The Northern Light: September 14-20, 2023

Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay

CBP apprehends group entering U.S.,

City to solicit bids for remaining Plover repairs

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Blaine City Council unanimously approved reimbursing Drayton Harbor Maritime (DHM) for an additional $16,800 that the nonprofit spent outside of its contract with the city to repair the Plover passenger ferry. Council also requested during its September 11 meeting that the city staff solicit bids to complete the vessel’s remaining repairs before next summer.

Last fall, the U.S. Coast Guard found deficiencies in the Plover that required major repairs before it could resume transporting people between Blaine Harbor and Semiahmoo Spit. The city originally allocated $30,000 for the repair, but DHM went over the contracted amount by $17,800, according to city documents. DHM spent about $1,000 on work outside of the project scope that the city will not reimburse.

As the Plover underwent work this year, it became clear the repairs were more involved than the 79-year-old boat’s original restoration in the mid-’90s, Plover captain Richard Sturgill previously said. Repairs are being made to the hull, keel and bow.

The city’s funding pays for Plover repairs up to this point, but additional money is needed to finish restoration. The repairs are now estimated to cost an upward of $130,000, which is about three to four times more than originally anticipated, Harmon said.

The repair contract expired August 31 and city staff will solicit quotes for bids to complete the project as it would for any other capital improvement, city manager Michael Harmon said. The lowest bidder could be DHM, Harmon said, but the city needed to do its due diligence by opening the bidding process.

“I don’t think there’s any disagreement that the Plover is a very valuable asset to the city – it is,” mayor Mary Lou Steward said. “It’s ‘How is the best way to manage it?’ Is it for the city to take it over, bid it like any other piece of property the city owns and run it so it’s sustainable or not?”

Councilmember Eric Davidson said he was worried the city hasn’t properly managed the Plover’s finances by only requiring a $5 fee for adult passengers.

“The Plover is a great, great thing,” he said. “With that being said, we run it like a drunken sailor.”

Planning commission to consider city code amendment on manufactured home parks

In a 5-2 vote, Blaine City Council approved combining its code amendment request with East Harbor Hills’ request that would clean city code inconsistencies to allow large manufactured home parks in east Blaine. The joint text amendment will be presented to the city’s planning commission for a public hearing on Thursday, September 14.

Richard May opposed combining the text amendments, which will follow the developer’s request, during the Septem ber 11 council meeting. The vote came after city council held a study session on the topic.

During the study session, acting planning director Alex Wenger reviewed with council the requirements the city already has for manufactured home parks, including buffers, parking and landscaping standards. Council members discussed changes it could make to

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The Northern L ght

The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc.

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Former Point Roberts resident Edward Buendia painted idyllic Pacific Northwest imagery on Blaine Animal Hospital’s garage doors earlier this summer. Veterinarian Christine Carlson commissioned Buendia for the new painting titled “Whale Tail” when she

needed to replace garage doors that he originally painted in 1995. The mural became a landmark on Blaine Road over the years, Carlson said.

The new mural is similar to the previous one in that both feature a humpback whale tail emerging from water

Blaine Animal Hospital has new whale mural OpiniOn Letters

The Editor: Campaign signs are going up. The November elections are coming up. For many people the response is to think political, but this election is about us.

The county council District 5 seat is very important. This is not about a warmed chair in a conversation. District 5 includes Ferndale, Blaine and Custer as well as the county residents in the general area. We are unique and our needs are specific. We house three ports of entry, industry, businesses large and small, aquaculture, Lummi Island and Lummi Nation, farming, incredible growth and even crab pot pirates.

If you do not know about candidates, go to meet and greets and forums. The League of Women Voters is holding a forum at the Blaine Senior Center, August 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

District 5 needs are specific and unique because its citizens are specific and unique. Be prepared for your vote on November 7.

The Editor:

Blaine and Whatcom County have lost a true environmental champion with the passing of Wendy Harris on August 31.

Wendy was fiercely independent, outspoken, brilliant, funny, engaging, irascible and fearless. She embodied the traits

and skills one would find in a truly effective leader. Wendy had a true compassion for animals and, by extension, all living things and the preservation of the natural environment. It was a full-time job and one she did particularly well.

The lesser among us give lip service to these lofty ambitions, but Wendy was able to effectively channel her fierce commitment and passion in a manner that made county decision makers take notice. And ignore at their peril.

Wendy could analyze, interpret and challenge the minutiae of a complex environmental impact statement or planning department land use proposal more quickly and effectively than any citizen advocate I have ever worked with. And she did so regularly throughout her 20-year career as a citizen journalist.

In retrospect, her positions, particularly those relating to water quality and land use, were correct and will be remembered as her legacy.

Her brilliant mind, Stanford law degree and an unbridled passion for environmental advocacy and animal welfare made her a force to be reckoned with when speaking before councils of government.

That voice is now sadly silent.

CiviC Meetings

Birch Bay Water & Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4 p.m., district offices, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info and Zoom meeting link: bbwsd.com.

Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info and virtual meeting login: ci.blaine.wa.us.

Blaine Planning Commission: Second Thursday, 6 p.m. Info: blainepc@ cityofblaine.com. Info for joining Zoom meetings: bit.ly/3EwWiZi.

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Meetings are second Tues-

surrounded by mountains. Carlson said the new mural will be considered the baby whale of the one depicted in the original mural.

Buendia used four colors for the garage and said he drew inspiration from mountains he has either traveled to or climbed.

The Editor:

I attended the Mount Baker Foundation’s living kidney donation forum on September 10. Storytelling was the highlight of the event.

Stories are a fundamental aspect of being human – the kidney donor and kidney recipients’ stories were inspiring, heartfelt, educational, and yes, very humorous.

Dr. Bill Lombard’s article in The Northern Light caught the attention of an organization in Ohio, Kidneys for Communities, kidneysforcommunities.org.

