The Northern Light: March 26-April 1, 2026

considers six-period days, page 4

City council shows support for police department amid investigation

City manager calls complaints unfounded

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Blaine City Council unanimously approved a pair of resolutions supporting Blaine Police Department (BPD) during Monday’s meeting.

One of the resolutions authorized the city to provide legal defense funding for Blaine police during a state investigation that city officials said stems from unfounded complaints made by a citizen advocacy group that has hurled accusations at city representatives for nearly three years.

COMPLAINT

The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC), which investigates law enforcement conduct, has opened an investigation into Blaine Police Chief Rodger Funk and other members of the police department. The citizen advocacy group is alleging that Funk and the department didn’t take sufficient action when members told officers they feared for their safety.

The CJTC investigation stems from a series of citizen complaints against Funk and other BPD officers by members of a water advocacy group formerly known as Save Blaine. The group’s complaints are far-reaching, but mostly originate from an Oct. 13, 2025, statement from Blaine resident David Brudvik to the City Council during a town hall meeting.

Brudvik, referring to four residents who comprised Save Blaine at the time, quoted a violent scene from the 1994 film “Pulp Fiction” where Samuel L. Jackson’s character recites a fictional bible verse before executing a man.

The group perceived the statement as a threat against their lives, and four members filed a protection order with the Whatcom County District Court soon after. Judge Angela Anderson ruled on Dec. 5, 2025 that Brudvik’s remarks constituted a “true threat” under Washington law,

(See City, page 2)

Ecology calls for public input on contaminated Westman Marine site

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The Washington State Department of Ecology has opened public comment for the final stages of the Port of Bellingham’s Westman Marine cleanup in Blaine Harbor, which will remove decades of contamination from boatyard maintenance and repair.

Construction is expected to begin this summer and continue through at least 2027. The cleanup work is estimated to cost $28 million, and a state cleanup grant could reimburse the port for up to half the costs.

The public is being asked to comment

on the legal document that details Ecology’s cleanup plan for the port as well as an updated public participation plan.

The 30-day comment period runs through April 21.

The Westman Marine cleanup site is at 218 McMillan Ave. in the southwest corner of Blaine Harbor. It includes 1 acre of upland cleanup and 27 acres of sediment cleanup in the water.

The upland cleanup will remove 2 feet of contaminated soil and replace it with new soil as well as take out marine structures blocking contaminated soil. For the water cleanup, a new bulkhead will be in-

North Whatcom Fire and Rescue board approves levy rate for August ballots

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North Whatcom Fire and Rescue Board of Commissioners unanimously approved placing a levy lid lift proposal on August primary ballots that would increase the current levy rate from $0.77 to $1.20 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The ballot measure would allow the district to collect up to $118.6 million during the six-year levy.

The approval came during the fire commission’s March 19 meeting. The August measure will be the fire district’s fourth attempt at a levy lid lift in recent years, with previous bids for taxpayer dollars once in 2024 and twice in 2021.

NWFR Chief Jason Van Der Veen and fire commissioners have been sounding the alarm on what they consider a critical financial situation for the district over the past five years. The district, which hasn’t seen an increased

levy rate in 20 years, is at an impasse when it comes to adequately providing staffing and infrastructure to the growing district.

“It’s not to build Taj Mahal headquarters,”

Van Der Veen said. “We’re talking about hiring firefighters, the people who are responding to your home in your time of need.”

Aside from one new battalion chief, the district hasn’t added additional staff

(See NWFR, page 3)

stalled to help with sediment dredging and prevent the spread of contaminated soil. Port of Bellingham spokesperson Mike Hogan said after the clean up is finished the port will install new marine trades infrastructure including a travel lift, piers and a modern stormwater system.

“These improvements will reactivate the property as a do-it-yourself boatyard where a wide range of marine repairs can be completed with the support of local maritime businesses,” Hogan said.

Starting in the early 1950s, the port be-

(See Cleanup, page 3)

and was not protected political speech, according to previous reporting by The Northern Light Brudvik was ordered to surrender up to 16 personal firearms as a result of the protection order.

Disputing that claim, Funk pointed to an Oct. 21 notice of no action decision from Whatcom County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Erik K. Sigmar who said Brudvik’s statement did not qualify as a threat, citing insufficient

evidence and interest of justice, “because of difficulty distinguishing statement from protected, albeit belligerent, political speech.”

According to redacted copies of the CJTC complaint submissions obtained by The Northern Light through a public records request, the complaints ask the CJTC to open a formal certification investigation into Funk due to a perceived conflict of interest between Funk and the City of Blaine, violations of BPD’s ethics policy, and violations of the petitioners Constitutional rights under the 14th Amendment’s “equal protection”

Blaine, WA 98230

clause, among other allegations.

The CJTC complaint also requested investigations into BPD officers Zachary Taxdahl, Trevor Chau, Bryan Beaulieu, Ferndale police chief Matthew Huffman and Ferndale officer Richard Hart.

