The Northern Light: January 25-31, 2024

January 25 - 31, 2024

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IN THIS

ISSUE

Blaine City Council, page 2

New Birch Bay deputy, page 5

Blaine student places first in state for chess, page 7

PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230

Blaine High Bens Market Travel Plaza celebrates opening School principal to head new online program

By Nolan Baker

(See School, page 3)

s Mayor Mary Lou Steward, c., cuts the ribbon in celebration of Bens Market Travel Plaza opening at the corner of Boblett Street and State Route 543 on January 24. The plaza contains a mini-market with Carl’s Jr, Cinnabon, Jamba Juice and Pizza Hut as well as a 76 gas station.

See more photos on page 7.

Photo by Ruth Lauman

Conceptual design revealed for Blaine library, affordable condominiums plan

By Grace McCarthy A design concept for two buildings that would house a new Blaine library, affordable condominiums, parking and potentially a child care facility at the location of the current Blaine library site was unveiled to Blaine City Council.

Project spokesperson Paul Schissler, a consultant for Kulshan Community Land Trust (KCLT), presented the preliminary plan to city council during its January 22 study session to gauge whether council wanted to proceed with the project.

In May, Schissler brought the project idea to council after KCLT received state funding for the feasibility study. The project would be in partnership with KCLT, the city and the

Whatcom County Library System.

“This is a concept and a final project may be different,” Schissler told councilmembers. “This helps negotiate the size and scale of the buildings.”

Renderings show two buildings would be built on one acre of city land where the Blaine library, its parking lot and the skate park are located. (The city has plans to rebuild the skate park in 2027 and is considering moving it to a new location).

KCLT plans to first construct the easterly building, with 44 condominiums in total across four stories. The condominium sizes are still being configured, Schissler said, but would likely average two bedrooms at 850 square feet. The easterly building would be all residential units built on a

Arts and Jazz Fundraiser set for February 3

By Nolan Baker The Blaine Fine Arts Association (BFAA) is set to hold its 27th annual Blaine Arts and Jazz Fundraiser at 7 p.m. Saturday, February 3 at Blaine Middle School.

The fundraiser will raise money for the Blaine school district’s 6-12th grade music, theater arts and culinary programs through donations, live and silent auctions, and ticket sales. All of the funds raised will go toward scholarships and experiences for 6-12 art students throughout the district.

Tickets to the fundraiser are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and children under 4 get in for free.

BFAA treasurer Kim Shea said they expect a few hundred community members to attend the fundraiser that has helped fund art programs and scholarships in Blaine schools for nearly three decades.

Shea said to expect performances throughout the night from the band and choir, and that multiple art pieces by Blaine students will be showcased and auctioned. The culinary arts program will

be serving hors d’oeuvre for attendees, and the theater department is also putting on a show. Shea urged anyone who wants to know what they plan to perform to show up for the fundraiser and find out.

Shea said the students love showing off their artistic skills to their community, and this is a great opportunity to see work

by Blaine’s youth artists while supporting their programs.

“It’s an opportunity for the students to be (See Fundraiser, page 5)

surface-level parking garage.

The westerly building would have condominiums built on top of a larger Blaine library, nearly twice the size of the current library, and commercial spaces that are envisioned to include a childcare facility.

The building would also have an elevated outdoor plaza, on top of a surface-level garage, that connects to the building by an uncovered breezeway. Under the preliminary design, the westerly building would have 27 condominiums in total across three stories.

Schissler said he hoped 51 percent of the condominiums would be sold at a discount, with market-rate condominiums partially (See Library, page 15)

INSIDE

For the first time since 2009, Scott Ellis will not be principal of Blaine High School.

Starting February 1, vice principal Elizabeth Eide will take over as interim principal for the second semester, and Ellis will transition to developing a new online learning curriculum for Blaine high school students.

After starting as a substitute and then special education instructor at the high school in 1994, Ellis worked his way up through administrative positions to principal in 2009, and is now tasked with developing a curriculum for students who want online learning options wtih a connection with local educators.

Superintendent Christopher Granger said the new online school will allow the district to retain a growing number of high school students since the pandemic who prefer online-only learning.

Washington state provides funding to each school district based on enrollment statistics. In short, having more students enrolled in a school district results in more state money coming into a district’s coffers.

The Blaine school district has seen enrollment fall steadily since the pandemic, and departing senior classes have been consistently larger than incoming kindergarten classes, according to district data. Facing a budget deficit for the 2024-25 school year, the district identified high school students moving to state- or private-run online learning as a group that could be brought into the district by offering its own online curriculum, Granger said.

“We still believe face-to-face instruction is the best way to get educated for the vast majority of students in our district,” Granger said. “We’re not looking for a mass exodus of students from our high school to this because it’s an easier option.

This is about meeting specific needs for specific students and their families.”

Ellis will work closely with administration to develop a set curriculum before the 2024-25 school year begins in September,

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Coming Up . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . 11, 12 Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Sports . . . . . . . . 6, 7 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14

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The Northern Light • January 25 - 31, 2024

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Blaine City Council roundup ...

By Grace McCarthy The latest from the January 22 Blaine City Council meeting.

Blaine City Council’s public comment session was rife with tension, a common occurrence since a group calling itself ‘Save Blaine’ began attending meetings.

Donna Newman kicked off the public comment by playing a recording of “the Professor,” an anonymous speaker who spoke in a robotic, monotone voice. (In a subsequent interview with Newman, The Northern Light requested an interview with “the Professor”

through Newman, but Newman only immediately agreed to questions sent by email). Despite having previously identified herself by name at an earlier council meeting, Newman now identifies herself as “Madame Watchdog.”

Among various allegations, “the Professor” accused city manager Mike Harmon of having conducted a “fraudulent” water quality test at his home in The Ridge at Harbor Hills following complaints from some residents who claimed there was poor water quality in the new development. “The Professor”

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– Doralee Booth, Birch Bay “We cannot emphasize enough how important it is for the levy to pass.”

– Blaine Youth Sports bbbprd2_pac@yahoo.com • Paid for by: Blaine-Birch Bay Park & Recreation District 2 PAC 978 Harrison Ave., Blaine, WA 98230

claimed Harmon failed to disclose that he tested at his house, instead of using a random sample, and “fraudulently convinced the state government that there is nothing to investigate.”

The Northern Light obtained a copy of the January 5 water quality test results from the city of Blaine which shows the water had met the required standards.

Harmon later responded to the allegations and pointed out the city performs water quality tests in water mains but not inside residences because it’s not responsible for the piping from the service line and the interior plumbing. However, in this case, the city wanted to address the allegations the group was making to the state departments of ecology and health.

“I’m happy to report that we did an investigative sampling of the water at the tap and we were well within all of the federal and state guidelines for water quality,” Harmon said. “I can assure you that my wife, son, daughter and I drink that water, and if we had an issue up there, we’d be fixing it.”

Newman expressed frustration when mayor Mary Lou Steward declined to let Newman give her own public comment after the recorded comments saying she was allowed to go up for public comment for both herself and “the Professor” at a previous meeting. Interim Blaine police chief Michael Munden told Newman there was a new rule sheet next to the comment sign-up sheet.

Two other members of the Save Blaine group, who identified themselves as Luke Skywalker and Tina Erwin, made similar allegations during the public comment.

Appointments Council unanimously approved the following appointments: Donald Kruse to the Blaine Planning Commission for a term ending December 2027. Kruse is a salmon biologist for the Lummi Nation and has been a planning commissioner since last September.

Raymond Maxon to the Blaine Tourism Advisory Committee.

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Birch Bay charity assisting unmet medical needs for local children

By Grace McCarthy

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s The Sisu Children’s Fund purchased a wheelchair for Blaine resident Kenai Stuart, 7, in early January. Insurance has denied the Stuart family’s request for the wheelchair over the past four years. palsy and has had several open heart surgeries.

“It was so disheartening to have so many walls come up with the insurance,” Kassy said.

“It’s too bad when you pay out so much every month and then to have an enormous kick back when it’s a daily medical need for him.”

Kassy learned of the Sisu Children’s Fund through another Blaine mom and two months later, on January 4, received the $6,400 customizable wheelchair her son had needed for most of his life. Kenai had previously used an adaptive stroller that Kassy purchased second-hand that did not properly fit.

Kassy said the wheelchair will

s Barbara Sanchez. Courtesy photo

s Frank Sanchez.

School ...

with your guidance, it can be difficult to do all that stuff online,” Ellis said. “Now we have that local link to our community to help kids that want to learn that way.”

While Ellis won’t be working in the building he has spent his entire educational career in, he assures the community that he will continue to be actively involved with the Borderite community, including manning the PA at football games come next season.

