Motorcyclist sentenced for fatal Blaine Road crash
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A 25-year-old Blaine man was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to his role in a fatal car crash on Blaine Road in March 2023 that killed 33-yearold Ashleigh Nicole Woodward and severely injured her teenage daughter.
Colby Jon Gunderson, 25, of Blaine, pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide, vehicular assault and hit-and-run felonies during a plea and sentencing hearing on Feb. 10 in Whatcom County Superior Court. Judge Evan Jones sentenced Gunderson to five years in prison and 1.5 years of parole, which went above the recommendation of two years in prison that the state and defense had agreed upon.
Jones sentenced Gunderson to concurrently serve 3.4 years in prison for vehicular homicide, one year for vehicular assault and five years for the hit-and-run. Each sentence was the highest length within the standard sentencing range for Gunderson’s charges and criminal history, according to superior court records.
On the evening of March 7, 2023, Woodward was driving her 2007 Mazda southbound on Blaine Road with her then-13-year-old daughter, Sienna, in the passenger seat. Witnesses described a motorcyclist, later identified as Gunderson, driving “erratically” as he weaved through southbound traffic on the two-lane road, according to the Washington State Patrol (WSP) investigation.
Woodward was coming up to the intersection of Drayton Harbor Road, near Bens Market, when Gunderson attempted to pass her. An oncoming vehicle began approaching Gunderson as he was left of Woodward, causing him to move into her lane. Woodward moved to the right to make room, but then overcorrected, swerving to the left in front of Gunderson and striking two concrete barriers, according to WSP.
WSP’s initial investigation determined
(See Sentencing, page 5)
Dozens of Blaine students attend ICE walkout
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Dozens of Blaine students crowded four sidewalk corners along the U.S./Canada truck crossing, between U.S. Border Patrol’s Blaine station and the school district’s main campus on Feb. 12. The students, who had walked out of their afternoon classes to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, were joined by a handful of counterprotesters, a few adults and police monitoring from afar.
But before the text messages spread and posters were hung in the girls bathroom, there was an abandoned 2000 Chevy Malibu found on the side of I-5, just north of the Custer rest area, with keys left on the driver’s seat.
Juan Gonzalez-Hernandez
Juan Gonzalez-Hernandez, 41, moved with his family from Mexico to the Skagit Valley as a teenager. He attended Mount Vernon High School and considered northwest Washington home, eventually rearing
Blaine Community Theater’s “Closer to Home” to take center stage
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Blaine Community Theater’s latest play, “Closer to Home,” is expected to fill Blaine High School’s theater with laughter, while sharing messages of honesty and authenticity during its debut performance Friday, February 20.
The play follows Alice Hansen, a 1940s magazine columnist who has made a name for herself writing about being
the ideal housewife in the countryside – except she’s actually a single woman in Brooklyn. Hansen’s career is quickly jeopardized when she’s required to host a World War II veteran for two weeks, requiring her to make up a life and hope others will go along with it.
“I want the audience to see Alice’s struggle with authenticity and maintaining the security that her job brings,” first-time director Faith Den Bleyker
said. “That’s something all of us experience. I want the audience to learn with Alice.”
Laura Williams-French, who serves both as playwright and supporting actor in the production, drew inspiration from the 1945 film “Christmas in Connecticut,” a romantic comedy about a magazine columnist who also lies about being
three children and other young children as if they were his own.
Family members described Gonzalez-Hernandez as a hard-working man who provided for his family. He had a job at a Bellingham insulation company and enjoyed helping an elderly man in Semiahmoo with household needs. Gonzalez-Hernandez volunteered at Blaine wrestling fundraisers and often left work early
(See Walkout, page 2)
Photo
to take his three children, two of whom have nonverbal autism, to speech therapy. He was looking for a Spanish-speaking church to attend, family said.
Gonzalez-Hernandez moved to Washington from Camargo, Tamaulipas, a city known for cartel violence near the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. After a trip visiting Mexico in 2005, Gonzalez-Hernandez had attempted to cross the U.S./Mexico border, but was caught and sent back to Mexico. He returned to the
U.S. the same day, family said.
On Feb. 3, nine days before the Blaine student walkout, Gonzalez-Hernandez was driving to work when Border Patrol stopped him on southbound I-5, near the Custer rest area. Gonzalez-Hernandez told family members that an undercover agent had followed him from Blaine before taking him to the Blaine Border Patrol station.
Blaine resident Marta Gallegos began receiving calls from Gonzalez-Hernandez’s family in Mexico who were worried about him after seeing missed messages from Blaine Border Patrol. Gallegos and her daughter, Abigail Gonzalez, went to Gonzalez-Hernandez’s work, only to find his employer had gone searching along I-5 for Gonzalez-Hernandez’s Chevy Malibu.
Gallegos hurried to the Blaine Border Patrol station to see if Gonzalez-Hernandez was there, but she said agents declined to disclose his location, citing safety reasons. She later found out he was detained there before being moved that afternoon to ICE’s Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma.
Aaron Pittman, special operations supervisor for Blaine Sector Border Patrol, wrote in an email to The Northern Light that he had prepared a response on Gonzalez-Hernandez’s detainment, but was unable to release it as he was awaiting approval from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Gallegos was able to call Gonzalez-Hernandez on Feb. 4 at the Tacoma detention facility but quickly lost contact, which she
believed was a result of him requesting a hearing in front of an immigration judge.
Gallegos submitted a bond payment request on Feb. 4 that was denied the next day. Soon after, Gallegos could no longer see Gonzalez-Hernandez’s location in the online database tracking detainees, despite later finding out that he was in Tacoma. She said she didn’t feel as if she was treated with respect and voiced concern that the system was purposefully made confusing with little resources.
“They say they’re not able to locate them in the system, even though they know they’re there,” Gallegos said. “It’s a shame because there are people who aren’t criminals, who are just working hard for their families, and they’re separating families.”
