State auditor issues finding into Port of Bellingham
B y P at G
A 2024 state audit found the Port of Bellingham had failed to follow procurement procedures in its handling of a federal program, a failure the auditor described as material, the most severe category of internal control deficiency in federal auditing.
“We consider this deficiency in internal controls to be a material weakness that led to material noncompliance,” the report from the Office of the Washington State Auditor stated. The state auditor gave the port’s financial statements a clean bill of health otherwise.
Only one federal program was examined as a major program in this audit –the Port Infrastructure Development Program. The audit specifically examined a federal award from the U.S. Department of Transportation that involved more than $4.2 million in federal spending during fiscal year 2024. The port paid $906,006, or about 21 percent of the total federal funds spent in this program, to California-based engineering firm Moffat & Nichol, without following proper competitive procurement procedures.
Following a competitive call for bids, the port had received only two proposals for architectural and engineering services. It incorrectly concluded that receiving only two bids meant competition was inadequate and awarded the contract to Moffat & Nichol without evaluating or scoring either bid submission. While the port received a clean opinion on its financial statements and compliance with the major federal program overall, the finding was significant enough to be reported as a material weakness in internal controls over major programs. It’s required to be disclosed under federal regulations and included in the audit as a federal award finding.
The finding means the port cannot demonstrate it complied with its own
(See Port, page 6)
Preliminary August primary results roll in
B y G race M c c art H y
Preliminary results for the August 5 primary election show clear winners headed to the November general election and a few races still waiting on updated counts.
The election is a top-two primary, meaning the two candidates with the most votes advance to the November 4 general election, regardless of party affiliation. Races that did not have more than two candidates were not on August ballots and will move automatically to the November election.
About 34,860 ballots were counted across Whatcom County on election night, constituting around 25 percent of registered voters. According to the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office, there are another 1,000 ballots left to count.
Blaine City Council
In the race for Blaine City Council Ward 2 Position 4, Isaac Newland came out ahead with 50.5 percent in support (160 votes). He’ll face Ray Leone, who was favored by 38.2 percent (121 votes), in November. Steven Tojek received 11.4 percent (36 votes).
Custer Days makes return after 7-year hiatus
B y J ulia H awkins
After a seven-year hiatus, Custer Days is returning to the community with a parade and other family activities from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, August 9 at 4th and Main streets in Custer.
The Custer Heritage Board is revitalizing the event after it disappeared from lack of community engagement. A team of nine volunteers has been leading efforts, up from the only three or four people involved in previous years.
The event will kick off with a beer garden for anyone 21 and older from 10 a.m. to midnight at Tony’s Tavern. Over 40 local vendors selling everything from home goods to power tools and animal items will open shop at 10:30 a.m. Organizations representing veterans, motorcycles and more will have booths. Also at 10:30 a.m., food trucks vendors including Doug’s Burgers, Paso del Norte, Clutch Coffee and Dirties Soda Pop Stop will start taking orders.
The parade will start at 11 a.m. Pa-
rade entry is free, and registration will be 9-10:30 a.m. in the Custer Elementary School parking lot.
A corn hole tournament will take place 1-3 p.m., and there will be live music and street dancing 5-11 p.m. The bands performing are the Jaded Lovers, Category 5 and Whiplash Rodeo.
Sam Sherman, lead organizer of Custer Days and member of the Custer Heritage Board, is hoping to bring back this event
(See Custer Days, page 6)
Port of Bellingham
As for the Port of Bellingham Commissioner District 2 position, incumbent Ken Bell stepped out to a wide margin over first-time challengers Carly James and Kaylin A. Bosley, earning 60.7 percent (7,773 votes). James earned the second spot, with 34.2 percent (4,384 votes). Whatcom County Council
The Whatcom County Council District 2 race, which represents north Bellingham,
(See Election, page 3)
Photo by Grace McCarthy
Election ...
From page 1
saw Elizabeth Boyle come out ahead with 55.1 percent (4,409 votes). Whether she’ll face Maya Morales or Mike Cullum is yet to be determined as the two candidates were neck-and-neck with one vote separating them. By first count, Cullum was in the lead with 22.2 percent (1,776 votes). The race for Whatcom County Council District 3, representing east county, is showing a favoritism to position newcomers Jessica Rienstra and Kyle Christensen over incumbent Tyler Byrd. Rien-
stra received 48.7 percent (4,088 votes), while Christensen garnered 23.3 percent (1,959 votes) and Byrd trailed behind with 20.8 percent (1,743 votes). Another contestant, Daniel Probst, received 6.9 percent (579 votes).
Whatcom County Library System levy Proposition 2025-02, a ballot measure to restore the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) property tax to $0.42 per $1,000 of assessed home value, appeared to pass with 55.7 percent of returned ballots, or 14,751 voters, approving the levy lid lift. This will be the first property tax rate increase from the library
district since 2009. The library system levy rate had dropped to $0.26 as assessed home values rose and state law limiting a one percent annual increase on levy collection.
For an owner of a house valued at $600,000, the increase will cost an additional $8 per month, or $96 annually, to their property tax payment, according to WCLS. Results in this article were released at 8:05 p.m. August 5. For updated results and precinct-level data, visit bit.ly/40SCcn2. Results will be certified Tuesday, August 19.
Nolan Baker contributed to the reporting of this article.
Girls Who Inspire
BY BLAINE-BIRCH BAY PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT #2
From the classrooms of Blaine to the lecture halls of the University of Washington, Sabrina Boczek has built her academic path on curiousity, hard work, and a love for learning.
Sabrina graduated from Blaine High School in 2024, and is pursuing undergraduate degrees in Chemical Engineering and Applied Mathematics, with plans to graduate in spring 2027. She was nominated as this month’s Girls Who Inspire for her passion for academics, as well as her ability to balance her hobbies and her excitement to try new things.
Sabrina’s decision to enter the engineering field was shaped by her family of accomplished engineers, including her grandfather, mother, and sisters. Inspired by their careers and her own passion for mathematics, she envisions working at the intersection of chemical engineering and applied math.
While her academic workload is demanding, Sabrina still makes time for activities that bring her joy. Whether it’s picking up a basketball for the first time to join an intramural team, sewing and crocheting, or searching for
You can’t become an expert without first being a novice.
- Sabrina Boczek
the perfect cookie recipe, she values the importance of balance.
“The key is to be mindful of my limits and to choose my commitments with that in mind,” she explains.
Learning when to say no helps her stay energized and avoid burnout.
Her motivation comes from a genuine interest in what she’s learning. Even when faced with long hours of homework or difficult material, she reminds herself that the effort she puts in now is an investment in her future.
“It is important to enjoy the process along the way to your goals too,” Sabrina said.
When asked what advice she would give her younger self, Sabrina emphasizes the value of trying new things without fear of being a beginner.
“You can’t become an expert without first being a novice,” she says.
