Port votes on expansion measure, page 3 Blaine school merger paused, page 2
B y G race M c c arthy
City of Blaine residents will soon decide whether they would like to de-annex a chunk of east Blaine, which would likely lead to high-density housing near Semiahmoo.
Blaine City Council unanimously voted 6-0 during its Blaine City Council meeting on July 14 to place a ballot measure in the November 4 election that will allow city voters to decide if they want to de-annex 573 acres of incorporated urban growth area (UGA) in east Blaine, 473 of which is the Grandis Pond property.
“We’re trying to do the right thing and secure a housing supply for a very long time,” said Alex Wenger, director of the city’s Community Development Services Department, before the meeting. “We’re charting new territory with the de-annexation and UGA swap. It would be a heck of a lot easier to stick to the status quo.”
Grandis Pond was once slated to be one of the largest housing developments in the county, bringing over 1,100 residential units. However, east Blaine residents Kevin Keck and Rebeka Ruiz-Lembo purchased the property in December 2023 and don’t have plans to develop it as densely. Keck has publicly said he supports the de-annexation.
Without dense housing planned in Grandis Pond, where the city has been planning future growth, city planners crafted a new plan. City staff brought a new idea to council last fall that would de-annex the east Blaine property, which was initially annexed into the city in 1996. De-annexing the property would require a 60 percent supermajority vote.
Wenger said the city could be the first in the state to de-annex this amount of land, which would shrink the size of the city.
If the ballot measure passes, city staff would then like to swap the land lost in the de-annexation with 453 acres of unincorporated UGA near Semiahmoo and 539 acres of connected UGA reserve in
(See De-annex, page 7)
Bains appointed to city council, page 6
Blaine Downtown Revitalization Project starts
s Crews closed Peace Portal Drive, from H to Boblett streets, to vehicle traffic on July 14 as they began construction on the Blaine Downtown Revitalization Project. A detour has been established on 3rd Street as construction is expected to continue through mid-September. The project’s first phase will include sidewalk replacement, tree removal, electrical work, installment of pedestrian rails and crosswalk repainting from H to Boblett streets.
Immigration officials release Portland children detained at Peace Arch Park
The U.S.-born children’s
parents are being held at the ICE facility
in Tacoma
B y t roy B rynelson / o re G on P u B lic B roadcastin G
After two weeks in custody, four Portland children have been released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, OPB has learned. Their parents are still being held.
Kenia Jackeline “Jackie” Merlos and her U.S.-born children had been apprehended at Peace Arch State Park, near the U.S.-Canada Border on June 28 while visiting family. Merlos’ husband was detained a few days later.
The couple’s children appeared to be heading for deportation when a family friend, Mimi Lettunich, said she was called to come pick up the kids from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
The children had new passports and
were presumably preparing for a flight out of the U.S., she said.
“The government – our government –got them passports on Friday,” said Lettunich, who is now taking care of the four children in Portland. “They don’t need passports to come back to Oregon.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokesperson Jason Givens told OPB that he couldn’t comment on the events at the airport, saying “privacy regulations typically preclude CBP from disclosing travel information regarding U.S. citizens.”
Merlos’ case is the second documented instance of a family with children being held at a Washington border patrol station, which is not designed for long-term
event is partially funded by Skagit County
Photo by Grace McCarthy
Blaine school board votes to pause school consolidation
B y n olan B aker
In a sudden reversal, the Blaine school board voted unanimously to pause 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.
During a July 14 special meeting, a packed house of school staff, parents and community members applauded the board’s decision to pause the merger for at least one year before potentially reconsider-
ing the merger for next year’s budget. The school board, along with interim superintendent Dan Chaplik, went into executive session for roughly 90 minutes to discuss a plan for Chaplik to investigate where else the district could cut
*Annual Percentage Yield (APY). Promotional rates accurate as of 5/19/2025 and subject to change. Product o er may be withdrawn at any time. The minimum new money deposit required to open a Certi cate of Deposit (CD) account and obtain the APY is $5,000. New money is de ned as money not on deposit with Mountain Paci c Bank at or within 90 days prior to account opening. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Withdrawals and penalties may reduce earnings.
the budget, finding similar savings without merging the schools. After returning from executive session, the board quickly voted unanimously to pause the merger for one year.
“I’m really appreciative of Dan to come in and look at [the budget] with fresh eyes and say, ‘Well, maybe there is a way,’” said district 5 director Steve Galbraith.
Former superintendent Christopher Granger had suggested moving the first and second grade classes as a way to save the district roughly $600,000 annually, sparing deeper cuts to staff and educational opportunities for students. Granger argued that consolidating the classes into one building would cut maintenance and energy costs at the primary school and prepare the district for years of expected enrollment reductions.
Granger also pointed to the fact that Blaine is the only Whatcom County school district with both a primary and elementary school. Other school districts enroll grades K-5 in elementary school, while Blaine splits grades K-2 into the primary school, and grades 3-5 in the elementary school.
The reduced education plan for the 2025-26 school year, approved by a 4-1 vote in March, still eliminated an estimated 46 staff positions, cut all C-team high school athletics and significantly reshuffled district administrative staff. The proposed merger made up a portion of $3 million in cuts.
Speaking publicly for the first time as interim superintendent since starting July 1, Chaplik said he was excited for the challenge of finding new ways to save the
$600,000 that the merger promised to save.
Some parents and the Blaine teachers union were against the proposed merger, citing overcrowding concerns, makeshift classrooms without windows and aprehension toward the district’s youngest students sharing space with older students.
Chaplik, who is serving a oneyear interim term, is now faced with the challenge of finding other ways to save hundreds of thousands of dollars to keep the district financially solvent and abide by state financial requirements.
“I’m ready for this challenge because this is too great of a community, too great of a school district for us to not be willing to take this step,” Chaplik said prior to the vote. “I just want to thank the board for having enough belief in this process to recognize that we’re here for the purpose of community and kids. We really have to fend off anything that gets in the way of that path.”
District 4 director Ryan Swinburnson described the decision as a “risk,” citing the unknowns of next year’s financial situation, but said it was worth keeping the district’s youngest students in place.
“There’s particular risks in putting a pause in place, but there’s also risks in not putting a pause in place,” Swinburnson said. “We talked from day one that the merger is not an ideal option. Nobody wants it. Nobody in this board wants it, nobody out there wants it. Putting a pause is probably worth the risk.”
The next regular school board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, July 28 in the district boardroom, 770 Mitchell Avenue.
From page 1
detention.
On Monday, U.S. District Court Judge of Western Washington Tana Lin ordered immigration authorities to hold off on taking any actions against the family until she had more time to look at the case.
The family’s attorneys filed for an emergency ruling Sunday, arguing that Merlos had no access to an attorney since CBP agents took her and her family into custody June 28.
