Man arrested for homicide after shooting in Custer home
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A 43-year-old man was booked into Whatcom County Jail for second-degree murder after a fight broke out in a Custer home the night of January 11.
Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies were responding to a 10:27 p.m. call about a physical domestic incident in the 8300 block of Valley View Road in Custer when a ‘shots fired’ follow-up report was made, according to WCSO spokesperson Deb Slater.
Deputies found Angel Rodriguez, 52, dead from multiple gunshot wounds when they entered the home. WCSO deputies learned both Rodriguez and Valentin Rivera, 43, were intoxicated and had been in a verbal argument. Witnesses told deputies that Rivera attempted to stop Rodriguez from driving under the influence, which led to Rivera allegedly shooting Rodriguez. The witnesses also said Rivera was known to carry a gun in the house, and he had consumed four shots of tequila and a beer, according to the affidavit of probable (APC) cause filed in Whatcom County Superior Court.
WCSO also found Rivera had allegedly assaulted two other victims in the altercation, one of whom was transported to the hospital for stitches, according to the APC.
Rivera was transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, where he was medically cleared, before being booked into Whatcom County Jail early on January 12 for second-degree murder. Rivera was also charged with second-degree assault and fourth-degree assault, both with domestic violence enhancements.
Rivera’s preliminary appearance was January 13 in Whatcom County Superior Court. As of January 15, Rivera is being held in jail in lieu of $2 million bail.
A search of state court records shows Rivera does not appear to have been arrested for a previous felony in Washington state.
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. Lummi Victims of Crime has a 24-hour helpline at 360/312-2015.
Emergency shellfish harvest closure, page 3
Woman arrested for child exploitation, page 2 Blaine figure skater heads to U.S. Championships, page 10
Paso del Norte reopens after nearly a year
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School funding town hall held in Blaine
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Students, staff and community members from Blaine, Mt. Baker and Ferndale school districts asked legislators to fix the state’s K-12 funding model during a town hall meeting at Blaine Middle School on January 7.
A crowd of a few hundred packed into the Performing Arts Center to hear first-hand accounts of how budget restraints have worsened education for students, decreased working conditions for teachers and staff, and created ten -
sion among the community.
The town hall was organized by Fund Schools Now, a grassroots advocacy organization that Blaine parents created after two consecutive years of budget cuts caused dozens of teachers and staff to lose jobs and numerous programs ended.
State senator Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) and state representatives Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) and Joe Timmons (D-Bellingham) listened to students and staff tell stories of libraries without full-time librarians, role model teachers being cut due to budget restraints, electives and activities
City leaders provide update to Blaine projects
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Two Blaine city leaders provided updates on some of the city’s largest projects during a meeting with the Salishan neighborhood at Christ Episcopal Church on January 8. City manager Mike Harmon started the presentation, which he co-led with Alex Wenger, director of Community Development Services Department, and discussed the city’s priorities for 2025, reopening Yew Avenue, the Vehicle and Cargo In-
spection System (VACIS) project, a new library and other items of interest.
Yew Avenue: Harmon said Yew Avenue repair designs are in the works over four years after historic flooding closed the roadway in November 2021. Construction will likely begin in 2026.
“With FEMA dollars attached to it, we’re on their timeframe,” Harmon said. “We have to march to their drum.”
Bell Road Grade Separation Project: Blaine City Council will likely vote on a
design contract for the Bell Road Grade Separation Project in mid-February. In 2023, the city of Blaine received $9.5 million in federal funding to pay for one-third of design work for the Bell Road Grade Separation Project, which will build an overpass above train tracks near Bell Road and Peace Portal Drive. Harmon said if the federal government fully funds the project, at an $80 million price tag, the proj-
(See City, page 3)
taken away, and the strain of underfunding landing on districts, teachers and parents forced to make up for the gaps.
School funding gaps aren’t just a local problem, and state legislators are being asked to act during this year’s legislative session in Olympia.
The state budget hit a high-water mark for education funding as a percentage of the entire budget in 2019, when 52.4 percent of state funding went toward K-12 education. In 2024, that figure was down to
(See School, page 15)
Photo
Grace McCarthy
Bail set at $1 million for Birch Bay woman charged with child exploitation
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A 29-year-old Birch Bay woman arrested on one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of possessing and dealing child sexual abuse material is being held in Whatcom County Jail in lieu of $1 million bail.
Rachel Ann Openshaw Tapia was arrested at her Birch Bay home on January 9 following a multiagency investigation that began in early November 2024.
According to the affidavit of probable caused filed in Whatcom County Superior Court, the messaging app Kik reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on November 4, 2024 that a user shared 13 images and/or videos depicting child sexual abuse.
On December 8, Kik reported to the National Center for Missing Children that a different user had shared five files containing child sexual abuse material. The material was shared from the same IP address as the previous
report and both accounts had different email addresses containing Openshaw Tapia’s full name.
On December 12, Bellingham Police Department and Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office detectives who were members of the state’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force were assigned to the investigation, which was assigned high priority. On January 2, investigators requested Comcast Cable provide information on the IP address. Comcast provided records four days later that connected Openshaw Tapia’s Birch Bay home with the IP address.
Investigators served a search warrant at the home on January 9. Openshaw Tapia waived her Miranda rights and admitted to sending photos of young children to a man living out of state, according to court records. Openshaw Tapia told investigators the man expressed sexual interest in children and she wanted to “keep him interested in her sexually.”
Openshaw Tapia told investigators that Kik banned her first
account after she sent the child sexual abuse images, so she created the second account that was subsequently banned after she sent the additional material.
Anonymous tips of child sexual abuse material can be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s tipline at cybertipline.com and to the FBI online at tips.fbi.gov.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has resources available for child sexual exploitation survivors and their families at bit.ly/4anORly. The center also operates a 24-hour hotline at 800/843-5678.
Stop It Now! operates a child sexual abuse material helpline at stopitnow.org and 888/PREVENT.
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 to support both children and adults at 360/3122015.
Blaine man found with firearms arrested on suspicion of stalking ex-girlfriend
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A Blaine man was charged with felony stalking in Belling-
ham after police saw him near his ex-girlfriend’s apartment with multiple guns. Thomas Franklin Lingle, 57, was arrested in the
early morning hours of December 30, 2024 after circling his former girlfriend’s apartment complex, where Bellingham police officers saw an AR-style rifle and tactical vest on the back floorboard of Lingle’s vehicle.
Lingle was initially arrested for DUI, and gave officers consent to retrieve the unsecured firearm from his car. Officers then discovered multiple other firearms in the car, as well as binoculars, and “a rifle with a loaded magazine, a handgun, shotgun shells, three total loaded handgun magazines, and seven additional loaded rifle magazines,” according to the affidavit of probable cause (APC).
The victim reported to police that she had broken up with Lingle a few months earlier. In the days leading up to the arrest, the victim told Lingle she did not want to be contacted by him, including she would call police if he continued to try to contact
(See Arrest, page 13)
“We’ve
Blaine man arrested for hate crime at Bellingham bar
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A 26-year-old Blaine man was arrested for an assault and hate crime after he shouted homophobic slurs while beating another man during an altercation at a Bellingham bar in late December.
According to the Bellingham Police Department’s affidavit of probable cause, the victim reported he was playing pool with his boyfriend at a bar in the 310 block
of E. Holly Street on December 21 when he heard a man, later identified as Trevor Robert Mikoch, using racial slurs and trying to fight other people at the bar.
When the victim tried to deescalate the situation, Mikoch called the victim a “f--” and then started punching him in the face, according to court records. The victim also reported Mikoch attempted to gouge the victim’s eyes with his fingers.
Mikoch was arrested for
fourth-degree assault, a gross misdemeanor, in downtown Bellingham shortly after the incident. While being processed at Whatcom County Jail, a Bellingham police officer heard Mikoch say, “We use to be able to beat f-- up,” which established probable cause for commission of a hate crime, a Class C felony, court records show.
Mikoch posted a $15,000 bail bond and was released from jail two days later on December 23.