She encourages young women to join clubs, ask questions, connect with professionals in fields they find interesting, and take advantage of high school as a safe place to explore and grow.
Stay tuned for more stories in our “Girls Who Inspire” series, celebrating young changemakers in our community.
Know someone we should feature? Let us know at: info@bbbprd2.com
s Alina Karashchuk submits her primary ballot on August 5 at the Blaine Public Library before the drop boxes closed that evening.
Photo by Julia Hawkins
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
Editorial Intern Julia Hawkins prpintern@pointrobertspress.com
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Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman production@pointrobertspress.com
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Contributors In This Issue
Doug Dahl, Sandhya Gelou, Jake Goldstein-Street / Washington State Standard
The Northern Light
225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230
Tel: 360/332-1777
Vol XXXI, No 8
Circulation: 11,000 copies
Circulation Independently verified by:
OpiniOn
Op-ed: Address diabetes prevention early as a public health priority
As a diabetologist, I have seen the profound impact diabetes has on individuals, families and entire communities. Today, my concern extends beyond my patients to all of Whatcom County and our surrounding counties.
The search for a new director of Whatcom County Health and Community Services is a pivotal moment to shape our community’s health for generations. Now is the time to make diabetes prevention, education and awareness a central public health priority.
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) was once mostly seen in middle-aged and older adults, but that is no longer true. Across the U.S., T2D is rising among young people, including children as young as 10-12. The CDC reports that over
The Editor:
Recent reporting in The Northern Light said “...de-annex a chunk of east Blaine, which would likely lead to high-density housing near Semiahmoo...” This is not quite what is happening.
West of Semiahmoo will likely be developed more densely no matter what. Not because of whether or not we de-annex east Blaine. That will not cause or prevent density in the west. The west area will develop! The only factor to be determined is who develops it, and under what city limits. If Blaine does not annex it, it will likely be developed either under the rules of the new city of Birch Bay, or Whatcom County, but Semiahmoo’s Blaine residents will have no say in the matter, because it will not be Blaine council handling it.
If west of Semiahmoo becomes a part of Blaine, then we can protect the wooded character of current Semiahmoo by ensuring wildlife corridors and ample landscape
30 million Americans have T2D, with youth diagnoses growing at an alarming rate.
This is not just a clinical issue; it is a public health emergency. Early-onset diabetes leads to a lifetime of higher risk for heart disease, kidney failure, vision loss, amputations and other complications. For our community, it means a future workforce that is less healthy, more likely to miss work and more dependent on costly medical care.
Diabetes is also an economic issue. Higher rates mean increased health care costs for employers and employees. More people with diabetes in the workforce lead to higher insurance premiums, more absenteeism and lower productivity. For small businesses, these costs can threaten their ability to offer quality health insurance and stay competitive.
It is not only good medicine, but it is also smart economic policy to address diabetes prevention early, before young people develop the disease, to ensure a healthy workforce. Diabetes is one of the most expensive diseases to treat in the U.S., costing nearly $413 billion annually as of 2022, including $306.6 billion in direct medical costs and $106.3 billion in lost productivity.
Schools can play a pivotal role in prevention. By partnering with local school districts, county health leaders can reach children and families with education about healthy eating, physical activity and lifestyle choices that reduce diabetes risk. Evidence-based programs like the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program show that lifestyle changes can cut the risk of developing T2D by more than 50
Letters
buffers between our current homes and the new development down the hill.
The overlap of this issue is because right now, the county tells us we cannot add new land, because we have not yet developed the land we already have in city limits. The east Blaine area has a big pond area with owners who do not wish to ever build there. If the voters agree to de-annex the proposed part of east Blaine, then the county would more likely let us add some other areas.
So the de-annexation of east Blaine does not cause or “lead to” density west of Semiahmoo. All it does is give us a chance for the city of Blaine to be in the driver’s seat about what the upcoming development in the west area will look like.
Furthermore, the city of Blaine will lose a lot of money and waste resources if we are forced to follow guidelines and upgrade our sewer capacity as if east Blaine will develop, when the owners of that
CiviC Meetings
Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Town halls typically at 5:30 p.m. the first Monday meeting each month. Info: ci.blaine.wa.us.
Birch Bay Community Advisory Committee: Typically the last Thursday of each month, 6 p.m., Birch Bay Bible Community Church, 4460 Bay Road. Updated meeting info: bit.ly/3QmWVcX.
Birch Bay Water and Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4 p.m., district office, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info and Zoom meeting link: bbwsd.com.
Blaine Planning Commission: Second Thursday, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: bit.ly/3EwWiZi.
Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
percent in high-risk individuals. Bringing these strategies into schools can help children, parents and educators build lifelong healthy habits.
This approach aligns with Whatcom County’s Community Health Improvement Plan, which emphasizes healthy, active living and addressing health disparities. Focusing on prevention and education in schools will help us make real progress toward these goals.
Diabetes prevention requires a comprehensive approach: regular screenings, education about managing risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol, and awareness of diabetes complications. The American Public Health Association highlights the need for integrated care and partnerships among schools, health care providers and community organizations to maximize prevention efforts.
By fostering these partnerships, we can improve health outcomes and reduce long-term health care costs for everyone.
As Whatcom County selects its next health director, I urge our leaders to make diabetes prevention and education a top priority. By adopting evidence-based strategies, expanding school partnerships, and integrating care across sectors, we can reverse rising diabetes rates among our youth and protect the health and economic vitality of our community. Our future depends on the health of our children and our workforce. Let’s invest in prevention, support our employers, and build a healthier, stronger Whatcom County for all.
Dr. Sandhya Gelou is a triple board-certified physician in private practice in Bellingham. She completed her residency at Duke University Medical Center, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained diabetologist, and a diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine.
land say they shall not. The rest of Blaine shouldn’t have to pay for that.
Richard May, Blaine City Councilor Blaine
(See Letters, next page)
Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Clarification
In an article titled “East Blaine de-annexation to go before Blaine voters” in the July 17 issue of The Northern Light, it should have been clarified that de-annexing a chunk of east Blaine would likely lead to the city being allowed to annex west Semiahmoo and overseeing high-density housing near Semiahmoo, opposed to the county overseeing the housing.
Blaine Public Works and Park Advisory Board: Second Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Blaine council chambers. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.
Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district boardroom, 770 Mitchell Avenue. Info: blainesd.org.
North Whatcom Fire and Rescue: Third Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.
BBWARM: Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District Advisory Committee meets quarterly in-person and on Zoom. Info: bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org.
Port of Bellingham: First and third Tuesday, 4 p.m., Port of Bellingham Harbor Center, 1801 Roeder Ave., Ste. 146, in Bellingham and via Zoom. Info: portofbellingham.com.
B y s and H ya G elou , M d
s Dr. Sandhya Gelou. File photo
The Editor:
I want to compliment The Northern Light for responsible reporting. I have never seen The Northern Light sensationalize any story at the expense of the readers.
