Icelandic tapestry to make stop in Blaine on North America tour
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A presentation on nearly a football fieldsized Icelandic tapestry that depicts one of the country’s most popular sagas will be given at Blaine Public Library as part of the tapestry’s North American tour on Thursday, May 22.
The textile, which creators believe could be the world’s longest tapestry, was started as a community project in Hvolsvöllur, a town of roughly 1,000 people about 1.5 hours east of Reykjavík. In 2013, the community set out to recreate the ‘Njáls saga’ that took place in their small town using an ancient embroidery technique, and by the time the tapestry was complete in 2020, the project had grown to involve thousands of embroiderers from more than 150 countries.
“I would sometimes just stop and look at my work and think, ‘There could be someone looking at this a thousand years from now,’” said Claudia Pétursson, who is touring the tapestry. “I couldn’t even sew. I was so overwhelmed at the thought.”
The 13th century saga depicts Icelandic life between 960 and 1020 with a story of conflict between Icelandic families that touches on honor, revenge and respect.
“This story lives in that culture the way Shakespeare lives in ours,” Pétursson said. “If you live in Iceland, you know ‘Njáls saga.’ And what I’ve noticed about immigrants who’ve come to North America, they know the story. It’s woven into their family history.” Pétursson, who splits her time living in
(See Tapestry, page 15)
The Plover full steam ahead for summer return
Blaine faces budget woes from
fewer Canadians
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City of Blaine leaders are expected to spend the coming months looking for ways to balance an already barebones budget as the drop in Canadians crossing the U.S./Canada border significantly impacts the city’s budgeted sales tax revenue, which is used to fund the police, parks and other critical city services.
The sales tax revenue is the biggest contributor to the city’s general fund, which is used to fund the police, staff salaries and other critical
city services. The city anticipates a $368,000 deficit in the general fund to pay for these city essentials. The general fund is typically the most difficult fund to balance because it relies on outside influences such as tourism. Sales tax makes up about one-third of the general fund revenue. Other large revenue sources include utility and property taxes as well as the business and occupation tax, which is also impacted by fewer Canadians.
“We really only have two levers. One is cut expense. Two is raise revenues,” city manager
Council questions downtown revitalization in light of budget concerns
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Blaine’s downtown revitalization project, intended to bring improvements to the downtown core that has been years in the making, could potentially be canceled, or scaled back, just as construction is expected to start this summer.
Blaine City Council unanimously voted on May 12 to hold a special meeting to discuss how it could adjust the $4.1 million
project in light of budget concerns driven by fewer Canadians visiting Blaine. The finance department recently announced the city could face a $368,000 deficit in its general fund, which pays for daily city operations such as police and staff salaries.
The project as planned would revamp two blocks of downtown and make minor improvements outside of that area. It would replace sidewalks on Peace Portal Drive to help with ADA accessibility, re-
place downtown trees with a species that won’t buckle the sidewalk and upgrade the Martin Street and Clark Street parklets.
The project, which was already slimmed due to previous budget constraints, has been moving through city council for over two years.
Councilmember Richard May brought up the idea to fellow council members
(See Downtown project, page 13)
Mike Harmon said during the May 12 Blaine City Council meeting. “Within the general fund, we’re very limited on our ability to raise revenues.”
The city administrators estimate the city could expect a $292,000 loss in sales tax revenue by the end of 2025, though a lot of uncertainty remains with the border. The 2025 sales tax was down 13 percent from last year through February, Harmon told council, add-
(See Budget, page 3)
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ing that the city won’t know the sales tax numbers for March and April, when traffic really slowed, until this summer. Border traffic is down about 50 percent as fewer Canadians are crossing the border due to political tensions, tariffs and a lower Canadian dollar.
The general fund deficit is also affected by a $52,000 increase in salaries and wages and an insurance increase of 12-15 percent.
“It’s continual cuts. Pretty soon it’s, ‘Where do we cut in a budget of 80 percent staff?’” Harmon said. “It’s the continual pressure of insurance, labor, inflation … and our revenues aren’t keeping pace.”
City staff are reviewing various options and hope to balance the fund before the end of the year, Blaine finance director Jennifer Spidle said.
“We’re not anticipating any layoffs for city staff at this time,” Spidle said.
Operating funds expected to be in negative by 2030
The operating budget forecast for the next five years doesn’t look bright.
In addition to the general fund, the individual utility funds – water, sewer and electric – also aren’t doing well as utilities and rates aren’t keeping up with costs. While those funds won’t be in a deficit this year, Spidle said it’s a long-range projection that city leaders are watching and working to change.
“If nothing changes and we don’t
have any additional revenue, then we would be projected to go into the red in our utility funds,” Spidle said. “The important part is, ‘If nothing changes.’ If we don’t increase revenues or decrease expenditures, take out a loan if it’s for a large capital project, or get additional grant funding.”