Lin’s order Monday noted that the Merlos family had been “serially re-located and denied contact.” The family’s presence at the Ferndale facility wasn’t confirmed until U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter, D-Oregon, visited late last week. Dexter was allowed to see the family but not talk with them.
As of Tuesday, attorneys for the federal government had not yet filed their responses in court. Lin’s order demanded a response
by the end of the week.
Jill Nedved, an immigration attorney representing the parents and their kids, said she believed the family visited the Washington state park so Merlos could take her mother – who is visiting from Honduras on a visa – to see her sister who lives in Canada.
Givens told OPB last week that Merlos was accused of “attempting to smuggle illegal aliens into the U.S.”
Nedved said Merlos had not been charged with a crime as of Friday.
They remained at a facility in Ferndale until just recently. Customs and Border Protection rules say detained people should only be in custody for 72 hours, but the agency has ignored its own guidelines multiple times.
Both Merlos and her husband, Carlos, are now being held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, records show.
While the case is still playing out, Dexter and U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, celebrated the judge’s order in a statement to the press.
“Our constituents, including four U.S. citizen children, were de-
tained without due process by their own government,” the lawmakers said. “This emergency ruling is a
legal lifeline to provide critical protection to the Merlos family.”
This article is republished from
Port commission expansion headed to November ballots
B y G race M c c arthy
Whatcom County voters will be tasked with the decision to expand the Port of Bellingham commission from three to five candidates during the November 4 election.
The commission voted 2-1 to place the measure on ballots during their July 15 meeting, with commissioners Ken Bell and Michael Shepard in support and Bobby Briscoe opposed. The audience erupted in applause following the port’s decision, which came months after the subject was previously discussed.
If voters approve the expansion, it’ll be the first time the commission has five members since its formation in 1920, according to port documents. The commission last put forward an expansion measure in 2012 that failed to meet the simple majority threshold for support.
If passed, the port would then need to draw up five districts by January.
The three incumbent commissioners would represent districts one, two and three. Races for the new seats would
be included in the August 2026 primary if there were more than two candidates running in a district. If not, the candidates would only appear in the November 2026 election. Voters of the entire port district would elect the new commissioners.
The two new commissioners would take office as soon as election results were certified in November 2026. The candidate with the highest number of voters would serve three years, while the candidate with the second highest votes would only serve for one year. Those commissioners would be elected in odd numbered years, which is in line with the port’s current election cycle.
In total, adding two new commissioners to the port is estimated to cost nearly $126,000 annually, with an additional $7,000 for equipment costs every four to five years. It would cost the port $60,000 per position for primary elections and $200,000 for the general election in 2026. The port didn’t have a cost estimate available for redistricting.
Expanding the commission would allow two commissioners to meet outside of port meetings, something that cur-
rently isn’t allowed under the state’s Open Public Meetings Act because it would create a quorum. State law would still prohibit a commissioner from speaking sequentially to the other commissioners about the same port business.
Bell has said he is in favor of more communication with fellow commissioners, especially after the commission’s recent decision to remove former executive director Rob Fix from his position.
Briscoe said he believed if voters wanted to expand the commission, they should bring it forward as a citizen-initiated ballot measure. He also reiterated that he believed expanding the commission would make the positions partisan.
Bell said the positions were already partisan as port candidates need to be endorsed by a political party to run successful campaigns.
“Unfortunately, that’s the state of politics today. There is already partisanship,” Bell said. “It’s ‘do you have candidates that can break through that partisanship and represent the nonpartisan viewpoints we’d like to see on the port?’”
Bell said he believed enlarging the commission would improve communication between staff and commissioners as well as increase representation of different areas of the county, outside of Bellingham.
Briscoe also said he was worried that adding commissioners would increase costs to the port, already operating on a tight budget, and increase staff time to meet with commissioners. Bell responded that budget constraints just forced the commission to decide its priorities and the executive director would now be able to meet with two commissioners at once.
“We have other ports coming to us asking us how we are doing the things we do and make things happen, which leads me to believe that I’m not sure if what we’re trying to do here is all that important at this time, whether people think they need to talk to each other,” said Briscoe, who attended the meeting remotely.
Shepard said he believed the commission had thoroughly heard from the public over the past year and the response had
been overwhelmingly in favor of expansion.
“My support for this initiative is because people have consistently asked me to do so,” Shepard said. “I feel like I’m being responsive to the public who elected me and who has consistently asked me to put this on the ballot.”
Shepard added his experience in office has shown him that expansion would create a more efficient, transparent and effective commission.
Oregon Public Broadcasting. For more OPB content, visit opb.org.
s An undated photo of Kenia Jackeline Merlos with her husband and four children.
Photo courtesy of Mimi Lettunich via Oregon Public Broadcasting
s Port of Bellingham commissioners Ken Bell, l., and Michael Shepard, c., during the July 15 commission meeting. Commissioner Bobby Briscoe attended the meeting remotely.
Photo courtesy of Port of Bellingham YouTube
The Northern L ght
The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc.
Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors.
Letters Policy
The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. The letters to the editor column is primarily intended to allow readers to voice their opinions on local issues of general interest to local readers. A fresh viewpoint will increase the likelihood of publication. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Consumer complaints should be submitted directly to the business in question or the local chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com.
Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com
Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com
Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com
Reporter Nolan Baker nolan@pointrobertspress.com
Editorial Intern Julia Hawkins prpintern@pointrobertspress.com
Creative Services
Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman, Isabella Prince production@pointrobertspress.com
Office Manager Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com
Advertising Sales Molly Ernst, Gary Lee sales@pointrobertspress.com
General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com
Contributors In This Issue Doug Dahl, Troy Brynelson/OPB
The Northern Light
225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230
Tel: 360/332-1777
Vol XXXI, No 5
Circulation: 11,000 copies
Blaine Harbor Music Festival ends on high note OpiniOn
had
Lauman art on display at Great Blue Heron
Harbor guardians: The watchful cormorants
Upon the whispers of the tide, Where sea and sky and secrets bide, A schooner rests, its anchor deep, Beneath the clouds that softly weep.
Upon the breakers, jagged, worn, The cormorants greet the breaking morn. With sable wings and eyes so clear, Guarding Drayton Harbor waters without fear.
What secrets do they guard or share, Between the realms of sea and air? Among the breakers, they remain, Silent keepers of the tides in Blaine.
And so they linger, bound by fate, Observers of the schooner’s weight. A bond unspoken and never asleep, The Harbor Guardians of anchors deep.
CiviC Meetings
Circulation Independently verified by: 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.
Next issue: July 24 Ads due: July 18
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.
Blaine Planning Commission: Second Thursday, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: bit.ly/3EwWiZi.
Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district boardroom, 770 Mitchell Avenue. Info: blainesd.org.
North Whatcom Fire and Rescue: Third Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.
BBWARM: Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District Advisory Committee meets quarterly in-person and on Zoom. Info: bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org.