Emergency shellfish harvest closure declared for Drayton Harbor
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Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) issued an emergency closure for recreational and commercial molluscan shellfish harvesting in Drayton Harbor on January 7, citing an outbreak of illnesses.
WCHCS said multiple people became ill after eating raw shellfish harvested in Drayton Harbor on December 28 and
City ...
From page 1
ect would still be at least eight years away.
VACIS update: When asked by a community member if U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) proposed VACIS project could be a temporary solution before the overpass is built, Harmon said CBP Blaine supports the project but the agency’s resources were being directed to the U.S./ Mexico border. Currently, trains travel 5 mph to be inspected near the border, which backs up traffic, including emergency vehicles, at both the Bell Road and Marine Drive train crossings. VACIS would increase the trains to twice the speed.
Downtown revitalization: The city sent out construction bid requests for its downtown revitalization project on January 8, Harmon said. The project, years in the making, will replace some sidewalks downtown to adhere to ADA compliance and upgrade the parklets on Martin and Clark streets.
Library and affordable housing: In late winter or early spring, city staff will request Blaine City Council to strategically plan the projects it would like staff to prioritize over the next few years, with a focus on affordable housing. Council is expected to discuss Madrona Community Development’s proposal that envisions two downtown Blaine buildings with affordable condominiums, a new library, potential childcare and expanded parking. Madrona has taken lead on the project after Kulshan Community Land Trust backed out of it last summer. The
December 30, 2024.
Those who became sick reported a norovirus-like illness within one to two days after consuming raw oysters, with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and fatigue, according to WCHCS.
“Raw shellfish consumption dramatically increases illness risk,” the WCHCS press release stated. “Norovirus and some bacterial pathogens may be present in raw shellfish. Similar
project, which still needs significantly more funding, would be in partnership with the city of Blaine and Whatcom County Library System.
Code enforcement: The audience erupted in cheers when Harmon unveiled one of his biggest goals for 2025: hiring a code enforcement officer. Harmon’s second goal was to have the police department fully staffed as it has three open officer positions and only two applicants.
“One-third of the force is vacant outside of sergeants,” he said.
Housing development: City planning staff continues to be busy with large housing projects with some of those projects including Creekside, a luxury manufactured home park in east Blaine; Avista, a housing development formerly called Semiahmoo Highlands that could bring up to 500 units off of Semiahmoo Parkway; and Inverness, a 65-unit development adjacent to the Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club.
Upcoming businesses: New businesses coming to Blaine include Family Care Network, a car wash, O’Reilly Auto Parts and coffee drive-through in and near the IGA Market plaza. Wenger said no developers have approached the city yet about the parking relief or building height increase city council approved last year to incentivize downtown development.
Zoning changes: Wenger said city planning staff would likely bring a proposal for Blaine Planning Commission to consider in February that would add building height limits and housing flexibility in the commercial zoning district, behind the IGA Market,
WSDOT receives $6.7 million to update border wait time
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outbreaks have been reported recently from several growing areas in Puget Sound and British Columbia.”
WCHCS recommends cooking all shellfish to 145 degrees Fahrenheit before consumption, and advises shellfish harvesters to check biotoxin levels and pollution closures at bit.ly/3caFDiH or by calling the state Department of Health Biotoxin Hotline at 800/562-5632 prior to harvesting shellfish.
and the residential office zoning district, near Domino’s Pizza.
Public comment and remote council meetings: When asked by an audience member if oral public comment or a remote option would return to Blaine City Council meetings, Harmon said that decision was up to the mayor and council. Councilmember Sonia Hurt added that only a few people have voiced their opinion about those topics. Mayor Mary Lou Steward banned oral comment last February after a small group of people hurled accusations at city councilors and staff during the public comment period of meetings, and the city stopped providing a remote meeting option in mid-November 2023 after a ‘Zoombombing’ incident with racial slurs.
Utility mapping: Harmon said the city was prioritizing updating its utility mapping, sparked by insufficient mapping that doesn’t show all of the high voltage electric lines.
Other city priorities: Harmon said the city’s 25-year-old software is expected to be updated by June, allowing for utility customers to pay bills online and see their energy usage online. The planning department is waiting on Whatcom County Council to approve population and employment growth estimates for the city to continue updating its comprehensive plan, a long-range planning document due by the end of December. The city has also started the water adjudication process after the Washington State Department of Ecology initiated the decades-long process to determine water rights in Whatcom County last year.
The Washington State Department of Transportation will receive nearly $6.7 million in grant funding to improve traffic flow through the U.S./Canadian border with updated border wait time data.
Washington senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray announced funding to improve data and information systems for travelers. Four points of entry in Whatcom County will receive a new border wait time system that will provide real-time border conditions and predictive analytics tools.
In 2023, the Whatcom Council of Governments received a fed eral grant to pilot new systems for border wait times, and this funding will allow that work to expand. The funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“The systems that provide travelers information about wait times at our northern border are over 20 years old and desperate ly need an upgrade,” Cantwell wrote in a statement.
The Peace Arch border crossing in Blaine is the third-most traf ficked point of entry along the U.S.-Canadian border. Lawmak ers hope the nearly $6.7 million in funding will avoid an entire month of snarled border traffic when the 2026 World Cup comes to Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.
FIFA, soccer’s governing body, estimates roughly 750,000 people are expected to travel to the Pacific Northwest for the games.
Recently, Blaine traffic was brought to a standstill during the first weekend of December when Taylor Swift held the final three concerts of her “Eras” Tour in Vancouver. Multiple Whatcom County border checkpoints were
Photo by Ruth Lauman
The Northern L
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
Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com
Reporter Nolan Baker nolan@pointrobertspress.com
Editorial Intern Zen Hill prpintern@pointrobertspress.com
Creative Services
Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman production@pointrobertspress.com
Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com
Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Gary Lee sales@pointrobertspress.com
General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com
Contributors In This Issue Jonathan Jakobitz, Dale Mason-Newell, LaLani Pitts, Dean Ridings
The Northern Light
225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230
Tel: 360/332-1777
Vol XXX, No 31
Circulation: 10,500 copies
Circulation Independently verified by:
Blaine Art Gallery holds Second Saturday event OpiniOn
The Editor: I would like to address the letter to the editor regarding CAP and the Community Toy Store. I really take issue with this letter (by Cindy Kisska from the January 2 issue of The Northern Light). The writer obviously never even bothered to go to the CAP website and read about the program before ripping it apart. Yes, the families pay for donated toys, but if the writer had bothered to look, it clearly states if a family needs more help it is available. What is wrong with people in need helping other people in even more need?
I clearly remember delivering meals and gifts to families at the holidays when I was in youth group and I remember the awkward looks as a group of “rich kids” delivered their Christmas. They were always
gracious but it felt strange. How wonderful would it have been for these families to go to a “store” and actually shop for their gifts rather than be handed them?
I think the Community Toy Store is a fantastic way for everyone involved to give, or give back, in whatever way they can.
This kind of letter can do so much damage to our local volunteers and the services they support.
I wrote this before Cindy Kisska decided to double down and attack not only CAP again but to personally attack Laura Vogee. Cindy really needs to step out from behind her keyboard and talk to the people she has decided to speak for. I sincerely hope she does so she can see that her preconceptions are seriously misinformed. Please stop damaging great community services and attacking members
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: Second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
with uninformed opinions.
Cindy is also under the impression that this was started here in Blaine when in fact it has been successfully operated in Bellingham for a decade.
Have you never heard of Goodwill, Salvation Army or Value Village? All places where donated items are sold to poor people (in some cases for profit).
How sad for Cindy to assume poor people don’t want to be proud, all they need is money, that is far from reality.
Jason Friend Blaine
Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com
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 Over 80 people visited the Blaine Art Gallery, 922 Peace Portal Drive, for its premier Second Saturday event that showcased Blaine artists, including work from K-8 Blaine students, on January 11.
