The Northern Light: October 2-8, 2025

October 2 - 8, 2025

No injuries in Birch Bay fire, page 2

Nonprofit to host Blaine school board candidate forum

B y N ola N B aker

With election day just around the corner, Fund Schools Now, a grassroots parent organization, will hold a public forum for Blaine School Board candidates at 6 p.m. Tuesday, October 7 in the Blaine Community/Senior Center, 763 G Street.

The forum will feature all four candidates on the ballot: Bob Feaster, Jim Shaver, Chelsey Belarmino and incumbent Ryan Swinburnson. The forum open to the public and will provide an opportunity for voters to hear directly from candidates running for positions governing Blaine’s K-12 school district.

Fund Schools Now also released a community survey to help steer the conversation with the candidates. The survey asks voters what they believe to be the most pressing issues facing the school district and community, what qualities and perspectives they most want to see in a local school board, and to pose a question for the candidates to answer at the forum.

The survey can be filled out online at bit.ly/479LWvF.

Blaine school district will have three positions up for election this year. District 3, which covers Birch Bay Village and sections of Birch Bay and Semiahmoo, will have the only head-to-head race with Bob Feaster and Jim Shaver.

The District 4 and 5 races are being run unopposed. District 4 director Ryan Swinburnson will run for his first full term after being appointed in March 2024.

The District 5 race will feature Chelsey Belarmino running unopposed. Belarmino will run to replace Steve Galbraith, who was appointed in March 2024. For more information on the candidate forum, visit fundblaineschoolsnow. com. Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, and ballots will be mailed by Wednesday, October 15, according to the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office.

Borderite Hall of Fame inductees announced, page 7

Borderites face Granite Falls for homecoming

pages 6 and 7.

County closes loophole on legal payouts

Whatcom County Council introduced an amendment during its most recent regular meeting that would close a loophole that kept the government body from knowing about a $225,000 payout to settle a sexual harassment claim made by a county employee against her manager.

The payout, which was made in November 2023 following sexual harassment claims against former public works director Jon Hutchings, was just under the $250,000 threshold for notifying

county council of a third-party payment, according to previous reporting by The Northern Light . The payment was made through the Washington Counties Risk Pool (WCRP), which Whatcom County joined in 1988.

While the settlement was paid in 2023, Whatcom County Council said it did not learn of the six-figure payment, nor the allegations against Hutchings, until Cascade PBS reported the payment in an April 2024 exposé.

After more than a year of internal investigation, county council found that

Burn ban lifts in unincorporated Whatcom County

The Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office has announced it will lift the stage 2 burn ban in unincorporated Whatcom County at midnight Saturday, October 4. The end of the summer restrictions comes as the area is seeing an increase in rain and fuel moisture levels.

The fire marshal’s office enacted its original burn ban on June 15 before upgrading it to a stage 2 ban on July 19. While the ban will be removed, the office warns people still need to use extreme

caution as fires are still possible following a dry summer.

Except for legal recreational fires, people must receive a permit before outdoor burning. Fire rules are available on the county fire marshal’s office website, bit. ly/4nX5ObS.

Starting October 4, verbal burn permits will be available through the county’s outdoor burning information line, and written burn permits for fires larger than four feet by four feet will be issued at the

Whatcom County Planning and Development Services office, 5280 Northwest Drive. Burn permit applications are available on the fire marshal’s website.

Open burning is indefinitely prohibited in the cities and urban growth areas of Blaine, Birch Bay, Cherry Point, Ferndale, Bellingham, Lynden, Everson, Nooksack, Sumas and Columbia Valley.

People must contact the Washington

while the payment was made through the risk pool, the county still reimbursed the pool because the payout was below the $250,000 deductible for a single claim. Liability for the claim was passed from the county to the risk pool, and council was never informed about the payment, despite Whatcom County taxpayers footing the bill.

Hutchings resigned from his position in October 2022.

On September 23, new language add -

(See Payouts, page 3)

We’re Open!

Downtown Blaine is open for business!

Phase 3 of the Downtown Revitalization Project begins Monday, September 29. During construction, the following downtown businesses will remain open and have public access:

• Starbucks Coffee (entrance off F St.)

• Bordertown Mexican Grill (pedestrian walkway off G St.)

• Blaine Welcome Center (pedestrian walkway off G St.)

• Inn on the Harbor (pedestrian walkway off H St.)

• Hill’s Chevron & Gift Shop (pedestrian walkway off G St.)

• Aloha Cafe (pedestrian walkway off H St.)

• Ttowa Sushi (access through back parking lot)

• CTK Church (pedestrian walkway off H St.)

• Black Forest Steak House (enter off G St.)

• Drayton Harbor Oyster Co. (pedestrian walkway off G St.)

• Inn at the Harbor (pedestrian walkway off G St.)

• Monte’s Just A Bite (pedestrian walkway off G St.)

• Blaine Bouquets (pedestrian walkway off G St.)

• Bella Boutique Consignment (pedestrian walkway off H or G St.)

Fire engulfs two RVs, shed in Birch Bay

B y G race M c c arthy

A non-injury fire that engulfed two RVs and a shed on September 26 in Birch Bay may have resulted in less property damage had North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) been equipped with more resources, according to the fire chief.

NWFR received a call at 12:20 p.m. September 26 about a structure fire in the 4200 block of Loomis Trail Road, NWFR chief Jason Van Der Veen said. A unit from Birch Bay’s only station, NWFR Station 63, would have been the first to respond to the fire 2.3 miles away, if it hadn’t been on a medical call. The first firefighters to arrive were from the second-nearest station 3.4 miles away, NWFR Station 61 on (See Fire, page 5)

Payouts ...

From page 1

ed to county code 3.05 – which covers tort and damage claims and payouts – proposed that the county establish a risk management working group staffed by the county executive, director of finance, prosecuting attorney, county risk manager, at least one member of county council and additional county employees. The amended code would also require council be notified of payments made by third parties, such as the WCRP, within 30 days of payment.

WCRP acts as an insurance policy for counties to weather large legal payouts as well as provides risk management, claims handling and administrative services. The pool provides services to 24 of Washington’s 39 counties.

Whatcom County Council hired Matrix Consulting Group this February to review the county’s policies and procedures for human resources. On September 16, Matrix released a 102-page report outlining mul -

tiple high-priority recommendations for the county to make on how it reports sexual harassment and how human resources works with rank-and-file county employees. Matrix recommended the county centralize its complaint and investigations process, implement a standard procedure

for investigating sexual harassment across all county offices and departments, and improve its timeliness on how it handles human resources complaints. Council is expected to vote on the amendment in October. The next county council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7.

