Issuu

Province Road fire razes RV that had propane tanks, ammunition inside

B y e rin K elly

A large RV trailer was destroyed in an early morning fire at 1837 Province Road on April 30, but a fast response from firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading into nearby trees.

Crews were dispatched about 4:18 a.m. following multiple 911 calls of a growing fire and sounds of explosions, according to officials with Whatcom County Fire District 5.

The department initially responded with the night crew and additional volunteers, eventually bringing a total of nine personnel and four pieces of apparatus to the scene, including two engines and a support vehicle carrying extra air tanks and equipment. Firefighters arrived within just over five minutes to find the RV trailer engulfed in flames.

“When we showed up on scene, we had a fully involved large RV trailer,” Assistant Chief John Shields said. “There were some small explosions when we got there from the propane tanks and the tires on the trailer itself.”

Because the trailer was located in a wooded area, firefighters first focused on preventing the fire from spreading into nearby trees.

“When we got there, it was starting to spread into the trees beside the RV itself,” Shields said. “So our first thing was to suppress the fire in the tree line before we got onto the trailer itself.”

Officials said the RV was a “toy hauler” trailer equipped with a generator and a large onboard fuel tank. Firefighters later learned ammunition was also stored inside.

“There were three 100-pound propane tanks and probably eight or 10

(See Fire, page 3)

Resilient Point Roberts hosts the All Point Bulletin team at community meeting

The community consultation with Kari Mar, the new All Point Bulletin publisher, on May 22 was well attended. Resilient Point Roberts hosted and facilitated the two-hour meeting where around 35 participants shared ideas in small groups. The All Point Bulletin will be holding more community meetings this summer to continue discussing the future of the paper.

Point Roberts was the site of an alleged human smuggling attempt by two B.C. residents, federal officials say.

Van Phuong Vu, a 28-year-old Vancouver resident, and Johnny Huynh, a 36-year-old Burnaby resident, have been charged with conspiracy to “transport certain aliens for private financial gain,” according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington.

The men appeared in U.S. District Court in Tacoma on May 13 for alleged-

ly trying to bring eight Vietnamese nationals into the U.S. illegally.

The incident began around 8:30 a.m. May 5 when the U.S. Border Patrol was alerted to a group of people crossing into Point Roberts from Canada via a beach.

Once on the Point, a group of the Vietnamese nationals boarded a charter plane and flew to Bellingham International Airport.

The first group was apprehended along with Huynh at 10 a.m. May

(See Smuggling, page 2)

Photo by Nancy K. Crowell

Father Martin bids farewell Page 14

Whatcom County candidates file for August primary

r A ce M c c A rthy

Filing week has come and gone, and a new group of candidates are set to ramp up their campaigns ahead of the Aug. 4 primary. The election will send the top-two finishers to the November election, regardless of party affiliation, for races that range from Congress to new Port of Bellingham commissioners.

Below is a list of candidates who will be on Point Roberts voters’ ballots come August.

• Congress Representative, District 2: A two-year term held by Rick Larsen (D-Everett). Larsen is being challenged by Edwin Feller (R-Lynden), Tomas Scheel (D-Ferndale) and Devin Hermanson (D-Seattle). Raymond Pelletti (R-Blaine), a real estate agent who unsuccessfully ran for state representative in 2024, filed for office but later dropped out of the race.

• State Senator, 42nd Legislative District: A four-year term held by Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham), who is not seeking re-election. The candidates are Erika Creydt (R-Blaine), Michael Shepard (D-Bellingham), Eamonn Collins (D-Bellingham) and

Ryan Bowman (no party-Bellingham).

• State Representative Pos. 1, 42nd Legislative District: A two-year term held by Alicia Rule (D-Blaine). Rule is being challenged by Whatcom County Republican Party chair Misty Flowers (R-Bellingham), who has run unsuccessfully for county positions over the past few years.

• State Representative Pos. 2, 42nd Legislative District: A two-year term held by Joe Timmons (D-Bellingham). Timmons is being challenged by Justin Pike (R-Ferndale), a detective at the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. Whatcom County Prosecutor: A four-year term held by Eric Richey, who is not running for re-election. The position will see Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office senior leaders Jesse Corkern, Erik Sigmar and Donna Bracke battle it out in the August primary alongside defense attorney Ryan Swinburnson, who is also Blaine School Board president.

of Port of Bellingham commissioners from three to five. The candidates are Blaine residents Dean Berkeley and Jaden McConnell, Lynden residents Tim Chartier and Paul Burrill, and Ferndale residents Tor Benson and Samantha Cruz-Mendoza.

Port of Bellingham Commissioner, District 5: A new position created from a voter-approved ballot measure last year that expanded the number of Port of Bellingham commissioners from three to five. The candidates

(Smuggling, continued from page 1)

running in August are Todd Lagestee, Bellingham; Randall Wood, Everson; Spenser New, Deming; Jerry Burns, Maple Falls; Shawn Ensley, Bellingham; and Chris Elder, Acme. Incumbents Angela Anderson and Jonathan Rands are running unopposed for their Whatcom County District Court judge positions. The election will also have a slate of precinct committee officer candidates, a challenge for PUD No. 1 Commissioner District 1 and openings for Washington state Supreme Court justice positions.

