plans to purchase Blaine Rite Aid, page 3
Blaine’s Old-Fashioned Fourth
of July expected to bring thousands
B y G race M c c arthy
Blaine’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July parade and festival is expected to bring thousands of people to downtown on Friday, July 4 with a parade, street fair, car show and fireworks, among other celebrations.
The festival, which drew about 13,000 people last year, is being organized by Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2, in partnership with the city of Blaine.
“Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 is really excited to share our love of community building with Blaine and all of the attendees,” said event coordinator Olea Mills. “At our core is creating these opportunities for the community to be together and celebrate the independence of our country.”
Independence Day celebrations will kick off at 8 a.m. with the annual pancake breakfast at the Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street. The breakfast, which runs until 11 a.m., will have pancakes, eggs, sausage, orange juice and coffee for a suggested donation of $10 per adult or $5 per child.
Friends of the Blaine Library will hold a book sale, selling an assortment of books, DVDs and CDs for all ages from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in front of Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street.
This year’s street fair will be the largest in recent years with over 120 vendors selling everything from woodworking to jewelry and home goods. The fair will start at 10 a.m. and run until the evening on H and 3rd streets. Food vendors will also be set up at both ends of the street fair to serve hot dogs, fry bread, ice cream, baked goods and other bites.
The “Red, White and Vroom Car Show” will bring dozens of pre-war luxury vehicles and restored muscle cars to Martin Street, next to Blaine City Hall. Participants may sign up the day-of, before
Summer fun soars at Birch Bay Kite Festival
The city of Blaine is accepting applicants to serve several months on Blaine City Council after Mike Hill announced his resignation from the at-large position.
Hill resigned from council on June 11. Hill, a first-term councilmember who held the position since 2022, was up for re-election in November. Hill said in a phone call that he resigned due to personal reasons.
“My dad always told me, ‘Don’t sit in a crowd and yell at the referees or the players. If you’re going to yell, get involved in the game,’” Hill said. “I wanted to see how everything ran. And once I got in there, I could see I could help somewhat.”
Hill owns Hill’s Chevron in downtown
Blaine and was a strong voice for revitalizing the city. He was proud of Christ the King Community Church opening downtown during his time on council and volunteered lawn mowing services to the city both before and while on council.
Hill said he supported Blaine Bouquets owner Sarbie Bains for the position, the only other candidate in the November election.
Following Hill’s resignation, city council discussed its options to find an interim councilmember during its June 23 meeting.
City manager Mike Harmon recommended council suspend its rule on filling
WECU’s Old Fashioned
A.M.
A.M.
P.M.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST AT THE BLAINE SENIOR CENTER
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:
CVS plans to purchase Blaine Rite Aid
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CVS Pharmacy is expected to acquire the Rite Aid at 1195 Boblett Street in Blaine by the end of September.
CVS Pharmacy spokesperson Amy Thibault wrote in an email to The Northern Light that CVS planned to operate the current Rite Aid, but the transaction had not yet closed and was subject to regulatory approvals and closing conditions. Thibault said the deal was expected to close September 21, and CVS Pharmacy would begin operating the location the next day.
“Patients don’t have to do anything,” Thibault wrote. “Their prescriptions will be seamlessly transferred to CVS Pharmacy upon the closing.”
A sign stating the Rite Aid location was changing to a CVS Pharmacy recently appeared on the Blaine Rite Aid.
The future of the Blaine Rite Aid had been in question since the company announced on May 5 that it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company was operating 1,240 locations at the time of the filing, which was nearly half the number of stores it had operated prior to filing for bankruptcy in 2023, according to previous reporting by The Northern Light
In mid-May, CVS announced it had agreed to take over 64 Rite Aid stores in the Pacific Northwest and acquire the prescription files of 625 Rite Aid pharmacies across the country.
Larsen visits detained labor leader in Tacoma ICE facility
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U.S. Representative Rick Larsen met with detained farmworker activist and union organizer Alfredo Juarez Zeferino at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Tacoma on June 20.
Zeferino, 25, was detained by ICE on March 25 based on a 2018 detention order along with a group of farmworkers in Sedro-Woolley. He has been held in the detention facility – privately run by the for-profit GEO Group – ever since, and told Larsen he has been unable to speak with his family in the same room while incarcerated.
In a video taken outside the detention facility, Larsen criticized the Trump administration’s stated goal of 3,000 deportations per
Council ...
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council vacancies and appoint Bains to the position to save the city money on advertising the vacancy. City staff argued that, if the city interviewed and appointed an interim councilor,
day, leading to overcrowding and understaffing at the detention center.
Larsen toured the facility and was shown the kitchen, law library, medical facility and housing pods. He said Zeferino “still feels resilient, still feels hopeful, but it’s taken a toll on him, being in the detention facility.”
Zeferino, known to the migrant and farmworker community in northwest Washington as “Lelo,” immigrated to Washington from Mexico with his family as a child, and later became a prominent farmwork and immigrant rights advocate. He co-founded farmworker union Families Unidas por la Justicia,and was on the now-dissolved Bellingham Immigration Advisory Board. Protests erupt-
that councilmember would likely only serve from September until late November, when the election results would be certified and the winner would take over.
Hill’s name will remain on ballots and there will be a section for write-in candidates. Bains attended the council meeting.
Councilmembers May, Eric Da-
ed across Skagit and Whatcom Counties after his March detention was made public.
“I shared with him how the Skagit County and broader Northwest Washington community has rallied around him to fight for his future,” Larsen said. “He asked for my help to be able to visit with his family in the same room, and I am working to make that possible.”
Larsen said only 10 percent of detainees in the Tacoma facility have legal representation.
