthier life. Take a walk, ride a bike, blast

your music and dance, without spending a penny. Daily physical activity has many health benefits: Better sleep, weight loss, stress reduction and improved blood pressure.

These positive changes can start right at home. Consider this thought: Healthy aging begins early in life. So, look at this as a family affair.

Sandhya M. Gelou, MD is in private practice in Bellingham and volunteers with the Mount Baker Foundation Kidney Health Awareness initiative.

It’s my honor to deliver care in this community.

File photo

s Dr. Sandhya Gelou. File photo

The basics of colorectal cancer

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death in the U.S., according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite that, colorectal cancer does not garner as much attention as many believe it should.

The Mayo Clinic says colorectal cancer starts in the large intestine (colon), which is the final part of the digestive tract, or in the rectum. It usually begins as noncancerous clumps of cells known as polyps. Over time, some of those benign polyps can change into cancerous cells and eventually tumors. The entire colon is about 5 feet in length, which provides a lot of real estate where cancer can start.

As with any type of cancer, detecting colorectal cancer early can make a difference in treatment. Early discovery of polyps that may turn cancerous can give doctors and their patients more treatment options. Medical professionals use colonoscopy, which is a camera inserted into the colon, to check

for abnormalities.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) now recommends that a person without any risk factors have their first colonoscopy at age 45. This procedure often is done under a mild sedation and the patient feels no discomfort.

Healthy people can go 10 years between colonoscopies.

The camera will provide images of the tissue inside the colon and detect if polyps are present.

The ACS says there are three different types of polyps.

• Adenomatous polyps: These sometimes change into cancer and are considered a pre-cancerous condition.

• Hyperplastic and inflammatory polyps: These are more common, but in general they are not pre-cancerous.

• Sessile serrated polyps and traditional serrated adenomas: These polyps have a higher risk of colorectal cancer formation.

Sometimes doctors will remove polyps if they think they may grow into cancer.

Most colorectal cancers are known as adenocarcinomas, and start in the cells that make mu-

cus to lubricate the inside of the rectum and colon. When doctors are referring to colorectal cancer, they often are discussing adenocarcinoma.

If colorectal cancer is not caught early when the cancer cells are in the colon walls, it can then grow into blood vessels or lump vessels and travel to distant parts of the body.

Certain symptoms and signs may provide clues that colorectal cancer is present, apart from results from imaging tests, offers the Mayo Clinic.

• Persistent changes in bowel habits, including changes in the consistency of stool and frequency of movements.

• Bleeding from the rectum or blood found in stool.

• Abdominal discomfort, which can include cramps or gas pains.

• A persistent feeling that the bowel hasn’t emptied completely.

• Unexplained weight loss.

Treatment for colorectal cancer depends on staging. Plans can be discussed with an oncologist if cancer is detected.

More information about colorectal cancer is available at cancer.org.

File photo

WA state legislature passes Initiative 2113 on police pursuits

B y M ary M urphy , W a S hi NG to N S tate

J our N al

New rules that give police more leeway to engage in highspeed pursuits will become law June 5 after the Washington State Legislature passed Initiative 2113.

Initiative 2113 will closely resemble state law prior to 2021 that allowed police to determine whether reasonable suspicion exists that a person violated the law in order to start a vehicular pursuit. The initiative passed the state Senate 36-13 and state House 77-20 earlier in the month.

“The people of the state are suffering increasing rates of crime, property, crime, violent crime,” said state representative Jim Walsh, (R-Aberdeen). “When I talked to cops and sheriff’s deputies, they told me the one thing more than anything else that we need is the ability to chase bad people.”

In 2021, the legislature approved a measure that restricted police pursuit strategy. Under that standard, vehicular pursuits were limited to when officers had “probable cause” that a person in a vehicle committed a violent offense, including sex or domestic violence offenses, or were driving under the influence or trying to escape arrest. The standard was changed back to “reasonable suspicion” in 2022.

