play first games of year, page 6
Free Blaine community dinners return
Free community dinners are back on the menu at the Blaine Community Center/Senior Center.
The Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2) is hosting the first community dinner at the community center since the pandemic 6-8 p.m. Thursday, September 18. The dinners will be free, though donations are accepted, said BBBPRD2 director Heather Lindsay.
“This event is open to everybody,” Lindsay said. “We hope this is a place where the community can connect to each other.”
Since taking over management of the community center, Lindsay said parks and recreation has planned to revive the dinners, which have been on a five-year hiatus since the pandemic. The dinners will be held the third Thursday of each month. For the premier dinner, Windermere Real Estate is serving up spaghetti with salad, slaw, garlic bread, punch and water. There will be live music, and some dinners will have additional entertainment.
BBBPRD2 commissioner Billy Brown is leading volunteer efforts for the dinners, which includes having an organization or group host each month. Anyone who is interested in volunteering can email info@ bbbprd2.com
“Find a seat and enjoy the community,” Lindsay said. “We need to have laughter in Blaine.”
The community center is located at 763 G Street in Blaine.
Nonprofit serves veterans with fishing, crab derby
Mayor asks councilmember to resign over emails
B y G race M c c arthy
A Blaine City Council meeting that started with a proclamation being issued for Good Neighbor Day ended in yelling on September 8.
The meeting represented nearly two years of tension coming to a head between a small group that has been hurling accusations at city leaders, with mayor Mary Lou Steward requesting councilmember Eric Lewis resign out of corruption concerns. No other councilmembers echoed the mayor’s concerns on the councilmember, whose seat is up for election in November.
The kerfuffle stems from an email that an anonymous person or group called “Stronger Blaine” sent to the city of Blaine, the Whatcom Democrats and The Northern Light on September 4. The message contained 23 pages of emails between Lewis’ personal email address and the Blaine Water Coalition between mid-February and early March. In the emails, the coalition instructed Lewis to bring two motions to council that would update the city’s stormwater manual and create a code of ethics for the city.
Lewis confirmed the emails’ authenticity to The Northern Light and said they were
‘Catoberfest’ to make second-year comeback
B y G race M c c arthy
‘Catoberfest’ is bringing lagers and family fun to Blaine Marine Park on Saturday, September 13 in an effort to raise thousands of dollars in support of Blaine Food Bank operations. Beach Cat Brewing, which has its flagship location in Birch Bay in addition to a new Bellingham brewery, is hosting the event for its second year. The Oktoberfest event, which will run from noon to 7 p.m., will have live music, food, a silent auction, youth games and other entertainment.
The brewery hopes to raise $50,000 for the food bank, which has been facing financial stress while serving more families in recent years.
Admission runs $25 for general admission, $100 for groups of five and $50 for VIP tickets that include two drinks and commemorative items. Children under 18 years who arrive with an adult receive free entry. Pets are not allowed.
The event will run from noon to 7 p.m. and is located at 272 Marine Drive in Blaine.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/4mHJ13w.
a result of a public records request. When asked why Lewis communicated with the group via his personal email address, he told the newspaper, “I was responsive to the public records request.”
The coalition is a group that the city has said it’s been in a misinformation fight with for nearly the past two years and filed a public records act lawsuit against the city in August.
Steward said she would give Lewis two weeks to “do the honorable thing and resign,” or she would put forward a motion
(See City council, page 5)
Photo
Photo by Ruth Lauman
s The community gathers for a meal at the community center. File photo
We’re Open!
Shop & Dine in these downtown Blaine Businesses!
Phase 2 of Blaine’s Downtown Revitalization Project has started. During construction, the following downtown businesses will remain open and have public access:
• Bella Boutique (pedestrian walkway off G St.)
• Blaine Bouquets (pedestrian walkway off G St.)
• Monte’s Just A Bite (pedestrian walkway off H St.)
• Inn on the Harbor (pedestrian walkway off H St.)
• Drayton Harbor Oyster Co. (pedestrian walkway off H St.)
• Aloha Cafe (pedestrian walkway off H St.)
• Ttowa Sushi (access through back parking lot)
• CTK Church (pedestrian walkway off H St.)
• Black Forest Steak House (pedestrian walkway off G St.)
• Chada Thai (pedestrian walkway off Martin St.)
• Railway Cafe (pedestrian walkway off Martin St.)
• Horseshoe Antiques (enter off Martin St.)
• Paso del Norte (enter side door off Martin St.)
• Wheel House Bar & Grill (enter off alley between H St. & Martin St.)
• Border Town Pizza (enter side door off H Street)
• Mood Swings Clothing (sidewalk open)
Also Open in Downtown Blaine!
This Fall, get your vehicle transpor ted with a purpose.
Lee Bowe Company is proud to be partnering with the Blaine Public Schools Foundation, an organization dedicated to suppor ting our community ’s students and teachers For every transpor t you book with us this season, we'll donate a por tion of the proceeds to the foundation. When you choose LBC, you're not just getting reliable auto transpor t; you're helping to build a stronger, brighter future for our youth
Sincerely, To
Bowe Company
The Northern L ght
The Northern Light is published weekly by Point Roberts Press Inc.
Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications. Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors.
Letters Policy
The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. The letters to the editor column is primarily intended to allow readers to voice their opinions on local issues of general interest to local readers. A fresh viewpoint will increase the likelihood of publication. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Consumer complaints should be submitted directly to the business in question or the local chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com.
Publisher & Managing Editor
Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com
Co-publisher & Advertising Director Louise Mugar lmugar@pointrobertspress.com
Editor Grace McCarthy grace@pointrobertspress.com
Reporter Nolan Baker nolan@pointrobertspress.com
Creative Services
Doug De Visser, Ruth Lauman production@pointrobertspress.com
Office Manager
Jeanie Luna info@pointrobertspress.com
Advertising Sales
Molly Ernst, Gary Lee sales@pointrobertspress.com
General Editorial Inquiries editor@pointrobertspress.com
Contributors In This Issue
Doug Dahl, Julia Hawkins, Heather Flaherty, PeaceHealth
The Northern Light
225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230
Tel: 360/332-1777
Vol XXXI, No 13
Circulation: 11,000 copies
Circulation Independently verified by:
New educators join Blaine school district OpiniOn
room teacher; Sam Watson, 1st grade teacher; Molly Pearson, transitional kindergarten to 2nd
special education
resource room teacher.
Letters
The Editor: I am writing to thank Ron Snyder for his excellent letter and comprehensive review of fascism in The Northern Light (August 28 issue). l am guessing that most of us reading The Northern Light are feeling general angst about health care, voting rights and the future of our children as we watch the deterioration of democracy in our country.
Ron’s letter deals with the history of fascism, and I wish to point out that there is a great source of historical references in Heather Cox Richardson’s “Letters from an American.” In her regular articles and podcasts, this eminent historian reaches back to look at events in U.S. history which mirror those happening today. These often offer a wider
view of events and show how voters were able to reverse bleak trends in our country. For more, see heathercoxrichardson@ substack.com. It is so important that all voters understand the background of all issues and participate in all of our elections. Elections will determine whether our country is going to be the “largest banana republic in the history of the world” or whether we regain our democracy and return to a country of scientists, scholars, businessmen and artists.
Graham Hunter Blaine
Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
CiviC Meetings
Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Town halls typically at 5:30 p.m. the first Monday meeting each month. Info: ci.blaine.wa.us.