Donna McGaffic, one of the parties in the complaint against Funk, showed her initial findings to a reporter during a Jan. 26 City Council meeting, but did not respond to multiple requests for comment for this story.

McGaffic attended the Monday City Council meeting, holding up brightly colored signs referring to the investigation, but left prior to the meeting’s adjournment.

Several individuals have contacted The Northern Light claiming responsibility for filing the report.

PREVIOUS COMPLAINT

UNFOUNDED

McGaffic has previously said she’s reported alleged misconduct from Funk and other city officials to state and federal agencies.

Last fall, she asked BPD to investigate Funk for failing to in-

vestigate her complaints that the mayor was using her political influence to violate the rights of a councilor. Funk referred the complaints to the Ferndale Police Department for an outside review.

After a monthlong investigation, Hart released a report that determined McGaffic’s complaints were unfounded and that McGaffic and other Save Blaine members were “deliberately disruptive to the effective governance of the city of Blaine.”

The Ferndale investigation was the first by an outside agency into the group and some of its complaints against city officials since it formed in fall 2023.

Mayor Mary Lou Steward has said she believes some members of the group formerly known as Save Blaine have crossed the line harassing public officials.

NEXT STEPS

The City Council’s resolution stated that the City Manager Mike Harmon and Funk reviewed the facts of the case and found “no evidence of wrongdoing.”

According to the resolution, Funk “acted in the City of Blaine’s best interest, in the discharge of his duties as a law enforcement officer; and in good faith.”

In a written statement to The Northern Light, Harmon said these

specific complaints are unfounded.

“The City takes all complaints filed with the CJTC seriously and respects each individual’s right to file a complaint,” Harmon wrote.

“In these specific circumstances, we believe the complaints are without merit, and we hope the investigation will be swift and expect the investigation will bear an outcome favorable to the City’s officers.”

The second resolution showing support for BPD mentioned that the CJTC investigation brought significant hardships to officer retention, recruitment and the city’s ability to maintain adequate staffing levels, and that responding to the complaints lodged by the citizen activist group has “imposed a financial burden on the City and significantly decreased the moral (sic) in the police department.”

David Quinlan, communications manager for CJTC, said the case was assigned to an investigator on March 6, but did not give a timeline for when the investigation would be completed.

Funk said he has hired a private attorney in addition to the City of Blaine attorneys that will represent him and the other BPD officers.

“I need to protect my own interests,” Funk said.

NWFR ...

From page 1

in almost 20 years, Van Der Veen said. All the while, call volume has climbed 100% in those two decades. One-third of calls are not responded to by the nearest fire station.

The fire district was also unable to provide wage increases in 2026 and Van Der Veen said he’s worried about being able to fill vacancies left by upcoming retirements. Without adequate staffing, Van Der Veen said the district may need to close stations or plan rotating station closures.

FUNDING FOR GROWING CONCERNS

The levy would accomplish several key things the district needs to function at what Van Der Veen described as adequate levels: increase staffing, which would include reoperating the vacant Station 62 in Semiahmoo; fund a remodel or rebuild of Birch Bay Station 63; and replace ambulances and apparatus more frequently.

In 2024, the fire district sought to surplus the Semiahmoo station but switched course a few months later after the city of Blaine unveiled its plan to focus on long-term housing growth in west Blaine. If the levy passes, the station

could have an ambulance in six months and be fully staffed in 1218 months, Van Der Veen said.

The Birch Bay station has a growing list of concerns the district has attempted to alert the public to in recent years, including increasing maintenance costs, the training tower’s structural integrity and tight quarters that aren’t up to date with current Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

Fire commissioners are considering three options for the Birch Bay station: gut and remodel the entire station; remodel the apparatus bay, remove the administrative side and create an addition to the building; or demolish it and build a new station.

Expanding staffing would require about 75% of total levy funds, at $89.5 million.

The levy increase would also put $2.5 million to $4.8 million toward the Birch Bay station upgrade, depending on whether it’s a remodel or rebuild.

Apparatus debt service would cost $4.1 million and ambulance replacements would cost $2 million.

MORE RESIDENTS

MEAN MORE NEEDS

Blaine resident Jennifer Plombon said during public comment prior to the board’s approval that she supported $1.20 per $1,000 of assessed property value after speaking with Semiahmoo and Birch Bay residents.

“This will cover the increased population,” Plombon said. “This will give you a functioning fire station, which you don’t have right now.”

If voters approve the levy increase, an average homeowner — the owner of a $500,000 home — would go from paying $32 per month under the current rate to $50 per month during the levy’s first year. Every year after that, rates could increase up to 3%.

The up to 3% annual rate increase comes from a limit factor on the ballot measure that would allow fire commissioners to approve up to a 3% tax increase without voter approval during each year of the six-year levy.