“I’ll still be calling football games, I’m not leaving,” Ellis said. “I don’t want to lose that connection that I have with Blaine High School, the kids and the community.”

From page 1

and making the move in between semesters allows ample time to set up the first-of-its-kind program.

Ellis said he’s excited for the career change after three decades at Blaine High School, and hopes to get students who take online classes for myriad reasons the help they need.

“High school is hard. If you’re totally remote and you don’t have any access to a local teacher or administrator to help you get through that, or a local counselor to help

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allow Kenai to eventually propel himself, reduce his risk of scoliosis and help him socialize with his classmates.

“I’m hoping it will help other people see him more as himself,” Kassy said.

As a public charity, Sisu relies on donations received from the public and businesses which then enables it to give directly to families. Barbara said Sisu is unable to help with large expenses such as rent, but fills in the smaller gaps.

“It felt like something that was a calling to help out,” Barbara said. “We’re trying to cover a basis that nobody else covers.”

Barbara said she and her husband, Frank, chose the name of their fund to be Sisu because it’s a Finnish concept that means to have courage and perseverance in the face of adversity.

“We thought it was fitting to say we hope we give the children we help sisu for a better life,” she said.

People can donate or apply for funds on the nonprofit’s website, sisuchildrensfund.org. Applications will be considered at each of the quarterly board meetings; the next meeting is in March.

For more information, contact Barbara Sanchez at sisuchildrensfund@gmail.com or 360/671-8766.

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Birch Bay residents Frank and Barbara Sanchez founded the Sisu Children’s Fund in 2000 after their daughter, Jolene, died of brain tumor complications at 21.

Over 20 years later, the Birch Bay-based charity is still helping local children and young adults pay for uninsured medical needs, most recently donating a wheelchair to a sevenyear-old Blaine child.

While Barbara said her family never paid a medical bill through their insurance, they incurred expenses from medical travel and other uninsured costs, such as therapeutic horseback riding and a brain retraining program after Jolene suffered a stroke.

“I know how much it cost us and we had perfect insurance,” she said. “There are so many things out there that insurance won’t pay for that are beneficial for the child.”

The nonprofit is committed to helping children and young adults throughout the state, but prioritizes those in Whatcom and Skagit counties. Barbara said the organization donates about $25,000 annually to support academic scholarships and unmet needs such as speech and physical therapy, service dog training, therapeutic horseback riding and auditory devices.

One of Sisu’s most recent donor recipients, Kassy Stuart, had been fighting for about four years to get a wheelchair for her seven-year-old son, Kenai Stuart.

He was born without 146 genes on his seventh chromosome, and was the only person on record with the condition at the time.

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The Northern Light • January 25 - 31, 2024

Opinion

The Northern L ght The Northern Light is published weekly

by Point Roberts Press Inc. Locally owned and managed, the company also publishes the All Point Bulletin, covering Point Roberts, Mount Baker Experience, covering the Mt. Baker foothills area, Pacific Coast Weddings annual guide, and the summer recreation guide Waterside as well as maps and other publications.

Point Roberts Press Inc. is a member of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association, Chambers of Commerce of Bellingham/ Whatcom County, Birch Bay, Blaine and Point Roberts and the Bellingham/ Whatcom County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors.

Letters Policy The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor. Please include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters are limited to 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. The letters to the editor column is primarily intended to allow readers to voice their opinions on local issues of general interest to local readers. A fresh viewpoint will increase the likelihood of publication. Thank-you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication.

Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Consumer complaints should be submitted directly to the business in question or the local chamber of commerce. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published. Email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com.

Publisher & Managing Editor Patrick Grubb publisher@pointrobertspress.com

Road Rules: Speed limits for alleys

By Doug Dahl Question: I see cars going what looks like at least 25 mph in the alley behind where I work. That seems too fast to me. Is there a speed limit for alleys? And if there is, why isn’t it posted?

Answer: Everything has its limits. The maximum speed for the Saturn V rocket was 25,000 mph. The maximum speed of a Bugatti Chiron (the fastest production road car) is 305 mph. The Mitsubishi Mirage (the cheapest car available in the U.S. in 2023) tops out at 105 mph. Maybe you think I’m not taking your question seriously, but it’s quite the opposite.

The Revised Code of Washington has a set of default speed limits for various types of roads. City streets are 25 mph, county roads are 50 mph and state highways are 60 mph.

That’s the starting point, but you’ve driven on roads with other speed limits. If the default limit isn’t appropriate for the design of the road, local authorities can specify other limits.

Our state law doesn’t have a default speed limit for alleys; you’ll find that in your local municipal code. Or maybe not. I came across several municipal codes that didn’t have an alley speed limit listed, at least not one that I could find. All of the ones I did find have a limit of 15 mph. I’ll also note that even though 15 mph seems to be the standard speed limit for alleys, the National Association of City Transportation Officials recommends a 10 mph speed limit for alleys.

Without a local alley speed limit law, does it default to the state law of 25 mph? The law I referenced actually opens with a broader re-

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 The Northern Light 225 Marine Drive, Suite 200, Blaine, WA 98230 Tel: 360/332-1777 Vol XXVIII, No 32 Circulation: 10,500 copies

Circulation Independently verified by:

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quirement: “No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent,” and goes on to say that “speed shall be so controlled as may be necessary to avoid colliding with any person, vehicle or other conveyance.” Also, it requires drivers to “drive at an appropriate reduced speed when traveling upon any narrow roadway.” No matter what road you’re on, the maximum speed is one that’s reasonable and safe.

The “reasonable” part is important. You can’t make the argument that not crashing while racing down an alley (or any other road) is proof that you were driving safely. The standard is based on what a reasonable person would consider safe. An alley is commonly only 12 feet wide; the width of one lane on an interstate highway. What’s a reasonable speed for a road where there’s not enough room to pass an oncoming car, and very little cushion when encountering a person on foot or bike?

I’d argue that it has to be slower than a street

Letters The Editor: Your “yes” vote is crucial in supporting the continuation of the Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 levy initiative this February, and here’s why.

Parks play a vital role in enhancing our overall quality of life and contribute significantly to the economic prosperity of our communities. Our park and recreation district brings families together, providing a space for community events and recreational activities right in the heart of our neighborhoods.

Consider this: You are urged to vote “yes” for a six-year renewal of the park and recreation district levy at the consistent rate of 10 cents per $1,000 on the assessed property tax valuation of your home. Remarkably, this renewal levy maintains the same tax rate since 2007. In 2017, a remarkable 71 percent of voters supported the renewal levy, emphasizing the positive impact our park and recreation district has had on the Blaine and Birch Bay community. Your tax dollars have been carefully and

wisely spent for the past 16 years, resulting in significant benefits and partnerships that enrich our communities.

The Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2’s geographical boundaries align with the Blaine school district, ensuring that funds are reinvested locally.

Run by dedicated volunteers, the park commissioners allocate finances directly to enhancing parks, playground facilities, trails, recreational programs and family-oriented activities and events.

Moreover, the district oversees the Bay Horizon Park Activity Center, offering a ton of activities for kids, families and seniors.

Grants are provided, and partnerships are formed with various organizations, including Blaine schools afterschool programs, the Boys and Girls Club, Blaine Senior Center, Blaine Youth Sports, Birch Bay State Park kids’ day camps and beach explorations, chamber event and many others.

Your “yes” vote for the continuation of Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 is not just a vote for today; it’s an

investment in the health and well-being of our families and communities, both now and in the future.

Doralee Booth Birch Bay The Editor: In 2020, I incurred a physical and traumatic injury to my left shoulder. After surgery, my shoulder took two years to heal. After one year of physical therapy, I needed to find an additional way to strengthen my shoulder.

Fast forward two years, after trying several other gyms, I was chatting with a close friend, and she mentioned the Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 fitness classes. I decided to try several of their classes and Zumba was the class for me.Fast forward to present day, my shoulder is strong, I have less pain (See Letters, next page) Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Civic Meetings Birch Bay Water & Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4 p.m., district offices, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info and Zoom meeting link: bbwsd.com.

Next issue: Feb. 1 Ads due: Jan. 29

with sidewalks and two lanes.

Why don’t alleys have posted speed limits?

I couldn’t find a clear answer, but it’s probably because of their purpose; providing access to the rear side of properties. They’re not intended for through traffic. I checked the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) for any rules about signs in alleys, and I found only two: A one-way alley must have a sign, and signs are required at train and light rail crossings.

We have a system that sets a cap for how fast we can legally travel, and we drive vehicles that are capable of exceeding that, so we have a responsibility to choose speeds that are safe, no matter what the limits are, whether that’s the limits of your vehicle or a default speed limit in the law. Not that you’d take a Saturn V through town.