Most people detained by ICE have the ability to go before an immigration judge, but there is an exception for people placed in expedited removal. Examples of expedited removal include someone who has illegally reentered the U.S. after being removed, though U.S. law allows detainees with fears of persecution or torture in their home country to request a screening with an asylum officer.
The Executive Office for Immigration Review, the agency responsible for adjudicating immigration cases, has an online database that offers some case information, though not all cases are available. A search of Gonzalez-Hernandez’s information in the
(See Walkout, next page)
s Blaine high school and middle school students held an anti-ICE protest along the Pacific Highway truck crossing on Feb. 12. A handful of Blaine students also attended to show their support for ICE and law enforcement.
Photos by Grace McCarthy
Walkout ...
From previous page
database did not yield any results.
Three days after being stopped on his way to work, Gonzalez-Hernandez was shackled by his hands and feet and transported to Mexico, where he arrived on Feb. 6. Gonzalez-Hernandez told family about seeing a man maced in the detention center and being around many people who appeared unhealthy, Gallegos said.
“He’s never done anything to be treated like an animal or to be deported,” Gallegos said. “He went to high school here. He should have rights. He should be able to appeal, but he never got that opportunity.”
The Northern Light repeatedly attempted to contact an ICE spokesperson with questions regarding Gonzalez-Hernandez being held in ICE custody at the Northwest Detention Center, including whether Gonzalez-Hernandez requested a hearing before an immigration judge, why he was transported to Mexico and verification of the dates when he was in the agency’s custody.
An ICE spokesperson, who did not provide their name, responded, “You’ve reached ICE. Please reach out to CBP for a CBP arrest.”
Gallegos’s daughter, Gonzalez, said Gonzalez-Hernandez wasn’t able to get through a sentence describing his experience being detained without crying.
In an attempt to protect her 7-year-old brother, Junior, Gonzalez said she and her mother told him that Gonzalez-Hernandez was on a work trip.
“Every single day he was saying, ‘I miss dad. I miss dad. When is he going to come back?’” Gonzalez said. “The other night he said, ‘I think dad just doesn’t want to be here anymore. He just doesn’t want to come home.’”
Gonzalez-Hernandez’s employer has hired an attorney to try to fight the case. In the meantime, Gallegos said she’ll now need to rely on Gonzalez to help care for the younger children, including taking them to speech therapy
appointments.
Gonzalez began designing posters, reaching out to friends and sharing the word about an anti-ICE student walkout she was organizing for Feb. 12.
“I didn’t see anyone doing it,” Gonzalez said of a school protest.
“But when this happened, I finally got the courage to do it, even though it was scary.”
Student walkout
Dozens of Blaine high school and middle school students left their afternoon classes on Feb. 12 and positioned themselves with signs around the U.S./Canada truck crossing that read, “we are missing our lessons to teach you one,” “the only thing more powerful than hate is love” and “we are America together.” Gonzalez led chants, while students cheered loudly for honking drivers and booed drivers with expletives who didn’t support their message.
A handful of students formed their own counterprotest as a way to support ICE and the U.S., they said. The counterprotesters held their American flags high and displayed signs that read, “We support ICE. Deport them all.”
Some protesters would swarm and loudly berate their classmates who supported ICE, following the counterprotesters to find new areas to display their beliefs.
Junior Luke Berkeley said he was inspired to counterprotest because he wanted to support his country. He said he agreed that people should be able to move to the U.S., but it needed to be done legally, just as his parents had done when immigrating from Canada.
“We need to get rid of the illegals,” Berkeley said. “Not in a bad way, but getting rid of them so they’re not hurting our country.”
Berkeley said he was struggling to find a job in Blaine because the jobs were being taken by people who had illegally entered the country.
“Don’t let the illegals take over,” he said.
Other counterprotesters, who declined to be interviewed, said they wanted to support law enforcement and their ability to enforce the law.
About 30 minutes into the pro-
test, a woman showed up with a large Trump 2024 flag that she displayed while walking back and forth on the crosswalk. A group of protesters crowded the woman and shouted at her as she continued walking with her flag held high, which quickly led to an altercation.
The woman left the dispute and was followed by students as she walked over to Blaine police officers monitoring the protest. She continued to wave her Trump flag as Blaine officers took recounts of what happened.
Blaine Police Chief Rodger Funk said students reported the woman assaulted them, but after reviewing video, it appeared the woman’s flag was grabbed and any contact was incidental. Police later escorted the woman from the protest.
Many student protesters said they wanted to stand up for what they believed was right. Others said they wanted to be a voice for classmates who remained in class, scared their participation could affect their families at risk of being deported.
For eighth grade student Genesis Herrera, the walkout was a way to have a voice after unsuccessfully asking school counselors to organize an assembly sharing resources on national immigration policy changes.
“In our school, there are a lot of MAGA and pro-ICE students. There are students, when people try to speak up, who will say, ‘What ICE is doing is right,’” Herrera said. “I think students may be afraid of humiliation or to be embarrassed, and scared to reach out because their voices aren’t heard.”
Herrera said students have relied on each other and trusted educators to receive resources and process what they’re seeing in national news. Students are having conversations every day with their peers, which has led to some friendships ending, Herrera said.
“I have distanced myself from friends who support that stuff,” Herrera said. “It’s hard not to involve politics going to school every day. If you think about it, everything is political.”
Blaine Superintendent Dan Chaplik said while he preferred students stay in class, he understood their right and desire to speak on issues they felt strongly about. He said the district’s role is to help students solve their problems, not to be political.
“It is a challenging set of circumstances for everyone,” Chaplik said. “As a school system, we are neutral and we care about every student, regardless of their religion, race or political beliefs. We’re here to serve everyone in our community, so we help students engage in discussions about various things. But if we’re doing our job right, they don’t
know where we stand on issues, and that’s the way I believe it should be.”
As for Gonzalez, she said her classmates who attended the protest didn’t know about her family’s experience the week prior. The high school senior didn’t tell anyone before the protest, save for one friend and a wrestling coach, because she didn’t want to be pitied. But then her friend gave her some advice.