This would give the fire district permission to collect more than the 1% tax increase the state allows without voter approval, which Van Der Veen said is needed to keep up with inflation.

Fire commissioners debated whether to include the limit factor on the ballot, but supported it, saying they wouldn’t approve the 3% tax increase unless necessary. The increase would require a public hearing each year.

$6.3 million in additional funds to cover unforeseen costs.

If the levy doesn’t pass, Van Der Veen said the fire district would still need to find new housing for firefighters in the Birch Bay station due to health concerns. This would likely require putting a trailer in the Birch Bay park-

ing lot for the firefighters to live while on shift.

This election, Van Der Veen said the district is trying to simplify its message to voters.

“Firefighters love running calls,” he said. “But we have to have the people and stations to run them from.”

The fire commissioners also considered an alternative levy lid lift of $1.10 per $1,000 of assessed property value, but ultimately decided on $1.20 per $1,000 of assessed property value, which would offer the district

s North Whatcom Fire and Rescue’s Station 62 on Semiahmoo Parkway. North Whatcom Fire and Rescue commissioners approved during their March 19 meeting placing a levy lid lift on August ballots that would increase the levy from $0.77 to $1.20 per $1,000 of assessed property value. If approved, the levy would fund additional staffing, which would operate the vacant Semiahmoo station. File photo

Cleanup ...

From page 1

gan leasing the property to several marine businesses that contaminated the area through boatyard maintenance and repair, before current environmental regulations. The project is named after a former tenant, Westman Marine, that occupied the space when the contamination was found. Ecology has said the current tenant, On-

for REAL news READ

LOCAL

Board Marine Services, did not contribute to the contamination.

In 2001, the port began investigating the contamination, which eventually led to an interim cleanup that removed 420 tons of contaminated soil in 2014.

In 2023, Ecology finalized a plan to finish cleaning the site. Contamination, including metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and tributyltin which prevent the growth of marine life, was found in soil and sediment.

The cleanup has followed the state’s environmental cleanup law, the Model Toxics Control Act, which has required Ecology to solicit public comment throughout the project.

“Cleaning up historic contamination and reactivating strategic marine industrial properties in support of working waterfront jobs is a priority for the Port of Bellingham,” Hogan said.

To provide a comment, visit Ecology’s website at bit.ly/4sAchwh.

The Northern L ght

The Northern Light is published weekly by Daffodil Press, LLC.

About Daffodil Press

Daffodil Press is a locally owned, community-centered publishing company dedicated to strong local journalism and vibrant regional storytelling.

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Daffodil Press LLC is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association and active in chambers of commerce throughout Whatcom County and coastal Northwest Washington. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors or publisher.

Letters to the Editor

We welcome thoughtful letters from our readers. Letters should address local issues of broad community interest and help foster informed civic dialogue.

Please include your name, address, email and daytime phone number for verification. Letters are limited to 150 words. We may edit for clarity, length, legality and standards of civility. We do not publish falsehoods or hate speech.

Unsigned letters will not be considered. We accept one letter per author every four weeks.

Send letters to: letters@daffodilpress.net

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Contributors In This Issue Kelle Rankin-Sunter

School board begins discussions on six-period days

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Blaine School Board began discussing whether Blaine High School and Blaine Middle School should reduce the number of classes per day from seven to six.

Blaine High School Principal Beth Eide presented survey findings to the school board that a small committee of educators sent to 47 high school and middle school teachers.

They overwhelmingly supported the six-period day, at 74.5%, while 17% didn’t have a preference and 8.5% preferred seven periods.

About 35% of staff didn’t fill out the survey, Eide added.

“This has been an ongoing discussion probably since the dawn of age,” Eide said during the board meeting on Monday. “I think this is huge for the staff and for that we can actually have this conversation and really talk about all of the sides.”

The schools had six periods prior to COVID-19, and then switched to seven periods during the 2021-22 school year.

One of the biggest concerns that came up during the school board meeting was whether taking away one class would reduce the number of electives the school district offered — something district representatives said they were trying to increase.

Teachers who supported six-period days said the schedule increased instructional time by 10 minutes in each class, reduced the number of classes students needed to manage and improved teachers’ workloads.

The four staff members who preferred staying with seven periods cited more credits and elective options for students, staffing stability and shorter classes they

believed better engaged students.

Eide said the change would require a full year to plan, meaning if the board decided to implement six-period days, the earliest start to the new class schedule would be the 2027-28 school year. If approved, school start and end times would not change.

Board Director Ryan Swinburnson said he wanted to continue discussions this summer and ensure all middle and high

school staff were aware of the discussion. Swinburnson added he wanted to hear from the staff who didn’t fill out the survey.

Superintendent Dan Chaplik said he wanted to ensure the change was aligned with the district’s vision.

“There are ramifications for decisions we make,” Chaplik said. “We need to answer some questions about, ‘If we do this, what is the impact?’”