Two B.C. men arrested for alleged human smuggling via the Point

• Port of Bellingham Commissioner, District 4: A new position created from a voter-approved ballot measure last year that expanded the number

5 while walking from the airport to a nearby hotel, and a second group accompanied by Vu was apprehended later in the morning, according to the release.

“Some of the Vietnamese nationals

told law enforcement they had agreed to pay between $13,000 and $15,000 to be smuggled into the U.S,” the release said. Vu and Huynh face sentences of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.

(Fire, continued from page 1)

Province Road fire razes RV that had propane tanks, ammunition inside

A primary residence RV was destroyed in a Province Road fire on April 30. The fire was under control within 30-45 minutes of the fire district's arrival, but crews stayed on site for four hours to ensure all hot spots were completely extinguished.

smaller tanks around the trailer,” Shields said. “We had to be cautious of propane tanks and ammunition going off.”

Although several loud noises were reported by nearby residents, firefighters said those sounds were likely caused by propane tanks venting or tires rupturing in the heat.

“The propane tanks don’t explode — they vent,” Shields explained. “They sound like jet engines.”

The fire marshal investigated the scene and found nothing suspicious. Officials believe the fire may have been caused by an electrical issue, although the exact cause could not be confirmed.

The owner of the trailer was report-

courtesy of Fire District No. 5

edly in Florida at the time of the fire and was notified by firefighters after crews arrived on scene. The RV was being used as a full-time residence.

The fire was largely brought under control within the first 30 to 45 minutes, officials said, though crews remained on site for four hours to ensure no hot spots remained.

Firefighters are reminding residents to turn off electrical appliances before leaving home or going on vacation and to store ammunition and propane tanks safely away from potential fire hazards.

In other fire related news, at the Fire District Meeting on May 13, Ray Smith was elected as the new commissioner.

Photos

Letters to the editor

The All Point Bulletin is published weekly by Daffodil Press, LLC. About Daffodil Press

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

We proudly publish:

• The Northern Light (Blaine & Birch Bay)

• All Point Bulletin (Point Roberts)

• La Conner Community News (La Conner)

• Mount Baker Experience (Mt. Baker foothills)

• Pacific Coast Weddings (annual guide)

• Waterside (summer recreation guide for coastal Northwest Washington)

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

Letters to the Editor

We welcome thoughtful letters from our readers. Letters should address local issues of broad community interest and help foster informed civic dialogue. Please include your name, address, email and daytime phone number for verification. Letters are limited to 150 words. We may edit for clarity, length, legality and standards of civility. We do not publish falsehoods or hate speech. Unsigned letters will not be considered. Send letters to: letters@daffodilpress.net

Publisher Kari Mar kari@daffodilpress.net

Managing Editor Kie Relyea kie@daffodilpress.net

Editor Aly McGee Aly@daffodilpress.net

Reporter Erin Kelly Erin@daffodilpress.net

Creative Services

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Advertising Sales

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Office Assistant Emmy Duke

Contributors

Bronwyn Glor, Jen Kurcz, Kris Lomedico and Victoria Smith

The Editor:

The controversial inclusion of “unceded landback rights” has appeared in the latest, government-mandated Whatcom County Comprehensive Plan Update.

Why were staff planners instructed to include this language in the comprehensive plan draft, when none existed before?

Why didn’t planners and local politicians look closer at British Columbia governments, which have been wrestling with the exact same set of circumstances regarding Indigenous land claims and their recent inclusion into their own comprehensive plans?

What are the unforeseen consequences of this proposed legislation?

Once these Indigenous landback policies are enshrined into a County Comprehensive Plan, they are nearly impossible to remove.

Example:

The Washington Growth Management Act was passed in 1990 to address

the downside of unmanaged growth, preserve farmland and curb urban sprawl.

But the inevitable result was that developers and their legions of attorneys continued to challenge and offer amendments that continue to change the legislative intent into what environmental critics nicknamed the “Growth Mandate Act.”

Unfortunately, we don’t have representative citizen Planning Commissions in British Columbia, only highly paid “planning directors” and staff.

There is no real citizen input into major land use decisions — only professional bureaucrats informing and

directing their official community plans, which are always “pro-growth.”

The addition of “unceded” and related verbiage will guarantee further ongoing conflicts between individual First Nations as to which overlapping tribal interests take precedence over other tribes.

It is going on right now. It will never end.

It is a recipe for division and conflict in perpetuity, something county council could avoid by taking a short look north at the experience in British Columbia and completely eliminating landback plans from any prospective comp plan revisions.