Many of my friends were harmed by the irresponsible sensationalism about a possible disaster from a tsunami hitting our area. All of the official agencies clearly spelled out the times that the waves would hit and what size they would be.
Many of the major news outlets tripled or quadrupled these numbers in order to make news instead of report news. As a result, many people scrambled to leave their homes, causing hardship such as leaving without their medications or their CPAP machines and suffering medical conditions as a result. Who knows how many car accidents were created by this irresponsible reporting.
I would encourage our local citizens to contact the media outlets responsible and express their displeasure with the sensationalism. We have to work together to support an environment of responsible reporting so people can be safe and not placed in harm’s way because of the reporting.
We cannot trust any of the major news outlet who warned that large tsunami waves were going to hit us. The tsunami created waves no larger than one foot in most of western Washington. However, panic ensued as a result of irresponsible reporting. Let us try to ensure that this does not happen again.
Rob Shiras Blaine
The Editor:
We are Birch Bay; the Birch Bay Incorporation Association (BBIA) announces its August general meeting and invites the public to attend a community barbecue at Birch Bay State Park.
The barbecue will be located at the bp Heron Center in Birch Bay State Park. Reminder that Discover Passes are required for parking, so consider walk -
ing, biking or golf-carting to the event. Food will be available 6-8 p.m. Thursday, August 21 and includes hot dogs, hamburgers, beverages and sides. Steering committee members will be on site to answer questions and invite community participation. Of special interest, representatives from Community Attributes Inc. (CAI), the consultant selected by Whatcom County to update the Birch Bay incorporation feasibility study will also be on site and will be announcing their community survey for the study. A webpage for the study has been established at whatcomcounty.us/4615/ birch-bay-incorporation-study
The BBIA has been meeting since June 2023, exploring the potential of the Birch Bay urban growth area (UGA) becoming a city. The steering committee and subcommittees meet monthly, and quarterly community meetings are held in February, May, August and November, when the annual meeting will be held. All meetings are open to the public and have a Zoom option. Recordings of the meetings are available on wearebirchbay.com, along with hundreds of historical documents, meeting minutes and more.
Lisa Guthrie Blaine
The Editor:
I’m still trying to understand how The Northern Light can go after the Port of Bellingham and U.S. Customs and Border Protection with multiple-page articles, yet when it comes to the city, you seem to ignore things that should be questioned. Instead, I often see the paper making excuses for the city. Is there a bias?
I felt the editor’s note with the July 31 letter submitted by Jay Taber disrespectful and a deflection away from the true reason for his submission. His concerns were about there being four qualified people to help write the rebuttal of the “UGA swap” ballot measure who were ignored by council. If an editor’s note was even needed, it might have been related to that.
Then too, why in the July 24 issue was it necessary to explain the comments by councilman Eric Davidson about Mike Hill? What he said was straightfor-
ward. Why instead didn’t you press him about why he voted for Ms. Bains when before the vote he’d voiced that he was against her being appointed because of her connection with Hill?
Then too, you should have questioned how and why after she answered, “I don’t know” to all questions about city issues, she’d be elected to fill the council vacancy by a 5-1 margin over two people who had voiced awareness of city issues. (By the way, thank you Deborah Alexander for your kind words and probing letter along those some lines.)
Did councilors feel Ms. Bains is a “blank page” who could be manipulated, or was it more likely a preordained vote orchestrated by Blaine’s own “Boss Tweed”? A man who, while using our community like a game of Monopoly, may also from behind the scenes be influencing our city management and council (and council candidates).
It’s about time that The Northern “Light” begins to equally shed light on city issues in the same manner it has with the port and CBP. How about starting by writing for us an unbiased and honestly informative article about “Boss Tweed?”
Ray Leone Blaine
The Editor:
I am writing in response to Deborah Alexander’s letter published July 23 in The Northern Light regarding the Blaine City Council appointment process
and my candidacy. It’s a shame she wrote the letter to the editor without reaching out to meet me or understand my background, experience or why I am running for council.
As a minority woman, a small-business owner and a mother of two children attending school in Blaine, I bring a deeply personal and grounded perspective to the challenges many families face in our community. I understand the daily struggle of working parents, the rising cost of living and the growing barriers to affordable housing.
Ms. Alexander’s letter fails to acknowledge the broader context in which public service operates today. Civic leadership is not solely about memorizing prepared answers. It’s about representation, empathy, integrity, and a willingness to listen and grow. I have never claimed to know everything, but I am committed to learning and making thoughtful, inclusive decisions that serve all of Blaine – not just the comfortable few.
The school district enrollment is down by 20 percent over the past five years as young families struggle to find jobs and housing in Blaine. We need leaders who not only speak eloquently but who also understand the real barriers faced by residents trying to build a life here.
Blaine deserves leadership that reflects its future – not just its past.
Sarbie Bains Blaine
Grant applications are available on the City’s website www.cityofblaine.com or by emailing Alex Wenger, CDS Director at awenger@cityofblaine.com. Applications must be emailed to Alex Wenger by the end of the day, Monday, September 1, 2025. For questions, please email or call (360)332-8311 Ext 2001
and Ruth
Blaine Public Schools Foundation looks to energize community, school district
B
y
n olan B aker
Just a few months into its existence, Blaine Public Schools Foundation, a nonprofit committed to filling the gaps in local school funding, is raising money for amenities it believes the Blaine school district needs.
Traci Bowe founded Blaine Public Schools Foundation after attending the Blaine Primary School Family Science Night in February. The small business owner, Blaine resident and mother of three was inspired by the dedication she saw from not only the teachers, high school students and volunteers, but from the school district’s tiniest, wide-eyed, students.
Bowe’s twin daughters are entering the third grade this fall. For three years, Bowe’s daughters have attended Blaine Primary School, and for each of those years the district has passed gut-wrenching budget cuts that have done away with staff members, school programs and extracurriculars.
After seeing the desire for more educational opportunities on the faces of those kids at the Family Science Night, Bowe knew she needed to start organizing.
“Seeing that support, seeing everyone come together, I knew there was so much good here,” Bowe said. “There’s all of these teachers who have given their time. There’s all of these families who have taken their time to bring their kids. I went home and started writing.”
That writing ended up as a letter to the editor to The Northern Light in March urging the community to write to the state legislature and demand proper school funding. Months later, and with little additional funding promised from the state, Bowe has now
Port ...
From page 1
procurement policy, met federal procurement regulations or selected the most qualified firm as required. However, the auditors did not question any costs, meaning the state didn’t find evidence of actual financial harm or that
Custer Days ...
with a bang.
“It used to be an important part of the community that everyone looked forward to,” Sherman said. “Now, we’re excited to bring it back and strengthen the community bond.”
For more information or to volunteer, contact custerdays25@ gmail.com.
assembled a crack team of Blaine school district all-star educators to help the foundation.