Blaine’s Brian Major Saturdays & Sundays, October 4 & 5, 11 & 12 10 am - 5 pm 978 Harrison Avenue Blaine, WA 98230 360-296-0395 majorarts@comcast.net

• Mybellaboutique.com

during construction! Use the G St. walkway! 625 Peace Portal Drive (next to Blaine Bouquets) 5686 3rd Ave. (in Ferndale)

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.

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Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com

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The Northern Light

225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230

Tel: 360/332-1777

Vol XXXI, No 16

Circulation: 11,000 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

The Editor:

Blaine is a beautiful town full of potential, and we need thoughtful, experienced leadership to guide its future. That’s why we are proud to support Sukhwant Gill for Blaine City Council.

Mr. Gill brings a unique combination of business experience, public service and genuine community care. With over 30 years of managing large budgets, economic development and operating local businesses, including Blaine Mart and construction of the Namaste restaurant, Mr. Gill understands the importance of adaptability and long-term planning. His work in cross-border advertising and 18 years as a municipal paymaster for a population larger than Blaine and Birch Bay combined shows he knows how to navigate complex systems and budgets effectively.

But beyond his resume, Sukhwant Gill is a problem solver who listens. When he considered a project for a property he owns in Blaine, neighbors raised concerns – so he listened, changed course and found a better solution in another part of town. As he says, “Public service should not be about vanity. I will listen to and respond to your concerns. You are the boss.”

On the city council, Mr. Gill has helped create calm, find common ground and work toward solutions that benefit residents and small businesses alike. He understands the need for smart budgeting, strong city services, support for our growing dining and retail sectors, and preserving Blaine’s historic character.

My wife and I have spent our lives improving communities – myself as a police officer and mental health counselor (retired) and my wife as an educational consultant – and we see those same values reflected in Mr. Gill. He doesn’t just talk about change; he gets things done.

We’ll be voting for Sukhwant Gill for Blaine City Council, and we encourage you to do the same. Let’s keep Blaine moving forward – together.

Kevin Faulkner

Blaine

The Editor:

Charlie Kirk is barely in the ground and after the cursory “no place for political violence” declarations, the dehumanizing and hyperbolic rhetoric against fellow Americans begins again.

Ron Snyder and Cathy Taggett call ICE agents “brown shirts,” a colloquial term for the Nazi storm troopers. They reference the poem “First They Came” which includes, “They came for the Jews … then they came for me.” Are we on the verge of Nazi-style death camps? It sounds like it, because Snyder and Taggett finish with, “There is a time to be afraid.” Brian Bell references Trump and warns, “We’ve dispatched tyrants in the past … we can and will do it again.”

President Trump has been shot in the

head once and escaped a second assassination attempt. I think we need to pump the brakes on the dispatching the president talk.

News flash, none of us are Nazis or fascists. People have differing political opinions, that’s all. In civil society we should be able to agree to disagree. What I cannot agree with is the dehumanization of people with whom you disagree. That behavior paved the way for the killing of millions of human beings.

Let’s throw out the Nazi and fascist playbook once and for all. I know it’s free speech to call someone a Nazi or fascist, but it can also foment violence. Let’s be more responsible. Charlie Kirk – husband, father of toddlers and an unborn child he will never hold – was killed by a so-called anti-fascist. The core tenet of fascism is strict obedience to the state. Charlie Kirk was for open dialogue and individual rights, not obedience to the state. The killer, spurned by a flood of mischaracterization and hate speech, hurt the very cause he claimed to profess.

The end of hyperbolic rhetoric, used by far too many, has to precede the obligatory ‘stop the violence’ proclamations. Just as we don’t tolerate racial slurs or hate speech against gays or marginalized groups, we need to confront the dehumanization of our fellow citizens. The vast majority are people of goodwill, whether they be on the right or the left.

Dave Berry Birch Bay

The Editor:

As a child of the 1950s and 60s, music from the 1960s remains my favorite. I recently discovered an Australian group, The Seekers, though I was unaware of their later music. One of the later songs, “I Am Australian,” has become a favorite for several reasons.

I think that this song is a direct contrast to our situation in the U.S. today. The verses of “I Am Australian” describe the history of Australia from the Indigenous peoples in the Dream Time (when the land mass of Australia was formed) through its settling by English convicts and European people. The last verse and refrain though are what make the song applicable to the U.S. today.

“I am the rock/I am the sky/The rivers when they run/The spirit of this great land/ I am Australian/We are one/But we are many/We’ll share a dream/And sing with one voice/I am, you are, we are Australian.”

My visits to Australia have demonstrated that the Australian people largely personify the sentiments expressed in this song. The people of the U.S. today have become highly tribal and unwilling to have an open mind to the ideas of others. This is happening largely at the direction of our elected government, the president in particular; if you are not in their tribe, then you need to leave the country.

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.

The idea of “live and let live” in the U.S. seems to now only exist in history books. Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and the other founding fathers would be appalled at what we have become.

Mike Tomlinson

Blaine

The Editor:

The behavior of the leadership of our Blaine City Council, reported in The Northern Light, has given me reason to question their lack of transparency. The disrespectful behavior was not acceptable in the words and actions toward Eric Lewis, regarding his earnest attempt to represent concerns of Blaine citizens. Our citizens have the right for civil public commentary and accountability. The issues are not partisan, and a code of ethics seems to be a no-brainer. What could be the motives in denying such public accountability?

Eric Lewis is working for the betterment and honesty of our Blaine City Council, and that’s what the emails showed. If hearing concerns from frustrated residents and bringing those items to council for possible action will result in uncivilized behavior to a council member, this would have a chilling effect on public input.

Eric Lewis is dedicated to listening to citizens of the city of Blaine and carefully researching issues that impact all citizens of Blaine. That is his job. I support him. Calling for a codified code of ethics is paramount to upholding expectations for the honesty of our representation in Blaine City Council. This should be expected. Thank you Eric Lewis.

Ani Ashford Blaine

The Editor:

The Sierra Club is a national organization that embraces habitat, outdoor recreation, and quality of the natural and human environments. I chair our local affiliate, the Mount Baker Group, and I write today in support of Eric Lewis for Blaine City Council. Eric understands the need to ensure clean drinking water supply and a healthy environment that provides great recreational opportunities. He also supports the simplifying of permitting and codes that can speed the building of housing for our families and workers.

Eric’s long track record as a volunteer and community member in Blaine makes him an excellent choice to be on council. The Sierra Club has endorsed him for these reasons.

Ned Vasquez

Chair, Mount Baker Group, Sierra Club Bellingham

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.

Public invited to meeting on emergency preparedness

A Blaine emergency preparedness group is inviting the public to learn how it can assist during a disaster during its Blaine Safety Fair 2-4:30 p.m. Saturday, October 4 at the Blaine Community/Senior Center.