In its operating budget, the city’s cash flow is expected to dip over the next five years in every fund except for required reserves, which is anticipated to grow about $2 million to nearly $7 million, and its public works administration and stormwater fund, which will remain about the same.
If projections play out, the first fund to go negative would be streets in 2026, followed by sewer in 2027, water in 2028, and the general and electric funds in 2029.
The city’s general fund, which had a cash flow of about $2 million at the end of 2024, is expected to have the most significant negative cash flow in the operations budget of nearly $11 million by December 2030. Following the general fund, the city’s water and electric funds are expected to be negative by $7.5 million each at the end of 2030. The streets fund would be negative $4 million and the sewer fund negative by $1 million at the end of 2030.
The city’s parks fund is also expected to go negative in 2026 if nothing changes, Spidle said.
Spidle said the utility operating funds also go into the red to pay for improvement projects when there’s not enough funding in the capital budget.
Unlike the general fund, the city
can increase utility rates to stabilize the utilities budgets if needed.
City’s barebones budget since pandemic
The city has been in financial woes since the pandemic, but was able to keep afloat with Covid-19 stimulus money. However, a combination of Covid-19 funding ending, lower cross-border traffic during the pandemic border closure and inflation brought budget concerns to the forefront in early 2023.
Then-finance director Dan Heverling told city staff and councilmembers in early 2023 that the city budget was set to be in a $1 million deficit by the end of that year. At that time, Heverling anticipated the city could deplete its $4 million in general fund reserves by 2026 if it followed the trajectory predicted in the 2023 budget. The city planned to cut about 10 percent of its 65 full-time staff, which was the largest round of layoffs since Semiahmoo Resort closed in 2013, but through attrition only ended up needing to lay off three people. The city finished 2023 with a slight surplus and operated on a barebones budget in 2024.
As for 2025, Spidle, a Ferndale resident, said she’s switched to a Blaine dentist and hair dresser. In light of fewer Canadians crossing the border, she asks Blaine residents to consider doing the same.
“Anything the community can do inside the city is going to help the city of Blaine,” Spidle said. “People can explore the services in their own backyard.”
Local candidates file for upcoming primary election
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Whatcom County’s candidate filing period for the August 5 primary election ended, and 149 candidates have officially filed to run for 100 open offices.
Offices are up for election this summer, including positions on Blaine City Council, Whatcom County Council, the Blaine school district board of directors, Port of Bellingham commission, BlaineBirch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 commission, and Birch Bay Water and Sewer District commission, among others.
Read below for a list of candidates running for local office:
• Blaine City Council, Ward 1, Position 2 (representing Blaine east of Interstate 5 to H Street, and east of 6th Street): Appointee Eric Lewis and Jiggy Sorrell.
• Blaine City Council, Ward 2, Position 4 (representing Blaine south
of Boblett Street and southeast of Harrison Avenue, west of Interstate 5): Isaac Newland, Steven Tojek and Ray Leone. Incumbent Rhyan Lopez is not running for reelection.
• Blaine City Council, Ward 3, Position 6 (representing downtown Blaine west of 6th Street and Harrison Avenue, and Semiahmoo): Sukhwant Gill and Don Enos. Incumbent Eric Davidson is not seeking reelection.
• Blaine City Council, At-Large, Position 7: Incumbent Mike Hill and Sarbie Bains.
• Whatcom County Superior Court, Judge Position 5: Jennifer Slattery, who was appointed to the new position last year, will run unopposed.
• Whatcom County Council, District 1: Incumbent Kaylee Galloway will run unopposed.
• Whatcom County Council, District 2: Elizabeth Boyle, Maya Morales and Mike Cullum. Incumbent
Todd Donovan will not seek reelection.
• Whatcom County Council, District 3: Incumbent Tyler Byrd, Jessica Rienstra, Kyle Christensen and Daniel Probst.
• Whatcom County Council, AtLarge Position A: Incumbent Barry Buchanan and Misty Flowers.
• Blaine School District 503, Director, District 3 (representing roughly the north half of Birch Bay): Bob Feaster and Jim Shaver. Incumbent and board president Cliff Freeman is not running again.
• Blaine School District 503, Director, District 4 (representing generally the south half of Birch Bay east of Blaine Road): Incumbent Ryan Swinburnson is running unopposed.
• Blaine School District 503, Director, District 5 (representing most of Semiahmoo and Blaine between Dakota and California creeks): Chelsea Belarmino is run-
ning unopposed.
• Port of Bellingham Commissioner, District 1 (representing parts of Bellingham, Fairhaven, Lake Whatcom and Van Zandt): Michael Shepard will run unopposed.
• Port of Bellingham Commissioner, District 2 (representing Lynden, Maple Falls, Everson, Deming and parts of Bellingham): Incumbent Ken Bell, Carly James and Kaylin A. Bosley. Paul Burrill initially filed to run, but rescinded his bid.