Terre Shapiro, the immensely popular elementary school teacher who worked in the district for nearly 40 years before celebrating her retirement this spring, joined the group. So did Becky Martin, who works for the district’s HomeConnection department, and Lindsey Freeman, science teacher at Blaine Elementary School.
With the team assembled, the foundation has raised nearly $1,500 to replace aging basketball hoops at the elementary school, facilitated a trial “recess club” featuring art projects, and is working to help save fifth grade field trips to North Cascades Institute’s Mountain School.
“There are all these budget cuts. It’s heartbreaking to see how the budget cuts are affecting the teachers,” Bowe said. “I don’t think the students necessarily feel it because they’re being protected by the teachers and families, but we know. We know that the effects are there.”
Those effects range from not having full-time librarians, to shutting down all C-team high school sports, to losing dozens of teachers, paraeducators, bus drivers, administrators and more.
“I think as a community we can do something,” Bowe said. “We can change the energy level. We can change the narrative and make this a positive thing where we’re a community that is rising to the challenge.”
The foundation is joining the growing ranks of local citizen-led organizations focused on finding more funding for the financially floundering school district impacted by local, state and federal cuts.
The parent-led Fund Schools
the selected firm was unqualified – just that the proper competitive process wasn’t followed.
In response, the port has agreed to institute a selection checklist that will be completed “by the selection team, and the resulting scorecards will be forwarded to the contracts department and retained in their files. This step has been added to the procurement
Now! popped up last winter to lobby state legislators for more K-12 funding in the most recent biennial budget. Peace Arch Education Foundation, founded by former school board member Charles Gibson, also continues to raise money for teachers. The foundation is working toward an online auction in October to directly support teachers, and it is looking for sponsors of all levels, as well as in-kind donations. Bowe said the organization has filed for its official 501(c)(3) status and will likely receive the status by early 2026. At that time, the foundation’s tax-deductible status will be considered retroactive to April 30, the foundation’s incorporation date. The foundation will then send tax deductible donation receipts for tax filings records. For more information, contact info@blaineschoolsfoundation. org or visit blaineschoolsfoundation.org.
checklist to ensure there is confirmation by someone outside of the selection team that the proper scoring has been documented. Contracts requiring a scorecard will not be compiled without this documentation.”
The state auditor will follow up during its next annual audit to ensure the new procedure is being followed.
Photo by Julia Hawkins
s Blaine Public Schools Foundation founder Traci Bowe presented on the organization at a recent Blaine Chamber of Commerce meeting.
Photo by Louise Mugar
2025 Drayton Harbor Pirate Festival
s J. Allen of Jlallen Artfull Designs was one of the 40-plus food and craft vendors selling wares and filling bellies.
s Blaine Community Theater members welcomed a barrage of water balloons hurtled from the audience as they performed “Pirates of Penzance” to fundraise for their group.
s These participants raced in the “anything but a boat race.” The successful voyage ended with a splash as they abandoned ship in celebration.
s Children rested their legs at storytime with the Blaine Public Library.
s Face painting was one of the many activities for young adventurers at Blaine Marine Park.
s Children took part in a sea spray shootout, obstacle course and water balloon fight for swashbuckling fun.
s Blaine Harbor was taken over by seafaring folks of all sorts for a day of community and celebration.
s Merriment at the market included live music and sea shanties by The Devillies and The Moving Hats.
The Drayton Harbor Pirate Festival brought seafarers to Blaine Marine Park and the Blaine Harbor Boating Center for a day of family-friendly activities on August 2. The event, hosted by the Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2, had a vendors market, “anything but a boat” race, theater, youth activities and sea shanties.
Thu, August 21: Indian Butter Chicken, Basmati Rice, Roasted Cauliflower, Cucumber & Tomato Salad, Rice Pudding
Fri, August 22: Italian Antipasto Entrée Salad, Garlic Toast, Orange Wedges
Mon, August 25: Baked Cheesy Penne Pasta w/ Marinara, Italian Vegetables, Caesar Salad, Peaches w/ Cottage Cheese
Tue, August 26: Mandarin Orange Chicken, Brown Rice, Asian Vegetable Blend, Broccoli Slaw, Tropical Fruit Salad
Wed, August 27: Pub Fish w/ Tartar Sauce, Potato Wedges, Coleslaw, Fresh Melon Salad
Thu, August 28: Beef Stroganoff, Brown Rice, Buttered Dill Carrots, Garden Salad, Ice Cream
Fri, August 29: Tuscan Kale & Sausage Soup, Rosemary Focaccia, Garden Salad, Red Grapes
Subject to change. While quantities last.
Blaine Senior Center sells equipment to the city for $1
In a show of goodwill to the senior citizens no longer under its purview, the Blaine Senior Center nonprofit sold nearly the entirety of its gym, kitchen, entertainment and other equipment to the city of Blaine for a whopping $1. The decisions to “sell” the equipment to the city allowed seniors to keep using the same familiar amenities after Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 took over operation of the senior center building in July.
Sieneke Stevenson, president of the BSC nonprofit, estimates the equipment was worth tens of thousands of dollars. She said the nonprofit functionally donated the equipment to show that the (See Seniors, page 15)
s Kathy Sitker and Richard Sturgill in the Blaine Senior Center gym in 2017. File photo
Viral Labubu craze brings crowds to Blaine for rare sale
B y J ulia H awkins
It’s 5:30 a.m. August 2 at the Hills Chevron on Peace Portal Drive. A red carpet is rolled out as people ranging from children to grandparents – some from as far as Calgary – line outside the gas station’s gift store. They are all there for the same purpose: Labubus.
Behind a velvet rope are the Labubus, small monster plush toys on keychains with a toothy smile and furry bodies, neatly stacked on the sales counter. They are hidden in “blind boxes,” meaning customers won’t know which specific Labubu they purchased until they’ve ripped it open. Next to them, tiny costumes are displayed for sale.
Although receiving mixed reviews on social media, love them or hate them, these collector’s items are a viral craze flying off shelves from Hong Kong to London. These authentic monsters are nearly impossible to get on the official Pop Mart stores, website or resellers.
Labubus began as an illustrated character in Kasing Lung’s “The Monster Trilogy” in 2015. The brand Pop Mart created the characters as figurines in 2019. They spiked in popularity in 2023 when the brand released plush keychain versions sold in blind boxes. Today, they have taken social media by storm due in part to Lisa of the K-Pop band Blackpink bringing
them to the spotlight. Since then, people have filmed themselves unboxing the keychain monsters.
It’s 5:45 a.m., and the line is getting longer, hugging the side of the building. A Krispy Kreme Doughnuts cart makes its way through the line. People swap stories of waking up at 3:30 a.m., how far they drove and which Labubu they wanted.