Photo courtesy of Helen Worley
Op-Ed: Meta’s shift to ‘Community Notes’ makes trusted local newspapers even more vital
B y D ea N r i D i NG s , ceo of a M erica ’ s N ewspapers
In response to Meta’s announcement that it will end its fact-checking program with independent third parties and pivot to a “Community Notes” model that uses crowdsourced fact-checking contributions from users, America’s Newspapers issued the following statement:
Meta’s recent decision to replace third-party fact-checking with a crowdsourced system called “Community Notes” further highlights the importance that local newspapers play in providing reliable, vetted infor-
mation to their communities. While social media platform approaches to content moderation are often politically-oriented and vulnerable to bias and manipulation, local newspapers continue to prioritize accuracy, fairness and accountability.
The trust placed in local newspapers stands in sharp contrast to the declining confidence in broader media and social platforms. Recent findings from the America’s Newspapers Trust in Media study reveal that 80 percent of Americans believe their local newspaper is essential for keeping their community informed, and 85 percent recog-
nize its critical role in supporting democracy. This trust is earned through a commitment to ethical news-gathering and deep community engagement.
Local newspapers are not part of “the media” that is losing credibility and trust; they are an integral part of the fabric of their communities. Their work reflects the values, concerns and aspirations of the communities they serve, providing a protection to the misinformation and partisanship that often thrives in online spaces.
Meta’s decision underscores the need for trusted local journalism now more than ever. As social platforms move further away from
verified, professional content, local newspapers remain dedicated in their mission to deliver the truth, ensuring that communities stay informed and connected.
For more information about the Trust in Media study, visit newspapers.org.
On behalf of its approximately 1,700 newspaper and Solutions Partner companies, America’s Newspapers is committed to explaining, defending and advancing the vital role of newspapers in democracy and civil life. We put an emphasis on educating the public on all the ways newspapers contribute to building a community identity and the success of local businesses.
Op-Ed: How state budget impacts K-12 education in our community
We have a responsibility to ensure that every student in Whatcom County receives the education they deserve.
Despite our ongoing efforts to provide a high-quality education for all students, school districts across the state, including ours, are encountering significant budget challenges. Our state’s funding has not kept up with the increasing costs of education. Special education, transportation and facil -
ities maintenance expenses also continue to grow, further straining our budget. School districts have seen unexpected costs for mental health services, school safety and efforts to address learning loss.
As student needs and operational costs continue to rise, the percentage of the state’s general fund budget dedicated to K-12 education has significantly decreased over the past five years. This reduction has forced many districts to make difficult decisions, affecting staffing levels, essential programs and student support services. To help us meet these challeng-
es, we have each asked our local legislators to act in these ways:
1. Adjust the state funding formula to better reflect the true costs of education, including adequate support for special education, transportation, and materials and supplies.
2. Provide targeted funding to help continued pandemic recovery, including resources for mental health support, academic interventions and technology upgrades.
3. Increase state funding to keep pace with inflation.
We appreciate your ongoing support and understanding as we navigate these financial
challenges. To learn more, visit waschoolfunding.org.
Whatcom County Public Schools Superintendents:
Dr. Greg Baker, Bellingham Public Schools
Dr. Christopher Granger, Blaine School District
Dr. Kristi Dominguez, Ferndale Public Schools
David VanderYacht, Lynden School District
Dr. James Everett, Meridian School District
Nick Perigo, Mount Baker School District
Matt Galley, Nooksack Valley School District
DOE requesting environmental input on hydrogen hub
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is considering providing funding for a regional hydrogen hub and is requesting public input on the scope of an environmental impact statement (EIS) that will examine potential environmental impacts. The DOE will hold a virtual meeting on the EIS at 6 p.m. Wednesday, January 22.
The Pacific Northwest Re -
“Thank
gional Hydrogen Hub is currently proposing 10 projects including clean hydrogen production facilities, connective infrastructure and fueling areas, according to the DOE. The hub would cover Washington, Oregon and Montana.
The EIS will consider environmental impacts such as emissions and utility usage. In addition to researching the en-
-Karen Anderson
“Thank you!”
-Cathy White
-Doug Fink
vironmental impact of the hub as a whole, the DOE will also research the environmental impact of individual projects and will make funding decisions based on that information.
The DOE will accept comments on the EIS scope until March 3. The DOE will look at comments and prepare the EIS statement from January to August. It will release a draft EIS in
August, then opening the public comment period for the draft statement from August to October. The final EIS will be issued in April 2026.
In addition to the virtual meeting, there will also be meetings held in Portland and Richland.
To sign up for the virtual meeting, visit bit.ly/3DUUwTP.
For more information, visit bit.ly/4aifx74.
Competitive cheer headed to state tournament for third straight season
The winter sports season is over the halfway mark, and teams are already beginning to prepare for the postseason. Blaine’s competitive cheer team qualified for the WIAA state tournament, both basketball teams had a competitive week of games, and boys wrestling showed out at the Paul Reiman Memorial Tournament.
Cheer
For the third consecutive year, the Blaine competitive cheer team qualified for the state championships, and will travel to Battle Ground High School for the twoday tournament on Friday, January 24 and Saturday, January 25.
At last year’s state tournament, Blaine competed in the 2B/1A/2A category, placing seventh.
The competitive cheer team has only been around for three seasons, starting in the winter 2022/23 season, and has qualified for the state tournament in each year of its existence.
Tickets for the two-day tournament are now on sale at wiaa. com/tickets.
Boys basketball
After handling the Canadian Surrey Christian team 66-44 at home on January 6, the Blaine boys basketball team went on a two-game road trip, facing Mt. Baker – the third-to-last place Northwest Conference (NWC) team – and Lynden Christian – the NWC leader with an 8-0 conference record.
In both games, the Borderite defense couldn’t seem to stop either team, losing to Mt. Baker 59-40 on January 8, then losing more lopsidedly to Lynden Christian on January 10, 94-35.
Lynden Christian put up a 35-point first quarter and never looked back against the Borderites. Multiple Lyncs scored in the double digits on the night, while Blaine was led by 10 points from junior forward Landon Melton, and a perfect 4/4 shooting performance from senior guard Beckum Bleazard, who scored nine points on the night.
Coming back home to host
Anacortes on January 14, the Borderites – again – found themselves in an early hole, trailing 12-0 to start the first quarter after Anacortes made its first three three-point attempts.
Anacortes kept Blaine in a fullcourt press on defense for most of the first half, forcing plenty of turnovers and easy transition points that made it even harder for Blaine to dig itself out of the early deficit.
Despite solid performances on offense from senior wing Josiah Weeda, and junior guards Daniel Banks and Kai Kerwin, the Borderites just couldn’t mount a comeback, losing 67-37.
The string of losses puts the Borderites at 3-9 overall with 0-8 NWC record, and the team now sits at the bottom of the conference table midway through the season.
Head coach Chas Kok said he hopes to see the team continuously improve over the course of the season, and come into the district playoffs playing its best
basketball.
Blaine will go on another pair of road games, first against Nooksack Valley on Thursday, January 16, then to Whidbey Island to face Oak Harbor on Monday, January 20. The Borderites’ next home game will be on Thursday, January 23 against Lynden. Stats provided by whatcompreps.com
Girls basketball Girls basketball has been on a tough losing skid in the past week, dropping its last four games, despite a close loss to Mt. Baker at home on January 8.
The Borderites lost 58-37 to Mt. Baker, and despite a 21-point difference by the final buzzer, Blaine played one of its most competitive and complete games of the season. Mt. Baker held a 23-18 lead at halftime, but Blaine scored just three points in the third quarter, snuffing out any
(Continued on next page)
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s Senior forward Dulio Kanagie goes up for a contested layup in the first half of Blaine’s 67-37 loss to Anacortes on January 14.
Photo by Nolan Baker
s The Blaine competitive cheer team qualified for the WIAA state championships, the third time in the team’s three-year history. Photo by Nolan Baker
spOrts
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hopes of a comeback despite a 16-point fourth quarter.
Sophomore guard Kate Koreski earned a rare double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds along with four steals, leading the Borderites in all three statistical categories.
