A main road connecting Blaine to Semiahmoo that was reduced to one lane after the November 2021 floods is expected to be repaired this summer.
Construction is estimated to cost $3 million, Mandy Feutz, Whatcom County Public Works communications specialist, wrote in an email to The Northern Light Federal Emergency Management Agency funds will cover more than 90% of those costs.
Drayton Harbor Road was reduced from two lanes to one lane near Shintaffer Road after a landslide washed out 300 feet of the westbound lane — requiring drivers to alternate two-way traffic when traveling the major road near Semiahmoo.
Whatcom County began soliciting construction bids last week, and those bids will remain open until April 7.
Feutz said construction is expected to begin this summer.
Construction will require a full road closure of Drayton Harbor Road near Shintaffer Road for at least four months, according to the county’s website.
Along with reconstructing the roadway, the project will also install stormwater infrastructure and relocate utilities.
Whatcom County Public Works plans to share more information, including construction timeline and detour routes, closer to construction.
Project information will be updated on the county’s website at bit.ly/47aoSh0.
New spa offers natural pampering, page 5
page 7
Birders flock to Wings Over Water festival
Demolition of last Northwest aluminum smelter marks end of era
department and Alcoa
Ecology has tentatively scheduled an online webinar and public hearing for April 8 about the demolition and cleanup plan.
Aluminum maker Alcoa has started to demolish its sprawling Intalco smelter west of Ferndale. The multiyear demolition and cleanup project snuffs out any lingering hopes of reviving aluminum production in Washington and bringing back the hundreds of union jobs that disappeared when the smelter shut down in 2020.
The demolition also represents the curtain coming down on an industrial era in the Pacific Northwest. The Alcoa Intalco smelter was the last one standing of what were once 10 thrumming, energy-gobbling aluminum factories spread across the region.
Alcoa made no public announcement when it began the Intalco smelter demolition sometime last year. A company spokesperson confirmed the teardown is now well underway when queried this past week by Salish Current.
“We’re approximately 45% complete at this time,” the spokesperson said via email.
In late February, the state Department of Ecology published a long-awaited draft cleanup roadmap for the closed smelter.
The agency will also accept written public comments through April 15.
The Pacific Northwest aluminum industry arose in the 1940s after federal dams harnessed the Columbia River to produce a surplus of cheap electricity.
“Over time, the industry grew to employ around 11,000 people in the Northwest and consume 3,150 average annual megawatts of electricity, enough to light three cities the size of present-day Seattle for a year,” wrote Paul Harrison in a brief history of aluminum making in this region posted by the Northwest Power and Conservation Council.
But when the hydropower surplus gradually turned to scarcity beginning three decades ago, electricity prices increased and the vast aluminum smelters closed down one by one.
The Ferndale smelter was the next to last to open — in 1966 — and the last to shut down. Its forerunners spread out in Washington from Vancouver to Longview, Tacoma, Wenatchee and Spokane, and in Troutdale, Oregon, and Columbia Falls,
Montana, as well as others. The massive plants churned out rods and ingots which would go on to be shaped into everything from soda cans to Boeing airplanes.
On the jobs review website Indeed, Intalco pot line operators described the work on the cavernous smelting lines as hot, dirty and physically demanding. They complained about long hours but praised
(See Intalco, page 3)
s Birders gathered to the 23rd annual Wings Over Water NW Birding Festival last weekend in Blaine and Birch Bay. The festival had a full slate of events, including building bird houses and other youth activities, an all-day birding expo, presentations and field trips. View more photos at thenorthernlight.com.
Photo by Ruth Lauman
s A 300-foot section of Drayton Harbor Road was washed out during the Nov. 2021 floods. Photo courtesy of Whatcom County
Harbor House brings home decor and staging services to Blaine
B y G race M c c arthy
A new boutique offering elevated home decor for both living and real estate staging has opened its doors in downtown Blaine.
best-selling item.
While price points often reflect the heritage items Johnson is curating, she said she’s trying to offer something for anyone stopping in her store.
The boutique’s items follow Johnson’s personal style, which she describes as a timeless, coastal design focused on soft, muted colors. The inventory includes new and vintage items.
April 5 | Seatings at 9AM, 12PM, 1PM $95 Adults | $35 Children (Ages 5-12) | Under 4 Free
Join us this Easter for a coastal brunch celebration in the Stars Room. From savory Kurobuta ham to sweet carrot cake rolls, our culinary team has curated a menu that perfectly captures the spirit of spring. at Semiahmoo Resort
Owner Solveig Johnson said she opened Harbor House, 838 Peace Portal Drive, this winter as a way to draw on her creativity and background in the real estate industry, while attempting to revitalize Blaine.