The Roberts family drove the farthest, traveling 12 hours from Calgary in hopes of getting their hands on a blind box. One woman traveled 37 weeks pregnant from Everett, while others came from Vancouver, White Rock or just down the road in Blaine.
It’s 6 a.m., and it’s time for the event to start. Skye Hill, co-owner of Hills Chevron, stands in front of the crowd, megaphone in hand. She announces the start of the Labubu sale. The crowd responds enthusiastically.
Hill had seen Labubus rapidly take over social media. She said she believed it would be a unique opportunity for not only Hills Chevron, but the wider Blaine community.
Group by group, people walk into the store and pick out their Labubus. Hills provided multiple monsters from different collections: 70 from Big into Energy, six from Exciting Macarons and three from Have a Seat. They were
all purchased from the Pop Mart website to prove authenticity.
Each buyer is encouraged to do the same once their transaction is completed: They walk to a dark blue tent in the parking lot and film themselves unboxing with toys with a ring light, a lighting tool often used by social media influencers. Squeals, claps and laughter can be heard throughout the day as people show off their new accessory.
It’s noon now. Hills Chevron is sold out of the Labubus. But there’s still hope for those who didn’t brave the early morning to purchase the coveted monsters. Two weeks prior, Hills Chevron sold raffle tickets for $5 and automatically gave tickets for every $50 spent at the store, including gas.
It’s time for the raffle.
Amber Ingersoll, digital creator at Hills Chevron, stands next to the Blaine Sasquatch statue, who is appropriately dressed as a Labubu. Ingersoll places her hand in a clear box containing multiple colored tickets and pulls one out. She reads off the number and a crowd member steps forward. The Labubu is hers. Suddenly, Ingersoll reveals another blind box, despite having only advertised one Labubu for raffle.
Ingersoll calls out a number. No response. Another, and still no response. She calls one more and a young boy comes forward. It’s his now.
1
3295 CEDARVILLE RD, BELLINGHAM, WA 98226
s Blaine residents Tenley McCready, r., and Everly McCready, l., hold up their Exciting Macarons Labubus at the Hills Chevron unboxing station on August 2.
Photos by Julia Hawkins
s Hills Chevron co-owner Skye Hill speaks into a megaphone at 6 a.m. while addressing people lined up to get their hands on a Labubu.
s Hills Chevron digital creator Amber Ingersoll draws two winners from the Labubu raffle at noon.
s Walla Walla residents Orion Pleyo, l., and Crystalynn Pleyo, r., hold up their Big into Energy Labubus at the Hills Chevron unboxing station.
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: NELSON RENE RIOS, Deceased. No. 254-00723-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS.
Judge Robert E. Olson
The Personal Representative named below has been appointed and has qualified as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present
assets.
Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: July 18, 2025 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: July 24, 2025
Name of Personal Representative: JENNIFER RIOS
Attorney for Personal Representatives: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262
Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229 Telephone: (360) 325-2550
Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com
DATED July 18, 2025
AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262
Attorney for Personal Representative JENNIFER RIOS
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: ROSEMARY ELIZABETH RYAN, Deceased. No. 25-4-00732-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Robert E. Olson
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: August 7, 2025
Personal Representative: Michelle Louise Kriz 1706 Valhalla Lane, Unit C Bellingham, WA 98226
The Personal Representative named below has been appointed and has qualified as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.
Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: July 22, 2025 with Clerk of Court:
Date of First Publication: July 31, 2025
Name of Personal Representative: KEVIN T. RYAN
Attorney for Personal Representatives: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262
Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229
Telephone: (360) 325-2550
Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com
DATED: July 22, 2025
AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S.
STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262
Attorney for Personal Representative KEVIN T. RYAN
Real Estate
mise with progressive Democrats will allow the funding to go to more than just bringing aboard more officers.
sumers.A new bipartisan law looks to reduce liability risks for developers.
Transit-oriented development
preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll-free at 1-800877-0246.
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: LAURIE LYNN CLUMPNER, Deceased. No. 25-4-00747-37. 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: July 28, 2025 with Clerk of Court:
Date of First Publication: August 7, 2025
Name of Administrator: DANIEL TROWSE
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: July 28, 2025
AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262
Attorney for Administrator DANIEL TROWSE
Funding for more police officers, parking requirements for new housing and penalties for littering.
These are just a few of the issues covered by 333 new Washington state laws that took effect July 27. The date marked 90 days since the end of the 2025 legislative session in Olympia, when most bills signed by governor Bob Ferguson go into force.
A handful of bills became law July 1. Some legislation can take years to go into effect. Here’s a look at some of the new laws on the books.
Clergy
Perhaps the most controversial of the legislation, the state had mandated religious leaders report child abuse or neglect, adding them to a list of mandatory reporters that includes school staff, psychologists and many more. But a federal judge ruled last week that Catholic priests can’t be mandated to disclose this information if they learn of it in a confession. The ruling came in response to litigation brought by three Catholic bishops over this aspect of the law. The U.S. Justice Department has also waded into the case on the side of the bishops. On July 25, a federal judge in Spokane issued a similar ruling in a separate challenge to the law brought by several churches.
For now, the requirement for priests to report suspected abuse or neglect they learn of during confessions is temporarily blocked pending further court proceedings. The rest of the law will take effect.
Police funding
When Ferguson entered office in January, he vowed to only sign a state budget that included $100 million in grants to hire police officers, as Washington ranks last in the country in cops per capita. House Bill 2015 delivers on that promise, creating the grant program. But a compro-
Peer counselors, behavioral health co-responders, training and other broader public safety efforts are among the other eligible options.
To access the grants, cities and counties need to either implement a new 0.1 percent sales tax for public safety or have already imposed a similar tax. They also need to follow state model policies as well as collect and report useof-force data.
The state’s Criminal Justice Training Commission must award the money by June 30, 2028.
Parking
Advocates believe one of the biggest obstacles to building much-needed housing in Washington is local parking requirements that drive up costs and take up valuable space.
A new state law is considered one of the strongest state-level efforts in the nation to relax parking requirements.
Now, cities and counties won’t be able to mandate more than one spot for every two units. They also can’t require builders to include more than one space per single-family home.Jurisdictions also can’t force commercial developers to build more than two parking spots per 1,000 square feet.
No parking minimums are allowed for existing buildings converted from nonresidential to residential use, homes under 1,200 square feet, commercial spaces under 3,000 square feet, affordable housing, child care facilities or senior housing.The rules don’t affect cities with under 30,000 residents.
Condos
Condominiums can serve as a path into homeownership for first-time buyers. But builders have long shied away from building out of fear of litigation due to the state’s liability laws, seen as overly protective of con-
Washington is looking to accelerate the construction of housing near transit, so-called “transit-oriented development.” A new law allows for more dense housing, which Washington desperately needs, while also potentially reducing pollution as more people use buses and rail to commute instead of driving.
The law requires Washington cities to allow housing development near transit.