In 2023, in an effort to relax those standards, less violent crimes such as theft were added to the list of crimes that can result in a chase.

“We have become the nation’s leader in car theft,” said Brian Heywood, prime funder of Let’s

Go Washington, a political action committee that promoted conservative-backed initiatives, including 2113, during this legislative session. “We’ve had skyrocketing increases in our car insurance rates. This is a direct result of increased car theft caused by the inability of the police to pursue.”

Some opposed the change because they believe vehicular pursuits can put more people in danger.

James McMahan, policy director of Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, said that officers are still required to perform “the balancing test.” For example, if an officer saw someone in a school zone with expired tabs, they likely would not begin a chase because it poses more harm to chase.

Still, experts on the issue argued that vehicular pursuits are ineffective and pose unnecessary risks.

Geoffrey Alpert, a University of South Carolina criminology professor who has been studying police pursuits nationally for 30 years, cited a 2018 case when Milwaukee, Wisconsin took away restrictions on police pursuit.

“Our data showed that pursuits increased 100 percent, 98

percent, something like that, and it was basically signing a death sentence to people on the road, because the police started chasing everything,” Albert said. “The deaths, the crashes, the destruction, was horrible, and that’s been seen in other cities around the country.”

Josh Parker, senior counsel at the policing project at NYU School of Law, cited similar studies in arguing against the bill, but also drew attention to how it can put officers at risk.

“Not surprisingly, these pursuits result in officer injuries and deaths at alarming rates,” Parker said. “A recent study found that pursuits account for more than 5 percent of all line of duty officer deaths.”

Mason County Sheriff Ryan Spurling explained how officers see pursuits.

“I don’t think any of us like pursuits,” Spurling said. “I’ve been doing this 36 years and pursuits are dangerous. We need to find other alternatives. We don’t choose to pursue. The person chooses to flee.”

Spurling explained that often when people choose to flee, they have committed multiple crimes, and that’s where “the balancing test,” comes in.

“My family drives in the community,” Spurling said. “I don’t want officers pursuing somebody for a taillight out and hitting my family head-on and killing them, but that’s the balancing test. There’s no question we have to balance that out every day.”

While the initiative passed with bipartisan support, some lawmakers voted no.

State representative Debra Entenman, (D-Kent), said she worked hard with community stakeholders and the Coalition for Police Accountability to change the law in 2021. As a Black woman, Entenman emphasized that she feels this initiative is silencing voices and urged a “no” vote.

“We were trying to ensure that there was less contact in communities of color with police,” Entenman said. “Because statistics have proven that when there is that contact, Black and brown young men especially do not get to go home to their families.”

State senator Manka Dhingra, (D-Redmond), also cited that her district’s standards are more restrictive than the 2113’s standard of pursuit. Other lawmakers echoed this, explaining they believed discretion should be left to individual jurisdictions.

Walsh and others who have closely worked on the initiatives explained individual jurisdictions still have the power to impose more restrictions if they want, but 2113 sets the standard.

“An agency can always be more restrictive. The problem is the baseline in state law is already too restrictive,” Walsh said. “2113 restores it to a rational standard by which the law can be enforced.”

Estate

#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: February 23, 2024

AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S.

STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262

Attorney for Administrator: CINDY MAXWELL www.averyelderlaw.com

of First Publication: March 14, 2024

Name of Administrator:

Marlene Costle

Attorney for Personal Representative:

Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339

Address for Mailing or Service:

True North Legal Services, PLLC PO Box 934, Bellingham, WA 98227 (360) 639-3393

Genissa@truenorthlegalservices.com

DATED: March 14, 2024

True North Legal Services, PLLC

Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339

Attorney for Administrator:

Marlene Costle Published in The Northern Light: March 14, March 21, March

7609 Birch Bay Drive #107

MLS #2163316 $995,000

Rare find in this beautiful low-bank Birch Bay waterfront condo where you can paddleboard or kayak off your own private beach! A 2-story, 3 bdrm, 3 bthrm at the desired Coast Haven Condominiums in the heart of the