• Birch Bay Water and Sewer District, Commissioner, Position 3: John Schindler and Joan Connell.
• Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2, Commissioner, Position 2: Incumbent Sheli Moore is running unopposed.
• Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2, Commissioner, Position 4: Incumbent Billy Brown is running unopposed.
Plover to start summer sailing Memorial Day Weekend
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The historic Plover ferry will start trips between Blaine Harbor and Semiahmoo Spit just in time for Memorial Day Weekend.
The 81-year-old ferry will kick off its summer sailing season on Friday, May 23, running noon to 7:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday every week through Labor Day Weekend. The Plover will also run on Memorial Day on Monday, May 26.
The ferry will depart from Gate 2 at Blaine Harbor on the hour and depart from Semiah -
moo Marina on the half-hour each day.
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.
This year, the city of Blaine will transition to online sales and will not accept cash. Tickets can be purchased on the city’s tourism website, blainebythesea.com. The city will also accept donations on the ticketing page.
with the board accepting his resignation in early April.
In its search for an interim superintendent to serve the Blaine school district for the 2025-26 school year, the Blaine school board will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, May 14 at 5 p.m. (after press time) to interview candidates.
Outgoing superintendent Christopher Granger announced he accepted a superintendent position at the Sultan school district in March,
The board will move one step closer to naming an interim director with interviews conducted in public at the district boardroom, 770 Mitchell Avenue.
The district is working with Northwest Leadership Associates to find a full replacement for the 2027-28 school year.
This article will be updated on thenorthernlight.com after the special meeting.
Blaine Harbor will mark its first full sailing season since 2022. In fall 2022, it was discovered the historic ferry needed repairs more extensive than its original restoration in the mid-‘90s. After repairs were finished last summer, the Plover was scheduled to operate but the U.S. Coast Guard issued a no-sail order after rotted wood was found that needed to be replaced.
The boat was built in 1944 to transport Alaska Packers Association workers between Blaine Harbor and the salmon cannery on Semiahmoo Spit.
• Fire Protection District 21 (North Whatcom Fire and Rescue), Commissioner, Position 3: Interim commissioner Craig Anthony is running unopposed.
The deadline for candidates to submit voters’ pamphlet content is Tuesday, May 20. Ballots are expected to be mailed July 16, and the last day for new voters to register online is July 28.
Results for the August 5 primary election will be certified by August 19, and the general election will be held November 4. The primary election is a top-two system, meaning the two candidates with the most votes will advance to the November general election, regardless of party.
For a full list of candidates, visit votewa.gov. For more information about Whatcom County elections, contact the auditor’s office at 360/778-5102 or elections@ co.whatcom.wa.us.
s The Plover sails near Semiahmoo Resort on April 18. Photo by Ruth Lauman
Golfers Bring and Engen head to state, boys soccer battles through districts
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District playoffs were in full swing this week, with the Borderites vying for spots in the state playoffs.
Boys soccer upset Lynden Christian, but lost to Meridian in the district finals and faced LC in a rematch with a place in the bi-district tournament on the line.
Girls golf had a great day on the links, and will send three to the 1A State tournament.
Baseball was quickly bounced from the district playoffs with losses to reigning state champ Overlake, then Lynden Christian in a tough doubleheader. Softball beat Meridian in the first round of districts, but lost a heartbreaker to Nooksack Valley, ending its season.
Girls golf
Girls golf had a great day at districts, finishing second as a team, and will send three players to state.
Blaine golfers Marcella Bring and Thora Engen finished in the top-five at North Bellingham Golf Course on May 13, each of them securing a spot in the 1A state tournament at Liberty Lake Golf Course outside Spokane on Tuesday, May 20.
Bring shot a score of 100, tying for third place with Meridian’s Kennedy Brozozowski, and Engen shot 102 for sole possession of fifth. Meridian’s Kali Tan and Dallas Reinke tied for first, each with a 95.
Hannah Phelps-McDonald finished tied for sixth place with Meridian’s Reese McIntee, and the two will travel to the tournament as state alternates.
The 1A State Golf Championship will take place over two days from May 20 to 21.
Boys golf
The Blaine boys golf team didn’t have the same results as the girls team, missing out on a top-seven finish for a spot in the 1A State Championship.
Peyton Bouma finished with the highest individual score for a Borderite, finishing with a 95, tied for 11th. Ellis Griffin finished in a three-way tie for 13th with a 96, and Brady Thiessen finished tied for 16th with a 97.
All told, it was another great season for the Borderites that included multiple top-10 finishes, but ultimately ended without a trip to the state tournament.
Boys soccer
The Blaine boys soccer had one of its best games of the season to open up the semifinal round of the district tournament, defeating rival Lynden Christian 2-0 on May 7.
