January 1 - 7, 2026
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IN THIS
ISSUE
The Northern Light publishers retire, page 4
NWFR to discuss potential levy, page 2
Fund Schools Now to host Blaine town hall, page 3
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Holidays celebrated with free community dinner Meet Randy Small, the man behind Whatcom County Weather By Madelyn Jones
(See Small, page 7)
s Caption goes Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 brought holiday spirit to the Blaine Community Center/Senior Center on December 18 with its December community dinner featuring caroling from the Blaine High School chamber choir. This fall, the parks district restarted the monthly free dinners, which are 5:30-7:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month. Photo by Ruth Lauman
2025
year in
REVIEW
A look back at the year that was ...
By Grace McCarthy January • Birch Bay celebrated New Year’s Eve with lights along the shoreline for the Ring of Fire and Hope and then rang in New Year’s Day with the 42nd Polar Bear Plunge. • The Blaine community hosted its first Fund Schools Now town hall that brought Blaine, Mt. Baker and Ferndale school districts together with state legislators to discuss fixing the state’s K-12 funding model. • Blaine’s Liam Kapeikis finished eighth in the 2025 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas February • O’Reilly Auto Parts opened its doors in Blaine. • Birch Bay Community Advisory Committee held its first meeting after being created by Whatcom County Council to represent Birch Bay. • Bow Wow & Woofs owner Heather Campbell’s cairn terrier, Talisker, won best of breed at the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. March •A growing number of Canadians shunned U.S. travel, destabilizing Blaine businesses and causing layoffs to mailbox stores. • A planning summit on MERIS was held at Semiahmoo Resort. MERIS (Marine, Econo
• my, and Research Institute for Sustainability) was an envisioned Blaine marine center on Blaine Harbor that would be used for marine research, education and tourism. • Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival held its 22nd festival. • About 100 Blaine High School students walked out to protest the possibility of cuts to theater and band. • For the third consecutive year, the Blaine school board approved budget cuts to tighten the district’s already barebones budget by $3 million. April • “Peace, Love and a Handshake” rallies were held every weekend to show support for cross-border neighbors and opposition to tariffs and talk about making Canada the 51st state. • U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) held a roundtable discussion with leaders from Blaine, Surrey and Point Roberts to discuss how the Trump administration’s tariff war and threats to Canada were impacting border towns. May • The Blessing of the Fleet honored local fishers lost at sea during the 41st ceremony. • Nirwan Law Corporation, a personal injury firm, opened in Blaine. •Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 hosted Blaine Borderline 5K Run, which started and ended in Blaine
Marine Park. •Roadrunner Express Car Wash opened in Blaine. •Birch Bay Carts and Rentals celebrated its grand opening before Memorial Day Weekend. June • The Port of Bellingham commission voted to remove executive director Rob Fix during its June 3 meeting. The commission named director of maritime Tiffany DeSimone as the interim director. (See Review, page 3)
INSIDE
Randy Small starts his days early to capture the sunrise. “I try to get up for every good sunrise,” Small said. “I check out the window, and if there’s any hint of color, I leave as fast as I can.” But that’s just the beginning of his busy day. Small, who is best-known for starting the Whatcom County Weather Facebook page – boasting more than 57,000 followers – also works part-time as a pastor at Liberty Baptist Church of Lynden and owns a photography business, among other hobbies. Small always had an interest in weather, particularly the Fraser Outflow, a weather phenomenon where strong winds are funnelled through the Fraser River Valley and into areas like Whatcom County and the San Juan Islands. He joined weather groups on Facebook and taught himself to read weather maps by researching and asking questions. About 10 years ago, he began doing forecasts on his personal page for friends and family, and was later encouraged to continue his online presence for a wider audience. He started the Whatcom County Weather page in 2017, which quickly snowballed into something bigger than Small had ever anticipated. “The first storm we had was an ice storm in December of 2017, and I got pictures and video and I livestreamed,” Small said. “Every storm subsequently kept growing the page.” The real catalyst for the page’s growth was the historic flood and successive cold snap in late 2021. “We forecasted [the flood] days in advance, but I didn’t forecast that it was going to be a flood of that proportion,” Small said. “You don’t really know until something happens.” Small remembers waking up that morning and beginning to understand the storm’s severity as he tried to get on the scene to livestream. He got in his car, and although many roads were closed, he was able to make it to Halverstick and Garrison roads in Sumas, where he saw firsthand the extent of the damage. “I noticed somebody was putting a boat in, and I’m like, ‘They’re trying to rescue people. This is worse than what I even realized,’” he said. Small used his page to get more boats to the area and help out the overwhelmed search and rescue team. While the effort was chaotic and disorganized, he said it was great to see the real-time effects from his page’s reach. “It was very eye-opening to see that the people, the general population, did a lot of life-saving that day,” Small said. Small said he only has two regrets from that day: that a life was lost, and that he felt he didn’t fully prepare people for how bad the storm could have been. “I try not to scare people, but in hindsight,
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Coming Up . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . 11, 12 Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 6 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14
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The Northern Light • January 1 - 7, 2026
August 2024 and twice in 2021. Voters last approved a levy lid lift in 2006. Fire chief Jason Van Der Veen has said the levy is critical for the district to improve response times, staffing and aging infrastructure. The district services 33,800 people across 156 square miles, which include Blaine, Birch Bay, Custer, Lynden and Laurel.
North Whatcom Fire and Rescue eyes levy proposal By Grace McCarthy After several failed levy lid lift attempts, North Whatcom Fire and
Rescue (NWFR) is once again considering putting a ballot measure before voters to help bring essential services to the fire district.
The NWFR Board of Fire Commissioners will hold a workshop to discuss whether the district should go out for a levy lid lift
at 9 a.m. Monday, January 6 at Station 61, 9408 Odell Road in Blaine. The workshop is open to the public. NWFR has struggled in recent years to gain support for a levy lid lift, with the last attempts in
Emergency preparedness website launches for Blaine, Birch Bay residents The Blaine Emergency Response Team (BERT) recently launched a website to help Blaine and Birch Bay area residents prepare for the disasters. The website offers information on flood preparation, response and recovery as well as resources for earthquakes, tsunamis, wildfires and power outages. BERT volunteers compiled information on how to apply for disaster assistance, preparedness guides, emergency childcare information, septic and well water safety, shelter availability, road closure updates, evacuation essentials and safe cleanup practices. The website also includes links to emergency alert sign‑ups and instructional videos for utility shutoffs and applying first aid. For more information, visit BERT’s website at blainebert.my. canva.site.
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d •a r Drayton Harbor Oyster Co. • Gateway1890 Taphouse o Lighthouse Point B • Aloha Cafe • LWater & LReclamation Bakery Facility • CTK Church • VapesterR I Smoke Shop VE D E2 E T N GA • Ttowa Sushi • Edaleen Dairy RI MA Plover i i Passenger Ferry • Border Town Pizza • Starbucks • Bordertown Mexican Grill • Wheel House Bar & Grill 3 TE A G • Hills Chevron & Gift Shop • Paso del Norte • Bella Boutique & Consignment • Railway Cafe • Blaine Bouquets • Chada Thai • Black Forest Steak House • Horseshoe Antiques Sawtooth Dock • Monte’s Just A Bite • Hagen’s of Blaine Commercial Working Piers Marine Services • Inn at the Harbor • Blaine Art Gallery
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CLARK ST. PARKLET
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MARTIN STREET Horseshoe Antiques Hagen’s of Blaine
CLARK STREET Blaine Enterprises Blaine Art Gallery Bayside Beauty
Blaine Public Library
Blaine Police Station
WTA BUS STOP All My Favorite Things
January 1 - 7, 2026 • thenorthernlight.com
Review ... From page 1
• Mike Hill announced his resignation from Blaine City Council due to personal reasons. • Ttowa Sushi, an Asian fusion restaurant, celebrated its grand opening in downtown Blaine. • The Bellingham Scottish Gathering returned to Blaine Marine Park for a second year. • D’Oldhams opens in the American Legion, serving classic American diner breakfasts. • Birch Bay Waterslides reopened with over $1 million in renovations. • Former Sultan superintendent Dan Chaplik was sworn in as interim Blaine superintendent. • Family Care Network started treating patients at Blaine Family Medicine. It was the first clinic to operate in Blaine since April 2020. • The Bridge Community Hope Center opened The Way Cafe, with proceeds funding the nonprofit’s services. July • Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 took over management of the Blaine Community Center/Senior Center and senior programming. • A home improvement store, 1 Stop Interiors, opened in Blaine. • Blaine’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July parade brought thousands of people to Blaine on July 4. • Blaine Harbor Music Festival took over Blaine, bringing with it free concerts and classes for students. • Blaine City Council appointed Blaine Bouquets owner Sarbie Bains to an interim position on council. • Crews started work on Blaine’s Downtown Revitalization Project, which closed sections of Peace Portal Drive through December. The project included sidewalk replacement, tree removal and new lighting. • Blaine school board paused moving first and second grade classes from the primary school building into the elementary school building, originally set to save $600,000 for the 2025-26 school year. August • Blaine Public Schools Foundation, a nonprofit committed to filling the gaps in local school funding, ramped up fundraising after forming earlier in the year. • Custer Days made its return after a seven-year hiatus. • Former Whatcom County Health and Community Services director Erika Lautenbach filed a tort claim against the county seeking $1.5 million in damages, alleging sex discrimination, hostile work environment and retaliation. • The Borderite Community Block Party welcomed students and families back from summer break. Blaine postal carrier Dave Hamilton received “National Hero of the Year” from the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association for saving a woman from a dog attack. • A Whatcom County Superior Court judge found that a man who filed a public records lawsuit against the city of Blaine in August incorrectly cited the law and warned that practicing it in such a way could potentially be a criminal act and risk the plaintiff being sanctioned by the city. September • Nonprofit Warrior Service gathered hundreds of veterans in the Blaine area for salmon fishing and a crab derby.
• Beach Cat Brewing held its second ‘Catoberfest’ fundraiser for Blaine Food Bank. • All My Favorite Things opens in downtown Blaine. • Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 revived the monthly, free community dinners in Blaine that ended during the pandemic. October •The Blaine Seaside Bash featuring OysterFest celebrated fall. • Lil’ Sprouts Child Care Center doubled its childcare capacity after finishing a new building that was funded with a $300,000 state grant. • Blaine officers Trevor Chau, Jeremiah Leland and sergeant Jordan Maphumulo were recognized with life-saving awards. • A Ferndale Police Department investigation found that a group of individuals known under the banner of Save Blaine intentionally interfered with Blaine city staff and council’s ability to effectively govern the city over the past two years. • The Blaine school board extended interim superintendent Dan Chaplik’s contract, set to end summer 2026, for another three years. November • Blaine nonprofits, businesses and community members quickly jumped in to help neighbors who didn’t receive food benefits during the federal government shutdown. • The November 4 general election paved the way for new changes in Whatcom County, with Blaine voters approving the de-annexation of Grandis Pond and county voters approving expanding the Port of Bellingham commission from three to five members. • Adored Again, selling luxury vintage and second-hand items, opens in Birch Bay Square. • The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce was recognized as Tourism Business of the Year by Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism. • The Northern Light released a multi-part investigative series on the Port of Bellingham that examined its use of contractors and executive sessions, among other topics. December • Blaine and Birch Bay residents banded together to support people affected by the historic flooding that hit Washington state in mid-December, devastating areas of Whatcom and Skagit counties. • Members of the Blaine Senior Center nonprofit voted to reject a proposal to move its nearly $300,000 investment fund to the Whatcom Community Foundation, instead keeping the money to help Blaine seniors. • Whatcom County released its draft Birch Bay incorporation feasibility study that depicted a future city that would not have a strong enough sales tax base to keep its budget balanced, drawing criticism from the Birch Bay Incorporation Association. • The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce planned to ring in the new year with the Ring of Fire and Hope.
