August 15 - 21, 2024
IN THIS ISSUE
Birch Bay school makes progress, page 2
Blaine man arrested after seven-hour standoff on Mitchell Ave.
B y G race M c c arthy
A 35-year-old Blaine man suspected of nine domestic violence offenses was arrested after a seven-hour standoff with law enforcement on Mitchell Avenue in Blaine the morning of Friday, August 9.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) had probable cause to arrest Tristen Scott Alexander, 35, for burglary, harassment, assault, stalking, unlawful imprisonment, violating a domestic violence protection order, reckless endangerment, tampering with a witness and disclosing intimate images, with potentially additional charges as the investigation continues, according to a WCSO news release. Alexander was booked into jail after being treated for minor injuries related to the standoff.
On May 30, Blaine Police Department officers arrested Alexander for allegedly sending a threatening photo to a woman known to Alexander. A no contact order was imposed between Alexander and the woman when he was released from jail on July 22. Despite the no-contact order, the woman reported unwanted contact, including sightings by her house and work.
On July 29, Alexander allegedly violated the no-contact order, threatened the woman, forced himself into her residence and physically assaulted her, according to the WCSO. Alexander allegedly followed the woman to a gas station after she escaped. The woman also told Blaine police Alexander threatened to share intimate photos and tamper with testimony.
On August 9, WCSO tried to contact Alexander at his home in the 1100 block of Mitchell Avenue and, after not being able to communicate, a judge authorized a search warrant and SWAT and crisis negotiators were brought to the scene. Blaine Police Department announced at 6:49 a.m. on Facebook that it had blocked Mitchell Avenue, from Cherry to Alder streets. WCSO, Blaine Police Department, Bellingham Police Department and Lynden Police Department secured the perime-
Man arrested for bail jumping, page 6
Blaine building height debate ongoing, page 6
County executive appears to have bypassed charter
Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu appeared to violate the county charter by ignoring the advice of medical professionals when hiring Dr. Allison Hunt, the medical examiner whose contract is now ending after an incident where two bodies were mishandled.
The Whatcom County Charter states in Article 3 of The Executive Branch that “the County Medical Examiner shall be appointed by the County Executive from applicants approved by the Whatcom County Medical Society and the County Sheriff and shall be confirmed by the County Council.”
Dr. Marta Kazymyra, who served as the representative for the Northwest Washington Medical Society, said she did not recommend the county’s hire of Hunt, of
Hunt Forensics, for the contracted position in 2021 during the selection process. The sheriff’s recommendation was not known by press time.
Kazymyra, a longtime Blaine doctor at Bay Medical Clinic, said she discussed Hunt’s application and interview with the Northwest Washington Medical Society throughout the hiring process.
“We were not concerned about her qualifications in terms of a person who can do an autopsy,” Kazymyra said. “We were concerned about the fact that we were dealing with county money, and she didn’t know anything about running a business.”
Jed Holmes, public affairs and strategy manager for the Whatcom County Executive’s Office, told The Northern Light in
s After a tense, seven-hour standoff with multiple law enforcement agencies on Mitchell Avenue in Blaine on the morning of Friday, August 9, Tristen Scott Alexander, 35, was arrested on nine domestic violence charges including burglary, assault and unlawful imprisonment.
Photo by Louise Mugar
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Birch Bay school one step closer after county, school district agreement
The Blaine school district took a step toward constructing a new elementary school in Birch Bay after Whatcom County Council approved a land access agreement to allow the district to evaluate a section of Bay Horizon Park that could potentially be the site of a new school.
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During an August 6 council finance and administrative services committee hearing, superintendent Christopher Granger and Whatcom County Parks and Recreation director Bennett Knox presented their plan to allow the district to see if the land is suitable to build a school.
“We certainly feel, after years of looking for different pieces, this is one that we’re really interested in,” Granger said during the
meeting. “[It] could be of mutual interest for the county; and for Birch Bay and the school district, an opportunity to partner on something for that community.”
Currently, the 69-acre park houses the Lions Camp Horizon, the Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 offices and gym, multiple sport courts, a playground, and open grassy fields. One of those open fields, in the northern portion of the park, could become the site of a future school.
Discussions between the school district and the county around using a portion of Bay Horizon Park for a school have been off and on for years, with the last serious discussion coming in 2019, Knox said.
The county has owned Bay Horizon Park, at 7467 Gemini Street, since the 1980s after the federal government determined it surplus. From 1951 to 1979, the land was used as the Blaine Air Force Station for Cold War-era radar monitoring.
The parcel under question has been earmarked as a possible school location since the land came under county control, Knox said.
While the plan to build a school on the lot has been expected for decades, there are still many hoops to jump through before ground is broken.
“I think we’re very early in the discussions,” Knox said. “Further discussion is going to be required to determine what issues are going to come up associated with building a school.”
Some hoops still remaining for the district include deed restrictions on the property, pricing, environmental studies, and a bond measure to fund the construction, Granger said.
“We know if this is feasible, if we do those other steps, we still need a bond in the future to put an elementary school there,” Granger said. “But in the interim, the district would and has been communicating with parks about trying to turn this into a community field until a school is located there.”
s A parcel view of Bay Horizon Park shows the property, outlined in purple, that the Blaine school district will inspect for a potential elementary school.
Photo courtesy Whatcom County Parks and Recreation
Examiner ...
From page 1
an email that his understanding was that the interview panel led a discussion and made a recommendation, rather than holding a vote. Holmes was unable to provide documentation of the hiring panelists’ individual recommendation by press time.
“I have not yet found any documentation that Dr. Kazymyra submitted a different recommendation or there was an official recommendation from the Whatcom County Medical Society,” Holmes wrote. “But I haven’t concluded my search.”
Northwest Washington Medical Society, a professional association of physicians in Whatcom and San Juan counties, wrote in a statement to The Northern Light that the board was disappointed by the county executive’s decision to bypass its representative’s recommendation.
“We had significant reservations about the candidate and did not support their hiring, yet the decision was made without our endorsement,” the statement read.
Investigation into mishandeling of bodies
The county executive’s office announced August 5 that an independent investigative report found deficiencies in how the office handled two bodies being stored in unrefrigerated facilities. In mid-May, the corpses were found severely decomposed after a hot weekend in Moles Farewell Tributes and Crematory’s uncooled garage, where the medical examiner’s office was renting space as its facility underwent construction. The investigation found the incident was isolated.
Holmes said August 13 that Sidhu was finding a way to terminate the medical examiner’s contract and was searching for a replacement. However, Hunt’s attorney, Joan Mell of III Branches Law in Pierce County, said Hunt initiated leaving her contract. The scope of her service obligations will be decided in litigation, Mell said.
“Whatcom has indicated it intends to move forward status quo or sue me for breach of contract – I have recommended formal mediation to attempt amicable separation because changes must be made now not in litigation,” Hunt wrote in an email through Mell.