Junior midfielder Dima Yur-
yev, one of Blaine’s top scorers all year, was responsible for both of Blaine’s goals on the night, including a last minute score that was the final nail in the coffin for LC.
The Borderites then went on to face top-seed Meridian for a chance to win a district championship trophy on May 10. The Trojans proved too good on offense, winning 3-0 en route to its third consecutive 1A District 1 championship.
The Borderites still have a chance to make it to the next stage of postseason play, the bi-district tournament, with another win over Lynden Christian on Wednesday, May 14 at 7 p.m. (after press time).
This story will be updated online to include the results of Blaine’s May 14 game against Lynden Christian.
For coverage of the remaining Blaine sports results from district playoffs, visit thenorthernlight.com/sports.
s Blaine senior defender Max Yuryev, c., soars over a Meridian defender to reach a header on May 10.
Photo by Maddy Ernst
Youth Theater Camp: Our campers will prepare a performance of “Home at Last - An Odd Little Odyssey”, which they will perform Friday evening at the Birch Bay Library. June 25, Aug. 4-8. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Marine Park, $200. 5-12y. Registration necessary.
BBBPRD2 is excited to partner with Birch Bay Village Golf Club to offer another Junior Golf Camp!
June 23-27. $60. Two sessions: 8-11y and 12-18y. Registration necessary.
SPORTS, FITNESS AND SUMMER CAMPS!
Youth Hip-Hop Dance Clinics: Discover the joy of movement and music in our one-day Hip Hop Dance Clinic, led by guest instructor Sabrina Gomez-Vannelli from Day to Day Dance! These age-specific sessions introduce dancers to hip-hop fundamentals and choreography.
Basketball Clinic: Kids can build skills and confidence on the court with our Basketball Clinic for ages 612, led by Coach Maurice Christion! This clinic focuses on fundamental skills, teamwork, and game awareness in a supportive environment. June 7. Ages 6-9, 1-2:30 p.m.; ages 10-12, 2:30-4 p.m.. $10. Registration required.
Pickleball Lessons: Curious about Pickleball, or already an avid player? Join Intro to the Game of Pickleball or Pickleball 101 or 102 workshops to learn the fundamentals of the game, or our Skills and Strategy Sessions to improve your technique.
Intro to the Game of Pickleball: May 25. 1-3 p.m. $20.
Pickleball 101/102: July 13 & 27; Aug. 24 & Sept. 14. 1-3 p.m. $40/both Skills and Strategy: June 15, June 29, Aug. 10. 1-3 p.m. $35. Registration necessary.
Get your kids moving with dance classes, which introduce dance in engaging, encouraging environments. Including: Intro to Ballet/Creative Movement, ages 2-4; Intro to Jazz Dance, ages 5-7 and 8-10; Intro to Ballet, ages 57 and 8-10; and Intro to Hip Hop, ages 11-15. Registration required; see our website for full schedule.
Fitness Bootcamps, Sessions: Our fitness bootcamps and sessions are designed to help you achieve your health and wellness goals. Commit for 4 to 6 weeks and train alongside dedicated instructors and a supportive group focused on reaching their goals together. See our website for details. Registration necessary.
May
Fri. 16: Telescope 101
Fri. 16: Stargazing 101
June
Sat. 17: Hike (South Bay Trail)
Sat. 17: Spring Block Party
Sat. 17: Clamming 101
Sat. 17: Beach Explorations
Wed. 21: Youth Dance Classes Start
Fri. 23: Hike (Lake Whatcom/Hertz)
Sun. 25: Intro to Pickleball
Fri. 30: Hike (Lighthouse Point)
Sat. 31: Blaine Borderline 5K
Sun. 1: Reflexology Class
Sat. 7: Hike (Hoypus Point Loop)
Sat. 7: Day at the Beach
Sat. 7: Basketball Clinic
Sun. 8: Reflexology
Register for all our activities at bbbparkandrec.org
Sunset Yoga is back! Join us select Friday nights at Marine Park in Blaine (behind the orcas) for a free yoga class. July 25, Aug, 1, 8 & 15. 7:30 p.m Sponsored by Blaine Healing Arts Massage Therapy.
Exploring the Chakras through Qigong, Sound Therapy, Acupressure: focus on creating balance, activating acupressure points, and experiencing the healing resonance of sound. June 28. 3 p.m. Birch Bay Activity Center, outdoors. $8. Registration necessary.
“Go Barefoot”
Reflexology: Celebrate National “Go Barefoot Day” by stepping into relaxation with a handson reflexology experience! June 1. 1-3 p.m. Blaine Pavilion. $10. Registration necessary.
Intro to Reflexology:
Discover the ancient practice of reflexology and its benefits for relaxation and well-being. June 8. 1-3 p.m. Blaine Pavilion. $10. Registration necessary.
Vinyasa Flow Yoga: The class focuses on alignment and combines strength with flexibility, allowing students to move and flow. All levels. Sundays July 27Aug. 18. Blaine Pavilion. 6-week session. Registration necessary.