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Fund Schools Now to host second Blaine town hall By Nolan Baker Fund Schools Now, a local grassroots organization dedicated to help bring in more money to the Blaine school district, announced a public town hall forum on the state of school funding. The forum will be held at the Blaine Middle School Performing Arts Center, 975 H Street, at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6. The event is expected to have student speakers share first-hand ex-
2025
year in
REVIEW B y L i s a D o bb i n , director
This year has been one of both challenge and resilience. Economic pressures have continued to weigh heavily on families in our community, with rising costs making it harder for many to put food on the table. At the same time, funding cuts have added strain to the resources we rely on to serve those in need. These realities remind us just how critical our mission is – and how much work remains to be done.
2025
year in
REVIEW By Erin Beebe, a c c o u n t s r e c e i va b l e
This year marked a pivotal period of progress and stability for our water and sewer utility. We successfully solidified our new management team, bringing fresh expertise and leadership that has already demonstrated its value in guiding our operations and strategic initiatives. On the infrastructure front, we accomplished significant improvements. We replaced 25 aging fire hydrants, enhancing public safety and system reliability. When customers raised water-quality and color concerns, we responded with extensive water main flushing using modified techniques and strategies that produced excellent results with outstanding water quality. We also secured state loan and partial grant funding for small water main replacement projects, continuing our systematic infrastructure renewal.
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periences of how three consecutive years of budget cuts at the Blaine school district has affected their education. Representatives from Lynden and Bellingham school districts will also be in attendance. Event organizers have confirmed the attendance of state lawmakers including Senator Sharon Shewmake and representatives Alicia Rule and Joe Timmons. The event will hope to show lawmakers how dire the state of public education funding has become, and
comes less than a week before the state legislative session opens on Monday, January 12. The upcoming legislative session is “short,” lasting at most 60 days with an expected end date of March 12, as opposed to the 105day session in 2025. Fund Schools Now is offering for people to submit questions for the state lawmakers, which can be filled out at fundblaineschoolsnow.com, and will offer on-site childcare during the town hall.
Blaine Food Bank Despite these obstacles, the strength and determination of our team and community have shone brightly. Our volunteers have been the backbone of our efforts, showing up day after day with compassion and energy. We’ve seen firsthand the power of engaging our community – neighbors helping neighbors, businesses stepping up, and donors like you making a tangible difference. As we look ahead, we do so with renewed hope. The challenges are real, but so is the resilience we’ve witnessed. Together, we can con-
tinue to build a stronger, more connected community where everyone has access to the food they need. Thank you for being part of this journey and for standing with us as we fight hunger and nourish hope. To our volunteers, donors, partner organizations, and local businesses – thank you! Your commitment has kept our shelves stocked, our doors open and our spirits lifted. Every hour volunteered, every dollar given and every act of kindness has made a real difference for families in Blaine and the surrounding community.
Birch Bay Water and Sewer District Our wastewater treatment achievements were equally impressive. We rehabilitated the wastewater treatment plant digester aeration system and installed new mixers with grant funding for enhanced nutrient removal, improving treatment efficiency and environmental performance. At Lift Station 10 on Blaine Road, we replaced aging mechanical components, preventing potential failures. We also continued our ongoing efforts to reduce rain inflow and infiltration within the sewer collection system, protecting treatment capacity and reducing operational costs. A recent achievement was the approval of the 2026 budget, which maintains affordable rates while ensuring continued reliable service. We secured new financing and grant funding for an upcoming scheduled capital project, demonstrating our ability to leverage resources effectively. Looking forward, we have
developed a nearly $30 million capital plan over the next 10 years. Our planning approach remains methodical and pragmatic to serve the growing community. Regarding regional discussions about incorporation or annexation, we maintain a neutral posture – our focus remains on what we do best: providing exceptional water and sewer services to our community with excellence and dedication.
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The Northern Light • January 1 - 7, 2026
Opinion
The Northern L ght The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc. Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors. Letters Policy The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. The letters to the editor column is primarily intended to allow readers to voice their opinions on local issues of general interest to local readers. A fresh viewpoint will increase the likelihood of publication. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Consumer complaints should be submitted directly to the business in question or the local chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com. Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com Reporter Nolan Baker nolan@pointrobertspress.com Creative Services Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman production@pointrobertspress.com Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Gary Lee sales@pointrobertspress.com General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com Contributors In This Issue Madelyn Jones, Kelle Rankin-Sunter
The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXXI, No 28 Circulation: 11,000 copies
Publishers to retire, The Northern Light and other publicatons to be transferred to nonprofit B y P a t G r u bb Saturday, September 28, 1991: My spouse, Louise Mugar, and I were sitting at home with our three-year-old boy in Point Roberts when the mail containing that month’s issue of the All Point Bulletin was delivered. The paper was being shut down, announced the publisher and editor Glennys Christie. Hmm, we said. Louise was pregnant, unable to work in Canada but wanting something to do. Both of us had publishing experience in magazines and books in New York City and thought, why not? We bought the paper, hired Glennys, and two months later published the APB with our names on the masthead. June 1995: Three years have gone by, we’re getting the hows of publishing a newspaper, we’re a little bored and say to ourselves, why not start a newspaper in Blaine? So, we did. The Northern Light. We hired a graphic designer, opened an office on the harbor, and away we went. In 1996, we started Waterside, our annual summer guide to water-based communities in SW B.C. and NW Washington. In 1999, we bought the Mount Baker Experience, an outdoor adventure and lifestyle magazine from Al and Nickee Magnusson, and redesigned and revamped it. In 2004, we started Pacific Coast Weddings, a guide for brides-to-be. We also began publishing maps along the way. Started a weekly news bulletin for Point Roberts. Put all our publications on the internet. The lesson in all of this? Don’t get bored if you don’t want to work hard. None of this would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of some truly gifted employees. Ruth Lauman was our first employee and still works parttime for us. Jeanie Luna came on very early as our office manager, left several times but has always come back. Molly Ernst has been with us in sales since 2003 – she succeeded her mother Jackie Hollett, who was our first salesperson and joined us within months of
starting TNL. Doug De Visser, our extraordinarily skilled and creative designer, started in 2013. Weekly news bulletin editor and special publications editor Aly McGee began in 2018. Our dedicated and always professional editor Grace McCarthy came on in 2020, congenial and enthusiastic salesperson Gary Lee in 2021, followed by MBE editor and TNL reporter Nolan Baker, a thorough and fine writer, in 2023. That’s not to mention an army of freelance writers and photographers who have contributed to the success of our special publications. Almost all of our editorial staff came out of the journalism school at Western Washington University – we can’t praise that school enough for the quality graduates they produce year after year. Our business model mostly relied upon advertising to support the publications. Most of our advertisers were small businesses like us, struggling to make a go of it. Our goal was to connect our readers with those businesses, and we were able to do that by using the U.S.P.S. to deliver to every home in the 98230 and 98281 zip codes. The Blaine and Point Roberts post offices have been great partners. In our first issue, we wrote, in part: “We believe a newspaper should be a positive force in the community. It achieves this through editorial excellence and by welcoming and encouraging local voices to provide a fresh viewpoint. It serves its readers best by presenting the news with clarity, honesty and fairness.” All in all, we believe we have achieved that. Some of our subjects disagreed with us. I have stood in parking lots with people two inches from my face, screaming at me. Amazingly, I was never punched. There was one water commissioner in Point Roberts who would become enraged just at the sight of me. He would sit across the table, swear words and spittle spraying in every direction, while I sat there stone-faced. I will never forget the meeting where he threw a fellow board member into the
wall, leaving a commissioner-shaped hole in the drywall. The people we have met. If the census ever tracked the number of characters per capita, Blaine, Birch Bay and Point Roberts would rank near the top. The number of hardworking, enthusiastic individuals both within and out of government service working on behalf of their communities would rank even higher. Back in 1858, a man named William Bausman started a newspaper called The Northern Light, the first newspaper in Whatcom County. It lasted for 11 issues. Its namesake, this iteration of The Northern Light, has lasted for 1,531 issues. The All Point Bulletin has made it for 483 issues, 413 of which were under our watch. Not counting our other publications, that means we have written or proofed approximately 34.3 million words of editorial. We’ve uncovered fraud, corruption, and waste; covered countless meetings, hundreds of sporting events and three decades of high school graduations; sat on multiple chambers of commerce and tourism boards; spent years on the phone and in meetings. We’ve gone through 9/11, the Great Recession and Covid. We’ve stayed up all night on multiple occasions to deliver flats to the printer, suffered computer breakdowns, covered crimes and festivals – we’ve done it all. Since 2014, we have received 355 Washington Newspaper Publishers Association awards. Now it’s someone else’s turn. After 35 years, walking away isn’t easy – but knowing the newspapers and other publications will continue makes it easier. We are in final negotiations to turn the company over to a non-profit newspaper organization. There may be a lapse of a couple of issues, but we are hopeful that our readers and advertisers will soon be seeing a familiar friend next to their coffee cups. It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve you, and we thank you for the support you have given us over the years. Take care.
Letters The Editor: I live on H Street in Blaine and most early mornings I walk along Peace Portal Drive out to the fishing pier. I have noticed a number of people who apparently are sleeping overnight in doorways or alcoves along Peace Portal. These people are not threatening, are not panhandling, begging or asking for anything. So my question is this: As days and nights get colder, what is the possibility of Christ the King Community Church, with their Blaine campus on Peace Por-
tal Drive, offering help or shelter for these folks? Rene Laventure Blaine The Editor: I appreciate The Northern Light’s recent coverage of the draft Birch Bay incorporation study and the community discussion it has prompted. The study released by Whatcom County and prepared by consulting firms Community Attributes, Inc. and Maul Foster & Alongi does not recommend incorporation
one way or the other. But it clearly highlights serious fiscal shortfalls that should concern all residents before moving forward with incorporation. According to the report, an incorporated Birch Bay would struggle to balance its budget without increasing taxes – especially for public safety. The report is based on a detailed finan(See Letters, next page) Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Civic Meetings
Circulation Independently verified by: 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-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday of each
month at 6 p.m. Info: bbbparkandrec.org. 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. 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.
January 1 - 7, 2026 • thenorthernlight.com
2025
year in
REVIEW By Mike Harmon, city
manager
As 2025 comes to a close, the city of Blaine has made significant progress in several key initiatives that will shape its future. From urban planning to infrastructure improvements, here’s a look back at some of the most notable accomplishments from the year. Blaine Police Department The Blaine Police Department made notable progress in 2025, with key developments in staffing, training and community engagement. The department welcomed four new officers, all of whom have direct ties to the Blaine community. Two of the officers brought previous experience in criminal justice, with one having worked as a 911 dispatcher and the other as a former corrections deputy. One officer is also fluent in Russian, adding to the department’s diversity and capabilities. There were also several internal promotions, including a new sergeant and a deputy chief. These promotions demonstrate the department’s commitment to professional growth and leadership development. The department consolidated multiple computer systems into one unified platform, increasing efficiency and reducing costs to the city. This system handles everything from internal affairs to use-of-force reporting and training tracking. Throughout the year, officers participated in numerous community events, school programs and other local initiatives. They also assisted in drone response operations across the county. Last but not least, several officers were honored with life-saving awards and the Meritorious Service Award for their exceptional service.
