Faced with continual increase in costs, the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) is seeking its first levy lid lift in 16 years. The lift will be presented to voters in the August 5 primary election.
According to county assessor tax book data, the library system levy cost $0.50 per $1,000 assessed value as far back as 2000. Over time, that rate has declined to the present day rate of $0.26 per $1,000 in 2025. The total tax collected was $3.51 million in 2000; $9.76 million in 2024.
The WCLS Board of Trustees approved placing the levy lid lift during its March 28 meeting. If approved by voters, the levy lid lift would cost $0.42 per $1,000 of assessed value.
The levy would continue funding daily operations, which would allow WCLS to work on deferred maintenance and consider library building projects. Without it, the library system would need to reduce library hours and eliminate staff, according to WCLS.
The library trustees decided to go out for a levy now, in part, because of inflation that’s averaged 4-8 percent annually for several years has caused expenses to outpace revenue.
“The library system is careful and intentional in managing resources, but it is apparent that we have come to a point where rising costs require action,” WCLS Board of Trustees vice chair Matthew Santos wrote in a statement. “The resolution to pursue a levy lid lift in August is a proactive step to support our libraries’ ability to maintain services and staff.”
For a $600,000 home, the additional annual cost would be $96 or $8 more per month. An owner of a $400,000 home would pay an additional $64 per year, and an owner of a $800,000 home would pay an additional $128 per year.
The levy will require a supermajority, or 60 percent of support, to pass.
The WCLS has begun looking for affected voters to serve on “For” and “Against” committees to write arguments for or against the levy. Those interested in participating may email their name, address, phone number and on which committee they would like to serve to wclslevy@wcls.org or 360/305-3641. The committees will be filled in order of receipt; the deadline to sign up is 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 15.
Local leaders spanning the maritime, government and education sectors are rallying behind an idea to build a marine center at Blaine Harbor that could be a hub for learning and recreation.
The vision, which is still in the early planning stages, is called MERIS (Marine, Economic and Research Institute for Sustainability). Supporters say they would like to see MERIS become a community hub at Blaine Harbor that promotes environmental sustainability, education, workforce development and growth of the marine economy.
“I think a concept like this could add a whole new energy to this area,” said Drayton Harbor Oyster Company
co-owner Steve Seymour, who is leading efforts on the MERIS project.
The hub could provide hands-on learning for Blaine students and Bellingham Technical College aquaculture students. It could also serve as a focus for citizen science efforts on water quality and tracking invasive European green crabs, while also being a draw for tourism with recreational opportunities such as kayak rentals, supporters say.
Organizers see Blaine Harbor as being an ideal location for the center, with 2.5 million people living within 30 miles and containing six colleges and universities. Near the harbor are two salmon-bearing streams, an estimated 20 square miles of
Photo
MERIS ...
From page 1
kelp production, and commercial and public shellfish harvesting.
Blaine mayor Mary Lou Steward said she was visiting a Blaine Elementary School civics class a few years ago when she asked what they thought would make Blaine better. To her surprise, a 5th grade student told her, ‘a marine center,’ an idea that had been tossed around throughout the years. She went to Seymour and Rick Beauregard, a Blaine resident active in water quality issues, with the suggestion.
“This is Blaine’s history,” Steward said. “We started out as a fishing community over 100 years ago and this is making use of what geography has given us.”
Seymour brainstormed the idea with Bellingham Technical College instructors when discussing a Blaine satellite location for the school’s aquaculture program. He presented the idea to Blaine City Council in February 2023, gaining the support of council before going out for the grant with help from the Port of Bellingham.
A few months ago, the Whatcom Working Waterfront Foundation received a $100,000 grant from Walmart’s Walton Family Foundation to research the project’s feasibility, which the group used to hire a Bellingham environmental consulting firm. The firm, Maul, Foster and Alongi, Inc., organized a day-long charrette that brought about 60 people to Semiahmoo Resort on March 4. Representatives attended from the city of Blaine, Port of Bellingham, Whatcom County and Bellingham Technical College.
Steward said the project could help protect local water quality while also diversifying Blaine’s economy, which she sees a heightened importance with fewer Canadian travelers. She said she’s met with White Rock, B.C. residents over the past few years who are interested in creating a cross-border partnership to keep Boundary and Semiahmoo bays clean.
Steward, along with Deb Granger, managing director of the Whatcom Working Waterfront Foundation, said they most
looked forward to student involvement. Granger founded the Northwest Maritime Apprenticeship program in Whatcom County in 2022.
“The MERIS project provides a really specific opportunity to engage young people from an early age learning about all of the fabulous opportunities on our waterfront,” Granger said.
Jake Beattie, chief executive officer at the Northwest Maritime Center in Port Townsend, said he’s seen how the Port Townsend center has impacted his community. The waterfront center has grown over the years to provide education in local classrooms, career training, sailing classes, boatshop courses, and attracts tourists for its annual Race to Alaska and Wooden Boat Festival.
Beattie said he was excited that the Blaine center could offer place-based learning to students who may then become inspired to choose a maritime career, something he’s seen from former students in his area who now work on boats around the world.
“Port Townsend, as a community, created a facility to put a mark on what we are as a community and our maritime character,” Beattie said. “And I see there being a similar value in northern Whatcom County.”
Bradley Smith, who serves on the Bellingham Technical College Board of Trustees, said he thought the MERIS project could work jointly with the school’s aquaculture program, especially with kelp farming, a growing industry in which he said the school has been a leader. Smith, former dean of the Huxley College of the Environment at Western Washington University, said the diversity in the MERIS partnerships would help with grant proposals.
Port of Bellingham commissioner Michael Shepard said this proposal was one of the first he’s seen that would increase the maritime economy in Blaine Harbor.
The port has been focused on environmental cleanup in Blaine Harbor that, once finished, could potentially increase land use for the center, Shepard said.
“We want to see the maritime trades grow,” Shepard said. “And anytime we can support initiatives that work toward growing that, especially in sustainable ways, is exciting for me and our staff.”
The group plans to create an action plan that’s expected to be ready in June. It will then work on public outreach through early fall before finalizing its report. Once its board of directors is formed in late fall or early winter, the group will focus on funding.
Steward said the public will receive more information as it’s available and will be asked for feedback. Seymour said anyone interested in getting involved may email him at draytoncsa@ comcast.net.
“This could be a model for how a community treats its bay to keep it clean,” Seymour said. “It’s also a place where we could test ideas.”
s Drayton Harbor Oyster Company co-owner Steve Seymour presents during a planning summit on MERIS at Semiahmoo Resort on March 4. About 60 people attended the meeting with representatives from the city of Blaine, Port of Bellingham, Whatcom County and Bellingham Technical College. Photo by Louise Mugar
Human traffickers at Peace Arch Park sentenced for attempting to smuggle eight people across U.S./Canada border
B y N ola N B aker
A federal judge in the U.S. District Court in Seattle recently sentenced two men to prison for smuggling people near Peace Arch Historical Park, while another man faces sentencing later this month and a fourth member has a trial scheduled in May.