“I really want this space to be like coming into my home, coming in and meeting me. I want to help someone improve, change or feel better in their current space,” Johnson said. “And also be a resource if they are selling.”
The boutique is full of classic staples and rotating items that include specialized jams, cookbooks, tableware and even dog perfume — currently a
“These are items that can go with your home already. It’s not like you’re reinventing the wheel,” Johnson said. “You can find unique items here that may elevate something you can switch out in your home. Those small tweaks can bring you a little bit of joy in the world.”
Harbor House was a logical next step in Johnson’s career, she said.
In 2014, Johnson began working as a real estate agent in What-
com County and a few years later started her own business, The Real Estate Stylist, which offered home staging services. She also opened Urban Collective, a similar boutique in Bellingham’s Barkley Village that offered home decor and staging services.
Johnson moved to Arizona during the pandemic, where she worked in real estate and furnished Airbnbs for a few years before returning to Whatcom County last year. Blaine was on Johnson’s radar for her next store. She called it a “hidden gem” that was reminiscent of her childhood in Alaska.
As the business develops, Johnson wants to turn the boutique into a one-stop shop that also houses real estate agents and an interior designer. But for now, she’s welcoming anyone who wanders into her shop, from those looking for a last-minute gift to those wanting to style an entire home.
“There’s so much potential and it’s such a cute town,” Johnson said. “There’s something special down here, and I’m excited to see what happens with it all.”
Harbor House is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends, though Johnson said those hours will likely change in the summer.
s Owner Solveig Johnson opened Harbor House in downtown Blaine, which offers home decor for both living and real estate staging services.
Photo by Grace McCarthy s Harbor House, at 838 Peace Portal Drive, sells cook books, tableware and specialty jams, among other items.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
Intalco ...
From page 1
the pay and the workplace camaraderie.
Alcoa mothballed its Whatcom County smelter in 2020 during a period of falling metal prices and later said the steep cost of needed equipment modernization precluded restart. The following year, Blue Wolf Capital offered to revive the smelter to make “green” aluminum with cut-rate hydropower, but that plan faltered when the requisite power could not be procured.
In 2023, Alcoa announced it had signed a contract to sell the 1,600-acre Intalco smelter site to Calgary-based energy company AltaGas. However, most of the property remains in Alcoa’s hands today pending the completion of the complex demolition and pollution cleanup.
CONTAMINATION
EXTENT UNCERTAIN
“As of right now, we’re still kind of in the investigative phase,” said Shingo Yamazaki, the refinery and smelter unit supervisor for Ecology.
Based on other smelter cleanups and Alcoa’s hazardous materials tracking, Yamazaki said he expects they will need to deal with localized soil contamination from historic polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, spills and petroleum product leaks. He said he also would not be surprised if groundwater testing detects fluorides.
“The questions I think that a lot of people have like, ‘What’s there? Where is it?’ I think a lot of those questions will probably be answered as we kind of thoughtfully go through that process,” Yamazaki said in an interview.
The Alcoa spokesperson in Pittsburgh emailed a statement that said, “This is an important milestone, as it will help to define the actions and activities that would be appropriate in the remediation process in support of the site’s highest and best use.”
Demolition and asbestos abatement started under a Whatcom County permit issued last year. The company told county planners that it would recycle as much as it could and would truck concrete debris offsite to be crushed and reused.
Alcoa’s proposed timeline given to Ecology said its contractor aims to tear down all the smelter buildings and alumina ore silos by the end of this year and complete any soil backfill and regrading sometime later in 2027.
One party likely to provide comments at the upcoming hearing is the Bellingham-based environmental group RE Sources.
“Intalco certainly was one of the biggest air and water polluting industries in Whatcom County for a long time,” said Ander Russell, RE Sources co-executive director, in an interview.
“It’s clear that there are some really dangerous levels of some really nasty contaminants, like PCBs and PAHs (industrial or fossil fuel byproduct), in the soil and in the groundwater,” Russell said. “They’re there. To some extent they’ve already been cleaned up.”
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?
Aluminum smelters around the northwest, including this one, are interesting redevelopment prospects in part because of the high-capacity electric grid connections left behind.
Google built a big data center on the site of the former aluminum smelter in The Dalles, Oregon. Across the Columbia River in Klickitat County, a renewable energy developer has visions of building an energy storage complex using connected water reservoirs on the site of the former Goldendale Aluminum smelter.
The Canadian buyer of the Alcoa Intalco property previously announced it aspires to make green hydrogen on the site by using renewable electricity to split water molecules. But that redevelopment plan is on hold while multiple uncertainties swirl around the viability of hydrogen production and future customer demand for the fuel.