John Lesow North Vancouver

(John Lesow served as a Whatcom County Planning commissioner from 20042013, representing District 3)

Please send letters to letters@daffodilpress.net

New welcome sign graces Tyee Drive

Just in time for summer, the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce unveiled their new welcome sign on Tyee Drive. The sign was paid for in part by a tourism promotion grant from Whatcom County. From left, Lorne Nielson, Wayne Lyle, Louise Mugar, Elliott Smith and Linda Hughes.

Parks District changing skate park into space for other rec use

a flexible, general-use space that can support more activities and more people.

Visit us online at: www.allpointbulletin.com

Printed in Canada • Vol. XLI, No. 2

July 2026 Ads due: June 19

o MM issioner #5

The Point Roberts Park and Recreation District is taking a positive step forward by reimagining an underused space into something that better reflects how our community gathers, connects and stays active.

In a small, highly engaged community like ours, people care deeply about what happens in our shared spaces — and that’s a strength.

The skate park has been part of community conversations for over a decade. Two years ago, interest was raised in keeping it, and the district made the decision to give it time to grow and see how it would be used.

Over the past couple of years, though, the space has remained largely inactive and has increasingly been used for dumping garbage and other materials, creating upkeep challenges and safety concerns for the community.

This creates an opportunity to better match the space with how people are spending time today.

The plan is to transition the area into

Instead of serving a narrow use, it will be able to accommodate things like basketball — with two hoops at different heights — as well as activities like pickleball and other casual recreation.

The goal is simple: Create a space that feels welcoming and useful to a broader range of the community.

We know that change can bring strong opinions, especially in a place where people are so invested. That input matters, and it has been part of this process. At the same time, the Point Roberts Park and Recreation District has a responsibility to look at how spaces are actually being used and make decisions that support long-term value, safety and access for the community as a whole.

Photo by Pat Grubb

Lummi Nation: Broadband projects disturbed ancestral remains, violated law

On Monday, the Lummi Nation filed a federal lawsuit against Whatcom County, Whidbey Telecom, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Commerce over a series of “preventable and unlawful failures” that allegedly resulted in the disturbance of burial sites in Point Roberts during the construction of at least three federally-funded broadband projects.

The 52-page lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. It alleges that Whidbey Telecom (a telecommunications company serving Whidbey Island, Point Roberts and Hat Island) dug 1,000- to 2,000-footlong trenches that caused permanent damage and loss of ancestral remains and artifacts in an area that the Lummi Nation used for over 5,000 years.

The lawsuit states that Whidbey Telecom was or should have been aware of the presence of the cultural resources and burial grounds in Point Roberts, and that the defendants failed to conduct required environmental reviews.

Although the Lummi Nation repeatedly warned the company upon discovering the issue in 2023, Whidbey Telecom allegedly continued to dig in close proximity to and within cultural sites, even after discovering “extensive” human remains.

Despite state law requiring disturbed human remains to be protected from further disturbance, many were left exposed to the elements. At least one cranial fragment was lost forever,

Senior’s Point

Menus for June

Wednesday, June 3: Shepherd’s pie, garden salad and dessert

Friday, June 5: Chicken shawarma with pita, Mediterranean salad and dessert

Wednesday, June 10: Chef’s choice

Friday, June 12: Scalloped potatoes, mixed vegetables and dessert

Wednesday, June 17: Pasta e fagi oli, focaccia with melted cheese and dessert

Friday, June 19: Cheeseburgers or grilled sausage, potato salad, three-bean salad and dessert

Wednesday, June 24: Shrimp creole with rice, Cajun coleslaw and dessert

Friday, June 26: Bratwurst, knish, sauerkraut, beets and dessert

Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (or until food runs out) on Wednesdays and Fridays in the community center’s dining room. Contact prseniors@whidbey.com or call 360-945-5424 for more information.

and other remains are believed to be lost as well, according to the lawsuit.

Donna Hilty, CEO of Whidbey Telecom, said the company is aware of the lawsuit.

“We have not yet had the opportunity to review the complaint in detail or to evaluate possible implications for certain projects going forward.

We look forward to providing further updates and to address the allegations in the near future,” she wrote in a statement, stating she is currently not in a position to comment further.

Whatcom County allegedly permitted two of the projects and violated county code by not consulting the Lummi Nation. The USDA and the Department of Commerce are also being accused of funding the projects without consulting the Nation. All the defendants are accused of failing to notify the Lummi Nation of the disturbances and denying access to the sites to allow for the recovery and reburial of the remains, among other accusations.

Riley Sweeney, a spokesperson for Whatcom County, declined to comment amid pending litigation.

Lummi Nation is requesting the cessation of further disturbance to the sites, an assessment of the damages, access to the sites for the reinternment of the remains, and compensation for the losses sustained.

“The disturbance, exposure, weathering, scattering, mishandling, destruction and loss of ancestral remains constitute profound cultural and spiritual harms that no monetary compensation can fully redress,” the Lummi Nation wrote in the lawsuit.