Hunt added she was the sole forensic pathologist in Whatcom County and that she trusts her staff to work professionally with funeral home colleagues and families while she is in the surgical suite, as she was on the day of the incident.
Hunt said that Whatcom County must provide the medical examiner dedicated facilities within its control to ensure standard practices.
“At this juncture, we do not need an outside investigator opining about who to blame for a staff person forgetting to verify that decedents were properly stored – proper storage is not optional,” Hunt said. “We have
to do better. While bona fide mistakes happen and this is one such example, we cannot move forward status quo.”
Sidhu wrote in his statement on Hunt’s contract ending that he appreciated Hunt’s service to the county.
“She took on this role in the midst of the pandemic and during a period of an unprecedented number of homicides and overdoses,” he wrote. “Preparing the Medical Examiner’s Office for accreditation has been very difficult work, and I deeply respect what she has accomplished here since 2021.”
The hiring process in 2021
Former medical examiner Dr. Gary Goldfogel said he gave Whatcom County five years’ notice before retirement due to the specialized nature of his profession. (Only 17 forensic pathologists work in Washington state and the profession faces a nationwide shortage, according to Timothy Grisham, deputy director of the Washington Association of County Officials.)
While the initial notice wasn’t given during Sidhu’s tenure, Goldfogel said he provided reminders during his annual reports to the county executive that he would retire at the end of 2021.
Despite the reminders, the county didn’t solicit a request for proposals for the contracted medical examiner until August 4, 2021, and only received one proposal – the one from Hunt Forensics.
“I don’t think they took that degree of difficulty seriously,” Goldfogel said.
Holmes wrote that the county began searching for a replacement five months before its contract with Goldfogel’s company, Bayside Pathology, ended, which he said is a typical timeframe for going out to bid for contracts. He added the county executive’s office didn’t have records of Goldfogel giving notice to the previous administration, and that it would be unusual to start recruiting five years out.
On September 29, 2021, a seven-member hiring panel conducted the first interview with Hunt. The panel consisted of Kazymyra; then-Sheriff Bill Elfo; Dr. Jan Garavaglia, a forensic pathologist in Skagit County; Mike Hilley, Whatcom County EMS manager; Kendra Cristelli, director of Support Officer Community Care of Whatcom County; Tyler Schroeder, then-deputy county executive; and Louise Trapp, then-administrative manager of the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
In addition to Kazymyra, other panelists told The Northern Light they hadn’t recommended Hunt for the position. One of them, Garavaglia, said Hunt didn’t have the experience of running a medical examiner’s office, which included setting up her own services.
“It looked like she would be over her head with what they expected,” Garavaglia said.
Garavaglia said she believed the county didn’t grasp the nationwide shortage of medical examiners at the time.
“Because they hadn’t been exposed to trying to hire a medical examiner in 30-plus years, I don’t believe they understood the concept of what would make a good medical examiner and what wouldn’t,” Garavaglia said. “They just wanted someone to take that contract.”
After the initial interview, the county put out a second request for proposals on October 6, 2021, and attempted to inform national and regional associations of forensic pathologists, Holmes wrote. Despite efforts, no other applications were submitted.
The interview panel met again on November 3 for Hunt’s second interview before making the recommendation for the county executive to appoint Hunt, Holmes wrote.
“In this case the panel’s recommendation coming out of the November 3 meeting was to move forward with the contract,” Holmes said of the 2021 hiring process.
Sidhu wrote in a November 9 letter to Whatcom County Council announcing the appointment that the county “initiated a solicitation process that would ensure a broad recruitment effort.”
Kazymyra said Sidhu didn’t communicate Hunt’s appointment with her and believed Whatcom County Council was never told the full picture of the hiring.
“This whole thing is the biggest mess I have ever been involved in,” Kazymyra said. “I took the job of hiring the medical examiner very seriously. It’s a huge responsibility to be a medical examiner. After this happened, I was so disappointed.”
Hiring the next medical examiner
Following Hunt’s release, Whatcom County began recruiting on August 5 for a medical examiner with a $330,000 salary. This time, the county started with a nationwide search, including on the National Association of Medical Examiners website, and has already received several applicants from out-of-state candidates.
“I think [the county] has learned,” Garavaglia said. “But you can’t blame them because they had no experience because it was a private enterprise for over 30 years … It’s a little bit of a different model than most medical examiner’s offices run in the country.”
Whatcom County contracted its services for a medical examiner’s office with Goldfogel and Hunt, who was helping the county transition the office to become a county office. The new medical examiner will be a county employee, which both Holmes and Garavaglia believe will attract more forensic pathologists to the position.
“Most medical examiners are not going to move and start a company in a new town they’re not familiar with, but they will take a new position in a new town,” said Garavaglia, who agreed to be on the interview panel again.
As for Kazymyra and Goldfo-
gel, both said the hiring decision left them feeling sour toward Sidhu. Kazymyra said she and other members of the medical society are considering bringing their concerns to Whatcom County Council during an upcoming meeting.
“He went behind our backs and on his own to hire her,” Kazymyra said. “Which made me question, ‘Why did you waste my time and everyone else’s time if you didn’t listen to the recommendations?’ How dare you go behind our backs and make [county council] think everything is on the up and up, and this was a wonderful choice.”
The Northern L ght
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Op-Ed: Endangered Species Act petition is a distraction from conservation efforts OpiniOn
B y e d J oh N sto N e , NWIF c c ha I r M a N
Misguided attempts to “conserve wild salmon” are an attack on tribal sovereignty and come at a huge cost to Indigenous culture and livelihoods.
The Wild Fish Conservancy (WFC) has petitioned the federal government to list Gulf of Alaska chinook salmon under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). To be clear, this organization does not represent the interests of Indigenous nations in Alaska or in Washington, and it has no place interfering with fisheries management.
An ESA listing would shift management of the fishery from the state of Alaska to the federal government and could lead to significant harm to Alaska’s fishing communities. WFC is attempting to bypass the state’s existing process, which brings together stakeholders and managers to make wise use decisions about natural resource management.
Our federal trustee, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), failed to follow its own tribal consultation policy when it accepted WFC’s petition to list this population under the ESA.
The petition was flawed to begin with. NOAA acknowledged it contained “numerous factual errors, omissions, incomplete references, and unsupported assertions and conclusions within the petition.”
In addition to unsupported assertions of overharvest, the petition included a list of generalized environmental threats that are common to salmon coastwide. It also failed to provide a comprehensive review of the status of Gulf of Alaska chinook or an overview of Alaska’s sustainable man-
Letters
agement of these stocks.
This is not the first time that WFC has inserted itself into fisheries management.
“The Wild Fish Conservancy has a history of frivolous litigation,” said Richard (See Op-Ed, next page)
The Editor:
During the August primary election, North Whatcom Fire and Rescue asked voters for a fire levy lid lift. While the outcome was not as we had hoped, we appreciate everyone who participated in the process. We understand this is a difficult economy, which has likely influenced voters.