“My friend said, ‘What happened to Juan, that’s a story to tell,’” Gonzalez said. “It’s important for people to know. That’s why I’m sharing this, so more people can grasp what’s actually happening.”
Executive Coordinator
Birch Bay Village Community Club
$60,320 - $66,560
BBVCC is a large-scale community association adjacent to the city of Blaine, Washington. The Executive Coordinator provides administrative support to the General Manager, Assistant General Manager, Board of Directors and other committees. For job description, benefits summary and to apply, visit Prothman at www.prothman.com. Questions: 206-368-0050. BBVCC is an EOE. Apply by 3/1/26. (First review, open until filled.)
s Blaine senior Abigail Gonzalez and her mom Marta Gallegos at the Feb. 12 protest. Photo by Grace McCarthy
s Blaine students boo a driver showing opposition to their anti-ICE protest on Feb. 12.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
The Northern L ght
The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc.
Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors.
Letters Policy
The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. The letters to the editor column is primarily intended to allow readers to voice their opinions on local issues of general interest to local readers. A fresh viewpoint will increase the likelihood of publication. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Consumer complaints should be submitted directly to the business in question or the local chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com.
Publisher Kari Mar publisher@pointrobertspress.com
Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com
Reporter Nolan Baker nolan@pointrobertspress.com
Creative Services
Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman production@pointrobertspress.com
Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com
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General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com
Why we named student protesters OpiniOn
Last week, some students at Blaine High School and Blaine Middle School made the decision to leave their classrooms and participate in an organized protest of federal immigration enforcement actions. As a newsroom, we made the deliberate choice to publish the first and last names of the students who agreed to speak with us.
Journalism carries a responsibility to document history accurately and transparently. A public protest, held during school hours and covered openly, is a public act. When individuals choose to step into the civic arena — to lead chants, hold signs,
speak to reporters or organize peers — they are participating in the democratic process. Naming participants helps create a clear and reliable public record of that moment.
We also recognize that these are students, many of them minors. For that reason, we followed standard journalistic practice: We identified only those students who spoke with us directly and who understood they were speaking on the record. We did not publish names without consent, nor did we identify students who simply appeared in the crowd.
Including full names ensures accountability — both for the newspaper and for the story itself. Anonymous sourcing is sometimes necessary, but it should not be the default in public civic actions. By naming those willing to stand behind their words, we honor their agency and their courage to use their constitutional rights to speech and assembly.
Our role is not to advocate for or against a cause. It is to bear witness, document events truthfully and trust our readers with a complete and accurate account of what happened in our community.
Local birding: barrow’s goldeneye
Letters
The Editor:
For nearly a decade, I had the privilege of serving as PeaceHealth’s first Advance Care Planning (ACP) coordinator in its system.
When we began the ACP program, our goal was simple but profound: Help patients and families talk about what mattered most to them before a medical crisis forced difficult decisions.
Over time, PeaceHealth expanded this effort across Washington, Alaska and Oregon, embedding ACP coordinators in local communities and clinical teams. By any measure, the ACP program was an enormous success.
I was saddened to learn that all ACP positions have now been eliminated. This step represents more than a staffing reduction. It
marks the loss of a program that placed people’s voices and values at the center of care.
ACP was a tangible expression of PeaceHealth’s mission to treat the whole person, body and spirit. Its success was measured not in revenue, but in relieved families, clearer decisions and care aligned with what truly matters to patients.
Health systems face financial pressures, but compassion and clarity at life’s most vulnerable moments should never be considered expendable. I hope PeaceHealth leadership will pause to reflect on what is at risk when programs grounded in dignity and communication disappear.
Hilary Walker Deming
The Northern Light 229 Marine Drive
Blaine, WA 98230
Tel: 360/332-1777
Vol XXXI, No 35
Circulation: 11,000 copies
Circulation Independently verified by:
Barrow's goldeneyes are sea ducks known for being quite active during the day, especially throughout the winter. The males are handsome with a crescent-shaped 'swoosh' on their cheeks. Goldeneyes prefer cold water and travel together in small flocks as they rest and forage for mollusks and crustaceans.
The stand-alone photo titled, “Local birding: the northern shoveler” in the Feb. 12 issue of The Northern Light was cropped during the design process, removing the female northern shoveler referenced in the caption. The bird in the print photo was a male northern shoveler. We regret the error.
CiviC Meetings
Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Town halls typically at 5:30 p.m. the first Monday meeting each month. Info: ci.blaine.wa.us.
Birch Bay Community Advisory Committee: Typically the last Thursday of each month, 6 p.m., Birch Bay Bible Community Church, 4460 Bay Road. Updated meeting info: bit.ly/3QmWVcX.
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 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 6 p.m. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Blaine Public Works and Park Advisory Board: Second Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Blaine council chambers. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330. 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.
Port of Bellingham: First and third Tuesday, 4 p.m., Port of Bellingham Harbor Center, 1801 Roeder Ave., Ste. 146, in Bellingham and via Zoom. Info: portofbellingham.com.
Photo by Joe Meche s
PeaceHealth announces mass layoffs
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PeaceHealth informed the Washington State Employment Security Department that it is planning to eliminate 94 positions throughout the state. Of those cut positions, 27 are located in Whatcom County, according to a Feb. 11 letter from PeaceHealth to ESD.
PeaceHealth announced the
Sentencing ...
From page 1
Woodward was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. Gunderson drove away.
Both Woodward and her daughter were transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham and then flown to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. Woodward’s daughter was released after being treated for an intracranial bleed. Woodward, who suffered a traumatic brain injury, died on April 13, 2023.
Blaine police connected Gunderson to the motorcycle after obtaining surveillance footage from Bens Market. WSP investigators described Gunderson as “extremely nervous” when they interviewed him on March 21, 2023, according to the charging documents. Gunderson showed investigators his motorcycle, which he said had been stolen and broken a few weeks prior. The motorcycle had no license plate and was recently repainted.
Shortly after talking to investigators, Gunderson allegedly removed photos of the motorcycle from his social media accounts.