The Northern Light

229 Marine Drive Blaine, WA 98230

Tel: 360/332-1777

Vol XXXI, No 40

Circulation: 11,000 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

The Editor:

Nearly 250 years ago, the Declaration of Independence was adopted, declaring 13 colonies free from a king’s rule. By 1789, the Constitution had been ratified, and the first Congress was convened.

The Constitution is the supreme law of the U.S., establishing the federal government’s powers and limitations, and its structure, including three branches of government.

Now the executive branch under Trump is making decisions unilaterally, including engaging in war with no congressional oversight, ignoring judicial rulings, interfering with civil rights of its citizens, including using lethal force.

This is not what the people who drafted the Constitution, the oldest written constitution in the world, had in mind. They had overthrown the monarchy that ruled them.

March 28, 2026, is No Kings Day, a national day of peaceful protest.

If you are concerned about the direction of our country, go to nokings.org to find an event to join.

Cathy Taggett Blaine

The Editor:

As executive director of the Blaine Chamber of Commerce, I strongly support continued funding for the Blaine Welcome Center through the Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee. As budget discussions move forward, it’s important to recognize the essential role this resource plays in our community.

events, shops and restaurants, helping visitors stay longer and return, benefiting our local economy in real ways.

Staffed by dedicated volunteers, the Welcome Center makes efficient use of limited funds while demonstrating strong community support. It also offers one of the few public restroom options downtown, serving both visitors and residents.

In collaboration with the Blaine By The Sea advertising program, the Welcome Center helps promote Blaine as a destination, support small businesses, and strengthen our overall tourism efforts.

Eliminating or reducing funding would weaken our ability to welcome visitors and support the local economy.

I urge city leaders and community members to continue investing in the Welcome Center and the tourism programs that help Blaine thrive.

Kristen Gomes Blaine

The Editor:

I was traveling in India in August 1996 and went into a gift shop owned by a Tibetan man. When he learned I was American, he begged me to contact my president and ask him to please protect Tibet from China.

When I came home, I contacted the White House by phone. In those days you could speak to a caring, compassionate, well-informed person. The woman I spoke to said, “There is nothing you can do at the federal government level to make changes. All you can do is start in your own community.”

government hates Tibet. I had a deep realization that governments are the ones that want to fight, not necessarily the people of those countries that want to fight in wars.

Cindy Kisska Birch Bay

The Editor: North Whatcom Fire and Rescue is at a breaking point and Birch Bay should be paying close attention.

Call volumes have surged; staffing is stretched thin, aging equipment is being pushed beyond its limits. Funding has not kept pace.

Due to state limits, the fire levy has effectively shrunk over time, leaving our growing community with fewer resources to respond when emergencies happen.

This isn’t about “extra” services. It’s about whether help arrives quickly when your family needs it most.

The fire chief has made the situation clear: Without additional funding, they may be forced to permanently close one of the three stations serving our area — or rotate closures between stations. NWFRS is going for a much needed levy lift this year. Without adequate funds there will be fewer crews and longer waits in an emergency.

Please take this levy seriously. For more information visit nwfrs.net.

Sharman Burnam Birch Bay

The Welcome Center is often the first impression visitors have of Blaine. It provides information on local attractions,

Many years later I met a woman from China. She said the Chinese people do not hate Tibet at all, only the Chinese

Ads due: March 25 Please

Welcome

Salish Seed Guild seed boxes:

These seed boxes are available at Blaine Library, 610 3rd St. Locally sourced seeds are just $2 per packet, by donation. The seeds are adaptable to local soil and weather.

Dahlias 101 classes: Blaine CORE offers regular, free classes on everything you need to know about growing dahlias at Blaine Library, 610 3rd St. The next classes are March 28 and April 8. More information is at nwcore.org and fruit@

blaine-core.com.

Fairhaven Plant and Tree Sale: The 38th annual sale will have vendor booths, and a portion of sales will be donated to local nonprofits. The event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 28 at Hillcrest Church parking lot, 1400 Larrabee Ave. in Bellingham. Free admission.

Mason bees class: Now is the time to learn how to pollinate fruit trees, and there’s no better way to learn than at Blaine CORE’s mason bees class, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 1, at Blaine Library, 610 3rd St. Mason bee cocoons will be for sale — $20

(See Garden, page 6)

Garden ...

for 35 cocoons with paper nesting straws. More information at nwcore.org and fruit@blaine-core.com.

Dahlia tuber sale: The Whatcom County Dahlia Society will host a dahlia tuber sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 4 at Bloedel Donovan Park, 2114 Electric Ave. in Bellingham. All tubers are $7, well-labeled and in good condition. For more

& Home Garden

information, visit whatcomcountydahliasociety.com.

Early bloomers sale: The Whatcom County WSU Extension’s Master Gardeners program will hold its early bloomers sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 11 at Hovander Homestead Park, 5299 Nielsen Avenue near Ferndale. For more information, visit whatcommgf.org/public-events.

