Investigation into improper body storage at funeral home contracted by Whatcom County
B y N ola N B aker
Both Whatcom County and the state of Washington have begun independent investigations into allegations that human remains were improperly stored at a Bellingham funeral home contracted by the Whatcom County Medical Examiner’s (ME) Office.
The Washington State Department of Licensing and the Whatcom County Prosecutor’s Office have each begun investigations after multiple bodies were kept at Moles Farewell Tributes and Crematory Center without refrigeration over the weekend of May 11 and 12, violating state law. The prosecutor’s office hired Bundy Law Group, an independent firm, to conduct its investigation.
In June 2023, the ME office began renting space at Moles’ Bayview Chapel in Bellingham to be used as a morgue and autopsy area with three refrigeration spaces and additional storage at its Ferndale location while renovations were being completed at the ME’s downtown Bellingham office.
The county contracts Dr. Allison Hunt of Hunt Forensics to be medical examiner. Hunt and Moles submitted conflicting accounts on who was responsible for the improper storage, according to legal documents from the county prosecutor’s office.
Company president John Moles has stated that the funeral home was not at fault for the improper storage, as it was simply operating as a landlord while the ME office conducted its business.
Moles wrote the company could not move the deceased without a formal request from the ME office, which holds legal responsibility for the deceased. Moles said the company told the ME office it was available to transfer bodies to a different facility in Ferndale on May 10, but never received a request.
“When we returned to work Monday, May 13, we discovered that no one had picked up the decedents,” the statement read. “It was the sole responsibility of the Medical Examiner’s Office to make arrange-
Birch Bay Kite Festival provides summer fun
Blaine’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July is expected to draw over 15,000 people celebrating Independence Day in the border town, with popular traditions returning and some new changes, such as a reversed parade route.
The July 4 holiday will be an all-day affair, with activities from 8 a.m. to dusk provided by the Blaine chamber and other community organizations.
The festival’s largest change for participants will be the Fourth of July parade starting at noon at Boblett Street and Peace Portal Drive and traveling north along Peace Portal Drive until ending at F Street.
Jacquee Sovereign, executive director of
the Blaine Chamber of Commerce, said the parade route was changed to open more streets for vendors and the car show. The parade is anticipated to have up to 100 participants.
Blaine Senior Center will start the day with its annual pancake breakfast 8-11 a.m. at 763 G Street. A plate with pancakes, eggs, sausage, potatoes and other breakfast items will be available for purchase.
The car show is anticipated to have hundreds of hot rods, vintage cars, motorcycles and other vehicles displayed from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the streets near the Banner Bank building, 435 Martin Street. Check-in is at 8 a.m. on 4th Street just south of Banner
July 5 cleanup organized in Birch Bay
B y G race M c c arthy
The annual post Fourth of July fireworks cleanup in Birch Bay will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, July 5 along the shoreline.
The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with government organizations, will host the cleanup. Whatcom Conservation District and Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District will provide garbage bags, buckets, grabbers
and other supplies at 7930 Birch Bay Drive, near the Birch Bay Beach Park. Snacks will also be provided.
The Birch Bay cleanup has disposed of 70,900 pounds of trash over the past eight years, 11,000 of which were in 2023.
The chamber asks that volunteers place garbage bags close to the road, adding that bags on the berm are difficult to be collected.
The group encourages people who plan to clean up the beach
July 4...
Bank. Judging starts at noon and awards are 1 p.m.
Blaine Public Library will hold its book sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the library, 610 3rd Street.
Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 will have kids activities at the Blaine Community Center Pavilion, 635 8th Street, next to the senior center from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Activities will include a bounce house, games, face painting, ice cream and food trucks, and more.
A bounce house will be behind Rockwood Realty, 225 G Street, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The street fair will be larger than last year with 135 vendors, up from 88 vendors in 2023. Vendors will line H and 3rd streets from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Blaine Arts Council will hold the soft opening of its gallery at 922 Peace Portal Drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bry’s Filipino Cuisine food truck will be in the gallery parking
lot, with live music and seating.
Border Town Pizza will have food court seating, vendors and a beer garden from about 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in its parking lot, 738 Peace Portal Drive. Acoustic music will be played 4-6 p.m.
After the parade, a family-friendly beer garden and live music will run 1:30-9 p.m. at G Street Plaza. All proceeds from the beer garden will support the Blaine chamber.
Kids activities including giant Jenga, Connect Four, face painting and chalk art will also be on G Street Plaza 1:30-9 p.m.
Fireworks will round out the day at 10:15 p.m. over Semiahmoo Bay. For the best views of fireworks, the chamber recommends watching from Blaine Marine Park or the downtown plazas.
The downtown festival will have the same streets closed as previous years, with the addition of 3rd Street now closing for the parade lineup.
The chamber is seeking volunteers to help throughout the day. Prospective volunteers can email
individually to sign up on its website so the organization can track its numbers and help with grant funding.
The cleanup is jointly organized by the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, Whatcom Conservation District, Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management District, Whatcom County Health and Community Services, and Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2.
To register or for more information, visit bit.ly/3ztIfDu.
Firework regulations
In Blaine, consumer fireworks are banned west of Shintaffer Road, including all of Semiahmoo and Semiahmoo Spit. They are banned on public lands in Blaine such as city parks, Blaine Harbor and school areas. Fireworks are allowed from 10 a.m. to midnight on July 4 in all other parts of Blaine. Fireworks are allowed in Birch Bay and other unincorporated areas of Whatcom County 6-11 p.m. Tuesday, July 3 and Wednesday, July 5 and 6-12 p.m. Thursday, July 4.
Consumer fireworks sold at state licensed and Whatcom County permitted stands are allowed in the county. Firecrackers, bottle rockets, missiles and rockets are only legal to possess and use on tribal lands. Fireworks purchased on a reservation must stay on the reservation.
Sky lanterns need to be tethered and controlled at all times when lit. For more information on Whatcom County firework regulations, visit the county’s website at bit.ly/3XASxd9.
director@blainechamber.com for more information.