Library Picks

KRIS LOMEDICO

Bestsellers:

The Cure for Drowning Loghan Paylor

The Last Mandarin Louise Penny

The Fourth Option Jack Carr

More than Enough Anna Quindlen

Movies:

Dust Bunny Mads Mikkelson

Solo Mio Nicole Grimaudo

Send Help

Rachel McAdams

Anaconda Jack Black

Music:

Hyperlove Mika

Dandelion Ella Langley

Amazing Grace Hill Song Chapel Peaches Black Keys

Teen:

Her Hidden Fire Cliodha O’Sullivan

Shards of Silence Brian Lee Young

Skating Wilder Brandon Dumais

Kids:

Roar

Varsha Bajaj

The Sweet Spot Elaine Vickers

The Underwearwolf Gideon Sterer

Hours:

1 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays Express Library: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily wcls.org

o f th ree M.D. s and a reg ist ere

Pair of Blaine golfers headed to state; baseball, softball bounced

Blaine golf was well represented at the 1A State Tournaments that started at Liberty Lake Golf Course on Tuesday.

Blaine boys golfers Peyton Bouma and Ryan Kloes earned state placements on Tuesday, May 12, while Meridian earned District Championship honors. Blaine soccer, baseball and softball did not fare as well, and their seasons ended over the past week of district playoffs.

BOYS GOLF

After two days of intense golfing, Blaine junior Peyton Bouma finished in fourth place on May 12 at the 1A District 1 Tournament at North Bellingham Golf Course. With the top-seven placement, Bouma earned a spot in the 1A State Tournament that teed off Tuesday in Eastern Washington.

Ryan Kloes finished tied for eighth place with Mount Baker’s Carter Hill, and traveled with the team as an alternate, meaning Kloes may have a chance to play if other golfers drop out. All told, Meridi-

an sent three golfers to state, while Lynden Christian, Mount Baker and Blaine each sent a pair.

Results from day 1 of the 1A State Tournament show Bouma made the cut, shooting a score of 81 en route to a five-way tie for 20th place. Out of 60 golfers to open the first round, only the 30 best scores advance to the second and final round, which will conclude after press time on Wednesday.

Check thenorthernlight.com/ sports for an update on the results from the 1A State Golf Tournament.

SOFTBALL

Blaine softball had a roller coaster of a district tournament, winning the opening game against King’s Way Christian by a score of 13-10 on Friday, May 15, in Centralia before losing 10-0 to Northwest Conference rival Lynden Christian a few hours later.

After being dropped into the

loser’s bracket, the Borderites stayed alive with a 6-5 win over La Center, finishing out a triple-header game schedule (that’s three games in one day) with a 2-1 record.

By the next morning on Saturday, the Borderites just couldn’t keep up with Nooksack Valley, which tacked 19 runs on Blaine for a final score of 19-6, ending the Borderites’ season.

The Borderites sprinted out to a 3-0 lead and kept the pressure on for the first half of the game, with a home run by eighth grader Leanna Sacknoff in the third inning and a two-RBI double from senior Aaliyah Bowman.

But Nooksack Valley exploded for 11 runs in the fifth inning, and Blaine couldn’t respond. The Borderites finished the season with a 14-9 record.

BASEBALL

Playing against King’s in a loser-out, winner-to-state matchup, Blaine’s bats went cold, and its season ended on the artificial turf field at Sehome High School on Saturday. Blaine lost 8-0.

The Borderites only recorded one

hit, a single from junior Josh Cochran, as King’s infield defense stayed sharp, while Blaine’s did not. The Borderites committed four fielding errors in the second inning, leading to five runs scored by the Knights. Cochran pitched five innings on the mound, striking out five batters but getting tagged with the loss.

Blaine’s season ended with a 9-14 record, but this team should see a glut of returning seniors next season and underclassmen looking to break out.

BOYS SOCCER

Blaine boys soccer held a slim, 1-0 lead over conference rival Lynden Christian at halftime in a highstakes final match of the 1A District 1 Tournament on Saturday at Borderite Stadium. Thanks to Wade Lottimer burying a loose ball from a Dima Yuryev free kick, Blaine was in the driver’s seat heading into the second half.

With a win, the Borderites would advance to the 1A State tournament. Lose, and the season would end right there on the turf.

The Borderites lost to Lynden Christian in the opening round of the tournament on May 9 in a penalty shootout, then beat Nooksack Valley 2-1 on Wednesday, May 13, to stay alive. The Borderites needed one more win, one more solid half of soccer, to punch its ticket and exact revenge on the cross-county rivals. It didn’t happen. Ten minutes into the second half, Lynden Christian tied the game at 1-1, and another goal 15 minutes after that put the visiting Lyncs ahead for good. In the final minutes, a third Lynden Christian goal would ice the game, ending Blaine’s season.

The Borderites finished the season with a suboptimal record, but can hold its head high knowing that the team gave its all in front of the home fans.

Blaine third baseman Ashton Vezzetti reacts to a stolen base from King's during Blaine's 8-0 loss on Saturday.