Against Lynden Christian at home on January 10, the Lyncs’ full court press suffocated the Borderites, causing multiple turnovers, and not allowing Blaine to string possessions together and get its offense going. The Borderites fell 56-16.
Junior guard Brietta Sandell was a bright spot for Blaine’s offense that night, making two 3-pointers to lead the team with seven points along with two steals.
On the road against Anacortes, Blaine had its least productive offensive game of the season, scoring just five points, losing 57-5 on January 14.
Despite the recent skid, the Borderites remain out of last place in the conference, just ahead of Oak Harbor with a 3-10 record (0-7 NWC).
The Borderites will host Oak Harbor in a rescheduled game that was supposed to be held on January 7. The rematch is scheduled for Monday, January 20, tipoff at 7 p.m.
Stats provided by whatcompreps.com
Boys wrestling
Blaine boys wrestling traveled to Mt. Vernon on January 11 for the Paul Reiman Memorial Tournament, where Blaine faced off against five teams from across the state, winning two matches.
Blaine defeated Everett 45-35 and Monroe 48-30, but lost to Marysville Pilchuck 51-16, Silas 48-32 and White River 60-21.
Rhys Milligan, competing in the 175-pound weight class, won all five of his matchups, as did Aidyn Hancock in the 132-pound weight class.
Otto Shelton won three of his five heavyweight matchups, winning by fall in multiple rounds, including a 35 second win over Everett’s Julian Tabin and a 38 second win against Monroe’s Talon Rutledge.
Blaine is scheduled to host a match against Whatcom County rival Mt. Baker on Tuesday, January 21, starting at 6 p.m. The team has just one more scheduled date on the calendar before the postseason begins, travelling to Oak Harbor on Tuesday, January 28 to face Oak Harbor and Burlington-Edison.
Girls bowling
The Blaine girls bowling team defeated Jackson on January 8 at Mt. Baker Lanes in Ferndale, winning 1547-1269.
Co-captain Shaylie Daniels led the team with a high score – and season-high – of 174. Each Borderite bowler scored a 120 or above on the night.
Head coach Matt McAuley said Daniels is one of the top-15 bowlers in the NWC, and continues to move up the point leaderboards as the season progresses. Ainslee Ellis is 20th in points, and Madi Miller is 30th.
The Borderites travel to face Anacortes at Riverside Lanes in Mt. Vernon on Friday, January 17, then to 20th Century Bowl in Bellingham to play Squalicum on Tuesday, January 21.
Bellingham named “Fan Zone” city for upcoming 2026 World Cup
While Pacific Northwest soccer fans have been preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to commence across North America, Whatcom County soccer fans can be especially excited after the city of Bellingham was named one of nine “Fan Zone” cities in Washington State.
Bellingham mayor Kim Lund joined a group of Washington mayors, representatives from FIFA and other elected officials for an announcement ceremony at Lumen Field in Seattle on January 14.
The 2026 World Cup will be held at stadiums across the U.S., Mexico and Canada – including Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. – and is expected to bring 750,000 fans to the Pacific Northwest for a slate of summer games.
Situated right between Seattle’s Lumen Field and Vancouver’s BC Place, Bellingham was named an official “Fan Zone,” meaning the six games played at Lumen Field (including a match featuring Team USA scheduled for June 19, 2026) will be broadcast at watch parties in businesses and venues across Bellingham.
Partnering with the Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026 organizing committee, Port of Bellingham and Visit Bellingham, the city is now fully underway on preparations before one of the biggest sporting events in the world comes to town.
“We’re leveraging this moment to grow economic opportunities for local businesses, spur legacy projects that will benefit our community for years to come, and to showcase our city as a perennial destination for visitors,” said Melissa Morin, communications director for the city of Bellingham.
Other fan zones around the state include Bremerton, Everett, Olympia, Tri-Cities, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver and Yakima. The organizing committee is working with broadcaster FOX 13 Seattle to support the fan zones, which may feature live entertainment, interactive fan attractions and more.
Vancouver will host seven World Cup games at BC Place, starting on June 13, 2026, and will host two games featuring the Canadian national team on June 18 and 24, 2026.
The final World Cup game in Vancouver will be a round of 16 game on July 7, 2026. Seattle will host six World Cup games, starting on June 15, 2026. The final World Cup game at Lumen Field will be a round of 16 game on July 6.
s Senior Brie Smith goes up for a layup in the first half of Blaine’s 5615 loss to Lynden Christian on January 10.
Photo by Nolan Baker
From Seoul to the shore: Hun Hur brings fresh energy to Bay Breeze
B y Z e N h ill
Birch Bay’s lone waterfront restaurant is an attraction like no other. Bay Breeze opened in 2018 and is a fish and American cuisine restaurant nestled on the sandy beach of Birch Bay.
Last February, Hun Hur traveled from South Korea to become the new manager of Bay Breeze, his family’s business. The building itself has been owned by Hur’s wife’s family since 1991.
When Hur took over the restaurant, he brought on a new kitchen staff including head chef, Jeremy Kiens, who has spent over
20 years as a chef in Chicago and Washington state.
“I interviewed maybe 10 more people before I met him, but the day I met him I hired him,” Hur said. “It has been my most important decision so far.”
Hur has had to make many decisions as the manager of Bay Breeze. The restaurant closed on January 1 for renovations and menu changes but will reopen on Saturday, January 18.
“We’re addressing chronic issues caused by the building’s age,” Hur said.
Popular items like the parmesan herb-crusted rockfish and the
fish and chips will remain on the menu with small changes surrounding them.
“I want to make a menu that has classic food with a little Asian touch,” Hur said.
When Hur went to Korea University, he initially followed a path set by his parents to become a doctor. But when he met college peers chasing their dreams, he decided to explore other opportunities.
After graduating in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, Hur had still not found the dream he was chasing. He and his wife then
worked on a women’s clothing brand until 2023.
Now Hur manages the popular restaurant in Birch Bay, a community he finds much more peaceful compared to Seoul.
Bay Breeze supports the local community by sourcing its fish from Lummi Seafood Market, bread from Anna’s @BreadinBlaine, and vegetables from MicroLife Gardens and Spotted Owl Farm.
“We love fresh ingredients,” Hur said. “We believe fresh ingredients make great dishes.”
Hur has also made it a focus for Bay Breeze to participate in local events such as Bellingham SeaF-
More than Just a Bite: Meet Monte Landucci
nection to Tony Andrews, the former owner of Tony’s Just a Bite.
There’s something comforting about a classic American diner.
Trinkets and signs line the walls of Monte’s Just a Bite, where owner Monte Landucci has filled the small restaurant with love and appreciation for his customers.
When Landucci moved to Blaine over 12 years ago, he re-entered the restaurant scene after growing up around the industry in San Diego. While working at various joints like the former Big Al’s Diner, Landucci made a con-
When Andrews was ready to leave the location on Peace Portal Drive, Landucci took over as the owner on November 1, 2021.
“I was good at what I did. I could run a kitchen like a mad man but then this offer came along,” Landucci said. “He and I had been in negotiation for about four and a half months or so before I finally said OK let’s do it.”
Before moving to Blaine, Landucci was a utility worker in Arizona. His mother moved up to the area in her waning years,
so Landucci followed her in the summer of 2012. His mother passed away a year later.
“I didn’t plan on staying around,” Landucci said. “I went to Germany for a few years and then came back out here and … I got into the restaurant industry again.”
Today, Landucci realizes the restaurant business is not one you enter to make money. The National Restaurant Association reported that 38 percent of the association’s restaurant operators were not profitable in 2024.
But money is not the only reward of owning a restaurant.
east, held last October.
By connecting his business to the locals of Birch Bay, Hur hopes the restaurant can welcome regular customers into its doors.
“I believe the core of a restaurant lies in its taste and service,” Hur said. “I aim to be recognized as a restaurant that stays true to its fundamentals.”
Restaurant recommendation: Hur recommends that readers try the “My Family’s KFC Sandwich,” a Korean fried chicken sandwich. This article is part of a new series in The Northern Light highlighting Blaine and Birch Bay restaurants.