It also requires 10 percent of units to be considered affordable and 20 percent set aside for workforce housing for the next 50 years. The legislation defines affordable as not costing more than 30 percent of the income for renters who make up 60 percent of the county’s median income or homeowners who make 80 percent of the median.
Developers who meet those requirements would get a 20-year multifamily property tax exemption. And they’d get half-off discounts on local impact fees meant to help pay for transportation projects to accommodate the population growth.
While the legislation took effect July 27, implementation of the new requirements could come as late as the end of 2029 for cities that updated their comprehensive plans last year. Cities that next revise their plans later than 2024 must follow the new rules within six months of updating.
Special education
Washington’s public school students will be offered special education services until the end of the school year in which they turn 22 or graduate high school, whichever comes first. The current age limit is 21.
Lawmakers made the change in response to a court ruling from last year that found Washington violated a federal law dealing with how long states must provide “free
appropriate public education.” The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction estimates 300-1,200 students could benefit from the raised age limit. A fiscal analysis found serving them for an extra year will cost between $6.8 million and $27 million per school year.
Clean fuels
As the federal government steps back from reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Washington wants to double down.The state is accelerating its limits on emissions from transportation. By 2038, the state needs to reduce transportation emissions 45 percent or 55 percent below 2017 levels. Each year, Washington’s Clean Fuel Standard will now aim for emission drops between 3 percent and 5 percent, up from 1 percent to 1.5 percent.
The legislation narrowly passed the legislature amid concerns the change could raise gas prices.
Medical debt Washingtonians don’t need to worry about medical debt appearing on their credit reports anymore.That debt can stop people from getting approved for car or home loans or result in them being denied health care services due to the outstanding bills.
Then-President Joe Biden imposed a similar rule at the federal level, but the Trump administration paused that effort so it never took effect. This week, a federal judge in Texas struck down the federal proposal.
Diapers
One new law looks to increase diaper-changing stations.The statute now mandates baby diaper changing stations in women’s, men’s, or gender-neutral bathrooms in new public buildings or existing ones that undergo remodels costing $15,000 or more.
Littering
Washington faces 42 percent more litter along state roads than the national average, according to a state
Road Rules: Washington law on hiding license plates
B y d ou G d a H l ed, and go over the entire plate. Frames go around the perimeter and have branding from your car dealer or phrases like, “My other car is also terrible.” You can have a license plate frame, as long as it doesn’t cover the state name, plate numbers and registration tag.
Question: A news site has an article about it now being illegal to have a license plate frame on your vehicle, and the author thought the cars she saw being pulled over were because of license plate frames. What’s the problem with license plate frames? This seems like the laws are going too far.
Answer: I’m not a lawyer. I’m a traffic safety nerd trying to help other people become safer road users. I point this out because when I read the law, I reached a conclusion that I subsequently found ran counter to that of many law enforcement agencies. I can’t write you a ticket, and they can, so you’re safer going with their interpretation than mine.
With that out of the way, last year the Washington state legislature made a change to the license plate law. The article you referenced made this seem like a huge change. I’ll give you three reasons why it’s not.
First, the law has always prohibited license plate frames that obscure any information on the plate. Here’s what’s new: The word “cover” was added to the law. The article you read conflated frames with plate covers. Plate covers are typically plastic, sometimes tint-
New laws ...
From page 12
Department of Ecology report from 2023.
So the state is toughening its littering penalties. A new law raises the punishment from a class three to a class two civil infraction and fines from $50 to $125.
The littering fine applies to amounts up to one cubic foot, or roughly the size of a backpack.
The fine is in addition to a separate $93 traffic infraction for throwing garbage onto state highways.
Bail bonds
Lawmakers passed a number of measures this session aimed at protecting immigrants from deportation.One stipulates that it is unprofessional conduct for bail bond agents to enforce a civil immigration warrant. The law also prevents agents from sharing immigration information with anyone outside their business.Those who violate the law could face disciplinary action from the state Department of Licensing.
Antitrust
Washington will be the first state in the nation to require companies to notify the state attorney general of a business merger.
Businesses already have to file a premerger notification with the federal government. Attorney General Nick Brown hopes this change will give the state more time to analyze potential anticompetitive consequences from mergers.
The law covers companies based in Washington or that do a certain amount of business here.
Second, I went out and counted how many cars had license plate covers. Of more than 100 cars, only one had a plate cover, which was protecting a paper temporary plate. If my observations are representative, this change affects a fraction of a percent of drivers.
Third, police have higher traffic safety priorities than searching for that one in more than 100 drivers with a license plate cover.
Now, the controversy. In the part called “unlawful acts,” the law states that it is unlawful to “use license plate holders, frames, covers, or other materials that conceal, obstruct, distort, change, alter, or make a license plate or plates illegible.” A new section of the law about enforcement refers to “license plate covers that make a license plate illegible.”
So tinted covers are for sure not legal. But reading that, I thought a clear non-obstructing cover would be legal. Many law enforcement agencies, and a legislator who sponsored this bill, say it applies
consumer interests in an even more effective way.”
Eid
More than 100,000 Muslims across Washington celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Those celebrations are now on the list of the state’s unpaid holidays.
When he signed the bill, Ferguson, the first-term Democratic governor, said Washington is the first state in the country to designate Eid
to all covers because even clear covers can make a plate harder to read, especially for automated plate readers. There are companies selling plate covers pitching that same argument to convince people to buy them.
The problem is, those companies are lying. Real world testing shows that traffic cameras have no trouble reading plates with clear covers. It seems then, that clear covers would be legal, but again, I’m in the minority here.
What does any of this have to do with traffic safety? I mean, besides the importance of being able to read the plate of a fleeing driver after a crash (or other crime). Who puts a license plate cover on their car designed to obscure their plate? A driver who intends to break the law and is hoping to get away with it. For law enforcement, a dark plate cover is like a megaphone shouting, “Look at me, I’m planning to violate traffic laws!”
It’s also an indicator of a problem with our driving culture. We won’t reach our goal of eliminating traffic fatalities while there are drivers who make it their goal to get away with as much as they can.
Doug Dahl is a Blaine resident, manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.
as a state-recognized holiday.
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha the completion of the pilgrimage to Mecca and commemorates the prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son at God’s request.
Washington State Standard is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization. To read more articles, visit washingtonstatestandard.com.
OBITUARIES
Linda K. Hickman
July 27, 1941 – July 9, 2025
Linda K. Hickman, 83, of Blaine WA, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025, after a sudden illness. Born on July 27, 1941, in Franklin, PA, she was the beloved daughter of the late Jack Kugler, Sr. and Mildred Kugler.