Birch Bay Community Advisory Committee: Typically the last Thursday of each month, 6 p.m., Birch Bay Bible Community Church, 4460 Bay Road. Updated meeting info: bit.ly/3QmWVcX.
Birch Bay Water and Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4 p.m., district office, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info and Zoom meeting link: bbwsd.com.
Blaine Planning Commission: Second Thursday, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: bit.ly/3EwWiZi.
Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.
year.
Corrections
The article titled “CAP winter coat drive runs through September” in the September 4 issue of The Northern Light incorrectly stated some donation sites and the times of clothing distribution.
The donation sites will not include Semiahmoo Golf and Country Club, The Bridge Community Hope Center and The Market at Birch Bay. However, the CAP Clothing Bank will accept donations.
Distribution times will be from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, October 6 and Friday, October 10; 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, October 8; and from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, October 11. ❦
The article titled “Birch Bay author to present new book” in the September 4 issue of The Northern Light incorrectly stated the time of the book presentation. It is 1-3 p.m. Saturday, September 13 at Blaine Public Library. We regret the errors.
Blaine Public Works and Park Advisory Board: Second Thursday, 9:30 a.m., Blaine council chambers. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.
Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district boardroom, 770 Mitchell Avenue. Info: blainesd.org.
North Whatcom Fire and Rescue: Third Thursday, 10:30 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.
BBWARM: Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District Advisory Committee meets quarterly in-person and on Zoom. Info: bbwarm.whatcomcounty.org.
Port of Bellingham: First and third Tuesday, 4 p.m., Port of Bellingham Harbor Center, 1801 Roeder Ave., Ste. 146, in Bellingham and via Zoom. Info: portofbellingham.com.
s Blaine school district recently welcomed new educators to its campus for the 2025-26 school
From l.; Tyra Lewis, K-2 resource
grade STEAM teacher; Jason McIntosh,
teacher; Rebekah Jay, K-5 resource room teacher; Joshua Davies, life skills high school; and Michelle McAuley, 3-5
Photo courtesy of Blaine school district
City council ...
page 1
to censure him from any executive session discussing the coalition’s lawsuit against the city.
Blaine Water Coalition
Blaine Water Coalition comprises a handful of people who have accused city officials of malfeasance for nearly the past two years. The group became active, originally calling themselves “Save Blaine,” shortly after city council approved zoning allowing large manufactured home parks in east Blaine in October 2023.
The group questioned how the city researched their development concerns on the zoning proposal, and have subsequently filed numerous and involved public records requests. City officials have said the requests have cost the city tens of thousands of dollars and required a significant amount of staff time. As recently as early August, city manager Mike Harmon said the city was still scrambling to fulfill records requests without a designated records clerk and a barebones budget.
Group members have frequently accused city officials of corruption in emails and during council meetings. Steward banned spoken comment from council meetings in February 2024 after some members didn’t follow meeting decorum. Meetings, which often had Blaine police officers present, were rife with accusations, picketing and occasionally shouting from group members.
The group has since continued to send written comment through emails to the city that contain accusations toward the government.
Lewis joined council last October, a year into the group’s involvement with the city. Tensions reached a high point in November, when then-councilor Mike Hill verbally confronted coalition leader Geoff Baker during a pause at a city council meeting, before being persuaded away from Baker. Baker has used the pseudonym Otto Pointer.
In February, Baker accused the city of being out of compliance with current stormwater standards, as the city’s manual was the 2019 state version. Lewis brought a motion to council in early March to update the manual, but the city maintained that it was already in compliance. During the same March meeting, Lewis requested council consider adopting a voluntary code of ethics after being prompted by the coalition. Council never adopted it.
Also in March, Harmon said Baker had filed a notice with the intent to sue the city and Washington State Department of Ecology over a toxic plume under Hill’s Chevron in downtown Blaine. Baker was concerned that the plume would affect Cain Creek during the downtown revitalization project. Harmon wrote in a city memo that Baker’s notice contained false allegations and disinformation, but out of caution, DOE required the city to take “extraordinary” preventative measures to contain the toxins. The additional measures were estimated to cost the city $50,000.
This summer, Baker filed two State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) appeals for Blaine development and made a July 18 public
records request related to those appeals. In early August, Baker filed a lawsuit on behalf of the coalition against the city of Blaine for allegedly not adhering to the state’s public records act in response to the July 18 request.
A hearing on the lawsuit was held in Whatcom County Superior Court in late August, where the judge found Baker, who didn’t have an attorney, had incorrectly cited the law and warned that practicing it in such a way could potentially be a criminal act and risk him being sanctioned by the city. Baker said he is now being represented by Judith Endejan, a founding member of the Washington Coalition for Open Government.
Emails between Lewis and the coalition
The emails between Lewis and the coalition from mid-February to March show Lewis supporting the group. Lewis told the group that he wants to help them improve Blaine’s water quality because he was a U.S. Marine stationed at a camp in North Carolina that had water contaminated by high levels of chemicals.
Among correspondence, Lewis mentioned sharing a meal and tea with the group in at least one of their homes.
“I will try my best to stand with you and others against evil, including the evil I fight within myself every day,” Lewis wrote. “I feel that we are on a good path right now. Let’s please regroup and coordinate. I feel optimistic that we’re making progress for this city.”
In the same email, Lewis went on to say, “I feel that your group and compatriots were being bullied (criminally) in the worst way possible (and you were and are) … I can’t tell you to trust me, I have to show it.”
In response to the hearing examiner reopening the record for stormwater standards on an east Blaine development, Lewis wrote, “Excuse my French, but ‘Hot Damn!’ Small victories are great! Good job, Otto and Poppy!”
When asked to keep quiet, Lewis agreed not to mention that another county newspaper had contacted the group for a potential story, in order that The Northern Light wouldn’t run the story first.
Request for resignation
The kerfuffle began during the
(See City council, page 10)
Discover Blaine’s Newest Boutique!
New & Gently Used Women’s & Kids’ Clothing, Shoes & Home Décor
Stylish name brand options! Coach, Lululemon, Nike, The North Face, True Religion, Disney, Harley Davidson, Michael Kors, Patagonia, Miss Me
372 H Street Blaine, WA 98230 Wednesday – Saturday • 11am – 5pm
Skincare
Nourish Your Skin, Nurture Your Soul Facials - including microdermabrasion, dermaplane, chemical peels & custom facials Lash lifts, Brow laminations, lash and tinting • Waxing 360-920-1674 • 4819 Alderson Road # 102, Birch Bay Laura Brudvik, Licensed Esthetician serving Whatcom county
Friday, September 19 • 10 am - 6 pm Saturday, September 20 • 10 am - 4 pm
Ferndale Events Center 5715 Barrett Road, Ferndale
Admission $8 cash at the door (includes both days) Kids under 12 free
Raffle Quilt “Televera” by Marlon’s Designs
360-354-8311 910 H Street Road, Lynden WA 98264 Variety of Hay, Straw & All Animal Feeds
9-4:30
Borderites start up first games of the school year
Football
Blaine football didn’t get the start to the season it had hoped, dropping the opener to Renton on the road by a score of 55-21 on September 6.
