County hearing examiner sides with environmental group over AltaGas facility
The Whatcom County hearing examiner ruled that the county’s planning and development department did not properly vet 33 approved project permits for the Ferndale Liquid Petroleum Gas Terminal at Cherry Point, according to a March 31 decision.
The projects in question will now be required to undergo more extensive review of their fossil fuel capacity and environmental impact by the county permitting department.
Rajeev Majumdar, the hearing examiner, sided with a coalition of six environmental groups who appealed the permitting process in September of 2025. The coalition argued that AltaGas expanded liquid petroleum gas (LPG) production despite the county amending its code in 2021 to limit the expansion of fossil fuel exports in Cherry Point.
Since those amendments were made, AltaGas made 31 unpermitted changes that it said did not expand its operations, and thus did not need permitting. Another two changes were scheduled to be made, and all 33 were approved by the planning department on September 9, 2025.
The hearing examiner stated that increased marine traffic out of the Cherry Point facility would likely impact southern resident killer whale (SRKW) populations, among other environmental concerns.
“There is sufficient evidence in the record to demonstrate that it is substantively probable that an increase in marine traffic would have an impact on the SRKW without mitigation,” Majumdar wrote.
Jan Hasselman, senior attorney at Earthjustice, one of the six appellants in
(See AltaGas, page 3)
Birch Bay resident pushes for community ZIP code
The U.S. Postal Service is reviewing a resident-initiated request to create a ZIP code for Birch Bay, which would remove Blaine from the community’s mailing address.
Birch Bay resident Lisa Guthrie sent a letter to USPS Seattle District Manager On Bong Wong on March 24, asking USPS to consider creating a ZIP code for the census-designated place of Birch Bay.
Birch Bay has about double the population of Blaine, at over 10,000 residents, but shares the city’s 98230 ZIP
code and mailing address.
In her letter, Guthrie cited population growth, community identity and operational efficiency as reasons for a Birch Bay ZIP code.
“Just in terms of our community identity, having our own ZIP code is important to a lot of us,” Guthrie said. “I live in an urban growth area of over 10,000 people, and I wanted to be able to say I’m from Birch Bay and not have to explain it to people.”
Support letters were also sent to USPS by state Sen. Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham), the Birch Bay Cham-
Bellingham woman sentenced for 2021 Semiahmoo Spit homicide
A Bellingham woman was sentenced to over 23 years in prison for the murder of Thomas Flood, a 67-year-old Whidbey Island man found shot to death on Semiahmoo Spit exactly five years prior to the April 7 sentencing. The 2021 murder was the first homicide discovery in the city of Blaine in nearly four decades. Judge Robert E. Olson handed down a 23.3-year sentence to Lynda Clare Mercy, 67, for second-degree murder with a firearm enhancement in Whatcom Coun-
ty Superior Court. Mercy will receive a five-year credit for the time she served in jail and is ordered to three years of community custody following her release.
The sentencing is the maximum of Mercy’s standard sentencing range. The range, which is based on the crime and her criminal history, was set between 15.25 and 23.3 years in prison including five years for the firearm enhancement.
Olson told the courtroom the sentencing was “one of the most difficult decisions” he’s made in his career on the bench.
“While I am sympathetic to the chal-
lenging circumstances of Ms. Mercy's life, nothing about the life she is able to build, despite her lifelong challenges, justifies her behavior surrounding the shooting death of Thomas Flood,” Olson said.
On the night of April 6, 2021, Mercy was idling near the Coupeville ferry terminal after returning from a trip to Port Townsend. Surveillance footage showed Mercy entering a ferry worker’s vehicle and then leaving after being confronted, saying she was seeking warmth. She was
ber of Commerce, the Birch Bay Community Advisory Committee (BBCAC) and the Birch Bay Incorporation Association (BBIA).
Whatcom County Councilmember Ben Elenbaas, who represents Birch Bay, wrote in an email to The Northern Light that he planned to send a letter in support and to ask the County Council to submit a letter as well.
Supporters echoed Guthrie’s reasoning for a Birch Bay ZIP code, including Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce Pres-
Children race to fill their baskets with candy during the Easter egg hunt on April 4 at American Legion Post 86 in Birch Bay. See more Easter photos on page 5.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
B y G race M c c arthy
B y G race M c c arthy
(See ZIP code, page 2)
B y N ola N B aker
(Homicide, continued from page 1)
Bellingham woman sentenced for 2021 Semiahmoo Spit homicide
then seen heading toward where a van that Flood lived in was typically parked near the terminal.
The next morning, two teenage boys found Flood’s body in a sleeping bag next to a trail near the Semiahmoo Park parking lot. Flood was shot twice, though the medical examiner found both shots would not have been fatal if he received medical attention.
Investigators found Flood’s phone inside his van that was parked in Fairhaven. They also found a partially crushed .40-caliber bullet casing that matched a gun registered to Mercy was found near the Coupeville ferry terminal.
Investigators tracked the route driven in Flood’s van, which led them to a Bellingham gas station where they obtained surveillance footage of Mercy. The public helped identify Mercy, and one of Mercy’s friends called 911 to report she gave them a box with a gun in it.
During the sentencing hearing, Flood’s relatives described him as a gentle and hard-working man whose life was senselessly lost.
Flood’s sister, Kathleen May, wrote to Olson that Flood was a gifted mechanic and carpenter who was always available to help people in crisis, especially members of Alcoholics Anony-
Lynda Clare Mercy, 67, of Bellingham, awaits her sentencing on April 7 in Whatcom County Superior Court. Mercy is convicted of killing Whidbey Island resident Thomas Flood, 67, and discarding his body on Semiahmoo Spit in April of 2021.
mous, where he helped others through their sobriety.
“He was honest and good and Mercy murdered him in cold blood,” Kathleen May wrote. “He leaves a void in many lives, especially mine.”