For more information about changes for festival participants or to register for the parade or car show, visit blainechamber.com.
Road Rules: Can children operate pocket bikes in Washington state?
B y D ou G D ahl
Question: I’ve noticed a proliferation of children riding small (but loud) motorcycles around the neighborhood. Usually up and down the same street until presumably either their fuel runs out or their mother calls them in for dinner. Sometimes they have helmets, sometimes not. What does the law say about this kind of activity?
Answer: If I were 12 years old and had access to a pocket bike, I’d definitely want to ride it on the road. Twelve-year-old boys are dumb that way. So parents, this one’s on you – both legally
and as the responsible adult. First, the legal stuff. We’re dealing with two parts here: the vehicle and the rider. You described the motorcycles as small and loud. The small part suggests they’re not a typical street-legal motorcycle, and the loud part indicates they’re not electric bikes. I’m guessing these are pocket bikes, miniature versions of full-sized motorcycles. Pocket bikes can’t climb even the lowest bar for a street-legal gas-powered two-wheeler, the moped. Although many pocket bikes meet the 50-cc engine size limit for mopeds, they fall short on the safety end of things. Mopeds are
required to have (and this is a partial list) mirrors, brakes, controls, headlight, taillight, brake light, tires and muffler. Pocket bikes have substandard equipment (brakes, tires, controls) or lack them completely (mirrors, lights, muffler).
The other clear giveaway that a pocket bike isn’t street-legal is lack of a license plate. Mopeds are required to be registered, and you won’t get a registration for a pocket bike if it doesn’t meet the safety requirements.
But let’s imagine that someone was able to find a pocket bike that (See Road Rules, page 13)
Blaine School District, to comply with state law, is working to appoint a committee, of up to three members, for the purpose of preparing a Voters Pamphlet statement against the district’s Capital Bond measure on the November 5, 2024 General Election ballot. Anyone interested in participating in this activity is encouraged to contact the Superintendent’s Office at 360-332-5881. Community members are invited to attend an information session about the capital bond at the
July 4 between 10 am and midnight.
• West Blaine: Area west of Shintaffer and all of Semiahmoo Spit. This includes all parks and beaches.
Blaine Harbor: All Port of Bellingham property plus water bodies north of Boblett and west of the railroad.
• All public parks and public property in Blaine city limits excluding public streets outside West Blaine and Blaine Harbor areas.
s Blaine’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July parade in 2023.
Photo by Louise Mugar
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
Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman production@pointrobertspress.com
Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com
Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Gary Lee sales@pointrobertspress.com
General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com
Contributors In This Issue Doug Dahl
Blaine police chief recognizes three officers OpiniOn
Kornfeld joins The Northern Light as summer intern
Joshua Kornfeld is a summer editorial intern with The Northern Light and a recent graduate of Western Washington University with a degree in journalism.
He enjoys reporting on unrepresented communities, public health and investigative journalism. His work has been published in The Western Front, Western Washington University’s student publication, as well as The Observer, Central Washington University’s student publication.
When not reporting, Kornfeld enjoys photography, live music and exploring new coffee shops. s Joshua Kornfeld.
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, 5:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Blaine police chief Rodger Funk recognized three officers for exemplary work during the Blaine City Council meeting on June 24.
Funk started the honors by recognizing sergeant Skylar Deffinbaugh and officer Keith Olson for saving the life of an individual in early June. Olson was conducting patrols when he noticed an individual behaving out of the ordinary from past observations, Funk said. When Olson learned the person was suffering from a medical event, he and Deffinbaugh provided basic first aid until medics could transport the person to the hospital.
“If sergeant Deffinbaugh and officer Olson had not taken the actions they did, I fear the outcome for the well-being or the life of this individual would have been much worse,” Funk said.
Funk then recognized officer Jeremiah Leland for his investigation into sex crimes that were reported in Blaine. Leland started the investigation in March, and as it became more complex with technology and language barriers, he coordinated efforts with outside law enforcement agencies. Leland was granted a search warrant that led to three arrests.
“Although the investigation was a team effort, officer Leland was the lead investigator who performed the bulk of the work,” Funk said. “His efforts were greatly responsible for shutting down an ongoing criminal enterprise.”
officer Keith Olson, l., and officer Jeremiah Leland stand in front of
Editor’s note
The next issue of The Northern Light will be published a day early on Wednesday, July 3 because of the Fourth of July holiday falling on a Thursday. The newspaper will return to a regular schedule for the July 11 issue.
Blaine Public Works and Park Advisory Board: Second Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Blaine council chambers. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.
Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district boardroom, 770 Mitchell Avenue. Info: blainesd.org.
North Whatcom Fire and Rescue: Third Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.
BBWARM: Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District Advisory Committee meets quarterly in-person and on Zoom. Info: bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org.
From top; Blaine police chief Rodger Funk, l., recognizes sergeant Skylar Deffinbaugh during the Blaine City Council meeting on June 24. Blaine police
Blaine City Hall after receiving awards for exemplary work.
Top photo by Grace McCarthy, bottom photo courtesy Blaine Police Department
Blaine Arts Council to open Peace Portal Drive gallery
s Christy Schroeder-Lloyd paints the Blaine Arts Council’s gallery at 922 Peace Portal Drive in downtown Blaine. A soft opening is planned for the gallery from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 4.
B y G race M c c arthy
An art gallery featuring work from local artists will soon be open in downtown Blaine, fulfilling a longtime vision for art enthusiasts who see it as the canvas to a vibrant arts community.
Blaine Arts Council (BAC) will hold a soft opening for its gallery at 922 Peace Portal Drive, near Clark Street, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 4. The gallery will have a monthly rotation of artists from Blaine and around the region display their work – whether they are showing sculptures, paintings, woodworking or another medium.
“We really want a diverse body of work inside,” said Margaret Owens, BAC board president.
“We want this to be an open place for art to be expressed.”
The soft opening will coincide with Blaine’s Old Fashioned Fourth of July parade, which will start near the gallery. Bry’s Filipino Cuisine food truck will be in the gallery parking lot, with live music and seating.