Despite allowing an opening-drive touchdown followed by a fumble on the ensuing kickoff, the Borderites kept up with Renton for the first quarter. Sophomore linebacker Tanveer Heer intercepted the Red Hawks to set up a Borderite touchdown when sophomore quarterback Connor Brown scored on a one-yard run.
After another score by Renton, the Borderites again responded, this time with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Brown to junior wide receiver Peyton Bouma. Things took a turn in the sec-
Free Christian Program for Kids (Grades K-5) Wednesdays • 3-4:30 pm St. Anne Church, 604 H Street Begins September 17
ond half, and the Borderites couldn’t surmount a rash of turnovers, with Renton scoring 41 points unanswered.
Blaine got the final touchdown on the game, again on a connection from Brown to Bouma, and this time for 20 yards. Bouma ended the day with seven catches for 101 yards, and senior wide receiver Kai Kerwin recorded eight catches for 100 yards. It was the first time in three years that two Borderites tallied 100 yards or more in a single game, according to Whatcom Preps.
Brown, at the start of his high school career, finished the day with 214 yards passing and two touchdowns.
The Borderites started the season 0-1 but have a chance to get back to .500 with next week’s game on the road against Pe Ell/ Willapa Valley on Saturday, September 13. Kickoff is 1 p.m.
The Borderites’ first home game of the season is against Chelan at 6 p.m. Friday, September 19.
Stats provided by WhatcomPreps.com
Volleyball
Blaine volleyball started off the season on a high note, defeating La Conner at home on September 9.
The Borderites was scheduled to travel to Lakewood on Thursday, September 11 before hosting its first home game of the season at 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 16 against Squalicum.
Stats provided by WhatcomPreps.com
Girls soccer
Blaine girls soccer fell 9-0 to Oak Harbor in the season home opener on September 9.
Sacraments classes & MS Youth Group this Fall! For info, call Eydie 360-319-3643
Blaine was expected to take the next two games on the road, facing Lakewood at 7 p.m. Thursday, September 11 and then La Conner at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 13.
The Borderites’ next home game will be against Squalicum at 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 16 at Borderite Stadium.
Stats provided by WhatcomPreps.com
• City of Blaine hired a consultant, Surveying and Mapping (SAM) LLC, to survey and map utilities throughout the City.
• SAM will be exposing buried assets in public right-of-way and easements.
• No services will be interrupted with this project.
August 2025 to August 2026
Have Questions? Reach out to the Blaine Public Works Department at 360.332.8820
s Blaine's home turf turned into a celebration zone as volleyball clinched its first win this season on September 9. All photos by AJ Bennett
s Blaine junior Kate Koreski bulldozes through the defensive line during the Borderites’ season home opener against Oak Harbor on September 9.
s Brietta Sandell kicks the ball as Nevaeh Zaddack supported on September 9 at Borderite Stadium.
s Blaine senior Merissa Delgado charges through the defense as she aims to score a crucial goal during its loss to Oak Harbor.
Custer farm sends products to plates across the U.S.
B y J ulia h awki N s
Driving along West Badger Road in Custer, rolling fields of grass, livestock and crops can be seen. Tucked in the middle of this bucolic scene is Widnor Farms, a family-owned farm that specializes in bringing quality meats to dinner plates across the U.S.
What started as a bare plot of land and a family’s dream to feed local families has evolved into a full-scale farm, ranch store and hub for shipping meats nationally. Today, the farm has amassed over 75,000 followers on Instagram as the Widen family, who owns and operates the farm, shares their daily life.
“The farm came from the desire to bridge the gap from farm to consumer,” co-owner Brianna Widen said.
Widnor Farms had its early beginnings in 2016, when Brianna and her husband, Ryan Widen, purchased land in Custer. They spent the next three years building it from the ground up to become their online ranch store. As demand grew, the couple relocated down the road, where they opened their current location in 2022.
The Widens raise cows, chickens, turkeys and pigs for protein, which is processed on site. That meat goes on to be sold through at-home delivery, a subscription service and a ranch store that is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.
Cuts include feature tomahawk, ribeye, pork shoulder roast, a variety of sausages, pasture-raised duck, chicken and Cornish game hens, among others. The ranch store also sells chef-prepared meals, Alaskan salmon, raw honey, raw milk and cream, wool, gourmet pet food and soaps.
In the summer, the Widens also offer a farm-to-table dining experience that brings chefs from around the world to curate four-to-five course meals for just over $200 per
person. Attendees try the locally-sourced meal under the farm’s willow trees or inside its 1946 barn.
The idea for Widnor Farms came after Brianna, who was previously vegan, faced a series of health issues and needed to reintroduce meat into her diet for iron. Brianna saw returning to meat as an opportunity for her family, first-generation farmers, to produce quality meat for others.
The animals become a part of the family on the farm – just family members who have a shorter time with them, she said.
“There’s a point in time when your sadness turns to gratitude,” Brianna said. “It’s amazing how many people I can serve with a single animal.”
Chickens and turkeys are housed under white tents with walls of chicken wire. The tents are moved once or twice a week to allow the poultry to graze on new grass, acting as the farm’s personal lawn mowers and fertilizers. While caring for the animals, the Widens also focus on regenerative ranching, meaning they improve the farm’s ecosystems through rebuilding and preserving soil health.
The couple has reared their children to be heavily involved in the farm from young ages. Levi, 12, is interested in farm machines, while Gracie, 10, would hang out with the animals all day if she could. Dean, 6, makes the farm his playground.
Brianna uses the farm to foster personal responsibility and a work ethic in her children. As she notices work they enjoy, Brianna encourages her children to help out and then trusts them to use their earnings wisely.
For Levi, this means he plays a key role in helping his father move the chicken tents and guide the birds to their next destination. As for Gracie, Brianna said she could outwork some adults in the processing barns, where birds are cleaned and refrigerated. She has also already purchased her own beef
cattle.
At its core, the family behind Widnor Farms has one goal: to feed Whatcom County the best quality meat possible.
“We feed people, but we also want to foster a community of people who value agriculture,” Brianna said.
Widnor Farms will be among about a dozen farms opening its barn doors to the public during Sustainable Connections’ annual Whatcom County Farm Tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 13.
For more information about their services, visit widnorfarmsblog.com. The farm and ranch store are located at 1858 W. Badger Road.
Grace McCarthy contributed to the reporting of this article.
s The Widen family has seen success with its ranch, Widnor Farms, in Custer. The farm bridges the gap from farm to consumer by offering dozens of meat products as well as other local goods through its ranch store, at-home delivery and subscription service. The family also offers summer dinners that are prepared by chefs from around the world. Photos courtesy of Widnor Farms
School safety: Avoiding accidents at school drop-off and pick-up areas
B y P eace h ealth
As we gear up for another school year, excitement and new routines can make safety an afterthought for many families.
But traffic accidents tend to spike in back-to-school season, when everyone’s adjusting to different schedules.
Below are some simple steps you can take to avoid accidents.
Drive carefully around schools
• Slow down in school zones. Those flashing lights aren’t suggestions. Reduced speeds give you time to react if a child steps into the road unexpectedly.
• Never pass a stopped school bus with flashing red lights. It’s a warning sign that kids may be crossing the street.
• Watch out for kids at bus stops. Try to anticipate erratic behavior if they’re excited, distracted or running late.
Help your kids develop street smarts
• Practice safe crossing. Show little ones how to use crosswalks, look both ways and wait for walk signals. Young children should always have an adult with them.