Doug Dahl is a manager with the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, Region 11 and publishes TheWiseDrive.com.

Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info: ci.blaine.wa.us.

Blaine Planning Commission: Second Thursday, 6 p.m. Info: blainepc@ cityofblaine.com. Info for joining Zoom meetings: bit.ly/3EwWiZi. Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Meetings are second Tues-

day, 5:30 p.m., location varies. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

Blaine Park and Cemetery Board: Second Thursday, 9 a.m., council chambers and virtual meeting. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.

Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info: blainesd.org.

North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Third Thursday, 11 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.

January 25 - 31, 2024 • thenorthernlight.com

5

New Birch Bay neighborhood deputy starts patrols B y G r a c e M c C a r t h y him to work with people incarA new face is patrolling the streets of Birch Bay. Joel Douglas started his first shift as Birch Bay neighborhood deputy for the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) on January 11.

Growing up in Custer, Douglas lived on a small farm and attended Lynden Christian High School before earning his associate’s degree at Whatcom Community College. From a young age, Douglas knew he wanted to serve people – either through the military, like his dad, or law enforcement. He decided on law enforcement because it would allow him to remain close to home.

“I started looking into joining the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office because I grew up in the county and was more exposed to seeing them,” Douglas said.

At 22 years old, Douglas began working as a WCSO corrections officer, which allowed

cerated in the county jail and exposed him to other agencies involved in the criminal justice system. After four years as a corrections officer, Douglas joined the Bellingham Police Department where he worked as a patrol officer and as part of the neighborhood anti-crime team. Douglas said he enjoyed the neighborhood anti-crime position because he could devote more time on cases.

“It was a proactive position that worked with the community to focus on crime trends and look for folks who were actively involved in property crimes,” Douglas said.

When a position at the sheriff’s office became available in 2021, Douglas was eager to patrol the county.

“I’ve gotten to see more geography and have more exposure to a lot of other folks,” he said.

“There’s a variety of different calls

that the county brings.”

Douglas said he is excited to meet Birch Bay residents, whether that’s stopping by businesses or neighborhood meetings, to learn what’s important to them.

Property crime and mental health calls are already two problems Douglas has noted, he said.

“I love talking to people and getting their input and insight on what they’d like to see done or what’s bothering them,” he said. “I try to solve the issues as they come up.”

When he’s not patrolling, Douglas enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, as well as running, golfing and playing softball.

Douglas replaces Derek Jones, who served as Birch Bay neighborhood deputy for two years before he was promoted to the detective unit.

“I’m excited. I hope to be here for many years,” he said. “I want [Birch Bay residents] to enjoy living here and I want them to enjoy

CITY OF BLAINE February 12, 2024 6:00 PM – City Council Meeting

February 19, 2024 City Offices Closed – Presidents Day

February 26, 2024 6:00 PM – Photo courtesy WCSO

me being out here with them.”

For nonemergency inquiries, Douglas can be contacted at jdouglas@co.whatcom.wa.us.

People with emergencies should always call 911.

Blaine students recognized for academic achievement in higher education Blaine resident Ayanna Holguin made the Dean’s List at Missouri State University for fall 2023. The university announced January 19 that Holguin maintained at least a 3.5 GPA and was among more

than 5,100 students on the list.

Blaine resident Paytyne Herman made the Dean’s List at Southern New Hampshire University for fall 2023. Herman maintained at least a 3.5 GPA to

be on the list.

Blaine resident Pete Valum made the honor roll at Spokane Falls Community College for fall 2023. Valum maintained at least a 3.0 GPA.

Letters ...

The Editor: I want to thank our BlaineBirch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 voters and citizens for their past support to provide valuable park and recreation services in our community. With that support, our employees and many volunteers are hard at work offering new and exciting programs, classes and activities for all ages including pickleball, exercise, dance, children’s activities and many more.

The district has been able to support other organizations such as Blaine Youth Sports, the umbrella organization for soccer, baseball, softball and other youth programs, the 4th of July parade and Splash Days in the city of Blaine, the Kite Festival and sand castle building events at Birch Bay, and Wings Over Water to name a few. All of these offerings are community building and positive activities supporting children, adults, seniors, families, singles and couples. No other

public entity provides the scope, depth and breath of activities as the Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2.

We are looking forward to many new programs and activities in the coming years, including a kayak launch and new trails at a new park located on California Creek and trail links between Blaine and Birch Bay, but need your support for the same property tax levy that has been in place for the past six years. The levy is less than $5 per month for a $500,000 home – less than your favorite coffee drink. I encourage you to vote “yes” on February 13 to keep all the positive activities going.

Dave Wilbrecht BBBPRD2 Board, vice chair Blaine

From previous page

and agony, more mobility, and I have met such wonderful and amazing people in my community.This is only one story of so many that have benefited from the many classes, events and offerings from Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2.

As the current co-chair of the upcoming levy renewal for the BBBPRD2 PAC, this has become a personal journey and I have an obligation to share and keep this wonderful organization’s doors open and thriving.The BlaineBirch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 levy renewal that is on the ballot is the only source of funding for our local district and now is the time to take action and vote “yes.”Thanks for your consideration and support.

Diane Major BBBPRD2 PAC, co-chair Blaine

Fundraiser ...

From page 1

able to show off their skills and abilities to the general public,” Shea said. “They look for any opportunity. So this is one of those opportunities we have to open up our doors and encourage the general public to come in and view the amazing arts that are being produced in the community.”

For more information on how to donate, email blainefinearts@ gmail.com or call Kim Shea at 360/392-4025.

City Council Meeting

s Joel Douglas.

February 27, 2024 3:30 PM – Civil Service Commission Meeting Contact information for staff and Councilmembers can be found on the City’s website.

Call (360) 332-8311 or visit our website.

www.cityofblaine.com

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6

The Northern Light • January 25 - 31, 2024

Sports Winter storm delays flurry of games, senior wrestlers honored By

Baker

Due to the heavy winter storm that blanketed Whatcom County with snow, forcing three days of school closures, multiple Blaine High School sports events were either canceled or rescheduled last week.

Girls basketball were unable to host Burlington-Edison on Friday,

January 19, and the game has been rescheduled for Friday, January 26 at 7 p.m. at the Blaine gymnasium.

The rescheduling means the girls team will play back-to-back games, facing Anacortes at home on Saturday, January 27 at 7:15 p.m.

Boys basketball was set to travel to play Burlington-Edison on Friday, January 19, but that game has been rescheduled to Friday,

ATHLETES

of the

nolan

MONTH

Abigail Schmidt Senior • Cheerleading Abby is one of our basketball captains. She always comes to practice with a positive attitude and her sense of humor and personality help keep the morale of the team up. She has taken on the captain role with grace and kindness. She is a leader with her knowledge and the way she handles the team.

Noah Tavis Senior • Boys Basketball Noah has been a great leader both on and off of the court for our Boys Basketball team this year. He averaged 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists in January’s games.

SPONSORED BY:

January 26. As with the girls team, the boys basketball squad will play back-to-back games when they travel to Anacortes on Saturday, January 27, starting at 5 p.m.

The girls bowling match against Meridian, scheduled for Friday, January 19, was canceled.

Boys Wrestling In front of a packed house in their home gym, the Blaine boys wrestling team put up a great effort against a strong Ferndale team in the Northwest Conference (NWC) Championships on January 23.

The Borderites were unable to defeat the visiting Golden Eagles, losing 44-31 and were eliminated from the NWC Championship.

But the focus that night wasn’t the scoreboard, it was instead on a group of eleven senior wrestlers celebrating their final meet under the home lights.

Samuel Baldwin, Christian Bullard, Noah Chilson, Cal Fitzgerald, Victor Gervol, Blake Goltz, Jonathan Morris, Alejandro Moser-Hernandez, Kale Pai, Jackson Veals and Max Wiederspohn are all set to graduate after great wrestling careers with Blaine.

Head coach Tom Hinz thinks of this cohort as the first full class to come out of Covid restrictions and restart the Blaine wrestling program.

“It’s just a great group of kids,” Hinz said. “This is kind of the bunch that came through after Covid and all that stuff. They’re just a bunch of studs, and they’re all good leaders in our room. It’s just really fun to watch these guys wrestle.”

While the home meets are all over for the season, the wrestling schedule continues on. The Borderites will travel to Vashon Island on February 10 for the state qualifying tournament.

Results from qualifying tourna-

ments from around the state will be calculated, and seeding for the state tournament will be announced on Seeding Sunday, February 11.

Anyone from the team who qualifies for the state tournament will travel to the Tacoma Dome for the Mat Classic XXXV, the two-day tournament will crown state champions on Friday, February 16 and Saturday, February 17.