“We have the best people,” Landucci said. “These people come in here and they care.”
Catering to everyone who walks through his door has been one of Landucci’s biggest focuses. For a while, the restaurant only accepted cash payments, but to better serve his customers from north of the border, he started accepting more forms of payment.
“I wanted to make it more feasible for them,” Landucci said.
Now, three years after taking over the location, Landucci and his staff have practiced their goals of running a successful restaurant.
“It’s not about me making
money or them having a job. It’s about, ‘Are we doing a good job?’” Landucci said. “Your customers are number one, always number one. I mean even Gordon Ramsay would tell you that.”
Along with their friendly customer service, the menu features all-American breakfast items like omelets and waffles.
Restaurant recommendation: A dish that Landucci wants everyone to try at Monte’s Just a Bite is the corned beef hash, made in-house.
This article is part of a new series in The Northern Light highlighting
and Birch Bay restaurants.
Blaine
s Hun Hur stands inside Bay Breeze in Birch Bay on January 10. Hur has managed the restaurant since moving to Birch Bay from South Korea in early 2024.
Photo by Zen Hill
s Bay Breeze's "My Family's KFC Sandwich,” a Korean fried chicken sandwich.
Photo courtesy of Hun Hur
s Monte Landucci, his wife Shiloh Lehn and his daughter Olivia Landucci gather inside of Monte's Just a Bite on Saturday, January 11 in Blaine. Landucci has owned Monte's Just a Bite since November of 2021.
Photo by Zen Hill
s A plate of potatoes and eggs benedict at Monte’s Just a Bite.
Photo courtesy of Monte Landucci
ADVICE FROM THE PROS
Mary and Gary Gibb
360-734-9700
Q: When is a good time to consider a new hot water heater?
A: When considering whether it’s time for a new hot water heater, look for several key indicators.
First, if your unit is over 10-15 years old, it may be nearing the end of its lifespan. Frequent repairs, such as leaks or inconsistent water temperature, can also signal the need for a replacement. Additionally, if you notice rusty or discolored water, it could indicate corrosion inside the tank. Rising energy bills may suggest that your heater is working harder than it should, which could be due to inefficiency. Energy rebates for more efficient units may be available, Gary’s team will assess this for you!
Lastly, if your hot water supply is consistently running out, it might be time to upgrade to a larger or more efficient model. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s wise to consult with a professional at Gary’s Plumbing and Heating to assess your situation and explore the best options for your home.
Give us a call today!
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4760 Pacific Hwy. Bellingham, WA 98226
Q: What are some simple wellness strategies I can do to live a healthier lifestyle in 2025?
A: Incorporating small daily habits can significantly improve health and well-being. Try these five:
1. Walking: A 10-minute walk boosts energy, strengthens the body, and reduces stress.
2. Breath Work: Practice deep breathing (4 seconds in, 7 seconds hold, 8 seconds out) for 5 cycles to reduce anxiety and improve sleep.
3. Hydration: Drink 8 glasses of water daily for optimal hydration.
4. Balanced Nutrition: Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains, limiting sweets, to fuel the body and support immune function.
5. Random Acts of Kindness: Performing kind gestures creates a sense of purpose and fosters social connection.
Adopting these small habits each day will boost energy, reduce stress and improve over-all well being.
8097 Harborview Road Birch Bay, WA 98230 360-371-3888 • www.7elements.life
Deka Wiebusch
Q: What should buyers know when inventory is low?
A: In a low-inventory market, preparation and flexibility are key. Start by getting pre-approved with a local lender your realtor trusts and has experience working with—this can make the process smoother and your offer stronger. Be ready to act quickly when the right home comes along and consider broadening your search to include different neighborhoods or property types. Working with an experienced agent is essential— they can help you identify opportunities, craft competitive offers, and navigate the fast-moving market. Staying patient and focused on your priorities will help you find the right home, even when options are limited.
Q: How much can I contribute to my retirement accounts in 2025 with the new “Super” catch-up?
A: For those who participate in 401(k), 403(b) and most 457 plans, the contribution limits for employees in 2025 is $23,500, with an additional $7,500 catch up contribution for those individuals 50 and older. Additionally, these plans now have a “Super” catch-up contribution for participants ages 60-63 for a total contribution limit of $34,750. Traditional IRA and Roth IRA contribution limits are $7,000 with an additional $1,000 catch up contribution. Keep in mind there are income phase-out limits for both IRA and Roth eligibility. Simple IRA participants can contribute up to $16,500 in 2025 with a $3,500 catch-up contribution for 50 years old and older. The new “Super” catch-up also applies to Simple IRA’s for participants ages 60-63 for a total contribution of $21,750. Find a CFP® to work with if you need help with retirement limits and rules this year. Skyline Advisors is happy to help with those needs.
Natalie Milligan, MPT, MS
Blaine’s Liam Kapeikis heads to U.S. Figure Skating Championships
B y Z e N h ill
Team USA figure skater Liam Kapeikis, 20, of Blaine, is perfecting his quadruple jump before heading to the 2025 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas January 20-26.
Kapeikis has been practicing at the Richmond Olympic Oval in Richmond, B.C. with his coach Keegan Murphy to regain momentum after last year’s championship. In the 2024 U.S. Championships, Kapeikis placed 13th, his worst finish at the senior level in a national championship.
“The last couple seasons have not been the best, and that’s just been due to a lack of consistency,” Kapeikis said. “I had to start adding in these harder elements that make the whole package much harder.”
Adding quadruple jumps into his rotation has been a change Kapeikis has made over the last couple of seasons.
“A couple years ago, I was doing a lot of clean programs and winning a lot with easier elements,” Kapeikis said. “But with those elements, I would not be able to continue pushing forward and win even bigger competitions.”
His best finish in a U.S. Figure Skating Championship came in 2022 when he placed 7th in his senior debut. The placement came after Kapeikis had hit a rough patch in his skating career due to the pandemic and a loss of motivation.
“I was either going to quit or come back and skate and work 10 times harder. So I came back,” Kapeikis said. “I worked 10 times harder and then got nationals.”
In a sport where you are judged by your mistakes there can be overwhelming pressure on skaters. Murphy has trained the body and mind of Kapeikis in order to compete on the national stage.
“It’s going to be messy and sweaty. Some things are going to hurt sometimes and being OK with that allows the training and the progress to really take place,” Murphy said. “Every high-performance athlete wants to nail it every day, all the time. But of course that’s not realistic.”
“I’m not necessarily in a position where it’s obvious that I would go to the Olympics, but I’m not in a position where it’s completely out of the picture,” Liam Kapeikis said
Growing up in Wenatchee, Kapeikis began skating at two and wanted to play hockey. When hockey didn’t seem to be in the cards for his size, he ended up taking to the family sport: figure skating.
His mother Louise and father Paul are both figure skating coaches who both worked for Disney on Ice. Louise is a Skate Canada and U.S. Figure Skating coach with 30 years of experience who works at the Connaught Skating Club in Richmond, B.C. Paul works for the Wenatchee Figure Skating Club and has over 35 years of coaching experience.
“The first 15 years of my
skating career, both my parents played the roles of coaches,” Kapeikis said. “That becomes very hard because they need to be coaches at the rink and parents at home.”
Through their guidance, Kapeikis has raised himself into one of the highest competitive groups in U.S. figure skating. He’s competed alongside Olympians at competitions like the 2022 U.S. National Championship in Nashville, where they were selecting athletes for the Winter Olympics that year in Beijing.
“Being able to be on the ice with athletes going to the Olympics is extremely motivating,” Kapeikis said. “It makes it so clear what the path is. You can see where you want to be when you’re out there with those skaters.”
At the Richmond Olympic Oval, Kapeikis shares the ice with other highly talented skaters. He is the only skater going to the U.S. nationals this year, but eight skaters he trains with qualified for the Canadian National Skating Championships.
For Kapeikis, his goal is to be the best he can – which means going to the Olympics.
