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Articles by Bill Helm
Art is ‘a gripping obsession’ for Lynden woman
Casey Burge paints murals, also illustrates for children’s book company LYNDEN — Casey Burge is an artist. Burge enjoys art. Maybe more accurately, art “is more on the verge of a gripping obsession” for Burge.
Lynden Ace Hardware owner buys True Value store, keeps employees
Lynden True Value to become city’s second Ace Hardware location In April, the owner of Lynden Ace Hardware bought the True Value store located in the same shopping center and effectively rescinded plans to send its employees to the unemployment line.
Lynden couple look to form Glazoué Friendship Farm in West Africa
LYNDEN — Little did Debra Kouda expect that she’d meet the love of her life on a Peace Corps mission to West Africa. A native of Fairbanks, Alaska, Kouda met Thomas D’Aquin at a function by a tourism nonprofit that also focuses on environmental education. “We’re having an event and I showed up in my new Beninese clothing, which I absolutely loved,” she said. “I was walking around and I heard somebody whistle.
Director says ‘Rathskeller’ will hit ‘very close to home’
Jansen Art Center to host West Coast premier Oct. 29-31 and Nov. 5-7 LYNDEN — One of the great things about local theater is that the story is only one reason why people attend. For Andrew Cooper, it’s about the cast — specifically, the cast of “Rathskeller: A Musical Elixir,” which is set to premiere at the Jansen Art Center at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29.
Lynden Schools to explore purchase of academy
LYNDEN — With a unanimous vote, the Lynden School Board said the district may explore a possible purchase of the Lynden Academy campus. On Oct. 22, the board’s 5-to-0 vote to support Resolution 16-26 authorizes Superintendent David VanderYacht to obtain a market-value appraisal of the facility the district currently leases to use for Lynden Academy. Further, the district would bring any potential purchase to the board for further consideration and possible approval.
UPDATE: Lynden School District reaches tentative agreement with teachers
LYNDEN — The Lynden Education Association is another step closer to averting a planned strike for Oct. 28. After a day of negotiation with the LEA — the second session in three days — the Lynden School District announced on its social media platform Wednesday evening that it had reached a tentative agreement with its educators.
Lynden School District reaches tentative agreement with teachers
LYNDEN — The Lynden Education Association is one step closer to averting a planned strike for Oct. 28. After a day of negotiation with the LEA — the second session in three days — the Lynden School District announced on its social media platform Wednesday evening that it had reached a tentative agreement with its educators. Since the announcement, LEA President Lona Smit has not been available for comment.
Lynden teacher wins Golden Apple Award
Dan Oliva one of four county educators recognized by WCLS LYNDEN — The Whatcom County Library System recently announced its four Golden Apple Award winners for 2026.
Lynden School Board to talk ninth-grade success
Directors to also explore value of Lynden Academy campus LYNDEN — Thursday, the Lynden School Board will learn more about the district’s key performance indicator — KPI — regarding ninth-grade success. This success, based on the district, is about ninth graders who are considered on track to graduate in four years. According to the board’s Oct. 22 agenda packet, the district’s goal is to maintain an 88% success rate in ninth grade.
Lynden educators plan for Oct. 28 strike
That joint email states that for the past two budget cycles the district has operated “with a deficit spending model, reducing reserves to near the board’s targeted minimum of 5%.” “We cannot allow Lynden to fall into state financial oversight, as other districts have, by failing to protect our operations,” the letter states.
Artist updates his Seventh Street mural
Harry Engstrom plans to spend parts of four days on project Originally painted by Arlington resident Harry Engstrom and his son Eric, the elder Engstrom plans to spend parts of four days adding new color to the sky and other parts of the 132-foot mural affected by weather. He started his touch-up work on Monday, Oct. 12. The original project took six weeks to complete, Engstrom said.
Be The One needs more mentors
WHATCOM — It’s not uncommon for a student to feel uncomfortable, even alone, as they transition from primary school to middle school. Several years ago, you could count Fernanda Simon-Solis among those kids. Then a sixth grader at Lynden Middle School, Simon-Solis became involved in the Be The One program, where adult mentors spend an hour each with week with a student. “I wanted someone to talk to,” she said. Simon-Solis was paired with a bilingual woman, Marleny Lindsey.