Investigators connected the group to two known incidents in November and December 2023 in which eight Indian citizens attempted to cross near the park in Blaine. Three of the members were residents of Santa Rosa, California, while one was an Indian citizen living in the U.S. on a student visa.
According to court records, on November 27, 2023, a motion-activated camera filmed multiple people jumping a fence near Boundary Village Apartments on A Street in Blaine. The apartments are roughly a quarter-mile east of Peace Arch Park and a few hundred feet west of the Pacific
Highway port of entry on State Highway 543.
U.S. Border Patrol agents saw five people run into a white minivan near the apartment complex.
After pulling the van over, the agents found five Indian citizens in the van, driven by Bobby Joe Green, 68.
Sushil Kumar, 35, and Rajat Rajat, 26, instructed the group on how to cross the U.S./Canada border, according to the investigation. Rajat paid Green to transport the group from the border, and Rajat asked for money from those being smuggled.
In December 2023, Rajat met with three Indian citizens in Peace Arch Park and directed them to cross through the park and get into a car allegedly driven by Sneha, according to federal prosecutors. Sneha is a 20-year-old Indian citizen living in the U.S. on a student visa who goes by one name.
Those being trafficked across the
border were each charged between $5,000 and $10,000 to cross, according to U.S. District Judge Tana Lin. Lin said that the people being smuggled were vulnerable.
“That they wanted to be in the country doesn’t mean they were not exploited,” Lin said. “Human smuggling undermines our country’s ability to regulate the border at a real cost.”
Three of four defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to bring in and transport certain aliens for profit. Kumar was sentenced to six months in prison on March 5 and Green was sentenced to four months in prison with three years of supervised release on March 13. Rajat is awaiting sentencing scheduled for Wednesday, April 23.
Sneha pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial scheduled to start Monday, May 12, according to court records. Sneha was arrested in Renton and released on an appearance bond.
Jason Givens, a spokesperson
for CBP, told The Northern Light in June 2024 that the border agency had seen a “dramatic increase” in illegal border crossings in and around Peace Arch Historical Park, which is located on both sides of the U.S./
Canada border.
In 2021, CBP had 112 encounters at the land border in the Blaine sector. That number increased to 407 in 2022, 1,489 in 2023, and 1,732 encounters halfway through 2024.
State transportation department rolls out e-bike rebate program
B y N ola N B aker
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has opened its e-bike rebate lottery, which will give Washingtonians either a $300 or $1,200 rebate depending on their income in an effort to get more people commuting via bike.
Rebate applications opened April 9 and will close two weeks later at noon on Wednesday, April 23.
WSDOT said it expects to give out about 10,000 vouchers, though there are a few catches. Roughly 60 percent of those vouchers will go to low-income households, meaning households that make 80 percent of the county area median income
From page 1
WCLS serves Whatcom County residents outside of Bellingham city limits. It has 10 branches, including locations in Blaine, and a bookmobile that serves Birch Bay and other rural communities. The Birch Bay Vogt Library Express
or below. In Whatcom County, that would mean a household with an income of $64,791 or less. The vouchers also only allow for one per household.
Those who meet the low-income requirement will be eligible for the $1,200 rebate, and those who don’t will be eligible for the $300 rebate. The rebates can then be used at more than 100 eligible bike retailers around the state, including nine in Whatcom County.
The state is offering more than $4 million in funding for the instant rebate program thanks to the state’s Climate Commitment Act revenues earmarked in the 2023-25 transportation budget bill.
construction is funded through state and private funding, but WCLS will cover operation costs when it opens.
In 2024, 61,846 people checked out 2.1 million library items and 54,748 people attended 2,252 free library programs, according to WCLS.
For more information on the levy, visit wcls.org/levy.
Not everyone will get a rebate, according to WSDOT. It’s more like a lottery system than a guaranteed rebate program, but the program aims to get people on bicycles who may not have otherwise been able to afford a new bike.
The rebate program could mean new customers for bike retailers like John Roy, co-owner of Birch Bay Bike Shop. Roy has been in business in Birch Bay for three years, and has seen the retail cycling industry change drastically in that time.
During the pandemic years of the early 2020s, Roy said e-bikes were selling consistently, and bike manufacturers responded by overproducing, causing a glut in the market.
With the slowdown in sales and tariffs threatening to increase prices, Roy hopes the rebate can get people into the market who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford a brand new, high quality e-bike.
“What I get the most joy out of is seeing somebody who hasn’t
ridden for a while. They’re not sure they can do it, maybe they’re intimidated, and we just get them back on a bike,” Roy said. “Helping people realize that an e-bike is not cheating, you get great workouts and they get people out enjoying the outdoors.”
Roy said he’s glad the rebates are only allowed to be used at eligible brick-and-mortar bike retailers, which provide more education and higher quality bicycles than online retailers.
“[Online] is the worst way to buy a bike,” Roy said. “The standard parts of these bikes, the tires, the chain – that’s traditional stuff, but the controllers, displays, throttles, all the electronics, they don’t have spares and they’re not designed to be fixed. In the industry we call them bicycle-shaped objects.”
Rebates will be awarded via random selection, and applicants can fill out a rebate bid at ebikeswsdot.aptim.com.
s A sign at Peace Arch Historical State Park stating people entering the U.S. from Canada must be inspected by U.S. customs.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
s Birch Bay Bike Shop owner John Roy is one of about 100 e-bike retailers participating in the state rebate program, which will give 10,000 rebates from April 9 to Wednesday, April 23. Photo by Nolan Baker
The Northern L ght
The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc.
Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors.
Letters Policy
The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. The letters to the editor column is primarily intended to allow readers to voice their opinions on local issues of general interest to local readers. A fresh viewpoint will increase the likelihood of publication. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Consumer complaints should be submitted directly to the business in question or the local chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com.
Publisher & Managing Editor
Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com
Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com
Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com
Reporter Nolan Baker nolan@pointrobertspress.com
Creative Services
Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman production@pointrobertspress.com
Office Manager
Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com
Advertising Sales
Molly Ernst, Gary Lee sales@pointrobertspress.com
General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com
Contributors In This Issue
Doug Dahl
Zen Hill
Camille Ricciardelli
Taylor Richmond / Washington State Journal
Tel: 360/332-1777
Vol XXX, No 43
Circulation: 11,000 copies
Circulation Independently verified by:
Local birding: The white-crowned sparrow
s A common bird in our area, the white-crowned sparrow is often seen on branches or bushes about waist-high. Its yellow beak, long tail and bold black-and-white stripes make for easy identification. You might see it feeding on seeds or insects on the ground or in low bushes. Nests are often a few feet off the ground in shrubs, and usually contain three to five eggs.