Blaine Public Works and Park Advisory Board: Second Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Blaine council chambers. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.
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.
s Blaine Harbor Music Festival wrapped up its annual music camp and festival with a street fair on July 12 in downtown Blaine. The week-long festival
free outdoor concerts, a student performance at Blaine Performing Arts Center and ticketed swing dance event.
Photo courtesy of DeeDee Marshall
B y r uth l au M an
s “Temptress,” a schooner from Paducah, Kentucky in Blaine Harbor that inspired the poem. Photo by Ruth Lauman
s Birch Bay artist Ruth Lauman shares her passion for the coastal seascape of Birch Bay with Karen Hawn at her solo exhibition on July 2 at the Great Blue Heron Grill in Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club. Running through August, her art and photography offer a lens into the vibrant beauty of Blaine and Birch Bay, celebrating the region’s rich maritime legacy, coastal charm and timeless allure. Photo by Louise Mugar
Road work to close parts of I-5 from Blaine to Ferndale
B y J ulia h awkins
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has scheduled overnight lane and ramp closures for pavement repairs on I-5 southbound from Blaine to Ferndale. Sections of the shoulder will also be closed during day and night
for guardrail repairs.
The $7.6 million project was expected to begin July 16 and finish in October, according to WSDOT.
The pavement repairs include fixing potholes, cracks, settling pavement and asphalt along a 10-mile stretch from Blaine to the Nooksack River
crossing in Ferndale.
Additionally, crews are repairing and replacing aging guardrails on I-5 between Main Street in Ferndale and north of Birch Bay-Lynden Road as a way to mitigate the severity of car accidents. Although the guardrail work is occurring offroad, drivers should still ex -
pect shoulder and lane closures to create a safe working area for road crews.
Nighttime lane closures are expected from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Friday morning, with speeds reduced to 55 miles per hour for all lane shifts.
Daytime and nighttime shoul -
August primary election ballots mailing
B y n olan B aker
The Whatcom County Auditor’s Office was scheduled to mail August primary ballots to registered voters on July 16, and voters should receive their ballots by Tuesday, July 22.
Election Day is Tuesday, August 5. Ballots must be returned to an official ballot drop box before 8 p.m. August 5, or postmarked in the mail by August 5.
This summer’s primary election includes local races as well as a county-wide levy lid lift for the Whatcom County Library System.
Port of Bellingham Commissioner District 2 race will feature incumbent Ken Bell, who has held the position since 2017, being challenged by first-time candidates Carly James, a Bellingham-based small business owner, and Kaylin A. Bosley.
The Blaine City Council Ward 2 Position 4 seat is also up, representing areas west of I-5, north of California Creek and south of Boblett Street. Incumbent and mayor pro tempore Rhyan Lopez will not seek reelection after finishing his four-year position that he started in 2022.
Candidates for the city council seat are Isaac Newland, Steven Tojek and Ray Leone, all three of whom did not list any elected experience on their can-
didate filing forms. Newland has received endorsements from Blaine mayor Mary Lou Steward, state senator Sharon Shewmake, state representatives Joe Timmons and Alicia Rule and Blaine resident Kamal Bhachu, according to Newland’s candidate filing form.
Whatcom County Council Districts 2 and 3 are up for election, with District 2 councilmember Todd Donovan not seeking reelection, and District 3 incumbent Tyler Byrd seeking another term.
The District 2 race, representing north Bellingham, will feature candidates Elizabeth Boyle, Maya Morales, and Mike Cullum. The District 3 race, representing east Whatcom County, will have Jessica Rienstra, incumbent Tyler Byrd, Kyle Christensen and Daniel Probst. Blaine and Birch Bay residents will not see either positions on their ballots.
Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) , which oversees library access everywhere in the county besides Bellingham, is asking voters to pass a levy lid lift to secure funding for operations, maintenance and development.
If passed, the property tax levy rate for WCLS would be set at $0.42 per $1,000 of assessed home value. State law caps property tax increases to one percent
annually, meaning the library system is unable to keep up with inflation without voters agreeing to increase the levy rate.
The auditor’s office must receive voter registration and address changes online or by mail by Monday, July 28. In-person registration and address changes can be completed at the auditor’s office, 311 Grand Avenue, suite 103, in Bellingham through Tuesday, August 5.
LWV releases interviews with local candidates
The League of Women Voters of Bellingham-Whatcom County (LWVBWC) released a series of recorded interviews with primary candidates, allowing voters a chance to review candidates in their own time.
Each interview is under 10 minutes, with the nonpartisan group asking candidates for each position the same three questions. Candidates for the Port of Bellingham Commissioner District 2, Blaine City Council Ward 2 and Whatcom County Council Districts 2 and 3 are posted on the LWVBWC website. All candidate interviews can be found on the LWVBWC website by visiting bit. ly/4lZU3AH.
The August primary is a toptwo system, meaning the two candidates with the most votes will advance to the November general election, regardless of party. Additional races with only two candidates will only appear in the November election.
For more information on the upcoming election, contact the elections division of the auditor’s office at elections@co.whatcom. wa.us or call 360/778-5102.
der closures can occur from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Friday.
Nighttime ramp closures and detours are expected from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Friday morning.
Additional information can be found at bit.ly/3GJUC2s.
for REAL news READ LOCAL
s Joseph Shay places a ballot in the official drop box at Blaine Public Library on October 24, 2024.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
Local farm activist self-deports after four months in ICE detention
B y G race M c c arthy
Alfredo Juarez Zeferino, 25, a local farmworker activist and union organizer, has decided to self-deport to Mexico after a four-month battle to be released from the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, according to media reports.
Zeferino, who goes by “Lelo,” decided on July 14 in immigration court to depart voluntarily to Mexico, a decision he said was “tough,” according to NPR’s KUOW
“It’s hard to fight the case from here. Everyone loses. There’s no confidence in this court,” Zeferino told the Seattle-based news station.
By choosing to leave voluntarily, Zeferino could potentially return to the U.S. legally in the
future. Zeferino’s attorney, Larkin VanDerhoef, said he would have stayed in the detention facility for months had he applied for asylum, and his immigration judge said last month she didn’t have the legal jurisdiction to approve a $5,000 bond to release him, according to KUOW.
U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) said it was a “tragedy” that Zeferino would not be able to return to his family in Skagit County.
“In arrests across the country, the Trump administration and ICE have claimed that they are going after ‘the worst of the worst.’ But like so many others who have been detained, Lelo Juarez does not represent the worst of the worst,” Larsen (WA-D) wrote in a statement.
Larsen met with Zeferino at
the ICE detention facility in Tacoma on June 20 and said at the time that Zeferino “still feels resilient, still feels hopeful, but it’s taken a toll on him being in the detention facility.”