“More than 1,500 people are currently detained in the Tacoma facility – that’s more than twice as many as the start of the year,” Larsen said. “The facility has not staffed up sufficiently to provide basic services to the people being held there.”
vidson and Eric Lewis requested the city open the interim position to other applicants and asked that they be interviewed at the next council meeting on Monday, July 14. Council voted 4-1-1 with mayor Mary Lou Steward in opposition and councilmember Sonia Hurt abstaining.
“I don’t like the thought of just putting the person who is running in,” Davidson said. “That’s what we have elections for.”
The city published the applications on the city’s website, bit.ly/44cuJQr, the next day. The at-large position is open to any U.S. citizens living within city limits. Applicants must be a registered voter and have lived within city limits for at least one year. Applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. Friday, July 4.
“We’ll probably wind up appointing the same person being suggested, but it certainly would be an open and transparent process to say we’ve given everybody else a chance,” May said.
s Mike Hill. File photo s Sarbie Bains. File photo
s CVS Pharmacy is planning to purchase the Rite Aid at 1195 Boblett Street in Blaine. File photo
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.
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Contributors In This Issue Katie Hinton, Kelle Rankin-Sunter
The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230
Tel: 360/332-1777
Vol XXXI, No 2
Circulation: 11,000 copies
Next issue: July 3 Ads due: June 27
NWFR swears in, promotes firefighters OpiniOn Letters
The Editor:
There is a legal U.S. flag code. The code was created by the American Legion in 1923 and Congress made it law in 1942. The code is:
Sunrise to sunset: The flag should be displayed from sunrise to sunset on flagpoles of buildings.
Illumination: If displayed at night, the flag should be properly illuminated.
No contact: The flag should never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, floor, water, or merchandise.
No damage: It should not be fastened or displayed in a way that could damage or soil it. Nor displayed ragged, faded, or soiled.
Not for decoration: The flag should not be used for decoration or advertising purposes.
Respectful handling: It should always be handled and displayed with respect.
Never upside down: Unless in times of dire distress.
No marking: Do not draw on, or other-
wise mark the flag.
I bring up the U.S. Flag Code because the notion of flying the flag is, I think, meant to express one’s patriotism. But my casual observation around Blaine and Birch Bay suggests that most residential flag displays do not follow the law.
The non-code displays are, therefore, disrespectful of the flag and the republic for which it stands. This disrespect does not demonstrate patriotism; only ignorance and laziness.
I suggest that flag flyers should follow the code correctly, respectfully, and legally.
Or take their flag down.
T.D. Runnels
U.S. Navy veteran
Blaine
The Editor:
In his June 19 letter to the editor, Joseph Snow states that he has “never been so outraged in my hometown of 61 years.”
The cause of his extreme distress? At the recent Scottish Gathering at Marine Park,
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.
Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: ci.blaine.wa.us.
Blaine Planning Commission: Second Thursday, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: bit.ly/3EwWiZi.
Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Blaine Public Works and Park Advisory Board: Second Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Blaine council chambers. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.
the Canadian national anthem was played before the U.S. anthem, which left him “stunned.”
Well, Mr. Snow, you should address your complaint to the U.S. State Department, whose official policy is that it is customary to play the visitor’s anthem first at such international events, out of courtesy.
As for Mr. Snow’s anger that Canadians in the crowd did not stand for our anthem, I observed that the Americans in the crowd likewise appeared to sit out “O Canada.” Mr. Snow’s general complaint about the event being a dud is totally wrong, in my opinion. The organizers and the many volunteers did a fantastic job, just as they did last year. Granted, the parking situation could stand improvement, but I’m confident they will address that next year.
MacLeod Cushing
Blaine
Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district boardroom, 770 Mitchell Avenue. Info: blainesd.org.
North Whatcom Fire and Rescue: Third Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.
BBWARM: Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District Advisory Committee meets quarterly in-person and on Zoom. Info: bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org.
Port of Bellingham: First and third Tuesday, 4 p.m., Port of Bellingham Harbor Center, 1801 Roeder Ave., Ste. 146, in Bellingham and via Zoom. Info: portofbellingham.com.
s North Whatcom Fire and Rescue swore in four new firefighters, promoted two captains and appointed a new deputy chief of fire during a ceremony on June 18 at Odell Station 61 in Blaine. From l.; probationary firefighters Sean Russell, Angela Smith, Brian Gerow, and Trent Viant; captain Patty McDermott; deputy fire chief Tony Melillo and captain Tye Thompson. Photo by Jennie Sand / courtesy of NWFR
Road access and safety
The city of Blaine is taking additional safety precautions after a driver killed 11 people by plowing into the LapuLapu Day Block Party in Vancouver, B.C. in late April.
Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 event organizer Olea Mills encouraged drivers to plan accordingly as most of the downtown area will be blocked off to vehicle traffic from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. July 4. Concrete barriers will be placed at Boblett Street on Peace Portal Drive, near the roundabout on Peace Portal Drive and before the bridge on H Street.
Blaine police chief Rodger Funk has also said most of Blaine Police Department’s officers will be on duty.
July 4 ...
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judging starts at 11 a.m. Silver City Band will perform live music, and the winners will be an-
nounced at 1 p.m.
The old-fashioned parade will start at noon at Boblett Street and Peace Portal Drive. Floats will make their way north along Peace Portal Drive, ending around 1 p.m. at F Street. Local singer Grace Machado will sing the national anthem before the parade and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9474 and fellow veterans will serve as color guard.
The kid zone will run 1-5 p.m. and have a DJ, dunk tank and lawn games at the intersection of H and 4th streets.
Border Town Pizza will host a beer garden from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the parking lot next to the restaurant, 738 Peace Portal Drive. Live music will also be at the beer garden, with Shannanagins performing at 1 p.m., followed by
Queen’s Bluegrass at 2:30 p.m. and AntiShock at 4 p.m.