Watch for heavyweight Blaine wrestler Victor Gervol to make a run at state this year. The senior multi-sport letterman and Gut Check winner is racking up high expectations, backed up by head coach Tom Hinz.

“Victor [Gervol]’s beaten two state champions and he’s knocked off a lot of good kids,” Hinz said.

“He won at Gut Check, which is the first time we’ve ever had a person win Gut Check, and last week he just beat a 4A state champion.

So that stuff’s fun.”

Boys Basketball After the snow forced a game against Burlington-Edison to be rescheduled for Friday, January 26, the Borderites played against Mount Vernon on January 22 after a week of no games.

In front of a home crowd at the

Blaine gym, the Borderites couldn’t get their shots to fall to start the game, while a hot-shooting Mount Vernon (13-2, 9-1 NWC) team just couldn’t seem to miss.

The Borderites fell to a 22-9 deficit to end the first quarter, and just couldn’t mount a comeback, losing 78-53 and dropping to 4-12 with a 2-9 conference record.

Fortunately for the Borderites, they still have a shooter’s chance once the 1A district tournament begins on Monday, February 5.

The Borderites currently hold fourth place in the 1A NWC standings. If the season ended today, Blaine would host a playoff game, playing fifth place Mount Baker (314, 1-11) in a play-in game, with the winner going on to play likely first-seed Lynden Christian (15-1, 9-1) on February 7.

Girls Wrestling The Borderites had a great day at the Lady Hawk Invitational at Mountlake Terrace on January 20.

Team captains Lucy Dahl and Analicea Ordonez placed first in their respective weight classes, with four other wrestlers placing 6th and above.

“All in all, a great day wrestling,” Higgins told The Northern Light.

s Senior wrestler Victor Gervol hopes to make a run in the Mat Classic XXXV in Tacoma on February 16-17.

Photo by Nolan Baker

Member of the Month Gateway1890 Taphouse & Grill Smugglers Tunnel Speak Easy Spirits Room 429 Peace Portal Drive Blaine, WA 98230 360-933-4818 www.gateway1890taphouse-grill.com Number of employees: 20

s The senior class of wrestlers celebrate their last home match after the NWC Championship on January 23.

Photo by Nolan Baker

How long in business: Just over two years.

Description of the business: A casual atmosphere offering 20 craft beers/ciders on our ‘bottoms up’ tap system, along with 60 international bottled beers from 20 different countries. Our top food menu items are our 8oz all beef no fillers burgers, hand cut house-made beer battered fish and chips and majority of our food menu scratch made. Great staff that always take care of our patrons with a smile. All ages welcome in the taproom. We just opened two months ago our new Smugglers Tunnel Speak Easy Spirits Room in the basement ‘tunnel’ offering great prohibition-style cocktails along with craft and top shelf spirits for 21+.

How the business started: With so many breweries and taprooms opening in Bellingham in the past 10 years, we felt Blaine was missing out on a place to enjoy great craft beers without driving to Bellingham. Our vision started six years ago - to have our decor represent Blaine and surrounding areas - and bring back the history of Blaine while enjoying a cold beer and great food.

Future goals: To do more within our community with seasonal events. As we have continued to grow within our location with a tapyard built in 2022 and the addition of the Speak Easy in 2023, we would love to see a rooftop patio in the future for one of the greatest views we have of Semiahmoo Bay and our northern neighbors.

Featured businesses are selected randomly from the Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce membership.

This is a monthly feature sponsored by the Blaine Community Chamber of Commerce www.blainechamber.com • (360) 332-4544 • Join the chamber today ... membership has its privileges!

s Junior Abdul-Fattah Kanagie pulls up for a jump shot during a home game against Mount Vernon on January 22.

Photo by Nolan Baker

January 25 - 31, 2024 • thenorthernlight.com

7

Blaine student named state chess champ Bens Market holds ribbon-cutting ceremony B N B y

olan

aker

Washington’s best high school chess player is Blaine’s own Carson Roesch.

The Blaine High School junior competed in the Washington State High School Individual Chess Tournament over two days on January 19 and 20, defeating five opponents in the highest-ranked bracket of roughly 40 of the state’s best chess players.

Like the great chess grandmasters Carson Roesch looks up to – Bobby Fischer, Mikhail Tal, Magnus Carlsen – he scrupulously prepares for every match.

Roesch said he stayed up the entire time, two straight all-nighters, to study his upcoming opponents. Blaine chess coach, and Caron’s dad, Jeremy Roesch, can back that claim up.

“At the hotel room, I woke up at about three in the morning,” Jeremy said. “He was still going over games from the database for his opponents the next day.”

The sleepless nights paid off.

Carson won his first four matches and needed a tie in the final match to be named state champion.

After two days of multiple-hour long matches, running off nearly no sleep, Carson earned a draw and was named the best individual youth chess player in the state.

He’s seen success in high school chess before. He was named a First-Team State All Star in his freshman year and has been beating high schoolers since the fifth grade. But Carson said his

s Blaine High School junior Carson Roesch, l., is congratulated by Washington Chess Federation president Josh Sinana after winning the state tournament on January 20.

Photo courtesy Jeremy Roesch last few matches for the title were draining.

How was he feeling after winning a state championship?

“Completely exhausted,” Carson said. “I barely made it through the last round.”

While chess might not get the same level of pomp and circumstance as other high school sports, a state championship is still a state championship. Carson said the recognition he’s received from friends, teachers and fellow students has been overwhelming.

“I’ve gotten a lot of attention, I’m pretty famous at my school,” Carson said. “Everyone’s super excited and it seems like my friends think it’s a bigger deal than I do, which I find pretty funny.”

The chess team will send five players – Carson included – to the state team championship at Interlake High School in Bellevue on Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2.

For Carson, he will go on to compete in the Denker National Tournament of High School State Champions, a 50-person tournament of the best players from each state. The tournament is set for July 27-30 in Norfolk, Virginia.

“A light comes on in people’s eyes when I tell them I’m going to Virginia,” Carson said. “That’s when it really hits people.”

Head coach Jeremy Roesch says for anyone interested in joining the chess team to contact him at jroesch@blainesd.org.

s Bens Market celebrated the opening of its new travel plaza at 1300 Boblett Street on January 24. Celebrations included speeches, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the market and gas station.

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Home

The Northern Light • January 25 - 31, 2024

&

Garden

A monthly special section in The Northern Light

Western Solar Q&A: What you need to know about solar

s Western Solar, a Bellingham-based solar design and installation company, added solar panels to a home on Semiahmoo Spit.

Photos courtesy Western Solar

The Northern Light sat down with Western Solar Inc.’s Brandon Provalenko, director of sales and business development, and Trish Merriman, design manager, to discuss what people should

think about when considering installing solar electric systems.

Established in 2002, Western Solar is a Bellingham-based solar design and installation company that also works on battery back-

ups, electric vehicle charging stations and ductless heat pumps, according to its website.

This interview was edited for length and clarity.

How has the solar energy in-

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dustry evolved since Western Solar was founded?

Trish: The prices were a lot higher before the incentives came into play in the mid-2000s and not as many people were getting on board with solar. Now prices have been coming down and people have been able to take advantage of them. We’ve seen it take off pretty dramatically.

Brandon: Solar panels were 170 watts and maybe $4 or $5 per watt around 2011 and I’m sure they were a lot less wattage for Western Solar in 2002. Now, I think the biggest solar panel we installed was 530 watts and

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the installation can be as low as $2.20 a watt.

The technology has improved to become a lot more efficient to produce a lot more in the same amount of space. It’s continuing every year to be higher wattage and lower cost.

What residential and commercial projects has Western Solar worked on in the Blaine and Birch Bay areas?

Brandon: We just finished the Birch Bay Water and Sewer District. I think the first site we did in the city of Blaine was 2014.

Trish: We’ve done a handful in Birch Bay Village and some in Semiahmoo.

What has Western Solar’s work with the city of Blaine looked like?

Brandon: We work in collaboration with them. We worked with Blaine to begin its net energy metering program and put in the first installation to be that meter.

Trish: That was in 2019.

What should people consider when deciding if solar is the right option for them?

Brandon: I think it varies for so many people on what they want to consider and why it could be important for them.

I talk to people reaching retirement age who know they’re going to be on a fixed income and don’t want to worry about huge rate increases like we’ve been seeing.

Some people really care about climate change and they’re doing it to help the community reach solar goals. Some people don’t want to depend on foreign oil.

Others don’t want a weak grid and want to have diversified energy on our grid.

Some people see the economics of it. They say, “If I go with solar, I’m going to be hedging energy price increases that are inevitable.”