Letters
The Editor:
The policy of The Northern Light may be to publish letters about local rather than national issues, but as Tip O’Neill said, “All politics is local.” National politics these days have profound effects on local communities and citizens. We are all aware of the draconian changes that the current federal administration has executed in its first two months that are devastating to local communities and vulnerable individuals.
One of the most destructive actions has been unnecessary tariffs that are exacerbating the already high cost of living. This has been made clear to me by the monthly statements for our retirement accounts.
During the four years of the previous administration, we had an increase of 20.98 percent in our retirement account’s value. That amounts to a 0.43 percent increase in each of 48 months. In spite of inheriting a good and improving economy, our retirement accounts have decreased by 4.68 percent in two months (2.34 percent per month) as the current administration’s policies have created chaos that has tanked the economy. Over 25 years, these retirement
accounts have never seen such dramatic change. This may be an aberration that corrects over time, it may also be a warning of worse times to come. If the current decline of 2.34 percent per month continues for 46 more months, we will lose 107.64 percent, that is all, of our retirement investment. Thank you very much!
Federal policy affects all local communities and individuals, so they are a local issue. We should elect better and smarter leaders (a low bar to get over at the federal level) and then demand better of them. After all, they work directly for all of us, not just for their own interests.
Michael J. Tomlinson Blaine
(Ed. Note: Actually, a monthly decline of 2.34 percent would be 67.9 percent of the original amount left after 48 months. It would take 24.3 years to decline to 0.1 percent of its original value. Nevertheless, Tomlinson’s main point remains relevant.)
The Editor:
As Congress debates the federal budget, proposed Medicaid cuts threaten the
CiviC Meetings
Birch Bay Water and Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4 p.m., district office, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info and Zoom meeting link: bbwsd.com.
Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: ci.blaine.wa.us.
Blaine Planning Commission: Second Thursday, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: bit.ly/3EwWiZi.
Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
health and stability of thousands in Whatcom County – especially those living with mental illness.
More than 58,000 local residents rely on Medicaid. Over 11,00 depend on it for mental health services, including therapy, medications and crisis care. Without it, many would lose access to the support they need to stay housed, employed, and connected.
At National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Whatcom, we see this reality every day. We offer free peer-led support groups, education classes, school outreach, and crisis navigation for families and individuals affected by mental illness. But we can’t fill the gap if Medicaid funding is slashed. It is the backbone of our public mental health system.
Cutting Medicaid will only deepen Washington’s mental health crisis. It will
(See Letters, next page)
Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Blaine Public Works and Park Advisory Board: Second Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Blaine council chambers. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.
Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district boardroom, 770 Mitchell Avenue. Info: blainesd.org. North Whatcom Fire and Rescue: Third Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.
BBWARM: Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District Advisory Committee meets quarterly in-person and on Zoom. Info: bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org.
Photo by Chuck Kinzer / ckimageart.com
Bill in Olympia would allow state inspections of detention centers
“My father witnessed someone hang themselves due to desperation,” Bonilla said. “I was scared my dad would fall into the same steps.”
safety inspections at the facility. After HB 1470 passed, the DOH attempted to inspect the processing center but was turned away.
Living conditions for people held on immigration charges are the source of controversy for a detention center in Tacoma, and so far, the company that runs the center will not allow the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) to make inspections.
A bill now winning approval in the state legislature requires the state be allowed to inspect all detention facilities.
“[My father] was denied sufficient food for days and had no regular access to clean clothing or proper hygiene facilities,” Isela Bonilla said. “He was isolated and cut off from any support.”
The Northwest ICE Processing Center (NWIPC), privately owned and operated by GEO Secure Services, holds individuals while their immigration status is determined.
According to the Washington State Office of the Attorney General, two people committed suicide at the NWIPC last year. Also, since 2005, inmates staged multiple hunger strikes because of a work program that paid more than 10,000 detainees just $1 a day to perform essential tasks, including scrubbing showers and toilets, cooking and serving three meals a day, doing laundry and waxing floors during the night.
“Regardless of why they’re there, do they [not] deserve human dignity? Do they deserve to not be suffering?” asked state representative Lillian Ortiz-Self (D-Mukilteo). “They are getting none of that.”
Ortiz-Self sponsored House Bill 1470 in 2023, which would allow the Washington Department of Health to conduct basic health and
GEO sued the state, calling HB 1470 discriminatory because the NWIPC was the only detention center affected by the bill.
This year, Ortiz-Self sponsored HB 1232, which requires the same living conditions, safe practices and oversight for all private detention centers in Washington state.
“Our Department of Health, they go into every other facility,” Ortiz-Self said. “We are asking to be able to schedule with them and also go in and inspect conditions, just like we have accountability for everyone else.”
Scott Hutsell, the chairman of the Martin Hall Consortium Board, spoke on behalf of the Martin Hall Juvenile Detention Facility in Medical Lake. While his bill testimony remained neutral, he was not against having DOH in-
spect the facility.
“We are not against [HB 1232],” he said. “We think we have done a pretty good job for the better part of 30 years, and our operator has done a great job and has proven that for the 25 years that we’ve had the partnership.”
Community, Counseling and Correctional Services, Inc. runs Martin Hall. It is a not-for-profit based out of Butte, Montana.
During a lengthy back-and-forth on the House floor, many representatives argued the NWIPC operates under a federal contract, so it is the responsibility of the federal government to regulate, not Washington state.
“We don’t get to put our personal opinions into this matter,” said state representative Jeremie Dufault (R-Selah). “It has nothing to do with the folks who are in this facility. It has nothing to do with the conditions of the facility.”
State representative Jenny Graham (R-Spokane) agreed it is a
County to hold online adjudication information sessions
B y N ola N B aker
Whatcom County Public Works Department (WCPW) will host virtual workshops aimed at helping water users prepare for the upcoming water rights adjudication process along the Nooksack River.
Each workshop will be an hour and include a crash course in the water rights adjudication process, demonstrate tools to help water users collect information to fill out their adjudication court claim forms, and have a question and answer session.
The workshops are hosted by
Aspect Consulting, a water rights consulting firm the county hired to provide technical assistance through what will be a years-long adjudication process.
The Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) began mailing water claim forms in March, a mailing list that includes about 30,000 landowners throughout Whatcom County.
Not all landowners have received their forms, DOE said, and the mailing process is still being worked through. Whatcom County Superior Court set a deadline for all claim forms to be sent by May 1, 2026.
The Nooksack adjudication area roughly follows the outflow of the Nooksack River basin and covers the majority of Whatcom County. In 2020, DOE selected the area as one of two waterways most in need of adjudication due to rising demand and shrinking glacial output.
Adjudication is the legal process of resolving conflict and claims over a water source, and in this case, the Nooksack River.