Photo by Nolan Baker

Primary school garage sale raises funds for PTO

The Point Roberts Primary School Garage and Bake Sale took place on the weekend of May 16-17. All proceeds went to the Point Roberts Primary School PTO to benefit of Point Roberts Primary School students.

Photos by Erin Kelly

Point Roberts history trivia

Trivia courtesy of The Point Roberts Historical Society

1. What was the name of the cross-border program prior to Nexus?

2. Who was the last Washington state governor to visit Point Roberts, and when?

3. What was the name of the first official bank in Point Roberts? Find the answers at the bottom of page 13.

Story time on the puppet stage

The "Hansel and Gretel" puppet show was held at the Point Roberts Library on May 13. For upcoming events, check out the library's website at wcls.org or come in for a visit.

Photo by Erin Kelly

Providing non-emergency home medical care, education and referral services. For an appointment or more information, please contact Chief Christopher Carleton at 360-945-3473 or chief@wcfd5.com

Jacob Berman to graduate Cornell University

Bill and Kim Howell: "We're going out on our boat to the San Juan Islands."

Leigh Moorehouse: "Garden, garden, garden!"

Destry Johnson: "Hang down at Maple Beach!"

Gerry Woloshyn: "To spend as much time here as we can!"

Volunteers rally to remove invasive species near Baker Field

B y B ronwyn G lor

Nearly 30 community members gathered the morning of April 25 to take part in a successful invasive species removal effort near the cell tower and adjacent paths near Baker Field.

In just two hours, the group cleared large amounts of Scotch broom, ivy and even some blackberry, filling a 20yard dumpster to capacity.

On a perfect spring day, volunteers brought enthusiasm and determination to the task, transforming the area and strengthening community connections. The scale of the work accomplished in such a short time highlights the impact of invasive species and the

power of collective action.

“I enjoyed being a part of the team removing invasive (Scotch) broom. It was really fun to have a role as part of a team and to see how quickly we could fill a massive dumpster. The dumpster looked so huge when we started out and it was really satisfying to see it full at the end,” volunteer Don Falk said.

“We completely cleared that species from a significant area,” he said. “Once you could identify the plan, I could see the small sprouts that were easy to pull and now they won’t become a future problem.”

Organizers extend a sincere thanks and appreciation to all who participated, especially to the Whatcom County

Noxious Weed Control Board for loaning the volunteer crew and three weed wrenches, which were essential for removing deep-rooted plants.

Point Roberts Park and Recreation District covered the cost of the dumpster. Volunteers brought hand tools and chain saws.

“I walk in those woods behind Baker Field all the time and I’m so glad that people have taken an interest in reducing the amount of invasive species there,” Point Roberts resident Mary Edgely said.

Buoyed by strong turnout and visible results, organizers plan to hold similar work parties twice a year, with the next event anticipated for fall.

“People may not notice the full extent of the work completed in those two hours, but by removing invasive species, we are creating the space necessary to restore the forest’s natural balance,” said Parks Commissioner Jen Kurcz, who participated in the event. “It is work worth continuing together.”

The community effort serves as an encouraging example of local stewardship and the positive difference volunteers can make in preserving shared spaces.

“The massive volunteer turnout was so inspiring. Such an enjoyable experience,” Commissioner Mike Bell said. “I believe it’s a win-win for community building, beautifying our park and for helping our native species thrive.”

Nearly 30 volunteers helped remove invasive Scotch broom, blackberry and ivy from trails and paths near Baker Field on April 25. They filled a large dumpster with the unwanted plants.

Coming up ...

Scheduled meetings/ ongoing events

PR Book Club: 6 p.m., May 27 and June 24, library. For title, call 360-945-6545.

Info: wcls.org

Blood drive: May 29, fire station on Benson Road. Register: bit.ly/3RoQkCt.

Sea Life Ocean Dreams open house: 1 to 7 p.m., May 30, Point Roberts Marina Clubhouse. Snacks/soft drinks provided. A cash bar.

CERT training: Saturdays from May 30 to June 20, firehall, 2030 Benson Road. Lunch and snacks will be provided. Info: Contact Chief Christopher Carleton, Whatcom County Fire District 5, chief@wcfd5.com, 360-945-3473. Registration is underway and limited to 30 students. Cost: $80.

Cemetery District No. 8: 5 p.m., May 26 and June 29, community center. Public welcome.

Archeology town hall: 11 a.m., May 30, community center. Learn about archaeological preservation and regulations in archaeological areas with the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, Lummi Nation and Whatcom County Public Works Archaeologist.

PR Hospital District: 7 p.m., June 3, via Zoom. Info: bit.ly/3Kw9Ypt.

Point Roberts Pickleball Committee: 7 p.m., June 1. Public meetings via Zoom. Contact melanieosmack@gmail.com for the meeting link. First Monday of the month.

PR Amateur Radio Club: 7 p.m., June 1, at the community center.