The demand for and cost to provide emergency services is outpacing our revenue to provide them. Our community urgently requires more firefighters to adequately staff our fire stations. We need to replace aging apparatus, put another medical response unit into service, and reduce reliance on mutual aid from neighboring agencies, which can take longer to reach people during emergencies.
State law requires that we operate under a balanced budget. North Whatcom Fire and Rescue will continue to provide the highest level of service that our funding allows. Regrettably, that may mean some form of service level cuts. We are committed to keeping the public fully informed about any necessary ser-
vice level adjustments and will actively seek input from our community so that together, we can shape the future of your fire district.
I welcome your questions at jvanderveen@nwfrs.com.
Jason Van Der Veen NWFR fire chief
The Editor:
Just saw your article (“Free piano leads to historic Blaine music discovery” by Jon Mutchler, published August 8 in The Northern Light ), quite a few records showed up:
She is Harriet Rogers, born circa 1861 in Illinois. Her parents were John and Elizabeth Rogers. They arrived in Washington circa 1887 with Harriet age 18 and three brothers. Harriet married Richard J. Owen circa 1899. They appear in the 1910 census for Blaine, living on Adelia Street with one daughter, Doris E., age four. Richard is from Wales and worked as a teamster. Harriet was a music teacher.
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.
In 1920 they were living at 2128 Boblett Street. Richard was age 58 and working at a meat market. Harriet was age 49 and a music teacher. Doris was age 14. The Polk directory for 1916, page 397, lists “Richard and Harriet” associated with “Owen & Dahl” (Richard J. Owen & Ernest F. Dahl meats). Richard died in Blaine in 1928. Harriet died in 1953, age 83, in Bellingham. Bruce Langley Blaine
The Editor:
After seeing a picture of the neighborhood in this article (“Free piano leads to historic Blaine music discovery” by Jon Mutchler, published August 8 in The Northern Light ), and the Barnes’ name mentioned, it all had some familiarity. (See Letters, next page)
Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
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.
s Ed Johnstone, chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. Courtesy photo
Free immunizations, sports physicals available for Blaine students
B y N ola N B aker
The Blaine school district, in tandem with Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS), will provide free immunizations and sports physicals for students on campus from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, August 17.
All students in Washington state are required to be up to date on their immunizations, which include chickenpox, diphtheria, polio and others, according to the Washington State Department of Health. The Washington Interscholastic Athletic Association also requires student athletes pass a sports physical to participate in any school-sanctioned athletics.
Students are encouraged to bring their medical insurance cards if they are insured, but the immunizations and physicals will be given out for free regardless of insurance status, said Blaine school district registered nurse Jodi Greene.
Op-Ed ...
From previous page
Chalyee Éesh Peterson, president of the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. “Their attacks have impacted tribes in Washington and Oregon, taken time and resources away from important conservation and restoration efforts, and attempt to criminalize our traditional ways of life, as well as challenge tribal sovereignty and treaty rights. Their petition is a distraction from the real problems before us. Trawling and subsequent bycatch, climate change, and the destruction of habitat must be at the forefront of these conversations.”
In 2014, WFC sued to force an end to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s steelhead hatcheries. A year later, the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe harvested the last returns from that program.
“Our ancestors gave up everything so that we could continue to fish in our traditional areas,” said
Letters ...
From previous page
I consulted my brother Kelly Montfort and came up with the following. The Barnes person mentioned in the article may have been the Barnes who owned the home on the corner of 5th and F streets in Blaine. It is a big three-story home and I think still standing. The relationship to Harriet Rogers Owen is not known but her name looks familiar. I have another person I will try to track down who used to live in this home, and will see if she has any information.
Katy Montfort Blaine
The Editor: Good morning good people
“We want it accessible,” Greene said. “We want it on a day where families can come and not everyone is working. So we want to break down all barriers so students can have access to school and activities.”
WCHCS will administer the immunizations, and both immunizations and physicals will be provided on a first come, first serve basis, Greene said.
Greene said that families in the past have had trouble accessing these needed services due to lack of health insurance, scheduling conflicts with medical providers and transportation issues.
Holding the clinic on a weekend for free allows more families and students to access the crucial medical care they need to attend school and thrive, Greene said.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for kids to participate in sports and do what they want to do, connect and be on a team without having the barrier of not
Scott Schuyler, natural resources director for the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, at the time. “Without hatchery production, we can’t have a meaningful fishery.”
Since then, WFC has continued to file lawsuits attacking hatchery programs in western Washington and along the Columbia River. Litigation, not conservation, is their business plan. They seek donations under the guise of conserving salmon, but where does that money go, except to file more lawsuits?
An ESA listing of Gulf of Alaska chinook salmon would disproportionately harm the Tlingit & Haida communities, whose purse seine fisheries already are being squeezed out by commercial and sport fisheries.
Tlingit & Haida have asked the federal government to incorporate their traditional ecological knowledge into the review process for an ESA listing.
“Our traditional knowledge provides a long-term perspective on ecological changes, species behavior, and environmental health that is invaluable for informing
of The Northern Light ; I want to thank you for your excellent little local paper, for printing letters you may or may not agree with, for reporting on both difficult and joyous events in our community and for doing a great job for so many years. I especially appreciate the Health & Wellness section and have been enjoying the well-written book review section by Jonathan Jakobitz. Doug Dahl’s Road Rules is always fun and informative and most of us could use a refresher on this stuff or are learning about it for the first time. When I think someone or something is done well, I believe in saying so. Bravo and thank you to The Northern Light staff and contributors.
Barbara Swansen Blaine
having access to a sports physical,” Greene said.
Greene said the Blaine school district nurse’s office is open for any communications or questions from families regarding immunizations or physicals, and encourages students to get annual appointments with their primary care providers.
sustainable management practices,” President Peterson said. Similarly, NWIFC tribes have since time immemorial been the stewards of the salmon that originate or pass through our homelands. Our stewardship extends throughout their migratory range to ensure their health and sustainability.
Chinook salmon in our waters are affected by sport and commercial salmon fisheries in Southeast Alaska, so an ESA listing would impact our treaty resources too. The listing would affect Indigenous economies, food sovereignty and traditional ways of life from the Aleutian Islands to the Columbia Basin.
Here in Washington, our treaty rights are protected by the Boldt decision in U.S. v. Washington. Maybe that’s why the WFC is now trying to interfere with fisheries in Alaska.
Their misguided petition sounds well-meaning. The purpose of the Endangered Species Act, after all, is to protect and conserve imperiled species. However, the petition does not meet the conservation standard of distinguishing between
For more information on the one-day clinic, families of primary to 5th grade students should contact registered nurse Christine Ferrell at cferrell@blainesd.org, and families of students grades 6-12 should contact Greene at jgreene@blainesd.org.
For information on immunizations, visit bit.ly/4dnktIv.
species that are healthy and those at risk of becoming imperiled.
As President Peterson said, this petition is a distraction from the real issues that need attention, such as climate change and habitat destruction. That is where we need to focus our efforts.
The Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission (NWIFC) is an Olympia-based natural resources management support service organization for 20 treaty Indian tribes in western Washington.
Blaine man arrested after jumping bail for child rape
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A 22-year-old Blaine man who jumped bail over a year ago after being arrested for child rape was booked into Whatcom County Jail on August 5. He was also wanted for multiple domestic violence charges.
Fredy Eduardo Martin Esteban is being held in Whatcom County Jail on a $500,000 appearance bond for failing to appear in court for first-degree child rape. He is also being held on a $500,000 appearance bond for second-degree assault with a domestic violence enhancement, a $20,000 appearance bond for DUI warrant, fourth-degree assault with a domestic violence enhancement and third-degree malicious mischief with a domestic violence enhancement.
Martin Esteban was arrested in California after a Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed tinted windows on a vehicle in which Martin Esteban was a passenger and conducted a traffic stop, Santa Barbara lieutenant Jarrett Morris wrote in an email to The Northern Light. The deputy discovered Martin Esteban’s warrant after Martin Esteban provided the deputy his Washington state driver’s license. Martin Esteban was extradited to Washington on August 5.
In November 2022, Martin Esteban was arrested on a first-degree child rape charge after a 5-year-old had reported Martin Esteban “hurt” her, provided a description of the assault and an adult known to the child witnessed strange behavior from the child after the assault.
On January 21, 2023, Martin Esteban was released on a $20,000 bail bond.
A few days later, a woman known to Martin Esteban de-
scribed to Whatcom County detectives how he tried to strangle her when she was pregnant as well as kicked and slapped her during that time, according to Whatcom County Superior Court records. The woman also reported Martin Esteban hit and pulled the hair of a child known to him.
During the incident where Martin Esteban allegedly strangled the pregnant woman, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office arrested the woman that day because “it was later decided [she] was the primary aggressor,” according to court records.
The woman’s attorney and social worker provided documentation of the woman’s assaults to the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, including video and medical records.
On February 9, 2023, the prosecutor’s office charged Martin Esteban with one count of second-degree injuries, six counts of fourth-degree assault and one count of third-degree malicious mischief, all with domestic violence enhancements.
A warrant for Martin Esteban’s arrest was filed the same day charges were filed.
Martin Esteban’s arraignment is scheduled at 8:30 a.m. Friday, August 16 in Whatcom County Superior Court.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic or sexual violence, the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) 24-hour hotline is available at 360/715-1563 or 877/715-1563.
Brigid Collins Family Support Center, a Bellingham-based nonprofit working to end child abuse, can be reached at 360/734-4616 and brigidcollins.org.
Lummi Victims of Crime has a 24-hour helpline at 360/3122015.
The National Domestic Violence Helpline operates a chat line at thehotline.org/help.
Planning commission pushes Blaine building height recommendation
The Blaine Planning Commission unanimously decided to push its recommendation on increasing the building height on the west side of Peace Portal Drive to its next meeting due to three commissioners being absent from the August 8 meeting.
Commissioners Jerry Marczynski, James Bring, Kevin Owens and Jennifer Plombon approved delaying the vote August 8, as commissioners Calvin Armerding, Colin Hawkins and Donald Kruse were excused.
The commissioners’ vote followed a public hearing where six people spoke on the issue, sharing perspectives from both concerned residents and prospective developers.
The proposal would allow building heights to increase 12 feet, from 36 to 48 feet, with building appurtenances and recreational amenities, such as elevator towers, allowed to exceed that limit. The increase would be in the waterview subdistrict, on the west side of Peace Portal Drive running south of F Street to north of Clark Street.
Blaine’s Community Development Services (CDS) staff reviewed building heights in waterfront communities throughout the state. In Fairhaven, the building height is 56 feet and increases to 66 feet for buildings nearer to the water, city planner Mike Beck said. In Port Townsend,
the height limit is 50 feet in the downtown core and then tapers to 35 feet.
Building heights in the downtown core are measured from the sidewalk, Beck said. The city’s code has design requirements for the outside of buildings in downtown Blaine but does not specify buildings to have historical appearances.
“Please remember Blaine is not a game of monopoly, it is our home,” Blaine resident Ray Leone said during the hearing.
Mark Douglas, who owns the Seascape Condominiums at 1300 Peace Portal Drive, argued recent Washington state legislation was trending toward increasing density in urban areas.
“I think it would be wise for
the city to adopt that policy,” Douglas said.
Douglas, of Harbor Lands LP, added he would like the city to extend its proposed height increase to an area he would like to develop just south of the waterview subdistrict on the west side of Peace Portal Drive.
CDS director Alex Wenger said the building height proposal would only consider the waterview subdistrict, and Harbor Lands LP could pursue a private zoning text amendment or try to have it included in the city’s comprehensive plan update.
The commission discussed how to keep water views while increasing building heights, with Marczynski questioning whether the city could require view areas between buildings. Wenger responded the view areas would be a small sliver because of setback requirements, which is why the city hadn’t pursued them. He said commissioners could require buildings be see-through, but quickly added that would be a significant ask from developers.
The city will continue accepting official public comment on the hearing until the planning commission’s next meeting on Thursday, September 12. Once planning commission reaches a recommendation, it will pass it on for Blaine City Council to make the final vote.
For more information on the proposal, visit the city’s website at bit.ly/4dx4l74.
Pair extradited to Tennessee for murder
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Two people suspected of being involved in a murder in Tennessee have been extradited to Hamilton County after they were arrested in east Blaine.
available for Kayla Brooks, who court records show also has gone by the last names of Townley and Daumfalk.
Michael Brooks’ indictment states he is charged with the premeditated murder of Mark Thompson on June 27.
Michael Amandeus Brooks, 27, was indicted on one count of first-degree murder and Kayla Lynn Brooks, 26, was indicted on one count of accessory after the fact.
Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office records show Michael Brooks is being held in jail on a $750,000 bond, while jail data was not
The crime was investigated by the Soddy-Daisy Police Department, located just north of Chattanooga. Thompson was found outside of a house just before 10:30 p.m. with six gunshot wounds and stab injuries, according to News Channel 9.
Hamilton County Sheriff’s Of-
fice had contacted the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office on July 26 for assistance in locating and arresting the two, who have ties to Whatcom County, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed in Whatcom County Superior Court.
Hamilton County detectives provided Whatcom County law enforcement an address near Delta Line Road and West 95th Terrace in east Blaine they believed to be the residence of Kayla Brooks’ mother, and the pair was arrested without incident.
B
s An example of a 48-foot building in downtown Blaine if the proposal to increase building heights by 12 feet on the west side of Peace Portal Drive is approved. Image courtesy city of Blaine
s From l.; Blaine planning commissioners James Bring, Jerry Marczynski and Kevin Owens at the August 8 meeting.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
Standoff ...
From page 1
ter
A
armored vehicle break a few windows and use less lethal and chemical munitions.