While those who use water from a municipal source are exempt from the adjudication process, private well users in rural parts of the coun-
ty are being asked to measure and report their water usage in order to be given a legal deed to that water.
Events will take place online at the following dates and times:
• Tuesday, April 22, 12 p.m.
• Thursday, April 24, 7 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 30, 5:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 13, 5:30 p.m.
• Thursday, May 15, 12 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 21, 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, June 3, 12 p.m.
• Thursday, June 5, 5:30 p.m.
For more information on the adjudication of the Nooksack River, visit ecology.wa.gov/nooksack-adjudication.
REAL ID deadline of May 7 fast approaches
B y G race M c c arthy
Less than a month remains before U.S. adults are required to use a REAL ID to fly domestically or enter certain federal buildings starting Wednesday, May 7. Following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission, Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 to create security standards for state-issued IDs.
In addition to the new REAL ID card, the Real ID Act permits other forms of ID to be used to travel domestically. Allowed identification includes an enhanced driver license, enhanced ID, U.S. military ID, U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, permanent resident card (green card), federally recognized tribal-issued photo ID and foreign passport.
Letters ...
From previous page
drive more people into emergency rooms, hospitals and jails. It will cost more in the long run – and harm the most vulnerable among us.
We urge readers to contact U.S. Representative Rick Larsen and U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell today. Tell them to protect Medicaid in the federal budget and reject harmful cuts. Mental health is health care. Medicaid makes recovery possible for thousands in our community. It must be protected.
Brian Estes
Treasurer and former president, Board of Directors NAMI Whatcom
Hughes
Patti Lee Jordan
Reggie & Tina Eans
David Hughes
William Hunt
Standard IDs can still be used outside of domestic travel and accessing federal facilities after May 7.
The REAL ID is only required for those 18 years or older. REAL IDs cannot be used for international travel.
“federal issue,” and said she believes the court will side with GEO in its lawsuit.
State oversight of federal facilities, however, is not unheard of. California signed a bill into law in August 2024 allowing local public health officials to inspect federal facilities. Two months later, GEO sued California, saying the law was unconstitutional.
In early March, U.S. District Judge Dale Drozd told GEO its federal contract obligates it to comply with state health and safety laws, saying he’s “not even really sure what the point is” of the lawsuit.
When HB 1232 went to a vote, it passed with 56 yeas, 38 nays and four excused. It moved to the Senate for further discussion and, as of April 8, was in the Senate Rules Committee for a second reading.
The Washington State Journal is a nonprofit news website operated by the WNPA Foundation. To learn more, go to wastatejournal.org.
Borderites shine at first home track and field meet, boys soccer win
B y N ola N B aker
In the last week of Blaine sports action before a week-long spring break hiatus, the Borderites were in full swing. Track and field hosted its first
Track and field
Blaine track and field hosted its first home meet of the season on April 2, facing off against Northwest Conference (NWC) rivals Ferndale and Anacortes at Borderite Stadium.
The Borderites showed its talent with five first place finishes and seven second place finishes, mostly in sprint and field events.
Sophomore Kaitlyn Ritter Von Trautmann set a season record time of 13.81 en route to a first place finish in the 100-meter dash. Trautmann was the only sprinter among the field of 24 to finish under 14 seconds. Trautmann nearly won first place in the 200-meter race with a time of 28.04, losing by just .02 seconds to Anacortes freshman Marlo Olson.
Brietta Sandell dusted the competition in the 100-meter hurdles, earning first place with a time of 18.15, beating the second place runner by nearly 1.5 seconds.
In field events, the Borderites were even more dominant than in the sprints, with three finishing in first place.
Senior AJ Anthony-Bennett had a great day in the long jump after scratching out of his scheduled 100-meter dash race. Anthony-Bennett set a season record in the long jump with a solid 20’1.5” jump, earning first place, and claiming the only jump on the day to break the 20-feet barrier.
Senior Makenna Lausier finished tied for first place in pole vault with a final height of 8’6”,
setting a personal record and tying with three others.
Lydia Ayala blew away her competitors in the discus throw, earning first place with a throw of 77’4”.
The senior was in a duel with Anacortes junior Jordan Zaharris, who threw a mighty 75’7” attempt, but Ayala came out victorious.
Just two days later, the Borderites traveled to Meridian for the Trojan Twilight, where Blaine finished sixth in the men’s competition and ninth in the women’s competition.
Blaine sprinters again showed out, with the Dylan Johnson and Beckum Bleazard finishing second and third, respectively, in the 100-meter dash, and senior Josiah Weeda winning second place in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 15.64, and second place in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 41.7.
next meet won’t come until after spring break, when the Borderites travel to Lynden Christian on Wednesday, April 16 with events starting at 4 p.m.
Boys soccer
Blaine boys soccer hasn’t been able to find a rhythm in the first half of the season, even after earning its first win of the year with a 3-0 defeat of Nooksack Valley on March 29.
Senior forward Isaiah Zuch notched a pair of goals in that win, and junior midfielder Dmitriy Yuryev closed the door with a goal late in the second half. The win showed that the Borderites have what it takes to shut down an opposing offense and score confidently, but the team hasn’t been able to do that in consecutive games.
The elder Yuryev – whose brother Maxim has played every game on defense for the Borderites this year – has been having a solid season on offense with four goals in his first 8 games. Those four goals put Yuryev near the top of the leaderboard – tied for fifth – among all NWC goal scorers.
After a pair of losses at home to Sedro-Woolley (3-0 on April 1) and Meridian (3-1 on April 3), the Borderites will look to regroup with the off-week for spring break and come out swinging on the road against Lynden on Tuesday, April 15, kickoff at 4:30 p.m. at Bender Fields.
The Borderites (1-7-0) will return home to play Mt. Baker on Thursday, April 17 at 7 p.m. Stats provided by WhatcomPreps.com Softball
After Blaine softball ended the month of March with a pair of tough losses to Ferndale and Oak Harbor, the Borderites got back on track in the first game of April, defeating Squalicum 15-10 at Pipeline Fields on April 3. In the high-scoring matchup between the 3-2 Borderites and the winless Storm, Blaine had to mount a comeback after falling behind 5-4 by the third inning.
The Borderites scored 10 runs over the next two innings, giving the pitching staff enough leeway to allow another six Squalicum runners to score and still hold on
to the lead, and the win.
Shaylie Daniels earned the win on the mound and also scored three runs on offense, going 1-for-2 with a double and a RBI.
Senior Brie Smith led the Borderites on offense with four RBI, a double and a walk. In total, five Borderites earned RBI on offense. It was the third time Blaine has scored 15 runs or more in a game.
The Borderites have been able to put up a ridiculous amount of offense when the bats get hot in its three wins so far this season, and will look to keep the bats of Daniels, Smith, Mesa Puls and Courtney Roff hot through spring break.