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With the government currently paying 30 percent of it through the [investment tax credit], the payback period can be quick.

Could you give me an overview of what the process looks like if someone wants to install solar?

Trish: We recommend someone look into whether they are covering any other energy effi-

ciency beforehand and are not putting more into solar than they need. For example, finding out that your bill would be lower if you go with a more efficient furnace or put in installation.

Brandon: For somebody with a home older than 1970, we recommend they get a home energy audit through Sustainable Connections’ community energy challenge because there’s likely so much room for saving energy, and it’ll be much more worth it,

s Western Solar recently installed solar electric panels on the roof of Birch Bay Water and Sewer District’s administrative building.

&Garden

dollar for dollar, to make their energy more efficient before they start producing energy. After that, we understand their goals.

Trish: We then start looking at how much electricity they use on an annual basis because there’s no benefit to oversizing a system and we don’t want to sell more than what they need.

We start with a preliminary remote analysis that allows us to do a 3D model of the roof that picks up the trees and height of the home. We then put a model and quote together. If it looks good, we get our onsite measurements, making sure we have the appropriate size of the roof and that the roof has at least 10 years of life left on it because we have a 10year workmanship warranty. We handle the permitting and interconnection application.

Brandon: It’s all in-house for us. It takes about a month to get it interconnected to the grid. It’s adding something that’s going to be making money for you.

Are there other incentives in Washington state that can help people plan for solar?

Brandon: The programs vary.

There’s the sales tax exemption, so you’re paying no taxes for solar. If you’re a commercial entity, you may qualify for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant, which will pay up to 50 percent of your solar.

If you’re commercial and want to add solar, you can get up to 50 percent of a grant to pay for it, 30 percent tax credit for the federal earned income tax credit. Whatcom and Skagit counties are currently considered energy communities, which is an extra 10 percent on top of the income tax credit, so you’ll actually get a 40 percent tax credit for a com-

January 25 - 31, 2024 • thenorthernlight.com

mercial installation. For commercial enterprises, it can be up to 90 percent of everything paid for.

Can you explain how well solar energy works in our region?

Trish: Washington has ideal temperatures throughout the summer for the production of solar energy. Solar panels actually don’t like the heat, so the hotter it gets, like in the middle of the desert, the efficiency goes down.

You might have dark, drizzly days throughout the winter, but the bulk of your production on an annual basis happens during the summer. We’re changing looking at the way energy is produced from a monthly basis to a yearly basis because of the net metering program we have.

Brandon: We tilt the panels at 33 degrees here and it goes well with most people’s roofs. A lot of the time we don’t have to take up all of the roof. Germany is on a very similar latitude and they are exporting more solar energy than they need.

9

How much does it cost on average to install solar for a residential or commercial space?

Brandon: It’s not that easy. If you have more kids, you’re going to be using a lot more energy than a retired couple. It’s really about how much energy you’re using and what your load looks like. Are you in the habit of turning off your lights, or do you have lights on everywhere? I would say the majority of our residential installations are somewhere between $20,000 and $30,000, but sometimes we’ve done much bigger installations.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Trish: For anyone who has been thinking about it, it’s always worth seeing the numbers. I was a skeptic before I installed solar on my home, but the numbers made sense for me. We focus on providing education and resources. It’s not always going to be the right fit for somebody.

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10

The Northern Light • January 25 - 31, 2024

Chief financial officer set to leave Blaine school district

By Nolan Baker Amber Porter, executive director of finance and operations for the Blaine school district, will have her last day on the job on Wednesday,

January 31 after taking a position with the Oak Harbor school district on Whidbey Island.

In 2010, Porter started working for the school district as business manager under then-superinten-

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dent Ron Spanjer. Before joining the school district, Porter worked as an assistant state auditor for the Washington State Auditor’s Office.

Porter’s time at the district

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spanned unprecedented challenges such as the pandemic and its resulting move to online learning, dwindling enrollment numbers and state funding, and multiple levy and capital bond elections.

Porter said she will always cherish the relationships she built in the Blaine community, the administrative team she got to work with every day and the joy of watching her son grow up in the Blaine school system.

“Over the years, I was able to hire a group of very talented department heads and business staff who are technically capable and dedicated to serving the students and public,” Porter told The Northern Light. “I also appreciated having my own son in the Blaine community; I feel he was given tremendous opportunities as a student to experience enriching programs, thanks to the energy of Blaine’s teachers and administrators.”

Superintendent Christopher Granger has worked closely with Porter since he was hired in 2019, and said that the work she did for the district was crucial.

“She navigated a pandemic, online learning, a budget reduc-

tion,” Granger said. “I couldn’t say enough good things about Amber and what she’s done and how much that she’ll be missed.”

The timing for Porter’s departure is significant, as the school district is facing a pair of important funding decisions by Blaine, Birch Bay and Point Roberts voters. The district is asking voters to approve a replacement educational programs and operations levy and a $70 million construction bond.

Porter led the finance department through successful passage of bonds and levies in 2012, 2015 and 2018, and was key in the structuring of the pending funding proposals.

“I would love to see continued support in the February election as there is great need for facility replacement at the middle school, and it is structured to avoid tax increases,” Porter said. “I will miss this community and cherish many fond memories.”

The school district is in the process of reviewing applications for Porter’s vacated post, and hopes to fill the position as soon as possible, but will prioritize finding the right person for the position, Granger said.

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s Amber Porter’s last day as Blaine school district’s chief financial officer is set for January 31. Porter has worked for the district since 2010, and will join the Oak Harbor school district.

Photo by Nolan Baker

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Legal IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR WHATCOM COUNTY In re the Estate of: DONALD FRANKLIN KAY, Deceased. No. 24-4-00007-37 NONPROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.42.030 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 11.40.070 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 11.40.020(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 of the decedents’ probate and nonprobate assets.

The Notice Agent declares under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Washington on the 3rd of January, 2024, at Bellingham, WA that the foregoing is true and correct.

Notice Agent: Teresa Jo Kay Attorney for Notice Agent: Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339 Address for Mailing or Service: True North Legal Services, PLLC PO Box 934, Bellingham, WA 98227 P: (360) 639-3393 E: Genissa@truenorthlegalservices.com DATED: January 3rd, 2024 True North Legal Services, PLLC Genissa M. Richardson, WSBA #56339 Published in the Northern Light January 11th, 18th, and 25th, 2024.

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Matter and Estate of: RICHARD C. MYERS, Deceased. No. 23-4-0112037. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS. RCW 11.40.030.

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 notice was not provided under RCW Chapters 11.40 or 11.42, the creditor must present the claim within twenty-four months after the decedent’s date of death. 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.

Notice of First Publication: Jan. 11, 2024 Personal Representative: Joseph Forde Presented by: Whatcom Law Group, P.S. Casie C. Rodenberger, WSBA #54384 Attorney for Personal Representative PO Box 1258 / 289 H Street Blaine, WA 98231-1258 (360) 332-7000; Fax: (360) 332-6677

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Estate of: ELENA MARGARETA EFTIMIU, Deceased. Probate No. 23-4-01152-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Assigned Judge: David E. Freeman 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: December 8, 2023.

Date of first publication of Notice: January 11, 2024.

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: ALINA MANESS NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Find it in the Classifieds!

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF Whatcom In Re the Estate of John Michael Kelberer, Deceased.

NO. 23-4-00407-37. PROBATE NOTICE TO CREDITORS (RCW 11.40.030) JUDGE: Lee P Grochmal.

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 probate and nonprobate assets.

Date of First Publication: January 18, 2024 Personal Representative: Dawn Moon 4915 Samish Way #93 Bellingham, WA 98229 Attorney for the Personal Representative: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Address for Mailing or Service: Katti Esp 301 Prospect Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Court of Probate Proceedings Superior Court of Whatcom County and Cause Number: Cause No. 23-4-00407-37

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF WHATCOM In re the Estate of: BRUCE LEROY HOLTROP, Deceased.

Probate No. 24-4-00021-37. NOTICE TO CREDITORS. Assigned Judge: Evan P. Jones.

The Personal Representatives 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: January 8, 2024.

Date of first publication of Notice to Creditors: January 18, 2024 Personal Representative: CAROL PRINCE Attorney for the Estate: KEITH A. BODE, WSBA #7791 314 Fifth Street, P.O. Box 688 Lynden, WA 98264-0688 Tel. (360) 354-5021

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The Northern Light • January 25 - 31, 2024

Real Estate

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Birch Bay Village stunner, a wow! JWR Design / gated community. Northwest Contemporary waterview Craftsman. Options with this home. 1828 sq. ft. on the primary level and 906 sq. ft. on the Garden level. Gentle driveway takes you up to the primary level with 2 car garage. This level features the primary bedroom & ensuite full bath, Great room concept, grand kitchen featuring a 5x9 granite countertop island, Pantry, office, dining room, guest 3/4 bath, utility room & over 1000 sq. ft.=/- of covered & uncovered deck & patio space. Garden level features separate entry, single car garage, 2 bedrooms, kitchen, utility room, 3/4 bath, 2 extra storage spaces, & one of the best patio areas you will see including mature landscaping and water feature.