• Put devices away. Phones and headphones prevent kids from hearing cars, horns or other important sounds.
• Be visible. Bright or reflective clothes help drivers see kids walking or biking, especially in low light.
Talk to teen drivers
If you have a teenager with a driver’s license, back-to-school season is a good time to review safe habits.
• Set passenger limits. Each additional teen passenger increases the risk of an accident.
• Model good behavior. Teens copy what they see, so follow traffic laws and avoid using your own phone while driving.
• Practice under new conditions. If your teen learned to
drive in the summer, they may need help adjusting to fall weather and busier traffic.
Make it routine
• Most back-to-school acci-
dents are preventable. A few minutes of preparation can help everyone’s school year get off to a healthy start.
For a comprehensive overview
of back-to-school safety, including healthy sleep routines and food choices, visit healthychildren.org.
All Hands Whatcom Summit returns September 24-25
B y h eather F laherty
Many of us have been touched by the opioid epidemic and addiction. With the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimating that 1 in 6 people over the age of 12 have a substance use disorder, it’s nearly a certainty that all of us have loved someone impacted and wished there was more we could do as a community.
All Hands Whatcom has engaged organizations and community members over the last two years to learn, engage and build solutions to address the opioid crisis from all angles. Year one was focused on treatment, year two on prevention and youth, and this year, on second chances and what happens when addiction meets the criminal justice system.
The Chuckanut Health Foun-
dation knows change is possible. We’ve partnered with other community organizations with the belief that the opposite of addiction isn’t just sobriety. It’s community. And the only way to build community is by showing up.
Whether you’ve been personally impacted by addiction, or you work in prevention or treatment, or you’re just a person who cares, the 2025 All Hands Whatcom Summit is an event
you don’t want to miss.
This year’s summit will explore the intersection of the opioid crisis, mental health and incarceration by sharing personal stories, local data, immersive learning and building community-driven solutions. By understanding how it’s all connected, we can create a comprehensive response that leads to lasting change.
This year we are coming together to talk about the power of second chances – a chance to create a future where youth have what they need to succeed. A chance to truly support people returning from incarceration. A chance to become a community that cares for its people before they’re in crisis.We all have a role to play in cultivating a community of care and opportunity. Making these changes and investments will require all of us –policy-makers, funders, business leaders, communities of faith, parents, families, neighbors, elders, schools, government leaders, service providers and most importantly, you.Join us for the summit from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30
p.m. Wednesday, September 24 and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, September 25 at Ferndale Event Center, 5715 Barrett Road in Ferndale.
Learn more about the Chuckanut Health Foundation and register for the All Hands Whatcom Summit at bit.ly/4mPgitK. Heather Flaherty is executive director of Chuckanut Health Foundation.
s Blaine students head to their first class of the 2025-26 school year on August 27. Photo by Molly Ernst
s Heather Flaherty, executive director of Chuckanut Health Foundation. Courtesy photo
Health & Wellness
New physicians and clinicians join PeaceHealth Medical Group
PeaceHealth welcomed several new providers to their clinics in Whatcom County. Below are their bios, courtesy of PeaceHealth.
Alyse Watkins Alyse Watkins, DNP, is a nurse practitioner on the pediatrics team at PeaceHealth. Watkins received her Doctor of Nursing Pediatric Primary and Acute Nurse Practitioner degree from Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland, Oregon. She is dual certified as a pediatric nurse practitioner (CPNP-AC/PC) in acute and primary care. Watkins has a special interest in mental health, reproductive health and wellchild care. Families can schedule with Watkins at Pediatrics at PeaceHealth Cordata Main Clin-
ic, 360/968-7685.
Eve Preus
Eve Preus, MD is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and a Diplomate/Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG). Her medical interests include health equity, minimally invasive surgery, pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, natural childbirth and high-risk pregnancies. Dr. Preus graduated from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, followed by residency in OB-GYN at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Preus sees patients at Obstetrics and Gynecology at PeaceHealth Cordata South Clinic, 360/752-5280.
Ali Nazari
Ali Nazari, MD, is a board-certified family medicine doctor practicing at PeaceHealth in Bellingham. He is also board-certified in obesity medicine. Dr. Nazari is especially interested in helping patients get to their optimal health through lifestyle changes, in addition to any medications. He also enjoys providing routine medical procedures in a primary care setting. Patients can schedule an appointment with Nazari at Family Medicine at PeaceHealth Cordata Main Clinic, 360/752-5165.
Kelly Walker Kelly Walker, MD, is a family medicine physician at our PeaceHealth clinic in Lynden. Her medical interests include full spectrum primary care, from
Did you know this about senior exercise?
The significance of exercise is well documented, and that even goes for seniors. But in the case of exercise, can there be too much of a good thing? Should seniors be exercising every day?
Seniors can exercise most days, but daily, intense work -
outs are not necessary. Cedars-Sinai says adults 65 and older should aim for between 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate exercise each week, which aligns with recommendations from the Department of Health and Human Services.
138, Blaine www.ccsww.org/services/ccs-nw-recovery-centers/
Seniors crunched for time can engage in between 1.25 and 2.5 hours of intense aer-
newborns to our oldest and wisest patients, women’s health, reproductive health and chronic care management. Dr. Walker graduated with honors from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, followed by residency at Ventura Family Medicine Residency in Ventura, California. She is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. Schedule with Walker by calling 360/752-5050.
Jessica “Nikki” Steinsiek Jessica “Nikki” Steinsiek, MD, is a member of the PeaceHealth outpatient behavioral health team. Dr. Steinsiek is a board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist. At PeaceHealth, she cares for children and adoles-
obic exercise each week. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. That can translate into 30 minutes of daily exercise for five days, or it can be broken up into oth -
cents, providing both therapy and medication management. Steinsiek has specialized knowledge in autism, developmental disabilities, early childhood interventions, and in working with the LBGTQ+ community. Steinsiek received her medical degree from Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, graduating with honors. She completed her adult psychiatry residency at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill and her child and adolescent fellowship at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC. Make an appointment with Steinsiek at the PeaceHealth Rimland Behavioral Health Clinic, 360/752-5175.
er intervals as necessary. Strength and balance training also should be a consideration. Seniors should keep in mind that overdoing intensity or length of workouts may contribute to injury, which can derail efforts to get fit.
s Alyse Watkins.
s Eve Preus.
s Ali Nazari.
s Kelly Walker. s Jessica “Nikki” Steinsiek.
City council ...
From page 5
last 25 minutes of the Monday evening meeting in town hall. As the councilors were wrapping up their meeting, Steward began to make a statement that Lewis interrupted, who wanted to make a statement about the emails.
Lewis said he believed it was council’s duty to hear constituents’ complaints before making factbased decisions.
“I believe that any city councilmember should have an open door policy and be willing to listen and evaluate and confer with any members of the community to hear their complaints, ideas, suggestions or accusations, no matter how right or wrong, accurate or mistaken, pleasant or annoying they are,” Lewis said.
Steward then read an eight-minute speech where she said the coalition has used artificial intelligence to dump public records requests, which has cost the city thousands of dollars that could have gone to the food bank or police department.
“There may be, and there is, a traitor in our city council who has been joining this coalition to destroy the city,” Steward said.