As of April 6, Puls leads the Borderites in multiple hitting categories with 11 RBI, one home run, and two triples.
The Borderites will return from spring break on Tuesday, April 15 against Lynden Christian, first pitch at 4:30 p.m. Blaine will return home to Pipeline Field to host Nooksack Valley on Thursday, April 17 at 4:30 p.m. Stats provided by WhatcomPreps.com
Blaine’s
s Senior Makenna Lausier hits the crossbar during a pole vault attempt on April 2 at Borderite Stadium. Lausier finished tied for first place in a field of eight athletes with a 8’6” pole vault.
Photo by Nolan Baker
s Senior Colby Shipp, r., runs ahead of two Anacortes runners in the 100-meter dash on April 2 at Borderite Stadium. Shipp finished eighth in a field of 44 sprinters.
Photo by Nolan Baker
Photos by Nolan Baker
Habitat for Humanity constructing net zero home in Custer
B y Z e N h ill
Habitat for Humanity is constructing a net zero home in Custer that will be the first single-family home the nonprofit has built in three years in Whatcom County.
The nonprofit, acting as the contractor, recently broke ground on the one-story home at 3002 Creasey Road. The land is owned
by a woman with a disability impacting her mobility who was gifted the land from her relative.
“The design was to match the expected accessibility needs,”
construction director Chris Van Staalduinen said. “We’re all pretty excited to knock out a single-family home.”
The home will be the first that Habitat for Humanity has built in Whatcom County since 2022.
Executive director John Moon said townhomes make the most sense for the nonprofit right now as 48,000 Whatcom County residents qualify for Habitat homes.
“Single family homes are so rare these days for us to be able to afford them,” Moon said. “If it wasn’t for the gift of the land, I’m not sure that this would have been affordable for the person coming into it.”
The home will be net zero, meaning the energy the home uses is equal to the amount of renewable energy it creates. To make the home net zero, the home is being constructed with a heat recovery ventilation system, which exchanges indoor air with outdoor air, and solar panels, among other energy efficient features.
Habitat for Humanity in Whatcom County’s main focus for the past few years has been building townhomes in Bellingham and Everson. Its 50-80 unit Telegraph Townhomes project in Bellingham has built 12 units with four more in construction, and Mateo Meadows in Everson will have 30 townhomes and 16 affordable rental units with commercial space underneath.
The townhomes are also net zero so they can maintain their affordability, Moon said.
“We’re all feeling the sting of utility costs kind of going up,” Van Staalduinen said.
Habitat for Humanity has about 100 homes currently in its pipeline.
The Custer home on Creasey Road needs volunteers, Moon said. Volunteers can sign up at hfhwhatcom.org/volunteer. The home is expected to be complete by the end of June.
“If you don’t have a safe, decent place to lay your head at night you can’t be successful,” Moon said. “The whole idea behind Habitat is ending intergenerational poverty, and the house is actually the biggest tool in our toolbox to do that.”
May 28, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
June 24 webinar, 5:30 p.m. (scan QR code to register)
s From l.; Whatcom Habitat for Humanity executive director John Moon, construction director Chris Van Staalduinen and construction superintendent Andrew Bridgeforth stand where Habitat is building a net zero home in Custer.
Photo by Zen Hill
Summer is on the horizon as the end of the school year quickly approaches. When we think of summer, we think of the outdoors, playing sports, attending art classes, summer camp, and spending time with our loved ones. Engaging in recreation from a young age helps children develop motor skills, enhance creativity and foster social connections.
Local camps, classes and clinics
Blaine and Birch Bay organizations offer many camps, classes and clinics during the summer for youth. Semiahmoo Kids Kamp provides programs for children ages 1-12 years old, with safe indoor and outdoor discovery areas.
Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 is offering a summer day camp where children can enjoy the outdoors, make new friends and explore the beauty of Birch Bay State Park. The district will also be offering a pottery camp, theater camp, and a junior golf camp in partnership with Birch Bay Village.
For youth who play a musical instrument, Blaine Harbor Music Festival will have its annual camp taught by worldclass faculty. Participants may choose between four genres of music to learn. If children enjoy dance, Day-to-Day Dance offers camps focused on ballet and hip hop for ages 5-9. Recreation programs help children build connections, create friendships and discover different perspectives. This spring and summer, children can join the Lego Club at the Blaine Public Library, where they can design, build and share their creations. The Blaine Library Summer Reading Kickoff also begins Thursday, June 26.
The Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 has many new youth programs coming to the community this summer. From art classes like macramé, pop-up sports clinics on basketball and dance, to mommy
and me toddler time, the district will be hosting a wide variety of youth programs.
Community events for youth There will also be community events to bring your family to in Blaine and Birch Bay. The season starts off strong with the Spring Block Party hosted by Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 on Saturday, May 17 in downtown Blaine. The town comes alive with local vendors, live entertainment, delicious food and family-friendly activities.
The district will also host Splash Days, which closes a section of downtown for children to ply in sprinklers, on Friday, June 20 and Friday, July 18. Families can bring their blankets and lawn chairs to an outdoor movie experience under the stars on Friday, June 20 at
Blaine Marine Park and Friday, August 8 at the Birch Bay Vogt Library Express.For large community events, celebrate America’s birthday at the biggest Fourth of July party in town.
Blaine’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July will have a full day of entertainment, including a parade and fireworks show. Families can also set sail for the Drayton Harbor Pirate Festival on Saturday, August 2 at Blaine Marine Park. Make the most of this summer by exploring the many camps and events available in Blaine and Birch Bay. Whether your child wants to learn a new skill, meet friends or simply enjoy outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone.
Camille Ricciardelli is the activity coordinator/youth specialist at Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2.
s Campers celebrate at a Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 camp at Birch Bay State Park. The parks district will have pottery, theater and golf camps this summer. Photo courtesy of Celine Mauger
s Blaine Harbor Music Festival campers during the 2024 festival.
Photo by Deedee Marshall
s Pirate Daze at Drayton Harbor Maritime Festival. Photo by Ruth Lauman
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: PATRICIA ANN BARTNICK, Deceased. No. 25-4-00291-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Lee Grochmal
The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.
Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: March 18, 2025 with Clerk of Court:
Date of First Publication: March 27, 2025
Name of Administrator: BRUCE BARTNICK
Attorney for Administrators: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262
Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: SHERRY GAIL VOLZ, Deceased. No. 25-4-00306-37 NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Jennifer Slattery. The Person 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
Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: April 10, 2025 with the Clerk of Court
Date of First Publication: April 10, 2025
Name of Personal Representative: Donna Petrie
Attorney for Personal Representative: Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339
Address for Mailing or Service: True North Legal Services, PLLC PO Box 934, Bellingham, WA 98227
AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262
Attorney for Administrator BRUCE BARTNICK
T1-RJS Joint Venture, LLC, Paul Richardson, 1618 Rudkin Rd Union Gap, WA 98901-4030, is seeking coverage under the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Construction Stormwater NPDES and State Waste Discharge General Permit.