PR Beekeepers Association: 7 p.m., June 1, community center.

PR Park and Recreation: 7 p.m., June 2, via Zoom. Info: prparkandrec.org. Link: bit.ly/3UCOvAU.

Free support water rights session: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 4, community center. Whatcom County Public Works and our consultants, Geosyntec Consultants Inc., will host the event. Get one-on-one assistance with the WRIA 1 adjudication process. Registration available, but not required. Sign up/ questions: 360-778-6314 or publicworks@ whatcomcounty.us.

PR Chamber of Commerce meeting: 5:30 p.m., June 8 at the RE/MAX office, 1480 Gulf Road. Interested in knowing more about the chamber? Join us. Info: email: info@pointrobertschamberofcommerce.com.

Friends of the Point Roberts Library: 3 p.m., June 9, library. Info: foprl1@ gmail.com.

Fire District No. 5: 4 p.m., June 10, fire hall and via Zoom. Link: bit.ly/45YUv9U. Info: WCFD5.com.

PR Taxpayers Association: 7 p.m., June 11, community center. Info: PRTA@ pointroberts.net. Potluck at 6:30 p.m., regular meeting to start at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome to share a plate/join the meal.

PR Water District: 5 p.m., June 9, 2002 Benson Road. Info: pointrobertswater. com.

PR Book and Movie Discussion Group: 2-3 p.m., June 15, library. Info: wcls. org

Historical Society: 7 p.m., June 17, Point Roberts History Center. PR Community Advisory Committee: 7 p.m., June 18, community center and via Zoom. Link: bit.ly/3S8GCB3. Info: PRCAC.comment@gmail.com.

PR Summer Reading kickoff party: 10

a.m. to 5 p.m., June 27, library. Sponsored by: Whatcom County Library Foundation and Peoples Bank. Info: wcls.org.

PR Garden Club: 7 p.m., June 30, members garden visits. Info: info@pointrobertsgardenclub.org.

Ongoing events and hours

After-school soccer: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., through June 11, Baker Field. Presented by the Point Roberts PTO in partnership with the Point Roberts Park and Recreation District. Drop in. Age groups: 4 to 7, 8 to 12 and 13 to 16. All skill levels are welcome. Info: pointrobertsprimarypto@gmail.com.

Roadside stands: Ollie Otter and Slow Botanicals: July 3, 4 and 5, Saturdays and Sundays in August, and Sept. 5 and 6. Slow Botanicals only: Saturdays and Sundays in June and July. Slow Botanicals will be on Culp Court and Ollie Otter Bakery Box on Sunrise Drive. Craft and Game Night: 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesdays, library. Bring a craft to work on or a board game to play.

The Raven: Tuesdays and Thursdays, rides to Bellingham and the surrounding area. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays, offering flexible stops anywhere on the Point. Info: prtheraven.com

Point Roberts Walkers: 8 a.m., Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Saturdays are at Lily Point. Tuesdays and Thursdays vary, and locations can be found at prwalkers.wordpress.com.

Point Roberts Storytime: 10:30 to 11 a.m., Wednesdays, library. Ages 2-6. Seniors and more lunches: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays, community center. Come meet old friends and make new friends while enjoying a nutritious meal. All ages welcome. Info: prseniors@whidbey.com or 360-945-5424

Ukulele group: 6 p.m., Wednesdays, community center. All skill levels are welcome.

PR Food Bank: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Fridays, community center. Info: prfoodbank.org.

The Commons: noon to 2:30 p.m., Saturdays, back room at the community center. Lots of free used books and conversations. Do come by.

Point Roberts Writing Club: 3 to 4 p.m., Saturdays, Point Roberts Library meeting room. History Center: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays, community center.

Point Roberts Eagles Club: 3 to 4:30 p.m., Sundays, community center. Parent attendance mandatory. Weekly educational activities. Age 5 to 11. Info: pointrobertseaglesclub@gmail.com.

PR Library hours: 1 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Library express hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Point Roberts Clinic hours: Primary care provider schedule: Dr. Lary: Mondays and Thursdays, 9 to 4 p.m.; Dr. Sean: Tuesdays, 9 to 4 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday hours vary with nurse availability. Appointment needed. Urgent care can be accessed through telemedicine or in person at the Bellingham clinic, 1050 Lakeway Drive, 360-746-6531, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. Call for an appointment before coming in, even for urgent care services. Info: 360-945-2580 or admin@ supertrackurgentcare.com.

Yacht Sales–Power and Sail Service

Here is my gardening mantra for June: I am not behind, and neither are you. Whatever you have or haven’t done in your garden so far this year is enough and we’re all doing just fine. Gardening is a process, not a race. It is a journey to be enjoyed, not a chore to be endured. There should be joy in the doing, time to relax in the shade, and moments to spend listening to birds and watching butterflies and native bees flit about the yard.