In an emailed statement, AltaGas said one thing its executives are watching is the outcome of a multistate lawsuit to overturn the cancellation of the federally funded Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub. The hub project would have funneled a taxpayer subsidy of around $100 million to AltaGas for the design, construction and startup of the planned green hydrogen factory.
“AltaGas remains interested in finding the right redevelop-
ment opportunities for the Intalco lands, but any path forward must be responsible, feasible and aligned with both community values and regulatory certainty that comes with a clear and stable policy framework,” the company statement read. “We will continue to monitor developments closely and keep stakeholders informed as we reassess viable options for the site.”
The proposed green hydrogen production plant bears watching and could represent a step in a positive direction, said Russell of RE Sources.
“If it’s copacetic with the tribes, certainly we’d like to see more extensive clean energy development and I think hydrogen is part of the conversation,” Russell said.
Tom Banse is an Olympia-based reporter with more than three decades of experience covering Washington and Oregon state government, public policy, business and breaking news stories. Most of his career was spent with public radio’s Northwest News Network, but now in semi-retirement his work is appearing on other outlets.
Salish Current is a nonprofit, online local news organization serving Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties by reporting local news to provide fact-based information and a forum for civil commentary. For more news, visit salish-current.org.
s An aerial view of Alcoa’s Intalco aluminum smelter when it was operational shows the smelter property sandwiched between two oil refineries in the Cherry Point industrial zone. Photo courtesy of Alcoa
The Northern Light is published weekly by Daffodil Press, LLC.
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The Editor: I agree with Paul Engelund’s arguments against reducing the voter approval threshold for school bonds from 60% to 55%.
In 2024, we twice voted down $70 million capital levies proposed by our Blaine School District. Both times, the district made scant effort to provide credible cost projections, budget information or financial analysis in their materials. A $14 million (20%) “buffer” claim was included to pay for their inefficiencies and absence of leadership.
The 60% test, long established in the state constitution, not only mandates better planning from our district, but it also protects homeowners against unsubstantiated increases in already excessive property taxes.
State legislators are busy finding new ways to tax us – sadly, most of those fights are decided in King County. At least we can demand more from our school district – please demonstrate the prudence and legitimacy of your capital projects before putting them on the ballot.
Jack Grant Blaine
The Editor:
In last week’s article in The Northern Light about the historic Plover, City Manager Mike Harmon said this year could be the Plover’s swan song. He cited increased maintenance, staffing costs, insurance difficulties, dwindling tourism funds, and a dispute with the former caretakers.
It’s incumbent to mention that during the 26 years Drayton Harbor Maritime operated the Plover, Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee funded approximately 80% of the actual costs to operate and maintain, including insurance for the dock at Semiahmoo; the rest came through volunteer help. DHM’s largest grant request to operate the Plover from BTAC was $35,000, including the cost to insure the Plover dock.
Now, the city will have $40,000 to run the Plover, not including paying the dock insurance to Semiahmoo Resort. This is an expenditure it paid using BTAC funds since 1996, when the historic Plover went back in service after a 21-year hiatus.
Brad Bytnar Ferndale
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: Third Wednesday 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.
Clarification
The article titled “Blaine City Council lifts downtown building, design requirements for one year” in the March 12 issue of The Northern Light stated Fifth Avenue Homes was planning a six-story building called Blaine Harbor Rentals at 277 G St., the current location of The Vault Wine Bar and Bistro.
After publication, developer Johannes van Leenen said Fifth Avenue Homes would “wait and see” what happens with another property it’s developing in Blaine before making a decision on Blaine Harbor Rentals.
The Vault co-owners Joni and Alan Finston said they have not been contacted by Fifth Avenue Homes or had any formal conversations about the property.
Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Blaine Public Works and Park Advisory Board: Second Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Blaine council chambers. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.
Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district boardroom, 770 Mitchell Avenue. Info: blainesd.org.
North Whatcom Fire and Rescue: Third Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.
BBWARM: Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District Advisory Committee meets quarterly in-person and on Zoom. Info: bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org.
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.
s North Whatcom Fire and Rescue crew members from the Blaine station visited Sunrise Preschool in Custer on March 10 to teach children about fire safety by showing off their engine and leading classroom instruction. Photo courtesy of North Whatcom Fire and Rescue
New salon brings natural nail, esthetician
B y G race M c c arthy
Moonberri Spa is bringing natural wellness to Blaine residents, one manicure and facial at a time.
The downtown business, which opened Feb. 14, offers manicures and pedicures using organic products and natural options, while an in-house esthetician provides facials, lash lifts and waxing.
Owner Gina Freeman said she saw a need for a nail salon in Blaine as she was looking to share her love of natural wellness. Freeman began taking classes at the Zorganics Institute of Beauty and Wellness in Bellingham, and shortly before graduating last fall, found an open storefront at 380 H St. Freeman partnered with Laura Brudvik, a licensed esthetician who operates Graceful Glow Skincare in the salon. Brudvik previously worked in Birch Bay and transferred her services — including facials, chemical peels, lash lifts and waxing — to Blaine.