Brush/Blkberry Removal (20 ft. Side Boom Cutter) FAST *CHEAP*HONEST EXCAVATION DRIVEWAYS * DITCHINGPppplkajdflkjasdf Pond Design, Retaining Walls, Landscaping, Field Mowing, Rototilling, Fencing, Hauling Overhead tree trimming & removal 24 hr.
The proposed project, Pacific Highway Land Port of Entry, is located at 9901 Pacific Hwy. in Blaine in Whatcom County. This project involves 3.46 acres of soil disturbance for Other (US Government) construction activities.
Some discharges and runoff goes to ground water. The receiving waterbody is Semiahmoo Bay.
P: (360) 639-3393
E: Genissa@truenorthlegalservices.com
DATED: March 31, 2025
True North Legal Services, PLLC
Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339
Attorney for Personal Representative
LANDSCAPE
MINI-EXCAVATION LLC
Fertilizing
Tree Trimming • Accepting New Clients! SPRING CLEANUP
CLEAN-UP 360-296-4824 EliteLandscapeExcavation.com *ELITELM817BB • Lawn Care
Landscape & Hardscape • Excavation/Gravel Work
Any persons desiring to present their views to the Washington State Department of Ecology regarding this Application, or interested in Ecology’s action on this Application, may notify Ecology in writing no later than 30 days of the last date of publication of this notice. Ecology reviews public comments and considers whether discharges from this project would cause a measurable change in receiving water quality, and, if so, whether the project is necessary and in the overriding public interest according to Tier II anti-degradation requirements under WAC 173-201A-320. Comments can be submitted to: ecyrewqianoi@ecy.wa.gov, or ATTN: Water Quality Program, Construction Stormwater Washington State Department of Ecology P.O. Box 47696 Olympia, WA 98504-7696
WSBA #56944 KAROL A.
Real Estate
1392 Bayview Ct Unit #C3
Kickerville Rd
5488 Puffin Place
and cozy propane fireplace, creating warm and inviting atmosphere. Step outside to a covered back patio, ideal for year-round outdoor enjoyment. High-end finishes throughout include luxury vinyl plank flooring, flat panel cabinets. Brandi Coplen 360-201-3951
MLS #2348188 $350,000 Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in this town home! Featuring two spacious bedrooms, each with its own ensuite, this home is designed for both privacy and functionality. The open-concept main level offers a cozy living space with a gas fireplace, a kitchen with an eating bar, and a convenient half-bath for guests. Enjoy direct access from your private garage— no need to worry about the weather when bringing in groceries! Great back patio.
Leah Crews 360-305-4747
MLS #2269031 $450,000
Dreaming of building your custom estate? Here is a hard to find 30 acre building site with the preliminary work already in process! This represents months of time saving for you + improvements worth tens of thousands of dollars! Seller has the Critical Areas/Wetland Delineation Assessment and Impact Assessment/Mitigation Plan documents in hand. The site plan approval is in process with the County. This gorgeous property offers open sun-drenched areas.
Jen Freeman 360-815-0803
MLS #2351357 $350,000
Welcome
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Kathleen Jo Mehrer, Deceased. NO. 25-4-00316-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: Evan P. Jones
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.
Date of First Publication: April 10, 2025
Personal Representative: Timothy Mehrer 3 Strawberry Point Bellingham, WA 98229
Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225
Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225
Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 25-4-00316-37
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: MARK DAVID HARVEY, Deceased. No. 254-00315-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Robert E. Olson The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.
Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: March 24, 2025 with Clerk of Court:
Date of First Publication: April 3, 2025
Name of Administrator: JESSICA DODGE
Attorney for Administrators:
Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262
Address for Mailing or Service:
Avery Elder Law, P.S.
801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229
Telephone: (360) 325-2550
Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com
DATED March 24, 2025
AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S.
STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262
Attorney for Administrator
JESSICA DODGE
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON FOR KING COUNTY Estate of JACK C. MORGAN, Deceased. NO. 25-4-01013-6 SEA. 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. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.
DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION:
Road Rules: The crash risk of an unregistered vehicle
B y d ou G d ahl
Question: On my daily walks I’ve noticed a large increase in outdated license tabs, some of them for more than a year. Is there a fine for not renewing? It doesn’t seem fair as I thought our state needs the money for our infrastructure.
Answer: If you ask a traffic safety guy about revenue, you’re probably not going to get the answer you’re looking for. Yes, there is a fine for not renewing, and yes, our state needs money for infrastructure. But what I really want to know is, do drivers of unregistered vehicles crash more often? And to go even broader, let’s take a look at what I’m calling the ‘uns:’ unlicensed, untrained, uninsured, and unregistered.
Unlicensed drivers are twice as likely to drive impaired and speed compared to licensed drivers. They’re three times more likely to be at fault in a fatal crash. Unlicensed drivers involved in a fatal crash are seven times more likely to have had a previous DUI conviction. Even though the numbers are shocking this shouldn’t be a surprise. Over half of unlicensed drivers don’t have a license because it was suspended or revoked for dangerous driving. Young drivers crash more than any other age demographic, but even within that group there’s one factor that makes a big difference: driver training. For 16 and 17 year olds, driver education is required to obtain a license. Once you reach 18, you can get a license without an approved driver training course, assuming you can pass the test. Drivers who get their license at 18 are involved in over 50 percent more serious injury and fatal crashes in their first year of driving compared to 16 and 17-year-olds. This disparity continues through at least age 25. (And maybe longer, but that’s where my data ends.) After reviewing the crash data, the question we should be asking is, “Why are we licensing people who have had no training?”
The problem of uninsured
OBITUARIES
Thomas E. Parsons
Birch Bay resident Thomas E. Parsons, 76, died suddenly and peacefully at home on March 31, 2025.
Tom retired as a supervisor at DSHS in Tacoma, and we moved back to Whatcom County in 2005. He was born in Vancouver, WA, and attended Tumwater High School (1967) where he was manager of school sports teams and active in the Methodist Church. He graduated from the University of Washington and Washington State University with degrees in political science and education. He loved sailing on the Salish Sea, trips to Reno, Alaska, and Hawaii, and reading a wide variety of books. He was a keen observer, a thoughtful listener, and a giver to the end.
Survivors include his partner and wife of nearly 40 years, Shannon; stepdaughters Stacy and Jennifer; five precious grandchildren and great grandchildren; adored niece Mary Kate; siblings Dan, Glenn, Pam, Karen, Anita (“Sir”); and many other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Lysle and Mary Ann Parsons of Tumwater. By request no services will be held. Tom was a fine man and is dearly missed.
drivers isn’t just increased insurance rates for the rest of us. Uninsured drivers are nearly five times more likely to be involved in an injury crash compared to insured drivers, and they’re more likely to be the driver at fault. Why? The hypothesis here is that people who are willing to risk driving uninsured are also willing to take other driving risks at rates greater than insured drivers.