Paddleboard Yoga: Experience the calm of the water and the beauty of the setting sun during this beginner-friendly Paddleboard Yoga session. No experience needed! Aug. 3. 7-8:30 p.m. Semiahmoo Park. $10.
Fri. 4: WECU’s 4 of July (Blaine) th Sat. 5: Beach Explorations
Wed. 9: Basketball (6-10) Starts Thu. 10: Basketball (11-14) Starts Fri. 11: Hike (Pine and Cedar Lakes)
ONGOING FITNESS CLASSES and SPORTS
OUTDOOR PICKLEBALL
MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY
8:30 to 10 a.m.: All Levels
10 to 11:30 a.m.: Int./Adv. 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Beg.+
Outdoor Courts are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis outside of scheduled drop-in times, unless reserved in advance.
SUMMER PROGRAMS AT BIRCH BAY STATE PARK WITH FRIENDS OF BIRCH BAY STATE PARK
INDOOR PICKLEBALL
MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY
Sat. May 17 Clamming 101 1 p.m., BP Heron Center
Sat. May 17 Beach Exploration 2 p.m., BPHC
Fri. May 23 Bird Walk 10 a.m., at BPHC
Sun. May 25 Frogs and Amphibians 3 p.m., BPHC
Sat. May 31 SARDIS 3 p.m., Wildlife Theater
Sat. June 7 Beach Fest 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., BPHC
Fri. June 13 Beach Exploration 12 p.m., BPHC
Sat. June 14 Beach Exploration 12 p.m., BPHC
Fri. June 20 Plant Walk 10 a.m., BPHC
Sat. June 21 Kite Festival 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., BPHC
Sun. June 22 Kite Festival 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., BPHC
Fri. June 27 Aquatic Invasive Species 3 p.m., Wildlife Theater
Sat. June 28 Beach Exploration 1 p.m., BPHC
Th. July 3 SARDIS 3 p.m., Wildlife Theater
Fri. July 4 Music: “Soul Duck” 1 p.m., Wildlife Theater
Sat. July 5 Beach Exploration 8 a.m., BPHC
Sat. July 5 Music: “The DeVillies” 1 p.m. & 3 p.m., BPHC
Sat. July 12 Beach Exploration 12 p.m., BPHC
Fri. July 18 Music: “On the Loose” 5 p.m., BPHC
Sat. July 19 Aquatic Invasive Species 3 p.m., Wildlife Theater
Fri. July 25 Beach Exploration 11 a.m., BPHC
Sat. July 26 Beach Exploration 12 p.m., BPHC
Sat. July 26 Wildlife in our Communities 3 p.m., BPHC
Fri. Aug. 1 Aquatic Invasive Species 3 p.m., Wildlife Theater
Tue. Aug. 5 National Night Out Evening, BPHC
Fri. Aug. 8
Music: “Soul Duck” 5 p.m., Wildlife Theater
Sat. Aug. 9 Beach Exploration 11 a.m., BPHC
Fri. Aug. 15 Living with Wildlife 3 p.m., BPHC
Sat. Aug. 16 Music: “The DeVillies” 1 p.m., BPHC
Sat. Aug. 23 Beach Exploration 11 a.m., BPHC
Sat. Aug. 30 Bellingham Community Band 3 p.m., Wildlife Theater
DROP-IN VOLLEYBALL $3 drop-in. $3 drop-in.
10:15 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Int./Adv. 12 to 2 p.m.: Beg. + (1:30 p.m. on Tue.)
EVERY WEDNESDAY
7 to 9 p.m.
DROP-IN BASKETBALL Free.
EVERY THURSDAY
7 to 9 p.m.
EVERY SUNDAY
DROP-IN BADMINTON 3 to 5 p.m. $3 drop-in.
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: MICHAEL BERT LOYD, Deceased. No. 254-00413-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS.
Judge Robert E. Olson
The Personal Representative named below has been appointed and has qualified as Personal Representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the probated proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 AND 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.
Date of Filing of Notice to Creditors: April 24, 2025 with Clerk of Court:
Date of First Publication: May 1, 2025
Name of Personal Representative: NANCY SUE LEHN SMIDT
Attorney for Personal Representative: 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
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT FOR THE STATE OF WASHINGTON, KING COUNTY. Estate of CAROL JEAN LARSEN, deceased. Case No. 25-4-03197-4 SEA. NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030)
THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE named below has been appointed as Personal Representative of this estate. Any persons having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim, and filing the original of the claim with the Court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1) (c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim will be 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.
DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: May 15, 2025 PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: Philip A. Larsen
ADDRESS FOR MAILING OR SERVICE Heather S. de Vrieze, WSBA#28553 de Vrieze | Carney, pllc 3909 California Avenue SW #101 Seattle, WA 98116-3705
COURT OF PROBATE PROCEEDINGS: King County Superior Court CAUSE NUMBER: 25-4-03197-4 SEA
JUDGE: Robert E. Olson The notice agent named below has elected to give notice to creditors of the abovenamed decedent. As of the date of the filing of a copy of this notice with the court, the notice agent has no knowledge of any other person acting as notice agent or of the appointment of a personal representative of the decedent’s estate in the state of Washington. According to the records of the court as are available on the date of the filing of this notice with the court, a cause number regarding the decedent has not been issued to any other notice agent, and a personal representative of the decedent’s estate has not been appointed. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.42.070 by serving on or mailing to the notice agent or the notice agent’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the court in which the notice agent’s declaration and oath were filed. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the notice agent served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.42.020(2)(c); or (2) Four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.42.050 and 11.42.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s probate and nonprobate assets.
Date of First Publication: May 15, 2025
The notice agent declares under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Washington on May 6, 2025, at Bellingham, Washington, that the foregoing is true and correct.
Notice Agent: Drummond Buckley 1108 Undine Street Bellingham, WA 98229
Attorney for notice agent:
Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225
Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225
Court of notice agent’s Declaration and Oath: Superior Court of Whatcom County. Cause Number: 25-4-00473-37.
DATED April 24, 2025
STEVEN D. AVERY, WSBA #35262
Attorney for Personal Representative: NANCY SUE LEHN SMIDT
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Estate of: KAREN G. BLAKEWAY, Deceased. Probate No. 25-4-00440-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Assigned Judge: Jennifer Slattery
The Personal Representative named below has been appointed as personal representative of this estate. Any person having a claim against the decedent must, before the time the claim would be barred by any otherwise applicable statute of limitations, present the claim in the manner as provided in RCW 11.40.070 by serving on or mailing to the personal representative or the personal representative’s attorney at the address stated below a copy of the claim and filing the original of the claim with the Clerk of this Court. 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 (twenty-four (24) months if notice is not published). 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 copy of Notice to Creditors: April 28, 2025
Date of first publication: May 1, 2025
Date creditor claim period closes: September 1, 2025
Attorney for the Estate: KEITH A. BODE, WSBA #7791 314 Fifth Street, P.O. Box 688 Lynden, WA 98264-0688
Tel. (360) 354-5021
Personal Representative: KEVIN JOHN RINEHART
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In the matter of the Estate of DAWN COLLEEN ROSSO, Deceased. No. 254-00443-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) Judge Evan P. Jones BREANN LEIGH LaPLANTE, and SHANNON MARIE ROSSO have been appointed as Co-Personal Representatives of the above estate. Any person having a claim against the deceased DAWN COLLEEN ROSSO 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 Co-Personal Representatives or the Co-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 Co-Personal Representatives 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.
DATE OF FILING OF NOTICE TO CREDITORS WITH CLERK OF THE COURT: April 28, 2025
DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: May 15, 2025
CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES: BREANN LEIGH LaPLANTE, and SHANNON MARIE ROSSO
RESIDENT AGENT AND ATTORNEY FOR CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES: 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
DATED this 28th day of April 2025. STOWE LAW PLLC: Mark W. Stowe, WSBA#16655
Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives
sheriff’s repOrts
May 2, 6:37 p.m.: Moving vehicle accident injury with pedestrian on Custer School Road.
May 3, 6:02 p.m.: Vandalism cold call on Birch Bay Drive.
May 3, 10:48 p.m.: Trespass on Gulf Road.
May 3, 11:06 p.m.: Hazard on Stein Road.
May 4, 10:03 a.m.: Arson arrest on McGee Road.
May 4, 10:17 a.m.: Welfare check on Jackson Road.
May 4, 12:04 p.m.: Attempted suicide on Sea Breeze Court.
May 5, 8:20 a.m.: Security check on Birch Bay Lynden Road.
May 5, 10:17 a.m.: Burglary cold call on Charel Drive.
May 5, 2:39 p.m.: Fraud cold call on Grouse Crescent Drive.
May 5, 3:21 p.m.: Drugs cold call on Anderson Road.
May 5, 10:56 p.m.: Fight on Harborview Road.
May 6, 12:22 a.m.: Court order violation arrest on Salish Lane.
May 7, 6:13 p.m.: Aggravated assault on Pipeline Road.
May 8, 4:29 a.m.: Prowler cold call on Moonglow Court.
May 8, 1:00 p.m.: Trouble with subject cold call on Main Street.
May 8, 1:53 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Mountvue Way.
May 8, 3:15 p.m.: Fraud cold call on Birch Bay Lynden
Road.
May 8, 5:14 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute cold call on Elaine Street.
May 8, 5:31 p.m.: Juvenile problem on Tracy Place.
May 8, 7:21 p.m.: Burglary, domestic violence arrest on Boblett Road.