The fact that Atul Agnihotri, the board chair and executive director, of Kidneys for Communities, with work in 14 countries, reached out to the Mount Baker Foundation as a result of Dr. Lombard’s article is a testament to the value and reach of small, hometown newspapers. Agnihotri expressed hope that our communities could exchange ideas to further our collective mission.

Thank you, The Northern Light. You help strengthen our communities when you showcase events and news important to all of us.

Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

day, 5:30 p.m., location varies. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

Blaine Park and Cemetery Board: Second Thursday, 9 a.m., council chambers and virtual meeting. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.

Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info: blainesd.org.

North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Third Thursday, 11 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.

U.S. CBP apprehends 29 people attempting to illegally enter U.S.

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) detected 29 people who tried illegally entering the U.S. on a southbound train from Canada in the early morning of August 31.

CBP officers detected the people around 2:30 a.m. at the Peace Arch Port of Entry using the Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS), U.S. CBP

spokesperson Jason Givens wrote in an email to The Northern Light . VACIS provides X-ray scans of railcars for contraband and human smuggling.

CBP officers and U.S. Border Patrol agents, with the help of Homeland Security Investigations agents, apprehended and processed the 29 people, Givens said. Rosario Pete Vasquez, chief patrol agent for U.S. Border

Patrol’s Blaine sector, wrote on Twitter that 28 Mexican citizens and one Colombian citizen were found in the freight train.

Since last November, CBP has detected seven human smuggling attempts involving 61 people total on trains entering Blaine, Givens said. Of those attempting to enter, 52 were Mexican citizens, seven Romanian citizens and two Colombian citizens.

Blaine City Council assists Search and Rescue with new building funds

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Blaine City Council approved providing Whatcom County Search and Rescue (SAR) with $10,000 of reimbursable expenses for the nonprofit to construct a new facility in Everson during its September 11 meeting.

SAR volunteers received a $750,000 land donation in Everson this year after learning their building would be torn down in May 2024 to make way for a new Whatcom County planning department and public works building. The money will go toward permitting, engineering, building design and construction of a $1.9 million facility.

Blaine police chief Donnell Tanksley originally asked council to consider giving $25,000 for the building, citing the contributions SAR has done for Blaine and Whatcom County.

“It’s really impressive that they are all volunteers,” Tanksley said. “They pay for every single thing. They pay for their fuel, their vehicles. They come

Council ...

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zones and consider inclusionary zoning as an incentive for affordable housing in larger parks. Higgins, who has previously voiced concern on manufactured home parks in east Blaine, said she wanted council to better define park requirements.

Council’s vote to combine the text amendments signals the next step in a nearly two-year process for East Harbor Hills developers Skip and Katie Jansen.

The Jansens purchased their East Harbor Hills property, between Grandis Pond and The Ridge at Harbor Hills, with the intention of creating a manufactured home park. However, upon discussion with city staff in fall 2021, they discovered the code for planned unit developments (PUDs) does not allow the parks, despite the underlying zoning code allowing them and having a section on development requirements.

Manufactured home parks that are five acres or larger are required to be developed as PUDs and the Jansens have said they

out almost any time a law enforcement or first responder agency needs them.”

Everson and Nooksack have committed donating $5,000 each and Sumas city officials verbally said they would assist with funding, SAR Council treasurer Gwynne Top said. SAR plans to ask Ferndale for $25,000 and Bellingham for $50,000.

“We are in a position where we are losing our building, and we have no funds,” Top said.

Councilmembers said they wanted to support SAR but were hesitant to immediately contribute the full amount until other cities and the county provided funding. Councilmember Richard May said wanted Blaine’s contribution to be proportional to its tax base compared to the other cities. Councilmembers

Eric Davidson and Garth Baldwin said they believed SAR was a county service and wanted to see Whatcom County contribute money.

The $10,000 will come out

need at least five acres for the park. Manufactured home parks are only allowed in east Blaine, east of 15th Street to city limits and from the U.S./Canada border to H Street Road.

City staff recommended the Jansens submit a text amendment request, which requires going through the public process, to clean the inconsistencies. Dozens of east Blaine residents voiced opposition to the amendment request as planning commission delayed voting on whether to recommend city council approve or deny the request over the past year.

Growing frustrated with the pushed vote, Skip Jansen withdrew the request in early May but later reinstated the request in early August. He asked the city, which began working on its own code amendment this summer, if it wanted the two requests to be processed together. Council waited until the September 11 meeting to vote on joining the requests because not all of the councilmembers were present at the August council meeting.

Several people spoke against and in support of manufactured home parks during the Septem-

of about $160,000 in the police department’s special revenue fund, which finance director Daniel Heverling said is rarely used. Tanksley said the SAR contribution wouldn’t impact police department needs.

Councilmembers said they would consider additional funds if other cities and Whatcom County contributed more money.

“It’s not that we don’t want to help you, but other cities are in a better position to help you,” councilmember Mike Hill said.

SAR began as an unofficial group in Whatcom County in 1955 and has grown to over 200 volunteers operating under the SAR Council. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office coordinates SAR missions, which include searches for people, such as injured hikers and people with dementia, flood rescue and other emergency responses. The group specializes in foot search, snowmobile, dive, technical rope and swiftwater rescue, according to SAR.

ber 11 public comment. The planning commission meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, September 14 in council chambers, 435 Martin Street, suite 4000. Planning commission will send its recommendation on the code amendment to city council for final approval.

Wine Maker’s Dinner

$45,000 in stolen bikes recovered from Birch Bay home

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The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) recovered 15 stolen bicycles from a Birch Bay residence on September 7. The bicycles, mostly mountain bikes and electric bikes, were estimated to be worth $45,000, according to a WCSO social media post.

A 16-year old male was identified as the suspect in the investigation and was arrested and booked into Whatcom County Juvenile Detention under suspicion of first degree possession of stolen property. WCSO spokesperson Deb Slater said that there are no other persons of interest in the case currently.