WSP obtained cell phone records that showed Gunderson in the area of the collision and observed Gunderson attempting to sell the motorcycle in May, 2023.
In June of 2023, Gunderson spoke again with detectives after a superior court judge approved a search warrant to seize the motorcycle. Court records show Gunderson admitted to attempting to pass Woodward’s vehicle. He told law enforcement that he didn’t believe he was involved in the crash because he never made contact with Woodward’s vehicle. He also said he threw away his helmet.
The Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office determined probable cause and issued a search warrant for Gunderson on Sept. 29, 2023. Gunderson was arrested on Oct. 10, 2023 and released on a $75,000 bond
layoffs will take effect April 12. Washington state law requires employers give 60 days’ notice to employees in the event of a mass layoff.
The layoffs will impact positions across many of PeaceHealth’s Whatcom County locations, from the St. Joseph Medical Center to the Squalicum Surgery (See Healthcare, page 11)
nearly two weeks later, according to Whatcom County Jail booking data.
Prior to the Feb. 10 sentencing, people close to Woodward and Gunderson wrote impact statements to Judge Evans that requested he consider who their loved ones were outside of the courtroom.
In Gunderson’s letters, friends described him as kind, honest and empathetic. Gunderson had opened his home to friends in need and treated those around him with compassion, they said.
“I’ve come to know he is kind, brave, hard working, and just a well rounded kid,” his girlfriend’s mother, Kimberly Klingsporn, wrote in her letter. “I know that he would give the shirt off his back to help others.”
Woodward’s obituary in the Panama City News Herald said she moved from Florida to Blaine in 2015 as a young mother trying to make a better life for herself and her daughter. Woodward worked as a certified nursing assistant at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center and the Mount Baker Pain Clinic, where she channeled her care toward others.
In her impact statement, Woodward’s sister, Megan Peters, described her only sibling as her protector and cheerleader.
Woodward loved rainbows, butterflies, sunflowers, and her three-legged dog. She couldn’t watch “Bambi” or “The Lion King” because both movies contained scenes where the protagonists’ parents die, Peters said.
Friends and family described the emotional toll of losing Woodward, from no longer being able to go to church to having health problems that caused frequent hospital visits.
“The emotional trauma, devastating loss of our family member, and the weight of our loss have reshaped our lives in ways that words can barely convey,” Woodward’s aunt, Rachel Simerly, wrote in her impact statement. “There is no sentence long enough, no penalty severe enough, to make up for what has been taken.”
spOrts
Boys basketball battles through district playoffs
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y N ola N B aker
While the Blaine wrestling program rests before next week’s state championships and girls bowling enjoys the spoils of a hard-fought season, Borderite basketball was gutting it out in the District 1 1A playoffs.
Girls basketball’s postseason was cut short after an opening-round loss to Meridian, but the boys team is still alive, fighting through a tough postseason with a win over Mt. Baker and loss to Lynden Christian.
Boys basketball
In a rematch of last season’s opening round of the District 1 1A playoffs, where the Borderites lost by a single point to end their season, Blaine got its revenge and defeated Mt. Baker 60-43 on Feb. 11.
Blaine snapped into a full-court press defense in the second quarter, suffocating Mt. Baker’s offense and helping the team enter the locker room at halftime with a commanding, 18-point lead. In front of the home crowd at Blaine High School, the Borderites cruised to a 17-point victory.
Two Borderite forwards led the way on offense, with senior Landon Melton and junior Peyton Bouma each scoring a teamhigh of 15 points. Bouma was especially efficient, shooting 5-of-6 from the field and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line.
Senior guard Kai Kerwin added a few clutch three pointers and led the team with eight rebounds to go along with his nine points.
The win ended the Mountaineers season, but the Borderites then had the unenviable task of taking on first-ranked Lynden Christian, which finished the regular season undefeated in Northwest Conference play.
Despite a valiant effort, Blaine couldn’t overcome such a tough opponent, losing 66-54 on Feb. 13. Still, the final score was a huge improvement over the first matchup between these two teams in the regular season, where Lynden Christian won 71-30 on Jan. 9.
Melton recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, both a team-high. Senior guard Daniel Banks scored 11 points, and junior center Gus Dickson tallied
10 points on a clean 5-of-7 shooting performance.
By defeating Mt. Baker in the opening round, the Borderites made it to the double-elimination portion of the bracket, meaning that despite the loss to Lynden Christian, Blaine is still fighting for a chance at a state berth.
To do that, the Borderites need to defeat Meridian, which lost to Nooksack Valley Feb. 13. Win against Meridian at 7:15 p.m. Feb. 20, and the Borderites will go on to face Nooksack Valley at 2:50 p.m. Feb. 21 at Lynden High School.
To put it simply: Two more wins, and your Borderites are in the 1A state tournament.
Stats provided by whatcompreps.com
Girls basketball
Borderite girls basketball couldn’t keep its season alive through the opening round of the District 1 1A girls basketball tournament, losing 44-34 to Meridian Feb. 11.
Blaine senior forward Aaliyah Bowman made a monumental individual effort to try and get the Borderites past its conference
foe, scoring 24 of the team’s 34 points, but it wasn’t enough.
As one of Blaine’s leading scorers, Bowman made eight of the team’s 11-made field goals, and added six rebounds to finish her high school basketball career on a high note, despite the loss.
Over the course of the season, Bowman averaged a stellar 15
points, 9.5 rebounds, two steals and 1.5 assists per game.
Senior guard Brietta Sandell led the team with six rebounds, and junior guard Kate Koreski tallied five assists and four steals.
The Borderites season ends with a 4-18 record and hope for a better season come next winter.
Stats provided by whatcompreps.com
& Pet Care
Did you know this about dog breath?
The phenomenon known as “dog breath” is widely recognized by dog owners. When a beloved dog comes over for cuddle time and begins to pant in contentment, owners may be subjected to a foul, warm odor emanating from the animal’s mouth.
Unlike halitosis that affects humans, which is often linked to the foods one might eat or habits like smoking, dog breath typically can be traced to poor oral hygiene.