Family members said he
enjoyed living a quiet, simple life. Flood enjoyed woodworking, building furniture, reading and listening to podcasts.
Flood’s nephew, Tom May, said his uncle taught him about cars and music as a kid, with early childhood memories formed around throwing a football and wrestling together.
“He had a huge impact on my years growing up,” Tom May said. “I look back and can say he was a mentor.”
Photo by Grace McCarthy
Mercy declined to address the court before receiving her sentencing.
Whatcom County Public Defender Shoshana Paige requested the court give Mercy a sentence below the standard range due to Mercy’s deteriorating mental health leading up to the murder.
Mercy experienced poverty, abuse and trauma, Paige said, adding that Mercy lived most of her life with minimal crim-
(ZIP code, continued from page 1)
inal history. Mercy reported an incident to the police that no longer made her feel safe in her apartment shortly before Flood’s murder, which Paige said added to hypervigilance she already had from post-traumatic stress disorder.
“Recognition of the circumstances of Ms. Mercy’s life and as a complete picture of her as a human being should compel this court to temper that harshness with Mercy where it has the discretion to do so,” Paige said.
Whatcom County Chief Criminal Prosecuting Attorney Erik Sigmar asked for the higher end of the standard sentencing range because of the randomness of the murder and Mercy’s attempt to conceal and destroy the firearm. Sigmar included in his reasoning that Flood likely didn’t die immediately after being shot in his bed, and Mercy showed a lack of remorse and accountability.
Mercy was ordered to pay nearly $8,000 in restitution, $6,620 of which would go to the state’s crime victims compensation program and $1,300 to Flood’s family, mostly for burial costs.
Mercy’s sentencing came after a Whatcom County jury found her guilty on Feb. 23 following nearly a month-long trial. Since her arrest, Mercy has been held in Whatcom County Jail, where she awaits being transferred to prison as of April 8.
Birch Bay ZIP code request sent to USPS
ident Dianne Marrs-Smith, who said the change would better mail service to Birch Bay residents by improving delivery accuracy.
“A dedicated ZIP code would help clearly differentiate Birch Bay for residents, visitors and businesses alike, while improving mail delivery accuracy and operational efficiency,” MarrsSmith wrote in her letter.
The request comes as some Birch Bay residents have increased efforts to strengthen
their autonomy over the past few years, notably with the formation of BBIA in 2023 and BBCAC in late 2024.
Guthrie served on the Birch Bay Steering Committee, which created a Birch Bay community plan for the county in the early 2000s, and she is now involved with BBIA and BBCAC.
One of the Birch Bay Steering Committee’s main priorities was to bring a post office to Birch Bay, but that attempt failed. At the time, the community couldn’t have its own ZIP code without a post office, Guthrie said.
However, the federal government has since revised the process, no longer requiring ZIP codes to be connected to a post office.
Under USPS policy, the public may request USPS establish or change ZIP code boundaries by writing to the USPS district manager. Within 60 days of receiving the request, the district manager is expected to research the feasibility and meet with the group that initiated the request before making a decision.
USPS spokesperson Janella Herron said the agency received the request and “will be reviewing the correspondence following our processes and guidelines.”
If USPS considers the re-
quest, the local postmaster will meet with the petitioners, and if they reach an agreement, USPS would send a survey to affected residents. Support from a simple majority of survey respondents is needed to change the ZIP code.
Customers have one year to update their mail if the change is approved.
The Blaine post office would still service Birch Bay. Guthrie said she proposed new ZIP code boundaries follow the census-designated place of Birch Bay because it’s a federal designation, which may simplify the review process. Boundary conversations could occur if USPS considers the request, she added.
The boundaries would roughly extend from west of Kickerville Road to the bay, north of Grandview Road, and the county land south of Drayton Harbor Road. Boundaries would include Point Whitehorn and Birch Point.
Guthrie said anyone interested in becoming involved or with questions may contact her at lisainbirchbay@gmail.com.
“Birch Bay has been a place of gathering, and it’s got a different identity than Blaine,” Guthrie said. “It would be nice to be able to use our address as our address.”
After pandemic hiatus, Cub Scouts eyes return to Blaine
B y N ola N B aker
Scouting in Blaine has a long history dating back to the 1920s, but that history was briefly interrupted by the COVID pandemic when Blaine’s Cub Scout chapter shuttered, along with three-quarters of Scouting America’s membership.
That storied history could resume this month, with the Mount Baker Council of Scouting America holding a “Kick Off Night” on Tuesday, April 14 to try and restart a Cub Scout pack for K-5 boys and girls in Blaine and Birch Bay. The event will be held at the Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 Activity Center, 7511 Gemini St., and signifies a new partnership between BBBPRD2 and Scouting America.
Kyle Furgason, a membership growth executive with the Mount Baker Council group, said Scouting America quickly identified BBBPRD2, and specifically Executive Director Heather Lindsay, as a great partner.
“We reached out initially to
see if Heather knew anyone or knew any organization that would be willing to help,” Furgason said. “It just so happens she was the right organization to help us. That partnership is a great one. They’re really connected with the community.”
Furgason grew up in North Carolina where he became an Eagle Scout, and has worked with Scouting America for the past two years in Alaska and now northwest Washington.
One of his jobs is to identify communities north of King County that are underserved or have lost packs and troops due to attrition.
Blaine, he said, was on the top of that list.
A movement to bring scouting back is happening nationwide, thanks to a $30 million grant given to the national Scouting America parent organization by the Lilly Endowment in late 2024.
In the early interactions he’s had with the Blaine and Birch Bay community, Furgason said
(AltaGas, continued from page 1)
parents are looking for affordable ways to get their kids off their devices and into nature.
“One of the biggest things that I’ve heard from parents everywhere is that they struggle to find other things for their kids to do that aren’t on their screen, that don’t cost tons of money,” Furgason said. “Parents are looking to find someplace for their kids to belong.”