A gift shop will be added before the gallery’s grand opening on Friday, August 2. The grand opening will fall on the first Friday of the month, when there will be monthly evening receptions with the new featured artists.
Owens said the gallery could become an arts hub for the community, with a growing list of uses for the space. Such ideas include a tent space for pottery or woodworking
Watch out for seal pups this summer, experts warn
With warmer weather and summer arriving, people gravitate toward their local beaches. Seal pups can be vulnerable to human neighbors disrupting them as their mothers leave to hunt.
Whatcom Marine Mammal Stranding Network (WMMSN) has a team of roughly 84 volunteers who aim to educate the public about seal pups and rescue vulnerable seal pups, said senior investigator Victoria Souze.
Souze has been with WMMSN since the nonprofit was founded in 2007, making it the first local resource dedicated to marine mam-
classes, an opportunity for Blaine students to have their work shared, and a location for children’s book readings. Owens also plans for two murals to be painted on the gallery later this summer.
BAC’s gallery committee will select six to eight artists to be on display for the month. A call for artists will be uploaded later in July on the BAC website, blaineartscouncil.org, with requirements listed.
“My focus is getting artists the best exposure they can have,” Owens said. “We’re open to all fun ideas that can bring more exposure to them.”
The first artist rotation will include calligraphy art, woodworking, photography, sculptures and paintings. The artists opening the gallery will be Annie Pflueger, Bonnie Ventura, Christy Schroeder-Lloyd, Dana Hayden, Gordon Nealy and Lyn Gray Rackley.
In 2022, Blaine and Birch Bay artists formed BAC with the desire to promote Blaine’s art community. The nonprofit took over running a studio art tour, which was held for the first time earlier that year. The group has since been saving money with the long-term goal of having a gallery – they just didn’t think it would happen so quickly, Owens said.
Owens, who was elected board president in November, said she quickly began prioritizing finding a gallery and when the building previously at the gallery location was offered to the group in mid-May, the opportunity was too good to pass up.
The nonprofit has funding se -
Blaine Arts Council members are set to fulfill their longterm goal of having a downtown art gallery. The gallery will have a monthly rotation of artists who will be introduced during an evening reception during the first Friday of the month. The space is also envisioned to be an art hub with art classes, children’s book readings and a gift shop featuring local artists.
cured for the gallery for about a year but is looking for community support and applying to grants to bolster the gallery, Owens said.
The gallery will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The gallery will also be open
CITY OF BLAINE
July 4, 2024 Offices Closed – 4th of July
July 8, 2024 9:30 AM – Special City Council Meeting 6:00 PM – City Council Meeting *CANCELLED* per Resolution 1932-23.
July 11, 2024 9:30 AM – Public Works and Park Advisory Board
July 22, 2024 6:00 PM – City Council Meeting
July 23, 2024 3:30 PM – Civil Service Commission Meeting
August 8, 2024 9:30 AM – Public Works and Park Advisory Board
Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website.
Mondays of holiday weekends, such as Labor Day.
“We want to see Blaine be an art destination and transform the aesthetic of town,” Owens said. “A gallery is an important thing for Blaine to move to the next level.”
Dear Valued Clients,
We apologize for the delay in this message. It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of Blaine Animal Hospital’s permanent closure, effective June 22, 2024. We are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible.
• Records can be requested by contacting us at BlaineAnimalHospitalWA@gmail.com. We will try to provide access to these records through email up to July 19, 2024.
• If your pet requires medication refills, please get in touch with us as soon as possible. We recommend you consult with another veterinary professional for ongoing prescriptions.
• We will try to provide you with a list of local veterinary clinics in the area, if needed.
• Please settle outstanding accounts or balances. Payments can be made via debit card, Visa, MasterCard and cash.
We are incredibly grateful for the memories and relationships built over the years. Your kindness and support have made this journey fulfilling and unforgettable. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your lives and for entrusting us with your furry family’s care. Please contact us if you have any questions or need further assistance.
mal rescues at the time. WMMSN has a standing agreement with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for all marine strandings.
NOAA estimates that seal pups have a one-year mortality rate of 50 percent, according to its website.
Souze estimates that WMMSNtrained volunteers rescue 12 seal pups every year due to humans disrupting pups in their natural habitat. Semiahmoo Marina and Drayton Harbor are both known problem spots for seal pups, Souze added.
Volunteers called “seal sit(See Seal pup, page 7)
Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website. www.cityofblaine.com
For emergencies, contact AEC at 360-758-2200. Warm regards, Dr. Chris, Val and Amy Blaine Animal Hospital BlaineAnimalHospitalWA@gmail.com 360-332-6813
B y J oshua k or N fel D
Photo courtesy Kay Dee Powell
Photo by Grace McCarthy
ments for the proper handling of those decedents. It’s understandable why families are distraught over this situation and we are heartbroken over this mismanagement and negligence by the Medical Examiner’s Office.”
Moles ended its contract with the ME office soon after the incident. The county has since entered into a facility-use agreement with Simple Cremation in Bellingham to provide space for autopsies and storage, but not morgue services for the county, said Jed Holmes, community outreach facilitator at the Whatcom County Executive’s Office. Renovations to the ME’s Bellingham office are expected to be complete by fall.
“We are confident that we have sufficient storage capacity for the short term and are working to ensure our long-term needs are tak-
en care of as well,” he said.
The ME office investigates sudden, violent or suspicious deaths, and issues death certificates. The office has roughly five full-time and five part-time employees.
During a May 21 meeting, Whatcom County Council voted 5-2 to begin the process of reclassifying ME workers as county employees. Prior to that vote, the office was operating as an independent contractor, one of the only ME offices in the state to operate as such. With the vote, an additional $1.2 million in funding was granted to the office to help with the transition and hiring.
The benefits of becoming a county-run office include better chances at obtaining grant funding and accreditation, which will be required by state law for all ME offices by the end of 2025, Holmes said.
“I think if anything, this situation really did highlight that we need to have this very core
county service in-house and being performed by county employees,” Holmes said.