Similar to Freeman, Brudvik
sees beauty treatments as a way to heal and rejuvenate the body.
“I didn’t realize our stars were so aligned,” Freeman said of her partnership with Brudvik. “We have a lot in common and the same philosophy behind why we’re doing what we’re doing.”
Freeman’s path into holistic wellness started a decade ago when she was diagnosed with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease. Facial products were causing her skin to break out, so Freeman created natural skin care for herself.
She turned that skin care into her line, Moonberri Botanicals, that she sells at the salon, featuring products such as cleansing bars, oils and face masks.
“This is where the ideas started percolating,” Freeman said of her skin care line. “I took some of the things that were sacred and important to me, and then went, ‘How can I share that with people?’”
Natural elements are woven through the details in the salon. Freeman opted for gel pol-
ish, which is less damaging than acrylics to nails. She also uses Karma Organic nail polish, a nontoxic polish that can be removed without acetone.
No harsh chemicals or smells are used in the salon, Freeman said, and copper bowls for pedicures provide anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
For spa manicures and pedicures, Freeman offers chakra aromatherapy, hot stone massages and reflexology, a therapeutic method where pressure is applied to reflex zones throughout the body.
Complimentary hot tea and herbal-infused water are also served to each client.
Freeman wanted the salon to feel like stepping into a home, and filled the space with antique finds. She sourced chandeliers, velvet chairs and a faux fireplace to create a warm ambiance. Her husband, Chris, helped with interior renovations, including adding wood panels to the walls and tin tiles to the ceiling.
Later this spring, Freeman hopes to host community events at the salon, such as paint-and-sip nights and nature-based learning activities for children.
“This is an expression of my heart,” Freeman said. “I’m looking
forward to sharing it with the community, so I hope it’s well-received.”
More information on Moonberri Spa is at 360-441-9546 or moonberrispa.com. For more information on Graceful Glow Skincare, visit bit.ly/4uxFnxv.
s Moonberri Spa owner Gina Freeman and Graceful Glow Skincare owner Laura Brudvik at Moonberri Spa, 380 H St. Freeman offers manicures and pedicures, while Burdvik provides inhouse esthetician services.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
s Moonberri Spa uses organic products and has natural options for nail services.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
Q: What does the recent change to downtown Blaine building rules mean for the local real estate market?
A: The Blaine City Council recently approved a one-year interim change that temporarily removes some downtown building design requirements while the city studies potential long-term updates.
For property owners and investors, this signals that Blaine is actively looking at ways to encourage redevelopment and new investment in the downtown core. The temporary ordinance also removes certain height limits and parking minimums for new projects during the one-year review period.
While it doesn’t change existing homes directly, policies like this can shape the long-term character of downtown, influencing future housing, mixed-use buildings, and commercial activity. Anytime a city evaluates development standards, it’s worth paying attention because those decisions often guide how the community grows over the next decade.
Q: Tired of your faucets looking like they’ve joined a rock collection?
Between crumbly calcification and fixtures that quit on you every week, hard water is making your life a total drain. Is your home staging a mineral-rich rebellion?
A: Don’t panic—Gary’s Plumbing and Heating is here to save the day! We’ll banish the scale with professional-grade softeners and high-tech filtration.
Say goodbye to buildup and hello to crystalclear water. Let’s get your pipes flowing perfectly again!
greater flexibility in managing income. Because income is often more controllable during these years, retirees may have opportunities to improve tax efficiency. Strategies such as Roth conversions, tax-efficient withdrawal planning, and delaying Social Security benefits may help strengthen long-term retirement income.
These years offer a valuable window for thoughtful tax and income planning. Working with a Certified Financial Planner® can help clients evaluate their options and create a well-designed retirement income strategy that aligns with their income needs and long-term goals. Skyline Advisors helps clients evaluate these opportunities and build a strategy designed for lasting financial confidence.
Q: What can I do to prevent reinjury and maintain mobility after completing physical therapy?
A: Recovering from an injury or surgery takes effort— rebuilding strength, restoring mobility, and retraining the body to move well again. Maintaining those gains also requires a little ongoing attention. When people stop the exercises and movement habits that helped them recover, joints can gradually stiffen and muscles weaken, making reinjury more likely. The good news is it doesn’t take hours of exercise. Just a few minutes a day of mobility work and key strengthening exercises can help keep your body moving well and pain-free. Think of it as routine maintenance for your body—similar to keeping a car running smoothly.
Download my Maintain Mobility Guide at 7elementspt.com or call 360-922-0091 to schedule a PT Tune-Up.