The holiday will end with a fireworks spectacular at 10:30 p.m. over Blaine Marine Park.
ADA parking will be available at 3rd and Steen streets.
To sign up for the parade, car show or to be a vendor, visit the BBBPRD2 website at bit.ly/3T7HSFp.
“We’ve tried to stay true to what has worked well in the past and what people have loved about the Fourth of July event,” Mills said.
OF BLAINE
Please contact the City Clerk’s Office for additional information at ClerkRecords@cityofblaine.com.
The applicant must be a citizen of the U.S. and the state of Washington, a registered voter of the city at the time of filing, and a resident of the city for at least one (1) year. This appointment will fill a vacancy until the November 2025 election.
Applications must be submitted by 4:30 PM Friday, July 4, 2025.
The City Council is expected to interview applicants at the July 14, 2025, City Council meeting.
Here is a QR code to the City Council page where the ward map and application can be found:
Julia Hawkins has joined The Northern Light newsroom this summer as an editorial intern. Hawkins was born and raised in Mill Creek, Washington and later moved to Bellingham to attend Western Washington University. She served as editor-in-chief at The Planet Magazine, Western’s award-winning environmental publication, and reported for the student newspaper, The Western Front. Hawkins graduated from Western’s journalism department this spring.
When she isn’t reporting, Hawkins enjoys reading, watching movies and playing games with her roommates.
• West Blaine: Area west of Shintaffer and all of Semiahmoo Spit. This includes all parks and beaches.
• Blaine Harbor: All Port of Bellingham property plus water bodies north of Boblett and west of the railroad.
• All public parks and public property in Blaine city limits
s Former Blaine mayor Bonnie Onyon as grand marshal during Blaine’s Old-Fashioned Fourth of July parade in 2024. Photo by Louise Mugar
s Julia Hawkins. Courtesy photo
Lions Camp Horizon prepares for summer with new executive director
B y N ola N B aker
Lions Camp Horizon (LCH), the overnight summer camp providing community for all ages of campers with developmental and physical disabilities, has new leadership.
Thanks to fundraising from the local Lions Club, LCH is able to hire full-time leadership positions for the first time to help revamp the nonprofit and ensure it can keep providing summer fun well into the future, newly hired executive director Jen Lautenbach said.
Lautenbach was named to the position in November 2024 after serving as executive director of the Lynden Community/Senior Center, and she has first-hand experience on the impact LCH can make after volunteering to serve food while her son worked as a first-year counselor.
“I volunteered to serve meals and got to see the joy and excitement on the campus,” Lautenbach said. “It reeled me in.”
Last year’s 50th anniversary camp brought in 131 campers, including 37 first-time campers coming from B.C., Oregon, Alaska and all over Washington. Campers at Bay Horizon Park in Birch Bay participate in summer activities like horseback riding, tethered hot air balloon rides, archery, bowling, art and crafts and more.
There’s also no age restriction for LCH, with campers last year ranging in age from 13 to 75.
“We’re always trying to make sure that everyone understands the opportunity at Camp Horizon is not restricted to kids or teenagers,” Lautenbach said. “One of the core missions is [providing] recreational opportunities for adults with physical and developmental disabilities, because those opportunities tend to run out when they age out of public school programming.”
This summer, LCH will have four camps starting July 7 and ending August 8. “Adventure Camp” is geared toward independently mobile campers and will feature beach field trips, gokarts and mini golf at Station 49 in Birch Bay. “Base Camp” is intended for individuals with higher needs and will feature new activities, Lautenbach said.
Lautenbach said she is excited to “rejuvenate” a beloved service for the community.
“For 50 years, this camp has run primarily on volunteers,” Lautenbach said.
She said the LCH board was able to raise funds to hire fulltime leadership positions to handle operations, development and everything else that comes with running a nonprofit.
Now, Lautenbach is part of a new team with more focused goals that has Lautenbach taking on fundraising and outreach responsibilities, Na’Kita Zylstra as program manager, and Angie Dixon as business administrator.
“I truly enjoy helping build community programming and serving in that manner,” Lautenbach said. “I see this as a great opportunity to do that as well. We have something truly amazing out here, and to be able to come in and help build this camp and this program and this service is a dream.”
For more information on how to sign up, donate, or learn more, visit lionscamphorizon.org.
Member of the Month
Number of employees: We have 9 employees.
How long in business: We were established in Blaine in April of 1990, meaning we just finished our 35th year!
Description of the business: Whatcom Law Group (WLG) is an eminent and boutique law firm seeking to serve their clients’ needs holistically. Whether clients are facing injury, litigation, divorce, selling property, planning for the end of life, or negotiating a complex transaction, WLG takes a comprehensive approach. Our collaborative team brings together a diverse array of experienced skill sets to draw from in deciding how to best represent our clients. Not every problem has the same solution.
How the business started: WLG was founded as the Law Offices of Roger L. Ellingson in 1990 and in 2020, after 30 years of growth and establishing a pristine reputation, the firm changed its name to The Whatcom Law Group, P.S. to reflect the diversity of talents and skills brought by multiple attorneys and its commitment to the entire geographic area.
Future goals: WLG continues to be guided by the principles that have made the firm successful from its start. Diligence and zealous advocacy are always balanced with our concern for the ultimate well- being of our clients, and the people we work with. We value diversity, competence, and above all honesty, not only in ourselves, but in who we select as our clients as well, whether those be governments, businesses, or private individuals. Continuing to live our lives, personal and professional, by these principles is our goal.