Deputy prosecutor George Roche said during the June 18 county council meeting that the goal date for the investigation to be complete was roughly early July.
County councilmember Ben Elenbaas said during the June 18 meeting that multiple whistleblowers have described to him the improper body storage that occurred in June.
“I’m not an investigator, I’m not in the industry, but when people in the industry tell me that what they’re seeing isn’t right and isn’t normal, I think that deserves more than a phone call,” Elenbaas said. “Somebody needs to figure out who’s responsible for that happening because if that was one of my children, or my brother or my mother – which, all of these people are someone’s – I would be crawling out of my skin to make sure that everyone knew who screwed up.”
Bird of the Month: Long-tailed duck
s The long-tailed duck, as seen here in Birch Bay State Park, often spends winters along our coastal waters. While males are mostly black in the summer, in winter they are impressively patterned with whites, browns, blacks and grays with long tail feathers. Females are brown and white, and without the long tail. They dive down 200 feet to feed, spending considerable time underwater. They are migratory, breeding in the summer in Alaska and spending winters in the Blaine area. The oldest long-tailed duck recorded was a 17-year-old female.
Artist Point opens for summer hiking
B y N ola N B aker
Marking the beginning of summer in Whatcom County, the road to Artist Point, the panoramic terminus of Mt. Baker Highway, opened to the public Friday, June 21.
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) announced the final 2.7 miles of State Route 542 was cleared by ground crews Friday morning, one week earlier than 2023.
WSDOT and U.S. Forest Service crews will continue routine maintenance along Mt. Baker Highway, putting up signs and completing road repairs after 30 feet of snow accumulated through the winter. Restroom and garbage facilities are still limited at Artist Point, according to WSDOT. Each summer, over 650 vehi-
cles arrive at Artist Point per day, with nearly 40,000 people visiting the Glacier Public Service Center every year for permits, weather conditions and other crucial information before exploring the North Cascades.
For more information and live updates on the highway to Artist Point, visit wsdot.com/ travel/real-time/map
First round of water testing shows Blaine meets upcoming EPA regulations
B y J oshua k or N fel D
The city of Blaine released results indicating that water quality exceeded the new federal regulations by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
This follows updated EPA guidance that will require public water systems for the first time to test for six polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by 2027 and 2029, when the new regulations will be in full effect.
PFAS can negatively impact the environment and pose health risks. According to the EPA, long-term exposure to PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” can increase the risk of cancers. Exposure can come from a variety of ways, including drinking water.
Sampling occurred in February 2024 at five sites across Blaine, according to a June 6 press release from the city of Blaine.
Peas in a Pod Mobile Detailing www.peasinapoddetailing.com
manager for Blaine, in a statement.
The city of Blaine provides water to over 5,000 residents in addition to Birch Bay and the firm Bell Bay Jackson Water Association.
Harmon said he doesn’t anticipate any changes to service with the new regulations taking effect in 2027 and 2029.
If testing meets the EPA requirements, Harmon said Blaine won’t need to make infrastructure improvements as part of the new regulations. The city will continue to report results to both EPA and the Washington State Department of Health.
360-371-7233
“The test results are very reassuring to us, especially in light of the stringent testing measured in Parts Per Trillion (PPT). We are expecting the same results from the second round of testing in August of 2024,” wrote Mike Harmon, city
Harmon wrote in an email the city of Blaine has six employees who oversee water quality with tests occurring daily. Harmon said the city releases annual water quality reports that are available to residents. The 2023 report will be released to residents with their June bill, Michelle Joanen, city hall office coordinator, wrote in an email.
To learn more about the Safe Drinking Water Act, call the EPA hotline at 800-426-4791.
For a copy of Blaine’s February testing data, visit bit.ly/3VVcOLl.
8097 Harborview Rd, suite B www.7elements.life
Trevor and Isabela grew up in Blaine and have a passion for auto detailing and prioritize putting “Love in Every Detail.’ If you are looking to have your vehicle detailed, check out Peas in a Pod and be sure to follow their adventures on social media! 7 Elements Wellness Spa 360-922-0091 7714 Birch Bay Drive 7 Elements Physical Therapy 360-371-3888
For an active life, healthy body & peaceful mind. Whether you are looking for relaxation and rejuvenation or manual therapy to help you recover from an injury. Natalie and the team at 7 Elements have services to treat and pamper! Both spaces are located right here in Birch Bay. Bay Center Market
8050 Harborview Road
The Bay Center Market is your one-stop shop! Convenience market and grocery store and has been serving Birch Bay for decades! Need to stock up on groceries, pick up a last-minute item, or supplies for the beach? Time for your fishing or crabbing license or Discover Pass? The Bay Center Market has you covered!
Whatcom County businesses support farm to table initiative
B y J oshua k or N fel D
Sustainable Connections’ Farm to Table Trails allows people to explore nine trails across Whatcom County, each featuring unique local businesses that include u-pick berry farms, farm stands and restaurants.
Sustainable Connections is a Bellingham-based nonprofit that aims to bring awareness to businesses throughout northwest Washington. Farm to Table Trails is in its second
year, according to Jessica Gillis, Sustainable Connections’ food and farming program manager. The program includes Blaine, Birch Bay and Custer businesses such as Drayton Harbor Oyster Company, The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, Packers Kitchen + Bar, Home Farm U-Pick and Events, Cascade Blueberry Farm, Grace Harbor Farms, and Widnor Farms.
(See Trails, page 13)
s Artist Point. Photo by Nolan Baker
Photo by Chuck Kinzer / CKimageart.com
Seal pup ...
From page 5
ters” encourage people to stay 100 yards from seal pups. To participate in rescue, volunteers are trained annually to safely interact with them.
Souze said Fourth of July weekend fireworks on beaches are disruptive and place seal pups at greater risk.
Upon receiving a call, WMMSN volunteers typically wait a day or so before intervening to allow the mother an opportunity to return to her seal pup. WMMSN reports rescue calls to NOAA.
“Every response that we do goes into the database,” Souze said.