7444 Jackson Road

MLS #2199223 $860,000

Amazing views of Birch Bay & the mountains from this modern style home! Would make a great vacation home, vacation rental, or permanent home! Across the street is public beach access! Watch eagles in the trees at eye level, enjoy gorgeous sunsets & the best place for watching the 4th of July fireworks is from your sweet party deck! Huge wall of windows faces the view and fills the home with natural light. Water views from both upper & lower levels.

8610 White Road

MLS #2156471 $6,000,000

First time offered, Borderline Lake and adjacent development property of 105.83 acres features a 2,350 ft competition water ski lake with a long history as a private and competition waterski lake serving Western Washington & Canada. Located minutes from the Canadian border, property features a private ski lake, two boat houses, boat launch, judging tower, & multiple docks.

Network of well-maintained trails, land for potential development of 2nd ski lake.

8849 Goldeneye Lane

MLS #2208035 $1,249,000

128 feet of stunning lakefront home in the Semiahmoo Turnberry gated community.

Five year Seller financing option available at 5.5% fixed. Quality build with soaring ceilings, 4055 sq. ft. +/- extensive tile work, custom fir built-ins, & exceptional selections of granite & lighting finishes, natural gas, & central vac. Primary/ensuite on the main floor with sauna. Great room concept with custom quality kitchen & office. Upstairs, two private guest en-suites & bonus room.

9026 Gleneagle Drive

MLS #2202182 $719,000

Nestled by Semiahmoo’s

Semiahmoo Pkwy

MLS #2186520 $388,000

Randy Weg 360-305-5704

Christine Cicchitti 360-296-3814

Matt Berry 360-389-0104

Freshly upgraded 3 bed/1.75 bath home with so many new updates: waterproof laminate flooring (no carpet anywhere!), tiled bathrooms & charming eatin kitchen w/ on trend white cabinets, butcher block counters & stainless-steel appliances. Easy access to I-5, Blaine & Birch Bay + Sunday Harbor community BBQ/picnic area, boat launch, dock & playground. The low maintenance yard w/ shed + firepit is the ideal place to relax or entertain. Parking for multiple vehicles, boats/RVs. One of few planned neighborhoods that allows short-term rentals. Cash buyers only.

Jen Freeman 360-815-0803

Brian Southwick 360-815-6638

BIRCH BAY

6887 Holeman Ave

MLS #2201387 $899,000

Unparalleled 180-degree vistas of the bay, islands, & mountains. Discover a charming & updated retreat plus private beach. Complete renovation was done inside and out over the past 12 years. Recent upgrades include new roofing, AC, fencing, decks, dual view enhancing sliding doors, thoughtful landscaping & enhanced drainage. Presently flourishing as a sought-after short-term rental, this property equally lends itself to year-round residency. Relish awe-inspiring sunsets & seamlessly host gatherings for friends and loved ones, thanks to ample parking.

Matt Berry 360-389-0104

7704 Birch Bay Dr #30-01

MLS #2044855 $75,000

Simple, affordable, living close to the ocean! A fiveminute walk to the beach, dining, crabbing, and amazing sunsets. Everything is included in this 1992 Park Model that makes it move-in ready. Ample clean & very minimally used light beachy cabinets in excellent condition throughout. One-bedroom, full bath, vaulted ceilings with a private yard, covered deck, and community fire pit to enjoy with your neighbors.

Come and take a look at this Birch Bay gem, perfect for a second home getaway. A Cabana for extra space and storage is located in the backyard.