The arrest was made after someone reported an anonymous tip to 911 on the afternoon of September 6, Slater said. The bicycles are already being returned to the original owners.

In areas like Birch Bay that offer ample recreational opportunities, especially on two wheels, bicycle theft can be a common problem. Slater said that the only way WCSO has been able to

quickly return bicycles to their rightful owners is by using serial numbers that are already logged in nationwide databases.

“For bikes to be returned to their owners, a serial number is crucial,” Slater said. “In this instance, the owners of most of the bikes have been identified and deputies have contacted them.”

For bicycle owners who are worried about theft, Slater says the best

spOrts

method for recovery is to register a serial number in national registries such as project529.com, which can be done online.

“The WCSO takes reports of stolen property seriously. By investigating cases like this and making arrests, we are holding those responsible accountable,” Slater said. “We urge the public to report suspicious activity and make reports of stolen property.”

Sports roundup: Football, volleyball drop to 0-2, while XC and soccer start strong

Football

Borderite football suffered another blowout loss on September 7, this time on the road against the formidable Sehome Mariners, 44-6. It was a historic day for Sehome quarterback Nolan Wright, who became the sixth passer in Whatcom County history to throw for six touchdown passes in a single game, but a forgettable day for the Borderites.

“Ultimately, we just didn’t finish drives,” head coach Andy Olson said. “I thought we played a lot better than we did in week one, but Sehome’s a pretty good opponent. We’d move the ball and then we’d stall out, or we’d get [Sehome] to third down and we couldn’t get them off the field.”

Olson said one of the team’s most important goals was to cut down on turnovers, which plagued the Borderites during week one’s 44-21 loss to Port Angeles. While turnovers were, in fact, cut down on September 7 the Borderite defense simply couldn’t contain Sehome’s explosive passing offense.

One bright spot for Blaine was the improvement of the running game, which saw junior running back tandem Rommel Paez and Colby Shipp combine for 151 yards on 22 carries, with Shipp earning Blaine’s lone touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

“We did run the ball effectively on the ground,” Olson said. “And

our running backs hit the holes really hard. I was really impressed with both those young men, they played hard, and they’re juniors so that’s pretty exciting stuff right there.”

Blaine football now falls to 0-2 on the young season, and looks to bounce back at home against Vashon Island for the Borderites’ first win.

“We recognize that this is a marathon, not a sprint,” Olson said. “We know that it’s going to take a while for us to get to where we want to be.”

Blaine will play Vashon Island at the Borderite Stadium on Friday, September 15 at 7 p.m. Statistic provided by Whatcompreps.com

Girls Soccer

Less than 10 minutes into the new girls soccer season, senior midfielder Lucy Dahl netted the Borderites’ first goal of the year. After collecting a corner kick, the upperclassman found the back of the net for Blaine’s lone goal on the day.

But the visiting 2A Sedro-Woolley Cubs answered back just a few minutes later with an equalizer, and the two teams would find themselves ensnared in a bitter 1-1 draw for the remainder of the match.

Head coach Gio Quesada-Ruiz said he was impressed with his team’s performance in the first half, but that it wasn’t consistent for the full match.

“It was two different games,” Quesada-Ruiz said. “The first half

Sports ...

From previous page was all Blaine. The second half, the team was tired and I think the team started panicking.”

Early season conditioning issues are common, and something that should be fixed as the season progresses, Quesada-Ruiz said. The goal-scoring excitement of the first half slowly morphed into a defensive slog in the second half, forcing junior goalkeeper Larissa Pluschakov to make multiple high-wireact saves throughout the game.

The reigning Northwest Conference Defensive MVP tallied multiple saves, and kept Blaine in the game, despite Sedro-Woolley constantly pressuring the Borderite defense.

Another standout performance belongs to junior midfielder and team captain Juliana Zuzarte, who dominated possession of the ball in the transition areas of the pitch all game for the Borderites.

“Juliana [Zuzarte] is effort, effort, effort,” Quesada-Ruiz said. “Everything she’s doing is for the team. She tries to put the team on her back. She has so much confidence, she played three years in a row, but the only way to bring that confidence to the rest of the team is playing time.”

The Borderites will take their one-point draw and continue on into the fast-paced soccer season with a road game on Thursday, September 14 against Burlington-Edison at 6 p.m.

Volleyball

Blaine volleyball started the year off with a pair of tough, straight-set losses to Anacortes on September 6, and at home against Sehome on September 11. The pair of losses sandwiched a standout performance at the AMHS Volleyball Classic, a multi-team tournament that saw the Borderites beat multiple class 3A and 4A teams. Why that success couldn’t translate to official games, head coach Jacquie Smith is still trying to parse out.

“Based on what I watched at Anacortes and our tournament over the weekend, last night’s team was a completely different team,” Smith said, referring to the 3-0 loss to Sehome. “I don’t

know if they were nervous because it was a home game, but they just really struggled.”

Even with a budding star like Western Washington University-commit Teya Zaddack hammering spikes throughout the September 11 match, it wasn’t enough for the Borderites to even pick up a single set against Sehome. Smith said that team success only begins when they can consistently return the serves coming at them, which she said she didn’t see with Sehome.

“Our serve-receive was, for lack of a better phrase, not great,” Smith said. “When we can’t serve-receive well, we can’t run our offense and that was a struggle for us.”

The volleyball season moves quickly, and the Borderites was scheduled to go on the road to face Ferndale on Wednesday,

September 13 at 7 p.m. Blaine’s next home game will be against Lynden Christian on Thursday, September 21 at 7 p.m.

Cross-country

The Blaine cross-country season began on September 9 at the Gear Up Northwest XC Preview at Sehome High School. Blaine JV boys had a great day in the two-mile course near Civic Stadium, placing first overall with a team score of 39.

Four Blaine JV runners placed with top-10 times, with Steven Phelps-McDonald, Ian Tuski, Owen Woodworth and Tucker Greene running times of under 13 minutes, 30 seconds.