Natalie Milligan, MPT, MS
Mary
Borderites
B y n olan B aker
Spring sports season is officially underway, but, as is often the case in March in the Pacific Northwest, the weather has not been cooperative, forcing a number of games to be canceled.
Despite the fits and starts to the schedule, Blaine baseball held opening day on March 12, and boys soccer kicked off its season on March 13, though both teams are still searching for that first win.
WINTER SPORTS ATHLETES,
HEAD COACH HONORED
To round off the Borderites’ winter sports season, five athletes and one coach were honored by the Northwest Conference (NWC) for their efforts over the season.
Blaine girls bowling head coach Matt McAuley was named NWC girls bowling coach of the year after leading the team to a District 1 2A/1A championship and an appearance in the 2A/1A state championship.
This year saw Blaine’s second consecutive state championship berth, second consecutive district championship and second consecutive Academic State Championship, recognizing achievements in the classroom and the lanes.
In just a few years since the inception of the girls bowling team, McAuley has created a perennial contender, and a team that finds joy in the game and each other.
“There’s a great team feel,” McAuley told The Northern Light after winning the District Championship in February. “They want to be around each other and spend time with each other. They’re friends off the lanes as well. That friend aspect of the team is important.”
Senior bowler Ainslee Ellis was named First-Team All-Conference, an honor shared among only three other bowlers. Ellis led the team in points, and finished with the team’s highest ranking in the state championship in 2025 and 2026.
Senior Mackenzie Schreiner and junior Nevaeh Zaddack also earned honorable mentions in the All-Conference ballot.
In basketball, four Borderite seniors — two from each team — were named to the All-Conference team. From the boys team, Kai Kerwin and Landon Melton earned All-NWC honors. From the girls team, Brietta Sandell and Aaliyah Bowman
spOrts
represented Blaine.
All four participated in the Whatcom All Star Game at Lynden High School on March 13, an annual tradition where the county’s best individual players compete in a friendly exhibition match.
While neither team reached the 1A State Tournament, both performed exceptionally well in one of the most competitive counties in the state, which saw three teams (Lummi Nation boys, Lynden Christian boys and Lynden girls) win state championships in 2026.
BASEBALL
Blaine baseball held opening day on the road against Squalicum on March 12, losing 9-4 in a blustery game that saw walks from both teams’ pitching staffs.
The Borderites led 2-1 by the bottom of the fourth inning, but ended up loading the bases with three consecutive walks. Squalicum had its big inning in the fourth, putting up eight runs and running away with its first win of the season.
Junior Aaron Garza had a promising start at the plate, going 1-3 with a double, and fellow junior Josh Cochran went 1-3 with a walk.
The Borderites’ next scheduled game was against Sultan on March 16, but it was canceled due to rain and won’t be made up later in the season, said Blaine Athletic Director Chas Kok.
Up next for the Borderites’ is a 4 p.m. March 18 game on the road against Burlington-Edison (after press time). The team’s next shot at a home opener — weather permitting — is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. March 24 at Pipeline Fields against Ferndale.
Stats provided by whatcompreps.com
BOYS SOCCER
After the first two games of the season ended in losses, Blaine boys soccer is still searching for
its first win. The team dropped its season opener 5-1 on March 13 at Oak Harbor and fell 5-0 to Lakewood on March 16.
In the Oak Harbor game, Blaine trailed 2-0 by halftime, and allowed a pair of quick goals to start the second half. The Borderites scored its first goal of the season on a header from junior Rogin Trangia from a corner kick, but it wasn’t enough to mount a comeback.
At home against Lakewood, it
was a similar fate. The Borderites allowed two goals in the final 10 minutes of the first half and were unable to mount a comeback, allowing another three in the second half for a 5-0 loss.
Blaine will play at 7 p.m. March 18 at Squalicum (after press time) and return home to face Lynden Christian at 7 p.m. March 20 at Borderite Stadium. Stats provided by whatcompreps.com
s Blaine senior Chase Larsson, r., clears the ball away from a Lakewood forward during Blaine's 5-0 loss on March 16.
Photo by Nolan Baker
5520
Brandi
OBITUARIES
Robert Bruce Tiffin
December 16, 1946 – February 26, 2026
Robert Bruce Tiffin, age 79, of Bellingham passed away Thursday, February 26, 2026 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham. He was born December 16, 1946 in Vancouver, BC to parents Robert Farrell and Muriel Frances (Hill) Tiffin. Robert is survived by his wife Phyllis of the family home; daughters, Julie Kramme and Christy Imperio and her husband Joe and other relatives. To view a more complete obituary and share your memories of Robert please go to www.sigsfuneralservices.com.