This is my sixth year of gardening in the Pacific Northwest, and I get a little bit better each year. I have learned that spring always seems to arrive late and is usually colder and wetter than I’d like it to be. I’ve learned that the soil doesn’t warm up enough for warm season plants until after Mother’s Day, and that the short (to me) growing season limits the varieties of seeds that can be sown in the ground.

I start hundreds of seeds indoors, beginning in early January, to have healthy flower and vegetable seedlings ready to plant outside from March through June. My seed starting mantra is “you do you and I’ll do me.” I enjoy watching seeds come to life and caring for them until they can care for themselves.

From March through June, my garden is filled with bright flowers grown from tubers, bulbs and corms planted in the fall and winter: daffodils and tulips, grape hyacinth, Dutch iris, ranunculus and anemones. There are hardy herbs and shrubs in bloom, a blossoming tree or two, and cool weather flowers including pansies and violas, perennial scabiosa, clematis vines and climbing roses.

In late May, the dahlias that I left in the ground over winter wake up and begin to sprout. Each year I dig, divide

and replant dozens of dahlias; this year I added many new dahlia varieties that I pre-sprouted in pots. I’m looking forward to having more than 200 dahlia plants in bloom from July until the first killing frost this autumn.

The vegetable garden has had its ups and downs this spring. The kale, chard, and arugula thrived throughout the winter and are doing great, as are the early lettuces. I’ve planted two sets of climbing peas so far this year: the first ones rotted in the ground and never sprouted; the second set came up well but was eaten by earwigs and slugs. I’ll be planting more in the first week of June, at the same time I plant green beans.

Tomato and pepper plants can be safely transplanted now that night temperatures are generally above 50 degrees. These heat-loving plants do best in a warm and sunny location; I plant mine against a south-facing wall.

There’s still time to plant squash, cucumbers, salad greens, radishes, herbs, carrots and beets, either from seed or from baby plants purchased at the nursery. Keep sowing salad greens and radishes for a continual harvest, and tuck in two or three bush bean seeds in vacant spots when you remove a lettuce plant.

Covering bare soil between plants helps keep weeds from sprouting and saves water by keeping the soil cool. Fill in empty spaces with veggie seed-

lings or add companion plants like marigolds, zinnias and herbs to invite pollinators into the garden.

If you want flowers, there’s a lot to choose from. Petunias, pansies, coneflowers, snapdragons and many other pollinator-friendly plants are available in six packs and pots at nurseries. Zinnias, cosmos, alyssum, sunflowers and nasturtiums can be seeded directly in the soil or into patio pots and are also available for purchase.

You’ll find colorful hanging baskets in stores, as well as 2-inch pots of small summer blooming plants known as “basket fillers” for creating your own basket or pot. Hanging baskets often go on clearance sale right after Mother’s Day, when they start to look a

little leggy or overgrown. A quick trim and a light feeding with liquid plant food will keep them blooming until autumn.

You may find the last of this year’s summer-blooming bulbs like gladiolus, cannas, dahlias and lilies at garden centers and big box stores. Next year’s winter and spring blooming bulbs are currently available online for planting this fall: Pre-order now for the best selection and best prices.

June is also the month to begin sowing seeds for winter crops.

Brussels sprouts seeds should be started in trays the first week of June. That’s early enough to harvest them this autumn but late enough to avoid summer cabbage aphids and moths. Cabbages, chard and kale can also be started in seed trays for now and transplanted in July to protect the baby plants from slugs and birds. Early June is also a good time to plant leeks for winter harvest.

Have a great June. I’ll see you next month when gardening classes return in July.

Gardens of the month

Photos courtesy of Rhiannon Allen/Point Roberts Garden Club

Plant sale spreads blooms across the Point

June Tides

Tu 16 1:04 am 7.8 5:02 am 9.3 12:57 pm -3.9 8:53 pm 10.8 We 17 2:04 am 7.4 5:58 am 8.8 1:45 pm -3.4 9:39 pm 10.7 Th 18 3:08 am 6.8 6:58 am 8.1 2:33 pm -2.4 10:19 pm 10.5 Fr 19 4:16 am 5.9 8:06 am 7.2 3:19 pm -1.1 10:57 pm 10.3 Sa 20 5:22 am 4.9 9:26 am 6.3 4:05 pm 0.5 11:33 pm 10.0

Su 21 6:22 am 3.7 11:04 am 5.6 4:51 pm 2.1

Mo 22 12:03 am 9.7 7:18 am 2.5 12:56 pm 5.5 5:39 pm

2.04

9.5 9:47

-1.4

pm 8.7 9:46 pm 7.1 Sa 13 2:42 am 9.6 10:31 am -2.6 6:27 pm 9.7 10:56 pm 7.7 Su 14 3:24 am 9.7 11:19 am -3.5

7:19 pm 10.4 Mo 15 12:02 am 7.9 4:10 am 9.6 12:07 pm -3.9 8:07 pm 10.7

The Point Roberts Garden Club hosted a plant sale on May 16.