While detained, Zeferino was not able to meet with his family in the same room, only speaking through glass partitions, according to Larsen. The congressman was trying to facilitate Zeferino meeting with his family in the same room, something he hadn’t done since being incarcerated. In late June, over 1,500 people were detained in the Tacoma facility, only 10 percent of whom had legal representation, Larsen said.
ICE detained Zeferino on March 25 in Sedro-Woolley, which federal officials have said stemmed from a 2018 detention
order. His family denies receiving notification of the order.
Zeferino immigrated from Mexico to Washington as a child and grew up to become a labor and immigrant advocate, co-founding Familias Unidas por la Justicia and serving on the defunct Bellingham Immigration Advisory Board.
The Bellingham Police Department turned him over to ICE for driving the wrong way on a one-way street when he was 15. His family later sued the city of Bellingham for racial bias and was awarded $100,000 in damages.
Zeferino’s detention sparked protests and made international headlines. His hearing ended on July 14 with supporters reportedly gathered outside of the Tacoma detention facility.
Blaine City Council appoints Bains as interim councilor
B y G race M c c arthy
Blaine City Council voted 5-1 to appoint Blaine Bouquets owner Sarbie Bains to fill a three-month term left vacant by Mike Hill’s recent resignation during its July 14 meeting.
Bains will hold the at-large position until the general election results are certified in late November, which is when the winner of that race will take
over the position early. Bains is on the ballot for the position with Hill, who resigned for personal reasons and has supported Bains. The ballot will also have a section for write-in candidate.
Bains, who will represent the entire city, said during her interview that she would be the only person on council with a Blaine business and who has younger children in the school
district. She said she wanted to bring new businesses to Blaine, encourage a wide range of housing and ensure city money is not wasted.
“I am doing this for the future of my kids, our kids, small businesses and those young families who do not have time to attend city council meetings or to write to The Northern Light ,” she told council. “This is not a short-term goal for me. I’m planning on making a better future for my kids and for myself because I see myself retiring here.”
Jay Taber and Ray Leone were the other two candidates interviewed during the meeting.
Council allotted 15 minutes to interview each candidate and asked them the same questions about the budget, their priorities and representing constituents.
Taber is among a group that has protested a lack of transparency and various other concerns at city council meetings. Taber, who listed himself as a retired journalist on his application, accused the city mayor of a “malevolent reign” and called for the firing and prosecution of city leaders.
Leone is a retired nurse and teacher who is involved with the Blaine Senior Center and Salishan Neighborhood Association. Leone regularly attends city council and planning commission meetings and was opposed to increasing building heights on the west side of Peace Portal Drive. Leone is also running for councilmember Rhyan Lopez’s Ward 2 Position 4 seat in the August primary.
John Gargett and Laura Lucas also applied but rescinded their applications, city clerk Sam Crawford said. Gargett served as the deputy director of the Whatcom County Division of Emergency Management before retiring at the end of 2023. Lucas is a retired community (See Council, page 10)
s Alfredo Juarez Zeferino. Photo courtesy of Sattva Photo
s Jay Taber listens to another council candidate speak during the Blaine City Council meeting on July 14. Photos by Grace McCarthy
s Ray Leone answers Blaine City Council’s questions during his interview for the interim council position.
s Sarbie Bains leaves the podium after interviewing for the vacant council position on July 14.
s Blaine City Council approve placing a de-annexation ballot measure in the November 4 election. If approved, the measure would de-annex 552 acres in east Blaine. The city would also like to remove 37 acres near Dakota Creek. The city would then try to replace those urban growth areas (UGA) with 124 acres of UGA in southeast Blaine as well as 453 acres of UGA and 539 acres of UGA reserve near Semiahmoo. Maps courtesy of the city of Blaine
Semiahmoo that could be annexed in the future.
The proposed land for the west Blaine UGA has only two property owners, Jun Yu Development LLC and Ocean View Farms LLC. Wenger said both owners have indicated support of the city’s plan, which means it wouldn’t need to go before voters.
The city’s plan also includes adding 124 acres of unincorporated UGA in southeast Blaine that city officials would like to zone for manufacturing. Lastly, the city would like to remove 37 acres of the Harbor Shores property, an unincorporated UGA near Drayton Harbor.
The UGA swap would only occur if de-annexation passes,
The power of personal attention working for you. Call to schedule a one-on-one.
Wenger said. The plan has drawn concern from Birch Bay residents, while city officials have argued that it will be better for the environment to move development away from the aquifer in east Blaine.
If the de-annexation passes, city officials hope to include the UGA swap in the city and Whatcom County’s comprehensive plans, 20-year planning documents due to the state by the end of the year.
Terrell V Goertz, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®
Financial Advisor
The power of personal attention working for you. Call to
Terrell V Goertz, CFP , ChFC , CLU
Advisor 8115 Birch Bay Square St, Suite 118 Blaine, WA 98230 360-738-3454 The power of personal attention working for you. Call to schedule a one-on-one.
The power of personal attention working for you. Call to schedule a one-on-one.
The power of personal attention working for you. Call to schedule a one-on-one.
Terrell V Goertz, CFP , ChFC , CLU
Financial Advisor
Terrell V Goertz, CFP , ChFC , CLU
Financial Advisor
Terrell V Goertz, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®
Terrell V Goertz, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®
Financial Advisor
8115 Birch Bay Square St, Suite 118 Blaine, WA 98230 360-738-3454 The power of personal attention working for you. Call to schedule a one-on-one.
8115 Birch Bay Square St, Suite 118 Blaine, WA 98230 360-738-3454
8115 Birch Bay Square St, Suite 118 Blaine, WA 98230 360-738-3454
Financial Advisor
8115 Birch Bay Square St, Suite 118 Blaine, WA 98230 360-738-3454
98230
8115 Birch Bay Square St, Suite 118 Blaine, WA 98230 360-738-3454
> edwardjones.com
MKT-5894Q-A AECSPAD
MKT-5894Q-A AECSPAD
MKT-5894Q-A AECSPAD
MKT-5894Q-A AECSPAD
MKT-5894Q-A AECSPAD
MKT-5894Q-A AECSPAD
> edwardjones.com
> edwardjones.com
> edwardjones.com
> edwardjones.com
s The public packs council chambers for the Blaine City Council meeting on July 14. Photo by Grace McCarthy
An afternoon on the Plover, from Semiahmoo to Blaine Harbor
There is no shortage of adventure for all aboard the historic Plover passenger ferry.
The 81-year-old ferry, once transporting Alaska Packers Association workers between Semiahmoo Spit and Blaine Harbor, now caters to tourists and locals alike seeking a leisurely ride between those same destinations in the summer months.
Drayton Harbor Maritime restored the ferry in the ‘90s and sold it to the city, its new operator, for $1.
The Plover runs from noon to 7:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday every week through Labor
Day Weekend. It departs from Gate 2 at Blaine Harbor on the hour and departs from Semiahmoo on the half-hour.