The American Kennel Club says the simplest way to prevent bad dog breath is to clean a dog’s teeth on a regular basis. Teeth brushing
will reduce plaque and promote better oral hygiene. Providing plenty of chew toys and dental treats also can prevent plaque formation and tartar build-up.
Left untreated, poor dental hygiene can lead to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and infection below the gum line. Stuck food also can rot in a dog’s mouth and result in bad breath.
Persistent bad breath in dogs should be addressed by a veterinarian, as it also can be a sign of an infection or another underlying health issue.
s Blaine junior forward Peyton Bouma during Blaine’s 60-43 win over Mt. Baker in the opening round of the District 1 1A playoffs February 11.
Photo by Nolan Baker
ADVICE FROM THE PROS
Q: How could the upcoming FIFA World Cup in Vancouver and Seattle impact the Blaine real estate market?
A: Major international events bring more than just fans—they bring exposure. With World Cup matches scheduled in both Vancouver and Seattle, Blaine, Birch Bay, and Semiahmoo sit right in the middle of increased cross-border traffic and global visibility. Visitors traveling between the two cities will pass directly through our area, and many will experience our coastline, golf communities, and neighborhoods for the first time. For homeowners, this is a reminder that our market is uniquely positioned for long-term appeal. For investors and second-home buyers, it’s a chance to think strategically about timing and opportunity. Big events come and go, but the lifestyle and location advantages of our border communities remain long after the final whistle.
Q: My sciatic pain is so debilitating. I’ve heard the only real long-term solutions are medications, injections, or surgery. Is that true?
A: Not usually. “Sciatica” is a symptom—often irritation of the sciatic nerve from the low back, pelvis, or deep hip muscles—not a life sentence. Medications and injections can calm things down, but they don’t always fix the why behind it. For many people, long-term relief comes from restoring movement: improving hip mobility, reducing nerve sensitivity, and strengthening the right muscles so the irritated tissues stop getting re-provoked.
That said, red flags like sudden severe weakness, loss of bowel/bladder control, or numbness in the saddle area require urgent medical evaluation.
Want a safe place to start today? Scan the QR code for my Top 4 Sciatic PainMinimizing Exercises—a quick routine you can do at home to reduce pain and move more comfortably right away.
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Gary’s-Plumbing.com 360-734-9700
4760 Pacific Hwy. Bellingham, WA 98226
Q: I’m really concerned about indoor air quality. What should I look for in my home?
A: If your HVAC unit isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to various issues that affect both your health and home.
Warning Signs to Watch For:
• Health Concerns: Poor air quality can exacerbate allergies making it difficult for you and your family to breathe comfortably.
• Environmental Indicators: Stale odors, visible condensation and excessive dust are clear signs your HVAC system may not be filtering air effectively.
• System Inefficiencies: If your furnace is cycling excessively, it could be an indication of underlying issues.
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s time to take action. Contact Gary’s Plumbing and Heating to assess your HVAC needs!
Q: I’d like to be more active for my overall health. Where can I start and what can help?
A: Stretch regularly. Stretching helps loosen tight muscles and improve joint mobility. Pair stretching with low-impact exercises such as yoga, walking, or swimming to stay active without putting excess strain on your body.
Stay hydrated and eat well. Proper hydration and a balanced, nutrient-rich diet support muscle recovery, joint health, and overall wellness. Use ice or heat appropriately. Ice works best for new injuries or inflammation, helping to reduce swelling and calm irritated tissue. Heat is ideal for chronic conditions, easing muscle spasms, relieving stiffness, and soothing ongoing aches and pains. *never apply directly to your skin and consult your doctor for safety.
Dr. Samantha Ford, DC 360-332-1086
Schedule a chiropractic checkup. Chiropractic care can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support your body’s natural ability to function at its best.
245 H Street, Downtown Blaine blainechiropractic.com
Q: Should I claim Social Security as soon as I retire, even if I haven’t reached full retirement age?
A: For many pre-retirees, timing Social Security is an important planning decision. Claiming benefits before full retirement age can permanently reduce your monthly income often by 25–30%. In many cases, delaying benefits may increase lifetime income and provide greater flexibility later in retirement.
Social Security offers reliable monthly income with cost-ofliving adjustments and isn’t tied to market performance, which can help reduce pressure on your investment portfolio. If you were born in 1960 or later, your full retirement age is 67, and benefits increase by about 8% per year if delayed up to age 70. Because the right approach depends on your goals, health, and income needs, working with a CFP® professional can help you plan with confidence. At Skyline Advisors we help clients evaluate their Social Security options and determine the optimal time to claim. The
Natalie Milligan, MPT, MS
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Janet Starkenburg, Deceased. NO. 26-4-00056-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: Lee Grochmal
The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.
Date of First Publication: February 5, 2026
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Estate of: JAMES E. HICKS, Deceased. No. 264-00066-37. Probate NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Assigned Judge: Evan P. Jones
The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the Clerk of this Court. 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 (twenty-four (24) months if notice is not published). 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.
1. Date probate opened: January 23, 2026
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Matter of the Trust of: ROBERT P. SHIRACK, Deceased. No. 26-4-00081-37. NON-PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.42.030. Judge Evan P. Jones
The notice agent named below has elected to give notice to creditors of the above-named Decedent. As of the date of the filing of a copy of this notice with the court, the notice agent has no knowledge of any other person acting as notice agent or of the appointment of a personal representative of Decedent’s estate in the state of Washington. According to the records of the court as are available on the date of the filing of this notice with the court, a cause number regarding Decedent has not been issued to any other notice agent and a personal representative of Decedent’s estate has not been appointed.
Personal Representative: Jackie Schoonover 863 Saint Andrews Way Bellingham, WA 98229
Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225
Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225
Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 26-4-00056-37.