‘Stainless Jungle’ invades Jansen Art Center
Don Anderson, Mark Seeger showcase their metalworks in fall exhibit, Oct. 15-Jan. 9 LYNDEN — Don Anderson met Mark Seeger last year when the former was part of the annual Whatcom Artist Studio Tour. It was around that time when Terry Redden, exhibits curator at the Jansen Art Center, suggested a two-man show. “Terry proposed a show that highlights the contrast in our metalwork styles,” said Seeger, a resident of Ferndale.
Lynden fire, police respond to accident at Lynden gas station
Pumps at Front Street Market are temporarily closed According to Lt. Chad Baar of the Lynden Fire Department, the incident occurred when a woman accidentally bumped her vehicle into one of the pumps, which was then dislodged from its base. Both the pump’s base and the vehicle caught on fire, Baar explained. Nobody was injured in the accident. “A bystander helped the woman out of her vehicle,” Baar said. “Once the pump broke loose from the base the pumps automatically shut off.
Lynden fire, police respond to accident at Front Street Market
THIS STORY HAS BEEN UPDATED FROM THE ORIGINAL STORY THAT POSTED AT APPROX. 4 P.M. FRIDAY, OCT. 9. LYNDEN — Lynden’s police and fire departments responded to a fire at Front Street Market and gasoline station reported at approximately 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7. According to Lt. Chad Baar of the Lynden Fire Department, the incident occurred when a woman accidentally drove her vehicle into one of the pumps, which was then dislodged from its base.
UPDATE: Lynden Heritage Museum raises $100K
LYNDEN — In July, the Lynden Heritage Museum’s leadership announced a campaign to raise $100,000 after what were deemed as significant budget cuts. That shortage of money led to changes that included a drastic change in staffing. Late last week, Galen Laird, treasurer of the Lynden Heritage Museum Foundation’s board, confirmed rumors that the museum had reached its financial goal, with a little room to spare.
Travel trailer goes into ditch, blocks Guide Meridian north of Main Street
Northbound and southbound lanes on Guide Meridian Road between Main Street and Badger Road were blocked Thursday morning after a pickup truck driver’s travel trailer came undone and ended up in a ditch on the east side of northbound Guide Meridian. The driver was not injured. However, Washington State Patrol responded to the scene. No other vehicles were involved in the incident. (Bill Helm/Lynden Tribune)
Lynden Heritage Museum raises $100K
LYNDEN — In July, the Lynden Heritage Museum’s leadership announced a campaign to raise $100,000 after what were deemed as significant budget cuts. That shortage of money led to changes that included a drastic change in staffing. Late last week, Galen Laird, treasurer of the Lynden Heritage Museum Foundation’s board, confirmed rumors that the museum had reached its financial goal, with a little room to spare.
Lynden School Board to discuss goals for multilanguage learners
LYNDEN — Close to 600 students make up the Lynden School District’s multilingual learners. For the 2025-2026 school year, 42.1% of the Lynden School District’s multilanguage learners made progress toward English language proficiency. Thursday, the Lynden School Board will discuss the district’s goal to reach 50% by spring 2028. According to the district governing board’s Oct. 8 agenda, the students “who receive services to assist them in learning English” are assessed annually.
Lynden Christian drama to perform ‘Sense and Sensibility’
First on-stage production for LC in 2026-2027 school year LYNDEN — Lynden Christian High School’s drama department will perform “Sense and Sensibility” in Lynden Christian High School’s Worship and Fine Arts Center. Also known as the WFAC, performances are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Oct. 10 and at 7 p.m. Oct. 15 and Oct. 17. The play “Sense and Sensibility” was written by Kate Hamill, based on the Jane Austen novel.