One-way tickets cost $6 for adults and children over 11 years old, $2 for children ages 2-10 years old, and tickets are free for children under 2 years old.
New this year, the city has implemented an online ticketing system as it no longer accepts cash for rides. To purchase tickets, visit blainebythesea.com.
Photos of a July 11 trip on the Plover ferry by Isabella Prince
ADVICE FROM THE PROS
Q: Is Blaine or Birch Bay a good place to buy a summer home?
A: Absolutely! Blaine and Birch Bay are ideal spots for a summer getaway. With their quiet beaches, walking trails, and relaxed atmosphere, many buyers are looking for second homes to enjoy during the warmer months. From condos with water views to lowmaintenance cottages near the beach, there are options for a range of budgets. Summer homes in these areas also offer potential as vacation rentals when not in use, giving buyers extra flexibility. If you’ve been dreaming of a place to spend weekends or create family memories, now’s a great time to explore owning a summer property right here in Whatcom County.
A: • Leaky Faucets: Persistent dripping usually means worn washers or seals need replacing.
• Slow Drains: Sluggish drainage often indicates a clog developing in the pipes.
• Unpleasant Odors: Foul smells can signal problems with the sewer line or stagnant water.
• Water Pressure Changes: A sudden drop in water pressure may indicate leaks or blockages.
• Discolored Water: Brown or rusty water usually means the pipes are corroding.
• Wet Spots: Unexplained dampness on walls or floors could mean there's a hidden leak.
• Increased Water Bills: A sudden spike in your water bill can point to leaks or a running toilet.
By recognizing these signs, you can address plumbing issues promptly and prevent them from becoming major problems.
Q: Is Washington State changing the Estate Tax Laws?
A: Effective July 1, 2025, Washington State will increase the estate tax exemption amount to $3 million. This exemption will also be adjusted annually for inflation. Once
License: GarysPH786M9
Q: Everyone talks about pain in cold weather, but my joints feel worse now that it’s hot. Is that normal?
A: Actually—yes! High temps and humidity can cause inflammation to spike, especially in alreadyirritated joints. Dehydration, poor sleep, and heat-related fatigue can make muscles feel tight and recovery feel slower. Add golf, gardening, or walking on uneven beach terrain—and it’s a recipe for flareups. The key is prepping your body beforehand and staying mobile without overdoing it. Want to stay active and pain-free this summer? Scan this QR code to download our FREE Summer Joint Relief Tips at https://7elements.biz/jointrelieftips or call (360) 922-0091 to schedule a FREE Discovery Visit. Gary’s Plumbing and Heating, LLC Gary’s-Plumbing.com • 360-734-9700
7714 Birch Bay Drive Birch Bay, WA 98230 360-922-0091 • www.7elements.life
Natalie Milligan, MPT, MS
Deka Wiebusch
Blaine school district releases draft 2025-26 budget
B y n olan B aker
The Blaine school district released its preliminary budget for the 2025-26 school year on July 10, outlining how a third consecutive year of budget cuts could look.
This year’s proposed budget shows the district’s revenue at $40.16 million and expenditures at $40.67 million, representing
a half-million dollar deficit that will eat into the district’s $3.9 million fund balance.
The budget estimates an enrollment count of 1,866 full time equivalent students, continuing a downward trend from 2,023 in 2023-24 and 1,944 in 2024-25. The budget also estimates just under 130 full time equivalent certificated employees, down from 146 in 2023-24, and 81 classified employees, down from 90 in 2023-24.
With dwindling enrollment, state-imposed caps on how much tax revenue the district can collect and drastically rising operating costs, the district will once again need to get creative to find ways to save money.
The district is working to avoid financial insolvency and “binding conditions” where the state would take over budget decisions from the board.
Public Instruction for the 202324 school year, state and federal funding has not kept up with the rising costs of special education, materials, supplies and operating costs (MSOC), and transportation. School districts across the state outpaced state and federal funding by $435 million for special education, $456 million for MSOC and $67 million for transportation.
From 2020 to 2024, funding gaps in the Blaine school district reached $24.2 million, with the biggest gaps coming from MSOC and special education funding, according to district data.
The school board will meet on Monday, July 28 to discuss the proposed budget, and will hold a vote at the next meeting, scheduled for Monday, August 25.
Pick up your copy today at:
Semiahmoo Resort
Birch Bay Chamber Visitor Center
Blaine Chamber Visitor Center
Paso del Norte
The Vault Wine Bar & Bistro
Blaine Harbor Marina
Chada Thai
The Railway Café
Drayton Harbor Oyster Co.
Dank Of America
The C Shop
Birch Bay Waterslides
Birch Bay Square
Sahara Pizza Station 49
Bay Breeze
Birch Bay Budz
Bay Center Market
Windermere at Birch Bay Square
Grandview Golf Course
According to data from the state Office of Superintendent of
Council ...
From page 6
member with a strong interest in improving school funding.
Councilmember Eric Davidson initially voiced that he wanted to leave the positon open until the November election. Davidson said he was concerned appointing Leone could put him at an unfair advantage in the election and that he didn’t want to appoint Bains because “Hill has tainted this position.”
He said after the meeting that he was referring to Hill dropping out and endorsing Bains, which showed favoritism.
Mayor Mary Lou Steward said she did not support keeping the vacancy because Whatcom County would have authority to select an interim councilor if the position wasn’t filled in 90 days.
“I would have agreed with you, Eric, had it not been for
The preliminary budget documents are public, available at bit. ly/4lxZqHp. For more information on the district budget process, visit bit.ly/3IrOsol.
this clause,” Steward said. “I think we should be more in control of our own destiny than that.”
Councilmember Sonia Hurt said she supported Bains because she would likely be voted into the position in November. “I think it would be appropriate to get her started as soon as possible,” Hurt said.
Councilmember Eric Lewis, the lone dissenting vote, expressed support for Leone.
City manager Mike Harmon recommended during the last council meeting on June 23 that council suspend its rule on filling council vacancies and appoint Bains to the position to save the city money on advertising the vacancy. Councilmembers Davidson, Lewis and Richard May pushed back, insisting others should have the opportunity to apply.
Bains’ first council meeting is expected to be Monday, August 11.
s Blaine High School.
File photo
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: JAIR LEE FURNAS, Deceased. No. 254-00629-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Lee Grochmal
The Administrator named below has been appointed and has qualified as Administrator of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Administrator served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.
Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: June 26, 2025 with Clerk of Court: Date of First Publication: July 3, 2025
Name of Administrator: MARA LYNN
proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.
Date of First Publication: July 3, 2025
Personal Representative: Daniel Fogarty 11122 55th Avenue West Mukilteo, WA 98275
Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225
Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225
Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 25-4-00623-37.