Having an outlet for kids to experience nature, learn leadership skills and bond with their friends is also a main goal for the recreation district, Lindsay said.
“One aspect that I love about Cub Scouts is that it is focused on family,” Lindsay said. “It is an activity where the youth can grow and have hands-on experiences, while also creating a space for families to laugh together, and build lifelong friendships.”
It’s easy to find someone in the community who is proud — and quick — to point out that they
County hearing examiner sides with environmental group over AltaGas facility
the hearing, said the decision by the hearing examiner upholds both the law and community expectations.
“The law says counties need to be honest with the community about the risks and impacts of projects like this one,” Hasselman said in an April 1 statement. “This terminal has a shameful history of skirting the law, and it’s about time they were held to account.”
The hearing involved extensive testimony over the definition and calculation of “maximum transshipment capacity,” or the maximum amount of LPG that the facility could process.
According to the hearing ex-
aminer report, AltaGas engineers presented the county with a “maximalist” interpretation of how much LPG could flow through the facility, assuming that the facility would be receiving the maximum amount of fuel its pipes could handle uninterrupted, 365 days a year, ignoring logistical barriers such as loading and unloading.
Majumdar called out county officials for accepting that maximalist interpretation from AltaGas engineers.
“This is admittedly not a calculation based in the realities of what occurs,” Majumdar wrote.
“It is an error for the Department not to use its judgment and discretion in evaluating
are an Eagle Scout, or that their children were in Cub Scouts.
In fact, Furgason found some historic records while searching through social media posts and the Scouting America archives in preparation for the new Cub Scout pack. The earliest record of a troop in Blaine was Troop 25, photographed in 1928, but Furgason said it’s likely that troop was around for a few years prior to the photo.
In 1940, Blaine Harbor was host to a “Sea Scout” troop — a subsection specifically for nautical scouting that has been around for over a century — aboard the S.S.S. Nor’Western.
With a new pack hopefully taking shape this spring, more memories seem to be on the
horizon.
The “Kick Off Night” informational meeting is at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday at the BBBPRD2 Activity Center. The event is open to all, is intended to answer questions from prospective parents and scouts, and will include a LEGO pinewood derby race, Furgason said.
what is provided to it.”
Mark Personius, director of Whatcom County Planning and Development Services, testified that he found the AltaGas engineer’s capacity evaluations consistent with county code.
“We don’t know the inner workings of all of those operations and engineering calculations and all of that,” Personius was quoted as saying in the hearing examiner report. “Our code says you accept that engineering analysis and that is what we did.”
The hearing examiner’s decision means the county will have to redo its determination of the AltaGas facility’s capacity and environmental impacts.
The Northern L ght
The Northern Light is published weekly by Daffodil Press, LLC. About Daffodil Press
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Contributors In This Issue
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The Northern Light 229 Marine Drive
Blaine, WA 98230
Tel: 360/332-1777
Vol XXXI, No 42
Circulation: 11,000 copies
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Blaine theater students explore arts careers OpiniOn
answered questions about their career paths. The event was
founded last year to improve education opportunities for Blaine students.
Letters
April 16
Ads due: April 10
The Editor:
I earned my Eagle badge from the Boy Scouts 66 years ago, and I’ve lived by the Scout Law all my life.
Respectfully, I wish the president, vice president, the Republican House and Senate, conservative Supreme Court judges, the cabinet officers that serve themselves, and the oligarchs who fund the white Christian nationalist Project 2025 would also govern by that very basic 12-part law. I’d even settle for them governing by any six of the laws.
A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
As it turns out, the scout motto is: Be prepared.
Thanks to the government we live
under, I must “be prepared” for lies, war, lost medical safety nets, higher prices, loss of respect in former allied countries, murder on our own city streets by ICE, and new nonstop chaos introduced every day by Donald Trump.
Ron Snyder
Birch Bay
The Editor:
This is more a letter to the publisher. Several weeks back I sent Ms. Mar an email requesting a meeting. I have yet to receive a response. With her being new to Blaine, my intent was to suggest she hold community forums to get to meet and understand her readership. Our city manager from elsewhere didn’t do that and ever since, conflict rules Blaine.
Under her watch, I have seen the
newspaper continue to hawk the city agenda. A city management that calls those who question “troublemakers” much as Sen. McCarthy called all who challenged him “communists.” Do you have any Edward R. Murrow in you, Ms. Mar?
To me, a community newspaper speaks to and for all its readers. Is our publisher despite her words, just another coming here to make money off Blaine versus being a true journalist? Prove me wrong, Ms. Mar. Meet and forum with us.
Ray Leone Blaine
Please send letters to letters@ daffodilpress.net no later than noon on Monday.
CiviC Meetings
Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Town halls typically at 5:30 p.m. the first Monday meeting each month. Info: ci.blaine.wa.us.
Birch Bay Community Advisory Committee: Third Wednesday of each month, 6 p.m., Birch Bay Bible Community Church, 4460 Bay Road. Updated meeting info: bit. ly/3QmWVcX.
Birch Bay Water and Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4 p.m., district office, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info and Zoom meeting link: bbwsd.com.
Blaine Planning Commission: Second Thursday, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: bit. ly/3EwWiZi.
Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Blaine Public Works and Park Advisory Board: Second Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Blaine council chambers. Info: 360/3328311, ext. 3330
Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district boardroom, 770 Mitchell Avenue. Info: blainesd.org. North Whatcom Fire and Rescue: Third Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.
BBWARM: Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District Advisory Committee meets quarterly in-person and on Zoom. Info: bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org.
Port of Bellingham: First and third Tuesday, 4 p.m., Port of Bellingham Harbor Center, 1801 Roeder Ave., Ste. 146, in Bellingham and via Zoom. Info: portofbellingham.com.