Blaine cross-country’s next event was planned for Wednesday, September 13 in Anacortes at 4:30 p.m. The Borderites’ one and only home race will be at Pipeline Field on Wednesday, September 27.

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Active S eniors Parking quest: A Q&A with Matt Treat

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Matt Treat is halfway to his goal of visiting every U.S. national park. During the pandemic, Treat, 66, said – like most people – he started thinking about places to visit that were lightly populated and not overseas. National parks naturally came to mind, and as travel restrictions were lifted, Treat said he started to pick up his pace. He said he’s made it to 31 of America’s 63 national parks.

Treat owns the Inn at Lynden, a boutique hotel in the century-old Waples Mercantile Building in downtown Lynden, along with his wife and adventure partner, Teri. When their schedules allow, Teri and son Cooper join the quest.

The Northern Light caught up with Treat, whose recent adventures include an Alaska trip to the Kenai Fjords and remote cabins in Lake Clark. Questions and answers were edited for length and clarity.

The Northern Light: How do you plan to make it to all of them?

Treat: Once I started thinking about this, it seemed like the trips fell into two categories. It was an incidental category, where if I was going to go somewhere, for other reasons, I’d immediately look at the map and think about what I could hit while I was there.

For instance, I went to a wedding in Kentucky last summer and saw the Smoky Mountains were close. I went to a graduation in Minnesota, and there’s a park north of St. Paul called Isle Royale.

Then there’s more intentional trips, where I plot a trip that allows me to bag more than one park. That’s where the Florida trip came in. A really good friend and myself went down, and we hit Everglades, Dry Tortugas and Biscayne.

I’m really a water person, and there were airboats involved and kayaks and canoes and snorkeling and paddleboards. It was a

great way to see three parks. How do you keep track?

All the parks have a patch. I just grab a patch every time, and I’ve got a magnet board that I put them up on.

What was the first national park you ever visited?

Probably the Grand Canyon. I’m counting some that I went to as a kid – that brings up an unwritten rule for me too. Now that I’ve decided to do this, I feel like if I’m going to count it, I have to have had an adventure. Maybe I stay overnight and go for a hike or raft.

What activities have you done?

There’s parks in the Dakotas that are close enough where I could get all three of them in a reasonably short period of time. And it sounds

Hi, I’m Chuck!

Hi, my name is Chuck Rudolph. I moved to Bellingham from San Diego, CA two years ago to be close to my daughter and her family. I have four children, 11 grandchildren and soon to be 5 great grandchildren.

After College I was drafted into the U.S. Army for two years. I then started my career as a U.S. History teacher at the Catholic High School level and realized I needed to make more money. At that time, a teacher’s weekly salary was $90. I searched for another career and after taking many tests through the county for police, fire and probation I was offered a job with the San Diego probation department. I spent 30 years in that department before retiring. I worked in adult casework, juvenile investigations and ran the juvenile maximum-security unit for 14 years. It was rewarding work and I had an amazing team of professionals to work with. I lived in San Diego 62 years before moving here and decided that I didn’t want to cook, do housekeeping or maintenance. My daughter and I searched for a place where I had the freedom to enjoy my time as I wanted. The obvious answer for me was Solstice Senior Living in Bellingham.

like there’s some great mountain biking in those parks. (Those parks are Badlands and Wind Cave in South Dakota, and Theodore Roosevelt in North Dakota.)

You have to be prepared to be adventurous and do some driving. I don’t want to spend the whole time in the car, so I try to hit more than one.

That’s another thing: If I can’t find somebody to go with me, I’ll go solo, but it’s really fun to go with someone. It’s also fun to go with somebody who has some knowledge that you don’t, like a geologist or – I’m a mildly interested birder – but my friend Bill is an avid birder. It really adds to the trip when you’ve got somebody along who can point out things that you otherwise would have missed.

Are there any parks you particularly recommend?

If you could get to the Dry Tortugas, that’s fantastic. You drive out to the end of the Florida Keys and either get on a boat or plane. You can fly out, just to see it from the air, and camp there. It takes a lot of planning but it’s an amazing place for snorkeling, the view is spectacular and the history is amazing.

How long do you spend in the parks?

To really count it, like I said, you have to do something there.

So you’re at least there a day. I went to the Channel Islands recently, and that was three days. That was really great, too. Those are down the coast of California. The ferry ride went through an enormous school of dolphins getting to the island.

But it can be anywhere from an

overnight trip to a multiday trip. This depends on how much there is to do and how much you want to do. The other thing, I research enough to know the things that I don’t want to miss. But I don’t look at YouTube, and I don’t do a lot of other research, because I don’t want to spoil the effect of seeing it firsthand.

If I’m going through the trouble to get there, I make sure to see all the things worth seeing. Do you have a favorite so far?

There’s a favorite trip. The Everglades really stands out to me. I did another great trip where we hit four parks down in the southwest with White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns, Guadalupe Mountains and Big Bend.

Voyageurs in Minnesota is a really memorable trip too, especially if you like to fish. The fishing and canoeing opportunities there are amazing.

Katmai in Alaska as well. There’s something about standing on the bear observation deck and watching bears catching salmon out of midair standing in the waterfalls that is pretty incredible. That’s hard to top.

Were any underwhelming?

I found Joshua Tree a little underwhelming. It must have been the wrong day for me. If you’re a climber it’s a fabulous place.

There are also things that are surprising, like I’ve always thought of the Rio Grande as this huge, magnificent river and the Rio Grande these days, at the least parts of it where we were, is just a trickle. You can walk across the Rio Grande on stepping-stones. It was surprising how far down the water level has gotten. I don’t know if it’s irrigation and climate change, but it was eye opening. Which did you find the most beautiful?