The Koma Kulshan Chapter native plant sale: The sale will offer over 1,000 native plants and 50 species from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 25 at Cordata Park, 4510 Cordata Parkway in Bellingham. This sale provides an opportunity for gardeners to source plants that are not always easy to find locally. While proceeds from the sale support chapter programs and projects and the Washington Native Plant Society, the event also provides education to the community about the benefits of native plants. There will be a

guided native plant walk at noon in Cordata Park.

Blaine High School’s FFA greenhouse sale: Blaine’s Future Farmers of America will hold a greenhouse sale 3 to 6 p.m. May 1; from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 2; and 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 3 in the greenhouse behind Borderite Stadium. The sale will feature flowering baskets, annuals and succulents. Support local students and get great deals.

Birchwood Garden Club plant sale: A selection of locally grown plants from the club will be sold from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 2 at Bellingham Public Library, 210 Central Ave. Cash only. More information is at birchwoodgardenclub.org.

Whatcom County Master Gardeners online plant sale: An online sale for plants that will be picked up at Whatcom County WSU Extension’s Master Gardeners plant sale on May 9. Online sales will be open from 9 a.m. May 2 to 9 p.m. May

3. Credit card purchases only. Visit whatcommgf.org to pre-order veggies, tomato starts and daylilies. Whatcom County Master Gardeners plant sale: A not-to-bemissed sale for newcomers and the well-established gardener from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 9 at Hovander Homestead Park, 5299 Nielsen Ave. near Ferndale. Cash, check or card. Experienced gardeners available to answer anything from pests to weeds. For more information, visit extension.wsu.edu/whatcom/hg/mg. Capp and Tracy’s Garden: A self-serve roadside stand at 7839 Kickerville Road in Birch Bay that offers reasonably priced plant starts, flowers, vegetables and tomatoes. It usually opens in early May. The stand also has a recycled pot area where you can pick up used pots for free (or drop off

(See Garden, next page)

Fix a Leak

• Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.

• Identify toilet leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, you have a leak. (Be sure to flush immediately after the experiment to avoid staining the tank.)

• Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for any water on the outside of the pipe to check for surface leaks.

(See Garden, previous page) ones you don’t need). For more information, visit facebook.com/ cappandtracysgarden.

Salishan Neighborhood plant sale: Blaine’s Salishan Neighborhood Association will hold a plant sale on May 30 at the Blaine Market by the Sea on G Street Plaza.

Self-service plant sale at Hovander Park: Whatcom County Master Gardeners will sell plants left from the May 9 sale, along with an assortment of other plants June 13-21 during park hours at Hovander Homestead Park, 5299 Nielsen Ave. near Ferndale. Gardeners will be available Wednesday morning to answer questions.

Kelle Rankin-Sunter is founder of Blaine CORE, which holds free home and gardening classes in Blaine. Rankin-Sunter can be reached at fruit@Blaine-CORE.com.

& Home Garden

notice to creditors of the abovenamed 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 the 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 the decedent has not been issued to any other notice agent, and a personal representative of the decedent’s estate has not been appointed.

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 11.42.070 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 in which the notice agent’s declaration and oath were filed. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty 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 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 the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

Date of First Publication: March 26, 2026

The notice agent declares under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Washington on March 19, 2026, at Bellingham, Washington, that the foregoing is true and correct.

Notice Agent: Clara Hamilton 2315 Xenia Street Bellingham, WA 98229

Attorney for notice agent: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225

Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp

Prospect Street

WA 98225

Court of notice agent’s Declaration and Oath: Superior Court of Whatcom County Cause Number: 26-4-00249-37

OBITUARIES sports

Baseball and golf hold home openers, softball wins big over Bellingham

Johnny D. Leininger

It is with deep sadness we share the passing of our father, Johnny D Leininger. John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Born in Bellingham, WA on July 19, 1941, he lived the entirety of his life in Whatcom County. He loved this area and shared many fond memories of how it had changed over the years. This was where he found the love of his life, Linda, and they raised their family. John was dedicated to his family and took great joy in spending time with them whenever possible.

John was, and continues to be, cherished by so many. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, as well as dedicated 49er, Dodger, and Duke fan. He loved animals and enjoyed time in nature as a young man on the farm he grew up on in Custer. John deeply loved his family and he was deeply loved in return.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John Leininger and Donna Goldie Leininger; his wife Linda Leininger; and daughter Michelle Leininger. He is survived by his sister Patricia (Doyle) Bennink; children Jason (Callie) Leininger, Chris (Breanna) Leininger, Nickolas (Heidi) Leininger; grandchildren Jaydin, Julianna (Dakota), Annabelle, Jonathon, Ella, Hailee, Sloane, Riley, Chase, Jayden , great-grandchildren, Carter, Zyller, Sylvanus, Izanami, Nova Jo, sister, nieces and nephews.