“I’m not necessarily in a position where it’s obvious that I would go to the Olympics, but I’m not in a position where it’s completely out of the picture,” Kapeikis said.
In order to keep his name in the Olympics conversation, he will have to perform well at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
“I feel good,” Murphy said. “I feel like we’re peaking at the right moment.”
If Kapeikis cannot make the 2026 Olympics in Italy, he plans
finished 13th in last year’s nationals.
on sharpening his blades and skills for
2030.
Kapeikis will compete at the senior men’s short program on Saturday, January 25 and the senior men’s free skate on Sunday,
January 26. All championship and junior-level events will be livestreamed on Peacock.
“I want to prove that I am still a contender for the coming Olympics,” Kapeikis said.
s Liam Kapeikis skates at the 2024 U.S. Championships in Columbus, Ohio. Kapeikis
Photo by Melanie Heaney/courtesy of U.S. Figure Skating
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: PATSY RUTH STEVENS, Deceased. No. 24-4-01037-37 NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge EVAN JONES.
The Person named below has been appointed 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 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 claims against both of the decedents’ probate and nonprobate assets.
Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: January 2, 2025, with the Clerk of Court
Date of First Publication: January 2, 2025
Name of Administrator: Douglas Allen Reynolds
Attorney for Personal Representative: Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339
Address for Mailing or Service: True North Legal Services, PLLC PO Box 934, Bellingham, WA 98227
P: (360) 639-3393
E: Genissa@truenorthlegalservices.com
DATED: December 20, 2024
True North Legal Services, PLLC Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339
Attorney for Administrator: Douglas Allen Reynolds
Published in The Northern Light January 2, 2025, January 9, 2025, & January 16, 2025.
Superior Court of Washington For Whatcom County No. 24-2-01973-37
JACK WONG, an individual; and DARRYL CHEN, an individual, Plaintiffs, vs. PENG XIE, an individual, Defendant. The State of Washington to PENG XIE: You are hereby summoned to appear within sixty days after the date of the first publication of this summons, to wit, within sixty days after the 2nd day of January 2025, and defend
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: January 16, 2025
Personal Representative: Walter Johannes Boyd 249 W Jackson St. #376 Haywood, CA 94544
Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In the matter of the Estate of BONNIE SUE RENNECKE, Deceased. No. 244-01137-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030) Judge Evan P. Jones
WILFRED RENNECKE has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above estate. Any person having a claim against the deceased BONNIE SUE RENNECKE must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner provided by 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 have commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative 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 this notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim will be forever barred except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 or 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the probate and nonprobate assets of the Decedent.
DATE OF FILING OF NOTICE TO CREDITORS WITH CLERK OF THE COURT: December 20, 2024
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: WILFRED RENNECKE
ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Mark W. Stowe, WSBA #16655
ADDRESS FOR MAILING OR SERVICE: Mark W. Stowe, Attorney Stowe Law PLLC 276 Boundary Bay Road P.O. Box 129 Point Roberts, WA 98281 Phone: (360) 945-0337
Email:stowelawpllc@outlook.com
DATED this 20th day of December 2024. STOWE LAW PLLC: Mark W. Stowe, WSBA# 16655
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. 25-4-00008-37
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Blaine book club: “The Cat Who Saved Books”
B y J o N atha N J ako B it Z
“The Cat Who Saved Books,” a translated work by author Sosuke Natsukawa, uses magical realism to reflect on the role of literature for the greater good of society. Natsukawa deftly blends realism and the fantastical to create an endearing story about finding new meaning in life after loss.
Rintaro Natsuki’s grandfather has passed away. Left alone to manage the family business, a secondhand bookstore called Natsuki Books, Rintaro stops attending high school classes to work and keep the store running. Complicating his grief, Rintaro is faced by the need to close his grandfather’s business and move in with his aunt. Here our straightforward story takes a hard turn into the surreal, as a talking cat enters the store entreating Rintaro for help, and soon they embark on various quests to save books.
Each adventure is a labyrinthine journey wherein Natsuki must help the cat, Tiger the Tabby, overcome a series of foes: an “imprisoner of books,” a “mutilator of books” and a “seller of books.” Natsukawa uses fantastical adventure to probe at deeper ontological concerns of books and literature. Is reading for the accumulation of knowledge alone a worthwhile pursuit? Is condensing literature into easi-
ly digestible summations a good thing, or does it devalue literature in some way? Should salability be the chief driving factor for what gets published, or is there a moral imperative to support good literature simply for the great good of us all?
“The Cat Who Saved Books” is a fantastical, fun and cozy romp that also wades deeply into some larger philosophical pools. It should appeal to readers of magical realism, stories about books and Japanese literature. Visit wcls.org to find “The Cat Who Saved Books” and other similarly themed stories.
“The Cat Who Saved Books” is the January selection for the Books and Bites book group. Join Books and Bites at the Blaine Public Library at 1 p.m. Friday, January 17 for a time of community and lively conversation. For more information, visit bit.ly/3YoVC2d.
Jonathan Jakobitz is an avid reader and the branch manager of the Blaine Public Library.
Op-Ed: Recreation is a key way to build community in Blaine, Birch Bay
B y D ale
M aso N -N ewell
a ND l a l a N i p itts
It is well-known that exercise is important for both physical and mental health. Being active affects our weight, blood pressure, stamina, moods and sense of wellbeing. But have you ever considered recreation as a key for developing a sense of community? That is one of the primary benefits of recreation, and that could not be more true for people who partake in all that Blaine-Birch Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2) has to offer. Playing pickleball both indoors and outdoors for the past year has given us so much joy. Neither of us had played pickleball before, and we were each at new crossroads in our lives. Dale had moved to the area to pursue a venture that was not feasible anymore due to Covid-19 restrictions, and LaLani had just retired from 40 years of teaching. We didn’t know each other until we both showed up at the gym
to find out what this pickleball craze was all about.
In the last year, our lives and our circle of friends have grown exponentially. We have learned so much about pickleball and have become doubles partners, even playing in some local tournaments. But the thing that astounds both of us is how much we have grown to love our community as a result of playing the sport.
As we sit on the bench or at the picnic tables waiting for the next game, we strike up conversations with people we would never have met otherwise. There is such a diverse group of ages, athletic abilities and world experiences. The atmosphere is so welcoming. We cheer for each other’s good shots and, in good nature, jeer each other for the poor shots. People frequently refer to each other as members of their pickleball family.
We support each other off of the courts as well. We show up for each other as we celebrate birthdays, births, graduations, deaths, illness, new homes – all
OBITUARIES
Kevin Patrick Bianchi
May 5, 1973 – October 20, 2024
Kevin Patrick Bianchi was born in Mount Vernon, WA on May 5, 1973 and chosen, through adoption, by Stan and Sue Bianchi to be their second son. He was raised in Blaine and attended Blaine schools, graduating high school in 1991. Kevin was a scrawny, tiny baby who fought ear infections, asthma, and allergies in his early years. By 8th grade he cooly resembled Michael Jackson and grew from a teenage boy to a larger-than-life big man with a great big heart. Those who knew him growing up in Blaine remember a sweet boy—a kind and caring kid who lost his mother, Sue Bianchi, to cancer in 1993 forever changing the path that would be his very short life.
After graduation, Kevin worked in the food and beverage industry – working at the Olive Garden in Bellingham for many years where he met many of his closest and dearest lifelong friends. Kevin worked hard – leaving a legacy of love and lives intertwined; touched by his ability to encourage, serve, and inspire. His friends recall that Kevin had a way of jumping right into the middle of things and lightening the mood when things were tough. He was happy always with a great attitude and was someone you wanted on your team.
Kevin also attended the Art Institute of Vancouver where he pursued his love of drawing. He was a talented artist and was obsessed with superheroes. As he got older, he would draw the characters he’d housed in his imagination. While his characters were otherworldly, they were also relatable. They were passionate, complex, larger than life, and soulful. They were representations of his inner hero. Kevin’s superpower was his passion, kindness, and love for others. He was all heart. People who took the time to get to know Kevin found an immediate connection with him and often a lifelong friend.