Steward said the emails demonstrated “evidence of collusion between Eric Lewis and the Blaine Water Coalition to destroy the city of Blaine.” In rebuttal, Baker from the crowd shouted, “You’re crazy.” Steward asked Baker if he wanted to be removed from the meeting, and if not, to keep quiet.
Steward said she was concerned that Lewis could have provided confidential information to the group that was discussed during executive sessions on the coalition’s lawsuit against the city. She also voiced concern that the emails contained accusations of city staff engaged in criminal conduct, which could hurt them if they applied to other jobs and impacted the city’s insurance rates. Steward added she was concerned that Baker was attempting to direct city business.
Councilmember Richard May told Steward he believed she was conflating information in the emails. He said he only saw Lewis wanting to adopt a code of ethics and make sure the city’s stormwater codes were updated.
“I just don’t see the connection that you’re seeing on this,” May said. “I don’t think any of those things are a reason for someone to stop being on council.”
May added that Lewis was new on council and likely met with the group to hear their concerns.
“I haven’t seen Mr. Lewis, myself or anyone else on this council be in favor of the legal challenges, lawsuits and the massive Freedom of Information Act requests that are costing a lot of money and taking up a lot of staff time,” May said.
Steward then said she was concerned the group was directing Lewis to bring motions to council, to which Baker yelled that the mayor’s interpretation of the emails wasn’t correct. Steward responded, saying that the police chief could help Baker get out the door.
“You’ve done enough damage,” Steward said.
May argued that it was council’s job to listen to constituents’ concerns, find support and make a motion.
“That’s exactly what we were elected to do,” May said. “To listen to our constituents, not to tell them that they may not speak for over a year.”
Councilmember Eric Davidson said he wanted to go home instead of continuing to argue. Davidson asked if any other councilor wanted to provide a comment, to which none responded.
“The citizens of Blaine will probably be the final deciders on this,” Steward said.
Moving forward
After the meeting, Lewis said
he had no plans to resign and wouldn’t sit out executive sessions. He still planned on running in the November election, he said.
“I would like the public to understand that I will listen to them when they bring concerns to me. I would like them to feel comfortable,” Lewis said. “There’s no stupid question, and there’s no stupid comment.”
Harmon said he had initial concerns about Lewis potentially violating the state’s appearance of fairness doctrine by supporting the hearing examiner’s decision to reopen the record for stormwater standards.
“It’s a councilmember’s duty to be fair and impartial when they’re serving over quasi-judicial matters,” Harmon said.
Harmon said there’s no evidence right now that Lewis relayed attorney-client privileged information to the coalition. He added that the city’s attorney has sent an affidavit request to Lewis asking him to affirm there are no additional public records within their personal emails that need to be disclosed. May and councilmember Sonia Hurt were also sent the affidavit.
“This group has done horrendous damage for the city of Blaine,” Steward said. “It’s time the people of the city of Blaine knew what the city is being forced to deal with, and the resources that are going out to our lawyers to defend the city.”
To read the emails between Lewis and the coalition, visit bit. ly/3VIYbtv
s From l.; Blaine councilmembers Sarbie Bains and Eric Lewis during the September 8 meeting.
Photo by Grace McCarthy
Earn
cushion covers and backing to tapestries from home. Phone 360-312 -3173.
Nonprofit Leader
Salish Current seeks an executive director to lead and guide our strategic growth, deepen partnerships and strengthen our role as a trusted nonprofit source for fact-based local news in Whatcom. San Juan, and Skagit Counties. Our local reporters focus on culture, the environment, and social justice— striving to foster civil discourse and encourage engagement. We believe journalism can inspire change, please consider joining our team. For more information and to apply visit: www.salish-current.org/jobs/
State of Washington, to-wit: Parcel A: THE NORTH 330 FEET OF THE WEST 180 FEET OF THE NORTHEAST QUARTER OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 7, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 2 EAST OF W.M., EXCEPT RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR COUNTY ROAD NO. 32, COMMONLY KNOWN AS GRANDVIEW ROAD, LYING ALONG THE NORTHERLY LINE THEREOF. SITUATE IN WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON. Parcel B: THAT PART OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 34, TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 2 EAST OF THE W.M., LYING EASTERLY OF PACIFIC HIGHWAY; EXCEPT THAT RIGHT OF WAY LYING ALONG THE WESTERLY LINE THEREOF, COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS PACIFIC HIGHWAY. SITUATE IN WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON, (commonly known as 2391 Grandview Road, Ferndale, WA 98248, and 4942 Pacific Hwy, Ferndale, WA 98248), which is subject to that certain Deed of Trust, dated November 14, 2022, and recorded November 21, 2022, under Auditor’s File No. 2022-1101558, records of Whatcom County, Washington, from DESERT BAY INC., a Washington Corporation, and DBL HOLDINGS, LLC, (f/k/a B & L HOLDINGS, LLC) a Washington limited liability company, as Grantors to secure an obligation in favor of STEVE BEITLER, as Beneficiary. Skagit Law Group, PLLC, a Washington Professional Limited Liability Company, is now Trustee by reason of an Appointment of Successor Trustee recorded December 2, 2024, under Auditor’s File No. 2024-1200066, records of Whatcom County, Washington.
II. No action commenced by the Beneficiary of the Deed of Trust is now pending to seek satisfaction of the obligation in any court by reason of the Borrower’s or Grantor’s default on the obligation secured by the Deed of Trust.
III. The Default for which this foreclosure is made is as follows: Failure to pay when due the following amounts, which are now in arrears: A balloon payment of all remaining principal amounts owed, due as of November 15, 2024.
$424,493.57 Unpaid accrued interest as of September 3, 2025. $109,678.97 Late charges $14,450.00
$548,622.54
Total:
Demand having been given and no payment having been received, all principal, interest, and late fees are now due. Other potential defaults do not involve payment to the Beneficiary. If applicable, each of these defaults must be cured. Listed below are categories of common defaults which do not involve payment of money to the Beneficiary. Opposite each such listed default is a brief description of the action/ documentation necessary to cure the default. The list does not exhaust all possible other defaults. Any defaults identified by Beneficiary or Trustee that are not listed below must also be cured.
Other Default: Action to Cure Default:
TAXES/ASSESSMENTS Deliver to Successor Trustee written proof that all taxes and assessments against the property are paid current.
FAILURE TO INSURE PROPERTY AGAINST HAZARD Deliver to Successor Trustee written proof that the property is insured against hazard as required by the Deed of Trust. LIENS Deliver to Successor Trustee written proof that all senior liens are paid current and that no other defaults exist. JUDGMENTS Deliver to Successor Trustee written proof that all senior judgments are paid current and that no other defaults exist.
WASTE Cease and desist from committing waste, repair all damage to property and maintain property as required in Deed of Trust. UNAU-
anyone requesting it, a statement of all costs and fees due at any time prior to the sale.
VIII. The effect of the sale will be to deprive the Grantor and all those who hold by, through or under the Grantor of all their interest in the above-described property.
IX Anyone having any objection to the sale on any grounds whatsoever will be afforded an opportunity to be heard as to those objections if they bring a lawsuit to restrain the sale pursuant to RCW 61.24.130. Failure to bring such a lawsuit may result in waiver of any proper grounds for invalidating the Trustee’s
X.
Real Estate
8224 Quinault Rd
MLS# 2430926 $474,000
Charming home in Birch Bay Village on a large lot, just under 18,000 sq ft,
2791
cozy touch for winter nights. Stay cool in the summer with A/C mini split. Kathy Stauffer 360-815-4718
With room to add your personal touches, this home could become your perfect getaway or full-time residence.