Letters ... From previous page
cial model. It reflects that, under current service levels and revenue assumptions, Birch Bay could face annual deficits without raising the property tax to its maximum and/or significantly reducing service levels. This reality should be central to any public discussion about incorporation. In your article, [“Draft Birch Bay incorporation study draws criticism” by Grace McCarthy, published December 17] the Birch Bay Incorporation Association (BBIA) said the report should be revised to include more optimistic revenue streams. BBIA criticized the study’s assumptions, suggesting alternative service models or leaner city staffing. While it is reasonable to question individual inputs, the study’s overall message remains important as presented: Incorporation is not financially feasible without additional revenues or service compromises. This approach is akin to cooking the books until the desired outcome matches their desires. Responsible civic decisions should rely on factual analysis, not on optimism. This study offers a valuable reality check. Before moving forward with any incorporation process, res-
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City of Blaine Community Development Services Department In the Community Development Services Department, one of the year’s significant achievements was the ongoing update to the city’s periodic comprehensive plan. The comprehensive planning process involved extensive public outreach, including meetings with Blaine Planning Commission, presentations to the Whatcom County Council, and discussions with the Birch Bay community. The city hosted open houses at City Hall and Semiahmoo and adopted a public engagement plan along with a comprehensive outreach survey. While more work remains, this progress underscores the city’s commitment to shaping its longterm future in collaboration with the community. The past year also saw critical updates to Blaine’s zoning regulations. The creation of a new urban mixed-use zone will provide more opportunities for diverse development in urban areas. At the same time, amendments to the residential office and manufacturing zones were made to better meet the community’s needs. Planning for Blaine’s future urban growth area took another step forward in 2025, with the Whatcom County Planning Commission recommending approval for the proposed area. This approval is essential for the city to plan for future growth and development. A major 2025 success for the city was the passage of the de-annexation ballot measures in the November general election. The measures passed with overwhelming support, ensuring that Blaine can proceed with the de-annexation process, which is expected to be completed by early 2026. idents deserve to know the financial implications for our community. David Ensign Birch Bay The Editor: Thank you so much for researching and writing about the apparent indiscretions of the Port of Bellingham. Amazing the gall and effort they expended to accomplish this. Wonder what it cost the taxpayer. Can’t imagine the determination and effort required on your part, but important to our community. Don Fitzpatrick Jr. Blaine The Editor: Wow, I am impressed! The multi-part series “Behind Closed Doors” on the Port of Bellingham commissioners is excellent work. As an old J-school grad (Mizzou 1975) from the days of Watergate, I can appreciate the amount of investigative work that was done to produce these stories. We have lived in Blaine for almost five years and have enjoyed reading The Northern Light. Until this series, I did not fully appreciate the value you provide the community. Keep up the good work. David J. McAllister Blaine
Despite challenges related to border issues and construction projects, Blaine tourism had another successful year. A highlight was the restoration of the historic M.V. Plover ferry. The ferry returned to Drayton Harbor this summer, bringing new excitement to local tourism. Special thanks to the crew of the Plover, who handled the restoration and operations, including the introduction of a new ticketing app. There was also significant activity in land-use permitting, with several large and medium-sized projects being approved. These projects are expected to result in the creation of at least 629 new homes in the coming years. Additionally, the department processed commercial building permits for new homes and businesses such as Family Care Network, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Roadrunner Express Car Wash, and 67 single-family homes. The Code Enforcement Program made significant strides in 2025, closing 55 cases, including several longstanding nuisance issues that had plagued the community for years. This success reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to maintaining Blaine’s safety, cleanliness and overall quality of life. Blaine Public Works Department The Blaine Public Works Department had a busy year, completing several key projects and managing a high volume of customer service requests. The department handled 1,025 customer service requests, processed 50 right-of-way permits and completed 750 utility locates, demonstrating its commitment to service excellence. Key projects included the paving of Jerome Street, the Lincoln Park
s City staff during a November 2025 Blaine City Council meeting. Photo by Louise Mugar
trail and the cemetery approach. All projects were completed on budget, highlighting the department’s strong operational management. The department installed on-site hypochlorite generation equipment at the Wellfield, improving water treatment safety by eliminating the need for compressed chlorine gas. The Downtown Revitalization Project was substantially completed, enhancing the city’s core infrastructure. Additionally, the Bell Road-BNSF Railway Grade Separation Project progressed with field investigations to advance design work, and the Boblett Channelization Project was finalized, enhancing roadway safety. Lastly, the department secured grant funding for pedestrian safety improvements around school zones and phase 3 of the Peace Portal trail, which will extend the trail from Hughes Road to Bell Road. Looking ahead The past year has been a year of growth and achievement for Blaine, and the city remains committed to continued progress. Looking ahead to 2026, the city will complete the de-annexation process, continue the comprehensive plan update and work on major infrastructure projects. These efforts will help ensure Blaine’s future as a vibrant and sustainable community.
CITY OF BLAINE January 8, 2026 6:00 PM – Planning Commission Meeting January 12, 2026 4:00 PM – Study Session: Board/Commission/ Committee Interviews 5:30 PM – Study Session: Town Hall 6:00 PM – City Council Meeting January 13, 2026 9:00 AM – Public Works and Parks Advisory Board January 26, 2026 6:00 PM – City Council Meeting Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website. Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.
www.cityofblaine.com
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The Northern Light • January 1 - 7, 2026
2025
year in
REVIEW
Sports Blaine High School sports
s Makenna Lausier has her hand raised after her pinfall victory over Kelly Camacho in the 105-pound championship match at the District 1 1B/2B/1A tournament on February 15. Photo by Zen Hill
By Nolan Baker The past year was full of lasting memories of triumph for Blaine athletics. The year saw Blaine athletes take home state and district championship trophies, All-State honors bestowed and records broken. Read on for a recounting of some of Blaine’s biggest sports accomplishments from 2025. • Competitive cheer qualified for the state championships at Battle Ground High School January 24-25, with the team earning its third consecutive state qualification. The team finished fifth at state. • The senior class of Blaine boys wrestlers were honored with a final home win on January 21, defeating Mt. Baker 45-36.
s Blaine senior midfielder Brietta Sandell looks to the sky in celebration after defeating Nooksack Valley 1-0 on November 8 and clinching a spot in the 1A State playoffs. Photo by Nolan Baker
• Girls bowling earned a spot in the 1A state championships and finished the regular season as 1A/2A District champions on January 28. The team placed 11th at the 1A State Championships on February 8. • Blaine wrestling left districts at Squalicum High School with first place for boys and second place for girls. • Blaine wrestling sent 15 wrestlers from its boys and girls teams to compete in the Mat Classic state championship on February 23 at the Tacoma Dome. Five Blaine wrestlers placed on the podium at state; Blaine senior Otto Shelton placed third in the 1A heavyweight division, and Makenna Lausier placed second in her division.
• After five years as assistant coach, Riley Miller took over head coaching duties for Blaine girls softball, replacing her father, Sean Miller. Blaine softball won its first game of the season 27-4 over Orcas Island on March 20. • Senior Jaiden Paez earned a First Team All-State selection for his stellar 2024 season as running back for Blaine football. Paez racked up 1,815 rushing yards on 213 carries and 23 rushing touchdowns en route to one of Blaine’s best football seasons in recent memory. • Track and field hosted its first home meet of the 2025 season on April 2, with five Borderites – Kaitlyn Ritter Von Trautmann, Brietta Sandell, AJ Anthony-Bennett, Makenna Lausier
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Number of employees: One, Kole Berzenji, who works full-time with the support of his wife and business partner, Natasha Berzenji. How long in business: Since February, 2024. Description of the business: Berzenji Productions & Media is a video studio specializing in three core areas: video production, Facebook and Instagram marketing, and Living Memoirs. Living Memoirs represents their greatest passion, transforming the life stories of loved ones into beautiful documentaries that families can treasure and pass down for generations. How the business started: Kole and Natasha launched their business as newlyweds in response to challenges they faced following the COVID-19 pandemic. When life took unexpected turns, they recognized a unique opportunity to pursue something challenging yet potentially deeply rewarding. They remain grateful for the leap of faith they took. Future goals: Kole and Natasha aspire for Living Memoirs to become the defining essence of their business, a service that enriches families’ lives throughout Whatcom County and beyond. Featured businesses are selected randomly from the Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce membership.
This is a monthly feature sponsored by the Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce www.blainechamber.com • (360) 332-4544 • Join the chamber today ... membership has its privileges!
s Blaine players react to a service ace by senior libero Hannah Phelps-McDonald, c., on November 4.
and Lydia Ayala – earning first place finishes. • Blaine baseball won six straight games in April, beating numerous Northwest Conference rivals and outscoring six opponents by a combined score of 26-2. • Blaine boys soccer celebrated senior night on April 17 with a 3-0 win over Mt. Baker and goals from Isaiah Zuch, Logan Villarreal and Christian Sanchez. • Blaine baseball’s winning streak was ended by Mt. Vernon on April 29, with MLB prospect Xavier Neyes hitting a pair of home runs to beat the Borderites. • Girls golf sent three players – Marcella Bring, Thora Engen and Hannah Phelps-McDonald – to the 1A State Golf Championship on May 20 after finishing in second place as a team at the district playoffs. • Three Blaine girls tennis players qualified for state following wins over Meridian and Nooksack Valley on May 15. Ana Tuski qualified as the lone singles player, and Bea Dickson and Carly Saunders qualified as doubles partners. • Track and field showed out at the 1A District 1/2 Championships on May 24, with nine athletes advancing to the 1A State Championships in Yakima. Both boys and girls 4x100-meter relay teams qualified for state, along with Kaitlyn Ritter Von Trautmann earning a spot in the 200-meter sprint. • Six Borderites were named to All-Northwest Conference teams at the end of the spring season. Shaylie Daniels (softball), Evan Yates and Josh Cochran (baseball), and brothers Max and Dima Yuryev (soccer) were all honored for their contributions over the season. • Blaine freshman Ruby Belarmino scored a pair of goals to beat Northwest Conference rival Nooksack Valley 4-3 on September 23. Halfway through the fall sports season, Belarmino led the Borderites with 10 goals, good for fourth on the conference leaderboard, leading all freshmen.
Photo by Nolan Baker
• The Borderite Hall of Fame Class of 2025 inducted Jacquie Robbins, Stan Bianchi, Phillip Claymore, Kristina (Francis) Thayer, Sherry (Hackman) Andersen, Tyler Swinburnson, Ryan Wallen, the 2005 boys golf team, and distinguished honorees Joan (Auld) Clair and Jack Bulger on October 1. • Blaine football defeated Friday Harbor on the road on October 17, winning 42-21 and earning its second win of the season. Sophomore quarterback Connor Brown had one of his best games of the season, completing 22 of 27 passes for 316 yards and four touchdowns. • Blaine cross-country runners Emmanuel Rios-Martinez and Steven Phelps-McDonald qualified for the 1A State Championship with solid performances at the Deming Logging Show Grounds on October 31. • Blaine girls soccer qualified for the 1A state playoffs with a 2-0 win over Nooksack Valley on November 8. Junior forward Kate Koreski scored both goals for the Borderites and scored Blaine’s final three goals of the 1A District 1 tournament. • Blaine swimmer Hailey Farrell won the 1A state title in the 500-yard freestyle competition on November 15. Farrell won with a time of 5:20.08, more than eight seconds faster than the runner-up. • Boys basketball tipped off the winter season with a 77-23 home win over La Conner on December 2. Senior forward Landon Melton recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. • Blaine wrestlers Cole Voight and Kiera O’Reilly each took first place in their divisions at the Spartan Winter Wrestlefest tournament in Stanwood on December 6. • Senior forward Landon Melton led Blaine boys basketball to a 67-62 victory over Bellingham on December 10, scoring a gamehigh of 21 points. The win was the Borderites’ first conference win on the season.