All are really beautiful. I mean, really, in their own way. But I think the one that surprised me for beauty was Death Valley. I didn’t

(See Parks, next page)

Bellingham, WA 98225

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go there expecting that place to be beautiful and it was fabulous and colorful. Eerie, kind of, so unusual. Especially I think the viewing at dusk and at sunset, where the light got a little bit longer. The colors of the rocks and the sand and the stone all got more vibrant. Did you meet any cool people you remember?

I went to Death Valley by myself. I ended up sitting at a bar one night to have something

to eat, and there was a guy on my left and a gal on my right. It turns out they both were doing the exact same thing I was. They were park questers. It was really great talking to both of them about which parks they’d been to, which ones they recommend, which ones they’ve had adventures in. It was really fun trading notes and talking parks.

What have you learned?

You don’t have to leave the borders of our country to find unique, unusual and amazing places. You might not get the same level of

cultural change that you would by going overseas, but there are definitely cultural differences too. It’s been eye opening for me as far as how much there is to see and do inside our own country.

This article was originally published in Mount Baker Experience, a publication of Point Roberts Press, which also publishes The Northern Light. The fall 2023 edition of Mount Baker Experience can be found online at mountbakerexperience.com, at businesses around Whatcom County, and on every Washington State ferry.

An ageless senior center ...

As we slowly transition from summer into fall, so does the focus in our activities. As we shift from the garden or the enjoyment of our local shores, we look for things to do. Often this shift in our focus turns us toward our community and all the happenings within Blaine and its surrounding area.

This fall, the Blaine Senior Center will continue its quest to become a dynamic community partner. With extended hours and a mantra of kindness, the center focuses on offering presentations, classes, live music, workshops, art activities, events and more. Yes, we are still a senior center … but our focus has shifted.

The idea is to become a hub in this community. What does this mean? We need the Blaine area to embrace us as a community center – and to understand seniors need intergenerational activities and our community needs the many amazing facets our seniors offer. Within our beautiful center, we have space and resources to offer an amazing place to learn, play, grow and embrace our neighbors. This is a place for fun.

So if you believe you are not

old enough for a senior center, please come visit anyway. Join us for a live music night (Elvis is coming). Join us for an evening class or workshop such as open art night. Learn of our new partnerships with the Blaine Arts Council, Pacific Arts Association, and CORE (Blaine Community Orchards for Resources and Education) offering dozens of workshops. Educate yourself in estate planning, health seminars and more.

Join us for monthly “Big Bucks Bingo” and show your competitive spirit. Play music on our beautiful stage. All at the senior center. All for our community

Now, if you are over the youthful age of 50, join us as a member.

Tai chi, a full gym, exercise classes, and lots of fun activities. An acrylics or watercolor course can rejuvenate your soul. An afternoon of music and/or line dancing can make you want to dance.

A writing, memoir, computer or communications class can help you grow and adapt in our ever-changing world.

Finally, your presence as a community volunteer – whether you are young, medium or old – offers the ability to give back with gratitude. Our center needs

activity and life. Your skills and efforts nourish others and offer a great means to be active and give back. We are always looking for volunteers and instructors to help us elevate our game. If you are a community business, we have sponsorship opportunities for your business to establish a community marketing strategy and serve those who support you. Life is full. The Blaine senior community center is a place where every member and patron makes a difference. Thank you for making this community so special. Visit blaineseniorcenter. org for more information.

Pete Nelson is the executive director of the Blaine Senior Center and Community Complex.

Peace Arch memorial remembers 22 years since 9/11

U.S and Canadian first responders, law enforcement officers, motorcyclists and others attended a 9/11 memorial under the Peace Arch on September 11.

Event organizer Guy Morrall, U.S. consul general Brent Hardt and Canadian politician Rich Coleman were among those who spoke at the event. The ceremo -

ny ended with lunch prepared by the Surrey Fire Department on the B.C. side of the park.

Photos by Grace McCarthy, unless otherwise noted

We’re

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Matter and Estate of: HILDA VERA WOOD, Deceased. No. 23-4-00812-

37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS.

RCW 11.40.030.

ABANDONED

DATE: Mon., Sept 18

Viewing at 8 am • Auction at 9 am

ADDRESS: 925 Boblett St. Blaine, WA 98230 www.Meridian-Towing.com OR call 360-746-9100 • M-F 8-5

50943

The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1)

Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.

Notice of First Publication:

August 31, 2023

Personal Representative: SHARON SWANSON, Presented by: Whatcom Law Group, P.S. Casie C. Rodenberger, WSBA #54348 Attorney for Personal Representative PO Box 1258 / 289 H Street Blaine, WA 98231-1258 (360) 332-7000; Fax: (360) 332-6677

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Matter and Estate of: MYRNA JEAN BROOKS, Deceased. No. 23-4-0082537. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.40.030.

The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or

(2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If notice was not provided under RCW Chapters 11.40 or 11.42, the creditor must present the claim within twenty-four months after the decedent’s date of death. 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.

Notice of First Publication: Sept. 7, 2023

Personal Representative:

Randall G. Schultz, Presented by: Whatcom Law Group, P.S. Casie C. Rodenberger, WSBA #54384 Attorney for Personal Representative PO Box 1258 / 289 H Street Blaine, WA 98231-1258 (360) 332-7000; Fax: (360) 332-6677

SUMMONED AND REQUIRED to appear and defend in the above‑entitled action in the above‑entitled court, within THIRTY DAYS, exclusive of the day of service, if served without the State of Arizona, and you are hereby notified that in case you fail so to do, Judgment by Default WILL BE rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Complaint is to foreclose a lien and to Quiet Title to real property in Mohave County, Arizona. If you do not want a judgment or order taken against you without your input, you must file an “An swer” or a “Response” in writing with the Court, and pay the filing fee. If you do not file an “Answer” or “Response” the other party may be given the relief requested in his or her Petition or Complaint. To file your “Answer” or Response” take, or send, the “Answer” or “Response” to the Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court, 415 East Spring Street, Kingman, AZ 86401 (P.O. Box 7000, Kingman, AZ 86402 7000 Mail a copy of your “Answer” or “Response” to the other party at the address listed on the top of this Summons. Kim McMilon, Plain tiff 3663 E Devlin Ave, Kingman AZ 86401, Phone (928) 897 2117 GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Superior Court of the State of Arizona, in and for the County of MOHAVE, this 25th day of August, 2023. CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT By: Christina Spurlock, Clerk

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT FOR SNOHOMISH COUNTY STATE OF WASHINGTON In re the Matter and Estate of: KAYE LEORA LUBACH, Deceased. No. 23-4-01421-31. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.40.030

The personal representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time such claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in section RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and non-probate

All real estate/rentals advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of

In other Blaine City Council news ...