Lynden Tribune & Ferndale Record finishes second in general excellence
According to the judge’s comment on general excellence, “another great representation of what a local hometown paper should be.” “Original content, good (opinion) pages, good reader engagement with letters. Sports done well. Good photography. Clean design. Good work.” In the advertising division, Tribune graphic artist Melanie Fair took home first-, second- and third-place awards. Her first place award for an advertisement smaller than one-half page was of Yeager’s Sporting Goods.
Ferndale police officer Larrick Winslow is fighting cancer
Diagnosed with Pleomorphic Sarcoma FERNDALE — One of Ferndale’s finest is battling a rare and highly aggressive form of cancer. So his community has started a GoFundMe page to help raise money for his treatment. With two-plus decades with the Ferndale Police Department, Officer Larrick Winslow has been diagnosed with Pleomorphic Sarcoma.
Lynden School Board to submit five priority WSSDA legislative positions
LYNDEN — Thursday, the Lynden School Board voted 4-to-0 to submit its five highest-priority WSSDA legislative positions for the upcoming legislative session. WSSDA stands for Washington State School Directors’ Association. It is the roughly 1,500 elected school board members across the state. Which means All public school board members are WSSDA members by default.
16-year-old to help open Lynden Music Festival
ABBA tribute band to headline this year’s event LYNDEN — Close to 20 years ago, Terhi Miikki-Broersma founded the Lynden Music Festival with the belief that a small community “can be home to extraordinary music.” “Each year, artists and audiences gather here to share performances that are intimate, memorable and uplifting,” said Miikki-Broersma, the event’s executive director, at the festival’s website, lyndenmusicfestival.com.
All roads lead to Lynden for Karen Rissling
Author recently releases first novel, a young adult psychological thriller called ‘Lockdown Lights Off’ LYNDEN — Depending on where you call home, it’s 32 miles — 51 kilometers — from Lynden to Chilliwack. For Karen Rissling, the road from the British Columbia community to Lynden included stops in Texas, Pennsylvania and Minnesota. A more circuitous route, to say the least. It’s been three years since the Chilliwack native moved to Lynden.
Student board member reports early success with updated policy
LYNDEN — In June, the Lynden School Board approved updates to the district’s policy on students and telecommunication devices. As with any policy, a first reading is necessary. Oftentimes, the board will read a policy a second time before approval. In some cases, such as with Policy 3245, the board requires a third reading before the policy becomes official.
Strategic Plan on Lynden School Board agenda
LYNDEN — The Lynden School Board discussed the district’s Strategic Plan for 2025-2028 during an in-meeting workshop on Sept. 10. As this was a workshop item, the district’s board of directors took no action. Thursday, the Lynden School Board will again discuss the multi-year plan and are expected to consider approval of the plan’s Areas of Focus for the 2026-2027 school year.
Sumas man dies in car accident
WHATCOM — A 48-year-old man has died in a single-vehicle accident outside of Sumas. According to a press memo from the Washington State Patrol, Sumas resident Sebastian Gomez was driving a 2006 Ford Expedition just before 11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, on State Route 547 near milepost 8 when his vehicle left the roadway to the right and struck a tree. Gomez, who according to WSP was not wearing his seat belt, died at the site of the accident. Gomez had no passengers in his vehicle.
LEA continues contract negotiations with Lynden Schools
LYNDEN — Since Sept. 1 the Lynden Education Association has worked without a new contract. On Sept. 22, the LEA and the Lynden School District will hold their next bargaining session as LEA works toward a contract for the 2026-2027 school year. Although the education association’s roughly 230 people ares mostly the district’s certified educators, the group also is comprised of school psychologists, speech language pathologists, physical and occupational therapists, and specialized service providers.
North Whatcom families opens Sahara Pizza in Lynden
Dan and Tiffeny McDowell and business partners Chris and Tom Wartinger open the Bender Plaza restaurant on Sept. 9 LYNDEN — Sahara Pizza now has 18 locations with the Sept. 9 soft opening of its Lynden restaurant. Sahara Lynden is in the Bender Plaza and is the second Sahara for Dan and Tiffeny McDowell. Their business partners, Tom and Chris Wartinger, also own a third location. Earlier in the summer, Dan McDowell said he hoped to have the new Lynden restaurant open by mid-July.