The fair, organized by the Blaine Emergency Response Team (BERT), will include instructions on life-saving first aid, moving the injured, creating an emergency “go bag” and extinguishing fires.

BERT is a group of Blaine volunteers who have received community emergency response training to assist first responders during a catastrophe, such as a tsunami or earthquake. The group encourages new members.

For more information on the group or event, contact Cataline Harkleroad at catynwine@gmail. com or 925/997-0928.

The Blaine Community/Senior Center is located at 763 G Street.

Opportunity Council to hold gala for 60th anniversary

Opportunity Council is ringing in its 60th year of serving northwest Washington with a gala to celebrate its work building equitable communities.

The gala will bring guests together for dinner, dancing and reflecting on the nonprofit’s history 5:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday, October 25 at the Hotel Bellwether ballroom, 1 Bellwether Way in Bellingham. The event is “festive formal,” with attendees encouraged to dress in their best cocktail and semi-formal wear.

Tickets cost $150 each or $1,250 for a table of 10. People who can’t attend but would like to support Opportunity Council may do so by making a donation or sponsoring a ticket for a community member online.

Individual tickets will be sold

Fire ...

From page 3

Odell Road in Blaine.

The Blaine unit arrived at 12:25 p.m. and was fighting the fire alone for 16 minutes, which Van Der Veen noted as a significant time without backup. The district relied on mutual aid, with a ladder from Lynden arriving at 12:41 p.m. and a Ferndale aid car coming on scene at 12:36 p.m.

Van Der Veen said each NWFR station only has enough personnel to respond to one call at a time.

It took 25 minutes for the fire to get under control, Van Der Veen said. By then, two RVs and a shed were deemed a complete loss.

Van Der Veen said it’s not certain whether the outcome would have been different, but having two crews on scene in the beginning would have helped significantly.

“Extinguishment was more difficult because of the lack of

Burn ban ...

From page 1

State Department of Natural Resources, federal forests or federal parks if they plan to start a fire in any of those areas, including Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and North Cascades National Park. Properties that fall under the jurisdictions of the Point Roberts, Lummi Island or Sandy Point fire districts must contact those

through Friday, October 10.

Opportunity Council is a Bellingham-based nonprofit that serves Whatcom, Skagit, Island and San Juan counties through an array of programs, including employment services, utility and rental assistance and help for veterans.

“As we approached our 60th anniversary of community action this year, we wanted to acknowledge this important milestone,” wrote Emily Martens, communications coordinator at Opportunity Council, in an email to The Northern Light. “At Opportunity Council, we’re dedicated to helping people and building communities where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute, and we couldn’t do it alone.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit oppco. org/anniversary.

manpower and lack of emergency units,” he said. “This is a good example that delays can happen when we don’t have the resources.”

NWFR has gone out for three levy lid lifts in recent years: One in August 2024 and two in 2021. Voters knocked down the ballot measures that the fire district has said are needed to improve service levels.

Tiffany Honey, a fire inspector at the Whatcom Fire Marshal’s Office, said the fire was determined to be an accidental electrical fire that originated from a clothes dryer.

The stage 2 fire ban on unincorporated Whatcom County will expire on Saturday, October 4, resuming permitted outdoor burning. With restrictions removed, Van Der Veen advises people to remain vigilant.

“I want to encourage people to be mindful of the wind,” Van Der Veen said. “Take things slow and steady.”

fire agencies for information on whether their bans have been lifted.

Burn ban violations may result in a minimum fine of $250 and reckless burning charges.

The county’s outdoor burning information line, which gives current burning information and verbal permits, can be reached at 360/778-5903. Questions left unanswered by the information line may be directed to the fire marshal’s office at 360/778-5900.

Miss Me 372 H Street Blaine, WA 98230 Wednesday – Saturday • 11am – 5pm

Book

Sale

Fri & Sat, October 3 & 4 9 am - 2 pm Non-fiction, Fiction, Children’s, Young Adult, Poetry, Classics, Puzzles, Games, DVDs, CDs, VHS, Records, Cassettes & Much More! Free Church Unitarian 1218 Harrison Avenue, Blaine (Corner of Harrison & Cedar)

Granite Falls beats Blaine football at homecoming, volleyball wins at home

Blaine sports had another busy week, with many games played on the road. In the few home games the Borderites did play, volleyball was able to defend its court in a gusty, 3-2 win over Sedro-Woolley, while football couldn’t keep up with Granite Falls in a 27-6 loss during its homecoming game.

Football

The Borderites held its own against Granite Falls in the first half of the September 26 game at Borderite Stadium. But the second half was a different story. With the score heading into halftime narrowly in Granite Falls favor, 7-6, the Borderites just needed to put together a few good offensive drives and continue its suffocating defense

that allowed a single score in the first half.

The plan immediately went off the rails when Granite Falls recovered a Blaine fumble on the opening kickoff and scored a touchdown just a few plays later.

That would be the start of a 20-point swing in Granite Falls’ favor, with the loss dropping the Borderites to 1-3 on the season.

Blaine showed signs of promise on offense throughout the game, especially in the first half. The offense moved through senior wide receiver Kai Kerwin and the passing attack from sophomore quarterback Connor Brown. The two connected in the second quarter for Blaine’s lone score on the night, a beautiful 45-yard pass down the left sideline.

The Borderites controlled the first

What’s different?

The City of Blaine Water System has recently increased the chlorine concentration in its drinking water to ensure continued compliance with all water quality standards.

What you may notice: Changes in taste, odor, or color of your tap water.

What has been upgraded?

City of Blaine continually tests the water system to ensure compliance with regulations for safe drinking water.

The City has upgraded to an on-site hypochlorite generation system disinfectant, which:

• Improves safety by eliminating compressed chlorine gas storage.

• Ensures a reliable disinfectant supply despite national chlorine gas supply chain issues.

half, holding Granite Falls to just 86 yards of offense, while Blaine produced 167 yards of offense.

Penalties seemed to kill Blaine’s momentum on plenty of drives, with first downs and solid gains being called back for holding, especially in the first half.

While Granite Falls ran away with the game in the third quarter, the Borderites still had noteworthy individual performances. Kerwin once again logged over 100 yards receiving in a game, this time bringing in six catches for 104 yards.

Brown had 11 completions on 23 passing attempts for 159 yards and one touchdown and did not throw an interception.

On defense, the Borderites were again led by the linebacker duo of sophomore Matt Campion and junior Axel Shelton. Campion finished with 11.5 tackles and Shelton racked up 9.5 tackles and one tackle for loss. Junior outside linebacker Peyton Bouma had four tackles, two passes defended and an interception.