Linda is survived by her devoted daughter, Robin Bonham and son-in-law Kelly Bonham; her grandsons Jeff (Ana) Doyle and Jeremiah (Whitney) Doyle; and her great-grandchildren Rowan, Astrid, Thalen, Jordyn, Madi, Daniel, Ricky and Esteban. She also leaves behind her loving sisters Kathy (Del) Peterson and Sara Mong and sister-in-law Jeannie Kugler. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Mary Jane and her brothers Jack Kugler, Jr. and Michael Kugler.
Linda was a spirited and selfless woman whose kindness touched the lives of many. She worked for many years in the Blaine Middle School cafeteria, where her warmth and work ethic were a daily presence until her retirement in 2018. Her most enduring legacy was her two decades of volunteer service at the Blaine Food Bank. Affectionately known by her food bank family as “Little Linda,” she was a powerhouse of energy, humor, and compassion. Her fierce dedication was matched only by her heart, and she was often the first to arrive and the last to leave, ensuring that everything was ready for those in need.
A celebration of life will be held on August 31, 2 p.m., at the BBV clubhouse. A casual BBQ will follow as Linda would have wanted –filled with love, laughter, and the community she helped nourish.
Dale Roy Crosby
August 12, 1938 – July 23, 2025
Dale Roy Crosby, 86, of Blaine, WA, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2025.
Born in Idaho on August 12, 1938, Dale lived a life marked by service, hard work, and devotion to family. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1956 to 1962 and worked as a pipe fitting welder. He graduated from Benton City High School in 1958.
In 1982, Dale married Bobby J. (Hess) Crosby, with whom he shared over 40 years of love. He is survived by his wife, Bobby; son, Kevin Crosby; and stepchildren, Jack Hill and Kary Gobbato. He also leaves behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Alma Crosby; his sister, Virginia Teub; and his stepson, Todd Hill. He will be laid to rest in Benton City, WA
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
“Washington is a trailblazer for the rest of the nation in adopting a premerger notification law,” Brown said in a statement. “This will allow state antitrust enforcers to protect
Bradley Lloyd Clark
December 4, 1966 – July 6, 2025
Bradley Lloyd Clark of Blaine, WA passed away unexpectedly on July 6, 2025. He was born in Yakima, WA on December 4, 1966. Bradley was a lifelong resident of Blaine and a tribal member of the Samish Indian Nation. He was a devoted single father of two who he cherished. He enjoyed his career in farming and agriculture which started his love for collecting John Deere memorabilia.
Growing up, Bradley competed in bowling and rodeo. On a nice day, he enjoyed a motorcycle ride or fishing on the river. Bradley will never be forgotten by anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. He had the most impactful presence, funniest personality and the biggest heart.
Bradley is preceded in death by his father Darryl Clark, grandparents Ed and Leona King and Benjamin “Jr” and Cleo Clark. Survived by his children April Clark-Roberts (Mason) and Brian Clark-Vanderyacht (Lindsey); sister Elizabeth (Richard); brother Christopher Clark-King; several nieces and nephews; and granddog Winston Roberts.
For information on memorial service, email aprilclark1998@ yahoo.com.
sheriff’s repOrts
July 25, 12:27 p.m.: Domestic order violence cold call on Carson Road.
July 25, 2:41 p.m.: Civil problem on Creasey Road.
July 25, 9:00 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Highland Drive.
July 25, 9:13 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Fawn Crescent Road.
July 25, 9:26 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Sweet Road.
July 25, 9:37 p.m.: Sex offender registration on 3rd Street.
July 26, 2:59 a.m.: Prowler on Ham Road.
July 26, 10:59 a.m.: Child problem on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.
July 26, 12:57 p.m.: Civil problem on Halibut Drive.
July 26, 6:02 p.m.: Juvenile problem on California Trail.
July 26, 8:11 p.m.: Animal problem on Carstan Loop.
July 26, 10:16 p.m.: Domesticphysical on Chehalis Place.
July 26, 10:32 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Bell Road.
July 27, 7:45 a.m.: Harassment cold call on Carstan Loop.
July 27, 2:13 p.m.: Disorderly conduct on Clamdigger Drive.
July 27, 4:13 p.m.: Harassment cold call on Fir Drive.
July 27, 10:05 p.m.: Runaway cold call on Sunrise Road.
July 28, 5:57 p.m.: Trouble with subject on Peace Portal Drive.
July 28, 6:54 p.m.: Trespass on Main Street.
July 28, 7:01 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute cold call on Birch Bay Drive.
July 28, 9:52 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Blossomberry Lane. For a complete list of WCSO reports, visit whatcomcounty.us/2120/Activity-Reports.
pOLiCe repOrts
July 19, 10:54 a.m.: Missing child on Alder Street.
July 20, 1:43 a.m.: Domestic –physical on E Street.
July 20, 1:52 a.m.: Overdose on H Street.
July 20, 7:33 p.m.: Fight on Peace Portal Drive.
July 21, 12:01 a.m.: Fight on H Street.
July 21, 7:35 p.m.: Civil problem on Bayview Avenue.
July 21, 9:18 a.m.: Serve warrant on Martin Street.
July 21, 2:19 p.m.: Threat on Martin Street.
CrOssWOrd
ACROSS
1. Auto manufacturer
4. The 23rd letter of the Greek alphabet 7. Two-year-old sheep 10. Member of indigenous people in Asia
11. Airborne (abbr.)
12. Actress de Armas 13. Not moving 15. Cool! 16. Plants of the arum family 19. Perceptible by touch 21. Rorschach test
23. Monetary units
24. Art 25. Cardinal number
26. Dueling sword
27. Hates
30. Fixed in one place
34. Pie _ __ mode
35. Moved on foot
36. Passenger’s spot on a motorcycle
41. A way through 45. “Rule, Britannia” composer 46. Leader 47. Flowing 50. Common greetings in Arabic countries
54. Solution for all difficulties
55. Soft clothing fabric
56. Building material
57. Sea bream
59. A way to cause to be swollen
60. One and only 61. Skin color 62. Wreath 63. Nevertheless 64. They __ 65. Sea eagle DOWN
1. Policemen (French) 2. Toy dog 3. Inflamed colon disease 4. Muscular weaknesses
5. Helps little firms 6. References 7. Takes down 8. Facilitates 9. One-time empress of the Roman Empire 13. Engine additive 14. Chemistry solution 17. Written account 18. Consumed 20. Coming after all others 22. No (slang) 27. Government lawyers
28. Super Bowl winner Manning 29. Small amount 31. A way to save for your future 32. A way to travel behind 33. Midway between northeast and east 37. Head pain 38. Loud lawn insect 39. Actress Hathaway 40. Boat race 41. About fish 42. Nursemaid in
Coming up
Live Music at the Park: Friday, August 8, 5 p.m., Birch Bay State Park’s wildlife theater. Featuring local band, Soul Duck Hot Swing, performing swing music in the hot club jazz style. Free. Bring a chair.
Live Music at Station 49: Friday, August 8, 6 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Featuring: Wicked Timing. Free admission and family-friendly. Info: station49.fun.