Gailanna L. Carlton

Octotober 11, 1944 – March 16, 2026

Gailanna L. Carlton, age 81, of Birch Bay, WA, passed away peacefully March 16, 2026 at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, WA, after a brief illness.

Gail lived at Latitude 49 in Birch Bay for 35 years. She was a hospice nurse working for Visiting Nurses in Bellingham, WA and will be remembered by the many families she cared for over the years. Her humor and laughter will always be remembered by all of her friends.

Gail is reunited in Heaven with her son Kurtis Carlton. She is survived by her husband William Carlton from Alaska and her daughter Lisa Johnson from Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska, www.alzalaska.org.

B y N ola N B aker

After fits and starts to the season due to persistent rain cancellations, the spring sports season is in full bloom, with great performances from the Borderites on the diamond and the links.

BASEBALL

Blaine baseball has only played three of its first five scheduled games due to poor weather, and hosted its home opener at Pipeline Field on Tuesday against Northwest Conference 3A rival Ferndale.

The visiting Golden Eagles jumped out to a 6-0 lead after the first half-inning, and while Blaine was able to get one back with a Josh Cochran single and series of steals and wild pitches, it wasn’t enough. Ferndale won, 14-1, and the Borderites will continue to seek its first home win.

In the game prior, the Borderites were the one to put up 14 runs, defeating Burlington-Edison 14-6 on Friday, March 20. Down 2-0 after the second inning, Blaine’s offense exploded for 14 runs over the next three innings, thanks to some solid plate discipline that allowed 14 walks. Sophomore center fielder George Streeter led the way on

offense with three hits and three runs scored.

On the mound, junior lefty Josh Cochran went three innings, striking out seven batters, and Aaron Garza had a stellar relief appearance, covering the final four innings, striking out nine batters and earning his first save of the season.

Blaine takes on Meridian at 4:30 on Thursday, March 26, at Pipeline Fields (after press time) and is scheduled for two more home games: 1 p.m. Saturday, March 28, against Orcas Island and 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 30, against Lynden.

Stats provided by whatcompreps.com

BOYS GOLF

Another victim of nasty weather cancellations, boys golf held its first match of the season on its home course of Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club on Tuesday, March 24.

The Borderites finished the eight-team Northwest Conference battle in seventh with a team score of 486. Burlington-Edison came in first with a team score of 398.

Leading the way for the Borderites was Peyton Bouma, who placed 13th overall in a field of 47 golfers. Bouma shot an 85 on

the blustery course.

Next up for boys golf is a showdown against Meridian at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, at North Bellingham Golf Course, 205 W. Smith Road.

Stats provided by whatcompreps.com

SOFTBALL

Blaine softball finally got its season started on Friday, March 20 with a road double-header in Centralia after its first two games were canceled due to inclement weather.

The double-header started with a 10-0 loss to Napavine, but the Borderites bounced back against Tenino with a resounding 15-7 victory.

The Borderites smacked five home runs, with seniors Aaliyah Bowman and Mesa Puls each supplying a pair of dingers.

Leanna Sacknoff doubled and hit a home run, and freshman Charley Bakker earned her first varsity win as pitcher.

Against Bellingham, the Borderites earned another resounding win, this time by a whopping 18-0 margin on Monday, March 23.

Bakker earned another pitching win, and drove in three runs on offense.

Stats provided by whatcompreps.com

sheriff’s reports

March 16, 9:01 a.m.: Theft cold call on Surf Place.

March 16, 10:31 a.m.: Counterfeit cold call on Birch Bay Lynden Road, Custer.

March 16, 11:11 a.m.: Sex crime no rape cold call on W Badger Road, Custer.

March 16, 7:13 p.m.: Domestic verbal cold call on Quinnault Road.

March 17, 9:06 a.m.: Threat cold call on Dahl Lane.

March 17, 10:19 p.m.: Civil problem on Stein Road, Custer.

March 18, 12:11 a.m.: Security check on Blossomberry Lane.

March 18, 11:40 a.m.: Assist citizen on W Badger Road.

March 18, 7:37 p.m.: Assist citizen on Blaine Road.

March 18, 8:21 p.m.: Security check on Harborview Road.

March 18, 8:34 p.m.: Security check on Birch Bay Drive.

March 18, 10:31 p.m.: Noise on H Street Road.

March 19, 7:48 a.m.: Assist citizen on Custer School Road.

March 19, 11:58 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Seashell Way.

March 19, 1:05 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Masterson Road.

March 19, 2:40 p.m.: Domestic order violation cold call on Birch Bay Lynden Road, Custer. March 19, 3:38 p.m.: Watch

for on Bay and Jackson roads. March 19, 5 p.m.: Fraud cold call on E. Shoreview.

March 19, 7:28 p.m.: Hot rod on Valley View Road.

March 19, 9:55 p.m.: Security check on Blaine Road.