Mary Belle Gervais
January 26, 1953 – January 29, 2026
Mary Belle Gervais, 73, of Blaine, WA, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, after a lifelong battle with cancer.
Born January 22, 1953 in Lawrence, KS, to Kelly Dillon and Mary Margret Dillon (Bond), Mary was raised in Fairhaven, WA, alongside her four brothers Donnie, Pat, Mike, and Jim with cherished memories of her childhood.
Mary lived in Bellingham, WA, where she met the love of her life, Mike Gervais. The two settled in Blaine to build a life. She had many friends and family that will miss her amazing smile, laugh, humor and positive attitude.
Mary is survived by her devoted husband, Mike Gervais; her children, April Fortune (Johnson) and Jeremy Olson-Brattain; her brother Pat; grandchildren, great-grandchildren and several more family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kelly and Mary; three of her brothers, Donnie, Mike, and Jim.
Mary dedicated her life to her family. She was a woman of faith. She will be deeply loved and dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Warren Aller
December 27, 1944 – March 3, 2026
Anyone who truly knew Warren Aller would agree that Warren’s greatest gift was his ability to connect with people. As a life-long educator, Warren impacted thousands of people and was known for his wit, compassion and dedication to communication and human connection.
Warren Aller was born on December 27, 1944, in Bonners Ferry, ID, to parents George Elmer and Marjorie (McDole) Aller, Warren passed away, surrounded by family on March 3, 2026, in Sedro Woolley, WA.
In the fall of 1967, Warren was hired as a high school English teacher at Klickitat High School. The following year he was hired at Blaine High School, where he would spend the next three decades of his K-12 career serving as high school teacher, principal at the primary, elementary, middle, and high school levels, as well as interim superintendent for one year. Warren received many honors during his career in the public school system, including during the 1988-89 school year when Warren was honored at the White House as the principal of one of three “Blue Ribbon” model schools selected across the U.S. In 1990, Warren returned to the White House where, as principal of Blaine Elementary School in Blaine, WA, he received recognition for his curriculum leadership.
Once Warren retired from Blaine School District, he spent a few years working for locally owned Border Brokerage as a customer service representative. After that he went on to join Western Washington University’s educational leadership faculty where he taught for over two decades. His students remember his classes as practical and pragmatic, where he would give thoughtful assignments where he asked for deep reflection, critical thinking and the most “salient” ideas from the readings. Warren was known for giving meaningful advice, not just about education, but about life, making his teaching transcendent of the typical professor/student relationship. Educators who enrolled in Warren’s classes often kept track of his colorful “Warren Allerisms” – clever aphorisms that were as pragmatic as they were philosophical. He was known for telling his future administrators, “If you’re wondering whose job it is, look in the mirror.”
When he wasn’t being the “Gandalf” of education, Warren enjoyed spending his time giving back to his community. He spent a number of summers throughout his life working at Trident Seafoods in South NakNek, AK. Two of those summers he brought his wife, Sharon and their kids with him to the cannery. He was an integral part of several church communities in Whatcom County, including Sunrise Baptist in Custer, Northwood Chapel in Blaine, and Cornwall Church in Bellingham where he did everything from running the sound system to serving on boards and volunteering wherever he was needed. Some of his favorite things to do involved spending time with family, cooking (he was known for his legendary smoked salmon), playing pinochle, camping, taking extended motorcycle trips, making wine, traveling and reading (usually something of no literary value whatsoever).
He was preceded in death by his parents, George Elmer Aller and Marjorie (McDole) Aller; his sister, June (Aller) Heinemann, and her husband, Bernie Heinemann; and his brother-in-law, Ernest Irons.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sharon (Bell) Aller; his daughter, Mariah (Aller) Butenschoen, her husband, Shawn, and their sons, Owen and Bo Butenschoen; his son, Matthew Aller, his wife, Rhudora Barro-Aller, and their sons, Keaton, Kamden, and Kolton Aller. He is also survived by his sister, Jane (Aller) Irons; his brother, David Aller; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Warren’s celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 2 p.m., at the Blaine Middle School Performing Arts Center in Blaine, WA. He will be laid to rest at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Stanwood, WA.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Western’s Educational Leadership Foundation in memory of Warren and his life’s work. Please share your memories of Warren at www.westfordfuneralhome.com.
sheriff’s repOrts
March 8, 5:10 p.m.: Moving vehicle accident blocking on Loomis Trail Road.
March 8, 7:47 p.m.: Suspicious person on Anchor Parkway.
March 10, 1:43 a.m.: Warrant arrest on Pacific Highway.
March 10, 4:41 a.m.: Alarm audible on Starfish Lane.
March 10, 8:35 a.m.: Welfare check on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.
March 10, 10:43 a.m.: Serve warrant on Mayfair Place.