Blaine High School theater arts students attended a career fair on April 2 at Mount Baker Theater (MBT) in Bellingham. The students learned about audio and lighting from MBT technicians and met a panel of industry professionals who
facilitated by Blaine Public Schools Foundation, a nonprofit
Photos courtesy of Traci Bowe
Children race for Easter eggs in Blaine, Birch Bay
Photos by Grace McCarthy
The Easter Bunny handed out eggs to young children during the American Legion Easter egg hunt on April 4.
Children sort through their new candy behind Hills Chevron on April 4.
Birch Bay residents Josiah and Kim Honorof crack open candy eggs on April 4 in Birch Bay.
Hills Chevron held an Easter egg hunt that drew dozens of children who filled up their baskets with candy in less than five minutes on April 4 behind the downtown Blaine gas station.
Ferndale resident Sandra Nicolaas takes a photo with children Jose and Amelia Delgado during the Easter egg hunt on April 4 at the American Legion Post 86.
Cayden Buick, of Birch Bay, shows off his candy after the American Legion hunt.
Children of all ages scrambled for candy eggs during American Legion Post 86’s annual Easter egg hunt in Birch Bay.
In the final week of games before spring break stops play around the county, the Borderites fared well. Track and field hosted its lone meet of the season and set a ton of personal records, baseball got a pair of clutch conference wins, and girls tennis fought hard against a 3A conference foe.
BASEBALL
The Borderites won in dramatic fashion on the road against Nooksack Valley on Friday, April 3, with a pair of clutch base hits from Aaron Garza and Kai Kerwin to break a 3-3 tie in
the top of the sixth inning.
Garza had a great day in the batter’s box, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs, leading the team in both categories. Junior Josh Cochran pitched a complete game, striking out 13 batters without issuing a walk. Cochran closed out the game with three straight strikeouts, and earned two walks and two runs scored on offense.
On Monday, April 6, at Pipeline Fields, the Borderites got plenty of runners on base, but couldn’t get a single run across, losing 2-0 to Sedro-Woolley.
Starting pitcher Ashton Vezzetti had a strong performance that probably didn’t deserve an official loss on his record,
striking out three batters and allowing just one hit.
Hugo Vekved pitched a solid three innings in relief, not allowing a run, but the Borderites just couldn’t get its pitchers any runs. Despite not getting on the board, Elijah Wenger and Isaac Bouma each had a good day at the plate, going 2-for-3.
To round out pre-spring break play, the Borderites trounced conference foe Mt. Baker 21-9 on Tuesday, April 7. Garza went 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles and three RBIs, and threw two innings of relief, striking out four batters.
As of press time, the Borderites are 4-5 with a 3-4 Northwest Conference (NWC) record, and sit in second place in 1A NWC, behind an undefeated Lynden Christian team. Those two will face off at 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 13, at Lynden Christian.
Stats provided by whatcompreps.com
TRACK AND FIELD
Blaine hosted Bellingham, Squalicum and Sedro-Woolley at Borderite Stadium on a rainy Wednesday, April 1, with the field team standing out in a crowded field.
Leif-Einar Engen led the way
in shot put, placing fourth with a 37’1.5” effort. Teammates
Asher Hagee and Connor Crews placed in the top 10, and three Borderites set personal bests. In discus, sophomore Aiden Mullins threw a season-best 81’5” en route to a fifth place finish.
Sawyer Mullenix placed fourth in the javelin event with a 113’3” throw, and Engen was right behind with a sixth place finish, throwing for 105’3”.
At the Trojan Twilight Invitational on Friday, April 3, Blaine had an excellent all-around performance, with a ton of personal best records being set on the road at Meridian.
Blaine’s jumpers especially showed out, with junior Landon Brown placing second in the high jump with a personal best height of 6’. Sophomore Samuel Campion placed third with his own personal best jump of 5’4”.
In the long jump, Hailey Kruse earned second place with a 14’10” jump, a personal best.
Freshman Zoe Hill led the way in the sprint events, placing sixth and setting a personal best time of 13.64 in the 100-meter dash. In the 200-meter race, Hill placed fifth with a time of 28.66.
Sophomore Carrie Balback had a great showing in her middle distance races. In the 400-me-
ter, she placed ninth with a season-best time of 1:09.87, and logged another season-best time of 2:45.6 in the 800-meter final. In those two races, all six Borderites set either season- or personal-best times.
In the hurdles, Kruse set another personal record en route to a fourth place finish in the 110-meter hurdle, logging a time of 19.66.
Track and field will regroup for its first event after the weeklong spring hiatus on Saturday, April 11, at Civic Stadium in Bellingham for the Birger Solberg Invitational.
Results provided by athletic. net
GIRLS TENNIS
The Blaine girls tennis team, which has had an up-anddown season, head into spring break with a 1-3 record. Up until a 7-0 team loss on the road against Ferndale onThursday, April 2, each of Blaine’s first three matches were decided by just one individual match. Against Mount Vernon to start the season on March 24, Blaine lost 3-4, but still saw great wins from Kylee McNew, as well as from doubles partners Bea Dickson and Carly Saunders, and Ainslee Ellis and Hailey Johnson.
The Borderites earned its first team win at home against Sedro-Woolley on March 26, winning 4-3 thanks to wins from McNew (6-4, 6-3), and all three pairs of doubles partners, including Kylie Murillo and Chloe Biondolillo (6-2, 6-2).
Girls tennis will continue the season after spring break with a game against Lakewood at 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 14,
Stats provided by whatcompreps.com
in Blaine.
Elijah Wenger runs down the first base line during the second inning of Blaine’s 2-0 loss to Sedro-Woolley on Monday, April 6.
Photo by Nolan Baker
B y N ola N B aker
Blaine pitcher Ashton Vezzetti goes into his windup during Blaine’s 2-0 loss to Sedro-Woolley on Monday, April 6.