Estate
State provides $500K grant for Birch Bay Beach Park
B y n olan B aker
Whatcom County Parks and Recreation just received a $500,000 funding boost for designing and developing the Birch Bay Beach Park, which is expected to cost over $5 million.
The funding, announced June 7, is part of nearly $150 million in grants the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) board has allocated. This is the latest development for the park since Whatcom County Council approved a parks and recreation six-year plan in January 2024. The plan earmarked roughly $5.25 million, with the RCO grant covering around 10 percent of the cost of development and construction.
Plans for the new park include picnic areas, safe beach access, parking, restrooms, activity areas, walking paths, lights and planting improvements, according to the RCO board.
The park is a 4.1-acre property at 7930 Birch Bay Drive, with 9.6 acres of tidelands and 400 feet of waterfront property. The location in central Birch Bay makes it a high priority for development by the county, RCO wrote.
RCO director Megan Duffy said the grants will help bolster recreation opportunities across the state.
“These grants are critical to keeping Washington a premier destination for outdoor adventure as well as a great place for Washingtonians to live,” Duffy wrote in
a statement. “These grants are key to building great communities.”
The RCO funding board granted awards to 242 projects out of a total of 411 grant applications, or about 60 percent.
In total, RCO is providing $2.1 million in grants to nine outdoor recreation projects in Whatcom County. Other county projects to receive funding include conservation efforts in Canyon Creek Forest and Maple Falls Forest, trail maintenance at Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Trail, and protecting salmon habitat along Butler Creek.
Funding for the Birch Bay Beach Park was specifically sourced from the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account (ALEA), part of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Road Rules: Crosswalks and traffic signs
B y d ou G d ahl
Question: What are the rules about crosswalks at intersections with signal lights? Many people think that if they are in a crosswalk and the light is green for the automobile, they can still cross. Please elaborate.
Answer: I was initially puzzled by this question. The reason many pedestrians think they can cross the street when the light is green is because that’s what the law says: “Pedestrians… facing any green signal, except when the sole green signal is a turn arrow, may proceed across the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk.”
At an intersection controlled by the standard red/yellow/green traffic signal, pedestrians mostly follow the same rules as drivers, with one exception. For drivers, the yellow light is a warning that a red light is coming, and once it’s red “vehicular traffic shall not enter the intersection.” For pedestrians, once the light turns yellow they “shall not enter the roadway.” That makes sense; intersections are timed so a car entering the when the light turns yellow should have enough time to clear before it turns red, while a pedestrian who starts crossing on a yellow light will likely be halfway across the street when the lights switch.
Those rules change though, if
the intersection also has a pedestrian control signal. I suspect that’s what inspired this question. When there’s a signal with walk/don’t walk or it has the walking person and hand symbols, it sets the rules for pedestrians to follow.
But not too literally. I’m reminded of the scene in the movie Rain Man, when Dustin Hoffman, playing an autistic man, takes the “don’t walk” sign at its word and freezes in the street blocking traffic when it switches on. The law prohibits pedestrians from entering a road on either a flashing or solid hand symbol but, for sure, you should finish crossing once you start. When an intersection has pedestrian controls, they likely won’t match up with the traffic control signals. For example, at an intersection near my home, when the traffic signal turns green the walk symbol lights up for only a few seconds. It then switches to a flashing hand symbol with a 24 second countdown before turning to a solid hand. About five seconds later, the green light for the traffic turns yellow. That works out to roughly half a minute longer for cars to enter the intersection than pedestrians.
For anyone who’s thinking 24 seconds would give them enough time to cross the street twice, yes, that may be true. The Manual on
Uniform Traffic Control Devices recommends calculating pedestrian walking speed at four feet per second to allow slower walkers enough time to cross the street.
At intersections with a countdown, faster walkers might be tempted to start crossing the street when half the time is already used up. Here’s the problem: a driver approaching the intersection from the same direction as the late-crossing pedestrian, and intending to make a right turn, may see the flashing hand symbol and assume that they’re clear to make that turn. Mix a quick pedestrian with a driver’s assumptions and we have a conflict.
You might argue that a driver shouldn’t make assumptions, and I agree with you. When you’re the biggest and the fastest, you have a responsibility to wield that power safely. However, the law does state that the flashing “don’t walk” sign means pedestrians shouldn’t enter the roadway. And no matter who’s to blame, in a crash with a car and a pedestrian, the pedestrian loses. So, drivers and walkers, when you’re approaching a pedestrian control signal be smart and be predictable.
Doug Dahl is a Blaine resident, manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.
Clare Swift Nurre
January 27, 1948 – July 4, 2025
Clare Swift Nurre, 77, of Blaine, WA, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 4, 2025, after a long battle with cancer.
Clare was born on January 27, 1948, in Atlantic City, NJ to Joseph M. Nurre, Jr. and Genevieve Swift Nurre and is survived by sister Gabrielle Swift Nurre of Albuquerque, NM; brother Joseph M. Nurre III and wife Eileen of Upland, CA; cousin John Joseph Nurre of Sacramento, CA; and numerous other cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Clare graduated from Alverno Heights Academy in Sierra Madre, CA in 1965 and from California State College in Los Angeles in 1969. While living in Southern California, she worked for the Monrovia Unified School District and the Los Angeles County Department of Social Services.
After moving to Blaine, Clare found her calling and worked for USPS as a clerk at the Blaine post office, helping the many customers from her community and from across the border get their mail and packages to the correct destinations. Following retirement from the post office, Clare began doing volunteer work for her community, supporting many non-profit groups, including three local groups - the Blaine Food Bank, Friends of the Blaine Library (FOBL), and The Alternative Humane Society of Whatcom County (AHS). She also volunteered for many years at the Blaine Visitor Center, providing area information to both the citizens of the community as well as the tourists visiting Blaine. Her local stories and sense of humor in telling them were heard by many over the years. Clare served on the FOBL Board of Directors for over 20 years and was the original organizer and chairperson of the Friends semi-annual book sales and the in-house bookstore. She loved books and reading and was always helping others find that same love. Health issues forced her to give up some of her duties, but she never stopped supporting the Friends and their activities. If there was a job to be done, Clare was right there pitching in any way she could. Her dedication and hard work were inspirational. Clare’s love of books was matched only by her love of animals, especially dogs and cats. She worked tirelessly on her own and through the Alternative Humane Society to find homes for displaced dogs, and she fostered many of them as she worked to find forever homes for each one. She never knew a stranger – within minutes of meeting someone, she was engaged in trying to get them to foster an animal or donate to the cause.
A gathering of Clare’s friends to celebrate her life, toast her achievements, and share Clare stories will be held at a later date. Donations in her memory can be made to the Friends of the Blaine Library, Alternative Humane Society, or Blaine Food Bank.