AT THE HELM: What do you want for your children’s future?
Your education is one of the most significant things that prepares you for an independent life. Whether you attend public school or private school, whether you are home schooled, whether you are K-12, preschool or postsecondary school, or trade school, classes have either started or getting ready to start. There are probably more than a few people who have ideas on what would make the education system better. Maybe your first question is – or maybe it should be – better for whom?
‘Seven Brides’ the ‘obvious choice’ for first-time director (with photo gallery)
12 performances of classic play at The Claire Theater, Sept. 10-27 LYNDEN — Soon, the Lynden Performing Arts Guild will lift the curtain for the first of its shows for the 2026-2027 season. This year’s shows are “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” “A Christmas Story: The Musical,” “Willy Wonka Jr.” and “Hood, The Musical.” The first show, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” will be at The Claire Theater for 12 performances, Sept. 10-27.
Bryan Brice named City of Lynden’s interim fire chief
LYNDEN — It’s been less than two years since Bryan Brice retired as chief of the Mount Vernon Fire Department. However, Brice is back at work, at least on an interim basis, as he will lead the Lynden Fire Department while Chief Mike Noonan is on medical leave.
Strategic Plan discussions on Lynden School Board agenda
LYNDEN — Thursday, the Lynden School Board will hold a workshop within its regularly scheduled first meeting of the month. The purpose of the work session is to discuss the district’s 2025-2028 Strategic Priorities and Areas of Focus as they pertain to the 2026-2027 school year. The Strategic Plan’s four priorities and focus points are, in order, safe and supportive environments, exceptional learning experience for all students, family and community partnerships, and fiscal and asset stewardship.
AT THE HELM: Mixing love of photography with volunteerism
Volunteerism is for everyone. Fact is, most everyone does it in some capacity. Helping a neighbor build a fence or taking a friend to the doctor count. Because volunteerism isn’t just about helping people you may or may not know. Simply defined, you are a volunteer if you freely offer your time, energy or skills to help others or support a good cause without expecting financial payment.
The General provides ‘lifetime of service’
1965 Ford F-100 truck part of this year’s NWW Fair’s old tractor, truck and car exhibit LYNDEN — It was in May 1975 when the Lynden School District acquired a 10-year old truck to become part of its maintenance and grounds fleet. Known as The General, that vehicle was built at Ford’s San Jose, California plant with a 240-cubic-inch inline six-cylinder engine.
Lynden Whiskey Event to raise money for annual Lynden Music Festival
LYNDEN — For the past four years, the Lynden Whiskey Event has been an opportunity to have fun in downtown Lynden while helping raise money for the annual Lynden Music Festival. This year’s Lynden Whiskey Event, now in its fourth year, will be from 4-10 p.m. Sept. 12. Starting at the top, there will be plenty of whiskey and other adult beverages — distilled or otherwise — available along Front Street for this annual event.
AT THE HELM: It is my job to do better. Full stop.
Nobody likes to be told when they’re wrong. However, realizing you have made a mistake is just the first step to doing better. Last week I reported that the results of two District 42 state representative primary election races were essentially as general elections because they were two-candidate races. This is not how the State of Washington handles any of its elections. And I should have fully understood that. After all, I have been here five years now.
August primary elections certified
Aug. 25 hand recount for Legislative District 42 state senator election WHATCOM — The Aug. 4 primary election for Whatcom County was made official at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18. With the exception of one race, all results — for intents and purposes — are final. That one race will determine which Democrat will face Republican Erika Creydt for Sharon Shewmake’s seat as Legislative District 42 State Senator. As of 5:26 p.m. Aug.
Longtime Lynden volunteer to step back from charitable work
LYNDEN — Since his arrival in Lynden, Dick Decima has involved himself in many of the community’s nonprofit endeavors. Due to what he said was “the state of his health and his age,” Decima has stepped back from his work with Whatcom Cemetery District 10, Ferndale Masonic Temple Association and Lynden/Ferndale International Masonic Lodge No. 56. Whatcom County Cemetery District 10 commissioners serve a six-year elected staggered term.