& Wellness
Types of arthritis and what’s behind each
Arthritis affects people all over the world. Approximately 53.2 million adults in the U.S. have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
But many more suffer in undiagnosed silence. Globally, nearly 300 million people may live with arthritis.
Arthritis can range from mild to debilitating and stem from a variety of causes. Understanding what’s behind arthritis can help people get the treatment they need.
Here are the major types of arthritis and their causes:
• Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It forms as the result of wear and tear on cartilage, which breaks down over time. Aging, repetitive movements or previous joint injuries can cause osteoarthritis.
• Gout is a metabolic condition caused by the buildup of
uric acid crystals in the joints. The Mayo Clinic says the buildup occurs when the kidneys cannot filter the uric acid effectively or when the body produces too much. Pain, swelling and tenderness can occur in the joints, often in the big toe.
• Autoimmune means that the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. This occurs with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, according to Penn Medicine.
• Infection/injury refers to when viral or bacterial infections or acute joint injuries trigger arthritis, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Certain risk factors elevate the chances of developing arthritis.
Risk elevates as joints age and wear down, so older adults are more likely to experience arthritis. Carrying extra weight puts pressure on joints like the knees, so those who are overweight are more likely to get arthritis. Genetics can
Did you know?
The number of seniors with mental health disorders is expected to double by 2030, according to a recent report from the American Hospital Association.
Some of that increase could be due to lack of treatment, as the AHA notes two-thirds of seniors with mental health issues do not receive necessary treatment for their conditions. The estimated increase in mental health condition in-
cidence rates among seniors also could be due to what the World Health Organization notes is an increased vulnerability to such issues among aging adults.
According to the WHO, mental health is shaped by numerous variables, including earlier life experiences and age-related stressors like a loss of functional ability and a reduced sense of purpose after retirement.
make a person more vulnerable to diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, and women are more likely to develop it.
There are various treatments for arthritis, and anyone in pain can work with a doctor to make lifestyle changes to alleviate symptoms and help them live fuller lives.
Roma Nagin, MD
Zafir Khan, MD
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Carol A. Bullen, Deceased. NO. 264-00249-37. NONPROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.42.030) JUDGE: Lee Grochmal
The notice agent named below has elected to give notice to creditors of the abovenamed decedent. As of the date of the filing of a copy of this notice with the court, the notice agent has no knowledge of any other person acting as notice agent or of the appointment of a personal representative of the decedent’s estate in the state of Washington. According to the records of the court as are available on the date of the filing of this notice with the court, a cause number regarding the decedent has not been issued to any other notice agent, and a personal representative of the decedent’s estate has not been appointed.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.42.070 by serving on or mailing to the notice agent or the notice agent’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the notice agent’s declaration and oath were filed. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the notice agent served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.42.020(2)(c); or (2) Four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.42.050 and 11.42.060.
This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.
Date of First Publication: March 26, 2026
The notice agent declares under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Washington on March 19, 2026, at Bellingham, Washington, that the foregoing is true and correct.
Notice Agent: Clara Hamilton 2315 Xenia Street
Bellingham, WA 98229
Attorney for notice agent: Katti Esp
301 Prospect Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp
301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225
Court of notice agent’s Declaration and Oath: Superior Court of Whatcom County Cause Number: 26-4-00249-37
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 2, 2026
ADMINISTRATOR: Jennifer Diane Anable
ATTORNEY FOR ADMINISTRATOR: Mitchell Aoki CMS Law Firm LLC
ADDRESS FOR MAILING OR SERVICE: 811 Kirkland Avenue, Suite 201 Kirkland, WA 98033 206.659.1512
COURT OF PROBATE PROCEEDINGS: King County Superior Court CASE NUMBER: 26-4-02217-5 SEA
STUDIO APT in Blaine available now.
Excellent references required. $800/month plus $100 for utilities. Fully furnished. Beautiful country setting. Single occupancy. TEXT 360-739-5606.
Local birding: The western grebe
Western grebes exemplify avian beauty and grace with a dignified demeanor. They are proficient underwater swimmers and gather in large flocks in winter in pursuit of prey. They winter on saltwater and nest on freshwater lakes and marshes. This diving bird is one of the most elegant of all bird species. During migration, they can be seen in good numbers in the channel between Blaine and Semiahmoo.
Road Rules: Stay in your lane. It’s the law
Question: Here’s the scenario. There are two cars going in opposite directions on the same roadway. One driver makes a left onto a road with two lanes of travel in either direction at the same time as the other driver is making a right onto that same road. Who has the right-of-way?
Answer: I’m going to assume this intersection is controlled by a traffic signal. Yeah, I know what “assume” makes out of “u” and “me.” But if we have a road with two lanes in each direction, it’s a safe bet. Plus, we need to know what kind of traffic control each driver is facing as they approach the intersection, so let’s say it’s lights. In a perfect world we wouldn’t need to answer this. The law has a section called “Required position and method of turning at intersections,” which the Washington Driver Guide nicely summarizes: “Whether turning left or right at an intersection, state law requires you to turn into the lane closest to the direction you are coming
from.” With two lanes in each direction, both the left-turning and the right-turning driver would have a lane available to them without conflicting with the other.
But the fact that this question was asked is one more bit of evidence (as if we needed it) that we don’t live in a perfect world. If we’re looking at who to blame in a crash, we could point to the law I just mentioned and say the driver who didn’t stay in their nearest lane was at fault. That would be a good start.
It might not be that simple though. There are some other laws about turning we should consider. Let’s say both drivers have a green light. The traffic signal law states that turning drivers “shall stop to allow other vehicles lawfully within the intersection control area to complete their movements.”
I suppose you could argue that if the other turning driver doesn’t stay in their lane, they’re not there legally. Still, the law makes it clear that even with a green light, drivers must yield to other cars already in the intersection.