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Email or Call Don Nelson For Availability & Rates

Call: 360-305-0286

All real real estate/rentals estate/rentals All adverti advertising in this newsing in this newspaper is subje paper is subject to the Federal Housing Act of Housing A to theFairFederal Fair 1968 as amended, which ofmakes 1968 as amended, makes it illeg it illegal to advertise anywhich preference, or discrimination based on race, tolimitation advertise any preference, limitation or di color, religion, sex, handicap familial status crimination based on race, color, religio or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference,familial limitation status or discrimsex, handicap, or national o ination. This newspaper will not knowingly gin, anadvertisement intention to any such pre acceptorany for make real estate which is in violation of the law. readers erence, limitation or Our discrimination.

Th are hereby informed that all dwellings adnewspaper will notareknowingly vertised in this newspaper available on accept a an equal opportunity basis. To complain of advertisement for toll-free real estate discrimination, call HUD at 1-800-which is in v 877-0246.of the law. Our readers are hereby i olation formed that all dwellings advertised in th newspaper are available on an equal oppo tunity basis. To complain of discriminatio call HUD toll-free at 1-800-877-0246.

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CLASSIFIEDS! call 332-1777

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January 25 - 31, 2024 • thenorthernlight.com

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL

City ...

From page 2

Hardware in Blaine.

Edward (Ted) Metz and Sandie Miller to the newly formed Blaine Public Works and Parks Advisory Board. Metz has previously served on the Blaine Public Works Advisory Committee and Semiahmoo Resort Association maintenance and landscape committee. Miller is the chief financial officer at Whatcom Law Group.

Downtown parking study Despite some reservations, council voted 5-2 to approve the city to approve a contract with Kirkland-based Transpo Group to conduct a downtown parking study for no more than $25,000.

The parking study would help council and planning commission evaluate whether the city should reduce its parking requirements for new building projects, which developers have told council is needed.

In July, the city’s ad hoc downtown advisory committee recommended the city reduce its residential parking requirements by half and consider a municipal parking garage. The committee also recommended increased building heights as long as developers paid for extra public amenities.

The parking study will look at one weekday and a Saturday to gauge how many parking spaces are being used, create an online survey for downtown business owners, and research parking requirements in cities comparable to Blaine.

“We will have some data as opposed to this anecdotal information, which is ‘we seem to have this parking problem’ or ‘maybe we don’t,” said Alex Wenger, director of the Community Development Services department. “It just depends on people’s opinions so we need some data.”

Councilmember Richard May questioned whether another company could conduct the study for less than the Transpo quote.

Councilmember Mike Hill, who has owned the Hill’s Chevron on Peace Portal Drive for over 30 years, said he’s never seen a parking problem, adding that Blaine had more people visiting in the ’90s and didn’t experience parking problems.

“I think it’s been studied, over studied, and looked at. We’re going to study a study again and nothing’s going to get done,” Hill said.

Councilmember Sonia Hurt asked how the study would include people other than businesses, and Wenger responded that the survey was intended to gauge how many employees needed parking but the survey could potentially open to a larger audience. Wenger said people could contact him or attend planning commission meetings. Upon completion, Transpo will present its findings to the planning commission and city council.

The parking study will also provide information for the city’s comprehensive plan, Wenger said.

DIRECTORY

13

OBITUARIES Patricia Theresa Slevin

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Rental Property Management

833-378-3798 Office@LifelineRentals.com www.LifelineRentals.com Counseling and Personal Coaching Transformational Hypnotherapy co-creating rapid change for personal growth

Evelyne L. Hendricks BA, LHT 360.739.5606 evelynehendricks@gmail.com

Dean Prather - Attorney at Law Estate Planning Real Estate Wills, Probate, and Contracts, Deeds, Transfer on Death Deeds and Easements Solo Practice – Low Overhead – Low Rates Ph: (360) 643-0499 – Email: dean@deanpratheresquire.com 1300 W. Holly Street, Suite 203, Bellingham WA 98225 MARINE CORPS VETERAN OWNED

dean@deanpratheresquire.com

Patricia (Pat) Theresa Slevin (Suddick), 88, of Ferndale, WA, passed away peacefully after a long illness on December 28, 2023, at the Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham, WA. On the day of Pat’s passing, she was surrounded by family and friends; with her sons standing at her side as she drew her last breath and passed from this life to the arms of God. Patricia was born on January 31, 1935, to Howard and Opal Suddick (Phillips), in Omaha, Nebraska, the second child of four children.

Pat moved to Birch Bay, WA, in 1973 where she and her husband, Joe, purchased their first restaurant: The Beach Boy DriveIn. After several years The Beach Boy was sold and Pat and Joe purchased the Harbor Café located on the docks of Blaine, WA. Pat worked tirelessly making the Harbor Café a successful seafood and steakhouse restaurant, which was featured in the Seattle Times for its deliciously fresh fish and chips! Pat was passionate about serving the finest meals possible, giving the Harbor Café an excellent reputation as one of the best dining experiences in Whatcom County. Pat was well respected by those who were in her employ, many becoming good friends, and always greeted customers with a warm welcome. She was a true entrepreneur and enjoyed her life as a restaurateur.

Pat loved being grandmother to Sarah, Chet, Maddy and Lexi, and great-grandmother to Kristjan and Owen. She spoke fondly and proudly of her grandchildren at every opportunity. Pat enjoyed spending time with family, watching Gunsmoke on the Classic Westerns channel, playing a rousing game of Bunko with her good friends, a good cup of coffee, and was a devoted member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church Women’s Guild in Ferndale. Pat had a wonderful sense of humor bringing a smile to all she met.

She was loved by many, and the memories of Pat will be remembered fondly for years to come.

Pat was preceded in death by her loving daughter, Jodi, and older brother, Richard Suddick. Pat is survived by her sons and daughters-in-laws Jeff and Lindsay, Mark and Julie; grandchildren, Sarah (Guy), Chet, Maddy, and Lexi; great-grandchildren, Kristjan and Owen; brother Robert (Sheryl) Suddick of Omaha, Nebraska; sister Mary (Jim) Scott of Mt. Vernon, Washington.

A special thank you to Whatcom Hospice House staff for their compassionate care during Pat’s final days, and to the hospice chaplains and Father Ross. Thank you to Jerns Funeral Home for the arrangements, and the assistance of the St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Pat’s ashes will be laid to rest in Enterprise Cemetery. There will be a funeral mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ferndale on Wednesday, January 31 at 10:30 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to Whatcom Hospice House, 2806 Douglas Road, Bellingham, WA., 98225.

Mark Timothy Russell 1948 – 2024 2011 Large Business of the Year

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Mark Timothy Russell, 75, died January 11, 2024 in Bellingham, WA after a battle with cancer. Mark was born in Bellingham in 1948 and graduated from Ferndale High School in 1966.

He served in the US Air Force from 1966 to 1978 with duty stations in Oregon, Japan, California, and Greece.

Following his service, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Northwest College of the Assemblies of God and then worked in various managerial positions in Lacey, WA; Louisville, KY; Bellingham, WA; and Sumas, WA. He retired in 2016 and spent his remaining years visiting with family and friends and traveling.

Mark is survived by his wife of 18 years, Laurie; his former wife of 33 years, Martha; his two sons, Jeffery and Kevin (Taliah); and two stepchildren Brandon (Starla) and Pixie. He also is survived by his mother, Rosalie; his two younger brothers; David and Phillip; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Donald.

A military funeral service will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. at the Nooksack Cemetery in Nooksack, Washington. This will be followed by a Celebration of Life at CTK North Bay in Birch Bay, WA at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Whatcom Hospice.

Please sign the Book of Memories, light a candle and leave your condolences for the family at www.MtBakerCremation.com.

14

The Northern Light • January 25 - 31, 2024

Sheriff’s Reports January 17, 1:17 p.m.: Fraud cold call on Birch Bay Lynden Road.

January 17, 3:27 p.m.: Serve warrant on Halibut Drive.

January 17, 3:48 p.m.: Welfare check on Birch Bay Lynden Road.

January 18, 1:06 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute cold call on Pine Drive.

January 18, 1:26 p.m.: Suicidal subject cold call on Cedar Street.

January 18, 6:20 p.m.: Runaway cold call on Halibut Drive.