For a complete list of WCSO reports, visit whatcomcounty.us/2120/Activity-Reports.

poLice reports

March 16, 9:43 a.m.: Burglary on 16th Street.

March 16, 9:35 p.m.: Animal problem on Leighton Street.

March 17, 10 a.m.: Security check on G Street.

March 17, 10:57 a.m.: Sex crime (no rape) on H Street.

March 17, 5:39 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident non-blocking crash on E Street.

March 18, 2:38 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Cherry Street.

March 18, 8:42 p.m.: Serve papers on Kingsley Avenue.

March 18, 10 p.m.: Domestic

crossWord

ACROSS

1. A way to wound

5. Hormone secreted by the pituitary gland (abbr.)

8. Shows the world

11. Decided 13. Indigenous person of NE Thailand 14. Dough made from corn flour 15. Honors 16. Political commentator Coulter 17. Expresses pleasure

18. Heavy clubs

20. Defunct phone company

21. Algonquian language

22. Salts

25. Act of the bank

30. Danced 31. Drummer Weinberg

32. Small goose

33. Helps evade

38. Certified public accountant

41. Periods of time 43. Kids’ book character

45. Type of beer

47. Ancient kingdom near Dead Sea

49. A way to attack

50. Talk radio personality Margery

55. Whale ship captain

56. Request 57. Large underground railstation in Paris

59. BBQ dish

60. No (Scottish)

61. Jewish spiritual leader

62. Tool used to harvest agave

63. Explosive 64. A reward (archaic)

DOWN

1. One thousand cubic feet (abbr.) 2. Polite interruption sound

3. Extremely small amount

4. Very short period of time (abbr.) 5. Fires have them 6. Sacred place 7. Island capital 8. Volcanic craters 9. Arthur __, Wimbledon champion 10. Bullfighting maneuver

12. Midway between east and southeast 14. A ceremonial staff

19. Cheap prices 23. North Atlantic fish 24. Oil company 25. A federally chartered savings bank 26. Paddle 27. Where UK soldiers train 28. One point north of due east 29. Attention-getting

34. Ballplayer’s tool 35. Sun up in New York

36. Where golfers begin

37. Soviet Socialist Republic 39. Represented as walking (animal) 40. Craftsman 41. Unit of force (abbr.)

42. Dueling sword 44. Houston hoopster 45. Stone building at Mecca

Coming up

Dusty Boots Dance: 5 to 7 p.m., March 27, Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street. Evening of live country and rock music by local band Jaded Lovers. $10 per person, $15 per couple, $5 seniors and free for youth under 18. Tickets: blainewa.myrec.com. Dahlias 101: 10 a.m. to noon, March 28, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Expert dahlia growers will provide demonstrations and answer questions. Participants will receive tubers to take home. Presented by Blaine CORE.

physical on F Street.

March 19, 9:47 a.m.: Sex crime (no rape) on H Street.

March 19, 11:31 p.m.: Theft on D Street.

March 20, 4 p.m.: Harassment on B Street.

March 20, 2:34 p.m.: Missing person on G Street.

March 20, 6:05 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Bell Road.

March 20, 8:07 p.m.: Traffic hazard on Grant Avenue.

For a complete list of BPD reports, visit Facebook.com/ BlainePoliceDepartmentWA.

46. __ and flows

47. “Beastmaster”

actor Singer

48. American state

51. Swiss river

52. U.S. island territory

53. German physicist 54. One point east of northeast 58. Get free of

ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

tides

March 26-April 1 at Blaine. Not for navigation.

Whatcom Wedding Showcase: 10 a.m.–3 p.m., March 28, Ferndale Events Center, 5715 Barrett Road, Ferndale. Visit with local vendors. Info and tickets: whatcomshowcase.com. Jensen Family Forest Park Tree Planting: Noon–3 p.m., March 29, Jensen Family Forest Park, 8051 Stein Road, Custer. Kick-off event for a new reforestation project. All tools, gloves and instruc tion provided. Volunteers must be 8 and up. Registration required at whatcommilliontrees.org. Hosted by Whatcom Million Trees Project, Whatcom Land Trust and Whatcom Parks and Recreation. Off the Shelf: A Teen Hangout: 3 to 4 p.m., April 1, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Looking for a place to relax after school? Come hang out, play games, listen to music, be creative or just chill with friends.

Mason Bees: Alternative Pollinators: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., April 1, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. The crisis in our bee population is a very real concern. We want to help you 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. We will discuss how to establish and maintain a healthy mason bee colony in your yard. Presented by Blaine CORE.

Better than BookTok: 4 to 5 p.m., April 2, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. This month, the book theme is Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer. Bring in your own book and/or rec ommendations based on that title – a book in the same genre, a book you think is better, a book by the same author, or that shares similar characters or settings.

Beginner Friendly Spring Walk: Stimpson Family Nature Re serve: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., April 3, Birch Bay Activity Center. The bus will take participants to the walking location. Ages 16 and older. Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring lunch, snacks and water. No Pets. $6 per person. Main loop is 3.2 miles. Registra tion required. Information/registration: bbbparkandrec.org.