Numerous personnel, some
with long guns, responded and residents were asked to remain inside. The Northern Light was on scene from 9:30 a.m. until Alexander left the home.
Deb Slater, spokesperson for the WCSO, wrote in an email at 11 a.m. that SWAT and crisis negotiators were on the scene working toward a peaceful resolution.
The public was advised to avoid the area, she wrote.
“If you are near the area and feel you need an escort out,
please call 911,” Slater wrote.
The WCSO took Alexander into custody about 12:08 p.m. Friday, August 9. Mitchell Avenue remained blocked until about 12:28 p.m.
Blaine PD directed an information request to WCSO, saying Blaine PD was assisting the sheriff’s office.
This article will be updated as more information is available.
Louise Mugar contributed to the reporting of this article.
Health department installs 24/7 Narcan dispensers
Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) announced August 13 a new program that will install overdose treatment dispensers throughout Whatcom County in attempt to combat the opioid crisis.
The dispensers will have naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan, which can restore breathing during an opioid overdose.
The naloxone dispenser boxes are intended to provide 24/7 access to naloxone for people without access to the treatment or who seek privacy to obtain it, according to WCHCS.
(See Narcan, page 10)
The first naloxone dispenser box is at Ferndale Community Services, 5694 2nd Avenue, with more boxes to be placed in the county. The WCHCS will select the locations for the remaining dispenser based on community needs and accessibility to vulnerable populations, the press release stated.
s Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Blaine Police Department and Bellingham Police Department responded to an incident involving domestic violence in the 1100 block of Mitchell Avenue in Blaine on August 9.
Photos by Louise Mugar
Blaine teen arrested after high-speed chase
B y N ola N B aker
A Blaine teenager was arrested in the early morning hours of August 14 after an hourslong incident involving multiple law enforcement agencies that began with a stolen Cadillac Escalade, led to a highspeed chase, a collision with a parked car and mailbox and finally an arrest at a home in Blaine.
The driver, whose name was not released due to being a juvenile, was booked into Whatcom County jail on one count of possession of a stolen vehicle, one count of attempt to elude police, one count of second-degree malicious mischief and one count of third-degree malicious mischief, according to Blaine Police Department sergeant Tim Richardson.
The encounter began at 8:13 p.m. on August 13 when a BPD officer noticed a 2013 Cadillac Escalade in the parking lot
of the Dank of America dispensary at 2530 Peace Portal Drive with license plates that matched the description of a vehicle reported stolen the previous day. After the BPD officer engaged its sirens, the driver of the Escalade fled southbound on Peace Portal Drive, then to Blaine Road, ignoring stop signs at speeds of up to 95 mph in an attempt to evade police, Richardson said.
The chase continued eastbound onto Birch Bay-Lynden Road, then onto I-5 southbound where speeds topped out at 120 mph, Richardson said. The driver exited the freeway westbound at the Grandview Road exit and headed back towards downtown Blaine, according to Richardson.
By then, multiple law enforcement agencies were assisting BPD on the pursuit, with Whatcom County sheriff’s deputies, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, and K9 units from Bellingham Police
Department, Richardson said.
The driver began to slow at 8th and E streets, then collided with a parked car and mailbox, and fled the scene along with a passenger. Both the driver and passenger were identified as juveniles according to Richardson.
An adult “known to BPD,” Richardson said, approached officers asking to collect the contents left behind in the stolen vehicle. Later that night, now early morning, the adult led officers to the location of the driver, in a Blaine-area home.
After being read his Miranda rights, the driver reportedly asked BPD officers if he could retrieve his cell phone from the stolen vehicle.
Richardson told The Northern Light that while civilian pedestrians and drivers did have to avoid the ongoing chase, no bystanders were harmed, and no shots were fired by BPD officers.
Aurora shines over Birch Bay
“We’ve had quite a few customers mention
I personally talked with 4 people in one day who said they saw our ad. Best response we’ve had from print and radio advertising. I’m very happy with the results of this ad campaign in The Northern Light.”
General Manager
Geoff Broersma
at Vista Materials
23,600 weekly readers in Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo. Largest circulation newspaper in Whatcom County.
60,000+ views each month from Seattle to Bellingham.
s Blaine and Birch Bay residents had a rare sighting of the northern lights about 11:10 p.m. August 11.
Photos by Molly Ernst
ADVICE FROM THE PROS
Q: 529 College Savings Plans and Tax-Free Growth?
A: College can become a costly expense to the average investor, but a 529 plan can be an effective tool in reducing this burden. Did you know that contributions to 529 plans are not taxable on the growth or income generated when spent on tuition or other approved expenses? ‘Tax-free’ is a rare occurrence in the American Tax Code.
If you find yourself with a looming estate tax at your passing, a 529 savings plan may be used to shrink your estate, which could save you state and/or Federal estate taxes while additionally funding your grandchildren’s education. Before implementing you should always consult your tax or legal advisor while utilizing this strategy.
Skyline Advisors can help guide clients through 529 College Savings and Estate Planning needs.
Q: How important is it to price my home correctly from the start?
A: Pricing your home right from the start is crucial. Overpricing can cause your home to sit on the market too long, becoming stale and leading to price reductions that might deter buyers. On the other hand, underpricing could attract more interest but might leave money on the table. A well-priced home generates more interest, competitive offers, and can result in a quicker sale. Work with your real estate agent to analyze comparable sales, market conditions, and buyer demand to determine the right price. Proper pricing ensures you attract serious buyers and achieve the best possible outcome.
Brandi Coplen 360-201-3951
bcoplen@windermere.com www.brandicoplen.com
Q: Help! What should we do about hard, stinky, and staining water in our home?
A: At Gary’s Plumbing and Heating, we know that issues like smelly water, unsightly water stains, and hard water can disrupt your daily life. Our complimentary water assessment is designed to identify the root causes of these problems. Smelly water often indicates bacterial growth or pipe corrosion, while water stains can result from leaks or hard water deposits. Our expert team will analyze your water quality and plumbing systems, providing tailored solutions to restore your water’s freshness and clarity. By addressing hard water issues, we can recommend effective treatments to prevent scale buildup and protect your fixtures. Trust Gary’s Plumbing and Heating to enhance your home’s water quality, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable environment for you and your family.
team to the rescue!
Gary’s Plumbing and Heating, LLC Gary’s-Plumbing.com • 360-734-9700 4760 Pacific Hwy. Bellingham, WA 98226
How can physical therapy
A: Physical therapy can be incredibly beneficial as you ramp up your training. It helps prevent injuries by ensuring your body is properly aligned, flexible, and strong. A physical therapist can assess your movement patterns, identify potential problem areas, and create a personalized program to enhance your training. This might include exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and balance, as well as strategies to manage muscle soreness and recover effectively. If you do sustain an injury, physical therapy aids in a safe and efficient recovery, allowing you to return to your training with reduced risk of re-injury. Integrating physical therapy into your routine supports sustainable, long-term progress.