First measles case of 2025 confirmed in Whatcom County
B y J ulia h awki N s
The first measles case of 2025 was confirmed in Whatcom County on June 20 and a second person, a family member in the same household, later tested positive.
The Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) Department is working closely with the Washington State Department of Health to identify anyone who may have come into contact with the highly contagious virus. One of the individuals may have exposed others at Family Care Network’s urgent care in Lynden between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. June 18.
WCHCS wrote in a June 23 news release that the risk to the public is still considered low.
Public health nurses are working to contact anyone they believe could’ve been exposed. If exposed and not immune, individuals would most likely begin to feel symptoms between June 25 and Wednesday, July 9.
Symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose,
red and watery eyes, and a rash that typically begins on the face before spreading over the body.
These are the first confirmed measles cases in Whatcom County since 2014, according to WCHCS. Measles has been increasing in the U.S. this year, which public health officials attribute to lower vaccination rates.
Health care professionals are urging those who have not already gotten vaccinated against measles to do so.
“The best time to prevent measles is before you are exposed to it, and the most effective way to do that is by getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine,” Dr. Meghan Lelonek, co-health officer at WCHCS wrote in a statement.
“Getting vaccinated not only keeps you safe but also helps protect others in your community who can’t get vaccinated, like babies who are too young and people with weakened immune systems.”
To report a measles case, call WCHCS at 360/778-6100.
Chuckanut Drive reopens 58 days after rockslide
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State Route 11, also known as Chuckanut Drive, was reopened on June 19 after 58 days of closure due to a rockslide.
One of northwest Washington’s most popular and scenic roads, connecting the rural farm town of Bow to Bellingham’s Fairhaven neighborhood, is finally open after thousands of tons of debris collapsed on the steep, mountain road on April 22.
The rockslide closed both directions of the road, impacting local businesses that rely on traffic from nearby Bellingham, Mt. Vernon and Burlington.
Work crews from the Wash-
ington State Department of Transportation removed 7.2 million pounds of rock, dirt and debris, “including 15-20 SUV-sized boulders,” according to a WSDOT statement. Crews worked six and sometimes seven-day weeks to remove the debris and loose rock, replace 125 feet of damaged guardrail, drill anchors into the slope and stabilize the area, according to WSDOT. The rockslide occurred south of milepost 10 near Blanchard Road, right around the popular Oyster Dome trailhead and Chuckanut Manor. No injuries were reported, and the debris did not impact the BNSF train route below the steep road, according to WSDOT.
s Jen Lautenbach was named executive director of Lions Camp Horizon in November 2024. Photo courtesy of Jen Lautenbach
s About 7.2 million pounds of debris cascades onto Chuckanut Drive on April 22, causing a 58-day closure that was cleared by WSDOT crews and reopened on June 19. Photo courtesy Washington state Department of Transportation
Birch Bay Kite Festival 2025
The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce celebrated the start of summer break for Blaine area families with its annual Birch Bay Kite Festival on June 21 and June 22 at Birch Bay State Park. Children were
r a N ki N - s u N ter
Happy summer solstice! We are now officially into the first week of summer. While many of us already have our summer crops planted, don’t lose hope if you haven’t done that yet. Selecting seeds that have a shorter length to maturity or harvest will guarantee that you can still enjoy your favorite summer vegetables. Of course, buying starts and planting those will most likely guarantee success. Just be sure to water them well and shade them for the first week or so. Plants can get sunburned, just like we do.
There are also lots of choices for seeds that have been developed for different temperatures. Normally, we think of some crops as being for cool weather or hot weather. However, seed growers over the years have recognized that regions have very different climates. They have developed a wider variety of seeds to meet a range of temperature, humidity and moisture. For example, there’s a lettuce variety that is more resistant to bolting and can be grown through the summer with a bit of shade provided. With careful planning and a moderate amount of protection, (See Garden, next page)
Photo by Kelle Rankin-Sunter
& Home Garden
we can grow many plants all year round. Visiting a seed company’s website can be a great source of information and provide more details than the back of a seed packet.
A summer favorite that we have only been able to grow well in the last seven to eight years is tomatoes. There are definitely a few tricks to growing them and everyone has their secrets. Basically, they really do prefer warmer temperatures, but not overly hot (or dry). Consistently moist soil (try top dressing with compost to retain moisture) will help prevent tough skins. If you get blossom-end rot, place a few antacids around the plant to increase the calcium content of the soil.
If you still have those summer bulbs or dahlia tubers that you haven’t yet planted, there is still time – but don’t wait. You may find the bed you wanted to plant in is dry, so be sure to moisten it before planting corms, tubers or bulbs. Planting in the spring, when we are still getting rain, eliminates the need to water before planting. Make sure to top dress with compost or some other mulching materials to trap moisture, or the bed will dry out before the plants get started. Dahlias will bloom about 45 days from planting and continue to bloom until the first frost, so they are great for cut flowers.
I avoid planting new trees or bushes during the summer, if possible. It’s hard to keep them watered enough to get well estab-
lished. Though, it is a great time to pick up good deals on stock that the nursery doesn’t want to water all summer.
Keep your eyes open for plant sales. It can be helpful to keep a list of plants you are looking for in your phone to keep you from buying plants that are a great price but you don’t need. Pests are also something to pay attention to during summer gardening. Most can be controlled by spraying with a dish soap solution or just a water jet (adjust to only knock the bugs off and not damage your plants).
Slugs remain active even as we are heading into drier weather. I like to make a slug trap by placing pieces of cardboard on the soil near my plants. Turning over the cardboard in the morning will reveal slugs hiding from the day’s sunshine. You can drop them into a cup of regular, 5 percent vinegar, sprinkle salt on them, or whatever your favorite method of dispatch is (chickens love them).