Depending on the seal pup’s condition, they can be transferred to Whatcom Humane Society for triage, Souze said. More serious cases are transferred to SeaLife Response, Rehab, and Research (SR3) in Des Moines, Washington for rehabilitation and eventual release into the wild.
Souze said awareness and prevention are important to keeping seal pups safe. One of WMMSN’s goals is preventing strandings by educating the public about seal pups, Souze said, adding they often table at events throughout Whatcom County.
“Do not approach,” Souze said. “Please call our hotline and we will respond.”
To report stranded seal pups or other marine animals call 360/966-8845 during normal business and leave a voicemail if after hours. Members of the public can also visit the WMMSN website at wmmsn.org or email Souze at vsouze56@gmail.com for more information.
4TH OF JULY KICK
THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2024
9 A.M.
IN ASSOCIATION WITH BLAINE’S 4TH OF JULY FESTIVITIE AND THE BLAINE SENIOR CENTER’S PANCAKE BREAKFAST
PRESENTS: SPONSORED BY
JULY
s A seal pup found on Semiahmoo Spit that Whatcom Marine Mammal Stranding Network took into care after a human interaction.
Photo courtesy Victoria Souze/WMMSN
Borderline Lake, historic water ski park,
B y N ola N B aker
Borderline Lake, a 105-acre property in Blaine that has been host to the highest levels of water skiing competition for decades, is on the market for the first time in 40 years.
The property has been owned in part by the Goodman family, who bought the land along with three other families in the 1980s with the intent to build a private water ski sanctuary. After years of jostling the public for practice space at Lake Samish south of Bellingham, 8610 White Road was purchased.
Ron Goodman likened skiing at Lake Samish to an Olympic gymnast training on elementary school monkey bars.
Borderline Lake has been home to multiple National Collegiate All-Star events, hosted college water ski teams from across the country, and brought hundreds of the world’s best water skiers to its shores, Goodman said.
Four decades on, the Goodman family – who manufacture high-end water skis and jumps as Goodman Skis – have decided to sell, with a plan on building an even bigger manmade lake on a new property north of Spokane.
As Goodman Skis started in the mid-’90s and grew, Borderline Lake became its testing ground for new and innovative water ski designs. Goodman was the crash test dummy.
“Those beginning years were a lot of fun,” Goodman said. “You’re pioneering stuff that has
never been done before and nobody can tell you how to do it.”
For realtors Matt Berry and Robert Sandoz, showing the listing takes more involvement – and creativity – than a typical property.
Prospective buyers get a multihour tour featuring a spin on the property’s 2,350-foot water ski competition lake, a golf cart drive around the trails that cut through the acreage, and maybe some ATV rides if there’s time. There
are no bathrooms nor homes, instead, there’s a private lake, two boathouses, multiple docks, boat launch and judging tower.
The property is being listed for $6 million.
Berry said the combination of 105 acres, the proximity to I-5 and the Canada border, the blank slate nature of the land, and the fact that it hasn’t been on the market in 40 years makes the property a true “unicorn.”
“These are the kind of proper-
ties I love because they force you to think outside of the box,” Sandoz said. “It’s an open canvas.”
Berry said challenges include adequately describing the property.
“You’ve got to see it to understand just how much potential the property has,” he said.
The future owners of 8610 White Road won’t have any requirement to keep the water ski lake functional, Goodman said.
Despite the long history as a gathering place for water ski enthusi-
asts, the group of sellers made no request that the new owner continue the tradition.
Berry said most of the interest in the property hasn’t been for the legendary lake, but rather the huge tract of undeveloped land it sits on.
“Some of the serious buyers we have, for them the lake is almost secondary,” Berry said. “What the final use will be is going to be determined by someone that has a vision for it, and seizes that vision.”
To seize that vision, a lot of work needs to be done to the property, Sandoz said. His first piece of advice for the future owner: buy a zero-turn mower.
“You’re dealing with 105 acres that nature wants to reclaim at every turn,” Sandoz said. “We have storms that come through (See Water ski, page 10)
s Multiple families who own Borderline Lake, 8610 White Road in Blaine, have used it as a world championship-level water ski course since the 1980s. The 105-acre property is now on the market for the first time in 40 years.
Photo courtesy Ron Goodman
RECENT HOUSE & LOT PRICES
Blaine, Birch Bay & Point Roberts
UPPER END HOUSES:
$800,000 AND ABOVE:
1-and a half story house with 2,266 SF, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 624 SF attached garage, 446 SF deck, built in 2005, 400 SF storage (built in 2018) 7.50 acres wooded land.
1-and a half story house with 2,796 SF, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 962 SF built-in garage, 200 SF storage (built in 2022) 244 SF deck, 545 SF patio, built in 1969, remodeled in 2018; 50’ waterfront; marine view, .37 acres land.
2-story house with 2,340 SF, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 648 SF detached garage, 240 SF patio, 200 SF storage, built in 1969; marine view, .22 acres land. New house built in 2024, .21 acres land.
New house built in 2024, .21 acres land.
2-story house with 2,141 SF, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 552 SF built-in garage, 102 SF balcony, 140 SF patio, built in 2019; marine and territorial view, .18 acres land.
Condo with 2,831 SF, 2 bedrooms, 4 baths, deck, built-in garage, built in 2000; marine and territorial view.
2-story condo with 1,500 SF, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, patio, built in 1981; waterfront, marine and territorial view.
1-story house with 2,507 SF, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 893 SF attached garage, 400 deck, built in 2021; territorial view, .34 acres land.
3-story house with 1,986 SF, 494 SF loft, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 590 SF deck, built in 1982, waterfront; marine view, .80 acres land.
COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES:
2-1 story duplexes with a total of 3,248 SF, 8 bedrooms, 4 baths, 720 SF storage building, built in 1971, .48 acres land.
Cedar View Way, Blaine 5464 Wood Duck Loop, Blaine
Dogwood Way, Point Roberts
Wayne Lyle
Water ski...
From page 9
and down trees across the trails. Like any hundred-plus acre, relatively undeveloped property, you either maintain it or it reclaims itself.”