Jessica Bates 360-410-0900
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of Vaughn Hagen, Deceased. NO. 25-400824-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) 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 court in which the probate proceedings were commenced. The claim must be presented within the later of: (1) Thirty days after the personal representative served or mailed the notice to the creditor as provided under RCW 11.40.020(1)(c); or (2) four months after the date of first publication of the notice. If the claim is not presented within this time frame, the claim is forever barred, except as otherwise provided in RCW 11.40.051 and 11.40.060. This bar is effective as to claims against both the decedent’s
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Estate of: PETER DeKRIEK, Deceased. Probate No. 25-4-00857-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Assigned Judge: Robert E. Olson
The Executrix/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.
1. Date probate opened: September 2, 2025
2. Date Notice to Creditors filed: September 2, 2025
3. Date of first publication: September 11, 2025
4. Date Creditor Claim Period Closes: January 11, 2026
Attorney for the Estate:
KEITH A. BODE, WSBA #7791 314 Fifth Street, P.O. Box 688
Lynden, WA 98264-0688
TEL (360) 354-5021
ELM Keith@Bode.net
Personal Representative:
PAMELA DeROSE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In the matter of the Estates of BEATRICE MAY COLWILL and STERLING ARTHUR COLWILL, Deceased. No. 25-4-0084037. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Judge Evan P. Jones BRUCE STERLING EDWARD COLWILL and SHEILA MARIE COLWILL have been appointed as Co-Personal Representatives of the above estates. Any person having a claim against the deceased STERLING ARTHUR COLWILL 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 Representatives’ 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 said Decedent.
DATE OF FILING OF NOTICE TO CREDITORS WITH CLERK OF THE COURT: August 29, 2025
DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION: September 11, 2025
CO-PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES: BRUCE STERLING EDWARD COLWILL & SHEILA MARIE COLWILL
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 29th day of August 2025. STOWE LAW PLLC: Mark W. Stowe, WSBA# 16655 Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives
OBITUARIES
Bret Raabe
August 23, 1959 – August 22, 2025
Sadly, Bret passed away on August 22, 2025. Bret was very creative and talented. He was known for the beautiful metal sculptures he made.
He loved spending time with his daughter and grandchildren, as well as the rest of his family and friends. He will be missed.
Rest In Peace Bret.
Road Rules: Are Vespas or mopeds motorcycles?
B y D ou G D ahl
Question: With all this great weather I’ve been thinking about getting a scooter, something like a Vespa. Is that basically like a moped, or do I need a special license?
Answer: I’m not going to try to talk you out of getting a scooter, but there’s more to think about than good weather. You probably know that, so if this is all old news to you bear with me for a moment. I wouldn’t be a good traffic safety nerd if I didn’t highlight the massive increase in risk you take on when you stick a motor between two wheels. And yes, I’ll get to the licensing part too.
Also, I’m not anti-motorcycle. But I am anti-dying before your time. Of all the common ways you could choose to travel, a motorcycle is the most likely way to end up in that second category.
Washington drivers rack up almost 60 billion miles on our roads every year. Only .3 percent of those miles come from motorcycle riders. But motorcyclists make up 16 percent of traffic fatalities. Or put another way, motorcycle riders die in traffic crashes at a rate 80 times greater than occupants in other motor vehicles, per mile traveled. Granted, most scooters can’t reach typical motorcycle speeds. And that’s to your advantage; energy equals mass times velocity squared. Or said another way, double the speed, quadruple the impact. That doesn’t make you immune to risk though. Of the 113 motorcycle fatalities in Washington in 2024, over half occurred on roads with a speed
limit of 40 mph or lower. And 41 percent of those slower speed fatalities were single vehicle crashes.
I point out the single vehicle crash part because there’s a myth that the primary danger of riding a motorcycle is other drivers. That’s one danger, but it’s not the main one. Even in crashes between motorcycles and other vehicles, the motorcyclist is more likely to be speeding or impaired. A harder to measure, but no less real, danger is finding out too late that you just outsped your talent. Even if you choose a model that doesn’t require an endorsement, motorcycle safety training is a smart idea.
Since you mentioned Vespa, let’s use them as an example for licensing. Of the 20 Vespa models available today, only six meet Washington’s definition of a moped. The rest would all require a motorcycle endorsement. The main difference between a moped and a motorcycle is power. A moped is limited to an engine size of 50 cubic centimeters and a top speed of 30 mph. If you’re looking at an electric model the engine size obviously won’t apply, but the top speed still does. And not every 50-cc two-wheeler is street legal. Mopeds have to meet a set of safety standards similar to what’s required for a street-legal motorcycle.
Even though riding a moped on the road doesn’t require a special endorsement, it does require a driver license (which by default makes the minimum operator age 16). Like motorcycles, a helmet is required. Unlike motorcycles, it’s not (See Road Rules, page 15)
Ardis (Ardie) Mae Freeman
November 29, 1931 – September 4, 2025
Ardis (Ardie) Mae Freeman took her final adventure on September 4 as she left her home on earth to enter the indescribable beauty of her prepared home in heaven. Ardie, our sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother was born on November 29, 1931 to Bohuslav (Bob) and Veronica (Veva) Rozehnal in Elyria, OH. Soon after, she would move to River Falls, WI when her father took a professorship at the University of Wisconsin. It was there in River Falls that she would spend her childhood, a town she would love and return to throughout her entire life. In high school (the Wildcats – orange and black colors like Blaine) she played volleyball, badminton, and sang in the choir. She cherished the many weekends the family would travel to Minneapolis and beyond, creating within her a love of adventure and wonder. Her love for her parents, brother Richard (Dick), and sister Roberta (Bobbe) grew deep in the early years, and remained her entire life.
After graduation in 1950, she worked at the local five and dime in the candy shop, copied music for a music teacher, worked at a jewelry shop and also sold dinnerware. She attended college for two years (majoring in biology while hating English literature) while also working briefly at a dentist’s office. However, Ardie was ready for change, so in 1952, she traveled to stay with her grandmother (Amma Solveig) in Blaine, WA after being told by her mother, Veva, that “Washington has summer all year long.” Her short visit to Blaine would end up lasting for the rest of her life.
Arriving on the train in Blaine, Ardie would soon find herself employed as a telephone operator. She was part of the “Hello Girls”, routing and eavesdropping on calls from 9 p.m to 6 a.m for about 2 years ($325 a month). As dial-up soon replaced “Hello Girls”, Ardie planned on going back to River Falls until by a chance encounter she met Doug Freeman while on a double date. She “mistakenly” got in the car with Doug rather than with her date and they fell in love quickly. They were married on her 23rd birthday, November 29, 1954 in Marietta. Instead of throwing rice at the newlyweds, her new brothers-in-law threw apples.