Natalie Milligan, MPT, MS
Narcan ...
From page 7
“Making naloxone readily available in public spaces is a critical step in our ongoing efforts to reduce opioid-related deaths in Whatcom County,” WCHCS health officer Dr. Amy Harley wrote in a statement. “These dispenser boxes ensure that community members have access to this lifesaving tool whenever and wherever it’s needed.”
Naloxone is safe to use, even when administered to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose, according to WCHCS.
For a list of resources to order free naloxone kits, visit whatcomoverdoseprevention.org.
Naloxone distribution and education event
The WCHCS will host an event to distribute and provide information on naloxone from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, August 30 outside of Bellingham City Hall, 210 Lottie Street. The event is in rec-
ognition of International Overdose Day.
WCHCS and EMS staff will teach attendees how to identify an overdose, how to respond to an overdose, how to use nasal naloxone, how to safely store naloxone, and Good Samaritan laws. Participants will receive a free nasal Narcan kit while supplies last. Opioid overdoses have increased in Whatcom County in recent years. Between 2020 and 2022, opioid overdose deaths among Whatcom County residents rose by 107 percent, and emergency department visits for opioid overdoses increased by 49 percent between 2022 and 2023, according to WCHCS.
“A few minutes of your time can mean a lifetime for someone else,” wrote Steven Cohen, EMS training specialist, in a statement. “Community awareness and Narcan training are important steps in creating a safer, more prepared community. Together, we can be the difference between life and death.”
Pets & Pet Care
Prevent pets from fighting like cats and dogs
Animal interactions are often portrayed as confrontational. Many people have undoubtedly watched a cartoon mouse outsmart a cat, or laughed as the Road Runner stays a few steps ahead of Wile E. Coyote. Common companion animals also have reputations for confrontation when forced to coexist under one roof.
Reality often differs from such depictions. Potential pet owners
can rest assured that many animals of all different breeds and species have the potential to cohabitate peacefully. It’s just a matter of doing your homework and facilitating the process of companionship. Here’s how to get started.
Plan an initial meet and greet When thinking about welcoming a new pet into the home, particularly one who has
not previously bonded with another animal that you are adopting together, you should always bring your current pet along to gauge their interactions. Also, it is wise to get a disposition report from the rescue about whether the available animal has a history of confrontation with other pets. Rescues typically let prospective pet parents know if a pet is good with dogs, cats, small animals, and even children.
Create safe spaces
Whether it is two dogs, two cats, or one of each, animals may need time to spend alone, particularly if they have different energy levels or needs. The Animal Humane Society says sanctuary rooms can be set up so pets can separate.
Rooms should be secure, with a door and a ceiling. These also
are good spots to place new pets as they get used to the smells and sounds of other pets and the people in the home.
Think about placing items that smell like the other pet in the new pet’s area along with treats, so that the new animal comes to associate these items with good things, suggests the American Kennel Club.
Utilize a gate or screen
After a few days, new pets can be given a chance to see one another separately through a baby gate or screen door without the risk of fights. When the pets are calm enough to meet without barriers, arrange the meeting in a neutral room, rather than in a sanctuary space.
Equal measures of attention
Pets may covet their owners’ attention, and that could lead to
jealousy, especially among particularly needy pets. While it’s not always possible to be equal, offer adequate time with both animals, including time where each gets individualized attention.
Sometimes it’s a no-go Pets may not be able to get along. For example, a dog with a very high prey drive, such as a breed that has been bred to flush out small animals or birds, may find a parakeet or guinea pig simply too tempting to leave alone.
A large snake may not work out in a home that has gerbils or hamsters, as rodents are snakes’ natural food sources. Always take a pet’s breed, disposition and natural inclination into consideration before bringing in a new pet.
Various strategies can be employed to help pets peacefully coexist. Pet owners who may need some additional guidance can work with qualified animal trainers.
CLASSIFIEDS MARKETPLACE
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: JUDITH MARRIOTT, Deceased. No. 244-00673-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Robert E. Olson
The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.
Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: July 23, 2024 with Clerk of Court:
Date of First Publication: August 1, 2024
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE
OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM NOTICE
CREDITORS RCW 11.40.030. NO. 24-400625-37. In the Matter of the Estate of TIMOTHY DREW LAMBERT, Deceased.
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 above, a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the Clerk of 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 creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020 (1) (c); or (2) Four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and RCW 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and non-probate assets.
Date of first publication: August 1, 2023
Diana Bernadette Flello, PR Address for mailing or service: Diana Flello
c/o: Tanya L. Chevis
4550 Birch Bay Lynden Rd, #1103 Blaine, WA 98230
Name of Administrator: SHIRLEY BAUMANN
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: July 23, 2024
AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262
Attorney for Administrator: SHIRLEY BAUMANN
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: July 31, 2024 with Clerk of Court:
Date of First Publication: August 8, 2024
Name of Administrator: SASHA MARIE REMALEY-SMITH
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: July 31, 2024
AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262
Attorney for Administrator SASHA MARIE REMALEY-SMITH www.averyelderlaw.com
7806 Birch Bay Drive #1107
MLS #2245881 $449,500
7704
#30-01
Freeman 360-815-0803
Ground-floor, NO STAIRS, walkout condo direct access to private patio and spectacular water view. Centrally located in Birch Bay, perfect for leisurely strolls along waterfront berm, close to restaurants. South-facing condo in Jacobs Landing provides stunning views and a wealth of amenities, including an indoor pool, hot tub, private clubhouse, racquetball court, and tennis court. Shortterm rentals are allowed, and the condo is currently managed as a short-term rental. Gerry Allen 360-920-0563
#2044855 $70,000 Simple, affordable, living close to the ocean! A five-minute 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. Birch Bay gem,
OBITUARIES Road Rules: Driving lawn
mowers under the influence
Question: Can you get a DUI while driving a riding lawn mower on the road?
Answer: You’ve got the law, and then you’ve got the interpretation of the law. The law would appear to be the easy part, so let’s start there. In Washington, “A person is guilty of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, cannabis, or any drug if the person drives a vehicle within this state” and is impaired. Pretty clear, right?
But wait, you might ask, is a riding lawn mower a vehicle? According to the law, a vehicle is anything that can move on a road and can transport people or property. That’s a broad definition. There are a few minor exceptions, but riding lawn mowers don’t make that list.
However, the courts have concluded that even though the DUI law says “vehicle” it actually means “motor vehicle.” For example, the law includes a bicycle as a vehicle, but you can’t get a DUI on a bicycle in Washington. (You can in some other states.) When you look at the history of our DUI laws and how the terms “vehicle” and “motor vehicle” have been used interchangeably in them, this interpretation makes sense. Or as the courts would say, it avoids “absurd or strained consequences.”
In traffic law, a motor vehicle is self-propelled or gets power from overhead wires, but does not include trains or power wheelchairs. That would include a riding mower. I can’t find any riding mower DUI cases in Washington, but there have been several cases around the country.