Lesha Hutchison 360-510-0640

6957 Birch Bay Dr

MLS #2205072 $1,195,000

Fabulous ocean views from this medium bank beachfront 3416 sf home in one of Birch Bay’s most coveted neighborhoods. Main level has a living room, dining, primary bdrm, and deck highlighting ocean, mountain & sunsets. Impeccably built with hickory engineered hardwood flooring, large kitchen w/beautiful cherry cabinets, granite island, custom pantry, tiled primary ensuite & large walk-in closet with built-ins. Outstanding details w/vaulted ceilings, radiant infloor heat & tons of storage. Spacious, finished, lower, daylight basement with outside entry, and patio area.

Duane VanderYacht 360-410-2197

Road Rules: The problem with ADAS

B y D ou G D ahl

Question: My question is inspired by a near-miss I had with a Tesla driver on the freeway that barged in front of me moving toward the exit, driver on a cell phone with no hands on the wheel. Why doesn’t the law prohibit driver assistance technology from the misnamed “autopilot” all the way down to cruise control in congested conditions?

Answer: The problem with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) is right there in the name: The driver. And in the case of Tesla, the branding. How do you get away with naming your product “autopilot” or “full self-driving” when your product is, by its own description, not full self-driving or an autopilot? Tesla’s driver assistance system is better than many, but despite repeated promises from Elon Musk, the cars still don’t drive themselves.

That’s the hitch with ADAS. While you’re using it, you feel like the car has it under control. But it can relinquish that control at any moment, often because the situation is too complex for ADAS to handle. When it does give up control the driver has to be ready, and not all of them are. Some Tesla drivers, thinking the car has more ability than it does, have decided to watch a movie or take a nap, sometimes with disastrous results.

Before you put too much trust in ADAS, take a look at the reviews of the top performing systems. Even the best ADAS will let you down. They’ll veer out of their lane, fail to see a pedestrian crossing the street, and crash into stopped vehicles.

Despite the imperfections, ADAS reduces crashes. All those things I just mentioned; humans do them too, and at a higher rate. It’s tough to figure out exactly how much higher though. There isn’t a national database that makes a fair comparison of ADAS and non-ADAS car crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun tracking ADAS crashes, but the information is self-reported by car companies. Tesla appears to perform the worst in this data, but it’s probably a reflection of their more comprehensive data collection capabilities than a comparative lack of safety.

Tesla reports that drivers using autopilot travel over five million miles per crash, compared to a U.S. average of one crash per 670,000 miles, but Tesla’s data sources make this more of an apples to baseballs comparison. Independent research shows ADAS equipped vehicles reduce injury crashes by 27 percent and property damage crashes by 19 percent.

Drivers who treat ADAS as it’s intended, for assistance, get a safety benefit from the system; drivers who use it while riding in the back seat (it’s happened) put themselves and others at risk. But banning driver assistance features

Marina Mosher

August 12, 1929 – March 4, 2024

Marina Mosher passed away peacefully on Monday, March 4, 2024 at the age of 94. Marina was born in West Palm Beach, FL, on August 12, 1929 to Nicholas and Petroulia Morros, first-generation Greek immigrants. She and her two brothers were orphaned at an early age and spent their childhood in foster care.

On May 16, 1950 she married Philip “Bruce” Mosher. Together they raised four children and called many places home, including Florida, Texas, California, Virginia, Taiwan and finally Blaine, WA.

Marina was a wonderful mother and wife. Her home was a source of pride and she prioritized her family’s well being over her own. She had many interests, chief among them was cooking. She loved to entertain and hosted many gatherings. Despite losing her parents and Greek heritage at an early age, Marina learned to make many Greek recipes including baklava which she was famous for.

Marina loved music and was gifted with a beautiful voice. She could often be heard singing as she worked around her home, in the car with her family and in the choir at her church.

She was at her happiest when visiting with her many friends and family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marina was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Charles and her husband Bruce. She is survived by her children, Cathy Mosher, Carol Mosher, Cindy Lervik (Mark), Charles Mosher (Moki), 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and her brother Tony.