Ardie was a wonderful supporter of Doug in the early years as he worked multiple jobs, moved and remodeled houses from what is now
I-5, and while helping to run the family farm. She loved her father- and mother in-law dearly and cherished spending time with her brothers- and sisters-in-law. Soon there would be five children in tow, Scott, Ron, Susan, Sam and David. Cooking, cleaning, shopping and taking care of rambunctious kids was not easy, but she handled it with grace, humor and love. She was the biggest cheerleader, taxi driver and supporter of her kids’ hobbies, interests and choices as they grew. She was so happy when Jule finally was able to join the family in the mid 1980s. Ardie was a dedicated mother and wife who invested in her family and endured hardships and challenges with grace and sweetness. She made our childhood and early adulthood magical. From 2005 to 2010, Ardie became a selfless caregiver for Doug during his dementia. She had a servant’s heart and was the gold standard to the vow of “in sickness and in health.” To her reward, after Doug’s passing, she would once again experience adventure and travel to the extreme. Trips to Prague in the Czech Republic where her dad grew up, and also the Caribbean, Disneyland and Mexico. She skydived, parasailed, bungee jumped, and swam with the dolphins all after the age of 75. She would connect with her brother and sister as often as possible, attend class reunions (she planned on going to her 75th this year), and enjoyed visiting her lifelong friends. Knowing her time was short, Ardis said it would be an amazing adventure to pass from this earth to heaven.
She had a deep faith in Christ Jesus, her Lord. She was a member of the Lutheran Church and later the Northwood Alliance in Blaine. Her faith really blossomed in the mid-1980s and along with Doug, she was instrumental in the building of Northwood Alliance Church. In her last days she feared not death as she knew Jesus her Savior paid it all for her. She was a child of God.
Ardie is survived by her six children: Jule Button, Scott and Colleen Freeman, Ron and Janine Freeman, Sue and Ralph Black, Sam Freeman, Dave and Amanda Freeman. She leaves behind 20 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Richard Rozenhal, and sister, Roberta Henderson.
Her life will be celebrated at Northwood Chapel, 580 C Street, in Blaine from 1–3 p.m. on Saturday September 20. Memorials to Stafholt Health and Rehabilitation.
sheriff’s repOrts
August 28, 9:59 a.m.: Vandalism cold call on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.
August 28, 10:08 a.m.: Vandalism cold call on Blaine Road.
August 28, 5:42 p.m.: Senile subject on Drayton Harbor Road.
August 30, 11:35 a.m.: Theft cold call on Harborview Road.
August 30, 8:44 p.m.: Theft cold call on Birch Bay Drive.
August 31, 10:08 a.m.: Death investigation on Holeman Avenue.
September 1, 9:24 a.m.: Domestic violence cold call on Pacific Highway.
September 1, 9:32 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute cold call on Dean Drive.
September 2, 9:51 a.m.: Moving vehicle accident injury on Masterson Road.
September 2, 10:42 a.m.: Theft cold call on Bay Road.
September 2, 12:00 p.m.: Civil problem cold call on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.
September 2, 1:49 p.m.: Burglary cold call on Birch Bay
Drive.
September 2, 2:02 p.m.: Domestic violence cold call on Pheasant Drive.
September 2, 2:26 p.m.: Trespass on Birch Bay Drive.
September 2, 5:55 p.m.: Suicidal subject on Birch Bay-Lynden Road.
September 3, 12:51 a.m.:
Fraud cold call on Loomis Trail Road.
September 3, 4:45 a.m.: DUI arrest on Lincoln Road.
September 3, 3:57 p.m.: Civil problem cold call on Birch Bay Drive.
For a complete list of WCSO reports, visit whatcomcounty.us/2120/Activity-Reports.
pOLiCe repOrts
August 23, 2:08 p.m.: Sex crime (no rape) on H Street.
August 23, 5:52 p.m.: Domestic - physical on Adelina Street.
August 26, 2:20 a.m.: Domestic - physical on Semiahmooo Parkway.
August 27, 11:01 p.m.: Vehicle theft on Marine Drive.
August 28, 2:39 a.m.: Aggravated assault arrest on 10th Street.
August 30, 1:04 p.m.: Moving vehicle accident injury on 2nd Street.
August 30, 9:45 p.m.: Suicidal
Coming up
CAP Winter Coat Drive: Now through September 30. Donate new or clean, good quality, winter coats, hats, gloves, and socks at the CAP Clothing Bank, Blaine Library, Senior Center, IGA Market and Pacific Building Center. For other locations and more info, visit blainecap.org. Sponsored by the Community Assistance Program.
Run with the Chums 5K Fun Run: Saturday, September 13, 10 a.m., bp Highlands, 6898 Point Whitehorn Road. Free, family-friendly event for all ages. The scenic 5K course offers beautiful shoreline and beaches. Smolt sprint for kids 10 and under at 9:30 a.m. Pets on leash welcome. Info and registration: whatcomcd.org/event-details/run-with-the-chums-2025.
Second Saturday Downtown Artwork: Saturday, September 13, 4–6:30 p.m., Blaine Art Gallery, 922 Peace Portal Drive. View local artists in the gallery and enjoy refreshments by L&L Bakery and view art at participating downtown Blaine businesses. Info: blaineartscouncil.org.
ACROSS 1. Carved into 7. __ Rogers, cowboy 10. Unruly locale 12. Edible mushroom 13. Influential noblemen 14. Rattling breaths 15. David __ George, Brit. P.M. 16. Musician Clapton 17. Small Eurasian deer 18. Invests in little enterprises 19. Perimeter 21. Chicago ballplayer 22. Animal body part 27. It’s everywhere these days 28. Fictional ad exec 33. Mr. T character Baracus 34. Against the current 36. Subway rodent 37. Armor plate 38. Hair on the head 39. Strong insect 40. Swollen lymph
node
41. A way to lessen 44. Walter White poison 45. Sleeveless garment 48. Long accompanied song 49. Without features
50. Yankee great Mattingly 51. Removes from record DOWN 1. Root of taro plant 2. Those ones 3. Appliances have one 4. A way to sing 5. Midway between east and southeast 6. Animal dwelling 7. An object that as survived from the past 8. Oil cartel 9. Affirmative 10. Foul smell 11. Brisk tempo 12. S. American indigenous person 14. Restored 17. Official 18. Skin lesions
20. Electroencephalograph 23. Middle Eastern country 24. Extremely angry 25. Title used before a woman’s name 26. British thermal unit
29. By the way (abbr.)
30. Anger 31. Nullifies 32. Ones who acquire 35. Time zone 36. Arabic name 38. Protein in mucus 40. Ballpoint pen 41. Mimics 42. Humans have a lot of it
43. Expressions of good wishes 44. Cool! 45. One point east of due south 46. City of Angels football team (abbr.) 47. A way to save for retirement
subject on Whitetail Loop.
August 31, 11:00 a.m.: Domestic - physical on D Street.
August 31, 3:37 p.m.: Domestic - physical on 15th Street.
August 31, 10:54 p.m.: DUI arrest on Marine Drive.
September 3, 8:00 a.m.: Theft on Roseview Street.
September 4, 10:41 a.m.: Assault - simple on Yew Avenue.
September 4, 4:19 p.m.: Domestic - physical on D Street.
For a complete list of BPD reports, visit Facebook.com/ BlainePoliceDepartmentWA.
tides
September 11 - 17 at Blaine. Not for navigation.
Catoberfest: Saturday, September 13, noon–7 p.m., Blaine Marine Park. Family-friendly fundraiser for the Blaine Food Bank featuring live music, beer, food, games and auction. Presented by Beach Cat Brewing. Tickets $25, 17 and under free with an adult. More info: bit.ly/4mYcy9z.