With the non-conference schedule in the rear-view mirror, the Borderites now look ahead to facing its Northwest Conference rivals. First up for the Borderites is a trip to face undefeated Lynden Christian at

7 p.m. Friday, October 3. Stats provided by WhatcomPreps.com

Volleyball

Last week, the Borderites toughed out a gutsy, five-set win over Northwest Conference foe Sedro Woolley at home on September 24, winning 3-2.

The back-and-forth match saw Sedro-Woolley win set one, Blaine win the second, Sedro-Woolley winning set three, then Blaine winning the final two sets to emerge victorious. The Borderites ended in dominant fashion, winning 25-14 in the fourth set and then 15-5 in the fifth.

Junior outside hitter Teia Dube led the Borderites in multiple columns on the stat sheet, tallying up 19 kills and 20 digs. Senior Ari Johnson wasn’t far behind with 15 kills and 14 digs, while senior Carly Saunders led the team with five service aces and four blocks to go along with 10 kills.

Senior libero Hannah Phelps-McDonald filled her defensive role nicely with 20 digs, and senior Ainslee Ellis tallied a whopping 40 assists.

The Borderites weren’t able to keep the momentum going through the weekend, dropping a match on the road against Meridian in straight sets on September

29. The red hot Meridian team, now on a five-game winning streak and sitting at sixth place in the Northwest Conference, didn’t allow the Borderites to break 20 points in a set.

Despite the loss, Blaine had plenty of solid performances, as Dube again led the team with 14 kills and 12 digs and Johnson racked up three service aces.

The Borderites, sitting at No. 9 in the conference standings with a 3-5 record, will look to eek toward a .500 record with an October 1 matchup on the road against Lynden (after press time).

The Borderites then return home at 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 7 to face Mt. Baker.

Stats provided by WhatcomPreps.com

Girls soccer

Blaine couldn’t get the offense going against Sedro-Woolley on September 25, losing 2-0 at home. Both goals by Sedro-Woolley came by way of the penalty kick, always a tough challenge for any goalkeeper to realistically contend with. The loss dropped the Borderites to 3-5 heading into the weekend, and prior to a huge matchup against rival Meridian on September 30.

(See Sports, next page)

(See Sports, previous page)

That matchup, though against a scuffling, near-last place Meridian team, was entertaining with the Trojans jumping out to an early 1-0 lead with a long-range free kick goal from senior Mia Blankenship. The Borderites responded with their secret weapon throughout the early season: freshman forward Ruby Belarmino, who scored a hat trick. It was yet another game with multiple goals for Belarmino, who had a two-goal game against Nooksack Valley on September 23.

According to WhatcomPreps. com, Belarmino is ranked third in the Northwest Conference in goals scored, behind Squalicum’s Addisyn Wilson and Sehome’s Ryan Boehm, both of whom are seniors committed to D1 schools. Just nine games into her high school soccer career, Belarmino has already tallied 10 goals.

Blaine (4-5, 2-5 NWC) hopes to see Belarmino keep up the scoring pace against Lynden on Thursday, October 2 (after press time). The Borderites kick off from Lynden at 4 p.m. Blaine will then host Mt. Baker at 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 7. Stats provided by WhatcomPreps.com

Cross-Country

Blaine cross-country battled

with Meridian, Nooksack Valley and Lummi Nation in a Northwest Conference meet on September 24, with the Borderites taking second place in both the boys and girls races.

In the four kilometer race at Meridian, sophomore runner Emmanuel Rios-Martinez led the way for the Borderites with a time of 14:54.5, which placed him fourth among 40 athletes in the boys race.

Sophomore Logan Bennett was the next Borderite behind Rios-Martinez, finishing in 14th place with a time of 17:30.7. Senior Jacob Troupe, who finished in 16th place with a time of 17:33.2, and junior Verdaan Aujla, who finished in 19th place with a time of 17:38.7, followed Bennett closely.

For the girls team, it was tough to compete against a talented Meridian squad that finished with nine of the top-10 times.

The Borderites saw great performances from underclassmen like sophomore Carrie Balback, who finished ninth with a time of 18:13.1, and freshman Zoe Hill, who finished 14th with a time of 23:11.7, the third-fastest time for any freshman.

The Borderites are scheduled for a race at the Deming Logging Show Grounds on October 1 (after press time).

Borderite Hall of Fame Class of 2025 inductees announced

B y N ola N B aker

A flurry of legendary Blaine High School athletes, teams, coaches and supporters will be inducted into the Borderite Hall of Fame Class of 2025 at 1 p.m. Saturday, October 11 in the Performing Arts Center.

The Blaine Hall of Fame Committee recently announced its Class of 2025 inductees, which includes one state championship team, one superfan, two head coaches, four athletes and two distinguished honorees. Here are the 2025 inductees:

• The 2005 boys golf team won league and district titles en route to earning Blaine’s first-ever state golf championship, which was the fourth state championship for the school.

• Jacquie Robbins was, as Hall of Fame Committee treasurer Gary Clausen wrote, “Probably the most well-known Borderite fan,” supporting Blaine teams from the late 1950s through the early 2000s. Robbins was considered a “team mom” and was known for her delicious homemade cookies.

• Stan Bianchi started the Borderite tennis program and was its head coach for its first two decades. Bianchi coached both the boys and girls tennis programs and led the 1997 boys team to a second place finish at the state tournament.

• Phillip Claymore was one of Blaine athletic program’s pioneers. Claymore served as head football coach for several years, but he is most known for

starting the track and field and wrestling programs.

• Two distinguished honorees will also be inducted into the Class of 2025: Joan (Auld) Clair, Class of 1966, and Jack Bulger, Class of 1943. Clair participated in every sport offered to girls during her high school days and went on to play both basketball and volleyball at Washington State University (WSU). Bulger was another multi-sport athlete, playing football, basketball and baseball. Bulger would go on to receive a scholarship to play baseball at WSU and played with the Seattle Rainiers.

• Kristina (Francis) Thayer, Class of 2004, earned 12 varsity letters across her high school athletic career from soccer, basketball and softball. Thayer was an integral part of a dominant Blaine girls basketball program that earned three state titles. Thayer would go on to play basketball for four seasons at Whitman College and set multiple program records.

• Sherry (Hackman) Andersen, Class of 1988, earned 13 varsity letters in volleyball, basketball, softball and tennis. Anderson made it to second place in state in volleyball, third place in state in softball, and set the Blaine school record for rebounds in a basketball season with 220.

• Tyler Swinburnson, Class of 1993, earned 11 varsity letters in five sports, excelling most in baseball. A member of the state champion 1990 team

and third-place 1991 team, Swinburnson would go on to pitch for three years at Oregon State University. Swinburnson was selected in the 15th round of the 1997 Major League Baseball draft by the Cleveland Indians and pitched professionally for seven seasons.