January 1 - 7, 2026 • thenorthernlight.com
Small ... From page 1
I wish I would have been a little stronger,” he said of his warnings. Small said preparation for a storm takes hours, and that running the page requires a lot of work. He said he is grateful to have the help of three other people who assist with the page. “It’s very hard, and I’m probably working too much,” Small said. “I’m trying to cut back some.” Small said Whatcom County is due for a wind storm because there hasn’t been a big one for a while. Ultimately, he wants to help people feel prepared and educated when storms do hit. “I love storms, but I don’t like to see people’s homes destroyed,” he said. When he’s not chasing the weather, Small enjoys being involved in the community and taking photos for Lynden High School’s football and basketball teams. He and his wife have three teenagers who attend the
2025
year in
REVIEW By Jennie Sand, executive assistant
North Whatcom Fire and Rescue, officially known as Fire District 21, experienced a year of both loss and resilience in 2025. In March, we held a line of duty death memorial for division chief Shaun Ward, who passed away after bravely fighting a job-related cancer. Chief Ward’s dedication to our community will not be forgotten. In May, we welcomed deputy fire chief Tony Melillo to help manage operations and training. Our team saw other changes as well. Four firefighters joined us in January to fill vacancies, and firefighters McDermott and Thompson earned promotions to captain. While openings remain, budget constraints will prevent additional hiring for 2026. Through November, we responded to 5,462 calls – nearly 70 percent for medical emergencies, 2.5 percent for fires, and
high school and he affectionately calls himself their chauffeur. “I’m a very fortunate person, a blessed person and well-appreciated in the community,” he said. “I’m grateful for that.” Above all, Small said he loves that his weather work involves him in the community, giving him the opportunity to speak at schools, in science classes and in community centers. “If you were to summarize my life, it’s about people,” he said. “I just like people. I like talking to people probably too much. I like helping people. I like serving.” Small wears many hats not just figuratively, but literally. At a previous job, he worked outside driving a forklift. One of his coworkers wore an ear flap hat during the cold months, and he decided to purchase one. Little did he know that hat would become an iconic symbol of his weather forecasting. He wears it when there is a winter storm warning for the lowlands of Whatcom County. The hat’s popularity grew
NWFR the remainder for false alarms, public assistance and hazardous conditions. Notably, 30 percent of calls occur simultaneously, straining our limited resources and delaying response times. For the third consecutive year, the district has drawn from reserves simply to maintain daily operations. As call volumes and community needs continue rising, we anticipate seeking public approval in 2026 for a levy lid lift to adequately fund the department. Despite these challenges, bright spots remain. Our tender group continues bringing water to areas without adequate hydrants, and with new operators from Whatcom County Fire District 7, these dedicated volunteers have become a model for others countywide. We also participated in numerous community events, including the Thanksgiving Basket giveaway, Community Toy Store, Trick-orTreating on the Berm and school visits throughout the year. We wish you a safe and healthy New Year.
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s Randy Small is a self-taught weather forecaster who uses his Facebook page, Whatcom County Weather, Photo by Madelyn Jones to inform residents of upcoming storms. so much with viewers that he eventually sold a few with his logo. “I’ll put the hat on and everyone knows we’ve got snow
coming,” Small said. For more information on Whatcom County’s latest weather forecast, visit Whatcom County
Weather on Facebook. Small’s photography, which he uses to help fund his weather work, is available at randysmall.com.
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The Northern Light • January 1 - 7, 2026
Health & Wellness Local choices in health, healing & fitness. M.D. Spa & Wellness Center opens in Birch Bay Square By Louise Mugar M.D. Spa & Wellness Center has moved from its former location on Birch Bay Drive to Birch Bay Square at exit 270 off I-5. CEO Marika Dawe said she was excited for the new location as it
makes it easier for north Whatcom County clients to access their services. In addition to the Birch Bay Square location, the wellness center recently opened a new 3,500-square-foot medical spa and training facility in Burlington. According to Dawe, it is
the only medical aesthetics training program in Whatcom and Skagit counties. Two medical doctors oversee the school and wellness centers to help both students and clients receive quality professional experience and care. Estheticians are licensed and several are registered nurses.
Dawe described her company’s approach to beauty and wellness as holistic, with treatments designed to enhance “natural beauty while promoting overall health.” Services include Botox, Juvéderm, microneedling, medical-grade facials, vitamin injections, laser
treatments, medical weight loss management and hormone replacement therapy. The Birch Bay Square location is open Monday through Saturday by appointment. For more information, visit md-wellness.com or call 360/920-3310.
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January 1 - 7, 2026 • thenorthernlight.com
Active S eniors January Blaine Senior Center Lunch Menu 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Thu, Jan. 1: Happy New Year – Center Closed Fri, Jan. 2: Creamy Tomato Basil Soup, Chicken Caesar Wrap, Garden Salad, Banana Cream Pudding Mon, Jan. 5: Pork Souvlaki w/ Tzatziki, Whole Wheat Pita, Roasted Zucchini & Peppers, Caesar Salad, Orange Sherbet Tue, Jan. 6: Beef Soft Tacos, Spanish Rice, Corn Salsa Salad, Fresh Pineapple Wed, Jan. 7: Rueben Style Chicken, Roasted Yam, Normandy Blend, Kale Citrus Salad, Peanut Butter Krispie Bar Thu, Jan. 8: Pasta Primavera, Roasted Carrots, Caesar Salad, Peaches Fri, Jan. 9: Ahi Tuna Entrée Salad, Veggie Spring Rolls, Orange Slices Mon, Jan. 12: BBQ Pulled Pork, Brown Rice, Roasted Carrots, Cucumber Onion Salad, Orange Cream Tue, Jan. 13: Beef Burgundy, Brown Rice, Honey Glazed Carrots, Garden Salad, Apple Crisp Wed, Jan. 14: Mushroom & Cheese Omelet, Roasted Breakfast Potatoes, Garden Salad, Orange Juice, Fruit & Yogurt Parfait Thu, Jan. 15: Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich, Roasted Potato Wedges, Carrot Raisin Salad, Tropical Fruit Salad Fri, Jan. 16: Tuscan Sausage Kale Soup, Rosemary Focaccia, Garden Salad, Fresh Red Grapes Mon, Jan. 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Center Closed Tue, Jan. 20: Kung Pao Chicken, Brown Rice, Veggie Spring Rolls, Asian Slaw, Mandarin Oranges Wed, Jan. 21: Birthday Lunch – Cranberry Mustard Pork Loin, Mushroom & Wild Rice Pilaf, Balsamic Brussels Sprouts, Garden Salad, Birthday Cake Thu, Jan. 22: Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potato & Gravy, Peas & Carrots, Garden Salad, Ambrosia Fri, Jan. 23: Chicken Apple Walnut Salad, Oatmeal Bread, Fresh Banana Mon, Jan. 26: Spaghetti w/ Meat Sauce, Italian Vegetables, Caesar Salad, Sliced Peaches Tue, Jan. 27: Turkey Pot Pie, Spinach Salad, Grapes Wed, Jan. 28: Country Fried Steak, Potatoes & Gravy, Peas & Carrots, Garden Salad, Strawberry Ice Cream Thu, Jan. 29: Lemon Pepper Cod, Vegetable Pilaf, Balsamic Brussels Sprouts, Coleslaw, Seven-layer Bar Thu, Jan. 30: Chicken Taco Soup, Whole Grain Tortillas & Salsa, Garden Salad, Fresh Pineapple
Start the new year with Blaine Senior Center
By Kelle Rankin-Sunter The old saying “use it or lose it” never rings truer than as we age. The holiday season annually ends with New Year’s resolutions, which are intended to address our past transgressions but are really a reaction to a six-week over-indulgence in food and drink and an under-indulgence in healthy habits. When we are also in the double jeopardy of short days and cold, rainy weather, it makes the idea of outdoor activity even less appealing. Fear not! You are not alone and we have some great information to help you keep those good intentions moving forward into the future. Senior programming at the Blaine Community Center/Senior Center is a great place to meet folks from 50 to 100. Start your day with a hot cup of coffee, some mindful meditation and then move onto some exercise. You can find a complete fitness workout in the gym along with weights and benches, if machines aren’t your expertise. Or try a host of group classes from chair yoga to line dancing and Tai Chi to dumbbells to help you to get started slowly (or fast if you prefer). Meet a friend and take a walk indoors – where it is dry – on one of our great treadmills. How about a delicious, well-rounded lunch? As long as you’re already at the center, it’s an easy way to get your big meal of the day and catch up with friends. Monday through Friday, the Whatcom County Council on Aging provides the center with lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The cost for those over 60 is $6 by donation (though we encourage those who can pay to do so), and the cost for folks under 60 is $10. It’s a great meal that often comes with live entertainment, including Friday Fun Bingo. As we think about New Year’s resolutions, let’s remember they should be about more than just diet and exercise. Educational enrichment activities and social connections are also very important. Research indicates that a well-rounded life with plenty of learning as well as regular socializing with friends helps the reduce the risk of developing dementia. Join folks for a memoir class, take a painting class, learn to play
Bridge or enjoy other card games, dominoes or puzzles regularly set up around the room. Have you always wanted to learn to play pool? Maybe you are already a shark … Thursdays are a big day for our crafty, knitting and crochet members. Refresh your skills or start learning with lots of folks willing to teach. While you are visiting on Thursday, you can get your blood pressure checked with the North Whatcom Fire and Rescue. I can tell that by now, you are really excited to find out where and how you can find all of these great activities, especially since it is raining outside. Come and check out the center at 764 H Street during Senior programming hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is plenty of parking, and it’s filled with your new friends. All listed activities and more are available with the purchase of an annual senior pass for just $45. Passes can be purchased in the office of the center from BlaineBirch Bay Park and Recreation District 2. And, in case you were curious about the results from the Blaine Senior Center nonprofit board election on December 15, our incoming board members are Kelle Rankin-Sunter, board president; Donna Rayburn, vice president; Sue Cushman, treasurer; Glenn Briskin, secretary (acting); Debra Brown, executive board member at-large; Sieneke Stevenson, Gabriel Komjathy, Conrad Leer, Heino Sunter, Maureen Call and Sarah Cutler. The membership voted ‘no’ on the proposed ballot measure that would have authorized the transfer of funds to Whatcom Community Foundation for management. The incoming board is energized to move the nonprofit forward and administer the funds to serve the community for many years to come. We invite you to join us for our next open board meeting 12:301:30 p.m. Monday, January 12 at the Blaine Community Center/ Senior Center. We are looking forward to your ideas for senior members of our community. If you can’t make a meeting, please feel free to write to the board at bbbseniors@yahoo.com. You can also sign up to receive our information via email using the link. Kelle Rankin-Sunter is president of Blaine Senior Center nonprofit.
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The Northern Light • January 1 - 7, 2026
2025
year in
REVIEW By Donnell Tanksley, Sheriff This year was marked by progress and dedication to our community. Deputy Joel Douglas continues to serve as your Birch Bay neighborhood deputy, developing relationships, listening to your concerns and working to improve public safety. At times, you might see deputy Douglas riding around Birch Bay on an e-bike, made possible by a gen-
2025
year in
REVIEW B y J o e T i mm o n s , s tat e r e p r e s e n tat i v e
During the 2025 legislative session, I focused on delivering results for Blaine, Birch Bay and communities across Whatcom County, even in a challenging budget year. Several bills I sponsored passed the legislature and were signed
2025
year in
REVIEW By Dan Chaplik, superintendent
The past year has been strong and successful for Blaine school district. At the core of our work is a shared commitment to student success – academically, artistically and athletically. Blaine students continue to shine across all areas, reflecting the district’s focused efforts to support every learner
2025
year in
REVIEW By Dan DeMent, board president
We at the Community Assistance Program (CAP) were privileged to again provide help and hope to our neighbors needing assistance. We are also very grateful for all the donors
In case you haven’t heard, for the first time in nearly a century, the sheriff’s office will have a dedicated, safe and appropriate work space to serve the community. We’re excited to soon call 4600 Ryzex Way in the Cordata neighborhood home, pending final details. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting transition! Our Whatcom Regional Drug Task Force remains committed to keeping illicit drugs off our streets, investigating and arrest-
ing those responsible. Despite funding challenges, we’re committed to recruiting top talent to join our team, ensuring Whatcom County remains a safe place to live and work. If you’re passionate about public safety, we’d love to hear from you. We are truly excited to welcome new team members who have joined us in 2025. As we wrap up 2025, we’re grateful for the trust you’ve placed in us to keep Whatcom County safe. As the year comes to a close, we wish you and yours a joyous holiday season! We’re proud to serve this incredible community and can’t wait to continue serving with dedication in 2026. Here’s to a safe, happy, and healthy new year!
for state funding for continued construction of the Lummi Nation Substance Abuse Treatment project, a new Technology and Engineering Center at Whatcom Community College, renovations of Bellingham’s Central Library, and solar energy and electric vehicle charging infrastructure at the Ferndale Public Library. Additional investments support affordable housing design at the Lynden Transit Center and a school-based health and behavioral health clinic for Mount Baker schools. In sessions past, I supported state
crisis response and flood recovery efforts. In the 2026 legislative session, I will continue working to help Whatcom County recover from recent weather events and to secure funding for long-term flood mitigation to protect homes, businesses and infrastructure in our community. I will also continue advocating for increased funding for our region’s colleges and universities. Expanding access to higher education and workforce training is essential to strengthening our local economy and creating opportunity for students across Whatcom County.
repair grant to address the fire suppression system at Blaine Primary School, with repairs expected to be completed by spring 2026. Additionally, the high school cafeteria will reopen for food service on January 12, 2026 after being closed for two years, restoring an essential gathering space for students to eat and interact with peers. Updates to the preventative maintenance work order system have also improved efficiency and provided staff with clearer processes to achieve successful outcomes. Finally, the district continues to invest in academic growth by implementing a new reading cur-
riculum for kindergarten through fifth grade. This is supported by our adoption of a policy and procedure to remove cell phone access from the learning environment. Strengthening both academic and Career Technical Education programs remains a key focus and commitment to students and the community. Looking ahead, the Blaine school district is well-positioned to build on these successes through continued collaboration and a shared commitment to student success. Thank you for your ongoing support of our students, schools and community.
Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office erous donation from the Blackburn family through the Whatcom Community Foundation. Overall, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) highlights of 2025 include our second 40-hour crisis intervention certification training course for over 30 first responders, facilitated by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. This training equips our teams with critical skills to serve our community members in crisis.
Mental wellness of our staff is a priority. In 2025, we established a peer support team, a crucial confidential resource for staff members, offering emotional support and practical help. This team has been fully trained per the Revised Code of Washington. We’re looking forward to continuing our work with the Whatcom County Executive’s Office on the new jail facility, a vital investment in our community’s safety.
Rep. Joe Timmons into law. House Bill 1418 strengthens accountability and representation by giving transit agencies the option to add voting members who actually use transit services. House Bill 1540 expands Washington’s Students Experiencing Homelessness program to include Northwest Indian College, ensuring students at the state’s only ac-
credited tribal college can access critical support. I also sponsored the House companion to Senate Bill 5480, which removes medical debt from credit score reporting, helping protect families from long-term financial harm. This session also delivered important capital budget investments for our community. We fought
Blaine school district both in school and throughout the community. To strengthen this commitment, district goals and benchmarks were refined to ensure students remain central to all decision-making. Enrollment trends brought encouraging news during the 2025–2026 school year. The district reversed a five-year pattern of declining enrollment, finishing the year 27 students above budget. This positive shift reflects
growing confidence in the district and its programs. The school year also began on a strong note with the decision not to move forward with the proposed merger of first and second grades from Blaine Primary School to Blaine Elementary, maintaining stability for students and families. Several important improvements were made to facilities and operations. In fall 2025, the district received a $500,000 emergency
Community Assistance Program and supporters who trust us to care on their behalf. Most of our programs remained consistent in both processes and number of people helped. The two exceptions were the Thanksgiving Baskets and crisis assistance. The Thanksgiving Baskets program
was originally designed to help only families with all the ingredients to prepare a meal. It was not intended for singles and couples because it’s difficult to correctly size a box and we believed other options were available. However, we had received a lot of requests over the last
few years for these options. The good news this year was that IGA Market said its deli could prepare up to 150 individual dinner plates for us at a very reasonable price. That worked out to be a wonderful option for us and blessed many. We will likely continue providing that.
The Crisis Assistance program did have a slight increase in need requests. We assist with referrals for about one-third of the requests we receive because some needs fall outside of our capabilities, like rent or housing assistance. The highest need is utility shutoff avoidance. We were able to meet the needs this year; however, we have some concerns going forward. In June, we lost the Salvation Army funds that we administer due to their lack of funds. We’re not sure if they will resume. Funds from the donation option through the bills for both the city of Blaine and Birch Bay Water and Sewer District have dropped off. This means we will draw on our reserves to keep helping at our current levels. In the new year, we will likely be encouraging neighbors to donate to us directly. We are not discouraged and we look forward to blessing many people in 2026. We are also very pleased to see Blaine and Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 resurrect the community dinners and plan on promoting them.
January 1 - 7, 2026 • thenorthernlight.com
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The Northern Light • January 1 - 7, 2026
2025
Blaine Public Schools Foundation
year in
REVIEW By Traci Bowe, founder
Since our inception in May 2025, the Blaine Public Schools Foundation (BPSF) has been defined by one powerful truth: We are stronger together. In seven months, we have proven that when a community rallies together, even the smallest contributions create a ripple effect of
2025
positive change. We’ve shown our students they are worth fighting for, our educators they are deeply valued, and the community that even minor facility improvements can change the daily experience of our youth. Our inaugural year was defined by rapid, tangible results. We hit the ground running by replacing the historic “Nines” basketball hoops, restoring a piece of cam-
pus heritage. We brought joy to our youngest Borderites with an on-campus pumpkin patch and fueled a love for literacy with $1,000 worth of new books for Blaine Middle School. Recognizing that learning extends beyond the classroom, BPSF provided funding and coordinated field trips to Mount Baker Theatre for over 700 students. Through it all, we remained dedi-
cated to finding meaningful ways to show our educators the appreciation they deserve. With support from local businesses as well as a successful online auction that raised $20,000, we have proven that we can do a lot with a little. In 2026 we intend to continue funding enrichment opportunities and are especially excited to host a mariachi and folklore assembly at the Perform-
ing Arts Center for our students this March. Thank you for proving that the Blaine community is the strongest foundation our students could have! We are excited for the opportunities ahead and invite you to be the driving force behind our next wave of impact – whether through a donation, partnership, participation in fundraising initiatives or as a volunteer. Your generosity transforms classroom lessons into life-changing memories. Visit blaineschoolsfoundation. org. We can’t wait to see what we achieve together!
Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management
year in
REVIEW B y H o l ly F a u l s t i c h , n at u r a l r e s o u r c e specialist
The Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District’s mission is to reduce stormwater impacts, enhance water quality and improve habitat. In 2025, BBWARM staff and collaborators made substantial progress in achieving these goals. In Birch Bay, drainage and water quality problems exist where stormwater infrastruc-
ture is undersized, deteriorating or non-existent. Our program develops capital improvement projects to address these issues and significant progress was made in design and permitting this year. Construction of three stormwater capital improvement projects is anticipated in 2026 (pending FEMA funding and local permit issuance): Charel Terrace stormwater outfall repair, Semiahmoo Drive South and outfall improvements, and Lora Lane drainage and tide gate modifications.
BBWARM had another successful year of community engagement, connecting with hundreds of residents at events like the July 5th beach cleanup and the 13th annual Run with the Chums 5K Fun Run. For the fourth consecutive year, BBWARM provided support to homeowners wishing to convert their lawns to native plant landscapes, free of charge, through the Neighborhood Native Landscaping Program (NNLP). Over the past four years, 32 Birch Bay property owners have partici-
pated in the program, installing over 4,300 plants and 900 cubic yards of mulch on their properties. Native landscaping fosters biodiversity and wildlife habitat and reduces stormwater impacts. Want to participate? Add your name to the interest list for 2026 online at whatcomcounty.us/NNLP. BBWARM has a five-member citizen advisory committee that represents local community interests and provides recommendations to Whatcom County Council and staff on
BBWARM projects, work plans and priorities. Meetings are scheduled quarterly and are open to the public. These programs and more are funded by a service charge paid by owners of developed properties in the BBWARM District. For more information or to sign up for our quarterly e-newsletter, please visit our website at bbwarm. whatcomcounty.org or contact the Whatcom County Stormwater Division at 360/778-6230 or waterresources@co.whatcom.wa.us. Thank you for your support of these valuable programs.
Real Estate (continued from page 11) Windermere Real Estate/Whatcom Inc. 8105 Birch Bay Square Street, #101 Blaine, WA • 360-371-5100 I-5 Exit 270
BLAINE, BIRCH BAY & SEMIAHMOO B I R C H B AY
8370 Harborview Rd Unit #15
MLS# 2454196 $249,000 Original 1969 beach cabin is the only STICK BUILT HOME in this sought after 55+ community...welcome to Birch Bay Retirement Park! This 2-bedroom charmer lives large with an enclosed carport, utility room with washer/dryer & a workshop. There’s no space rent here - you are one of 18 park owners, and the low monthly $150 dues cover water, sewer, common area and road maintenance plus your portion of the annual park property taxes. New roof in 2023.
Jen Freeman (360) 815-0803
5541 Bayvue Rd
MLS# 2453877 $320,000 Here’s your chance to get into the market at an affordable price point! 3 bedroom/2 bathroom Birch Bay home on owned lot features an open concept kitchen/living/dining floor plan and vaulted ceilings. You’ll love the yard size and all the space for parking...and simple cosmetic updates would immediately boost your equity! This would make an ideal full-time residence or a fantastic addition to your investment portfolio. Walking distance to Birch Bay beaches, and easy I-5 access.
Jen Freeman (360) 815-0803
BLAINE
4761 Sawgrass Wy
MLS# 2421902 $179,950 Hard to find, easy-to-build lot in a great neighborhood, Sea Links offers an established neighborhood with security gate entrances from the street and beach. The lot backs onto a decommissioned golf course offering expansive views from your back patio or deck. All this and a 10-minute stroll to Birch Bay and nightlife. Build your dream home on this lot enjoy Birch Bay at its finest, a short distance to CDN border or Bellingham.
Nick Nicon (425) 951-3719
2992 Cedar View Wy
MLS# 2447292 $649,000 Step inside this thoughtfully designed 4-bedroom home offering style, function, and lowmaintenance living. The open main floor features soaring ceilings, a cozy propane fireplace, and durable luxury vinyl plank flooring. The kitchen shines with modern flat panel cabinets, quartz countertops, and upgraded appliances. Upstairs, a versatile loft is ideal for a home office, media room, or playroom and a large bonus room waiting for your imagination. Covered back patio.
Brandi Coplen (360) 201-3951
CUSTER
2986 Cedar View Wy
MLS# 2447272 $629,000 Discover the perfect blend of style, comfort, and convenience in this stunning new 4-bedroom home. The open layout invites you in with soaring ceilings, a cozy propane fireplace, and durable luxury vinyl plank flooring. The modern kitchen stands out with flat-panel cabinets, quartz countertops, and upgraded appliances. Enjoy the covered back patio year-round—ideal for gatherings or quiet moments outdoors. Built on a solid slabon-grade foundation with high-end finishes.
Brandi Coplen (360) 201-3951
3824 Birch Bay-Lynden Rd.
MLS# 2370611 $549,000 NEVER FLOODS! Multi-Generational Housing! RARE FIND: Extremely PRIVATE! A very FUN property! Has forest views: A wildlife park-like retreat w/Great Features. 5± acres along California Creek (Never Floods) Charming SPACIOUS home. LOTS OF FUN LIVING SPACE!; includes Park Model w/ kitchen, living rm, & bath - used as home office & studio. Enjoy 1600± sf of stand-alone decks; Heated/insulated shop; small Barn w/ mowers; Enjoy Birch Bay BEACHES.
Paul Holtzheimer (360) 303-4444
SEMIAHMOO
9050 Sea Mist Lane
MLS# 2430271 $575,000 When you’re not ready to give up having a yard and still want a private outdoor space to call your own...Sea Smoke @ Semiahmoo is the answer! This newer single level 3 bedroom northwest contemporary stunner checks all the boxes: high ceilings & open concept kitchen/dining/living areas with massive 4’x7’ island. You’ll love the upscale modern finishes & the custom millwork that frames the gas fireplace. The primary suite boasts a luxurious ensuite bathroom.