2. Date Notice to Creditors filed: January 23, 2026
3. Date of first publication: February 5, 2026
4. Date Creditor Claim Period Closes: June 5, 2026
Attorney for the Estate: KEITH A. BODE, WSBA #7791 314 Fifth Street, P.O. Box 688 Lynden, WA 98264-0688 Tel. (360) 354-5021
Personal Representative: KRISTY KAY MECK
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: JOHNNY DEAN BALL (AKA JOHN BALL), Deceased. No. 26-4-00067-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Jennifer Slattery
Any person having a claim against 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 11.42.070 by serving on or mailing to the notice agent or the notice agent’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty (30) days after the notice agent served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.42.020(2) (c); or (2) four (4) 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 11.42.050 and 11.42.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both Decedent’s probate and non-probate assets.
Date of First Publication: February 5, 2026
The notice agent declares under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Washington on January 28, 2026 at Bellingham,
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: January 26, 2026 with Clerk of Court:
Date of First Publication: February 5, 2026
Name of Administrator: JENNIFER COTA
Attorney for Administrators: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: ANNETTE H. LYON, Deceased. No. 254-00837-37 NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Jennifer Slattery. 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
the main living, dining, kitchen, and powder room located on the second level, creating an open and lightfilled living space. Kitchens feature quartz countertops and durable luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the main living areas.
Brandi Coplen (360) 201-3951
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Sandra Dentinger, Deceased. NO. 26-4-00105-37.PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: Lee Grochmal
The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.
Date of First Publication: February 19, 2026
Personal Representative: Fredric Dentinger 1718 Donald Avenue Bellingham, WA 98226
Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225
Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225
Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 26-4-00105-37
Enjoy effortless cross-border convenience paired with thoughtful design in this Pacific floorplan at The Ridge. Located just minutes from downtown Blaine, I-5, and the border, this home offers flexibility for those who value easy travel, commuting, and connection on both sides. With four bedrooms total, the primary suite is on the main floor and features a large walk-in closet, dual vanity sinks, and a walk-in tile shower. Flex bedroom or office on main level sits across from 3/4 bathroom.
Brandi Coplen (360) 201-3951
Perched above Drayton Harbor with sweeping city, water, & mountain views, this lovely custom home is filled with thoughtful upgrades. Main-floor living features a private primary suite w/ spa bath, sauna, & dual closets, plus dedicated office w/fireplace. Vaulted living room frames the view w/ stone fireplace, flowing into a spacious dining room & chef’s kitchen w/ walk-in pantry. Downstairs-two complete guest suites, a large bonus room w/ second kitchen. Kathy Stauffer (360) 815-4718
distinguished
gated
of Aerie
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: JUSTIN DAVID JAMES, Deceased. No. 26-4-00122-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Jennifer Slattery
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: February 10, 2026 with Clerk of Court:
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: PATRICIA ANN NELSON, Deceased. No. 26-4-00139-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Evan Jones
The Personal Representative named below has been appointed and has qualified as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 AND 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.
Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: February 13, 2026 with Clerk of Court:
Date of First Publication: February 19, 2026
Name of Personal Representative: DEAN THORN
Attorney for Personal Representatives: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262
Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229
Telephone: (360) 325-2550
Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com
DATED February 13, 2026
AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S.
STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262
Attorney for Personal Representative: DEAN THORN
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: PATRICIA ANN DAVIS, Deceased. No. 26-4-00092-37 NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Jennifer Slattery. 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: February 12, 2026, with the Clerk of Court
Date of First Publication: February 12, 2026
Name of Administrator: Donald Joseph McDowell III
Attorney for Administrator: 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: February 6, 2026
True North Legal Services, PLLC
Attorney for Administrator: Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339
SEMIAHMOO
BIRCH BAY
BLAINE
BIRCH BAY CUSTER NEWPRICE
sheriff’s repOrts
February 3, 8:37 a.m.: Assist citizen on Birch Bay Drive.
February 3, 11:14 a.m.: Assist citizen on Makah Road.
February 3, 11:48 a.m.: Fraud cold call on Semiahmoo Drive.
February 3, 12:56 p.m.: Domestic order violence cold call on Elmwood Drive.
February 4, 1:39 p.m.: Fraud cold call on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.
February 4, 4:23 p.m.: Mental health check on Andreason Place.
February 4, 4:29 p.m.: Custodial interference cold call on Sunrise Road.
February 6, 8:33 a.m.: Threat cold call on Sagebrush Lane.
February 6, 9:40 a.m.: DUI arrest on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.
February 6, 1:48 p.m.: Domestic order violence cold call on Birch Bay Drive.
February 6, 6:41 p.m.: Civil problem on Nakat Way.
February 6, 10:40 p.m.: Prowler on Harbor Drive.
February 6, 5:46 p.m.: Civ-
il problem cold call on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.
February 7, 7:44 p.m.: Custodial interference cold call on Halibut Drive.
February 8, 5:07 p.m.: Alarm audible on Gemini Street.
February 8, 6:43 p.m.: Assist agency on 11th Street.
February 9, 4:15 a.m.: Mental
health check on Bay Road. February 9, 3:09 p.m.: Civil problem cold call on Sunrise Road.
February 9, 3:45 p.m.: Assist agency cold call on Bay Ridge Drive.
For a complete list of WCSO reports, visit whatcomcounty.us/2120/Activity-Reports.
pOLiCe repOrts
February 1, 8:58 p.m.: Rape on H Street.
February 2, 7:36 a.m.: Vehicle prowl on Blaine Avenue.
February 2, 3:52 p.m.: Hit and run on Boblett Street.
February 4, 5:49 p.m.: Warrant arrest on 2nd Street.
February 5, 6:49 p.m.: Hit and run on D Street.
February 5, 10:35 p.m.: DUI on Boblett Street.
February 5, 1:53 p.m.: Hit and run on Peace Portal Drive.
February 7, 6:37 p.m.: Drugs on Mary Avenue.
Coming up
Community Dinner: Thursday, February 19, 5:30–7 p.m., Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street. Enjoy dinner, community and connections. Free. Donations accepted. Info: call/text 656-6416. Books and Bites: Friday, February 20, 1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. February title: “Lovers in Auschwitz” by Keren Blankfeld. Info: wcls.org.