Remember, usually we get pests when our plants are not thriving. Look at your garden’s environment and make sure that you are meeting all of the growing requirements, such as water, air, sunlight and fertilizer (follow instructions and remember more is not better).
Now is a great time if you have been thinking about adding raised beds to your garden. You don’t need to dig up the lawn, just lay five to six layers of cardboard (be sure to remove the tape). I like to make mine slightly bigger than the bed I am installing so that no weeds will be tempted to grow inside the bed. Position the bed on top of the cardboard and fill it with soil. My preferred blend of one part compost, three parts loam and one part sand will give you plenty of friability. I highly recommend the galvanized metal beds because they are reasonably priced and will last longer than wood ones.
Happy gardening and Fourth of July.
Kelle Rankin-Sunter is founder of Blaine CORE, which holds free home and gardening classes at Blaine Public Library. Rankin-Sunter can be reached at fruit@Blaine-CORE.com.
(See Garden, previous page)
Photo by Kelle Rankin-Sunter
&
Katie Hinton, owner of Bellingham Pasta Co., has perfected a crab-stuffed ravioli for Bellingham SeaFeast’s Keep It Simple Seafood cooking series that is made with fresh flavors perfect for a summer evening. Ingredients
• Ravioli
• 1 unit of Bellingham Pasta Co. sheets
• 1 cup ricotta
• 1 cup cracked crab
• Juice of 1 small lemon
• Lemon zest
• Salt and pepper Sauce
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• Juice of 1 small lemon
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions for the ravioli
Drain as much moisture from both the ricotta and crab. Mix them, add lemon juice and zest. Salt and ground black pepper to taste. Refrigerate.
Lay sheets on counter. Wipe off rice flour from sheet with a clean, slightly damp dish towel.
Make little ball with the crab mixture that’s about the size of a cherry.
Place the ball on the pasta sheets. Take a wet finger, and wet all four sides of the sheets. Then fold the sheet over the ball. Crimp down around the filling, making sure to get all of the air out. Air will cause the ravioli to explode in the water.
Push down on all four sides, make a very tight seal. Cut around and crimp with a fork or pasta crimper. Put in the fridge for at least an
hour before cooking.
Salt and boil a large pot of water.
The raviolis will take about 3 minutes to cook. Once they are floating at the top of the pot they are finished.
Directions for the sauce
Sauté olive oil and unsalted butter until you smell a nutty fragrance. Don’t burn it, and start over if you do. Add fresh thyme and lemon juice. Season with salt and ground pepper.
After the raviolis are cooked, scoop them up with a slotted spoon and place them in the brown butter sauce. Mix them gently coating the raviolis with the sauce.
Garnish with fresh Italian parsley. These raviolis are also great pan fried.
The cooking video of Katie Hin-
ton’s crab-stuffed ravioli recipe for Bellingham SeaFeast Keep It Simple Seafood (KISS) cooking demos can be viewed at bit.ly/4kbMgOK. KISS is a seafood cooking workshop in partnership with Bellingham SeaFeast and Bellingham Dockside Market. For information on the next cooking demonstration, visit bellinghamseafeast.org/events.
s Crab-stuffed ravioli.
Photo courtesy of Bellingham SeaFeast
25-4-00536-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) Judge Robert E. Olson LINDSIE DAWN TOMLINSON has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above estates. Any person having a claim against the deceased ROSALIE JOHNSON and/or DANIEL GENE JOHNSON must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner provided by RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the Personal Representative or the Personal Representative’s Attorney at the address stated below, a copy of the claim, and filing the original of the claim with the Court in which the probated proceedings have commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the Personal Representative 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 this notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim will be forever barred except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 or 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the probate and nonprobate assets of the Decedent(s).
DATE OF FILING OF NOTICE TO CREDITORS WITH CLERK OF THE COURT: May 28, 2025 DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: June 12, 2025 PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: LINDSIE DAWN TOMLINSON RESIDENT AGENT AND ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Mark W. Stowe, Attorney ADDRESS FOR MAILING OR SERVICE: Mark W. Stowe, Attorney Stowe Law PLLC 276 Boundary Bay Road P.O. Box 129 Point Roberts, WA 98281 Phone: (360) 945-0337 Email:stowelawpllc@outlook.com
HIRING PT FOR OFFICE
Must have excellent phone and basic computer skills.
MOBILE NOTARY SERVICES
Your home, my home, public meet-up location. $10 per signature. 50 cents per mile (round trip). Cash only. Contact: jjllrrbb.187@gmail.com Professional Services
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 17, 2025 with Clerk of Court:
Date of First Publication: June 26, 2025
Name of Administrator: JENNIFER YANCO
Attorney for Administrators: Steven D. Avery, WSBA #35262
Address for Mailing or Service: Avery Elder Law, P.S. 801 Samish Way, Ste. 202 Bellingham WA 98229
Telephone: (360) 325-2550
Email: steve@averyelderlaw.com
DATED June 17, 2025
AVERY ELDER LAW, P.S. STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262
Attorney for Administrator JENNIFER YANCO
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY IN Re: THE ESTATE OF KAEA JOAN MORRIS, Deceased. NO. 25-4-00571-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. (RCW 11.40.070)
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 (a) serving on or mailing to the Administrator or the Executor/Administrator’s attorney at the address stated below, a copy of the claim, and (b) filing of the original of the claim with the court in which the probate proceedings were commenced.
The claim must be presented with in the later of: (1) thirty (30) days after the Personal Representatives have served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four (4) months after the date of the first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented with in 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 non-probate assets.