May 8, 9:35 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on Sunset Drive.
pOLiCe repOrts
April 26, 4:35 p.m.: Shots on H Street Road.
April 26, 7:32 p.m.: Missing person on Rene Court.
April 28, 3:06 p.m.: Drugs on Adelia Street.
April 29, 10:00 a.m.: Vehicle theft on H Street.
April 29, 12:45 p.m.: Hit and run on Hughes Avenue.
April 29, 3:27 p.m.: Overdose on 8th Street.
April 30, 10”41 a.m.: Theft on Boblett Street.
April 30, 3:48 p.m.: Assault –simple on H Street.
CrOssWOrd
ACROSS
1. Yearly tonnage (abbr.)
4. British thermal unit
7. Afflict
8. Refrain from harming 10. Galls
12. Leg bone
13. Rhine distributary
14. Recipe measurement 16. Chap 17. Useful book
19. Mountain Time 20. Snakelike fishes
21. Places where people live 25. US, Latin America, Canada belong to 26. Periodical 27. A type of sense 29. A way to get possession of 30. Everyone has one
31. Body art 32. Mr. October
39. Abba __, Israeli politician
41. Head movement
42. Jeweled headdress
43. VCR button
44. A way to change color
45. Basketball move
46. Upright stone slab
48. Forest-dwelling monkey
49. Pulsate steadily
50. Negative 51. Sino-Soviet bloc (abbr.)
52. Unit of work DOWN
1. Island 2. Pittsburgh ballplayer 3. Chemical compound 4. Indicates density of data (abbr.) 5. Mesas 6. Wild, long-legged sheep
8. Engine additive 9. “CSI” actor George 11. Stony waste matter 14. Thyroid-stimulating hormone 15. Pores in a leaf’s epidermis 18. Digraph 19. Married woman 20. Peripheral 22. Northern Italy city 23. Klutz 24. Type of tree 27. Witnessed 28. Popular breakfast food 29. __ Mahal 31. BoSox legend Williams 32. Professional drivers 33. Atom or molecule type 34. The Constitution State 35. Chest to store clothes (Scottish) 36. Type of solution 37. Speaker
Coming up
Blaine Chamber Happy Hour: Thursday, May 15, 4–5:30 p.m., Paso del Norte, 758 Peace Portal Drive. Business after-hours networking. No-host. Info: Blainechamber.com.
Birch Bay Incorporation Committee General Meeting: Thursday, May 15. 6 p.m., North Bay Community Church, 4895 Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Guest Speakers: Robert Jean and David Wilbrecht, bringing decades of city management experience to this important conversation. In-person or on Zoom. Info: incorporatebirchbay.com.
Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, May 15, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: general knowledge. Info: thevaultwine.com.
Books and Bites: Friday, May 16, 1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. May title: Spirit Whales and Sloth Tales: Fossils of Washington State by Elizabeth A. Nesbitt. Info: Kelly at 360/305-3637.
May 1, 4:21 p.m.: DUI arrest on H Street.
May 3, 6:03 p.m.: Hit and run on Semiahmoo Parkway.
May 4, 1:13 a.m.: Sex crime (no rape) on 10th Street.
May 5, 2:29 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Bayview Avenue.
May 7, 3:10 p.m.: Missing person on Martin Street.
May 8, 7:48 a.m.: Vehicle theft on H Street.
May 8, 10:15 a.m.: Theft on Peace Portal Drive.
May 8, 3:02 p.m.: Overdose on D Street.
38. Specifying 39. Formerly (archaic) 40. Wiseman and Krom are two 44. The bill in a restaurant 47. Tennis shot
ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM
tides
May 15 - 21 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
Live Music at The Vault: Friday, May 16, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring: Double Trouble. Info: thevaultwine.com.
Spring Block Party: Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., downtown Blaine. Join this family-friendly event featuring a street fair with over 60 vendors, kids activities, live music, beer garden and food trucks. Free. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Make a Meander Book Workshop: Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn how to make a ‘Meander Book’ and engage in a discussion of the 2025 Whatcom READS featured title No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister. Book artist Fran McReynolds will guide you in learning the skills to make a book that is created with just one sheet of paper. All levels of experience are welcome in this beginner course. Supplies are included. Space is limited; registration is required. For ages 15+. Info: wcls.org.
Clamming 101: Saturday, May 17, 1–3 p.m., Birch Bay State Park’s bp Heron Center. Learn about local clam species, sustainable harvesting, and marine life. Dig, observe, and connect with the shoreline. Bring a bucket, shovel, boots and your shellfish license (if you want to keep the clams). All ages are welcome. Please wear appropriate footwear. Free. Discover Pass required for parking. No registration required. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
Beach Exploration: Saturday, May 17, 2–4 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.