• Ryan Wallen, Class of 2013, played four stellar seasons on the boys golf team, where he earned four trips to the state tournament. Each year, Wallen brought home a medal, placing second three times and earning a state title his sophomore year in 2011. Wallen went on to play four years of golf at the University of Wyoming.

First Responders First Responders

s

Fire Commissioners

Bruce Ansell, John Crawford, Craig Anthony, Kimberly McMurray, Matthew Rigberg

Other Captains

Scott Brown, Tony Esser, Troy Freeman, Jeff Hofstad, John Hollstein, Danny Jensen, Kris Jorgensen, and Tye Thompson

Station 63 (Birch Bay)

Battalion Chiefs

Captains

Tender Support Volunteers

Brian Botta Pillo, Stephen Bowerman, Jeff Bowles, Laura Brewer-Yarnall, David Brunnemer, Brian Carlson, Tommy Erickson, George Hargenrader, Tanner Jansen, Aaron Jonasson, Dalton King, Robert King, Lee Lightfoot, Shane Madsen, Casey Martin, Mel Mulligan, Lane Renskers, Sabrina Renskers, Dale Rutgers, Julie Smits, Melissa Van Cleve, Michael Welch, Scott Wood

Firefighters

Liz Bronder, Tyler Budwey, Kaleb Bruch, Gary DeJager, Jason Donnelly, John Geleynse, Alex Georgulas, Brian Gerow, Cole Heili, Keagan Kingslien, Mike Lyshol, Steve Latham, Anthony Marra, Brandon May, Seth Meredith, Alex Ojukwu, Tony Placzek, Alden Roberts, Sean Russell, Wayne Sanders, Angela Smith, Cody Stamberger, Kat Stewart, Collin Thomas, Hayley Urling-Ehinger, Andrew Veith, Trent Viant, Delanie Warne, Dylan Witzel

Admin

Jennie Sand, Jessica Koehler, Kelly Freeman

Mechanic Ryan Mack

Responders Responders

Blaine Police Department

Blaine High School Athletic Hall of Fame

Induction Ceremony

Saturday, October 11 • 1 pm • Blaine Performing Arts Center

Special recognition during halftime of the October 10 football game BlaineAthleticBoosterClub.com

Joan (Auld) Clair (’66)

Distinguished Honoree

Joan was an all-around athlete. She participated in every sport offered in the GAA program. She went on to Washington State University where she participated in both the basketball and volleyball programs.

Volleyball,

Sherry

13 varsity

in a season with 220.

2005 Boys Golf Team

The team won league, district and state titles. This was the school’s first golf title and the school’s fourth state championship.

Stan Bianchi Coach

Stan started the tennis program and coached it for over 20 years. He coached both the boys and girls programs. He led the boys’ team to a second place finish at state in 1997.

Jack Bulger (’43)

Distinguished Honoree Football, Basketball, Baseball

Jack was the all-around athlete who participated in football, basketball, and baseball. He received a scholarship to Washington State University for baseball. He then went on to participate with the Seattle Rainiers.

Swinburnson

Baseball

Tyler earned 11 varsity letters in five different sports. He was a member of the baseball team when they won the state title in 1990 and placed third in 1991. He went on to play one year at Olympic Community College and three years at Oregon State University. He was drafted by Cleveland and played seven years of minor league ball.

Jacquie Robbins Contributor

Jacquie was probably the most well-known Borderite fan from the late ’50s until the early 2000s. Many of the players considered her the team mom and she was especially known for her delicious cookies.

Phillip Claymore

Coach

Phill was the head football coach for several years. Most notably known for starting both the track and field, and wrestling programs at Blaine.

Kristina (Francis) Thayer (’04)

Athlete

Soccer, Basketball, Softball

Kristina earned 12 varsity letters in soccer, basketball, and softball. She helped the girls’ basketball team to three state trophies. She went on to Whitman College and played four years setting several school records for the basketball program.

Ryan was mostly known for his play on the boys golf team. His play earned him four trips to state and in each year he brought home a medal. Almost unheard of, he placed second three times and was first his sophomore year (’11)! He then went on to have an outstanding four years at the University of Wyoming.

Active S eniors

October Blaine Senior Center Lunch Menu

11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Fri, October 3: Oktoberfest –German Brat w/Beer Braised Onions, Hot Potato Salad, Red Cabbage Sauerkraut, Apple Crisp

Mon, October 6: Cheese Tortellini

Pesto w/ Sundried Tomatoes, Italian Vegetable Blend, Garlic Toast, Caesar Salad, Millionaire Salad

Tue, October 7: Beef Burgundy, Brown Rice, Steamed Broccoli, Spinach Salad, Apricots

Wed, October 8: BBQ Pulled Pork

Sandwich On Whole Wheat Bun, Sweet Potato Fries, Pineapple Coleslaw, Orange Slices

Thu, October 9: Citrus Baked Salmon, Rice Pilaf, Green Beans, Garden Salad,Raspberry Sherbet

Fri, October 10: Chicken Cobb Salad w/ Bacon, Oatmeal Bread, Fresh Grapes

Mon, October 13: Chicken Strips, Macaroni & Cheese, Carrots, Kale Citrus Salad, Fresh Apple Slices

Tue, October 14: Ginger Orange Beef,Brown Rice, Asian Vegetable Blend, Spring Mix Salad, Tropical Fruit

Wed, October 15: Birthday Lunch

– Cranberry Mustard Pork Loin, Potatoes Colcannon, Green Beans, Garden Salad, Birthday Cake

Thu, October 16: Rueben Chicken, Roasted Yam, Broccoli Normandy, Garden Salad, Orange Cream Salad

Fri, October 17: Creamy Clam Chowder, Tuna Whole Wheat Pita, Garden Salad, Fresh Orange Slices

Mon, October 20: Bacon & Broccoli Quiche, Breakfast Potatoes, Garden Salad, Fruit & Yogurt Parfait

Tue, October 21: Turkey Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Peas & Onions, Garden Salad, Spiced Applesauce

Wed, October 22: Spaghetti & (Beef) Meatballs, Italian Green Beans, Caesar Salad, Fresh Grapes

Thu, October 23: Panko Crusted Cod, Wild Rice Pilaf, Roasted Carrots, Coleslaw, Orange Sherbet

Fri, October 24: Southwest Chicken Salad, Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread, Fresh Fruit Medley

Mon, October 27: Cabbage Rolls, Baked Sweet Potato,Garden Salad, Red Grapes

Tue, October 28: Pork Salsa Verde, Brown Rice, Roasted Corn, Garden Salad, Fresh Pineapple

Wed, October 29: Sweet Chili Chicken,Thai Peanut Noodles, Broccoli & Carrots, Asian Slaw, Mandarin Oranges

Thu, October 30: Mushroom & Swiss French Dip w/ Au Jus, Potato Wedges, Carrot Raisin Salad, Banana Cream Pudding

Fri, October 31: Halloween – White Chicken Chili, Tortilla Chips & Salsa, Garden Salad, Red Grapes, Monster Cookie Subject

7 things to know about aphasia

The ability to communicate is easily taken for granted. However, effective communication skills do not necessarily last a lifetime, and many people may develop difficulties with understanding words, speaking, reading, or writing.