January 19, 12:15 p.m.: Domestic – physical on Clamdigger Drive.

January 19, 1:39 p.m.: Mental health cold call on Drayton Harbor Road.

January 19, 2:11 p.m.: Missing person on Loomis Trail Road.

January 19, 2:39 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on East Street.

January 19, 3:18 p.m.: Domestic – physical cold call on Birch Bay Drive.

January 19, 8:14 p.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Harborview Drive.

January 19, 9:43 p.m.: Moving vehicle accident on Birch Bay Lyn-

den Road.

January 20, 8:38 p.m.: Fight on East Street.

January 20, 10:04 p.m.: Security check on Harborview Road.

January 21, 6:15 p.m.: Domestic – physical on Glendale Drive.

January 22, 8:45 a.m.: Theft cold call on Drayton Harbor Road.

January 22, 10:26 a.m.: Suspicious circumstances cold call on Stein Road.

January 22, 2:26 p.m.: Death investigation on Nootka Loop.

January 22, 3:15 p.m.: Trespass cold call on East Street.

January 22, 7:07 p.m.: Mental health check on Skeena Way. January 22, 7:55 p.m.: Suspicious person on Birch Bay Lynden Road.

Police Reports

January 13, 1:10 p.m.: Theft on Marine Drive.

January 13, 5:27 p.m.: Domestic – physical on Adelia Street.

January 13, 9:13 p.m.: Harassment on Boblett Street.

January 14, 9:32 a.m.: Senile subject on Mitchell Avenue.

January 15, 2:43 p.m.: Burglary on Oleander Loop.

January 16, 3:22 p.m.: Runaway on Clark Street.

January 16, 3:27 p.m.: Suspicious person on D Street.

January 16, 4:12 p.m.: Vandalism on H Street.

January 16, 6:27 p.m.: Runaway

Crossword ACROSS 1. Home of Iowa State University 5. __-fi (slang) 8. Mottled green and yellow fruit 12. Capable of thinking and expressing oneself clearly 14. Sports broadcaster Eagle 15. Midday 16. Kinsmen 18. Cable network 19. Simpleton 20. Brunch beverage 21. Fed 22. European capital 23. Native inhabitants 26. Mechanical device 30. Rare geese native to Hawaii 31. Bedroom furnishing 32. The products of human creativity 33. Mass transit option 34. Made a mistake 39. Sacred sound symbol 42. Large N. Ameri-

January 22, 12:32 p.m.: Neighborhood dispute cold call on Pine Drive.

can reindeer 44. Dull and flat 46. Partner to huffing 47. Written works 49. Monetary unit of Serbia 50. Midway between east and southeast 51. Peninsula of southwestern Asia 56. Widely used multiuser OS 57. Aggressive dog 58. Varnished 59. Hindu queen 60. Time units, abbr.

61. Farm animals 62. Capital of Latvia 63. Where golfers begin 64. Takes to civil court DOWN 1. One who graduated 2. An inspired holy person 3. Electronic counter-countermeasures 4. A place to store things 5. Indian instrument 6. Spanish saloon 7. Whole number

8. Not fastened 9. Gives a boost 10. Lounges about 11. Interested in 13. Remove salt 17. Type of sword 24. Naturally occurring solid material 25. Gets involved without being invited 26. Feline 27. Bobby __, NHL champ 28. “Kill Bill” actress Thurman 29. Hawaiian dish 35. Moroccan coastal region 36. Baseball statistic 37. Long period of time 38. Moved earth 40. Central Netherlands city 41. Take stock of 42. Central processing unit 43. Distinctive qualities one generates 44. Getting stuck 45. Loss of bodily movements 47. Veranda 48. Abrupt

on Clark Street.

January 16, 8:24 p.m.: Domestic – physical on Birch Bay Drive.

January 16, 11:01 p.m.: Runaway on Birch Court.

January 17, 11:29 a.m.: Fraud on D Street.

January 17, 1:38 p.m.: Suspicious vehicle on H Street.

January 17, 3:46 p.m.: Theft on Grant Avenue.

January 17, 10:18 p.m.: Hot rod on Garfield Avenue.

January 18, 11:21 a.m.: Simple assault on H Street.

January 19, 10:13 p.m.: Hot rod on G Street.

49. What cats do 52. Expresses pleasure 53. Type of cheese 54. Professional STEM organization 55. Automatic data processing systems ANSWERS: THENORTHERNLIGHT.COM

Tides 49° 0’ 0”N - 122° 46’ 0”W TIME

HEIGHT

Th 25 6:43 am 14.8 3:54 pm 12.3 Fr 26 7:09 am 14.7 4:40 pm 12.0 Sa 27 7:31 am 14.5

TIME

HEIGHT

12:12 pm 11.3 11:21 pm

2.9

12:48 pm 10.8 11:55 pm

Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce After-Hours Networking: Thursday, January 25, 5–6:30 p.m., Birch Bay Bike Shop, 4823 Alderson Road #105. This is a casual time to get together, connect, chit-chat and have an after-work beverage. Info: birchbaychamber.com.

Trivia at The Vault: Thursday, January 25, 7 p.m., The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Theme: general knowledge. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Live Music at the Senior Center: Friday, January 26, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Featuring Jaded Lovers plus line dancing and more. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.

Live Music at The Vault: Friday, January 26, 7 p.m, The Vault Wine Bar + Bistro, 277 G Street. Featuring: Michael Dayvid. Info: thevaultwine.com.

Pruning 101: Saturday, January 27, 9–11 a.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. This is the perfect time to start pruning. We will discuss tools, why prune, decisions necessary (learning to understand growth habits of trees/bushes). We will also present on overgrown trees and how to get them back in shape. Info: nwcore.org.

Home Buying Workshop: Saturday, January 27, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Learn how much you can afford, understanding credit and budgeting for a down payment and other expenses. Free.

Space is limited. RSVP 360/752-8253 or email doug.cornelsen@bannerbank.com.

Soccer Clinic: Saturday, January 27, 1–4 p.m., Birch Bay Activity Center, 7511 Gemini Street. Kids ages 10–14 learn drills and tips to improve their skills with former soccer pro Kyle Long. $25. Registration required at bbbparkandrec.org.

Illuminate Birch Bay: Saturday, January 27, 5 p.m. along the Birch Bay berm. Start at the Birch Bay Vogt Library with hot chocolate, cider, choir music and walk through a lighted path along the berm. Make or bring your own lanterns is encouraged. Free. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

Blaine Community Theater Auditions: Sunday and Monday, January 28 and 29 at 7 p.m., Blaine Middle School Cafeteria. Auditions for Terry Pratchett’s “Lords and Ladies” for performances in March. Info: blainecommunitytheater.com.

Supper With the Superintendent: Tuesday, January 30, 6 p.m., Blaine Elementary School library. The community is invited to a questions and answer meeting with Blaine school district superintendent Dr. Christopher Granger. Light meal provided. Info: blainesd.org.

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 Levy Q&A Event: Wednesday, January 31, 5 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. The community is invited to learn about the upcoming levy and have your questions answered. Refreshments provided.

Community Art Workshop: Wednesday, January 31, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Come learn with our instructors as they explore abstract art, neuro art and the metaphysical elements that come with it.

Create an abstract piece of art utilizing a variety of drawing styles, tools, and paint mediums. From beginner to experienced. Young or old. Simply create. Supplies provided. Free. Info: blaineseniorcenter.org.

Pruning 101: Wednesday, January 31, 5–7 p.m., Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. This is the perfect time to start pruning. We will discuss tools, why prune, decisions necessary (learning to understand growth habits of trees/ bushes). We will also present on overgrown trees and how to get them back in shape. Info: nwcore.org.

Blaine Chamber Breakfast Meeting: Thursday, February 1, 7:30–8:30 a.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Network and connect with the local businesses. Breakfast $15. Connect with fellow members and explore potential collaborations. RSVP: blainechamber.com.

January 25-31 at Blaine.

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Weather Precipitation: During the period of January 15 to 21, 1.1 inches of precipitation was recorded. The 2024 yearto-date precipitation is 3.82 inches.

Temperature: High for the past week was 45.8°F on January 20 with a low of 17.2°F on January 15. Average high was 37.9°F and low was 28.4°F. Courtesy Birch Bay Water & Sewer Dist.

Mason Bees – Alternative Pollinators: Saturday, February 3, 9–11 a.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. The crisis in our bee population is very real. Learn how to support all pollinators in your own backyard. This workshop will present an overview of the problem and introduce you to native pollinators. We will discuss how to establish and maintain a healthy mason bee colony in your yard. Info: nwcore.org.