What about drivers of unregistered vehicles? Compared to the other ‘uns,’ this one doesn’t seem to have much connection to traffic safety. Sure, license plates help to report risky drivers and track stolen vehicles, but the annual renewal part is primarily a tax to pay for our roads. Vehicle registration fees are the bulk of the ‘licenses, permits, and fees’ category that contributes to 29 percent of Washington’s transportation revenue. Driving a vehicle with expired tabs
is a traffic infraction, and parking a vehicle that’s been unregistered for more than 45 days on a public street can get it towed, but the lack of a current year sticker on a license plate shouldn’t increase crash rates, right? Wrong, apparently.
It’s not the car, of course. Some people might have expired registrations because they forgot to renew, and they’re no more of a risk than if they’d remembered. But overall, drivers of unregistered cars are more likely to have a history of traffic violations. They’re also more likely to have a suspended license and, as mentioned earlier, suspended drivers crash a lot more than the rest of us.
If ‘un’ is part of the description of you or your vehicle, you’re probably at greater risk of a crash.
Doug Dahl is a Blaine resident, manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.
Cantwell introduces bipartisan tariff bill
B y G race M c c arthy
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) introduced a bipartisan bill in Congress that would limit the president’s power to impose tariffs.
On August 9, President Donald Trump announced a threemonth pause on the ‘reciprocal’ tariffs to countries around the world, while also increasing tariffs on China from 104 to 125 percent. However, the 10 per-
cent baseline tariff on imports to the U.S. remained.
On April 2, he had announced the reciprocal tariffs, which included a 46 percent tariff on Vietnam and a 26 percent tariff on India.
Cantwell’s bill would require the president to notify Congress with 48 hours of the imposition or increase of a tariff. The notification must also include reasoning for the action and an analysis of its potential impact.
Under the proposed bill, Congress would be able to end tariffs at any time by passing a resolution of disproval. Congress would have 60 days to approve the action or the tariffs expire.
Republican co-sponsors include Senators Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA).
A bipartisan bill similar to Cantwell’s has also been introduced in the House of Representatives.
File photo
sheriff’s repOrts
March 29, 12:33 a.m.: DUI arrest on Blaine Road.
March 29, 12:36 a.m.: Assault arrest on Harbor Drive.
March 29, 8:20 a.m.: Robbery armed cold call on Portal Way.
March 30, 1:22 p.m.: Fireworks on Blaine Road.
March 30, 3:10 p.m.: Hit and run cold call on Birch Bay Drive.
March 30, 3:57 p.m.: Traffic stop arrest on Masterson Road.
March 30, 4:31 p.m.: Domestic violence arrest on Pacific Highway.
March 30, 7:17 p.m.: Domestic violence arrest on Starfish Lane.
March 30, 9:31 p.m.: Civil problem on Halibut Drive.
March 31, 3:19 p.m.: Death investigation on Comox Road.
March 31, 6:45 p.m.: Fraud cold call on Coastal Loop.
April 1, 8:29 a.m.: Domestic violence cold call on Seavue Road.
April 1, 8:36 a.m.: Sex crime (no rape) cold call on Treevue Road.
April 1, 12:31 p.m.: Death investigation on Stadsvold Road.
April 1, 7:50 p.m.: Missing child on Sherwood Drive.
April 2, 3:04 p.m.: Trespass cold call on Ham Road.
April 2, 5:02 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute cold call on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.
April 3, 7:47 a.m.: Burglary cold call on Portal Way.
April 3, 4:46 p.m.: Rape cold call on Harborview Road.
April 3, 7:14 p.m.: Trespass arrest on Alderson Road.
April 4, 7:54 a.m.: Burglary arrest on McGee Road.
April 4, 9:27 a.m.: Theft cold call on Birch Bay Drive.
April 4, 11:52 a.m.: Domestic order violence cold call on Salish Lane.
pOLiCe repOrts
March 29, 2:29 a.m.: Moving vehicle accident injury on Peace Portal Drive.
March 29, 3:58 a.m.: Moving vehicle accident on Bell Road.
March 29, 3:17 p.m.: Death investigation on Mary Avenue.
March 30, 7:43 p.m.: Disorderly conduct on D Street.
March 31, 6:33 a.m.: Trespass on Peace Portal Drive.
March 31, 5:52 p.m.: Civil problem on Mitchell Avenue.
March 31, 6:12 p.m.: Domestic – physical on Peace Portal Drive.
21. Ocular protection index 23. Phil __, former CIA
24. Icelandic poems
28. Pop 29. Device
30. Actor Rudd
32. A pituitary hormone
33. Focus on an object
35. Corpuscle count (abbr.)
36. Young women’s association
39. Not shallow
41. Doctor
42. Furniture
44. Hindu male religious teacher
46. Highly spiced
stew
47. A way to communicate
49. Almost last 52. Astronomer Carl 56. Small horses
58. A slender tower with balconies
60. A disrespectful quality
62. Fully shaded inner regions
63. Short convulsive intake of breath
DOWN
1. Popular Sunday dinner option
2. Oil cartel 3. Agile 4. Greek goddess of discord
5. Genetically distinct variety 6. Indicates badly 7. Popular Mr. T character 8. Consumed 9. Chinese dynasty 10. NFL great Randy 12. Within 13. Palm trees
16. Fungal disease 17. Tall, slender-leaved plants 20. Affirmative! (slang) 22. A passport is one 25. Two outs in baseball (abbr.) 26. Swiss river 27. Deferential 29. Where a bachelor lives 31. Portable computer screen material
34. A crying noise of a bird
36. Sticky, amorphous substance 37. Starchy dish of dried tubers
38. Type of acid 40. Partner to “Ma” 43. 16 ounces 45. The Bay State 48. A well-defined track or path 50. Substitution 51. Defined period 53. Group of toughs 54. Region
Coming up
Live Music at Packers: Thursday, April 10, 6–8 p.m., Packers Kitchen + Bar, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway. Featuring Michael Dayvid. Info: Semiahmoo.com.
Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, April 10, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: general knowledge. Info: thevaultwine.com.
(no rape) on C Street.
April 1, 1:49 a.m.: Trespass on Boblett Street.
April 1, 11:44 a.m.: Landlord-tenant dispute on Mitchell Avenue.
April 1, 2:31 p.m.: Harassment on H Street.
April 1, 7:52 p.m.: Missing child on Sherwood Drive.
April 2, 12:25 p.m.: Drugs on H Street.
April 2, 3:31 p.m.: Burglary on 16th Street.
April 3, 3:16 p.m.: Civil standby on Natures Path Way.