Bellingham Scottish Gathering Volunteer Meeting: Saturday, May 17, 3–5 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Be involved in one of Whatcom County’s best loved events coming to Blaine on June 7. Volunteers needed with all kinds of skills: clerical, set up and tear down, clean up, parking, first aid and runners for various events. Info: heather@scottishdancesociety.org.
Blaine Police Chief Funk Community Meeting: Wednesday, May 21, 6:30–8 p.m., Blaine Senior/Community Center, 763 G Street. Blaine Police chief, Rodger Funk, will discuss hot topics including control of illegal fireworks, our drug situation, and speeding in Blaine. This is a chance for citizens to voice their concerns.
The Saga of Njal Tapestry: Thursday, May 22, 4 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. The community of Hvolsvöllur, Iceland, began a project to hand-embroider the story of one of the most famous medieval stories of passion and intrigue: Njal’s Saga. A smaller traveling panel was created to showcase the original tapestry on its historical journey throughout the U.S. and Canada. Admission is by donation. All proceeds go towards building a museum to house the original creation in Hvolsvöllur, Iceland.
Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, May 22, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. This week’s theme: general knowledge. Info: thevaultwine.com.
Live Music at The Vault: Friday, May 23, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring: The Problem Jazz Collective. Info: thevaultwine.com.
Semiahmoo Seaside BBQ Series: Saturday, May 24, 5 p.m., Semiahmoo Resort, 9565 Semiahmoo Parkway. A rotating menu featuring fresh seafood, locally sourced meats, and seasonal veggies. Live music by Alex Britton. Tickets $65 at semiahmoo.com.
Weather
Precipitation: During the period of May 5 to 11, 0.1 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2025 year-to-date precipitation is 15 inches.
Temperature: High for the past week was 76.5°F on May 6 with a low of 38°F on May 5. Average high was 68.3°F and average low was 43.8°F.
Courtesy WeatherUnderground.com
Live Music at The Vault: Friday, May 30, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring: Dick and Jane. Info: thevaultwine.com.
Blaine Borderline 5K Fun Run: Saturday, May 31, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Blaine Marine Park. Enjoy a scenic 5K walk/run for all ages and fitness levels. Plus a street fair, food vendors and beer garden. Registration: $27.50 includes shirt and medal at 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.
Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Tapestry ...
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the U.S. and Iceland, stumbled upon the project while showing visiting friends the town of Hvolsvöllur. There, the community invited her to sew and she quickly began spending 12hour days focused on bringing the project to life. As Pétursson’s involvement grew, she brainstormed taking a smaller, 20-foot tapestry on tour to bring awareness to the project and crowdfund for a museum to house it.
The presentations include history on the saga, the landscape where it took place and background on creating the tapestry.
Pétursson has already presented the tapestry at a Scandinavian conference in Minneapolis, an Icelandic convention in Winnipeg, at the Metchosin Arts and Cultural Centre in Victoria, B.C. and the National Nordic Museum in Seattle.
Pétursson said she decided to make Blaine a stop on the tour because it was a popular destination for Icelandic settlers. She
will present in Point Roberts, which also has a rich Icelandic history, before taking the presentation this summer through Canada, the upper Midwest of the U.S. and eventually ending the tour on the east coast in the fall.
Eventually, the tapestry will be shown through Europe and possibly Asia. The goal of the tour is to increase interest in Icelandic literature and textiles, to bring awareness to the project and to inspire other communities, and to fundraise for the museum, Pétursson said.
The presentation is being organized with help from the Blaine Icelandic Heritage Society.
Heritage society president Rob Olason said about 15,000 Icelanders left the country in the late 19th and early 20th century because of poor economics and a large volcanic eruption that destroyed agriculture. Many settled in Winnipeg before moving throughout Canada and the Pacific Northwest, where the climate was milder. Blaine, Point Roberts and the Marietta community in northwest Bellingham attract-
ed Icelanders as word of mouth spread about the area, where jobs could be found in fishing, lumber and agriculture.
Relics of Blaine’s Icelandic past can still be seen by the Grace Lutheran Church and Free Church Unitarian, founded by Icelandic settlers, as well as gravestones at Blaine Cemetery on H Street Road.
The heritage society, which has about a dozen members, has stopped meeting regularly since the pandemic but still holds occasional remote meetings and hosts dinners when people from Iceland visit Blaine. For more information on the society and to get involved, visit blaineicelanders.com.
“I hope it inspires communities to do something that leaves a mark,” Pétursson said. “Wherever you live, wherever your story is, and you don’t have to do it in 90 meters of sewing, do something your whole community gets involved in and that you want to tell the world.”
The presentation will be given at 4 p.m. in the meeting room of the Blaine Public Library, 610 3rd Street in downtown Blaine.
s Claudia Petursson with the traveling tapestry depicting the ‘Njals saga’ she is presenting across North America, including at Blaine Public Library on Thursday, May 22. Photo courtesy of Rob Olason