Berry said he knows this property is unique, and hopes the next owner can continue that legacy in whatever way they see fit. There are no other private water ski lakes in Whatcom County, and few others in the state.
“You couldn’t really do this again on the west side of Washington with how difficult things are, even if you could find 105 contiguous acres like this, it would be no small feat to replicate it,” Berry said.
s Cole Goodman lifts his Goodman-brand skis while out on Borderline Lake on June 25.
Photo by Nolan Baker
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Roberta B Culleeny, Deceased. NO. 23-4-00707-37. 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: June 20, 2024
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: DALE ROGER WESTFORD, Deceased. No. 244-00497-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Robert E. Olson
The Personal Representative named below has been appointed and has qualified as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced.
The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.
Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: June 4, 2024 with Clerk of Court:
Date of First Publication: June 13, 2024
Name of Personal Representative: MARSHALL WESTFORD
Attorney for Personal Representatives: 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)
Personal Representative: Jane Culleeny 2230 Cornerstone Lane #225 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. 23-4-00707-37
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM IN THE ESTATE OF, BRUCE C. SLACK and MARIA C. SLACK, Deceased. No. 24-4-00491-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.40.030. (Judge Robert E. Olson)
The administrator named below has been appointed as administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedents 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 probate 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 the claims against both the decedents’ probate and nonprobate assets.
Date of First Publication: 06/13/2024
Administrator: Lila Christine Salmonson
Attorney for Administrator: Daniel S. McGreevy, WSBA #20851
Address for Mailing or Service: 2003 D Street, Bellingham, WA 98225 Court of probate proceedings and cause number: Whatcom County Superior Court. Cause No. 24-4-00491-37.
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: JONNIE POMEROY, Deceased. No. 244-00501-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Robert E. Olson.
The Personal Representative named below has been appointed and has qualified as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.
Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: June 4, 2024 with Clerk of Court:
Date of First Publication: June 13, 2024
Name of Personal Representative: JOLYNE LUJAN
Attorney for Personal Representatives: 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: June 4, 2024
AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262
Attorney for Personal Representative: JOLYNE LUJAN
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: June 14, 2024 with Clerk of Court:
Date of First Publication: June 20, 2024
Name of Administrator: ALBERT SEAFELDT
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: June 14, 2024 AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262
Attorney for Administrator: ALBERT SEAFELDT
Road Rules ...
From page 3
met all the requirements for a moped and had it registered to ride on the road. That doesn’t make it legal for a child to ride it. A moped rider must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license. Riders must also wear a helmet.
There’s one more law I should mention, and this one is for the parents. It’s unlawful to allow your child to operate a motor vehicle on a public roadway “when such minor is not authorized hereunder or in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter.” In case you’re wondering about what’s in this chapter, it’s all the stuff mentioned in the previous paragraphs.
To summarize the potential legal consequences, the kid could get arrested for driving without a license, the parent could get an infraction for allowing their child to ride the pocket bike on the road, and the police could impound the pocket bike because it was operated by an unlicensed rider.
As inconvenient as they are, I’m less concerned about the legal consequences than the physical risks to a kid on a pocket bike. Looking back again on my 12-year-old days, I didn’t have the judgment to make good decisions while riding my bike down the street. (Like the time I tried to jump a ramp built out of a sheet of plywood and a garbage can, crashing gloriously in the center of the road.) If I’d have had access to a bike with a motor, I’d have made the same bad decisions, but twice as fast.
Tragically, reality bears out that other kids also aren’t conscious of the risks. A quick internet search for kids crashing on pocket bikes returns too many responses of serious injury and fatal crashes.
Pocket bikes can be fun, but a kid on an overpowered tiny motorcycle shouldn’t be competing with traffic on public roads. If your kid wants to ride a pocket bike, keep them off the road.
Doug Dahl is a Blaine resident, manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.
Trails ...
From page 6
“At Sustainable Connections we are always looking for ways to uplift and bring awareness to local businesses. The Farm to Table Trails is a great way to explore and support local farms, restaurants, food producers, and breweries,” Gillis wrote in an email. “You can simply pick a trail and head out on your adventure!” Gillis recommends that those interested in participating yearround check the days and hours of specific businesses they may be interested in visiting.
“The Farm to Table Trails is a fun activity for a date with your sweetie, with your out-of-town visitors, or your whole family! You can mix and match the businesses to make your own trail or follow one of the curated trails from start to finish.” Gillis said. For more information about Farm to Table Trails, visit Sustainable Connections at bit.ly/3RHJHZi.
OBITUARIES
Lyndal Clyde Stacey
October 27, 1944 – June 10, 2024
Lyndal Clyde Stacey of Blaine, WA, passed away Monday, June 10, 2024 in Bellingham, WA surrounded by his daughters.
Lyndal was born on October 27, 1944, in Calico Rock, to Clarence and Allene Stacey. He grew up with his four brothers and four sisters. The family moved to Washington when he was a child, where they settled in the town of Lynden. Lyndal graduated from Lynden High School in 1962. After high school he volunteered to serve his country in the United States Army, where he proudly served with an admirable amount of time deployed to Vietnam during the height of the Vietnam War. After his time in the military, he spent years working at the Georgia Pacific plant in Bellingham, after retiring from GP, he went on to drive for Valley Hay Transport, eventually buying his own tractor and trailer hauling hay, and other goods throughout the western part of the country. Lyndal’s final work calling was to invest in his own company, Crown Enterprises. Here he provided many wrecker, and roadside services, after 11 years, he decided it was time to shut it all down and enjoy a life of relaxation at his home with his wife Shirley whom he married in 1996.
They spent their remaining time together relaxing at home, and they also enjoyed the occasional night out at the local casinos. Lyndal was a great role model for his entire family, he raised his children well, he was a very hard worker, he was a very generous man who was willing to step up and help at every opportunity. He was a very humble, driven, firm, yet kind man who will always be remembered in the brightest light! Lyndal was an exceptional grandparent as well as great-grandparent!