Blaine Community Theater “Closer to Home”: Friday and Saturday, February 20, 21 and 27, 28, 7 p.m., Sunday, February 22 and March 1, 2 p.m., Blaine High School black box theater (enter behind Borderite Stadium). Written by local playwright Laura Williams French. Tickets: adults $18, seniors/veterans/students $15 and children $12 available at blainecommunitytheater.com or at the door.
ACROSS 1. Cut quickly 5. A way to state clearly 11. River in NE Scotland 14. Expansive 15. Lacking social polish 16. Amount of time 17. Frame 19. Automobile 20. Toadstools 21. High school dances 22. Utilize 23. Experimented with 25. One-sided 27. Acquisitive 31. Potted plants 34. Everyone has one 35. Kalahari Desert lake 38. Unidentified flying object 39. People 65 and over 41. Small amount 42. Daughter of Acrisius 44. Ornamental box
45. Government agents
46. Uncertain 49. A cotton fabric with a satiny finish 51. Treeless plains 55. One’s sense of self-importance 56. Consumer advocate
60. Type of lounger 61. Body part 62. Can be persuaded 64. Woman (French) 65. Ready and willing to be taught 66. Arab ruler title 67. Unhappy 68. Gradually went away 69. Able to think clearly
DOWN 1. Brushed 2. Small water spirit (Germ.) 3. Heroes 4. Monetary units 5. Some don’t want to share theirs
6. Free-swimming invertebrate 7. Litigates 8. Outer 9. Parallelograms 10. Uneasy feelings 11. Cross 12. A way to remove 13. Pages can be dog-__ 18. Ukrainian city 24. A citizen of Denmark 26. Month 28. Hindu queens 29. Group of chemicals 30. Rider of Rohan 31. Wet dirt 32. Southwestern Russia city 33. Observed 36. Angry 37. Drivers’ licenses 39. Musical composition 40. Auction 43. They __ 45. Women 47. Be filled with love for 48. Thick-soled sock
February 8, 6:06 p.m.: Threat on C Street.
February 10, 2:40 p.m.: Fraud on C Street.
February 12, 1:34 p.m.: Crowd problem on H Street.
February 13, 12:23 p.m.: Burglary on Boblett Street.
February 13, 9:07 p.m.: Shots on Shipyard Road.
February 14, 9:25 p.m.: Warrant arrest on Semiahmoo Parkway.
For a complete list of BPD reports, visit Facebook.com/ BlainePoliceDepartmentWA.
49. Appears 50. Old World lizard
52. The leading performer
53. Protein
54. “Gunga Din” script writer
57. Art __, around 1920 58. __ Blyton, children’s author
59. Abnormal breathing 63. A place to rest
ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
tides
February 19-25 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
Sa’le Q’ewet Netse-lh/Our Hearts Beat as One: Book Event and Artist Presentation: Saturday, February 21, 2–4 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. A special presentation of Sa’le Q’ewet Netse-lh/Our Hearts Beat as One, a children’s book that celebrates the story of a young orca named Sk’aliCh’elht-enaut that was stolen from her family and sold to a theme park. Learn how she became a beloved performer, inspired people across the world to fight for her freedom, and how the Lummi Nation worked to bring her home. During this interactive program, we invite attendees to color and draw with materials provided by the library. Provided in partnership with the Nooksack Tribe. Space is limited, registration is encouraged at wcls.org.
Backstage @ the Border presents The Masked Bandits: Saturday, February 21, 7–9 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 382 Boblett Street. Featuring Kelley Porter, Susan Thomson, Peter Smith with special guest April Thomson. Join in singing some favorite songs, enjoying home made goodies and coffee. Raffles with quilts and all money raised will go to Loads of Love Laundry Program. $10 suggested donation at the door (no one is turned away), Info: backstageattheborder.com.
Genealogy Workshop: Monday, February 23, 2–5 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Free. Info: 425/345-2979. Blaine Senior Center Book Club: Thursday, February 26, 1–2 p.m., Blaine Community and Senior Center, 763 G Street. February title: Cold Victory by Karl Marlantes. Info: wcls.org.
Wilderness Skills Escape Room: Friday, February 27, 4–5:30 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. This wilderness skills escape room, led by Robby Holmes of Mountainside Nature School, is sure to challenge adventurous kids, with hands-on wilderness puzzles like map reading, animal skull and track ID, awareness skills, and wilderness survival trivia. For kids grades 4–7. Registration is required at wcls.org.
Ongoing
Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Mondays 9 a.m.–noon, Wednesdays 5–7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.–noon. Info: 360/3326350 or Info@blainefoodbank.org.
The Bridge Food Bank: Fridays, 2:30 p.m. - 4 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.
Senior Community Meals: Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Suggested donation of $6 per meal ($10 if under 60) or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040.
The Bridge Clothing Bank Boutique: Open Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Donations accepted Thursdays and Saturdays, 11 a.m.– 2 p.m. or by appointment. The Bridge Community Hope Center, 7620 Birch Bay Drive. thebridgehope.com.
Friends of Birch Bay Library: Meets second Mondays. 6:30 p.m., Birch Bay Birch Bay Vogt Library site, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. Info: friendsofbirchbaylibrary.org.
Friends of Blaine Library: Meets third Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Find out the latest library news at this monthly FOBL Board of Directors meeting. All members and guests are welcome to attend. Info: blainelibraryfriends.org.
Blaine Senior Center Book Club: Last Thursday of the month, 1–2 p.m., Blaine Community and Senior Center, 763 G Street. Info: wcls.org.
Weather
Precipitation: During the period of February 9 to 15, 0.8 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2026 year-to-date precipitation record is 6.4 inches.
Temperature: High for the past week was 57.7°F on February 10 with a low of 30.6°F on February 15. Average high was 53.7°F and average low was 34.6°F.
Celebrate Recovery: Wednesdays, Northwood Chapel, 580 C Street. Dinner by donation at 5:30 p.m. and 12-step program for hurts, habits and hangups at 6 p.m.