Book Signing: Saturday, September 13, 1–3 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Meet local author Karen Charles as she signs books, shares her writing process and answers questions about her latest book, “A Glimpse Too Far.”
Live Music at Station 49: Saturday, September 13, 5 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Featuring: Ten Feet Thick. Free admission and family-friendly. Info: station49.fun.
Live Music at Station 49: Sunday, September 14, 3 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Featuring: Jack Benson Band. Free admission and family-friendly. Info: station49.fun.
Community Dinner: Thursday, September 18, 6–8 p.m., Blaine Community Center, 763 G Street. Enjoy community and connection with a spaghetti dinner. Free, with donation accepted. This month sponsored by Windermere Real Estate. For more info, call or text 360/656-6416.
Quilt and Fiber Art Show: Friday, September 19, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday, September 20, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Ferndale Events Center, 5715 Barrett Road. Admission: $8 cash at the door, which includes both days. Kids under 12 free.
Books and Bites: Friday, September 19, 1 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. September title: Out of the Sierra: A Story of Rarámuri Resistance by Victoria Blanco. Info: wcls.org.
Country Concert at Station 49: Saturday, September 20, 8 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay Lynden Road. Featuring: Whiskey River - the Lynyrd Skynyrd Show. Tickets and info: station49.fun.
Beach Cleanup for International Coastal Cleanup Day: Sunday, September 21, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve, 4601 Gulf Road, Ferndale. Pick up beach cleanup supplies, refreshments (including fresh Bagelry bagels), and join us on the beach at Cherry Point to clean up trash and help protect our vital Salish Sea ecosystems! RSVP: re-sources. org/event/beach-cleanup-icc-2025/
Live Music at Station 49: Sunday, September 21, 3 p.m., Station 49, 4620 Birch Bay-Lynden Road. Featuring: JP Falcon Band. Free admission and family-friendly. Info: station49.fun.
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, 2–4 p.m., The Bridge Community Hope Center, 7620 Birch Bay Drive. New registration required at thebridgehope. com or call 360/366-8763. Volunteers welcome.
CAP Clothing Bank: Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m.–noon and Wednesdays, 5–7 p.m. 508 G Street. The Community Assistance Program clothing bank is now located in the basement of the CAP Center providing free clothing and linens. Donations accepted only during open hours or by special arrangement. Info: blainecap.org or 360/392-8484.
Weather
Precipitation: During the period of September 1 to 7, no precipitation was recorded. The 2025 year-to-date precipitation is 17.2 inches.
Temperature: High for the past week was 82.2°F on September 5, with a low of 56.1°F on September 5. Average high was 76.9 °F and average low was 57.5 °F.
Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.
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, 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.
Blaine Serenity Al-Anon: Mondays, noon–1 p.m. on Zoom. Have you been dealing with alcoholism with a friend or family member? Info: Jerrylyn at 360/305-2246.
Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: Tuesdays at 7 p.m., Thursdays at noon, Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at noon, women’s meeting Mondays at 4 p.m., Blaine United Church of Christ basement, 855 4th Street. Info: 307/349-0450. Tech Help: Tuesdays, 5–6 p.m. and Thursdays, 1–2 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Drop in for one-on-one assistance from library staff. Info: wcls.org. Birch Bay-Blaine Toastmasters: Wednesdays, 6:30–7:45 p.m., Blaine High School, 1055 H Street, room 104. Develop more confidence and have fun when you speak for work or pleasure. Info: Laura 206-660-5958 or agelesslaura@gmail.com.
Friends of Birch Bay Library: Meets second Mondays. 6:30 p.m., Birch Bay Birch Bay Vogt Library site, 7968 Birch Bay Drive. Info: friendsofbirchbaylibrary.org.
Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.
Blaine 103-year-old lives storied life
B y J ulia h awki N s
In February 1922, a strongwilled woman was born.
The second youngest of 11 children, Catherine Willson, 103, was reared on a rural farm in Warrenton, Georgia. With little to no heat and electricity, she would make biscuits in the morning, the batter icy cold. She lived a modest and religious life on the farm until the end of high school.
In 1940, fresh out of high school, Willson did what she saw her older sisters do: pack up and head to Ventura, California with a sack lunch, change of clothes and $5 to her name. She hopped on the Greyhound bus and made the 2,100-mile journey at 18.
Having lost the $5, passengers chipped in to buy Willson something to eat on the nearly 70-hour journey to a new life. When they arrived, Willson changed into the clothes she’d brought, the fanciest dresses she owned. The other passengers applauded Willson, admiring her bravery for going out on her own at a young age.
California turned into Willson’s stomping grounds, where her sister introduced her to Monty, a dentist who would become her future husband.
“He accused me of leaving my sweater in his car on purpose,”
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Willson said of their first date. “I did not do it on purpose, but he thought I did.”
He called shortly after their first date to ask for a second. They got married in the early ’50s and welcomed their children, Marcia Hoelzen and Anna Willson.
As a mother, Willson’s daughters describe her as loving but rigid.
“I knew she loved us,” Anna said. “She was not very affectionate. It wasn’t common to hand out hugs.”
Just outside of Ventura, Willson and her family were members of Faith Tabernacle Community Church. Willson’s daughters said she cared deeply about teaching them traditional values in the church.
“She was so firm in her beliefs,” Anna said. “She would not deviate from what she believed to be right no matter what.”
Following her divorce from Monty in 1960, Willson drove her children from California to Florida. She later moved to Jacksonville in the ‘80s, where she worked as her church’s bookkeeper for two decades before retiring at 75. Despite retirement, Willson remained close to members of the church and still calls the pastor’s wife every Sunday.
When living in Florida became unfeasible, Willson’s children moved her to the Stafholt skilled
nursing home in Blaine in 2019, where Hoelzen used to work as a speech pathologist.
Her daily routine consists of breakfast, brushing her teeth, naps and an activity, preferably one that involves music or time outside. Willson’s willpower has yet to falter, and she tries to do as much as she can on her own, including brushing her teeth and changing into new clothes.
Willson says the secret to a long life is as simple as genetics. Her sister, Lily, lived to be 104, and Hoelzen believes her mother will beat that record.
Today, at 103 years old, Willson’s faith remains close to her heart. Although unable to attend church in person, Willson still reads her Bible every day. Hoelzen and Anna believe that their mother’s faith is a large part of why she’s still alive today.
“She wishes every person she comes into contact with would believe in being saved by Jesus Christ,” Hoelzen said.
Doug Dahl is a Blaine resident, manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.
legal to ride a moped on the freeway (not that you’d want to.) That still leaves lots of options for roads with speed limits as much as double the top speed of a moped. That kind of speed differential can put you in a precarious position, so consider wisely the route you choose. If you decide to get a scooter here’s my advice: stay sober, develop your riding skills, and ride within them so that you can enjoy these amazing Pacific Northwest summers for many years to come.
s Catherine Willson at the Stafholt nursing home in Blaine.
Photo by Julia Hawkins
Warrior Service holds weekend for veterans
Nonprofit Warrior Service gathered hundreds of veterans in the Blaine
for salmon fishing and a crab derby on Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7. Warrior Service brought the veterans both locally and from across the country. The fishing and crab-
bing occurred in Blaine Harbor during the mornings, with barbecues rounding out the end of both days. Entertainment included live music and raffles. For more information on the nonprofit, visit warriorservice.org.
Photos by Ruth Lauman