He is preceded in death by his parents Clarence, and Allene; his brothers Glenn, Junior, and Robert; his sisters Bonnie, Hazel, Virginia, and Freda as well as his daughter Tami, and his grandson Sean. He is survived by his wife Shirley; daughters Angi, Shelli, and Sandra; stepdaughter Sheryl; 11 of his grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. The family will be holding a public graveside memorial on June 27, 2024, 2 p.m. at Moles Greenacres. 5700 Northwest Ave, Ferndale, WA 98248. Any and all who knew Lyndal are welcome to attend and share memories.
Patricia (Lovick) Cox 1935 – 2023
Patricia Cox passed away in December 2023. She was born in Vancouver, BC in 1935. Friends she made along her way called her a free spirit through Hawaii, California, London, Toronto, Montreal and her husband John’s Europe. She settled in Washington State’s shoreline in 1989. She gave birth to two ladies and then two males.
Patricia was educated in “the East,” then “the West,” and lastly at Stanford, each making their mark on her. She was an artist, spouse and professional decor specialist. She designed for first generation Keg Restaurants nationwide and first generation SaveOn-Foods. She erected the world’s largest (17’x14’) portrait of late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in the New Westminster, BC courthouse lobby atrium, plus other public buildings, lobbies, hotels and nightclub interiors and murals. She created the Whatcom Museum’s tribute to deep sea fishermen and designed and fabricated the famous 14’ long fishermen’s table at Joe and Pat Slevin’s Harbor Cafe in Blaine.
There was no service. She made her husband promise, “No funeral, no fuss.”
sheriff’s repOrts
June 15, 12:04 a.m.: Domestic physical on Anderson Road.
June 15, 8:25 a.m.: Domestic physical on Jackson Road.
June 15, 10:33 a.m.: Harassment cold call on Yellow Fin Court.
June 15, 6:45 p.m.: Burglary on Drayton Harbor Road.
June 16, 3:34 p.m.: Traffic stop arrest on Birch Bay Lynden Road.
June 16, 8:15 p.m.: Civil problem cold call on Birch Bay Drive.
June 18, 12:36 a.m.: Vehicle theft cold call on Haynie Road.
June 18, 9:37 a.m.: Harassment cold call on Snohomish Road.
June 18, 1:37 p.m.: Theft cold call on Birch Bay Drive.
June 19, 2:46 p.m.: Moving vehicle accident injury on Helweg Road.
June 19, 3:09 p.m.: Theft cold call on Birch Bay Square Street.
June 20, 6:07 p.m.: Theft on Gemini Street.
June 20, 6:37 a.m.: Death investigation on Portal Way.
June 20, 9:47 a.m.: Domestic
physical on Salish Road.
June 20, 2:44 p.m.: Moving vehicle accident injury on Grandview Road.
June 21, 8:52 a.m.: Trespass on Portal Way.
June 21, 12:18 p.m.: Sex crime (no rape) cold call on
Skeena Way.
June 21, 5:55 p.m.: Sex offender registration on East Street.
June 21, 6:12 p.m.: Vehicle theft cold call on Birch Bay Drive.
June 21, 9:05 p.m.: Subject with weapon on Loft Lane.
pOliCe repOrts
June 15, 9:21 a.m.: Theft on H Street.
June 15, 11:48 a.m.: Trespass on Marine Drive.
June 15, 4:48 p.m.: Theft on A Street.
June 15, 9:22 p.m.: Harassment on Wood Duck Way.
June 16, 7:49 a.m.: Vehicle theft on Adelia Street.
June 16, 7:07 p.m.: Juvenile problem on E Street.
June 17, 11:32 a.m.: Trespass on C Street.
June 17, 7:45 p.m.: Drugs on Bayview Court.
CrOssWOrd
ACROSS 1. Volunteer school groups 5. Cash machine 8. Title of various Muslim rulers 12. Indian hand clash cymbals 14. Scarf 15. Easily manageable 16. Cry 18. Financial term 19. Reactive structure in organic chemistry (abbr.) 20. Clean out a riverbed 21. Seaport (abbr.) 22. English seascape painter 23. Bring back again 26. Subtracted from 30. Related on the mother’s side 31. Mooches 32. Commotion 33. Boer War general 34. Silklike nylon fabric
39. CNN’s founder 42. Sarcastic in a bitter way
44. Minute reproductive unit
46. Nourishment
47. Large predatory tropical fish
49. Small, rich sponge cake
50. Drink a small amount
51. Golfer Rodriguez
56. Norse personification of old age
57. Large flightless bird
58. Capsized 59. Convicted American spy
60. Music genre
61. Makes tractors
62. Undergo cell disintegration
63. Patti Hearst’s captors 64. Selfs DOWN 1. Post-traumatic stress disorder 2. Goat-like mammal
3. Swiss river 4. Slithered 5. Humiliate 6. Tumbled 7. Popular alcoholic drink
8. Small round hole in a leather cloth 9. Fertilizer 10. State of affairs that seems deliberately contrary 11. Count on 13. One who discriminates against 17. New Hampshire city 24. One who cares for teeth
25. Sent off 26. Mutual savings bank
27. Initial public offering 28. Denial 29. Northeastern institution of higher learning (abbr.) 35. A doctrine 36. Consumed 37. Trent Reznor’s band
38. Perform in a movie
40. Schoolhouse implements 41. Mathematical term
42. Man who behaves dishonorably 43. Expression of regret
Coming up
Community Art Workshop: Rock painting: Thursday, June 27, 4 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Supplies and rocks provided. Free. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.
Blaine School District Capital Bond Informational Session: Thursday, June 27, 6 p.m., Birch Bay Bible Community Church, 4460 Bay Road. Blaine school district will place a bond measure on the November 2024 general election ballot. Community members are invited to attend an information session about this initiative. Info: Blaine’s.org.
Giant Insects of the Amazon and Asia: Friday, June 28, 3 p.m. Birch Bay State Park’s wildlife theater. Park rangers present real specimens of the largest bugs in the world. Bring a chair. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Live Music and Dancing with Jaded Lovers: Friday, June 28, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Enjoy rock and country classics with our favorite house band. $5 donation suggested. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.