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Gabriel Zamora
July 27, 1949 to March 29, 2025 Seahawks-themed birthday party and memorial, Sunday, July 27, 1–4 p.m. with a service from 1:30–2 p.m., at Bingham RV Park, 322 West Munro Street, just off of Cook Road in Sedro Woolley, on what would have been his 76th birthday. Potluck, bring drinks (no alcohol). Please wear Seahawks colors or jersey.
sheriff’s repOrts
July 5, 2:05 a.m.: Threat cold call on Mayfair Place.
July 5, 9:38 a.m.: Hit and run cold call on Birch Bay Drive.
July 5, 5:16 p.m.: DUI arrest on Ham Road.
July 5, 6:14 p.m.: Harassment cold call on Seavue Road.
July 5, 8:45 p.m.: Shots on Sunrise Road.
July 5, 9:28 p.m.: Domestic –physical on Birch Bay Drive.
July 6, 9:17 a.m.: Hit and run cold call on Birch Bay Drive.
July 6, 11:05 a.m.: Domestic – physical cold call on Haynie Road.
July 6, 2:02 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Sweet Road.
July 6, 8:56 p.m.: Drugs on Lincoln Road.
July 7, 12:28 p.m.: Vandalism cold call on Moonglow Place.
July 7, 5:09 p.m.: Death investigation on Giles Road.
July 8, 9:50 a.m.: Vandalism cold call on Nakat Way.
July 8, 6:56 p.m.: Domestic –physical cold call on Glendale Drive.
July 9, 12:19 p.m.: Civil problem cold call on Morgan Drive.
July 9, 1:03 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Portal Way.
July 10, 12:19 a.m.: Warrant arrest on Birch Bay Drive.
July 10, 10:42 a.m.: Civil problem cold call on Birch Bay Drive.
July 10, 1:52 p.m.: Hit and run cold call on Birch Bay Drive.
July 10, 10:32 p.m.: Hot rod on Masterson Road.
July 10, 10:37 p.m.: Domestic physical on Salish Road.
From July 5 to 10, 18 local fireworks-related calls were made to WCSO.
For a complete list of WCSO reports, visit whatcomcounty.us/2120/Activity-Reports.
pOliCe repOrts
July 6, 2:24 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Sweet Road.
July 6, 7:36 p.m.: Surrender of weapons on H Street.
July 7, 2:51 p.m.: Threat on Yew Avenue.
July 7, 3:56 p.m.: Civil problem on E Street.
July 8, 10:29 a.m.: Vandalism on Drayton Harbor Road.
July 8, 1:42 p.m.: Harassment on Georgia Street.
July 8, 2:26 p.m.: Moving vehicle accident injury on H Street.
July 8, 4:35 p.m.: Threat on D Street.
Coming up
Splash Day: Friday, July 18, noon–2 p.m., Corner of Third and Martin streets. Fire hydrant sprinklers, ice cream by Sugar Shack, hot dogs and refreshments, Kids must be supervised, shoes recommended. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Books and Bites: Friday, July 18,1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. July title: Sorry for the Inconvenience: A Memoir by Farah Naz Rishi. Info: wcls.org.
Live Music in the Park: Friday, July 18, 5 p.m., Birch Bay State Park’s bp Heron Center. Featuring: On the Loose, an eclectic band of memorable country western and swing music. Bring a chair, a picnic and enjoy a rockin’ good time. Info: bbbparkandreg.org.
Live Music at Station 49: Friday, July 18, 6–9 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay Lynden Road. Featuring Wicked Timing. Info: station49.fun.
Live Music at The Vault: Friday, July 18, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring Double Trouble. Info: thevaultwine.com.
ACROSS
1. Pacific Standard Time
4. Extracts through heating and melting
10. Express delight
11. More curvy
12. Expression of uncertainty
14. Indicates before 15. Daughter of Hera and Zeus 16. Southwestern CA city 18. Unified 22. Less attractive
23. Base of jellies
24. A large and noisy party
26. He was traded for Luka
27. Wolverine genus
28. “Happy Days” actress Moran
30. Root of taro plant
31. Student environmental group (abbr.)
34. Silk garments
36. Unique power
37. Ray Liotta cop film
39. Leak slowly through 40. Notion
41. Atomic #55
42. Fixed in one place
48. About heat
50. Type of baseball pitch
51. Seedless raisin
52. Large wading birds
53. Similar 54. Time zone
55. Atomic #34
56. Program 58. Old world, new 59. Contrary belief 60. “To the __ degree” DOWN
1. Plain-woven fabric
2. Classed 3. Suppositions 4. Midway between south and west 5. Tropical American trees
6. Leveled 7. Published false statement
8. Adolescent 9. Junior’s father 12. Aurochs 13. Not low 17. Boxing’s GOAT
19. Short musical composition 20. Small immature herrings 21. Eavesdropper 25. Parcels of land 29. Anger 31. Irritations 32. Hindu holy man 33. Wicker basket for fish
35. Natural object 38. Transporting in a vehicle
41. A dog is one 43. Smaller portion 44. Sew 45. Belonging to a thing
46. Horsley and Greenwood are two 47. Scottish language 49. Producer 56. Exclamation of surprise 57. Russian river
July 9, 11:02 a.m.: Hit and run on H Street.
July 9, 12:49 p.m.: Threat on Georgia Street.
July 10, 12:01 p.m.: Theft on Blaine Road.
July 11, 2:24 p.m.: Harassment on H Street.
July 11, 7:12 p.m.: Trouble with subject on Birch Bay-Lynden.
From July 5 to 11, 11 local fireworks-related calls were made to BPD.
For a complete list of BPD reports, visit Facebook.com/ BlainePoliceDepartmentWA.
tides
July 17 - 23 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
Aquatic Invasive Species: Saturday, July 19, 3 p.m., Birch Bay State Park’s wildlife theater. Learn about aquatic invasive species at Birch Bay State Park. Join our Ranger as she talks about the green crab and how to Identify them and many other species that have invaded our beach.
Freedom of Movement Celebration Gala: Saturday, July 19, 5 p.m., Four Points Sheraton, 714 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham. Enjoy food, drinks, silent and live auctions. Funds raised support Arthritis Foundation programs, camps and education in the Pacific Northwest. Info and tickets: arthritisfoundation.org/bellinghamgala.
Live Music at Station 49: Saturday, July 19, 5–8 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay Lynden Road. Featuring Three Radicals with guests. Info: station49.fun.
Live Music at Station 49: Sunday, July 20, 3–6 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay Lynden Road. Featuring Foot Stompers. Info: station49.fun.
Vacation Bible School: July 21-25, 9 a.m.–noon, Grace Lutheran Church, 702 G Street. A fun, free VBS for kids ages 3 years to 5th grade. Info and registration: blainegracelutheran.com.