March 10, 11:19 a.m.: Alarm audible on Willow Drive.
March 10, 2:19 p.m.: Fraud cold call on Semiahmoo Drive.
March 10, 2:19 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Valley View Road.
March 10, 3:29 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute cold call on H Street Road.
March 11, 4:55 a.m.: Traffic hazard on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.
March 11, 8:50 a.m.: Suspicious person on Harboview Road.
March 11, 9:30 a.m.: Harassment cold call on Leeside Drive.
March 11, 11:54 a.m.: Custodi-
al interference on Pheasant Drive.
March 11, 12:44 p.m.: Traffic stop on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.
March 11, 9:09 p.m.: Welfare check on Harborview Road.
March 12, 3:16 p.m.: Assist agency on Cherry Street.
March 12, 4:09 p.m.: Alarm audible on Seawan Place.
March 12, 4:44 p.m.: Security check on Seawan Place.
March 12, 5:29 p.m.: Welfare check on Harborview Road.
March 12, 9:37 p.m.: Civil problem cold call on Stein Road. For a complete list of WCSO reports, visit whatcomcounty.us/2120/Activity-Reports.
pOLiCe repOrts
March 1, 8:26 a.m.: Fraud on Yew Avenue.
March 1, 5:26 p.m.: Burglary on Osprey Road.
March 2, 4:17 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute on Mitchell Avenue.
March 3, 10:06 a.m.: Harassment on H Street.
March 4, 8:10 a.m.: Security check on Sweet Road.
March 4, 9:57 a.m.: Assaultsimple on Martin Street.
March 4, 1:20 p.m.: Lewd conduct on Rene Court.
March 4, 1:27 p.m.: Assault -
CrOssWOrd
ACROSS
1. Sheep sounds 5. Turn up 11. Statements of support 14. Spells 15. Evildoer 18. One-time baseball stadium staple 19. Activities 21. WWII-era US President 23. Soft, flexible leather 24. Proverb
28. Wish (Hindu) 29. Injury treatment
30. Red Sox ace
32. “Deadliest Catch” captain
33. Baseball stat
35. Where marine life lives
36. Heartbeat test
39. Signs on the dotted line
41. Atomic #24
42. Bind securely 44. Swiss No -
bel Peace Prize winner
46. Fragrant brown balsam
47. Where you were born
49. Sells a ticket for more than its price
52. Where goods are presented 56. Jewish salutation
58. Fruits 60. Poorly educated
62. Microorganism
63. Depicted DOWN 1. Ballplayer’s tool 2. Hairdo 3. From a distance 4. Belt one out 5. Revising a text 6. More (Spanish) 7. Beloved Spielberg alien 8. BBQ dish
9. Provoke 10. Within 12. Canadian flyers 13. Smugly smile 16. Buffalo 17. Lake in the Kalahari Desert 20. Grab 22. Rural delivery 25. Equally 26. It’s sometimes passed 27. Citizens who are qualified to vote 29. Greek letter 31. Body part 34. Boxing result 36. Newts 37. Predatory semiaquatic reptiles 38. Cockatoo 40. The NFL’s big game (abbr.) 43. Leguminous east Indian tree 45. News reporting organization 48. A nemesis of Batman
Coming up
Youth Peace Poetry Contest: Now through May 29. Kids ages 4–18 submit their work in the form of poetry, song lyrics, personal reflections, or any form of writing that sparks their imagination. Youth are encouraged to share what peace means to them in ways that are authentic and inspiring to them. Info and submission forms: bit.ly/4rKP8WQ. Sponsored by Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center and Village Books.
Community Dinner: Thursday, March 19, 5:30–7 p.m., Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street. Enjoy dinner, community and connections. Free. Donations accepted. Info: call/text (360) 656-6416. Native Plant Sale: Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Pioneer Park, 2007 Cherry Street, Ferndale. This free event includes native plants for purchase, family-friendly activities and exhibitors from local nurseries, community groups, artists, and more. Limited selection of free plants for kids. Info: plantsale@whatcomcd.org. Sponsored by Whatcom Conservation District.
simple on Martin Street.
March 4, 1:33 p.m.: Security check on Sweet Road.
March 5, 4:38 p.m.: Hit and run on H Street.
March 5, 6:16 p.m.: DUI on Semiahmoo Parkway.
March 6, 8:17 a.m.: Arson on E Street.
March 6, 2:12 p.m.: Suicidal subject on H Street.
March 7, 11:36 a.m.: Death investigation on C Street.
For a complete list of BPD reports, visit Facebook.com/ BlainePoliceDepartmentWA.