Jen Freeman (360) 815-0803
9002 Gleneagle
MLS# 2406070 $721,900 Immaculate condo on the 14th Fairway at Semiahmoo Golf Course! Beautifully updated single-level condo blends luxury, comfort, & convenience. The 2-bed/2-bath + den layout features a stunning new designer kitchen, fresh paint, & all-new flooring. Recent exterior updates include a 50-year roof (2019) & fresh paint (2024). Truly a low-maintenance lifestyle, perfect for those who want to relax & fully enjoy everything Semiahmoo has to offer. Walk/bike along forest & shoreline trails.
Kathy Stauffer (360) 815-4718
9175 Great Blue Heron Lane 9540 Semiahmoo Pkwy Unit #E50 9540 Semiahmoo Pkwy Unit #L5 9540 Semiahmoo Pkwy Unit #K5 MLS# 2459592 $180,000 MLS# 2410114 $39,950 MLS# 2434589 $39,950
MLS# 2416713 $1,089,000 Perfectly sited into the landscape in Semiahmoo’s Boundary Ridge neighborhood, this NW home offers timeless style & design. Framed by evergreens & softened by gentle breezes coming off the bay, clean architectural lines & warm cedar accents strike a balance between shelter & openness. Walls of windows, & a thoughtfully designed floor plan draw your eye toward filtered water views & the distant lights of White Rock, BC. Enjoy generous indoor/outdoor living w/ the expansive deck.
Kathy Stauffer (360) 815-4718
50’ slip on E Dock in a premier, carefully maintained marina! This slip offers easy “blow on” docking along the exterior edge with no narrow fairways. Currently vacant and ready for your vessel, with 30 AMP power and close access to the marina entry and exit. Enjoy secure keyless access, Wi-Fi, fullservice laundry and shower facilities, mail room, and a remodeled marina store with café. Outdoor BBQ, picnic areas, and nearby walking trails add to the community feel.
Leah Crews (360) 305-4747
www.windermere.com
See brand new finger at slip L5. Blow off Port tie 36 foot slip! Close to the main dock & close to the front entrance. Enjoy the store, cafe, clubhouse with laundry and so much more. Semiahmoo Marina! History, majesty, mystery...what a great place to moor your boat! Semiahmoo’s historic water tower stands sentinel. To the East, majestic Mt. Baker...and mystery, why are all those cars cruising Marine Drive in White Rock?! Only 16 nautical miles from the San Juan Islands.
K5, 36 easy access to main dock! Semiahmoo Marina! History, majesty, mystery... what a great place to moor your boat! Semiahmoo’s historic water tower stands sentinel. To the East, majestic Mt. Baker... and mystery, why are all those cars cruising Marine Drive in White Rock?! Semiahmoo Marina is only 16 nautical miles from the legendary, mystical San Juan Islands. Canada’s Gulf Islands and the Inside Passage are favorite nearby destinations. Nice facilities.
Brian Southwick (360) 815-6638 Brian Southwick (360) 815-6638
January 1 - 7, 2026 • thenorthernlight.com
2025
year in
REVIEW By Danielle Gaughen, executive director
As we reflect on 2025, the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate a year defined by strong community spirit, record-breaking participation and meaningful progress. This year, our signature events brought residents and visitors together in memorable ways. The Polar Bear Plunge, Kite Festival, Rollback Weekend Car Show, Derby Day and National Night Out – complete with a helicopter flyover – showcased the energy and enthusiasm of our community. The Sand Sculpture Competition achieved the largest partici-
2025
year in
REVIEW By Jeannie LeDoux, a d m i n i s t r at i o n
The corner of Birch Bay Drive and Alderson Road has never had more excitement! The Bridge Community Hope Center, encompassing the food bank and designer clothing boutique, has had an exceptional year. GraceCore Academy has new announcements in education, and the opening of The Way Cafe has been truly thrilling for Birch Bay in 2025! The Way Cafe opened its doors in June for the busy summer season. With booming success, it has been a huge hit with locals and vacation beachcombers alike. Customers love the fresh, healthy appeal of the gourmet cuisine, with colorful charcuterie
2025
year in
REVIEW By Dianne MarrsSmith, president Looking back on 2025, Friends of Birch Bay Library (FOBBL) wants to thank our community, supporters and library advocates. Through regular activities and new adventures, this year’s library advocacy and fundraising efforts were a success. In 2026, we will continue to see progress on a new library and changes to FOBBL’s focus. This year we attended all Birch Bay chamber events. Volunteers spun cotton candy, grilled hot dogs, flipped pancakes, dipped chocolate-covered bananas, sold books and held our 5k walk/run. Library staff led story times, crafts and games. FOBBL sign-waved and supported WCLS’s library levy campaign. We also sponsored the Ducky Derby this year that, while a challenging fundraiser, was so much fun to work on with the chamber. In 2025, volunteer hours totaled 1,135. Our building project is alive and well. Behind the scenes, work has taken place. Conditional use and shoreline permits were approved in
Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce pation in its history, underscoring Birch Bay’s growing appeal as a family-friendly destination. When weather required flexibility, Trick-or-Treat on the Berm transitioned to an indoor format thanks to the help of Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2. The overwhelming turnout reinforced the strong demand for family-friendly programming in Birch Bay and provided valuable insights that will help guide future event planning. Tourism and visitor engagement remained central to our work throughout the year. Through social media outreach and the Visitor Information Center, we welcomed guests from
near and far while supporting local businesses and events. We were honored to be named Tourism Business of the Year by Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism at the Bellingham Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner – recognition that reflects the dedication of our members, volunteers, partners and supporters. To ring in the new year, we are gearing up for the 2025 Ring of Fire and Hope and preparing to make history by attempting to break the World Record for the Largest Polar Bear Dip first thing next year. We extend sincere thanks to our members, volunteers, partners and residents for making 2025 such a successful year.
The Bridge Community Hope Center choices unmatched in the region. The popular game night is a family friendly way to spend a Friday night, while enjoying top-notch local musicians. As always, our GraceCore Chaplain Team worked closely with The Bridge. 10 volunteer chaplains spent over 3,125 volunteer hours assisting families. Remarkably, The Bridge Community Food Bank gave out over 80,000 pounds of food! In addition, head chaplain Doug Lang recently organized preparation and donation of 150 lunches to flooded homes. In 2025, the Bridge Boutique volunteers spent approximately 1,680 man-hours sorting, cleaning and displaying 7,467 pounds of clothing donations. It should
be noted that the boutique offers current fashion items and many designer brands. For those in need, we provide clothing vouchers. In 2025 the boutique proudly re-donated 4,420 pounds to local charities such as CAP. In July, GraceCore Academy announced its formal affiliation with The American Association of Christian Counselors. The association has a membership of over 50,000 Christian counselors, physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and life coaches. Part of the academy’s mission is to increase awareness of mental wellness while improving access to real-life solutions. With chaplains donating thousands of volunteer hours, “people helping people” is what came about in 2025, right here in Birch Bay.
Friends of Birch Bay Library September. Construction permitting work is wrapping up. As of this writing, those plans were expected to be submitted for approval by the end of 2025. Once approved, a contractor will be hired in early 2026. Exciting news: Interior furnishing and equipment and outdoor programming fur-
niture have been ordered by WCLS. In 2026, FOBBL will kick off the new year with the Polar Bear Plunge. We plan to complete our donor wall piece. We have a postcard fundraiser planned for the spring. In June,
13
OBITUARIES Kenneth Stewart “Stew” Armstrong May 16, 1944 – December 4, 2025 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth Stewart Armstrong, widely known as Stew, who passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 4, 2025, in Bellingham, WA, at the age of 81. Stew was born in Altrincham, England, on May 16, 1944, the son of Kenneth and Elsie Armstrong. He moved with his family to East Vancouver, where he spent his early years with his sisters, Valerie and Jennifer. The family later moved to Burnaby, where he spent his formative years. A lifetime passion for mechanical theory defined Stew’s interests. He was happiest when he was taking things apart to understand them, a love best exemplified by his devotion to maintaining his classic MGTD motorcar, which remained with him to the end. His spirit of initiative and adventure saw him through a successful education and career. Stew completed business administraion at BCIT followed by a degree in business accounting at the University of British Columbia (UBC). His sharp intelligence and drive led to a highly successful banking career that took him around the world, with assignments in Hong Kong, New York, and Chile. Stew was a lifelong enthusiast of the water. He proudly built his own sailboat, which ignited a passion for boating and sailing that lasted throughout his life. He was a dedicated member of both the Vancouver Rowing Club and the Semiahmoo Yacht Club, and actively participated in the US Coast Guard training programs. Stew is survived by his wife, Claudia; his sister, Jennifer (Stephen) and nephew Keegan (Rachel). He is also fondly remembered by his dear friends, Dave and Sue Anderson, Patty and Lincoln Rutter. Stew was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Valerie and his nephew, Dylan. A Tribute to his Life will be held in Blaine, March 2026.
Robin Lee Younkins April 19, 1957 – December 11, 2025 Robin Younkins, age 68, passed away unexpectedly December 11, while working in his shop. The oldest of four, Rob was born in Bellingham, WA and lived in Point Roberts as a child, before moving to Blaine where he graduated from Blaine High School in 1975. He was a lifelong motorcycle and car enthusiast and had many friends who shared those interests. He spent his entire career as a commercial fisherman, splitting time between the local waters and Alaska. He is survived by his daughter Melissa (Kevin) Klemmt of Maple Valley; his grandson Zephyr Klemmt; his mother, Emiliann Hertzog of Blaine; his brother Tim (Dawn) Younkins; sisters Rhonda (Don) Ingham, all of Ferndale, Tammy (Cuong) Nguyen of Kent. He will also be missed by his nephew and niece and his trusted little companion, Turbo. Rob was predeceased by his father, James Younkins. Rob was a man of few words, a true example of “still waters run deep.” A kind man, with good friends and good neighbors, he will be deeply missed by many. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
(See FOBBL, page 15)
BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL
DIRECTORY
Happy New Year 2026 To the entire Community from The Bridge at Birch Bay Food Bank, Clothing Boutique, The Way Café, Grace Core Academy and The Christian Way Community Church. Reliable auto transport, wherever the road takes you.
Lee Bowe Company
Request a quote at LeeBoweCompany.com or call 206-385-2777
14
The Northern Light • January 1 - 7, 2026
Coming up
Sheriff’s Reports December 10, 7:55 a.m.: Suicidal subject on Crest Drive. December 10, 8:25 a.m.: Prowler cold call on Semiahmoo Lane. December 10, 1:26 p.m.: Fraud cold call on Creasey Road. December 11, 12:52 a.m.: Shots on Portal Way. December 11, 1:03 a.m.: Shots on Giles Road. December 11, 5:19 a.m.: Vehicle prowl cold call on Twilight Place. December 11, 3:46 p.m.: Domestic physical cold call on Portal Way. December 11, 5:02 p.m.: Death investigation on East Street. December 11, 7:52 p.m.: Theft cold call on Morgan Drive. December 11, 8:03 p.m.: Suicidal subject on H Street Road. December 15, 7:20 a.m.: Domestic order violence on Harborview Road. December 15, 12:06 p.m.: Sex crime no rape cold call on
Portal Way. December 16, 9:42 a.m.: Sex offender registration on Selder Road. December 17, 7:33 p.m.: Hit and run on Hoeir Road. December 19, 12:32 p.m.: Fireworks cold call on Terrill Drive. December 19, 2:02 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Alder Street. December 19, 3:02 p.m.: Warrant arrest on Pacific Highway. December 21, 4:04 p.m.: Malicious mischief arrest on East Street. December 22, 10:10 a.m.: Child abuse cold call on Carstan Loop. December 22, 10:26 a.m.: Theft cold call on Shintaffer Road. December 22, 8:16 p.m.: Burglary on Mountvue Way. December 22, 12:23 p.m.: Threat cold call on Lillian Way. December 22, 1:53 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Salish Lane.