Blaine Arts Council: Meets second Thursday, 6:30 p.m., at Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Meeting is open to the public. The council promotes, cultivates and supports the arts in order to enrich the lives of the community through creativity with a variety of cultural events, education and shows.Info: blaineartscouncil.org. Birch Bay-Blaine Toastmasters: Wednesdays, 6:30–7:45 p.m., Blaine High School, 1055 H Street, room 104. Develop more confidence and have fun when you speak for work or pleasure. Info: Laura 206-660-5958 or agelesslaura@gmail.com.
Tech Help: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3–4 p.m, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Drop in for one-on-one assistance from library staff. Info: wcls.org.
Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com
Theater ...
From page 1
a housewife.
At first, Williams-French toyed with the idea as something she could make into a play for students at Lynden Christian School, where she’s a drama director. But as Williams-French’s ideas grew, so did the project, which she eventually molded to fit Blaine’s community theater nonprofit.
Williams-French said it took her four days to draft the script, followed by a year of workshopping the words. Actors auditioned in early January, lines were quickly learned and re -
hearsals have since filled actors’ evenings three times per week for the past month.
On Friday, the 16-member cast – made of 12 actors, three crew members and one costume designer – will have a chance to share its work for the first time.
“It’s silly. It’s full of shenanigans,” Williams-French said. “It’s important that we get the chance to laugh and to enjoy the experience together. That’s what we need because sometimes the world is crazy, and it’s nice to just escape for a couple of hours.”
Blaine Community Theater has brought laughter to the community since 1999. The nonprofit is known for its Christmas, Hal-
Find tickets
Weekend performances of "Closer to Home" are scheduled Friday, February 20 through Sunday, March 1 at Blaine High School's Orangeand-Black Box Theater, 1055 H Street. Performances will be 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. for the Sunday matinee.
Entry for each show is $18, with discounts for seniors, veterans and children. Tickets are available at the door or at blainecommunitytheater.com.
loween and “Pirates of Penzance” shows, in addition to other productions that bring Blaine and other Whatcom County actors together throughout the year.
Williams-French said she wanted this show to have quick-witted humor executed through misconnections and misinterpretations. Actor Sarah Brossow, who plays Alice, focused on bringing that humor to life through Alice’s over-the-top mannerisms while showing her character’s genuine moments, though sometimes few and far between.
“Laugh a ton. Have a good time,” Brossow said. “I hope people enjoy something that’s cheesy but immersive.”
City asks for public input on Lincoln Mews housing development
The City of Blaine Community Development Services (CDS) Department will hold a virtual public hearing on Lincoln Mews at 1 p.m. Feb. 26.
The meeting will allow public testimony on the proposed six-acre subdivision that would have 21 homes made of attached single-family, duplex and triplex units. The subdivision is just east of IGA Market, between Ludwick Avenue and Odell Street, and has been planned for construction since at least 2019.
From page 5
Center to the Lynden Clinic that opened nearly two years ago.
Impacted positions include clinical social workers, mental health therapists, assistant nurse managers and various administrative positions. Many of the positions are unionized. The February 11 letter said some unions have “bumping rights” for laid off employees, meaning senior employees whose positions were eliminated may have the chance to take the job of a less senior employee.
“We cannot predict with certainty which represented employees will ultimately be affected or the exact order in which employees will be separated,” the letter stated.
This round of layoffs came just
Blair Murray, owner of Bellingham-based Tin Rock Development, is the developer of Lincoln Mews. The project was originally intended to consist of 53 townhouse units, but now will have 21 units on the same footprint because of zoning and permitting changes, Murray said.
The virtual public hearing can be joined via Microsoft Teams at bit.ly/4bUYgDT. Testimony may be sent in advance via email to cdscomments@cityofblaine.com; mail to the Blaine CDS Department, 435 Martin Street, Suite 3000; or fax at 360/332-8830.
months after PeaceHealth announced plans last October to lay off 241 positions across the state, with 55 of those in Bellingham.
PeaceHealth is a Catholic nonprofit organization that operates the only hospital in Whatcom County, St. Joseph Medical Center, and is one of the largest employers in the county.
OBITUARIES
William (Bill) Robert Pieper
October 6, 1938 – February 9, 2026
William (Bill) Robert Pieper, 87, of Birch Bay, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, surrounded by his children. Born in Seattle to Margaret and Paul Pieper, he married Elaine Ryba in 1961; she preceded him in death in 2013. Bill retired after a career operating heavy equipment. Bill loved gardening, skiing, boating, and crabbing. He is survived by his children Tami (Tom) Borthwick, Noelle (Jeff) Elsworth, and Scott (Michie) Pieper; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild with another on the way; and his loyal dog, Chopper.
Marlene Elizabeth Dwight Talman
April 2, 1937 – February 5, 2026
Marlene Elizabeth Dwight Talman, 88, of Whatcom County, passed away February 5, 2026 at Christian Health Care Center in Lynden, WA.
Marlene was born on April 2, 1937, in Bellingham, WA. She grew up in Custer, WA and graduated from Ferndale High School in 1955. She married John Talman on February 15, 1958. Mother of six children, Larry, Kenny, Glenn, Scott, Vicki and Clay. She worked several jobs with the longest being at the Ferndale Cannery for 15 years. Her passions include playing the organ and accordion, growing plants and flowers and playing cards.
Marlene is survived by her sons Larry, Scott and Clay; daughter Vicki; sister Linda Ness, brother-in-law Jim Ness and sister-in-law Susan Dillard; as well as many nieces and nephews. Marlene is preceded in death by her husband John; sons Kenny and Glenn; brothers Dale and Floyd Dwight; and sister Eileen Fenton. Services will be held March 7, 2026 at 1 p.m. at Custer United Methodist Church.
Written testimony must be received before 4:30 p.m. Feb. 25. Blaine City Council will make a final decision at a later date.
B y N ola N B aker
s From l.; Sarah Brossow, who plays the main character Alice, and playwright Laura French-Williams run through a dress rehearsal of “Closer to Home” on Feb. 16.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
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