When Kevin met Monica in 2004 he gained more love and family than he could have ever imagined, and Monica gained immense love because Kevin loved Monica as much as anyone could love another. They were married in 2010, eventually moving to Victoria, B.C. to be closer to care for Monica’s parents and Kevin worked for the provincial B.C. government.
Kevin learned he had pancreatic cancer in October 2023. It was a difficult battle and only made bearable by the love and support of his incredible warrior wife, Monica. Kevin passed away in the early morning hours of October 20, 2024 surrounded by family and friends. In the months leading up to his passing, Kevin was fortunate to spend time with dozens of dear friends and family from around the globe. It would be impractical to mention all of them, it was this amazing entourage of visitors who sustained Kevin – supported Monica – and was a testament to the love and caring Kevin had for the people in his life.
Kevin was greeted at the gates of heaven by his mother Sue and his papa Pat. He is survived by the incredible Punni family who accepted and loved him as a son; his fiercely loyal brothers Mike (Laurie) and Scott (Jo); step-brother CJ (Katherine); and his most devoted and loving father, Stan (Kathy).
of the things that make up a life.
Pickleball has become our passion, and we have been given a large community of people who have become friends through playing it.
BBBPRD has so many more opportunities to find a community of like-minded people who share your passions. One of our favorite things is to come out of pickleball on a Saturday to see 40 kids waiting to practice soccer or have a Nerf battle. My neighbor loves the benefits she gets from the stretching classes. Many of the people who play pickleball also take Zumba classes and participate in line dancing.
No matter what activity is happening at the recreation center, the people entering and exiting are excitedly talking to each other. So don’t just consider exercise for the benefits to your physical and mental health. Know that in Blaine and Birch Bay, being a part of the recreational program will help you feel connected to your community, and that is something our world needs right now.
Cancer sucks and Kevin would be honest and tell you this, but he would also remind you, “The best place to be is here and the best time is now – be excellent to each other.”
Donations can be made in Kevin’s name to the Blaine Food Bank, 500 C Street, Blaine, WA 98230.
Arrest ...
From previous page
her, according to the APC.
The night of the arrest, Lingle had attempted to call the victim 18 times and visited the apartment multiple times. According to the APC, the victim told police Lingle had “threatened to engage in suicide by cop” in front of her while at work. Court documents stated that Lingle owned over 100 firearms, had military training and said he would “go down fighting.”
The arrest was deemed a domestic violence incident, and
Lingle was ordered to abide by a no-contact order for the victim. As part of the no-contact order, Lingle was ordered to surrender all firearms and surrender his concealed pistol license to the Bellingham Police Department.
Lingle was released from Whatcom County Jail on December 31, 2024 after posting a $35,000 appearance bond.
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. Lummi Victims of Crime has a 24-hour helpline at 360/312-2015.
s Blaine library branch manager Jonathan Jakobitz holds “The Cat Who Saved Books.” Courtesy photo
s Pickleball players compete in a tournament at the Birch Bay Activity Center. Photo courtesy of BBBPRD2
sheriff’s repOrts
January 3, 1:42 p.m.: Trouble with subject on Memory Lane.
January 3, 9:48 p.m.: Shots on Birch Bay Lynden Road.
January 4, 10:15 a.m.: Drugs cold call on Harbor Drive.
January 4, 11:39 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Semiahmoo Drive.
January 4, 8:38 p.m.: Theft cold call on Percie Road.
January 5, 2:55 a.m.: Noise cold call on Anchor Parkway.
January 5, 6:09 p.m.: Trespass cold call on W. Badger Road.
January 6, 12:02 a.m.: Burglary on Morgan Drive.
January 6, 7:34 a.m.: Hit and run arrest on Bridge Way.
January 6, 10:46 a.m.: Theft cold call on Birch Bay Drive.
January 6, 9:01 p.m.: Traffic stop arrest on Blaine Road.
January 7, 9:15 a.m.: Moving vehicle accident injury on Harborview Road.
January 7, 11:34 a.m.: Civil problem on Birch Bay Drive.
January 7, 8:59 p.m.: Sex crime no rape cold call on Leeside Drive.
January 8, 8:22 a.m.: Domestic physical on Salish Lane.
January 8, 8:17 a.m.: Vehicle theft cold call on Birch Bay Lynden Road.
January 8, 2:44 p.m.: DUI arrest on Loomis Trail Road.
January 8, 7:08 p.m.: Vehicle theft cold call on Valley View Road.
January 9, 2:36 a.m.: Shots on Loomis Trail Road.
January 9, 10:43 a.m.: Shots on Birch Bay Lynden Road.
January 9, 3:09 p.m.: Threat cold call on Harborview Road.
January 9, 3:21 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Birch Bay Lynden Road.
pOLiCe repOrts
January 4, 9:08 a.m.: Vandalism on H Street.
January 4, 5:00 p.m.: Theft on Boblett Street.
January 4, 5:59 p.m.: Burglary on Harrison Avenue.
January 5, 9:03 a.m.: Vehicle theft on B Street.
January 5, 4:50 p.m.: Overdose on Harrison Avenue.
January 6, 12:11 a.m.: Suicidal subject on Kingsley Avenue.
January 6, 4:24 p.m.: Vandalism on Peace Portal Drive.
January 6, 4:33 p.m.: Sex crime no rape on B Street.
CrOssWOrd
ACROSS
1. This regulates cortisol production (abbr.)
5. People of northern Vietnam 8. Employee stock ownership plan
12. Regions 14. The center of a city 15. Hindu serpentine deity 16. Roared 18. Sun up in New York
47. Substance in which magnetic moments are not aligned
49. Actor Idris 50. I (German) 51. Taxes
56. Indonesian island
57. Nuisance (slang) 58. Shawl 59. Digits 60. Moved on foot quickly 61. “For goodness __”
62. Facial body part 63. Russian river 64. Urinates DOWN
1. Partner to “oohs” 2. Scaly water dweller 3. Pueblo people of New Mexico 4. Music producer Teo 5. Greek mythological goddess
6. Got together to discuss 7. Acquires 8. Involve 9. Some are tomato-based 10. Old Irish alphabets 11. A sheet of glass in a window or door 13. Blood poisoning 17. A moon of Saturn 24. Neither 25. Sums 26. They follow “A” 27. Satisfaction
28. People of southeastern Burma 29. Small amount 35. Guy (slang) 36. Sound unit 37. Midway between northeast and east 38. Affirmative 40. Almost at the top
41. Extremely slow 42. Pearl Jam’s debut album 43. Influential mid-century playwright 44. Martens 45. Approval
Coming up
Garden Design 101: Thursdays, January 16, 23 and 30, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Discuss how to look at your yard as if you were a landscape designer. Especially important for placement of fruit bearing trees, bushes and vines. Considerations for placement of vegetable gardens. Talk about your overall yard including hardscape assessments, materials use, integration with your home and/or views, sunlight observations, air flow and other major landscaping decisions. Free. Info on each session at nwcore.org.
Books and Bites: Friday, January 17, 1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. January title: The Cat Who Saved Books by Sosuke Natsukawa. Info: Kelly at 360/305-3637.
Family Movie Night: Friday, January 17, 7 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Playing a family-friendly movie. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and watch the movie on the big screen. Free popcorn. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
January 7, 1:27 p.m.: Sex crime no rape on H Street.
January 7. 5:29 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Peace Portal Drive.
January 8, 5:56 p.m.: Vandalism on Peace Portal Drive.
January 9, 8:56 a.m.: Trouble with subject on Peace Portal Drive.
January 9, 12:31 p.m.: Burglary on Marine Drive.
January 9, 11:15 p.m.: Runaway on A Street.
January 10, 8:36 a.m.: Drugs on F Street.
47. Dallas-adjacent Texas city
48. African nation
49. Dark brown or black
52. A place to get caught
53. Large-headed, elongated fish
54. Type of sword
55. Scottish tax or levy
tides
January 16 - 22 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
Collage and Conversation: Saturday, January 18, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Get hands-on practice working on a small collage project to take home. Sam Walling leads and will share some of the tips and techniques he’s learned and some common and uncommon tools he uses. Info: wcls.org.