If a riding mower is a motor vehicle, what else might qualify? Could you get a DUI in a Power Wheels Barbie Cadillac Escalade (top speed – five mph), assuming you could fit in the driver seat that’s made for a five-year-old? I don’t know about that one, but there have been DUI arrests in some strange vehicles.
In Ohio a man was arrested for DUI after he crashed his motorized barstool. In North Dakota a man was arrested for driving a Zamboni at a high school hockey game while impaired. In Minnesota a man was arrested after crashing his motorized La-Z-Boy recliner in a parking lot. In New York a man was arrested for driving a motorized beer cooler (full of beer). In Pennsylvania an Amish man operating a horse and buggy was arrested for DUI. In Kentucky a man got a DUI while riding a horse. In Florida golf cart DUIs are a weekly event. I could go on, but you get the point. Some of those vehicles sound silly, but operating them impaired is a legitimate risk. Many of those arrests happened after a crash, like the man on a riding mower who was hit by two cars after he swerved from the shoulder into
Joseph John Ball
November 30, 1978 – July 23, 2024
With heavy hearts, our family announces the passing of Joseph John Ball on July 23, 2024. Joey was born on November 30, 1978, in Seattle, WA. He grew up in Ferndale, WA and later settled in the Blaine and Birch Bay area where he found a connection to the beach.
Joey was a son, father, brother (whether blood or not), uncle, friend, athlete, leader. He was hilarious, a trouble-maker, coach, when he drove a car he turned into a “gangsta” (leaning so far over - he was barely noticeable), wrestler and football player. He had his struggles but was always willing to take on yours as well if you needed him, he was honest and real, and lastly, he was a very proud Italian!
Joey is survived by his mother, Jolene Maddon and stepdad Randy Maddon; his father, John Ball and partner Robert Shirak; sisters Jennifer Branscom and Jerilyn Hills; children, Anthony Ball, Maya Ball and Alia Ball; nieces Bailey Walters, Jaidon Branscom, and Prestyn Parkes; and nephews Tanner Haggith, David Parkes, and Noah Reinsberg.
A Celebration of Life will be held on August 24, 2024 at 1 p.m. at the Blaine Boating Center.
William Knowlton
William Knowlton passed away on Friday, June 28, 2024, at the age of 96. Bill grew up in La Grange, IL and earned a BS in marketing from the University of Illinois. A Navy fighter pilot during the Korean War, he continued to pilot planes for the next 35 years for American Airlines. He married Susan McMenamin and together they raised three children in Southern California. In 1990, Bill and Sue moved to Birch Bay Village in Blaine, WA. They owned and operated MailBoxes International for 14 years, and Bill served two terms on the Village’s architectural committee. Until he moved to Anacortes, WA in 2019 after his wife passed away, Bill enjoyed a good game of bridge, taking his boat out crabbing during the summer and tending his rose bushes. He spent his final two years in Burnsville, NC where his daughter Olivia Woodford lives.
Bill is survived by daughter Patricia (Olivia), son Jim and his wife Rocio, and grandsons Diego and Santiago. His ashes will be spread over the Pacific Ocean which was witness to the best years of his life. If you wish, you can contact the family by emailing his daughter at omwoodford@gmail.com.
the road. Impaired driving is a serious threat to the public, but any form of impaired self-transportation is a risk to the individual. Even walking – in nearly half of pedestrian fatalities in Washington, the pedestrian is impaired. You might have noticed that some of these arrests weren’t on public roads. DUI laws aren’t limited to public roads – they apply “within this state,” including in parking lots or inside an ice arena. You might also have noticed that all of them were men. Men
are dumb when it comes to impaired driving, and with tragic consequences. In over 75 percent of impaired driving traffic fatalities in Washington, the impaired driver is male
For anyone contemplating their riding mower as an alternative to driving a car after drinking, you should reconsider; it’s both illegal and dangerous.
Doug Dahl is a Blaine resident, manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.
File photo
sheriff’s repOrts
August 6, 9:21 a.m.: Theft cold call on Portal Way.
August 6, 1:47 p.m.: Trespass on Bay Ridge Drive.
August 6, 6:43 p.m.: Theft cold call on Harborview Road.
August 7, 12:09 a.m.: Simple assault on Portal Way.
August 7, 11:03 a.m.: Vehicle prowl cold call on Forsberg Road.
August 7, 11:40 a.m.: Vehicle theft cold call on Comfort Lane.
August 7, 1:02 p.m.: Civil problem cold call on Harborview Road.
August 7, 8:41 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Loft Lane.
August 7, 9:33 p.m.: Death investigation on Kickerville Road.
August 8, 6:42 a.m.: Burglary on Boblett Road.
August 8, 1:05 p.m.: Traffic stop arrest on Birch Bay Lynden Road.
August 8, 3:59 p.m.: Hit and run cold call on Loomis Trail Road.
August 9, 1:56 a.m.: Overdose on Halibut Drive.
August 9, 12:49 p.m.: Warrant arrest on Mitchell Avenue.
August 9, 3:35 p.m.: Fraud cold call on Delta Line Road.
August 9, 9:38 p.m.: Shots on Bayvue Road.
August 10, 2:51 a.m.: Mental health check on Drayton Harbor Road.
August 10, 5:41 a.m.: Suicidal subject on McGee Road.
August 10, 8:29 p.m.: Hit and run on Birch Bay Drive.
August 10, 9:40 p.m.: Runaway cold call on Coquitlam Drive.
August 11, 10:18 a.m.: Counterfeit cold call on Birch Bay Lynden Road.
pOLiCe repOrts
August 3, 2:31 a.m.: Juvenile problem on F Street.
August 3, 6:57 a.m.: Simple assault on C Street.
August 3, 1:20 p.m.: Simple assault on 4th Street.
August 4, 2:35 a.m.: Hit and run on Sunset Drive.
August 4, 9:50 a.m.: Juvenile problem on Oleander Loop.
August 4, 1:57 p.m.: Threat on Mary Avenue.
August 4, 2:07 p.m.: Threat on Martin Street.
August 4, 3:12 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Oleander Loop.