Crossword ACROSS 1. Paddles 5. Sunscreen rating 8. Very fast airplane 11. Immune responses 13. “Partner” to feather 14. New England river 15. Longest river in New Guinea 16. Midway between east and southeast 17. Israeli politician 18. Back bones 20. Consumed 21. One you can rely on 22. Dressed up gaudily 25. Representatives 30. Dog breed 31. Pitching statistic 32. Manpower 33. S. Korean entertainer 38. Outsourcing firm 41. Viceroy of Egypt under Turkish rule 43. One who removes antlers from a
flower 45. Potluck dish 48. Discount 49. Airborne (abbr.) 50. Cavalry sword 55. Basics 56. Hollywood director Howard 57. Afflicted in mind or body 59. Horsley and Majors are two 60. Midway between northeast and east 61. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation 62. Malaysian isthmus 63. Fall back 64. Cheek DOWN 1. Former CIA 2. Baseball’s best pitchers 3. __ Nui, Easter Island 4. Invests in little enterprises 5. Constant 6. Hobby 7. A place to store
food 8. Short-tail marten 9. Burn with a hot liquid 10. Left his heart in San Francisco 12. Swedish krona 14. Legendary actor Connery 19. French cleric 23. Former measure of length for textiles 24. Opaque glassy substance 25. Residue of burned item 26. A place to unwind 27. Japanese honorific 28. Terminus 29. Fails to make a shot 34. Journalist Tarbell 35. College hoops tournament 36. Monetary unit of Macao 37. Of she 39. Spoke ill of 40. Elements 41. Kilocalorie (abbr.)
December 22, 2:16 p.m.: Trespass arrest on McGee Road. December 22, 3:27 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Birch Bay Drive. December 22, 3:30 p.m.: Domestic order violence on McGee Road. December 23, 1:07 a.m.: Shots on Holtzheimer Trail. December 23, 3:22 p.m.: Death investigation cold call on Delta Line Road. December 23, 5:15 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Birch Bay Drive. December 25, 4:56 p.m.: Domestic physical on Seashell Way. December 27, 12:50 a.m.: Runaway on Stein Road. December 27, 4:02 p.m.: Hit and run cold call on Henry Road. December 28, 6:54 a.m.: Threat cold call on Drayton Harbor Road. For a complete list of WCSO reports, visit whatcomcounty.us/2120/Activity-Reports.
42. Shades 44. Poem of fourteen lines 45. Pole used in Scottish sport 46. Hollyhocks genus 47. Street name for marijuana 48. Polio vaccine developer 51. Swiss river 52. Prejudice 53. Actor Idris 54. Confederate soldiers 58. Criticize ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
Tides January 1 - 7 at Blaine. Not for navigation. 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W DATE
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8.3
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6:31 am 10.9
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3:28 pm
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7:11 am 10.9 4:28 pm
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Tu 6 12:49 am -1.9 2:14 pm
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Mo 5 12:05 am -2.8 1:18 pm
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7:49 am 10.9 5:26 pm
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8:25 am 10.7 6:28 pm
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8:59 am 10.5 7:34 pm
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Weather
Precipitation: During the period of December 22 to 28, 1.1 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2025 year-to-date precipitation record is 34.6 inches. Temperature: High for the past week was 50.7°F on December 22 with a low of 29.8°F on December 28. Average high was 43.4°F and average low was 34.5°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
Fitness Sampler: Saturday, January 3, 8 a.m.–noon, Blaine Pavilion, 635 8th Street. Try 25-minute sample classes, meet instructors and enter raffles. Free and open to all fitness levels. No registration required. For more info, call/text 360/656-6476. Blaine Community Center Open House: Saturday, January 3, 8 a.m.–noon, Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street. Tour the facility and learn of the different programs offered. Info: 360/746-7910. Honor the Defenders of our Democracy: Tuesday, January 6, 3 p.m., Peace Arch Historical State Park. Honor the Capitol and DC Metro police who risked their lives to save the lives of legislators on January 6, 2021. Honor their bravery, tell their stories and celebrate democracy. “Let’s Talk About School Funding” Town Hall: Tuesday, January 6, 6 p.m., Blaine Performing Arts Center. Hear from community members and legislators including school representatives from Blaine, Mt. Baker, Meridian and Ferndale school districts, state senator Sharon Shewmake and state representatives Alicia Rule and Joe Timmons. Free and open to the public. Childcare provided. Pre submit questions to fundschoolsnow. com. Sponsored by Fund Schools Now. Off the Shelf: A Teen Hangout: Wednesdays starting January 7, 3–4:30 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Looking for a place to relax after school? Come hang out, play games, listen to music, be creative or just chill with friends. No pressure, no plans, just a space for you to unwind. Info: wcls.org. Mason Bees: Alternative Pollinators: Wednesday, January 7, 5:30–7:30 p.m., Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street, and Saturday, January 10, 10 a.m.–noon, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn how to support all pollinators in your backyard. Presented by Blaine CORE. Info: nwcore.org. “Uh Oh: A Case of Time Travel” Production: Friday–Sunday, January 9–11, 6 p.m., and matinee on Saturday, January 10, 2 p.m., Blaine High School Black Box Theater (entrance behind Borderite Stadium). Enjoy a one-act comedy written and directed by Blaine High School students. $10 suggested donation. Peace Arch Community Chorale Concert: Thursday, January 15, 7 p.m., Blaine Performing Arts Center. “Together We Thrive” donations gratefully accepted. Rain Gardens: Saturday, January 17, 10 a.m.–noon, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn about creating a rain garden to manage the runoff and/or standing water by planting a mini-forest floor that will absorb and then slowly disperse the extra water in your yard. Learn about requirements such as location, equipment, utilities, liability and maintenance. Presented by Blaine CORE. Info: nwcore.org. Books and Bites: Friday, December 19, 1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. January title: “Wandering Stars” by Tommy Orange. Info: wcls.org. Community Dinner: Thursday, January 22, 5:30–7 p.m., Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street. Enjoy dinner, community and connections. Free. Donations accepted. For info, call/ text 360/656-6416. Pruning 101: Saturday, January 24, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street and Saturday, January 31, Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street. Discussing tools as well as why and how to prune. We will also present on overgrown trees and how to get them back in shape. Bring your questions. Presented by Blaine CORE. Info: nwcore.org.
Ongoing Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Monday, 9 a.m.–noon; Wednesday, 5–7 p.m.; and Friday, 9 a.m.–noon. Info: 360/3326350 or info@blainefoodbank.org. The Bridge Food Bank: Friday, 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: Monday and Friday, 9 a.m.–noon and Wednesday, 5–7 p.m. 508 G Street. The Community Assistance Program clothing bank is 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. 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, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Donations accepted Wednesday, 11 a.m.– 2 p.m., or by appointment. The Bridge Community Hope Center is located at 7620 Birch Bay Drive. Friends of Birch Bay Library: Meets second Monday, 6:30 p.m., Birch Bay Birch Bay Vogt Library site, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. Info: friendsofbirchbaylibrary.org. Friends of Blaine Library: Meets third Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street. Find out the latest library news at the monthly FOBL Board of Directors meeting. All members and guests are welcome to attend. Info: blainelibraryfriends.org.
Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
January 1 - 7, 2026 • thenorthernlight.com
2025
2025
Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2
year in
REVIEW
Partnerships played a vital role in our success. Examples include the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce hosting the Sand Sculpture Competition, Blaine Healing Arts Massage offering Sunset Yoga, and Friends of Birch Bay State Park leading Beach Walks and Crabbing 101 programs. Throughout the year, BBBPRD2 offered more than 2,000 hours of fitness programming. We introduced several new programs and events, including summer movies, a 5K, and new enrichment opportunities such as toddler time, little chefs and art across generations. During the summer months, our red bus provided transportation to local hikes. Local artists further enriched our programming by leading beach art classes, hosting paint and sip events at L&L Bakery and offering ceramic classes at the Blaine Pavilion. On July 1, BBBPRD2 took over
B y H e at h e r L i n d s ay , executive director
The past year was a time of growth, connection and new opportunities for Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2). Through expanded programming, strong partnerships and dedicated volunteers, we continued our mission of creating and supporting meaningful recreation experiences for the Blaine and Birch Bay communities. A major highlight of the year was coordinating the city of Blaine’s Blaine by the Sea events. BBBPRD2 proudly delivered the Spring Block Party, the 4th of July Celebration, the Drayton Harbor Pirate Festival and Holiday Harbor Lights, just to name a few. These events brought residents and visitors together to celebrate community pride and local traditions.
2025
year in
year in
REVIEW
management of the Blaine community center and senior programming. This transition allowed us to support and revive community traditions, including the 4th of July breakfast, bringing Elvis back to Blaine, hosting community dances, and restarting community dinners. None of this work would have been possible without our incredible volunteers. Their positive impact could be seen across youth activities, senior programs, outdoor and art classes, and every major community event. Their dedication and generosity are the foundation of our success. As we look back on 2025, we are proud of a year defined by strengthened partnerships, new friendships and the beginning of exciting new adventures. We look forward to continuing this momentum and serving our community in the years ahead.
Pacific Arts Association
REVIEW
By DeeDee Marshall, president
READ IT FIRST.
Pacific Arts Association (PAA) had a vibrant and productive year, highlighted by the 24th annual Blaine Harbor
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Music Festival and the return of a wonderful holiday event: the Night Market and Luminary Walk over Thanksgiving weekend. (See PAA, page 16)
B y J o n at h a n J a k o b i t z , branch manager
It’s been a busy year at the Blaine Public Library. By the end of 2025, we are on track to: • see over 82,000 library visitors • offer 242 public programs • provide over 98 hours of individual Tech Help support • circulate over 156,000 items. The Blaine library and the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) saw many significant events this past year, but I only have space to name but a few. In April, WCLS launched the Library Game, a card-collecting game that encourages patrons to engage with libraries in new ways and to visit other locations. It’s been a great hit so far, bringing lots of new visitors to Blaine. The Library Game will continue through the fall of 2026. Also in April, a small group of WCLS staff (including Blaine’s manager and Blaine’s youth services librarian) were honored by the Washington Library Associ-
FOBBL ... From page 13
we will attempt to recreate the “people made” Birch Bay poster of 2014, on the shoreline in front of the library. We will have board
Blaine Public Library ation with the Candice Morgan Intellectual Freedom Award for creating and facilitating intellectual freedom trainings for both staff and patrons. And in August, WCLS’s library levy proposition was approved by the majority of voters, securing continued funding for public library services throughout Whatcom County. This year, the Friends of the Blaine Library (FOBL) were hard at work raising funds to support library services and programming through various book sales, fundraising events and initiatives (like the Book Worm Bin Project). If you’ve ever wanted to get more involved in supporting your local library, now is a great time to contact FOBL. The Blaine library is ready and willing to help connect you with your next great read, assist you on your journey to learn something new, or to even provide you with a space for an upcoming community meeting. We hope to see you at the library in 2026! changes and look forward to welcoming our new volunteers. We appreciate all your positive encouragement, donations and volunteer time this year as we complete our building project. We look forward to having our library express open to the community in 2026.