Creative Writing Workshop: Saturday, January 18, 1–3 p.m, Blaine Art Gallery, 922 Peace Portal Drive. Join Keren Taylor for a free creative writing workshop for ages 13+. Explore your imagination with harbor views, exceptional gallery art, and books, plus receive a gift journal. No experience needed, just inspiration. Registration: Bit.ly/writingworkshopJan18.
Fairy Garden Workshop Series: Saturday, January 18 and February 15, 2–4 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Create a fairy house, craft accessories and fairy pot. Ages 8+. $2025 per person. Info and registration: bbbparkandrec.org.
Bellingham Winter Wedding Show: Sunday, January 19, 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Mount Baker Theater, 104 North Commercial Street, Bellingham. Connect with over 30 of Western Washington’s top wedding vendors. Tickets: $12 at mountbakertheatre.com.
Supper with the Superintendent: Tuesday, January 21, 6 p.m., Blaine School District boardroom, 770 Mitchell Avenue. The community is invited to a questions and answer meeting with Blaine school district superintendent Dr. Christopher Granger. Light meal provided. Info: blainesd.org.
Winter Soil, Extending the Growing Season: Wednesday, January 22, 3–5 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. What effect has winter had on your garden soil? What plants continue to be able to be harvested during the winter? Moving on to simple hoop house construction to get a jump on the growing season (see Jan. 25 for Seed Sprouting as an accessory class). Free. Info: nwcore.org.
Live Music at CTK Blaine: Friday, November 24, 6 p.m., CTK Blaine, 674 Peace Portal Drive. Featuring John Van Deusen and R. Turmer. Tickets: $10 in advance at bit.ly/40zgVPz or $15 at the door.
“A Journey of Hope and Healing”: Thursdays, January 23–February 27, 1–2:30 p.m., Blaine United Church of Christ, 815 4th Street. Six-week grief series, co-led by two Whatcom Hospice bereavement caregivers, covers many dimensions of grief, including the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual. Limited to 10 participants. Questions and registration: 360/788-6690 email WhatcomHospiceGrief@peacehealth.org.
“Time to Play” Movie Screening, Potluck and Discussion: Friday, January 24, 5 p.m., Trinity Church, 1880 APA Road, Point Roberts. View the film by Kim Hunter, a childhood teacher who will discuss issues around child development and the needs of today’s children. Potluck at 5 p.m., screening and discussion to follow at 6 p.m. Bring a dish to complement the pasta dinner being served. Parents, grandparents and educators are encouraged to come for an uplifting conversation. Info: dailyplanetamazon1@ yahoo.com.
Seed Sprouting/Starting: Saturday, January 25, 9:30–11:30 a.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Start thinking about getting vegetables started including how many seeds, types, when to start, how to transplant and more. Plus growing sprouts in your kitchen, Tips, tricks and growing tables. Free. Info: nwcore.org.
Paint and Sip Hot Chocolate: Saturday, January 25, 5:30–7 p.m., L&L Bakery, 477 Peace Portal Drive. Paint a beautiful winter scene and enjoy delicious refreshments. Ages 8+. $30 per person. Info and registration: bbbparkandrec.org.
Orchids and Houseplants: Wednesday, January 29, 3–5 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Tips and tricks for getting your orchids blooming again. Plus an orchid dividing and repotting demonstration, slide presentation and “plant sale.” Bring a houseplant to trade. Learn about general information for indoor plant care, especially during the winter months. Free. Info: nwcore.org.
Ongoing
Weather
Precipitation: During the period of January 6 to 12, 0.6 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2025 year-to-date precipitation is 1.3 inches.
Temperature: High for the past week was 47.4°F on January 10, with a low of 30°F on January 7. Average high was 44.8°F and average low was 34.8°F.
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.
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.
Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to
recently dried up, and an increase in inflation and MSOC.
43.1 percent, despite more money going toward schools than before.
The Blaine school district highlighted three main areas where state funding is not meeting the growing demands: special education; materials, supplies and operating costs (MSOC); and transportation.
Since 2020, actual costs for special education exceeded state funds by $7.14 million, MSOC exceeded state funds by $16 million, and transportation costs exceeded state funds by $1.1 million. All told, funding gaps not covered by the state have equaled $24.2 million since 2020.
Don Leu, a former Blaine school board member, longtime educator and moderator of the town hall, said after the McCleary decision, new state law considered Blaine a “property rich” district. This has put Blaine in a tough position by capping how much local property tax it can collect, and the state is not making up the difference. That cap, combined with a drop in enrollment, means the district has lost $3 million in local levy funds it couldn’t collect.
“Blaine, unfortunately, is in a bit of a pinch here,” Leu said. “Students have high needs and lower resources.”
On January 8, a group of seven Whatcom County public school superintendents published an open letter asking for additional state funding, citing growing gaps, a need for continued pandemic recovery funds that have
According to the Washington Association of School Administrators, the costs to keep a school district functioning have increased dramatically in recent years. Expenses like diesel fuel for buses, insurance premiums, electricity and other utility costs have skyrocketed since the pandemic, and the state continues to not foot the bill.
In Blaine, MSOC hit a high of $7.3 million in 2023, while state funding has hovered around $2.6 million since 2020. The district has had to cover the remainder.
Jodi Greene, a nurse at the Blaine school district, spoke to the town hall about how budget cuts have made her job providing health care services to over 2,000 students harder, while the state only pays for half of the daily cost of nurses.
“It’s an uphill battle to meet the needs of students’ health and safety in the school environment,” Greene said. “These needs will only continue to grow if school districts do not receive adequate financial support from our state.”
Shawna Rouse, a math teacher at Blaine High School, spoke about how the school’s intensified math curriculum improved test scores before it was curtailed due to budget shortfalls.
“The past two years have been some of the most challenging I have ever seen,” Rouse said. “Budget cuts have affected every teacher, every program and every student in our district. We’ve lost talented staff, vital programs and
critical resources.”
Ruby Belarmino, an eighth grader at Blaine Middle School, said she had always wanted to learn Spanish, but didn’t have the option as Blaine doesn’t have a middle school language curriculum. She’s learning Spanish using the Duolingo app to prepare for high school.
These stories were shared with the state legislators, who seemed eager, but cautiously optimistic, about attempting to fundamentally change how the state funds K-12 education in the upcoming legislative session.
Representative Rule, who has children attending Blaine school district, said the legislators at the town hall were ready to get to work on solving the funding problem.
“We’re in. We’re so in,” Rule said, speaking on behalf of the other two legislators. “As a mother of this community, I see you. This is us.”
Senator Shewmake said she was moved by the stories and urged the public to continue to lobby the state with the same personal overtures shared at the town hall.
“When you give clear stories that are easy to tell, it’s really powerful because that’s what politics does,” Shewmake said. “Those stories that cut through the noise are really awesome, so please do email us.”
The 42nd district legislators said there will certainly be hurdles to find new funding for public schools, including cutting other parts of the state budget and creating new revenue streams.
The legislators encouraged
people to write letters to state legislators with seats of power on budget committees, including chairman of the House appropriations committee Timm Ormsby (D-Spokane), chairman of the House education committee Steve Bergquist (D-Renton), and chair of the Senate ways and means committee June Robinson (D-Everett). Fund Schools Now organizers asked people seeking information on letter-writing campaigns to go to fundblaineschoolsnow.com or email fundblaineschoolsnow@gmail.com
s Blaine school district nurse Jodi Greene speaks about the intense workload for the remaining health staff after two consecutive years of budget cuts at a town hall meeting on school funding at Blaine Middle School January 7.
Photo by Nolan Baker
s 42nd district state legislators, from l., Senator Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham), representatives Joe Timmons (D-Bellingham) and Alicia Rule (D-Blaine) speak to a crowd of hundreds attending the school funding town hall meeting.