John P. McKnight
February 7, 1962 – February 7, 2026
John P. McKnight, 64, passed away peacefully on his birthday after recent years of health challenges.
John was born on February 7, 1962, in Edmonds, WA, to Larry and Eleanor McKnight. He attended Edmonds-Woodway High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Western Washington University.
A lifelong learner and gifted writer, John built his professional career in quality control, quality assurance, and later in regulatory compliance. His steady attention to detail and integrity earned him the respect of colleagues and friends alike.
He enjoyed writing his column “Everyday Life” for the Foothills Gazette Newspaper. He was able to share his love for the outdoors through his fishing adventures and stories of family.
John was devoted to his family, a loving father, and a loyal friend. John will be remembered for his quiet strength, thoughtful presence, and dry humor. He will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
There’s also a law specifically for left-turning drivers that says they “shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard.” The law recognizes that left turns are uniquely hazardous and puts extra responsibility on drivers turning left.
That responsibility shifts some when the driver turning right has a red light. At an intersection that permits right turns on a red light, a driver “shall remain stopped to allow other vehicles lawfully within or approaching the intersection control area to complete their movements.” Right-onred is a higher risk maneuver, and drivers who do it have a responsibility to do it safely.
I’ll also point out that you don’t have to take a right turn on a red light. If you don’t want to take on the increased risk, you can wait for the green. If you’re concerned about delaying the drivers behind you, keep in mind that you’re not obligated to accept someone else’s higher risk tolerance for their convenience.
If I had to rank the priority of all the laws I just listed, I’d put the one about staying in the correct lane while turning at the top. If we could all follow that, we wouldn’t need to go to the rest of them. But we all have a responsibility to do whatever we can to avoid a crash, even when the other driver makes a mistake.
Doug Dahl is a Blaine resident, manager of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission Region 11 and publisher of TheWiseDrive.com.
Photo by Joe Meche
B y D ou G D ahl
sheriff’s repOrts
March 30, 7:56 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Pheasant Drive.
March 30, 8:37 a.m.: Bicycle theft cold call on Bay Road.
March 30, 10:29 a.m.: Domestic violence arrest on Harborview Road.
March 30, 12:50 p.m.: Death investigation on Birch Bay Drive.
March 30, 1:03 p.m.: Domestic physical cold call on Holeman Avenue.
March 30, 2:51 p.m.: Welfare check on Comox Loop.
March 30, 3:53 p.m.: Suspicious person cold call on Seavue Road.
March 30, 4:22 p.m.: Fight on Harborview Road.
March 30, 5:13 p.m.: Domestic order violation cold call on Birch Bay Lynden Road, Custer.
March 30, 10:42 p.m.: Domestic order violation on Bay Ridge Drive.
March 31, 9:21 a.m.: Mental health flag on Kickerville Road.
March 31, 5:45 p.m.: Civil problem on Birch Bay Drive.
March 31, 8:11 p.m.: Assault simple cold call on Sunset Street.
March 31, 10:16: Domestic verbal on Seafair Court and Seafair Drive.
March 31, 10:38 p.m.: Trespass cold call on Valley View Road and Fortune Lane.
April 1, 5:46 a.m.: Serve a warrant on Maple Crest Avenue. One arrest for a warrant.
April 1, 10:49 a.m.: Landlord tenant dispute cold call on Odell Road.
April 1, 10:52 a.m.: Vandalism cold call on Kickerville Road.
April 2, 12:46 p.m.: Threat cold call on Maple Way.
April 2, 2:53 p.m.: Theft cold call on Birch Bay Lynden Road, Custer.
April 2, 4:45 p.m.: Court order violation arrest on Moonglow Court.
April 2, 6:43 p.m.: Warrant arrest on Moonglow Court.
April 2, 8:03 p.m.: Trespass on Birch Bay Lynden Road, Custer.
April 2, 9:31 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident blocking/non-injury on Arnie Road, Custer.
April 3, 12:14 a.m.: DUI arrest on Mile Post 274 on I-5.
CrOssWOrd
41. A way through 45. Another name for Thor
46. Sharp dueling sword
47. The supreme commander of a fleet
water
Small constellation
Perennial mountain rice
Pick up
Japanese historical period
Suggesting the horror of death and decay
Unattached
Fishing port in SE France
Products for dogs
One point south of southeast
Having the skill or resources to do something
27. Involve oneself deeply
30. Immobile
34. __ pai dong: Hong Kong food stall
35. Move quickly on foot
36. Gathered
50. Seasoned sausages
54. Path
55. Christian hermit
56. Ancient region of Asia Minor
57. Where wrestlers go to work
59. Roman statesman
60. Explosive
61. Licensed for Wall Street
62. Where golfers start
63. Grow old 64. Autonomic nervous system
65. No seats available DOWN
1. A legally binding command 2. General feeling of discomfort
3. Dribble 4. Soft touch
5. South American
plant 6. Clouds of gas and dust in space 7. Warm-blooded vertebrates 8. Lines created by folding 9. Strong belief 13. Senior officer 14. Adult 17. Joint entrance examination in India 18. Passports and drivers’ licenses are two 20. Those who go against an accepted authority 22. One point east of northeast 27. Journalist Tarbell 28. One’s mother (British)
29. Nowhere to be found
31. A way to save for old age 32. Fall behind 33. Midway between northeast and east 37. The work of a sailor 38. Mark with striae 39. Energy, style and enthusiasm
April 3, 10:12 a.m.: Missing person cold call on Birch Bay Lynden Road.
April 3, 12:52 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Main Street, Custer.
April 3, 1:08 p.m.: Suspicious person on Jackson Road and Birch Bay Drive.
April 3, 2 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Bay Road.
April 3, 3:20 p.m.: Missing person cold call on Birch Bay Lynden Road.