June 18, 9:51 a.m.: Theft on 12th Street.
June 18, 1:03 p.m.: Theft on H Street.
June 18, 8:05 p.m.: Theft on D Street.
June 18, 11:33 p.m.: Theft on E Street.
June 20, 9:30 a.m.: Drugs on Boblett Street.
June 20, 7:32 p.m.: Suspicious person on 5th Street.
June 21, 3:05 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Sea Mist Lane.
June 21, 9:32 a.m.: Theft on C Street.
44. Martens
45. Approval
47. Pleasantly warm
48. The Eurasian hoopoe
49. NBAer Bradley
52. Engineering organization
53. Horsefly
54. Type of sandwich
55. A day in the middle of the month
ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
tides
June 27 – July 3 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
Falconer: Saturday, June 29, 3 p.m., Birch Bay State Park’s wildlife theater. Presentation with live birds by master falconer Caitlyn of Mount Vernon. Topics will include falconry, native raptor species identification, and conservation. Bring a chair. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Fourth of July Community Breakfast: Thursday, July 4, 8–11 a.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Classic pancakes, eggs, sausage, potatoes, veggies, yogurt, fruit, granola, oatmeal and more. $12 adults, seniors $10,kids $5. Seatings at 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Please join us for our annual fundraising breakfast. Volunteers needed. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.
Fourth of July Kickoff: Thursday, July 4, 9 a.m.–11 a.m., Blaine Pavilion, 835 8th Street. Fun for the whole family including bounce house, games and activities, face painting, coffee and beverage cart, ice cream truck. Sponsored by Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2.
Blaine’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July: Thursday, July 4, downtown Blaine. Show-n-shine car show from 8 a.m.–2 p.m., arts and crafts street fair from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., kids activities on G Street Plaza, parade running from Boblett along Peace Portal Drive at noon, beer garden on G Street Plaza 1:30–9 p.m., fireworks over Semiahmoo Bay at 10:15 p.m. Info: Blainechamber.com.
Friends of Blaine Library Annual Book Sale: Thursday, July 4, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Find some fantastic summer reads while supporting the library. Info: wcls.org.
Annual Birch Bay Cleanup: Friday, July 5, 9 a.m., Birch Bay waterfront. Help clean up Birch Bay beach after the Fourth of July. Gloves, bags, tools and snacks available at the booth across from the Birch Bay Beach Park, 7930 Birch Bay Drive. Sponsored by Birch Bay Chamber, BBWARM and Whatcom Conservation district.
Tidepool Exploration: Friday and Saturday, July 5 and 6, 11 a.m., meet at Birch Bay State Park’s bp Heron Center. Every day at the beach is a new discovery. Enjoy learning about the habitat at Birch Bay State Park with naturalists. Info bbbparkandrec.org.
Raptor Hunting Strategies: Saturday, July 6, 2 p.m., Birch Bay State Park wildlife theater. Volunteer trainers from Sardis Raptor Center will provide insight into identification anatomy of flight, the raptor’s role in the environment and much more. Bring a chair. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Blaine Harbor Music Festival: Sunday, July 7– Saturday, July 13. Kickoff concert, Sunday, July 7, 7 p.m., Blaine High School black box theater (behind Borderite Stadium); noon performances Monday– Friday on the G Street Plaza; an Evening with the Stars, Wednesday, July 10, 7 p.m.; Blaine Performing Arts Center, student showcase, Friday, July 12, Blaine Performing Arts Center. Free. Info: blaineharbormusicfestival.org.
Big Band at the Barn Fundraiser: Thursday, July 11, 7 p.m., Barn Star Events, 5295 S. Church Road, Ferndale. Enjoy a night of fun with BBQ, live music and swing dancing. $75. Info and tickets: blaineharbormusicfestival.com.
Jazz-By-The-Sea: Saturday, July 13, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., H and G street plazas. Live music by Blaine Harbor Music Festival students and street fair. Info: blainechamber.com.
Blaine Chamber Breakfast: Thursday, July 11, 7:30–8:30 a.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Info: blainechamber.com.
Falconer: Saturday, July 13, 3 p.m., Birch Bay State Park’s wildlife theater. Presentation with live birds by master falconer Caitlyn of Mount Vernon. Topics will include falconry, native raptor species identification, and conservation. Bring a chair. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Ongoing
Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Mondays 9 a.m.–noon, Wednesdays 5–7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.–noon. Info:360/3326350 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.
Precipitation: During the period of June 17 to June 23, no precipitation was recorded. The 2024 year-to-date precipitation is 17.3 inches.
Temperature: High for the past week was 78.1°F on June 21 with a low of 45.2°F on June 19. Average high was 70.1°F and average low was 51.2°F.
CAP Clothing Bank: Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon and Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m. 508 G Street. The Community Assistance Program clothing bank is now located in the basement of the CAP Center providing free clothing and linens. Donations accepted only during open hours or by special arrangement. Info: blainecap.org or 360/392-8484.
Meals on Wheels Frozen Meals: Thursdays 11:30 a.m.–noon, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Adults 60+ pick up five frozen meals. Suggested donation $5 per meal or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040.
Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no
A summer weekend in Blaine and Birch Bay: Kite festival, Splash Day and youth orchestra performance
Blaine families had a festive start to the first weekend of summer break, from Splash Day in downtown Blaine on June 21 to the Steel Magic Northwest orchestra giving a performance on G Street Plaza on June 22 and the Birch Bay Kite Festival taking over Birch Bay State Park June 22-23.
Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 held its annu-
al Splash Day, where children played in inflatable sprinklers and held water gun fights on a blocked off street downtown.
The Steel Magic Northwest orchestra, a 37-member youth orchestra from the Seattle area, got the crowd moving with Caribbean, pop and other songs.
The performance was part of a weekend tour through north-
west Washington and B.C.
The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce had free kites for Birch Bay Kite Festival attendees to fly along the shoreline of Birch Bay State Park as well as a vendors market, live music, food trucks and other family activities.
Photos by Grace McCarthy, unless otherwise indicated