News from the September 11 Blaine City Council meeting.

Electrical comprehensive plan

City council approved a $49,200 contract for Braaksma Engineering to update the drafted 2026 Electrical Comprehensive Plan. Braaksma, a Bellingham-based company, will evaluate the current system, update the service area, system characteristics and include financial planning, according to city documents.

Planning department help

City council approved two contracts that will provide support to Blaine’s Community Development Services (CDS) while it is understaffed.

The two contracts hire Perteet as well as David Evans and Associates to assist CDS with permit review, technical review and long-range planning, such as zoning text amendments and comprehensive planning, according to city documents. The contracts won’t cost the city more than $40,000 each. The funding is part of the 2023 budget for CDS professional planning services.

CDS staffing is currently halved as the department is without the planning director, building official and a planner.

Electrical powerline cleanup City council approved a $114,000 contract with Davey Tree Surgery Co. to provide tree pruning and brush removal along city power lines.

Wellfield drilling City council approved a $129,400 contract with Aquatech

Well Drilling and Pumps Inc. to drill and test a new well at the Blaine wellfield site at the end of Pipeline Road. The well will be shallow with a 200-foot depth.

Sea Smoke Tract D

City council approved the Sea Smoke Tract D preliminary plat, which will divide Tract D into eight single-family detached lots.

The city’s hearing examiner, Rajeev Majumdar, who reviewed the project, asked council to determine whether the previous planning director acted within her purview to issue a planned unit modification for the development in March 2022. If council had not approved the plat, Majumdar recommended the plat be denied and redesigned with seven lots.

Sea Smoke is located at the corner of Semiahmoo Parkway and Semiahmoo Drive. The eight lots are in addition to the housing development’s first phase with 40 units, according to earlier reporting from The Northern Light Planning commission appointment

In a 4-3 vote, city council approved Donald Kruse to fill a vacant position on planning commission for three months. Kruse is a fifth generation Blaine resi-

(See Meeting, page 15)

OBITUARIES

Roderick Lysander Johnson

March 21, 1929 - May 1, 2023

Rod passed away peacefully on May 1, 2023 at the age of 94. He was born on March 21, 1929 in Seattle, to Eric C. Johnson, M.D. and Ruth Eccles. Rod attended and graduated from University of Washington with a B.S. in pre med in 1948 and continued his education at the University of Washington Medical School, graduating with his M.D. in 1951.

Rod was commissioned in the United States Army in 1953. He served on active duty from 1953-1955. When he finished his commitment, he joined the Army Reserves for 33 years, stationed at the 45th Station Hospital, Vancouver Barracks, Vancouver, WA. He retired in 1998 from the Reserves as a Colonel and their commander for 15 years. All totaled he was in the military for 35 years. During his tenure Rod received numerous medals and commendations with the Legion of Merit being the highest honor.

Rod married the love of his life, Stephanie Carter on May 20, 1967 in Portland, OR. They raised their children in Portland, OR where he was a practicing general surgeon and finished out his career at OHSU as Director of the Transfusion Services. He and his wife retired to Whatcom County in 1994. He said it was the best thing he ever did, other than marry his wife.

Rod is survived by his wife of 56 years, Stephanie Johnson of Birch Bay; children, Karen Lysandra Johnson, Eric Douglas Johnson, Victoria Ruth (Mike Maloney) Johnson, Ross Alexander (Kim) Johnson all of Oregon, Thomas Graham (Tina) Johnson of Washington, Roderick Eccles (Sandy) Johnson of Kansas, Jolyon Clifford (Jillian) Johnson of Washington; grandchildren, Nathaniel (Nate) Johnson, Tiffany VanDomelen, Austin Lewis, Jason Lewis, Laura Lewis, Samantha Johnson, Sydnie Bowman, Nils Johnson, Nicholas Johnson, Derek Johnson, Lily Johnson, Sophia Johnson, Clara Jeanne Johnson and Olin Johnson; great-grandchildren, Adalyn VanDomelen, Sierra VanDomelen, Hudson Jones, Graham Johnson, Ira Johnson, Theodore Johnson and Little Princess on the way.

He wanted to be remembered for his love of God, family and country. Memorial contributions may be given in Rod’s name to Whatcom Hospice House, 2806 Douglas Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225

A Celebration of Life and memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Christ Church Bellingham, 2826 Birchwood Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Bayview City Cemetery, 1420 Woburn St. Bellingham, WA 98229. Please sign the book of memories, light a candle and leave your condolences for the family at www.JernsFH.com.

Robin Lynne Thomas

March 26, 1963 – September 5, 2023

On September 5, 2023, Robin Lynne Thomas, of Birch Bay was called home by the Lord, she was surrounded by loved ones at the time. Robin was born to Madeline Joyce Young and Jimmy Lee Young on March 26, 1963. She was the oldest of five siblings, Richard Young, Jimmy Young, Barbara Crownover, and George (Guy) Young.

In August 1980, she met the love of her life, Benjamin Thomas III, and married him two weeks later on September 1, 1980. They went on to have three beautiful children, Benjamin Thomas IV, Daniel Thomas, and Amanda Yuill. They had a wonderful marriage and had been married a beautiful 43 years when she passed.