Attorney for Administrator. Signed, Mark D. Nusz, WSBA #50905
DATE OF FILING WITH CLERK OF COURT: 06/16/2025
DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: 06/19/2025
Administrator: James Edgar Address for Service: 113 W. Chestnut St. Bellingham, WA 98225
Attorney For Administrator: Mark D. Nusz
Address: 113 W. Chestnut St. Bellingham, WA 98225
COURT OF PROBATE PROCEEDING AND CAUSE NUMBER: WHATCOM COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT No. 25-4-00571-37
Blaine Youth Sports to hold charity golf event
B y N ola N B aker
Blaine Youth Sports (BYS), the nonprofit organization aimed at providing athletic opportunities for elementary and middle school age children in Blaine and Birch Bay, is calling on all golfers to support the 2025 BYS Golf Classic.
The first-ever charity golf event will be held at North Bellingham Golf Course Friday, July 11 with a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. All funds raised from team entries, sponsorships, raffles and more will go directly to BYS.
The idea for a charity golf tournament came to BYS board members Rachelle Bouma, Kelly Brown and Corey Villarreal, who realized the organization had never put on a fundraising event like this since starting in 2018.
That’s when Blaine High School football head coach Andy Olson got involved, as he’s had experience running golf fundraisers while coaching at Burlington-Edison High School.
“Blaine doesn’t seem to have anything where the whole community has the opportunity to come together and support youth sports,” Olson said. “We want to be able to make sure kids have the best equipment at all levels, not just the high school level. There’s a need and a demand.”
OBITUARIES
Walter Glenn Weedman
Walter Glenn Weedman died on May 31, 2025 in Bellingham, WA, after a short battle with lung cancer. Walter was raised in Haines AK. He left for a time while in the Army and South Korea, then came back and worked as a carpenter and tradesman before moving to Juneau, where he raised his family. Later he moved to Bellingham and Birch Bay where he spent his last years in the loving community of Baycrest.
Enrollment in football at most age groups in Blaine has increased in recent years, Olson said, meaning there’s a need not only for equipment, but also for scholarships.
While football has a high cost to run due to safety equipment needs, BYS also facilitates volleyball, cheer, basketball and wrestling teams for grades K-8.
“If we can fundraise and get people to sponsor, then we can get more kids out through scholarship opportunities,” Olson said. “Every kid should have the opportunity, whether they can afford it or not, to be able to play sports growing up because it makes such a big impact.”
Anyone, regardless of golfing ability, is welcome to join the fundraiser. Teams of four can join the tournament for $500, which includes 18 holes of golf, a cart, range balls, and an after-round dinner. Fans can sponsor with tiers starting at $250, and local restaurant Namaste: Royal Taste of India is the title
sponsor after donating $5,000. BYS is also seeking donations for raffle baskets or themed items for its prize drawings. The deadline for corporate sponsorship and donations is Tuesday, July 1 and the deadline for teams to enter is Friday, July 4.
As coach of a burgeoning football program, Olson said it’s crucial – and par for the course of the most successful programs in Whatcom County – to have a highly functioning youth program preparing kids to enter a high-expectations high school sports program.
“You don’t have one without the other,” Olson said. “If you want to have continuous success at the high school level, you need continuous success at the youth level. I look at this as a great opportunity to build all our programs.”
For more information about how to sign up, donate or learn more about BYS, contact Corey Villarreal at 1075corey@gmail.com, or visit blaineyouthsports.com.
Whatcom County Council roundup
Whatcom County Council held its most recent meeting on June 24 where, among a slate of actions, it voted on hiring legal representation for the ongoing Nooksack River adjudication court battle, and approved millions in funding for homeless services.
B y N ola N B aker a complex defense of the county’s many water right claims, according to the amended contract.After being taken out of the consent agenda vote during the June 10 meeting via a request from District 5 councilmember Ben Elenbaas, council discussed the issue of using taxpayer dollars to represent the county in a lawsuit where taxpayers are also having to represent their own water right.
County lawyers up for Nooksack adjudication
In preparation for the adjudication of the Nooksack River, officially known as the Water Resource Inventory Area 1, council put forth an amended $325,000 contract with law firm Cascadia Law Group to investigate, represent and defend the county’s water rights in state court.
According to the amended contract, the county is still in the process of identifying all of its water claims, and has so far identified 37 separate water rights documents associated with the county and Flood Control Zone District, and 73 county or district-owned facilities that “may have water usage either associated with a water right document or under the water rights permit exemption.”
The original contract was awarded in January 2025 for $25,000, and was increased by $300,000 by the council vote to account for what’s expected to be
“We’re taking tax dollars to defend Whatcom County’s position in a court proceeding.” Elenbaas said. “I’m taking people’s tax dollars, to fund lawyers, to defend the county’s position, which is directly competing with every citizen involved in this lawsuit, because there’s a finite amount of water and each individual person involved in it is competing against each other.”
Elenbaas argued that since not everyone can afford a lawyer to represent their water right, the county shouldn’t use their tax dollars “to fight them in a lawsuit.”
District 4 councilmember Mark Stremler pushed back on Elenbaas’ thinking, arguing that the county has a duty to the taxpayer to fully protect the county’s water right. Elenbaas said he saw his vote as a protest against what he believes is an inequitable adjudication process.
“I’m bringing attention to the inequity that is the water rights adjudication, so my vote is obviously symbolic. This whole process is so wrong and so flawed on so many levels, and this is an excellent example of why it is,” Elenbaas said.
Stremler echoed Elenbaas’ frustrations with the adjudication process, calling it a “disaster,” but still voted to approve the contract.
The contract was approved in a 5-2 vote, with Elenbaas and District 3 councilmember Tyler Byrd voting against.