Aphasia is a language disorder caused by damage to the area of the brain that controls language expression. Johns Hopkins Medicine says that aphasia can occur at any age, but more often affects those over the age of 65. Many people are unfamiliar with aphasia, but it can be helpful to learn more about this condition. Here are seven things to know about aphasia, courtesy of Johns Hopkins and The National Aphasia Association.

1. Aphasia is caused by damage to the language-dominant side of the brain, which is usually the left side.

2. Stroke is one of the biggest contributors to the onset of aphasia. Other brain injuries, such as head trauma, brain tumors or infections in the brain, also may cause aphasia.

3. Aphasia may be mild or so severe it makes communication with an affected person nearly impossible.

4. The condition can affect mainly a single aspect of language, such as the ability to name objects or complete sentences. More often, though, it affects multiple aspects of communication.

5. There are three main types of aphasia. Broca aphasia is sometimes called an expressive aphasia. People can communicate, but may eliminate words from their language, resulting in short, meaningful sentences. They usually can understand some speech of others. Wernicke aphasia is sometimes called receptive aphasia. People with this type speak in long, confusing sentences with extra words. They usually have difficulty understanding others’ speech. Those with global aphasia have trouble with understanding and speaking.

6. Aphasia is more common than Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy. Despite this, many people have never heard of the condition.

7. Improvement of conditions for those experiencing aphasia may be slow-going. Some people may improve over a period of years and even decades. If symptoms last longer than two or three months after a stroke, a complete recovery is improbable. Speech-language therapy, use of computers or pictures to express oneself, and group therapy often are treatment options.

Aphasia can be frustrating and scary for a patient and their loved ones. Depending on which areas of the brain are affected, a treatment and therapy plan can be adapted to the person’s specific needs.

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: EVELYN MAY STRINGER, Deceased. No. 254-00890-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Robert E. Olson

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:

September 15, 2025 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication: September 24, 2025

Name of Personal Representative:

CONNIE ELAINE PORTER

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: September 15, 2025. AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: JASON EAVES GEISELMAN, Deceased. No. 25-4-00883-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Lee Grochmal

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 First Publication: September 18, 2025

Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: September 12, 2025 with Clerk of Court:

Name of Administrator:

MERIDITH COPELAND

Attorney for Administrators: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262

Address for Mailing or Service:

Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229

Telephone: (360) 325-2550

Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com

DATED: September 12, 2025

AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S.

D. AVERY, WSBA #35262 Attorney for Administrator

COPELAND Legal

Attorney for Personal Representative CONNIE ELAINE PORTER

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: September 17, 2025 with Clerk of Court:

Date of First Publication: September 24, 2025

Name of Personal Representative: DIANE BOS

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: September 17, 2025.

AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S.

STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262

Attorney for Personal Representative

DIANE BOS

City of Blaine presents comp plan update

Blaine’s Community Development Services Department presented its comprehensive plan update during an open house on September 30 at city hall.

The city is due to submit its decennial comprehensive plan update, which will outline how the city will grow for the next 20 years, to the state by the end of December. The open house marked the city’s first official step of public engagement in the planning process, which the city planners have been working on for over a year.

City staff answered questions and requested community feedback on where the city should increase housing density, recreational spaces and industrial land.

Blaine will ask city voters in November whether they would like to de-annex 573 acres of east Blaine, a large chunk of which is the Grandis Pond property. If that passes, the city will then attempt to add urban growth areas near Semiahmoo,

Philip Francis Calise

February 1, 1952 – August 30, 2025

Announcing the passing of Phil Calise at home in Blaine, WA, after a truly valiant fight with pancreatic cancer.

Beloved husband of Elaine Rogers, he leaves behind his son Matthew Calise (wife Tiffany and grandson Archer), and stepchildren Kimberly, Michael and Kathleen, as well as grandchildren Sarah and Nathan and his sisters Mary Ann (husband John) and Jo Ann, and nephew PJ and niece Kaitlyn.

Phil was born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in Edison, NJ. He graduated Salem College in Salem, WV and lived there with his first wife Cynthia, and son Matthew, before moving to Blaine, WA. in 2002. Phil was a much-loved member of the Blaine community for 23 years and was well known for his birding activities. The birdwatching community will surely miss him and his friendly manner. He was employed at Semiahmoo Resort for all of those 23 years and loved his job in engineering, meeting many of his friends there.

Please feel welcome in joining a Celebration of Life service at Semiahmoo Resort at 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 18 in the tent at back of building (please park at the front).

where it would focus future housing development.

The meeting was attended by Blaine and Birch Bay residents,along with Blaine Planning Commissioners and city leaders.

For more information on the comprehensive plan, visit the city’s website at bit.ly/3Khbejx.

Blaine planning director Alex Wenger presents the city’s ideas for its comprehensive plan update during the September 30 open house.

s

Umpqua changes name to Columbia Bank

A crew changes the sign on the former Umpqua Bank to become Columbia Bank on September 11 at 271 H Street in Blaine. The company changed its name on September 1 as branding to unify its brands, according to its website. Account holders’ information will remain the same, as will the bank’s staff, hours and locations.

Photo by Louise Mugar

Alfred Earl Shaulis

June 6, 1930 – September 16, 2025

Alfred Earl Shaulis of Blaine, WA, a highly decorated Veteran of the Berlin Air Lift, Korean War and Vietnam War, passed away peacefully from natural causes September 16, 2025 at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham, WA, at the age of 95.

Alfred was born to Emery Earl Shaulis and Edwinna Allegra Faust Shaulis on June 6, 1930 in Stahlstown, PA. Alfred was the oldest of five siblings. They lived a poor, hillbilly lifestyle in Pennsylvania. What they did not have in money, they had in family love. This is where Alfred’s love and strong loyalty to family began and remained forever.

In 1947, Alfred enlisted in the US Army Air Corps, which later became the US Air Force. He proudly and honorably served 22 years in the Air Force retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant on July 31, 1969.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Alfred worked as a bartender at the Pastime Tavern in Blaine, WA. That experience led him to partnering with Dolph Hill and they opened Bill’s Tavern in Blaine. After selling the tavern, Alfred attended Bellingham Vo-Tech and used his GI Bill to complete the Appliance Repair Program. After the completion of this program, he opened Al’s Appliance Repair in Blaine where he worked on appliances and helped many customers in Blaine, Birch Bay and the surrounding communities. Alfred “officially” retired in 2016 at the age of 86. Alfred continued to receive calls and requests for help for many years after his retirement.