Blaine Disk Golf Course Work Party: 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 4, Blaine Disk Golf Course, 4551 D Street. We’re hosting monthly work parties to tackle the upkeep and improvements our course needs. Whether it’s trimming branches, mowing, weed-whacking, managing stinging nettles, or relocating baskets, every pair of hands makes a big difference. Information: whatcomdiscgolfclub.com.

Spring Break Day Camps: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 6 through April 9, Blaine Elementary School, 836 Mitchell Avenue. Ages 5 through 12. $45 per day/scholarships available. Spots limited, registration open now. Information and registration: bbbparkandrec.org or email info@bbbprd2.com.

Washington State Basic Boater Education Course: April 6–9, May 11–14, June 8–11, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Online course on Zoom is for anyone wishing to learn safe boating skills and qualify for a Boater Education Card. $15 registration plus $10 printed book. Sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Bellingham and San Juan Islands Flotilla. Reservations and questions: boatingsafetyWA@gmail.com.

Blaine All About Gardening: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., April 7, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn all about the simple wonders of gardening and plant seeds that will grow into yummy veggies or beautiful flowers to take home with you. All supplies provided. Age: Kids. Teen corps volunteers needed. Info: wcls.org.

DVSAS Hands for Hope Auction and Gala: 5 p.m., April 18, Silver Reef Casino. Dinner, auction, dessert dash. Generously sponsored by Greg and Elizabeth Grant and SSC.

Ongoing

Blaine Library Winter Art Exhibition: Through March, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. The winter exhibit features a variety of artwork provided by the talented staff members of the Blaine Public Library and larger Whatcom County Library System.

Youth Peace Poetry Contest: Now through May 29. Kids ages 4 through 18 can 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: whatcomdrc.org/youth-peace-poetry-contest. Sponsored by Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center and Village Books.

Weather

Precipitation: During the period of March 16 to 22, 2.7 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2026 year-to-date precipitation record is 12.1 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 64.2°F on March 20 with a low of 37.0 °F on March 16. Average high was 50.6°F and average low was 45.5°F.

Blaine Storytime: 10:30 to 11 a.m., Mondays, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. For ages 2-3. An open program that includes stories, rhymes, and songs with opportunities for movement and interactive participation.

Blaine Food Bank: Open Mondays 9 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays 5 to 7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m. to noon. 500 C Street.

The Bridge Food Bank: 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays, The Bridge Community Hope Center, 7620 Birch Bay Drive. New registration required at thebridgehope.com or call 360/366-8763. Volunteers welcome.

Beach Cat Running Club: 6 to 8 p.m., Thursdays, Beach Cat Brewing, North Paw, 7876 Birch Bay Drive. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual jogger, or just looking to stretch your paws on a nice evening walk, this weekly meetup is open to all. Free.

Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com

Holy Week Services

Blaine United Church of Christ

THE SEASON OF

Church of Assumption, 2116 Cornwall Ave Bellingham

April 2, 2026 Holy Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 pm (Bilingual)

April 3, 2026 Good Friday Service 7:00 – 8:30 pm

April 4, 2026 Easter Vigil 8:00 – 10:30 pm (Spanish)

April 5, 2026 Easter Sunday 8:00 am and 10:00 am 1:00 pm (Spanish)

Sacred Heart, 1110 14th St, Bellingham

April 2, 2026 Holy Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 pm

April 3, 2026 Good Friday Service 7:00 – 8:30 pm

April 4, 2026 Easter Vigil 8:00 – 10:30 pm

April 5, 2026 Easter Sunday 5:00 – 6:30 pm

St. Joseph, 5781 Hendrickson Ave, Ferndale

April 2, 2026 Holy Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 pm

April 3, 2026 Good Friday Service 7:00 – 8:30 pm

April 4, 2026 Easter Vigil 8:00 – 10:30 pm

April 5, 2026 Easter Sunday 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

St. Joachim, 4180 Lummi Shore Rd, Bellingham

April 5, 2026 Easter Sunday 8:30 – 10:00 am

St. Anne, 604 H St, Blaine

April 5, 2026 Easter Sunday 9:30 – 11:00 am

St. Joseph, 205 12th St, Lynden

April 2, 2026 Holy Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 pm

April 3, 2026 Good Friday Service 7:00 – 8:30 pm

April 4, 2026 Easter Vigil 8:00 – 10:30 pm April 5, 2026 Easter Sunday 11:00 am – 12:30 pm

St. Peter, 6210 Mt Baker Hwy, Deming

April 5, 2026 Easter Sunday 8:30 – 10:00 am

360-366-5567 • office@zionlutheranwhatcom.org 7215 Valley View Rd. • zionlutheranwhatcom.org

ROAD TO RICHES

SATURDAYS

5pm

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