She received a bachelor’s of art degree and teaching credentials. She then became an English and drama teacher for many years. She retired in Oregon with her husband and children, spending her time at the beach and with loved ones.

She was preceded in death my her father, Jimmy, and she is survived by her husband, three children and 12 amazing grandchildren. There will be a celebration of life for Robin with time and date to be determined.

David John Steward

February 2, 1934 – August 31, 2023

David passed away on August 31, 2023 at Hospice House in Bellingham. He was born in Luton, England on February 2, 1934. He attended a comprehensive school there and went on to study medicine at the Royal Free Hospital in London, England. After graduation, he was obliged to do two years military service which he did as a doctor in the Royal Canadian Air Force near Winnipeg, Manitoba. He did a fellowship in anesthesia in Toronto and went on to a distinguished career in pediatric anesthesia. He was the Chief of Pediatric Anesthesia at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto, BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver and finally Los Angeles Children’s Hospital. He published many textbooks and gave many lectures all over the world. He was especially interested in developing pediatrics in China from 1985-2011.

His interests included sailing, traveling and camping. He is survived by his wife Mary Lou; daughter Jennifer Norgaard (Torben); grandchildren Natalie and Christian Norgaard; son Nigel Steward; and his brother Alan (Kristina).

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Whatcom Hospice for their loving care of him. Any donations in his name would be much appreciated by Whatcom Hospice (whatcomhospice.org) so that they can continue their caring work.

sheriff’s repOrts

September 5, 1:52 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Arnie Road.

September 5, 3:52 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Percie Road.

September 5, 4:42 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Percie Road.

September 6, 12:46 p.m.: Death investigation on Masterson Road.

September 6, 2:06 p.m.: Property recovered on Mayfair Place.

September 6, 5:31 p.m.: Brandishing on Harborview Road.

September 6, 6:46 p.m.: Disorderly conduct on Alderson Road.

September 6, 9:03 p.m.: Harassment on Salish Road.

September 6, 9:37 p.m.: Disorderly conduct on Birch Bay Drive.

September 6, 9:47 p.m.: Suspicious person on Sunset and Leeside Drives.

September 7, 8:41 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Petticote Lane.

September 7, 9:44 a.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Holiday and Birch Bay Lynden Roads.

September 7, 5:04 p.m.: Bicycle theft cold call on Birch Bay Drive.

September 7, 7:19 p.m.: Domestic verbal on Petticote Lane.

September 8, 1:32 a.m.: Party on Birch Bay Drive.

ACROSS

September 8, 8:45 a.m.: Bicycle theft cold call on Birch Bay Drive.

September 8, 1:10 p.m.: Bicycle theft cold call on Birch Bay Drive.

September 9, 1:35 a.m.: Death investigation on Birch Bay Drive.

September 9, 3:14 p.m.: Suspicious person cold call on Sunburst Drive.

Coming up

September 10, 3:07 a.m.: Shots on Clamdigger Drive.

September 10, 3:12 a.m.: Suspicious person on Birch Bay Drive and Cedar Avenue.

September 10, 3:59 a.m.: Shots on Clamdigger Drive.

September 10, 4:28 a.m.: Vandalism cold call on Blaine Road.

pOLiCe repOrts

September 1, 6:57 p.m.: Sex crime, no rape, on A Street.

September 1, 7:33 p.m.: DUI on G Street.

September 2, 1:34 a.m.: DUI on Haynie Road.

September 2, 8:12 a.m.: Moving vehicle accident – injury on Pacific Highway.

September 3, 9:23 p.m.: Subject with weapon on Semiahmoo Parkway.

September 4, 11:06 p.m.: Senile subject on H Street.

September 5, 3:00 p.m.: Civil problem on Shearwater Drive.

September 5, 5:47 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Vista Terrace

CrOssWOrd

43. Without (French) 45. Vetch 46. Swiss river

Describes a sound

Sign language

Hair product

surgery

1. Body art

2. Middle East military title

3. Actor Pitt 4. Container

5. Speak incessantly 6. Relating to algae

7. Jacob __, journalist

8. Rock TV channel

9. Boat’s cargo

10. Most wise

11. Within 12. Chinese industrial city

13. Scotland’s longest river

16. Not capable 18. Footwear

22. Savings account

23. Capable

24. Vaccine developer

25. Tax collector

27. Fencing swords

28. Native religion in China

29. Promotional materials

30. A shot in a film production

31. Afflict in mind or body

33. A passage with access only at one end

35. Breathing devices 36. Employ for wages

37. Kids’ TV channel (abbr.)

39. Popular Boston song

42. Made amends 43. Selling at specially reduced prices 44. Atomic #18 46. With fireplace residue

47. Unleavened cornbread

48. Draw out 49. Southwestern

Drive.

September 5, 9:08 p.m.: Trespass on Peace Portal Drive.

September 6, 2:51 a.m.: Senile subject on H Street.

September 6, 10:04 a.m.: Trespass on Turnstone Lane.

September 6, 4:50 p.m.: Hot rod on Leighton Street.

September 7, 12:57 p.m.: Shots on Mary Avenue.

September 7, 2:15 p.m.: Burglary on McMillan Avenue.

September 7, 5:29 p.m.: Vandalism on A Street.

Report by Blaine Police Department

Alaska island

50. Where the Pyramids are

51. People of Nigeria

52. Smaller quantity

53. Destroy the inside of 54. City

55. Chivalrous figure (abbr.)

56. No (Scottish)

ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

Weather

CAP Winter Coat Drive: Through September 30. Good quality used or new winter coats, hats, gloves, socks, and scarves accepted at Blaine Library, Blaine Senior Center, Cost Cutter, The Market, Windermere - Birch Bay Square, The Bridge Community Hope Center, Birch Bay Village Rec Center, Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club, Semiahmoo Marina Cafe and Pacific Building Center. Used items should be freshly laundered. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program. blainecap.org.