April 3, 5:48 p.m.: Theft cold call on Sole Drive.
April 4, 7:22 a.m.: Prowler cold call on Anchor Park.
April 4, 9:06 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances on Bay Road.
April 4, 11:51 a.m.: Vehicle theft cold call on Birch Bay Square Street.
April 4, 12:39 p.m.: Trouble with subject on Birch Bay Drive.
April 4, 12:53 p.m.: Death investigation on Tarte Road.
April 4, 1:50 p.m.: Disorderly conduct on Birch Bay Drive.
April 4, 9:20 p.m.: Runaway on Birch Bay Lynden Road.
40. Sticky situation
41. Monetary units of Spain
42. Three-banded armadillo
43. Chooses
44. More disreputable
47. Defensive nuclear weapon
48. “The Partridge Family” actress Susan
49. Livestock owners assn. in Spain
51. Duplicating machine (abbr.)
52. OJ trial judge
53. Politician
58. Airborne (abbr.)
tides
April 9-15 at Blaine. Not for navigation. 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W
Coming up
Crafting Community: 5 to 7 p.m., April 13, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Drop in with your favorite arts and crafts and spend some time creating alongside other crafters. Stitch, hook, paint and draw, all while connecting with others. Info: wcls.org.
Birch Bay Road Race: April 11, Birch Bay. 5K, 15K, 30K races. Info and registration: orcarunning.com/birchbay.
Friends of Blaine Library: 6:30 to 8 p.m., April 15, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Find out the latest library news at this monthly FOBL Board of Directors meeting. All members and guests are welcome to attend. Info: blainelibraryfriends.org.
Blaine Chamber Happy Hour: 4 to 6:30 p.m., April 16, The Wheelhouse Bar and Grill, 746 Peace Portal Drive. Unwind, connect and collaborate at the chamber happy hour event.
Community Dinner: 5 p.m., April 16, Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street. Enjoy a delicious meal, connect with neighbors, and share in an evening of good food and good company. Cost is by donation, pay what you can/if you can. Info: 360-746-7910.
Books and Bites: 1 p.m., April 17, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. April title: “The Light Eaters How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth” by Zoë Schlanger. Info: wcls.org. No Child Hungry Gala and Auction: 6 p.m., April 18, Hotel Bellwether, 1 Bellwether Way, Bellingham. Help battle weekend hunger at our annual fundraising gala. Dinner, cool jazz, and raise support for school kids facing weekend food scarcity in Whatcom County. All proceeds go toward Wildbird Charity for feeding school and pre-school children in Whatcom County. Info and tickets: bit.ly/4sJcf5j.
DVSAS Hands for Hope Auction and Gala: 5 p.m., April 18, Silver Reef Casino. Dinner, auction, dessert dash. Generously sponsored by Greg and Elizabeth Grant and SSC.
Paint and Sip Hot Chocolate: 5:30 to 7 p.m., April 18, L&L Bakery, 477 Peace Portal Drive, Blaine. $35 per person, 8 years old and older. With Alia Masonsmith of Inner Sparkle Arts. Registration required at bbbparkandrec.org.
Financial Empowerment Class: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays from April 21 through May 26, The Way Café Meeting Room, 4823 Alderson Road, Suite 108, Birch Bay. Free class. Free financial mentoring available to those who finish the course. Sponsored by Community Assistance Program and The Bridge Community Hope Center. Registration: 360-2960441 or kevin@thewhatcomdream.org. More information: thewhatcomdream.org.
Daughter’s Choice Dance: Waves and Wonder: 6:30 to 8 p.m., April 24, Birch Bay Activity Center, $8 per family. All ages. Elegant under the sea evening for girls and their special guest. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. Get Ready for Kindergarten Family Night: 5 to 6 p.m., April 30, Blaine Primary School. Building tour, classroom visit, pizza and more. RSVP here: bit.ly/4tE6C8F.
Ongoing
Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Mondays 9 a.m.–noon, Wednesdays 5–7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.–noon. Info: (360) 332-6350 or Info@blainefoodbank.org.
The Bridge Food Bank: Fridays, 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 7620 Birch Bay Drive. New registration required at thebridgehope.com or call 360-366-8763. Volunteers welcome.
CAP Clothing Bank: Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon and Wednesdays, 5–7 p.m. 508 G Street. The Community Assistance Program clothing bank is now located in the basement of the CAP Center providing free clothing and linens. Donations accepted only during open hours or by special arrangement. Info: blainecap.org or 360392-8484.
Senior Community Meals: Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Suggested donation of $6 per meal ($10 if under 60) or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: (360) 332-8040.
The Bridge Clothing Bank Boutique: Open Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Donations accepted Thursdays and Saturdays, 11 a.m.– 2 p.m. or by appointment. The Bridge Community Hope Center, 7620 Birch Bay Drive. thebridgehope.com.
Friends of Birch Bay Library: Meets second Mondays. 6:30 p.m., Birch Bay Birch Bay Vogt Library site, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. Info: friendsofbirchbaylibrary.org.
Friends of Blaine Library: Meets third Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Find out the latest library news at this monthly FOBL Board of Directors meeting. All members and guests are welcome to attend. Info: blainelibraryfriends.org.
Alaska Packers Association Cannery Museum: Open Friday–Sunday, 1–5 p.m., through May 31 at 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway. Free, donations welcome.
Weather
Precipitation: During the period of March 30 to April 5, 1.1 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2026 year-to-date precipitation record is 13.7 inches.
Temperature: High for the past week was 64.8°F on April 5 with a low of 35.2°F on March 30. Average high was 57.5°F and average low was 41.3°F.
Blaine Senior Center Book Club: Last Thursday of the month, 1–2 p.m., Blaine Community and Senior Center, 763 G Street. Info: wcls. org.