Alfred was an active volunteer for many organizations and was a Lifetime Member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War and the Fraternal Order of Eagles where he held different positions including Commander and Chaplain.

Alfred had many, many hobbies and passions which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. His interests included coin collecting, hunting, fishing, gardening and watching sports. He was always torn when the Steelers played the Seahawks and was a staunch Seattle Mariners follower. He loved to tell stories and everyone loved to listen to him. He enjoyed watching the hummingbirds outside his window and never met a pie, snickerdoodle or shaker of salt he didn’t like.

Along with his pride for the USA, his honesty, loyalty and work ethic, Alfred was known for his big smile, hearty laugh and his big, strong, giant bear hugs.

Alfred is survived by his five children; Denise Lutes of St. Charles, MO, Donda Peterson of Marysville, WA, Tamera (Mike) Giovanni of Olympia, WA, Brenda (Rick) Sturrock of Blaine, MSGT (RET) Bradley Earl (Janet) Shaulis of Great Falls, MT, nine grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, sister Shirley Natale of Weddington, NC, half-siblings, brother Richard (Karen) Shawley, of Ruffs Dale, PA, sisters Glenna Telford of Ligonier, PA, and Edwinna Gay Stubbs, of Yukon, PA, and numerous nieces and nephews, and many cherished friends.

Alfred was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Helena (Terry), who passed on the same exact date, 17 years prior. Also passing before him were his parents, sisters Loretta Barnes, Shirlene Vaslavsky, Charlotte Fadorsen, brother Everette Shaulis, son-in-law Marvin Lutes, son-in-law Calvin Beyerlin and his grandson Benjamin Earl Shaulis.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 4, at 2 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 702 G Street, Blaine, WA.

Alfred will be interred at Green Acres in Ferndale, WA at a private family gathering.

In lieu of flowers, Alfred wished for memorial donations to be made to his local VFW Post, #9474 Custer WA, which helps and supports Veterans of Foreign War. VFW P.O. Box 405, Custer, WA 98240.

sheriff’s reports

September 20, 5:14 p.m.: Security check on Birch Bay Drive.

September 20, 9:26 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

September 21, 1:23 a.m.: Security check on Birch Bay Square Street.

September 21, 4:26 a.m.: Shots on Twilight Place.

September 21, 9:37 a.m.: Vehicle theft cold call on Birch Bay Drive.

September 21, 12:07 p.m.: Domestic physical cold call on Forsberg Road.

September 22, 7:40 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Birch Bay Drive.

September 22, 10:38 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Harborview Road.

September 22, 10:44 a.m.: Fraud cold call on Leeside Drive.

September 22, 11:29 a.m.: Civil problem on Tsawwassen Loop.

September 22, 12:42 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Skagit Way.

September 22, 1:46 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Portal Way.

September 22, 1:50 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Harborview Road.

September 22, 6:52 p.m.: Suspicious person on Blaine Road.

September 23, 10:53 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle cold call on Birch Point Road.

September 23, 11:03 a.m.:

Suspicious person on Clamdigger Drive.

September 23, 12:55 p.m.: Civil problem cold call on Comox Road.

September 23, 3:25 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Stein Road.

September 23, 7:03 p.m.: Malicious mischief arrest on Blaine Road.

September 23, 8:07 p.m.: Harassment cold call on Bay Road.

September 24, 9:21 a.m.:

Suspicious circumstances cold call on Main Street.

September 24, 2:39 p.m.: Vehicle inspection on Dawn Lane.

CrossWord

ACROSS 1. Comedic actor Rogen 5. Bits per inch 8. Tire pressure measurement 11. Angels great Mike

13. Own (Scottish) 14. Notable FI racing team 15. Upper bract of grass 16. Tax collector 17. Electronic counter-countermeasures 18. Informal loan clubs 20. Skeletal muscle 21. Popular fish type 22. Salts of acetic acid

25. Arriving early 30. Worded 31. Single Lens Reflex

32. Amphibians 33. Warm greeting 38. Belonging to a thing 41. Segmented worm 43. Concerns 45. Audacious 47. Wings 49. Type of drug

50. Wind chill formula scientist Charles 55. Island close to the U.S. 56. “To the __ degree” 57. Daniel __, French composer 59. A way to march 60. Where golfers begin 61. Spiritual leader 62. Of she 63. Mental disorder concerning body odor (abbr.) 64. Tall, slender-leaved plant DOWN 1. Engine additive 2. Amounts of time 3. Fragrant brown balsam used in perfume 4. Color properties 5. One who hands over 6. Thieves of the sea 7. Put in 8. Nocturnal rodents 9. Pouches 10. Systems, doctrines, theories 12. Greek alphabet letter

14. Greek goddess of youth 19. Satisfy 23. Partly digested food 24. Dictator 25. Parts per thousand (abbr.) 26. The 17th letter of the Greek alphabet 27. A major division of geological time 28. Angry 29. St. Francis of __ 34. Romanian monetary unit 35. Stale 36. Go quickly 37. Commercials 39. Canadian city 40. One who slices 41. Perform perfectly 42. Nest of pheasants 44. Tactile sensations 45. Sword 46. Climactic 47. Adrenocorticotrophin 48. Fisherman’s tool 51. Swiss river 52. Plant that makes gum

September 24, 4:26 p.m.: Trouble with subject on Pheasant Drive.

September 24, 5:03 p.m.: Moving vehicle accident blocking on Birch Bay Drive.

September 24, 8:49 p.m.: Theft cold call on Pheasant Drive.

September 25, 3:54 a.m.: Trouble with subject on Boblett Street.

September 25, 11:35 a.m.: Drugs cold call on Leeside Drive.

September 25, 7:02 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Sunrise Road.

September 26, 1:00 p.m.: Senile subject on Stein Road.

September 26, 2:26 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Loomis Trail Road.

September 26, 3:47 p.m.: Missing person cold call on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.

September 26, 8:58 p.m.: Fraud cold call on Arnie Road.

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

53. A French abbot 54. One point east of northeast 58. Get free of

tides

October 2 - 8 at Blaine. Not for navigation.

Coming up

Winter Coat Distribution: Monday, October 6 and Friday, October 10, 9 a.m.–noon; Wednesday, October 8, 5–7 p.m.; Saturday, October 11, 10 a.m.–noon, at the CAP Center, 508 G Street. Free winter coats, hats, gloves, and socks for all ages. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program, blainecap.org.