County approves rental, housing assistance through Opportunity Council
During the June 24 meeting, council voted on approving multiple contracts with Opportunity Council (OC), a homeless outreach and service provider, to continue its work battling the homeless crisis in Whatcom County.
According to a January 2024 “point in time” count of the county’s homeless population, 846 people were experiencing homelessness, with 31 percent of those living without any shelter.
The first contract was between the county and OC to administer the county’s coordinated entry system through the Whatcom (See County, page 15)
sheriff’s repOrts
June 11, 2:33 a.m.: Warrant arrest on Portal Way.
June 11, 2:22 p.m.: Threat cold call on Bay Road.
June 12, 12:22 a.m.: Traffic stop arrest on Birch Bay Drive.
June 12, 9:08 a.m.: Burglary on Boblett Street.
June 12, 11:59 a.m.: Burglary cold call on Gemini Street.
June 12, 2:43 p.m.: Theft cold call on California Trail.
June 13, 10:46 a.m.: Domestic violence on Custer School Road.
June 13, 1:42 p.m.: Moving vehicle accident injury on Valley View Road.
June 13, 6:12 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Gemini Street.
June 13, 8:14 p.m.: Sex offender registration on Custer School Road.
June 14, 9:39 a.m.: Domestic violence on Kayak Way.
June 15, 1:20 p.m.: Drugs cold call on Alderson Road.
June 15, 4:19 p.m.: Moving vehicle accident with pedestrian on Shipyard Road.
June 15, 5:37 p.m.: Fight on
Birch Bay Drive.
June 15, 7:57 p.m.: Shots on Valley View Road.
June 15, 8:03 p.m.: Prowler cold call on Birch Bay Drive.
June 16, 7:46 a.m.: Theft cold call on Birch Bay Drive.
June 16, 10:43 a.m.: Warrant arrest on Marine Drive.
June 16, 6:41 p.m.: Child abuse cold call on McGee Road.
June 17, 3:29 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Jess Road.
June 17, 5:07 p.m.: Vehicle prowl cold call on Hamm Road. For a complete list of WCSO reports, visit whatcomcounty.us/2120/Activity-Reports.
pOLiCe repOrts
June 14, 1:08 p.m.: Hot rod on 8th Street.
June 14, 2:30 p.m.: Senile subject on H Street.
June 14, 6:50 p.m.: Hit and run on Bell Road.
June 15, 4:21 p.m.: Moving vehicle accident with pedestrian on Shipyard Road.
June 15, 5:23 p.m.: Trouble with subject on Alder Street.
June 16, 1:16 p.m.: Theft on Boblett Street.
June 16, 1:55 p.m.: Sex crime (no rape) on H Street.
June 16, 2:24 p.m.: Theft on
CrOssWOrd
ACROSS 1. Notes 6. Long-haired dog breed
12. ESPN’s nickname 16. Spanish be 17. Disadvantage 18. Of I 19. Actor Pacino
20. On your way: __ route
21. Fifth note of a major scale 22. Companies need it 23. News agency 24. Faces of an organization 26. Ponds 28. Samoa’s capital
30. Partner to “Pa”
31. Adult male
32. Cool!
34. Used of a number or amount not specified
35. No No No
37. Hosts film festival
39. British place to house convicts
40. Made of fermented honey and water
41. Chief 43. College army 44. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
45. Consume 47. One point north of due east 48. For instance 50. Brews 52. Alaskan river 54. Not soft 56. Atomic #22
57. “The Golden State”
59. “The world’s most famous arena” 60. Larry and Curly’s pal 61. One billion gigabytes
62. Conducts inspections
63. Malaria mosquitoes
66. Unit to measure width
67. Features 70. Affairs
71. Letter of Semitic abjads
DOWN
1. Follower of Islam 2. Trauma center 3. French young women 4. Norse god 5. U.S. commercial flyer (abbr.) 6. Merchant
7. Peyton’s younger brother 8. Jungle planet in “Star Wars” galaxy 9. Tree-dwelling animal of C. and S. America 10. “Pollack” actor Harris 11. Stuck around 12. Put on 13. Influential Norwegian playwright 14. Christian __, designer 15. Fulfills a debt 25. Style 26. More (Spanish) 27. A baglike structure in a plant or animal 29. Remedy 31. Disturbance 33. “The Martian” actor Matt 36. Express delight 38. Brooklyn hoopster 39. 1900 lamp 41. Motionless 42. One’s mother (Brit.) 43. Relative biological effectiveness (abbr.) 46. Compels to act 47. Gardening tool 49. Ancient country 51. Frightening
Coming up
Live Music at The Vault: Friday, June 27, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring: Chuck Dingee and Carr Johnson. Info: thevaultwine.com.
Free Live Music at Station 49: Friday, June 27, 6 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Ten Feet Thick live at Station 49. Come early for happy hour drinks and dinner with many new items on the smokehouse menu.
Introduction to Mycology: Saturday, June 28, 9:30–11 a.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Presentation by Grady Barstad, a self-taught mycologist who has supplied local restaurants and the community with gourmet mushrooms and supplements for the past five years. This class will answer your questions and teach you how to start growing mushrooms, the basics of mycology and the nutritional benefits of enjoying delicious fungi. Presented by Blaine CORE.
Mitchell Avenue.
June 16, 3:57 p.m.: Theft on H Street.
June 17, 5:26 p.m.: Suicidal subject on H Street.
June 18, 10:57 a.m.: Suicidal subject on 11th Street.
June 19, 12:33 p.m.: Threat on Runge Avenue.
June 20, 12:08 a.m.: Vandalism on H Street.
June 20, 6:41 p.m.: Child abuse on 8th Street.
For a complete list of BPD reports, visit Facebook.com/ BlainePoliceDepartmentWA.