CrOssWOrd
ACROSS
1. Mongolian city __ Bator 5. Coconut palms 10. Rounded knob 14. Japanese city
15. Type of sandwiches
16. A type of shape
17. Son of Shem 18. French modernist painter
19. Grandmother 20. Mammary gland of female cattle
22. Hill, rocky peak 23. Secret political clique 24. Songs to one’s beloved 27. “Boardwalk Empire” actress Gretchen
30. Father 31. Chinese philosophical principle
32. Restrict the number or amount of 35. Combined into a single entity
37. Brother or sister
38. Evil spirit
39. Materials in the earth’s crust
40. Partner to cheese
41. Of the sun
42. Baseball great Ty 43. After B 44. Place to relax on the beach
45. Folk singer DiFranco
46. Partly digested food
47. Small dog breed
48. Japanese honorific
49. Salts
52. Beard moss genus 55. Mountain pass
56. Type of sword 60. Albanian language
61. Metric weight unit
63. Italian Seaport 64. Longtime late night host
65. Extremely angry 66. Wading bird
67. Days in midmonth
68. Omitted from printed matter
69. Upper bodypart DOWN 1. Two-toed sloth 2. Cooking ingredient
3. Iranian city 4. Accuses 5. Corrie 6. Delivered a
speech 7. Collection of sacred books 8. Theatrical 9. Very fast airplane 10. Arm bones 11. Ancient kingdom near Dead Sea 12. __ fide: legit 13. Gemstone 21. Counsels 23. Corporate bigwig 25. Cool! 26. Touch lightly 27. Small Milky Way constellation 28. Satirical website 29. Border lines 32. Soft drinks 33. Capital of Guam 34. Six-membered ring (chemistry) 36. Bar bill 37. Car mechanics group 38. Notable Bill Murray character 40. Health care for the aged 41. Gurus 43. A passage with access only at one end 44. Reduce 46. Spy organization
Coming up
Blaine Chamber Networking Happy Hour: Thursday, August 15, 4–5:30 p.m., Black Forest Steak House outside patio, 638 Peace Portal Drive. Free to attend, no host. Info: blainechamber.com.
Birch Bay Incorporation Association Quarterly Meeting: Thursday, August 15, 6 p.m., North Bay Community Church, 4895 Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Join in-person or on Zoom as committees will share progress, address questions and receive feedback. Open to the public. Info: www.incorporatebirchbay.com.
Tidepool Exploration: Friday, August 16, 9 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.
Crabbing 101: Friday, August 16, 10 a.m., Birch Bay State Park’s bp Heron Center. Learn about how to harvest crab in Washington including regulations, gear and preparation and cooking instructions. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
August 6, 10:21 a.m.: Theft on 12th Street.
August 7, 9:35 a.m.: Fraud on Semiahmoo Parkway.
August 7, 4:01 p.m.: Burglary on Boblett Street.
August 7, 11:51 p.m.: Burglary on Camas Drive.
August 8, 2:08 p.m.: Abandoned vehicle on 9th Street.
August 8, 9:13 p.m.: Vehicle theft on G Street.
August 9, 10:31 a.m.: Lewd conduct on Peace Portal Drive.
August 9, 12:26 p.m.: Lewd conduct on G Street.
47. The upper surface of the mouth
49. Plants of the lily family
50. Type of reef
51. Oral polio vaccine developer
52. Mottled citrus fruit
53. Lose 54. Former Brazilian NBAer 57. Baseball great Ruth 58. __ Clapton, musician 59. Chance 61. Spanish soldier 62. CNN’s founder
tides
August 15-21 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
Blaine Book Club: Friday, August 16, 1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. August title: The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell. Info: Kelly at 360/305-3637.
Blaine School District Sports Physicals and Immunizations: Saturday, August 17, noon–4 p.m. Sports physicals in the BHS training room and immunizations in the BHS black box theater, both entrances located behind Borderite Stadium. Bring your insurance card if you have one. Free. Sponsored by Whatcom Health and Community Services and Jessica Klassen, ARNP.
Big Bucks Bingo: Saturday, August 17, 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 at 11:30 a.m. for $8. Info: 360/332-8040.
Whatcom Grooves: Saturday, August 17, 7–8 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Free outdoor concert featuring the Jerry Steinhilber Trio featuring Ben Thomas on bibraphone. Bring a lawn chair. Info: wcls.org.
Supper with the Superintendent: Monday, August 19, 6 p.m., Blaine Middle School Library. Parents and community members are encouraged to bring their questions and concerns for this open dialogue opportunity in a town hall format with Dr. Christopher Granger. Info: blainesd.org.
Junior Ranger Program: Tuesday, August 20, 11 a.m., Birch Bay State Park wildlife theater. Become an expert in Grossology. At 11:30 a.m., make slime. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Mehndi Practice: Tuesday, August 20, 1–4:30 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Mehndi is commonly used in South Asian celebrations to stain skin in intricate designs. Together, we will practice applying mehndi, either on paper or skin, with or without templates. Feel free to drop by and try a small design or chat while applying a bridal style. Mehndi and snacks are provided, but feel free to bring your own; everyone is welcome. Info: wcls.org.
School Supply Distribution and Local Family Support Agencies: Wednesday, August 21, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Blaine Middle School gym, corner of Mitchell and H streets. School supplies available to eligible families. Info: blainesd.org.
Birch Bay Book Club: Wednesday, August 21, 4–5:30 p.m., Birch Bay Vogt Library Express, 7948 Birch Bay Drive. August title: Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.
Life Line Screening: Thursday, August 22, American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. Screenings for stroke and heart disease. For info and an appointment: lifelinescreening.com.
Junior Ranger Program: Thursday, August 22, 3:30 p.m. Birch Bay State Park wildlife theater. Join park aide, Kylie, to learn about trees. At 4 p.m., craft time. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Community Art Workshop: Thursday, August 22, 4–6 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Paint a pot. Bring your own or buy one from us. All paint and decoration supplies are free. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.
Live Music at Birch Bay State Park: Friday, August 23, 5 p.m., Birch Bay State Park wildlife theater. Local band Soul Duck Hot Swing performs swing music in the style of the hot club-style jazz. Hot club style jazz. Bring a chair. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Karaoke Night at the Center: Friday, August 23, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. A wonderful evening event to sing and play our favorite songs. Open to the community. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.
Blaine Middle School Orientation: Tuesday, August 27, 1 p.m., Blaine Middle School library. For new middle school students to the Blaine School District. Info: blainesd.org.
Weather
Precipitation: During the period of August 5 to 11, no precipitation was recorded. The 2024 year-to-date precipitation is 19.6 inches.
Temperature: High for the past week was 83.2°F on August 9 with a low of 54.7°F on August 7. Average high was 77.8°F and average low was 56.7°F.
BHS Incoming Freshman Orientation: Tuesday, August 27, 8 a.m.–noon, Blaine High School gym. Info: blainesd.org.
2nd Annual Love Your Library 5K Fun Run/Walk: Saturday, August 31, 9 a.m. Meet at Cottonwood Beach and travel along Birch Bay’s berm to Lora Lane and back. $25 includes T-shirt, while supplies last. All ages and abilities welcome. After the run, join in story time, lawn games, crafts, summer book sale and a pancake breakfast fundraiser at the Birch Bay Vogt Library, 7948 Birch Bay Drive. Registration: https://friends-of-the-birch-bay-libraryfunrun. square.site.
Birch Bay Derby Day: Saturday, August 31. Poker Run from 1–3 p.m., Crab Derby from 3–6 p.m. at 7876 Birch Bay Drive (in front of the Beach Bar) with prizes for rockin’ red, biggest catch limit and monster crab. Duck Derby rubber duck race up Terrell Creek at 4:30 p.m. Info and registrations at birchbaychamber.com.
Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