Rule, Timmons keep District 42 state rep seats
Republican Erica Creydt to face challenger for Sharon Shewmake’s state senatorial seat WHATCOM — The Aug. 4 primary election for Whatcom County was made official at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18. With the exception of one race, all results — for intents and purposes — are final. That one race will determine which Democrat will face Republican Erika Creydt for Sharon Shewmake’s seat as Legislative District 42 State Senator. As of 5:26 p.m. Aug.
Lynden School Board passes $69.7 million budget
District expected to use $1.3M savings to balance 2026-2027 accounts LYNDEN — It’s not ideal for a school district to pull from its reserves year after year. However, the Lynden School District will need to do that to run a balanced budget for the 2026-2027 school year. Thursday, Aug. 6, the Lynden School Board voted 4-to-0 to pass the district’s $69.733 million proposed budget. Board Member Khush Brar was absent.
Lynden School Board approves bilingual instruction program
LYNDEN — In addition to passing the district’s budget, the Lynden School Board approved the Transitional Bilingual Instruction Program on Aug. 6.
Whatcom artist needs new kidney
WHATCOM — Erin Zatrine needs a new kidney. There’s just no easy way to say it. However, this won’t be her first serious surgery. In 2020 — just before the COVID-19 pandemic really took hold stateside — she received a double lung replacement. So she knows what life-altering experiences are like. Despite her poor health, Zatrine keeps as busy as she can as a wife, aunt, daughter, friend — and a photographer. You’d think her lack of good health would make it hard for her to do photography.
Unofficial ballot drop-off locations not illegal
Whatcom County auditor says it is the ‘voter’s choice to do so’ LYNDEN — Folks driving Hannegan and Pole roads in Everson leading up to the Aug.
UPDATE: Alicia Rule, Joe Timmons ahead in LD42 state rep races
WHATCOM — Alicia Rule and Joe Timmons are ahead in their quests to remain as Legislative District 42 State Representatives as of the unofficial election results as of 7:59 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 6. Although the election is a primary election for most seats, each of the LD42 State Rep 1 and 2 elections have but two candidates. Which means these two elections would not go to the November General Election unless either candidate received at least 50% of the participating vote.
NWW Fair returns to Lynden Aug. 13-22
LYNDEN — Live music? Check. Carnival rides, games and food? Check. Exhibits? Check. Animals? Check, check and check. This year’s Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden, Aug. 13-22, will offer a whole lot of fun for everyone. The fair’s first grandstand event this year is the Demolition Derby. A two-day event, from Aug. 13-14, the fun begins both nights at 7 p.m. At 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, Stone Temple Pilots will take center stage as part of the fair’s annual Grandstand Entertainment Series.
Alicia Rule, Joe Timmons ahead in LD42 state rep races
WHATCOM — Alicia Rule and Joe Timmons are ahead in their quests to remain as Legislative District 42 State Representatives as of the unofficial election results as of 8:12 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4. Although the election is a primary election for most seats, each of the LD42 State Rep 1 and 2 elections have but two candidates. Which means these two elections would not go to the November General Election unless neither candidate received at least 50% of the participating vote.
UK native talks American Revolution in Ferndale
Library hosts presentation in conjunction with U.S. 250th celebration FERNDALE — There was a time when Lawrence B.A. Hatter wanted to become an attorney. Until he found himself interested in 18th century history, specifically, the American Revolution. Which to some people would be all the more interesting — because Hatter grew up in England. “I chose to become a historian when I decided that I didn’t want to be a lawyer anymore,” he said.
Newsroom Pub owners also own The Encore Lounge
Formerly The Mill at Seventh, corner of Front and Seventh streets LYNDEN — Lynden’s newest dining establishment was born from casual conversation. Then known as The Mill at Seventh, the restaurant was owned by Linda and Mark Wohlrab. “After touring the space and discussing its potential together, we saw an opportunity to create a concept that would complement The Newsroom Pub while offering Lynden a different kind of experience,” said Branden Brink, who with his wife Heather bought the restaurant.
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