Japanese Taiko Drummer Performance: Wednesday, July 23, 5 p.m., Semiahmoo Marina, 9540 Semiahmoo Parkway. Nationally recognized Japanese taiko drummer Kato Takumi, his wife, and three sons perform “Peaceful Forest.” Free, donations accepted. Sponsored by Semaiahmoo Marina and the Bellingham Sister Cities Association.
Let’s Write Letters: Thursday, July 24, 2–3 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. It’s fun to receive things in the mail, and sending stuff to friends and family is the best way to get stuff in return! We’ll have everything you need to create and send your own correspondence. Grades K-5. Info: wcls.org. Semiahmoo Seaside BBQ Series: Thursday, July 24, 5 p.m., Semiahmoo Resort, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway. A rotating menu featuring fresh seafood, locally sourced meats, and seasonal veggies. Live music by Ron Hard and Jimmy Wright. Tickets $65 at semiahmoo.com.
Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, July 24, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: general knowledge. Info: thevaultwine.com. Beach Exploration: Friday, July 25, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., meet at Birch Bay State Park’s bp Heron Center. Explore the shoreline and view marine critters at low tide. Rocks can be slippery, appropriate footwear advised. Free. Info: bbbparkandreg.org.
Live Music at Station 49: Friday and Saturday, July 25 and 26, 7–10 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay Lynden Road. Featuring The Donny Grubb Band touring from Mesa, AZ. Info: station49.fun.
Pioneer Days Celebration: Friday, July 25, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. and Saturday, July 26, 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Pioneer Park, Ferndale. Crafts, vendors, food, entertainment, beer garden, live music, kids activities. Car show on Saturday from 8 a.m.–2 p.m. and Grand parade on Saturday at 11 a.m. Info: and full schedule: whatcomoldsettlers.com.
42nd Annual Sand Sculpture Contest: Saturday, July 26, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Birch Bay Beach Park, 7930 Birch Bay Drive. Watch individuals and teams build creative sand sculptures. Live entertainment. Register your team: bit. ly/4kHI5dI. Info: birchbaychamber.com.
Weather
Precipitation: During the period of July 7 to 13, 0.3 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2025 year-to-date precipitation is 15.5 inches.
Temperature: High for the past week was 87.3°F on July 13, with a low of 52.4°F on July 11. Average high was 80.8°F and average low was 56.7°F.
Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
Beach Exploration: Saturday, July 26, noon–2 p.m., meet at Birch Bay State Park’s bp Heron Center. Explore the shoreline and view marine critters at low tide. Rocks can be slippery, appropriate footwear advised. Free. Info: bbbparkandreg.org.
11th Annual Rollback Weekend Car Show: Sunday, July 27, 8 a.m.3 p.m., Birch Bay Beach Park, 7930 Birch Bay Drive. Enjoy a spectacular display of classic and custom cars. Live music by North Sound Soul. Car registration: bit.ly/3Gu7EkF. Info: birchbaychamber.com.
Splash Day: Friday, August 1, noon–2 p.m., Corner of Third and Martin streets. Fire hydrant sprinklers, ice cream by Sugar Shack, hot dogs and refreshments, Kids must be supervised, shoes recommended. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Movie in the Park: Friday, August 1, 8:30 p.m., Blaine Marine Park. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and watch a family-friendly classic movie. Free. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Ongoing
Blaine Food Bank: 500 C Street. Open Mondays 9 a.m.–noon, Wednesdays 5–7 p.m., and Fridays 9 a.m.–noon. Info:360/332-6350 or Info@blainefoodbank.org.
The Bridge Food Bank: Fridays, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 7620 Birch Bay Drive. New registration required at thebridgehope.com or call 360/366-8763. Volunteers welcome.
CAP Clothing Bank: Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon and Wednesdays, 5–7 p.m. 508 G Street. The Community Assistance Program clothing bank is now located in the basement of the CAP Center providing free clothing and linens. Donations accepted only during open hours or by special arrangement. Info: blainecap.org or 360/392-8484.
Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Classic cars and sand sculptures coming to Birch Bay
A full weekend of events on July 26 and 27
B y G race M c c arthy
The pinnacle of summer in Birch Bay returns for yet another jam-packed weekend with the sand sculpture competition on Saturday, July 26 and Rollback Weekend on Sunday, July 27.
“This is probably our biggest festival, and it always excites me seeing that many people in the bay,” said Sacha Sanguinetti, event coordinator of the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce. “It’s a throwback to the golden age of Birch Bay.”
The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce will host the 42nd annual Birch Bay Sand Sculpture Competition from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 26 along the shoreline in front of Birch Bay Beach Park, 7930 Birch Bay Drive.
This year’s competition will have categories for children; singles, duos and trios; small groups and large groups. The judging time will be around 2-3 p.m., depending on the tide, Sanguinetti said.
At Birch Bay Beach Park, the day will be full of family-friendly activities, including crafts and lawn games, organized by BlaineBirch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 and Friends of Birch Bay Library (FOBBL) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The library supporters will host a story time at 10 a.m.,
a bubble show will be held 9-11 a.m. and Whiplash Rodeo will perform live music from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Classic cars will roll into the community for the 11th annual Rollback Weekend Car Show from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 27 at Birch Bay Beach Park. The registration table at Birch Bay Beach Park will open at 6 a.m. for car enthusiasts to join the eclectic mix of over 100 vehicles, from muscle cars to Ford Model Ts.
Library supporters will host a breakfast 7-9 a.m. at the park, serving pancakes, sausage, hash browns, coffee and juice. The car show will also have live music from North Sound Soul from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., along with food vendors and family activities throughout the day.
A beer garden will be stationed at the park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Food vendors will also be serving up hot dogs, pizza, shaved ice and other festival fare.
To kick off the festival, the chamber will host a family-friendly poker run at 5 p.m. at Birch Bay Carts and Rentals, 7608 Birch Bay Drive.
While day-of registration will be available at the park for both events, Sanguinetti said the chamber encourages people to preregister.
Car show registration costs $23
and is available at bit.ly/3IGZ2ri. Registration is limited to the first 150 vehicles, with pre-registration ending at 3 p.m. Friday, July 25. On-site registration will also be available for an additional $25 if there are still spaces.
Registration for the sand sculpture competition is available at bit.ly/3GvFTbp. The first 60 sand sculpture teams to sign up will receive a gift.
s Children prepare their entry for the Birch Bay Sand Sculpture Contest in August 2024.
Photos by Chuck Kinzer / CKimageart.com
s The Rollback Weekend Car Show in August 2024.
Photos by Chuck Kinzer / CKimageart.com
Advertising in The Northern Light isn’t just about promoting your business; it’s about becoming a vital part of the Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo community. With over 23,000+ print readers every week, your message reaches the homes, families, and decision-makers you care about most.
When you advertise with us, you’re not just gaining visibility—you’re building relationships. Our readers trust The Northern Light for its commitment to local stories and businesses, meaning your ad will resonate with an audience that values shopping local, supporting local, and staying connected.