Marina was a beautiful lady inside and out. Her lovely smile and infectious laugh will be missed beyond words. The memories we share of her will be cherished and live on in the lives of her family and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at Mount Baker Care Center in Bellingham for the loving care given to Marina.

A family celebration of Marina’s life will be planned at a later date.

in congested conditions, because some drivers misuse the system, would take away safety tools where drivers most benefit from them. For example, front-to-rear crashes, common in heavy traffic, are cut in half by forward collision avoidance systems.

Some of the problem may be that as ADAS get better, drivers become technology complacent, putting too much trust in the system. Currently there are no requirements for car dealers to train, or even explain, ADAS to car buyers. Perhaps the solution

Harold Olason

March 29, 1934 – February 29, 2024

Harold Olason, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, February 29, 2024, after a brief illness.

Harold was born in Akra, North Dakota to Skapti and Elin (Magnusson) Olason, the seventh of nine children. He spent his first fourteen years living on the homestead his Icelandic grandparents settled in 1881. He attended the local oneroom schoolhouse, Eastman School, through the eighth grade. He never had more than two other classmates in his grade level.

They spoke Icelandic in the home, a skill he enjoyed throughout his life, sprinkling his conversation with humorous Icelandic terms to comment on people, places, and events. In his eighties, he spoke with Icelandic language researchers who were documenting how Icelandic was still used in North America. He was not pleased to learn they characterized his version of the language as “fossilized Icelandic.”

The North Dakota winters of his childhood were filled with snow drifts and sub-zero temperatures. Summers were blazingly hot. He enjoyed recounting his childhood days on the farm in ways that left the impression that he’d grown up in a magical world.

In 1948 the family moved to Whatcom County, settling on a farm east of Blaine. Harold found a whole new world to explore at the local high school. Now that he had more than two classmates, baseball, football, and basketball were exciting new areas to explore.

He also continued his own farming pursuits, milking the dairy herd with his brother Dennis and was very active in the agriculture program at school.

After graduation, Harold began farming in earnest. He married Leona Joy Freeman, and they farmed together while raising their three children, Rob, Kristi, and Kraig.

Farming was everything to Harold. With it he could explore the ever-changing natural world through the annual seasons, something he relished throughout his life. He could also experiment with different crops and animals. He found his calling endlessly fascinating.

He was never more animated than when he could talk about a discovery he’d made, or a farming technique he was exploring, or even some funny thing the farm dog did that morning. The world he saw before him was always worth admiring in all its infinite variations.

He also gave back to the community by serving on the Blaine School board for several terms in the 1970s and 1980s.

As their farming life started to wind down, grandchildren began to fill their world. Harold and Leona leaped at the opportunity to entertain their growing family with annual retreats to Lake Chelan, big family dinners, and those special times spent with each of the grandkids.

They also started traveling, exploring the Southwest, Yucatan, Spain, and the “trip of a lifetime” for every western Icelander, traveling to Iceland and visiting the ancestral farm.

In their later years, Harold and Leona stayed busy with family events and both said they never really retired.

Harold’s passion for farming never diminished. In his late eighties, when he became too frail to go to the farm on a daily basis, he continued exploring “all things farming” by studying projects across the globe via all the YouTube videos he found posted by his fellow agrarians. And till the day he died, he always wanted to share the latest interesting discovery he’d made, including his plans to add his own idea for adapting what he had learned just as soon as he could get back to the farm. With so much yet to explore, yet to create, he died leaving many projects waiting in his “to-do” pile.

isn’t to prohibit the use of these systems, but to have training built into ADAS equipped cars so that drivers can’t turn it on until they know what the system can, and more importantly, can’t do.

No matter what features a car has (or what Tesla names it), you presently can’t buy a full self-driving car. It’s up to us to drive responsibly however much help a car is giving us.