53. Wimbledon champion Arthur
54. Popular plant
55. Database management system
58. Gasteyer and de Armas are two
60. Where soldiers eat
64. Tenth month (abbr.)
65. Illuminated
68. Atomic #18
69. Adults need one to travel
ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
tides
June 26 - July 2 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
Whimsical Letters Workshop: Saturday, June 28, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. This class puts a whimsical spin on traditionally formal drawn letterforms – a fun and creative lettering option for cards, scrapbooking, journaling and more. Christy Schroeder-Lloyd is a professional calligrapher, teaching and working from her home studio in Blaine since 2002. Info: pilgrimsquill.com.
Beach Exploration: Saturday, June 28, 1–3 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.
Let’s Make Art for the Library: Saturday, June 28, 3–4 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. A collaborative art project that will be used to decorate the children’s section. We will be painting a giant Very Hungry Caterpillar and some of its favorite scrumptious goodies to make the children’s section more colorful. We recommend wearing old clothes you don’t mind getting a little messy. Info: wcls.org.
Backstage @ the Border: Saturday, June 28, 7–9 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 382 Boblett Street. Enjoy this acoustic concert series featuring The Masked Bandits with special guest April Thomson. $10 donation, no one is turned away. All proceeds benefit Loads of Love. Info: backstageattheborder.com.
Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, July 3, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: general knowledge. Info: thevaultwine.com.
Pancake Breakfast: Friday July 4, 8–11 a.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Pancakes, eggs, sausage, coffee, orange juice. Live music by Water’s Edge Musicians. By donation, suggested: $10/adult, $5/youth. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Friends of the Blaine Library 4th of July Book Sale: Friday, July 4, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Shop DVDs, CDs, coffee table books, teen’s and children’s books, adult fiction and non-fiction. All proceeds support the Blaine Library’s building project.
Blaine’s Old-Fashioned 4th of July: Friday, July 4, downtown Blaine. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., street fair; 10 a.m. car show begins with judging at 11 a.m.; 11:45 a.m., national anthem; noon, parade; 1–5 p.m., kid zone with lawn games, DJ, dunk tank; 1–5 p.m., Beer garden and live music; 10:30 p.m. fireworks over Semiahmoo Bay. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Semiahmoo Seaside BBQ Series: Friday, July 4, 5 p.m., Semiahmoo Resort, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway. A rotating menu featuring fresh seafood, locally sourced meats, and seasonal veggies. Live music by The Shakedown. Tickets $65 at semiahmoo.com.
July 5th Beach Cleanup: Saturday, July 5, 9 a.m.–noon, Birch Bay Beach Park, 7930 Birch Bay Drive. Help keep Birch Bay beautiful with a firework and litter cleanup day along the berm. Trash bags, gloves, trash grabbers, and refreshments provided. Your efforts will help protect wild animals, sea creatures, pets, birds, and humans from the harmful effects of fireworks trash.
Blaine Harbor Music Festival Musician Camp: July 6-12. Now enrolling students ages 13-20 all levels vocalist or instrumentalist go to the website to register blaineharbormusicfestival.org.
Big band concert, dinner and swing dance: Thursday, July 10, 7 p.m., BarnStar Event Center in Ferndale. Tickets are $75 and are available at: blaineharbormusicfestival.org
Blaine Harbor Music Festival: Concerts at G St., Plaza, 101 G Street, noon and 7 PM July 7, 8,9 and 12. Featuring acts like Greta Matassa and the Jazz Vocal Stars, Jon Mutchler Ensemble, Electric Fusion. Also includes a student showcase, Friday, July 11, 7 p.m. at Blaine PAC, 1 Borderite Way.
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.
Weather
Precipitation: During the period of June 16 to 22, 0.73 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2025 year-to-date precipitation is 15.1 inches.
Temperature: High for the past week was 74°F on June 17 with a low of 48.6°F on June 16. Average high was 70.1°F and average low was 51.4°F.
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.
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 Wednesdays, 11 a.m.– 2 p.m. or by appointment. The Bridge Community Hope Center’s new location, 7620 Birch Bay Drive. Narcotics Anonymous: Mondays, 7–8 p.m., Blaine United Church of Christ basement, 855 4th Street. Everyone welcome. Info: Blainenarcoticsanonymous@gmail.com.
Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
From page 13
Homeless Service Center (WHSC) in the amount of $544,578. The contract was approved 6-1 with Byrd voting against.
Council voted 5-2 to approve a $7.2 million contract with OC to distribute rental assistance through WHSC. The funding would go toward rent subsidies, motel room rentals and other direct housing assistance.
Stremler voted no, saying the contract does not have enough parameters for those receiving the funding to be “successful in their journey.” Stremler joined
Byrd as the two “nay” votes. Council then approved a $2 million increase in a case management services contract with OC, bringing that contract to $2.9 million. Byrd again voted no, with the contract passing 6-1. In the last homelessness-related contract on the docket, council approved a $3.4 million contract with OC to administer the Housing and Essential Needs Program, which provides emergency rehousing and low-barrier housing options. Stremler and Byrd voted against, and the contract was approved by 5-2 vote. The next county council meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 8.
The next county council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 8.
30 years ago, a newspaper was born...
Since June 16, 1995, The Northern Light newspaper has been the primary source for local news and events for the Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo community, proudly keeping our readers informed, engaged and connected, in print and online!
• Number of issues published: 1,505
• Number of articles written: 30,530
• Number of Washington Newspaper Publishers Association awards received (since 2014): 355
• Number of Blaine, Birch Bay, Semiahmoo households receiving The Northern Light in their mailbox: 10,027*
• Total number of published and distributed copies of The Northern Light every week: 11,000* The Northern Light since June 1995...