Celebrate Recovery: Wednesdays, Northwood Chapel, 580 C Street. Dinner by donation at 5:30 p.m. and 12-step program for hurts, habits and hangups at 6 p.m.
Blaine Arts Council: Meets second Thursday, 6:30 p.m., at Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Meeting is open to the public. The council promotes, cultivates and supports the arts in order to enrich the lives of the community through creativity with a variety of cultural events, education and shows. Info: blaineartscouncil.org.
Submissions to Coming Up
Wine with Amberleigh: Bayernmoor Cellars
gundy, France, with south-facing slopes and a view of the fog line. It was recommended they plant pinot noir.
Woodinville for their tasting room experience, replete with food pairings by Chef Tori Barr. Check it out at bayernmoor.com.
Song pair: “Price Tag” — Jessie J, ft. B.o.B. Bayernmoor Cellars 2023 Chardonnay — Columbia Gorge AVA
Tasting notes: The nose offers candied ginger, ripe pear and daffodils, followed by flavors of pineapple, Amish butter, fresh corn and lemon meringue, finishing with caramel.
Pairing suggestions: Crab cakes, Caesar salad, sturgeon with ragù broth, caramel-apple crème brûlée
Song pair: “Summertime” — Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong Bayernmoor Cellars 2023 Merlot — Horse Heaven Hills AVA
It was snowing on our visit to the estate in early March, and I had forgotten my coat, but that didn’t stop us from traversing the grounds as winemaker and co-owner Larry Harris spoke of the Bayernmoor Cellars story.
I’d met Larry briefly a couple of years back at the Platinum Wine Judging. I recalled he was tall and formidable, with warm eyes and a passion for wine. I had remembered correctly.
His lovely wife and partner, Kim, grew up where they now process the wine — in an octagonal-shaped structure originally intended to be a barn. Kim was a little girl right inside where the big vats of various pinot
noir clones and chardonnays (to name a few) were getting ready for bottling. (There was a buzz in the atmosphere because almost 2,000 cases of wine were about to be bottled, and their daughter had returned on break from college to participate.)
When Kim’s parents decided the nearly 100 acres were a bit too much, Kim and Larry decided to take it over, building a future legacy winery for their family. Larry, already an accomplished patent attorney with his own firm, said this venture is about “family and community, not about the money.”
They employed the help of Washington State University experts (soil analysis and weather evaluation), who deemed the land similar to Bur-
NOTICE Water Main Flushing
The City of Blaine and Birch Bay Water and Sewer District started flushing the water distribution systems. This is accomplished by opening hydrants along the system (starting at the well fields) to move fresh water throughout the distribution system. The purpose of flushing the system is to remove any grit and debris in order to improve water quality through the distribution system.
During the flushing process, water customers may experience a temporary low water pressure and/or cloudiness in the water. The cloudiness condition (caused by air) should be only temporary, and can be cleared by running a cold water tap for a few minutes to clean and flush your service line. If the condition continues for an extended period of time please contact the Blaine Public Works or Birch Bay Water and Sewer District.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation. If you have any questions, contact City of Blaine Public Works at 360-332-8820, Birch Bay Water and Sewer District at 360-371-7100 or visit www.cityofblaine.com or www.bbwsd.com for weekly area updates.
With the help of industry icon and veteran winemaker Brian Carter, they have received numerous awards since their first vintage in 2017. Accolades include receiving the 2023 Seattle Wine Awards “Fabulous Four” Winery of the Year and 2024 Washington Winery of the Year from Great NW Wine, being written up as “Best of the Best 2025” by Eric Degerman, and earning over 21 Platinum Awards — including a 98-point estate Pinot Noir Clone 777 (notes below).
What’s most exciting is they are opening the once “exclusive-to-members” estate for all to enjoy weekend wine tastings in mid-April in Stanwood. You can bring a picnic and enjoy the rolling views that pair with their award-winning wine.
They provide vineyard tours and have a comprehensive wine club that includes features for when you find yourself in
Bayernmoor Cellars 2023
Pinot Noir Clone 777 (Bayernmoor Vineyard) — Puget Sound AVA
Tasting notes: The nose offers tomato stems, red rose petals, basil, lilies and oregano. The palate is delicate and refined with cherry pits, forest floor, red-fleshed plums, green olives and Earl Grey, with a mild ginger finish.
Pairing suggestions: Prosciutto, Camembert cheese, fruit salad, lamb gyros, pea soup.
Song pair: “La Vie en Rose” — Édith Piaf Bayernmoor Cellars 2023
Pinot Noir Clone Précoce (Bayernmoor Vineyard) — Puget Sound AVA
Tasting notes: Scents of saddle, peach-colored rose petals, violets and ocean breeze introduce a palate of dark cherries, red plum and cranberries — delicate, lingering finish.
Tasting notes: A complex nose of charred cinnamon, cedar shavings, rye toast, dried basil and pinecones gives way to flavors of jasmine, cola, leather, ripe strawberries, with green peppercorn on the finish.
Pairing suggestions: Shepherd’s pie, Cajun prawns, fire-kissed broccolini with balsamic glaze, dark chocolate mousse.
Song pair: “My Type” — Saint Motel In closing, I asked Larry if I could get a quote from him. He said simply: “Puget Sound is becoming the next world-class pinot noir region.”
I couldn’t agree more.
Amberleigh Brownson is the assistant winemaker for GLM Winery in Blaine. She is also a 10-year wine judge and four-time Wine Spectator Award of Excellence recipient.
B y a MB erlei G h
B row N so N
Amberleigh Brownson is assistant winemaker at GLM Winery in Blaine and a 10-year wine judge.
Photo courtesy of Amberleigh Brownson
Bayernmoor Cellars produces an array of wines, including pinot noir, Chardonnay and Merlot.
Photo by Tristan Brownson
ROAD TO RICHES
10pm
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