Life in an Electric Car: Saturday, February 3, 10 a.m.–noon, Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street. Learn about buying new or used, what it’s really like to have an electric car as a daily driver, real life info on range, performance, reliability and an analysis of the latest car offerings. Info: nwcore.org.

Arts and Jazz Fundraiser: Saturday, February 3, 7 p.m., Blaine Middle School cafeteria. An evening of family fun, art, culinary, music and theater performances, live and silent auctions. Tickets at the door: $10 adults, $5 students, children under five free. All funds raised go towards scholarships and experiences beyond the curriculum for students in the Blaine School District arts departments.

Adult Prom: Saturday, February 10, 7–9:30 p.m., Blaine Pavilion, 635 8th Street. Adults 21+ enjoy live music, dancing, sweet treats and mocktails, and of course, a prom king and queen crowning ceremony. $25. Registration required 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. Delivery options available.

Info:360/332-6350 or blainefood@hotmail.com.

The Bridge Food Bank: Fridays, 2 p.m. - 4:30 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 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.

Meals on Wheels Frozen Meals: Thursdays 11:30 a.m.–noon, Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Adults 60+ pick up five frozen meals. Suggested donation $5 per meal or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis. Info: 360/332-8040.

Senior Community Meals: Monday–Friday, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., Blaine Senior Center, 763 G Street. Suggested donation of $5 per meal ($8.50 if under 60) or whatever is affordable. First come, first serve basis.

Info: 360/332-8040.

Submissions to Coming Up should be sent to calendar@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

January 25 - 31, 2024 • thenorthernlight.com

s Renderings show two condominium buildings proposed for the current Blaine library and skate park site. The easterly building, l., would only be affordable and market-rate condominiums, while the westerly building, r., would have a new library and potentially a childcare facility.

Images by Zervas Architects/courtesy Paul Schissler

15

Blaine Fine Arts Association Presents

The 27th Annual

Arts & Jazz Fundraiser

Sophia Wallace • “Karma” • Watercolor

February 3rd @ 7pm • Blaine Middle School Cafeteria s The mixed-use project plans envisions a new Blaine library that would be 10,000 square feet, nearly double the size of the current library. These images are conceptual and may be altered during further design development of the project.

Library ...

From page 1

subsidizing the affordable units.

The easterly building is estimated to cost $23 million, Schissler said.

He said he hopes to have a cost estimate for the westerly building by the end of the year, and that it is anticipated to be more expensive because it would house the library and other public spaces.

The condominiums would be funded by mortgages and down payments. KCLT plans to close the affordability gap through the state’s Housing Trust Fund, as well as other private and public sources, Schissler said.

Funding sources are still being determined for the public spaces, but Schissler said the project may be eligible for state capital grants and other public and philanthropic funding.

At this time, the project is not

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asking the city to contribute any money, Schissler said.

City manager Mike Harmon added that construction of the easterly building would not impact operations at the current Blaine library.

The city would sell the land to KCLT and the trust would lease it to the condominium association for a 99-year contract. The condominium association would be in charge of improvements.

KCLT is an affordable housing nonprofit that owns the land under homes to preserve the affordability.

The trust offers down payment assistance and sets a small annual equity increase to enable homeowners to earn a profit, but keeps the home below market value when it’s sold.

Councilmembers questioned Schissler on project specifics, but didn’t have much time before the end of their study session to discuss the project among themselves.

Council plans on continuing the conversation going forward with

the project.

Schissler said KCLT had funding for site planning and design development. He wanted to submit building permit applications in early 2025, meaning if the financing came through, occupancy could start as early as 2026.

• Family fun • Art, Culinary, Music & Theater • Live and silent auctions • More info TICKETS AT THE DOOR $10.00 adults • $5.00 student/senior • Children under 5 no charge 100% of funds raised go toward scholarships and experiences beyond the curriculum for students of the Blaine School District Arts Departments.

The Northern Light • January 25 - 31, 2024

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com booked into What A Blaine man was egree suspicion of first-d County Jail on er 4. murder on Octob r Sr., 76, was arrest Maha ld Haro e Wayn WhatOctober 4 after deped around 4 p.m. ff’s Office (WCSO) com County Sheri t (BPD) Police Departmen e Blain and at uties ing to calls of a shoot officers responded Leaf Mo#12 in the Maple 4612 East Street ble bile Home Park. affidavit of proba According to the was bor ed his neigh cause, Mahar claim sing him but Mahar haras threatening and tives. detec to specifics was unable to give ified by WCSO as The victim, ident pro67, of Blaine, was ties Vincent Reames, the scene after depu nounced dead on ful. but were unsuccess attempted CPR, porch his from un Mahar fired a shotg his own on ing stand was at Reames, who to court records. ng property, according called 911 after heari Another neighbor ding 29-28 and saw Mahar “stan O r., during Blaine’s the shotgun blast ng a gun,” a WCS ver Justin Minjarez, holdi porch Photo by Nolan Baker with senior recei on his front ed the victim lying fourth-quarter score notic “She . , c., celebrates a release stated on page 7. d in front of his res- s Junior running back Colby Shipp more groun Read the 6. er on Octob shot face down over Meridian on Mr. Mahar if he had homecoming win idence. She asked d ‘Yeah.’”

Reames. He replie ation O public inform According to WCS ff deputies had re, sheri Slater Deb r boroffice four separate neigh es sponded to at least third en Mahar and Ream 2023-04 hope a hood disputes betwe . None of the four nents of Proposition light con2021 r. since November nal acbe the charm to green current crisis relief cente resulted in crimi tion of a 23-hour l ex- time could t of the previous disputes annually in capita in struction on a replacemen er Slater said.

• $8-10 million fund an in-person $8 million also laN Bak d and o told tivity or arrests, woul N jail y tedly tax new B sion, r had repor penses for the health jail. The facility and diver The day prior, Maha landses for a behavioral al task of financing behavioral health programs. he was upset at the For the monument jail in Whatcom one-time expenr. his other neighbor re-entry threatent cente for a new rent, and said he fund housing and jail, located in downtown He construction will be asked to consid- treatm lord for increasing l investments to The current courts landlord’s girlfriend.

• $6 million in capita es. ent to the county kill County, voter ened to shoot the adjac sales tax from and servic ty rt gham shoot coun to suppo Bellin the modate try going expand recovin 1983 to accom sing er increasing 9 percent to fund in-part re-en also said he was n to maintain and house, was built ing data Reames was haras nt to least a • $4 millio rtive housing programs.

According to book Office seen 8.8 perce Reames because estimates to be at r 148 inmates. and suppo said she had never ff’s what the county tment, with ery twice rejected simila him. The neighbor com County Sheri is housrs. inves have What s Maha ime the the voter s by ty one-t haras on nt Coun or the jail with 51.4 perce tted $39.5 milli Reames threaten annual operas of October 9, ing, Mahar admi measures, in 2015 $21 million in ly in (WCSO), Following the shoot had more than investments ballot (See Jail, page 10) ure, and more vocal detectives that he . Major capital rejecting the meas g no. When in an interview with and claimed Reames ating costs 58.6 percent votin 7, propoes pro- 2017 with wanted to kill Ream ” Mahar didn’t pro- include: out by November $3 million from filled are (with s n dead. ballot millio be to ruc• $12 “deserved . 14 3) in funding for const Coming Up . . . . posed sales tax) (See Homicide, page

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household in y Blaine, Birch Ba hom iaicihdemoo hicu em ved Slar thn ged wia Motorcyclist char n earlier this year t-and-ru on Blaine Road hi

vit ding to the affida ting erratically, accor (APC) filed in Wha of probable cause bail as of Octo rior Court. com County Supe ing data. to pass the Ashbook ccarthy 7, M pted h e c attem Marc a r on

By G The motorcycle and then Around 5:30 p.m. ng a road drivi on ane ted was two-l 33, arres , a on the has been N. Woodward A Ferndale man hter, 13, in Mazd into the Mazda’s lane as oncoming in con- leigh a with her daug ular homicide moved , accordcharges of vehic Blaine 2007 Mazd seat. The Mazda was headached the motorcycle nd-run crash on nger inter- traffic appro statements cited in the APC. nection to a hit-a ar-old the passe ss e Road, near the that killed a 33-ye right to ed south on Blain Harbor Road, when ing to witne Road in March lly moved to the ton The Mazda initia n of Dray Blaine woman. attempted to ) booked sectio e rcycl (WSP l moto Patro ’s 3) Washington State (See Crash, page What- Gunderson a. Witnesses told WSP inerson, 22, into the Mazd Colby Jon Gund rcycle was driv6. Gunder- pass moto ber the Octo that on vestigators com County Jail in lieu of $250,000 son was being held to jail ber 10, according

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