Photo by Erin Kelly

Father Martin Pommerenke bids farewell to Trinity Church and the Point

Point by the Numbers

Point Roberts clinic numbers for April 2026 (2025 numbers follow)

Total 143 (147), Office visit 115 (119), Nurse visit/labs 26 (5), PT/INR 0 (0), Telemedicine 1 (8), Physical exams

1 (0), Skin clinic 0 (11), B12 and flu shots 0 (4).

Fire incidents for April 2026

Total calls 22: EMS calls 4, resulting in the following transports: St. Joseph Hospital 1; fire classification 8 resulting in outdoor burns — illegal 4, false alarm 1, power lines down 1, structure 1, hazmat 1; EMS CARES/MIHC 10.

B y e rin K elly

Trinity Community Lutheran Church is saying goodbye to Father Martin Pommerenke, one of the rotating clergy members who has served the congregation since late 2024.

Pommerenke will leave to become rector at Christ Episcopal Church in Rochester, New York. An Episcopal priest, Pommerenke served as part of Trinity’s ecumenical structure, where four clergy members from different denominations rotate leadership duties and each lead one Sunday a month.

Pommerenke described his services as traditional in style. He said he appreciated serving a congregation with “an expansive vision of what church should be and who it should include.”

He hopes the church continues balancing its Lutheran identity with progressive values and community outreach.

“Even people who want nothing to do with Christianity need to see Jesus’ expansive love lived out,” Pommerenke said. “I’ve been grateful for the privilege of serving the Christian congregation on the Point.”

According to Jean Barrington, retired pastor and one of Trinity’s current supply pastors, the church building itself dates back more than 100 years, while the parish hall was completed and dedicated in 1999.

“For years Trinity was the only church on the Point,” Barrington said. “It has been claimed and supported by not only the congregation, but the entire community.”

The church was built on donated land in

1921, and services were conducted in Icelandic until the 1930s, according to documents from the History Center archives. Over time, people from other nationalities and denominations joined the congregation, helping shape Trinity into what Barrington described as a “community church” welcoming people of all faiths.

Barrington said Trinity continues to maintain ties to its Icelandic Lutheran roots, noting that some hymns are still occasionally sung in Icelandic.

Sylvia Shonberg, granddaughter of one of the church’s founding Icelandic families and former church organist and pianist, reflected on the church’s history in an email included in the archives.

“We give thanks to God and to the many people who have made it possible for us to carry on this ministry,” Shonberg wrote. “We pray that this church will continue to serve the community in love and friendship for many years to come.”

The church offers worship services at 11 a.m. every Sunday except fifth Sundays, when no service is held.

The church also hosts several community activities throughout the year, including Tuesday School for children at 4 p.m., featuring Bible stories, crafts and choir. A weekly potluck lunch follows Sunday worship services and is open to everyone. A book discussion group focused on spiritual books and novels with spiritual themes also is at Trinity.

Upcoming events include Jazz Vespers on May 31 at 4 p.m. and the Trinity Choir concert “Singin’ the ’70s” on June 19 at 7 p.m., followed by a reception.

Nielson campground moves on to public hearings in July

B y A ly M c G ee

Two public hearings in July are the next steps in an effort to open a campground at Johnson and Mill roads.

The hearings for the conditional use permit request for the Nielson Campground Project are set for 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on July 1 and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on July 2. They will be in Council Chambers at the Whatcom County Courthouse, 311 Grand Ave. in Bellingham.

The campground would have 164 sites for a mix of tents, yurts and recreational vehicles. A combination office and general store, manager residence, maintenance shed, two bathroom facilities, and three outdoor play/recreation areas also are part of the proposal.

Public water and on-site septic systems would serve the campground, according to documents filed with Whatcom County Planning and Development Services.

The property itself is nearly 50 acres, but a little over 30 acres would be protected under the proposal.

The final determination on the conditional use permit for the project will be made by the Whatcom County Hearing Examiner, after the public hearings.

A State Environmental Policy Act

determination of non-significance was issued April 8 and no appeals were filed before the window closed on April 20, which enabled the project to move forward to the public hearings.

Campground developer and Point Roberts resident Lorne Nielson took to Nextdoor to answer some questions that have been asked repeatedly about the project.

The post addressed 11 questions, including tree clearing, fire safety and noise. Of the 25 comments on the post, 23 were positive as of May 18.

Among his responses, Nielson explained that campsites will be outfitted with propane fire pits, reducing the risk of stray sparks and excessive smoke. He also emphasized that permanent stays will not be allowed and that high-end pricing should deter long-term stays.

The full post is at bit.ly/42LMgyK

Those who can’t make it to Bellingham for the public hearings may participate online via a link that will be posted later.

Public comments also can be emailed to hearingexamineroffice@co.whatcom. wa.us.

Project details and already submitted public comments that support and oppose the project are at whatcomcounty. us/4437/Nielson-Campground-Project.

Father Martin Pommerenke

Photo by Sheila Monty

SATURDAYS IN JUNE & JULY