50. Legal term
51. Not all
53. A way to greet
54. Knot in a tree
55. Satisfy
57. Russian space station
58. A baby’s mealtime accessory
59. Stitch together 61. __ and behold
tides
March 12-18 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
Pruning 101: Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m.–noon, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Trees are breaking hibernation earlier, so take advantage of some of our sunny winter days and brush up on those pruning skills. Discussing tools, why prune and the decisions necessary. We will also present on overgrown trees and how to get them back in shape. Bring your questions. Info: nwcore.org.
Genealogy Workshop: Monday, March 23, 2–5 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Free informal help session. Limited number of computers available, bring a laptop, if you have one. Info: (425) 345-2979.
DSHS Mobile Office at the Library: Wednesday, March 25, 10 a.m.–noon, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Providing crucial services in environments that may not have DSHS brick-and-mortar offices nearby, and to be agile in meeting the needs of people who could benefit from their programs. Info: wcls.org.
Seed Starting and Sprouting: Wednesday, March 25, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street. Now is a good time to start thinking about getting those vegetables started. Discussing how many seeds, what type, when to start and when to transplant. Talk will focus on plants that can be grown in our climate. Tips and tricks from experienced growers. Info: nwcore.org.
Dusty Boots Dance: Friday, March 27, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street. Live country rock music by Jaded Lovers. Tickets: $10 adult, $15 couple, $5 senior, under 18 free. Tickets and info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Dahlias 101: Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m.–noon, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Dahlias are considered to be the premier cut flower. Easy to grow, but there are some definite tricks. Presentation includes expert dahlia growers, live demos and answering questions. Free tubers. Info: nwcore.org.
Comedy Night Dinner and Auction: Saturday, March 28, Great Blue Heron Grill, 8720 Semiahmoo Parkway. Silent auction and dinner seating 5–6:30 p.m., comedy show at 7 p.m. Tickets $75 includes dinner with choice of nine entrees. Tickets at semiahmoo. com. Proceeds benefit the Blaine High School class of 2026 safe and sober grad night.
Whatcom Wedding Showcase: Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., Ferndale Events Center, 5715 Barrett Road, Ferndale. Visit with plenty of vendors. Info and tickets: whatcomshowcase.com. Jensen Family Forest Park Tree Planting: Sunday, March 29, noon–3 p.m., Jensen Family Forest Park, 8051 Stein Road, Custer. Join the kick-off event for a new reforestation project. All tools, gloves and instruction provided. Volunteers must be 8 and up. Registration required at bit.ly/4lupFz8. Hosted by Whatcom Million Trees Project, Whatcom Land Trust and Whatcom Parks and Recreation. Mason Bees, alternative Pollinators: Wednesday, April 1, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn how to support all pollinators in your own backyard. This workshop will present an overview of the problem and introduce you to native pollinators. Discussing how to establish and maintain a healthy mason bee colony in your yard. Info: nwcore.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.
Weather
Precipitation: During the period of March 9 to 15, 0.9 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2026 year-to-date precipitation record is 9.7 inches.
Temperature: High for the past week was 54.0°F on March 11 with a low of 34.4°F on March 10. Average high was 50.6°F and average low was 36.7°F.
CAP Clothing Bank: Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon and Wednesdays, 5–7 p.m. 508 G Street. The Community Assistance Program clothing bank is now located in the basement of the CAP Center providing free clothing and linens. Donations accepted only during open hours or by special arrangement. Info: blainecap.org or (360) 392-8484.
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.
Submissions to Coming Up should
Blaine police seeks public’s help in finding teen
Blaine Police Department is seeking the public’s help in finding a 17-year-old Blaine resident who is believed to have run away over a month ago.
Family members reported that Destiny Gray-Haugness, 17, left home the evening of Feb. 1, Blaine Police Department Sgt. Tim Richardson wrote in an email to The Northern Light
A Washington State Patrol missing person flyer describes Gray-Haugness as 5 feet, 8 inches and 195 pounds.
Blaine police attempted to contact someone they believed was with Gray-Haugness and drove by areas Gray-Haugness was known to frequent. Richardson said Blaine police registered Gray-Haugness as a missing person and issued an alert to local agencies.
Richardson said Blaine police received a confirmed sighting of Gray-Haugness in Bellingham on Feb. 25.
After additional attempts to locate Gray-Haugness, Blaine police completed paperwork on March 5 that was required for Washington State Patrol to create a missing person flyer. On March 9, a family member said Gray-Haugness texted that she was safe.
Blaine Police Department shared the missing person flyer on social media March 11. Deputy Chief Brent Greene said the department doesn’t immediately
s Blaine Police Department is seeking the public's help in finding Destany Gray-Haugness, 17, who has been missing since Feb 1.
post juvenile runaways on social media unless they are believed to be in immediate danger.
Anyone with information on Gray-Haugness is asked to call 911 or Blaine Police Department at 360-332-6769.
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