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

Harold is survived by Leona, his wife of 69 years; siblings, Mike Olason (Betty), Dennis Olason (Ann), and Sally Olason Cooper; children Rob (Anne), Kristi (Steve) Galbraith, Kraig (Brenda); grandchildren Andrew (Dan) Galbraith, Bryan (Danielle) Galbraith, Melissa (Dan) Healey, Perry Olason, Lily Olason, Rebecca Olason, and Paul (Emiko) Olason; great-grandchildren Daisy Galbraith, Iris Galbraith, and Rosalyn Healey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Blaine, WA on Saturday March 23, 2024, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Stafholt Health and Rehabilitation or Grace Lutheran Church, in Harold’s memory. Please share your thoughts and memories of Harold online at www.sigsfuneralservices.com.

File photo

sheriff’s reports

March 3, 12:54 p.m.: DUI arrest on Birch Bay Lynden Road.

March 3, 2:02 p.m.: Domestic order violence cold call on Custer School Road.

March 3, 5:37 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Crest Drive.

March 3, 6:32 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Semiahmoo Drive.

March 4, 3:50 p.m.: Trespass on Peace Portal Drive.

March 4, 4:05 p.m.: Threat cold call on Cedar Street.

March 5, 11:34 a.m.: Harassment cold call on Cedar Street.

March 5, 2:29 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Sweet Road.

March 6, 1:59 a.m.: Overdose on Sehome Road.

March 6, 11:15 a.m.: Landlord tenant dispute on Sunset Drive.

March 6, 2:09 p.m.: Domestic order violence cold call on Glendale Drive.

March 6, 5:58 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Blaine Road.

March 7, 9:27 a.m.: Theft cold call on Drayton Harbor Road.

March 7, 11:35 a.m.: Theft

cold call on Sunburst Drive.

March 7, 3:17 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Custer School Road.

March 7, 9:29 p.m.: Domestic – physical on Beachcomber Drive.

March 8, 2:15 p.m.: Drugs on Pacific Highway.

March 8, 2:33 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Birch Bay Drive.

March 8, 4:42 p.m.: Fugitive arrest on 2nd Street.

March 8, 5:41 p.m.: Theft cold call on Birch Bay Lynden Road.

March 8, 8:28 p.m.: Shots on Watervue Way.

March 9, 12:15 a.m.: Missing person cold call on Bay Road.

March 9, 5:45 p.m.: Overdose on Pacific Highway.

police reports

March 2, 1:49 p.m.: Theft on Boblett Street.

March 2, 4:19 p.m.: Harassment on Birch Court.

March 2, 8:03 p.m.: Domestic – physical on E Street.

March 2, 9:39 p.m.: Domestic – physical on Sandwood Lane.

March 2, 11:42 p.m.: Suicidal subject on D Street.

March 3, 3:56 a.m.: Simple assault on Sandwood Lane.

March 3, 12:53 p.m.: Hit and run on H Street.

March 4, 5:00 p.m.: Hit and Run on D Street.

crossWord

9. Midway between south and east

10. A way to shut

11. Stop playing

side dish

48. District in Peru

49. It’s becoming more prevalent

50. State in India

52. Measure of illumination

53. Raised platform

56. Japanese warrior

61. R.L. Stevenson novel

63. Transitory

64. Advanced degree

65. Fiddler crabs

DOWN

1. Prevent from seeing

2. Czech city

3. __ and Andy, TV show

4. A young pig

5. Removed surgically

6. Covered with 7. Chest muscle (slang)

8. Nigerian City

12 Marshy places

13. Takes apart

14. Ten cents

17. A gesture of assent

22. Scent

23. Teletypewriter

24. General’s assistant (abbr.)

25. Hillside

26. Taxi driver

28. Semitic Sun god

29. Town in India

32. Traditional rhythmic pattern

36. Fugitives are on the __

38. Type of dance

40. Two letters, one sound

43. Having a strong, pleasant taste

44. Golf score

45. Mayhem

46. Drenched

51. River in northeastern Asia

54. Drug to treat anxiety (abbr.)

Coming up

March Madness Open House: Wednesdays–Saturdays through March, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center boutique, 7620 Birch Bay Drive. Info: thebridgehope.com.