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Unity Care NW decides against renewing clinic contract
Birch Bay rings in New Year’s Day 2025
worth,” Arthur Reber said. “This process has been very thorough and collaborative,” said taxpayers’ association president Mark B y G r a c e M c c a Robbins. r t h y Chamber of commerce president Dee Gough said her association also supWhatcom County is accepting appliported the proposal, agreeing that mandacations to its newly formed Bay toryBirch trash pickup was the obvious solution Advisory Committee until to theTuesday, perennial problem of dumping garJanuary 7. bage on the roadsides. Whatcom County Council Jeffapproved Hegedus with the Whatcom County the committee on December 3, 2024 to Health Department said by establishing a create an official group for Birch Bay mandatory minimum service level for all residents to bring their input to the developed properties, as determined by county. The group will be similar to the which properties have a water connection, longstanding Point Roberts Communiit would lead to vendor stability because ty Advisory Committee, which provides more users would support the system. advice and recommendations on behalf of its community to the county execu(See Garbage, page 7) tive and county council.
administrative burden and “community turmoil,” the board of directors of the non-profit health care provider voted at its June 25 meeting to discontinue the contract to operate the Point Roberts Clinic. Notice was delivered to the Point Rob-
the other clinics Unity Care NW operates in Ferndale and Bellingham, which it described as “patient centered medical homes.” Close to half of the visits to the Point Roberts clinic are for urgent care, and not for primary medical care,
Arts and music fest makes a comeback By Meg OlsOn “The Point Roberts Arts and Music Festival is back on the water,” says Arts Foundation founder and festival organizer Craig Jacks. After being put on the shelf for a year, the festival will be back for its 23rd year,
running three weekends in August. Kiniski’s Reef Tavern is partnering with the foundation, offering a location, planning assistance and funds for this year’s event. “We decided to make it longer so more people can enjoy it,” said tavern manager Allison Calder. The first weekend (See Arts & Music, page 14)
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Classifieds ........................................ 20 Coming Up ...................................... 19 Garden ............................................. 15 Library ............................................ 18 Obituaries ........................................ 22 Opinion .............................................. 4 Seniors ............................................ 18 Tides ................................................ 10
The committee will be made up of members who are appointed by executive Satpal Sidhu with a chairperson presiding over the committee. The term length is three years with two consecuAFTER PARADE FAMILY ACTIVITIES: BEGIN THE DAY AT THE tive terms allowed. H Breakwaters Bar & Grill Community Center 1437 Gulf Rd. The committee will consist of repreSTARTS AT 12 NOON along sentatives from the Birch Bay Chamber at Point Roberts Marina. Pancake Breakfast 7:15-11:15 am PREP benefit Gulf Rd. from Marine Dr. to Tyee Dr. of Commerce, Blaine Birch Bay Flag ParkRaising and Ceremony 11:30 am featuring PR Winds H Kiniski’s Reef Tavern Recreation District 2, North Whatcom s People braved the cold waters of Birch Bay for the annual Birch Bay Polar Bear Plunge on January 1. See more photos of how Birch Photo by Ruth Lauman Fire and Rescue as well as someone who Bay celebrated New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day on pages 8 and 9. lives or works in Birch Bay and three people who live within the Birch Bay urban growth area. The meetings will occur quarterly year in and include an open session for public comment. The meetings will be subject to the Open Public Meetings Act, with meeting minutes and recordings available on the county’s website. Charles Gibson left Blaine school board Public Library. The project was led by KulBy Grace Mccarthy after 17 years. shan Community Land Trust and Madrona Appointments will be made either at • Bens Market Travel Plaza held a rib- Community Development in partnership the January 14 or 28 Whatcom CounJanuary ty Council meetings, said Jed Holmes, • Blaine City Council reappointed Mary bon-cutting ceremony for its opening off with the Whatcom County Library System spokesperson for the Whatcom Coun- Lou Steward as mayor and appointed of State Route 543. The plaza contains and city of Blaine. ty Executive’s Office. The term begins Rhyan Lopez as deputy mayor. a mini-market with Carl’s Jr, Cinnabon, • Blaine Police Department hired new ofFebruary 1. • Former Blaine police chief Donnell Jamba Juice and Pizza Hut as well as a 76 ficers Travis Campbell and Reagan Ritzer. For more information on the Birch Tanksley was ceremonially sworn in as gas station. • The Birch Bay Beach Park moved up on Bay Advisory Committee, visit the Whatcom County Sheriff. • A design concept was unveiled to Blaine the Whatcom County Parks and Recrecounty’s website at bit.ly/4fuLUjK. • Joel Douglas started his first shift as City Council for two buildings that would ation District’s priority list to request grant To apply for the committee, visit the Birch Bay neighborhood deputy for the house a new Blaine library, affordable funding from the state. The 4.1-acre park county’s website at whatcomcounty. Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. condominiums, parking and potentially a (See Review, page 3) • Longtime school board member child care facility at the location of Blaine us/1584/how-to-apply.
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By Meg OlsOn Whatcom County Council has approved changes to county code that will eliminate exemptions to mandatory garbage pickup in Point Roberts. At their June 5 meeting, council heard from an almost evenly split 15 community members on the proposal, which would establish a mandatory minimum service level of a 32-gallon can of garbage to be picked up twice-monthly and billed through the property tax roll. Opponents of the proposal cited a number of reasons for their opposition, primarily that the minimum service level was too high. “This exceeds the needs of 80 percent of those surveyed (in a 2016 online survey sponsored by the county solid waste division) who self-haul or use tags,” FREE Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay January 2 - 8, 2025 Kimberly Butts said. to plan a 4th of July celebration, the first since 1916. On June 20, they had Ken Calder, also opposed to the chang- s Back in 1976, a group of civic-minded people got together HHHECRWSSHHH a reunion at Ruby White’s house. See story, page 16. Standing, from l.: Postal FredCustomer DeHaan, Rosy Negron, PRSRT STDCarla Scherer, Pauli DeHaan, George es, submitted a petition signed by 364 sea- Scherer, Pat Jorgensen, Doreen Peltier. Seated: Norma Peltier, Ruby White, Kris Manning. U. S. Postage Photo by Shelley Damewood PAID sonal and full-time residents asking that IN THIS Permit NO. 87 council delay the decision until September Blaine, WA 98230 to allow a recently formed solid waste subcommittee of the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee to continue to look at the issue. erts hospital district on June 26 that Unity according to Unity Care. Cites client base and “increasing Those in favor of the change as well as Care NW would end its contract to proThe number of people being served at community turmoil” county staff pointed out that PRCAC had vide services on the Point as of December the Point Roberts Clinic, as well as the been pondering the garbage collection B y M e g O l s O n 31, 2018, but would provide services on a number of visits, have been declining, acfor over two years, held numerous public a n d P a t g r u B B month-to-month basis if needed until June cording to the resolution. The number of meetings, sponsored an online survey and 30, 2019 and help with a possible transi- visits per year shrank from 1176 to 1033 sent out a mailer. Unity Care NW is done with the Point tion to an alternative service provider. between 2015 and 2017, which is de“There have been numerous opportuni- Roberts clinic. According to the June 25 resolution, the (See Hospital, page 8) ties for people to put in their two cents’ Citing declining use, a disproportionate Point Roberts Clinic does not fit with
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High-speed rail project receives $50 million By NolaN Baker Washington state members of Congress announced the Cascade High-Speed Rail project has received $49.7 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Railroad Administration to begin planning the long-awaited project. The proposed railway would connect the Pacific Northwest’s major cities with high-speed train service running up to 250 mph. The funding, announced December 18,
20 21 - 20
comes from part of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that was co-authored by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA). The funding will go toward route planning, identification of capital projects and community outreach. The Cascadia corridor – a 345-mile stretch roughly following I-5 from Portland through Seattle, Bellingham, Blaine and into Vancouver, B.C. – is home to 10 million people and is expected to grow by 3-4 million people before 2050, according to the Washington State Transportation Commission.
According to a U.S. Census Bureau study, single-occupancy vehicles in the Cascadia Corridor emit 4.1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. Roughly 900,000 people used Amtrak’s Cascades Route in 2024, a significant rebound after the only passenger rail service in the region drastically cut service during the pandemic. Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA), the lead Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee whose dis(See Train, page 5)
Coming Up . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . . 11, 12 Letters . . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . . 14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 6 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14
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The Northern Light • January 1 - 7, 2026
2025
year in
REVIEW By Bob Feaster, president
The Peace Arch Education Foundation (PAEF) is built on the premise that all children matter and believes that all students, families and communities have strengths, and they know best what they need. The PAEF continued forward in 2025, building community sup-
2025
year in
REVIEW B y A l i c i a R u l e , s tat e r e p r e s e n tat i v e
As 2025 legislative year wraps up, my focus remains translating the work in Olympia into local results for Blaine and Birch Bay. At the heart of that work is transparency, trust, and accountability. As costs rise for families, I supported legislation targeting tax relief (not increases) and expanding access to basic necessities. These included a diaper sales tax exemption for families with young children, in an effort to help working families stay rooted in Blaine and Birch Bay by reducing pressure on budgets. While healthcare costs soar, I am
Peace Arch Education Foundation port for the students of the Blaine school district. The PAEF, in conjunction with Birch Bay-Blaine Thrives and the Blaine school district, welcomed students, staff and families back with the Borderite Community Block Party in August. This was a great community-building activity that was much needed, with many people coming together to celebrate the opening of the 2025-26 school year. Music, raffles, free food and many fun activities were avail-
able to all. The event was filled with pride, smiles, and black and orange. In November, the PAEF sponsored “Toast to Tomorrow,” bringing together Blaine staff, students and business leaders. Students and staff from our high school career and technical education (CTE) programs/classes met many local business leaders. This marks the beginning of building relationships that we hope will lead to partnerships, resulting in
Rep. Alicia Rule working to advance legislation requiring transparency in contracts by insurance companies, limiting the use of artificial intelligence in medical decision-making, and prohibiting unsafe limits on anesthesia to ensure patients can access care quickly, safely and with clarity about what their insurance covers. Expanding access to behavioral health care is urgent. Last year, we reduced red tape so providers can coordinate care during a crisis, ultimately saving lives. I have also remained committed to protecting access to reproductive healthcare. Looking ahead, I am especially proud of our work with working waterfront partners, local educators and businesses like Drayton Harbor Oyster Company, in an effort
worksite training opportunities, hands-on learning experiences and ultimately helping to develop a career-ready workforce in our community. The PAEF set three priorities, which include supporting career and technical education as well as the arts. The foundation will also provide direct support to students as identified by school staff in the form of “yes” cards. We are proud of our working relationships with other groups
that are supporting our students. It’s important that we all work together for our students. In 2026, the PAEF will continue to work with other agencies to make the next version of the Borderite Block Party even more inspiring. We will work to provide additional opportunities for our career and technical education students and staff to develop working relationships with local businesses. Happy New Year to all!
PAA ...
PAA was also proud to host the second annual Night Market and Luminary Walk in Blaine, its largest fundraiser supporting the Blaine Harbor Music Festival. The evening featured live music – much of it performed by student musicians and local community members – alongside more than 30 craft vendors, fire pits with s’mores, a yule garden with mulled wine, carolers, food vendors and a festive luminary walk that filled downtown with holiday spirit. All of the PAA-sponsored events are done by volunteers, with a long-standing commitment to bringing music, creativity and connection to the community. PAA looks ahead to 2026 with excitement. The community is invited to watch for the Blaine Harbor Music Festival this summer (July 12-18, 2026) and learn more at blaineharbormusicfestival.org.
From page 15
to develop a Blue School and MERIS – expanding maritime and environmental education and career pathways that preserve our fishing heritage while creating good paying jobs for our young people. Public safety initiatives addressing organized retail theft and investments in community infrastructure will continue to be a priority. Transparency builds trust. I welcome your engagement as we move forward together. Please continue to reach out to me, stay engaged with the legislature by tuning into TVW and testifying virtually or in-person on legislation that matters to you. Rep. Alicia Rule has served the 42nd district since January 2021 and lives in Blaine.
The Blaine Harbor Music Festival (July 6-12) welcomed students and audiences with renewed traditions, including the return of the VIP opening night and Mongolian grill, as well as a new opening-night student party on the Semiahmoo Spit. These events brought together sponsors, volunteers, faculty and students while setting a joyful and collaborative tone for the week ahead. The festival supported a full week of free live concerts downtown for the community and students, along with a music camp for ages 12-20, and a standout Big Band Night at Barnstar in Ferndale. This ticketed event featured swing dancing, dinner and a hoppin’ big band made up of mostly the faculty from the festival.
COMING TO THE EVENT CENTER
3 SISTERS COMEDY
QUEEN NATION
A Tribute to the Music of Queen
As Seen on Netflix and Amazon Prime
SATURDAY JANUARY 17 DOORS 7:00PM SHOW 8:00PM
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 28
SOLD OUT!
DOORS 7:00PM SHOW 8:00PM $15 | $20 | $30
THE GARTH GUY
The Garth Brooks Tribute Show
SATURDAY MARCH 28 DOORS 7:00PM SHOW 8:00PM $15 | $20 | $30
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