55. Famed Scottish Loch 57. Blood relation 58. Not around 59. Recipe measurement 61. Father to Junior
tides
April 10 - 16 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
Live Music at The Vault: Friday, April 11, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring Anisa Caprina. Info: thevaultwine.com. Composting and Worms: Saturday, April 12, 9:30–11:30 a.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Don’t throw organic matter in the garbage, learn the basics of food waste recycling and how easy it is by managing worms, indoors and out. Free. Info: nwcore.org. Peace, Love and a Handshake: Saturday, April 12, 12–2 pm, Peace Arch State Park, 123 2nd Street. Americans and Canadians come together in peace, love, and support of one another. Flags and messages of solidarity are welcome. Discover Pass required for parking. Info: mobilize.us/indivisible/event/768078/.
Let’s Upcycle for Earth Day: Saturday, April 12, 2–3 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Creative crafting from odds and ends. What can you make with an assortment of stuff? Come to the library to explore. We’re cleaning out our closet for materials galore. Feel free to bring any extra supplies you have lying around! Info: wcls.org.
Second Saturday Downtown Art Walk: Saturday, April 12, 4–6:30 p.m., Blaine Art Gallery, 922 Peace Portal Drive and participating downtown businesses. Enjoy the April fine art exhibition at the gallery and at local businesses. Refreshments. Free. Info: blaineartscouncil.org.
Easter and Holy Week Services: See ads on page 15.
Learn Boating Knots for Women: Sunday, April 13, 2–4 p.m., Squalicum Yacht Club, 2633 S. Harbor Loop Drive, Bellingham. The Women Boaters of the Salish Sea presents an opportunity for hands-on practice of boating knots, line throwing, tying cleats and fenders. Donation at the door requested. Contact: education@boatingisfun.org.
DSHS Mobile Office at the Library: Tuesday, April 15, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street: The Department of Social and Health Services mobile office provides crucial services in environments that may not have DSHS brick-and-mortar offices nearby, and to be agile in meeting the needs of people who could benefit from their programs.
Advanced Care Planning Workshop: Thursday, April 17, 6–7 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn from trained facilitators how Advanced Care Planning is a gift to your loved ones and ensure that your wishes are honored in the event of a serious illness or medical event. Sponsored by The NW Regional Council . Registration required. Info: wcls.org.
Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, April 17, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: general knowledge. Info: thevaultwine.com.
Bingo Night with the Blaine Chamber: Thursday, April 17, 4 p.m., Aloha Cafe, 684 Peace Portal Drive. Monthly happy hour networking with other local business members. No host. Bingo cards $5 for a chance to win prizes from Aloha Cafe. Proceeds benefit the Blaine Chamber of Commerce. Info: blainechamber.com.
Easter Paint and Sip: Friday and Saturday, April 18 and 19, 3–6 p.m., Semiahmoo Resort, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway. $35 includes painting supplies and instruction. Food and beverage options available. Reservations: bit.ly/42CiX2d.
Books and Bites: Friday, April 18, 1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. April title: The Road to Roswell by Connie Willis. Info: Kelly at 360/305-3637.
Live Music at The Vault: Friday, April 18, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring: The Jerry Steinhibler Trio. Info: thevaultwine.com.
Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 19, 2 p.m., American Legion Post 86, 4580 Legion Drive. Egg hunt, Easter Bunny photos, refreshments, For kids 10 and under. Free.
Easter Egg Hunt: Sunday, April 20, 11 a.m., Northwood Chapel, 580 C Street. Open to all kids 12 and under. Info: northwoodchapel.com.
Weather
Precipitation: During the period of March 31 to April 6, 1 inch of precipitation was recorded. The 2025 year-to-date precipitation is 13.8 inches.
Temperature: High for the past week was 65.4°F on April 5 with a low of 34.7°F on April 4. Average high was 59.4°F and average low was 40.4°F.
Boating Education Class: Mondays, April 21, 28 and Mary 5 and 12, 6–8 p.m., online. Basic boating education class with optional hands on classroom sessions April 13, May 1, May 10. Final exam is May 19 for the required WA State Boaters Education card. $75. Info and registration: education@boatingisfun.org.
Daughter’s Choice Dance: Friday, April 25, 6:30–8 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Girls and their special guest(s),whether it’s mom, dad, grandparent, sibling, or a cherished friend for an evening of dancing, sweet treats, and refreshments in a beautifully themed setting designed to create lasting memories. Free. Space is limited. Registration required: bbbparkandrec.org.
Backstage at the Border: Friday, April 25, 7–9 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 382 Boblett Street. Music by Earl Grey in the Morning performing Celtic, jazz, folk and original music. $10 suggested donation at the door. Proceeds after expenses benefits Loads of Love.
Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no
Holy Week Services
St Anne Saturday, April 12 5:00 pm
St Joachim Sunday, April 13 8:30 am
St Joseph Sunday, April 13 10:30am
St Joseph Thursday, April 17 7:00 pm
and Holy Week Services
Join with the broken, the anxious & the skeptic to...
Good Friday 6PM
Easter Sunday 10AM
Egg hunt @11
The NW Corner Catholic Community
Blaine United Church of Christ
Alleluia! He is Risen!
Please join Pastor Sandy Wisecarver at the Blaine United Church of Christ (Congregational) for Holy Week and Easter Services. Thur., April 17 6 pm Maundy Thursday Service Fri., April 18 6 pm Good Friday Service (Walking Stations of the Cross) Sun., April 20 10:30 am Easter Service with Communion
We are an open and affirming church - welcoming all the people of God. Corner of Fourth & Clark • 332-6906
Worship at 10:30 a m
April 13 to April 20
April 13 - Palm Sunday • 10am
April 14-16 - Morning Prayer - Facebook Live • 8:30am
April 17 - Maundy Thursday Liturgy • 5pm
April 18 - Good Friday Liturgy • Noon
April 20 - Holy Saturday Liturgy of the Word • 10am
March 31 - The Festival Eucharist of the Resurrection • 10am Christ Episcopal Church, 382 Boblett St., Blaine • The Rev. Dr. Jane Maynard www.christchurchblaine.org • www.facebook.com/ChristChurchBlaine
Good Friday | April 18 at 7PM Easter Sunday | April 20 at 9:30 or 11AM
Across from the Birch Bay Waterslides Kids ministry provided at 11AM on Easter
This Area is Booming!
The Northern Light is now mailed directly to 10,027 homes, 620 more than last year.
Plus, total circulation is now 11,000 copies per week.
Effective 3/6/25
More people live in Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo than anywhere else in Whatcom County outside of Bellingham.
The Northern Light difference:
• mailed to every household in Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo.
• largest audited newspaper circulation in the county
• NOW 11,000 copies distributed every week
• 85% regularly read The Northern Light and 81% frequently purchase products/services from ads in the newspaper