Where Visions Meet: A film screening for Women’s History Month: Thursday, March 14, 5 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Blaine resident Gail Longo will screen her short documentary film, Where Visions Meet, an historical account of two women, Ellen Swallow Richards and Dr. Maria Montessori, both pioneering activists and scientists who initiated health education for the public during a time of global industrial expansion, overcrowding, and the spread of contagious disease. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.

Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, March 14, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. This week: general knowledge. Info: thevaultwine. com.

“Aging Well” Resource Fair: Friday, March 15, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Blaine Senior Center 763 G Street. Vendors, presentations, and more. Open to the community. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.

March 5, 8:29 a.m.: Burglary on Peace Portal Drive.

March 5, 5:41 p.m.: Harassment on Peace Portal Drive.

March 6, 11:15 a.m.: Drugs on Mitchell Avenue.

March 6, 11:32 a.m.: Simple assault on H Street.

March 7, 5:52 a.m.: Theft on Alder Street.

March 7, 11:43 a.m.: Vandalism on 11th Street.

March 8, 11:23 a.m.: Hit and Run on G Street.

March 8, 7:00 p.m.: Theft on 3rd Street.

55. Part-time employee

56. A very large body of water

57. Aboriginal people of Japan

58. Millisecond

59. Forearm bone

60. Subway dweller

62. Royal Mail

tides

Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival: March 15–17. Speakers, artist reception, guided field trips, viewing stations and more. For complete schedule: wingsoverwaterbirdingfestival.com. See ad on page 16.

Whatcom READS Author Event: Friday, March 15, 7–8:30 p.m., Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N. Commercial Street, Bellingham. Join author Sasha taqwšeblu LaPointe as she discusses her book, Red Paint, answers questions from the audience and signs books. Free event but tickets required at bit.ly/4c16zvx Info: Whatcomreads.org.

Live Music at The Vault: Friday, March 15, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring: JP Falcon. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Community Breakfast: Saturdays, 8–11 a.m., American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. All-you-can-eat pancakes $5, kids 4 and under get free pancakes. Other breakfast items available for purchase. Hosted by G.O.A.T. Sandwiches. Info: 360/296-4204. Portion of proceeds benefits the American Legion.

Native Plant Sale: Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Pioneer Park, 2004 Cherry Street, Ferndale. Purchase conservation grade plants for your yard and garden. Info and preorder at whatcomcd.org. Sponsored by Whatcom Conservation District.

A Conversation with Whatcom Reads Author: Saturday, March 16, 11 a.m.–noon. Join a lively virtual conversation between Sasha taqwšeblu LaPointe and fellow author, Kristen Millares Young. Registration is required for this online event at wcls.libcal.com/event/11481788.

Supper with the Superintendent: Tuesday, March 19, 6 p.m., school district boardroom, 770 Mitchell Avenue. The community is invited to a questions and answer meeting with Blaine school district superintendent Dr. Christopher Granger. Light meal provided. Info: blainesd.org.

Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce Luncheon: Thursday, March 21, 11:30 a.,m.–1 p.m., American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. Speakers: Carl Perkins and Lisa Lindsey of Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery. Lunch $14, catered by G.O.A.T Sandwiches. RSVP: birchbaychamber.com.

Blaine Chamber Networking Happy Hour: Thursday, March 21, 4–5:30 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Enjoy an evening of camaraderie, laughter, and connections. No host. Info: blainechamber.com.

Blaine Community Theater Presents: Terry Pratchett’s Lords and

Ladies: Friday and Saturday, March 22-23 and 29-30 at 7 p.m., Sundays, March 24 and 31 at 2 p.m., Blaine High School orange and black box the- ater (entrance behind Borderite Stadium). Adults $17, seniors and students $14, children $12. Info and to pre-purchase tickets: blainecommunitytheater.com.