Home Farm Pumpkin Patch: Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Friday through Sunday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. through October 31, Home Farm, 8020 Kickerville Road. Pumpkin patch, farm store, kid friendly corn maze and pigs. Weekends feature concessions, face painting and tractor train rides. Info: homefarm.farm.

“Christmas in Oz” Auditions: Thursday and Friday, October 2 and 3, 6–8 p.m., Blaine Community/Senior Center, 763 G Street. Come auction for Blaine Community Theater’s holiday performance. Info: blainecommunitytheater.com.

Poetry Collage Workshop: Friday, October 3, 1–3 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Combine collage techniques with poetry and make a piece of art with local collage artist and poet Sam Wallin. Bring scissors and a poem to cut up if you’d like or just show up and get inspired. Tools and materials provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own. Space is limited. Registration required: wcls.org/events.

Live Music at The Vault: Friday, October 3, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring: Dick and Jane. Info: thevaultwine.com. Blaine and Birch Bay Fall Festival: Saturday, October 4, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Featuring a vendor fair, live music, drawings, s’mores bar and kids activities. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

Putting your Garden to Bed, Digging Dahlias and Dividing Perennials: Saturday, October 4, 11 a.m.–noon, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn how to create a healthy start for next year by protecting your plants from winter and getting an early start on planting in the spring. Plus, how to dig/divide your dahlias and/or protect them for “in the ground storage.” Presented by Blaine CORE. Info: nwcore.org.

Fall Artisan Market: Saturday, October 4, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., Semiahmoo Resort, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway. Explore handcrafted goods from 20+ local vendors, beer garden, raffles, live music from Alex Britton at noon. Make it a family friendly day with pumpkin decorating (fee applies), a complimentary coloring station, and a theater showing fall movies with free popcorn and cotton candy. Info: semiahmoo.com.

Safety Preparedness Fair: Saturday, October 4, 2–4:30 p.m., Blaine Community Center Pavilion, 763 G Street. Learn about the Blaine Emergency Response Team (BERT) as the group demonstrates life-saving first aid techniques, how to extinguish a fire, how to move injured people and items needed for a “go bag.”

¡Piñatas!: Saturday, October 4, 2–4 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a piñata workshop. Decorate piñatas and learn about their history and cultural significance. Open to everyone. Supplies provided. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Children ages 12 and under need to be accompanied by an adult who will assist with the project. This program will be conducted in English and Spanish. Space is limited. Registration is required: wcls.org/events.

Move Better and Age Smarter Webinar: Monday, October 6, 7 p.m. Free. All webinar participants will receive a free physical therapy wellness kit – a starter guide to lifelong strength, balance and pain-free movement. Hosted by Natalie Milligan, MPT, MS. Register: bit.ly/4nYCTUY.

Blaine School Board Candidates Forum: Tuesday, October 7, 6 p.m., Blaine Community/Senior Center, 763 G Street. Hosted by Fund Schools Now. Info: fundblaineschoolsnow.com.

Mask Making: Thursday, October 9, 3–4 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Calling all masters of disguise in grades K–5. Whatever you want to be, from an astronaut to luchador, there will be supplies to make a variety of masks. Who or what will you be? Info: wcls.org.

Trivia at the Vault: Thursday, October 9, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro. 277 G Street. General knowledge trivia with Alan. Info: thevaultwine.com. Live Music at The Vault: Friday, October 10, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring: Tea Seas Trio. Info: thevaultwine.com.

VW’s Fall Festival: Saturday, October 11, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., VW’s Home and Garden, 8210 Portal Way. Featuring food, flowers and fun for the family. Kids’ activities, sales and refreshments. Info: vwhomeandgarden.com.

Weather

Precipitation: During the period of September 22 to 28, 0.3 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2025 year-todate precipitation is 17.9 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 75.5°F on September 22 with a low of 48°F on September 25. Average high was 72°F and average low was 51.5°F.

Seaside Bash Featuring Oysterfest: Saturday, October 11, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., downtown Blaine. Live music, street fair, chainsaw wood carving contest, activities for all ages and more. Wear orange for a community photo at 2 p.m. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

Author Talk: Thursday, October 16, 6 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Award-winning guidebook author Craig Romano will discuss the array of trails to hike this fall and winter within the Metro Vancouver Regional District. Info: wcls.org.

Blaine Candidates Forum: Friday, October 17, 6 p.m., Blaine Community /Senior Center, 763 G Street. Meet and greet candidates for Blaine City Council and Port of Bellingham Commission. Info: info@blainechamber.com. 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:360/332-6350 or Info@ blainefoodbank.org.

The Bridge Food Bank: Fridays, 2 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 in the basement of the CAP Center providing free clothing and linens. Donations accepted only during open hours or by special arrangement. Info: blainecap.org or 360/392-8484.

Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Blaine Art Gallery to showcase artists across the U.S. West

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Whatcom County Artist Studio Tour to feature Blaine and Custer artists

The Whatcom County Artist Studio Tour will offer two weekends for people to get an inside look into the creative processes of nearly 50 artists, including some from Blaine and Custer. The self-guided tours will be offered the weekend of October 4-5 and October 11-12.

Brian Major will showcase his sculptures at the Major Arts studio, 978 Harrison Ave in Blaine.

and mixed

media artist Rebecca Danger will display their work at 2971 Iverson Lane in Custer. Both studios will provide demonstrations and are wheelchair accessible.

The tour will also feature studios in the Bellingham area and east toward Nooksack and Everson. A variety of media will be shown, including woodworking, photography, woven fine art prints, blown glass, jewelry and ceramics. Art will also be sold during the tour.

For more information on the studio tour, visit studiotour.net.

B y G race M c c arthy

Art lovers will get the chance to view over 100 pieces from across the Western U.S. during the October exhibit at the Blaine Art Gallery.

Straying from its usual mark on the local arts scene, Blaine Arts Council sent out a call for artists from the western half of the country to promote their work in the seaside border town. Responses poured in, leading to 29 artists from Arizona to Oak Harbor to display 106 pieces in downtown Blaine.

Artwork will highlight diverse art forms including sculptures, paintings, jewelry and mixed media. All art will be for sale, with prices ranging from $40 to $5,000.

“It’ll be a lot of art that you don’t get the opportunity to

see,” said council president Margaret Owens.

The public is invited to the first viewing at the exhibit’s opening reception, 4-7 p.m. Saturday, October 11. Nosh and drinks will be provided before guests are encouraged to explore art around the city as part of the council’s Second Saturday Downtown Art Walk.

The exhibit is the first to promote artists outside of the local area, and it will also be the first juried exhibit. Seattle-area judges will award first and second place winners monetary prizes.

If all goes well, Owens said larger exhibits could occur semi-annually.

The gallery, at 922 Peace Portal Drive, is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. The exhibit will be shown starting at 4 p.m. October 11 until mid-November.

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