Live Music at The Vault: Friday, August 8, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring Free Harmony. Info: thevaultwine.com.
Movie at the Bay: Friday, August 8, 8:30 p.m., Birch Bay Vogt Library, 7948 Birch Bay Drive. Join for a movie night under the stars on the lawn. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and snacks for a relaxed evening with the community. Food available thanks to Friends of Birch Bay Library. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
July 22, 10:42 p.m.: Threat on Alder Street.
July 23, 2:22 p.m.: Animal problem on Georgia Street.
July 23, 6:55 p.m.: Fight on Marine Drive.
July 24, 1:42 p.m.: Fraud on H Street.
July 24, 7:02 p.m.: Death investigation on Sandpiper Lane.
July 25, 6:18 p.m.: Theft on H Street.
For a complete list of BPD reports, visit Facebook.com/ BlainePoliceDepartmentWA.
India
43. Marketable
44. Tinier
47. Parts per billion (abbr.)
48. Paddle
49. Oneness
51. Bitter compound
52. Not around
53. Very fast airplane
58. Swiss river
ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
tides
August 7 - 13 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
Custer Days: Saturday, August 9, 10 a.m.–11 p.m., 4th and Main streets, downtown Custer. Parade at 11 a.m., corn hole tournament 1–3 p.m., vendors, live music, beer garden and food trucks.
Beach Exploration: Saturday, August 9, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., meet at Birch Bay State Park’s bp Heron Center. Explore the shoreline and view marine critters at low tide. Rocks can be slippery, so appropriate footwear advised. Free. Info: bbbparkandreg.org.
Live Music at Station 49: Saturday, August 9, 5 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Featuring: Ten Feet Thick. Free admission and family-friendly. Info: station49.fun.
DJ and Dance at Station 49: Saturday, August 9, 8 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Free admission and family-friendly. Info: station49.fun.
Live Music at Station 49: Sunday, August 10, 3 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Featuring: JP Falcon Band. Free admission and family-friendly. Info: station49.fun.
Summer Day Camp: Monday–Friday, August 11–15, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Northwood Chapel, 580 C Street. A Minecraft-inspired day camp. $40. Register: cefwhatcom.org.
City of Blaine Regular Town Hall Meeting: Monday, August 11, 5:30 p.m., Blaine City Council Chambers, fourth floor, 435 Martin Street. Public comment time for council members and city staff. Info: cityofblaine.com.
DSHS Mobile Office at the Library: Wednesday, August 13, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. The mobile office gives DSHS the opportunity to provide 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. Info: wcls.org.
Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, August 14, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: general knowledge. Info: thevaultwine.com. Books and Bites: Friday, July 15, 1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. July title: “Chlorine” by Jade Song. Info: wcls.org.
Live Music at Station 49: Friday, August 15, 6 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Featuring: Three Radicals. Free admission and family-friendly. Info: station49.fun.
Live Music at The Vault: Friday, August 15, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring Tea Seas Trio. Info: thevaultwine.com.
Live Music at Station 49: Saturday, August 16, 5 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Featuring: The Shannanagins. Free admission and family-friendly. Info: station49.fun.
Whatcom Grooves Summer Music Series: Saturday, August 16, 7 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Featuring the Jerry Steinhilber Trio. Held outside the library with limited seating. Bring a lawn chair. Registration required: wcls.libcal.com/event/14421686.
DJ and Dance at Station 49: Saturday, August 16, 8 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Free admission and family-friendly. Info: station49.fun. Live Music at Station 49: Sunday, August 17, 3 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Featuring: honky tonk country band, Coyote Creek Band. Free admission and family-friendly. Info: station49.fun.
Blaine Chamber Lunch: Wednesday, August 20, Great Blue Heron Grill, 8720 Semiahmoo Parkway. Speaker: Margaret Owens of the Blaine Art Gallery regarding classes at the gallery. $25. Info: blainechamber.com.
Borderite Community Block Party: Thursday, August 21, 4-8 p.m., Borderite Stadium. Meet the school principals and connect with community resources. Featuring free haircuts, activities, raffles and prizes. Live music, food, drinks and treats, sports exhibitions and club booths. Sponsored by the Blaine school district and Birch Bay-Blaine Thrives.
Birch Bay Incorporation Association Community BBQ: Thursday, August 21, 6–8 p.m., Birch Bay State Park’s bp Heron Center. Join for a BBQ dinner, local updates and community conversation. If you have a side dish or dessert you would like to share, bring one. Free. All ages welcome. Info: wearebirchbay.com.
Ongoing
Weather
Precipitation: During the period of July 28 to August 3, no precipitation was recorded. The 2025 year-to-date precipitation is 15.5 inches.
Temperature: High for the past week was 86.6°F on July 30 with a low of 52.4°F on July 29. Average high was 80.3°F and average low was 55.9°F.
Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Mondays 9 a.m.–noon, Wednesdays 5–7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.–noon. Info:360/332-6350 or Info@ blainefoodbank.org.
The Bridge Food Bank: Fridays, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 7620 Birch Bay Drive. New registration required at thebridgehope.com or call 360/366-8763. Volunteers welcome.
CAP Clothing Bank: Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon and Wednesdays, 5–7 p.m. 508 G Street. The Community Assistance Program clothing bank is now located in the basement of the CAP Center providing free clothing and linens. Donations accepted only during open hours or by special arrangement. Info: blainecap.org or 360/392-8484.
Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Seniors ...
From page 9
organization prioritized the care of Blaine’s seniors, even after losing out on a city contract to manage the senior center in February.
“Even though we were disappointed at losing the contract, the number one priority for us was to make the transition to [BBBPRD2] as smooth as possible for the members of the senior center,” Stevenson said. “We wanted to just do our part in making a good faith effort to turn it over to them in a way that would be most
beneficial to the seniors and the participants there.”
BSC sold the equipment to the city, instead of the parks department, so the equipment would have a better chance of staying in the senior center building, Stevenson said. Most of the equipment was paid for by $45 annual membership dues.
Chairs, tables, live sound gear, pool tables, and dozens of pieces of gym and kitchen equipment –essentially everything in the building save for a few computers and a printer – were kept as is in the center, Stevenson said. The nonprofit approached the city with the
idea of donating its equipment, at which the city quickly jumped. Now no longer receiving membership dues and without a contract, the nonprofit needed to shed expenses like liability and maintenance, while also maintaining consistency for the seniors. Stevenson said BSC has also gifted BBBPRD2 with the remainder of its pro-rated membership dues, totaling roughly $14,000, so that seniors who already paid memberships won’t have to pay user fees to BBBPRD2.
While BSC no longer operates the senior center on 763 G Street, Stevenson said the nonprofit is transitioning to find a new niche where it can still serve seniors.
Mill End Firewood
said it is looking to re-
s Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. File photo
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