Whatcom Dream Financial Empowerment Class: Thursdays, October 12–November 9, 7–8 p.m., CAP Center, 508 G Street. Improve your financial management skills for a more secure financial future. Free. For more info or to register: 360/296-0441 or kevin@thewhatcomdream.org. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program.

League of Women Voters Presentation: Thursday, September 14, 11 a.m.–2 p.m, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Discussing candidates and ballot measures for the November 7 general election. Free. Info: Blaineseniorcenter.org.

Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, September 14, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: general knowledge. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Live Music at Blaine Senior Center: Friday, September 15, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Featuring: Jaded Lovers performing country rock and classics. Free. Info: Blaineseniorcenter.com.

Live Music at The Vault: Friday, September 15, 7 p.m, The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring: Louis Ledford. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Gardening Green Course: Starts Saturday, September 16, 10 a.m.–noon, bp Heron Center at Birch Bay State Park. In the 5-week course, learn the essential principles for successful landscape gardening that is easier on the environment – using more know-how and less fertilizer and pesticides. Cost: $35 for soil lab test. Register at: extension.wsu.edu/whatcom/nr/gardening-green. Sponsored by WSU Whatcom County Extension.

Birch Bay Bike Shop Community Appreciation Event: Saturday, September 16, noon–4 p.m., Birch Bay Bike Shop, 4823 Alderson Road, unit 105. Food, conversation, drawings. Info: birchbaybikeshop.com.

Big Bucks Bingo: Saturday, September 16, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Over $275 in prizes. Early bird starts at 12:30 p.m. Regular bingo at 1 p.m. Eight games $15. Lunch available for $8. Info: 360/332-8040.

Supper with the Superintendent: Monday, September 18, 6 p.m., Blaine School District roundhouse building, 770 Mitchell Street. The community is invited to ask Blaine School District superintendent, Dr. Christopher Granger questions regarding Blaine schools. Light dinner provided. Blaine Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Meeting: Thursday, September 21, 7:30 a.m., Great Blue Heron Grill, 8720 Semiahmoo Parkway. Info: blainechamber.com.

Estate Planning for Success: Thursday, September 21, 6 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Learn how to avoid probate, running out of money due to long-term care costs and how to avoid becoming a burden on your family. Free. Info: Blainechamber.com.

The King: An Evening with Elvis: Friday, September 22, 5 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Enjoy live music by Jeffrey Elvis, the number one Elvis tribute show in the northwest. Tickets: $8. Reservations required. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.

Buddy Fest: Saturday, September 23, noon–3 p.m., Northwest Washington Fairgrounds, Lynden. Celebrate loved ones with Down syndrome with a lunch, awareness walk and activities for all ages. Register: classy.org/ event/buddy-fest-2023/e495671.

Washington State Basic Boater Education Course: Monday–Thursday, September 25–28, 6:30–8:30 p.m. This Zoom course is for anyone wishing to learn safe boating skills and qualify for a Boater Education Card, issued by the Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission. Registration: $20 plus downloaded book for $4.99 or $30 for printed book. Info and registration: boatingsafetyWA@gmail.com.

Flu, RSV and Covid Vaccine Clinic: Tuesday, September 26, 1–4 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Hoagland Pharmacy will be administering the vaccines. To register, call 360/332-8040.

Semiahmoo Shoreline Spectacle: Wednesday, September 27, 3:30–5 p.m. Learn about the region’s role in the autumn shorebird migration corridor and receive helpful pointers in identifying the many characters in this challenging, but rewarding, family of birds. Space is limited. Registration required at eventbrite.com/e/semiahmoos-shorebird-spectacle-tickets-700258139947?aff=oddtdtcreator. Hosted by North Cascades Audubon Society.

Ongoing

Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Mondays 9 a.m.—noon, Wednesdays 5–7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.—noon. Delivery options available. Info:360/332- 6350 or blainefood@hotmail.com.

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

CAP Clothing Bank: Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m. - noon and Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m. 508 G Street. The Community Assistance Program clothing bank is now located in the basement of the CAP Center providing free clothing and linens. Donations accepted only during open hours or by special arrangement. Info: blainecap.org or 360/392-8484.

Meals on Wheels Frozen Meals: Thursdays 11:30 a.m.–noon, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Adults 60+ pick up five frozen meals. Suggested donation $5 per meal or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040.

Senior Community Meals: Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Blaine Se- nior Center, 763 G Street. Suggested donation of $5 per meal ($8.50 if under 60) or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040.

The Bridge Clothing Bank Boutique: Open Wednesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Donations accepted Wednesdays, 11 a.m.– 2 p.m. or by appointment. The Bridge Community Hope Center’s new location, 7620 Birch Bay Drive.

Narcotics Anonymous: Mondays, 7–8 p.m., Blaine United Church of Christ basement, 855 4th Street. Everyone welcome. Info: Blainenarcoticsanonymous@gmail.com.

Run with the Chums 5K highlights importance of local waterways

Whatcom Conservation District hosted the 11th annual Run with the Chums at bp Highlands on September 9. The 5K race and smolt sprint launched Whatcom Water Week, which will have activities providing education

Meeting ...

From page 13

dent who has advocated against the zoning code text amendment request that would allow manufactured home parks in east Blaine. Kruse’s term will end December 31, 2023.

Mayor Mary Lou Steward and councilmembers Mike Hill and Rhyan Lopez voted against Kruse’s appointment.

on local water sources through Sunday, September 17. For more information on Whatcom Water Week, visit whatcomwin.org/water-week-events.

code using your smartphone.

Gurdeep Bains also applied for the position. Bains is the finance director for the city of Ferndale and owns several buildings in downtown Blaine.

Park and cemetery board appointment

City council unanimously appointed Jacob Soileau to the park and cemetery board until the term ends December 31, 2025. Soileau works for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Three other vacancies remain on the board.

•

If you have trouble using the QR code, please visit https://bit.ly/BPCP23 or call (360) 371-1500 during these hours: Mon-Thurs 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.