Big Bucks Bingo: Saturday, March 23, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Over $275 in prizes. Early bird starts at 12:30 p.m. Regular bingo at 1 p.m. Eight games $15. Lunch available for $8 at 11:30 a.m. Info: 360/3328040.

Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, March 23, 1 p.m., American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. Kids 10 and under hunt candy-filled eggs. Refreshments and photos with the Easter Bunny.

Animals as Natural Therapy Annual Gala and Auction: Saturday, March 23, 5:30–9 p.m., Silver Reef Casino. Champagne welcome, vegetarian or salmon dinner, live and silent auctions, costume contest, line dancing, live horses and more. Tickets $95. Info and tickets: animalsasnaturaltherapy.org/auction/.

Winter Soil and Jumpstarting Your Garden: Wednesday, March 27, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. How to build your soil, winter protection and best planting practices for healthy year round harvests. Starting seeds for transplanting to the outdoors and how to do it.

Vision Boards: A Focused Approach to What You Want!: Thursdays, March 28 and April 4, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Create a vision board in this art workshop and explore what you want in this life. Two-part workshop with Pete. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.

Karaoke: Friday, March 29, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Karaoke Night-Free and Open to the Community. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.

Easter Eggstravaganza: Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m.–noon, Blaine Marine Park. Egg hunt plus donuts, bounce house and games. Free. Sponsored by Blaine CTK. taylora@ctk.church. info: ctk.church/blaine.

WeAther

Precipitation: During the period of March 4 to March 10, 0.4 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2024 year-todate precipitation is 10.4 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 54.5°F on March 9 with a low of 28°F on March 5. Average high was 49.5°F and average low was 34.5°F.

53rd Annual Blaine Softball Crab Feed: Saturday, March 30, 6:30–8 p.m., American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. Must be 21 or older. Beer and crab, silent and live auctions, raffle. For tickets call 360/6615868. Benefits Blaine High School girls softball team.

Ongoing

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

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

CAP Clothing Bank: Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon and Wednesdays, 5–7 p.m. 508 G Street. Donations accepted only during open hours or by special arrangement. Info: blainecap.org or 360/392-8484.

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

Book published on pre-pandemic U.S./Canada border

B y G race M c c arthy

A book analyzing Washington and B.C. residents’ views of the U.S./ Canada border just before the pandemic has been released.

Author Pierre-Alexandre Beylier, a former fellow at Border Policy Research Institute (BPRI), based his book, “Constructing a Cross-Border Region in the Pacific Northwest” on a survey he conducted from late 2019 to February 2020. The survey, which Beylier conducted as a BPRI fellow, focused on residents of Blaine and other communities from Burlington to Surrey, B.C.

“We know a lot of things about the Canada/U.S. border but having the insight of border residents is not very common,” Beylier said. “Having these results helped

paint a more thorough picture of the border.”

The book provides an overview on the history of Cascadia, an analysis of its trade and mobility, perceptions and representations, cross-border initiatives and regional identity.

The survey garnered 1,500 respondents, with less than 10 percent of those, or 126 responses, from the Blaine area.

Beylier, who is an associate professor in North American studies at Université Grenoble-Alpes in France, said he wanted to study the border more locally after doing his PhD dissertation on how 9/11 impacted the U.S./Canada border.

Routledge, a British publishing company, released the 244-page

book last November. Beylier said he is now interested in studying the pandemic’s lasting impact on the border.

“The border actually represents

an obstacle even if there are a lot of cross-border links between Canada and the United States,” Beylier said. “In spite of everything, there’s this feeling of living in a cross-border re-

gion that is very much present, especially on the American side, and the feeling of sharing an identity, something in common, with people on the other side.”

s Pierre-Alexandre Beylier, author of “Constructing a Cross-Border Region in the Pacific Northwest.”

File photo