News In Brief

Blaine woman donates tidelands to city
The Blaine city council unanimously voted to accept 1.2 acres of donated tidelands. Caroline Larson, 94, donated the land to the city parks board, and it will be added to Marine Park. She has owned the land for more than 50 years. City officials voiced appreciation to Larson for her donation at Monday evening’s city council meeting, citing the importance of area birding and tidelands.

Whatcom County burn ban still in effect
All open burning under the jurisdiction of Whatcom County is still suspended. The ban went into effect on July 16 at 8 a.m. by order of Whatcom County Fire Marshal Warner Webb. The suspension is due to dry weather conditions and is in effect until further notice. For current burn ban information please call 676-6934.

Council votes against Georgia Street vacation
After more than three hours of debate over the course of two city council meetings, the council voted 7-0 against a 30-foot vacation on Georgia Street. A number of local residents voiced concerns about bald eagle habitat and wetlands in that area. The land owner seeking the vacation, plans to build a duplex and wanted to line the structure up with other homes on that road.

Two cases of animal deaths ruled mysterious
According to SSP-Preferred Animal Care, two dogs and a calf have died as a result of mysterious circumstances. On July 20, a calf was found after being taken from a Blaine Road barn, stabbed in the throat and dragged outside. It’s stomach had been cut open. Six days later, two dogs were found dead in an abandoned car on Halverstick Road. The car was the property of the dogs’ owners, however the car was left closed. The dogs had been bleeding from the nose and one had vomited.

Mural project in the works, funds needed
Two artists are currently involved in the mural project at the Pizza Factory in Blaine, however volunteers and supplies are needed for the project, according to owner Marv Adam. Several months ago, Adam and the Blaine chamber of commerce began discussing the idea of painting a mural on the vacant wall of the Pizza Factory building on Peace Portal Drive and H Street.
“It’s a work in progress,” Adam said. “We’re working on trying to get help with the costs and we are in need of volunteers. It’s not happening as fast as we want it, but it’s happening.” The mural’s design scheme will largely include historical sketches, including the Blaine Journal newspaper office, old steam train, marina, lighthouse and one of the first Blaine churches. In addition, there will be images of the Peace Arch and early area logging. The project is hoped to be completed by the fall and anyone interested in volunteering or making a donation should call Adam at 332-3636.

Ken Ely announces council candidacy
Long-time Blaine resident and chiropractor Ken Ely announced his candidacy for Blaine city council, ward 2, position 3, earlier this week. If reelected, it will be his second term. Ely stated he he ran for the position four years ago to stand for the improvement of Blaine’s economy. “But what I had hoped we could achieve in two years has taken us four. I must continue in office for another term to help finish the job.”
Ely said he believes Blaine’s economy is at a pivotal point. “We have some strong potentials in hand at present. If we play our cards wisely, we’ll take the trick,” he said. “Economies are like gardens: they have to be tended. But, if at the end of the next four years, we’re building a new sewer plant, the boardwalk is being enjoyed, the lighthouse project is drawing visitors, the old train station is full of model trains, and the Plover is running every day of the week during summer - and with all this, some strong, permanent infill has occurred in the downtown business community, I’ll call my job done!”

More than $10,000 in goods stolen in two thefts
Two thefts last week in Blaine netted thieves about $10,000 in goods. On July 22, a citizen reported that his vehicle in the 9100 block of Semiahmoo Parkway had been broken into. Among the items taken were fishing equipment, a GPS unit, laptop computer and accessories, digital camera, video camera and tools. The stolen items were valued at almost $7,500. During the same evening, a stereo system and television was taken from a home in the 500 block of F Street. An investigation is continuing in both incidents.

Birch Bay steering committee sets plan date
The Birch Bay steering committee will introduce the Birch Bay community plan to the public on September 20 at 10 a.m. at the county courthouse. The plan will then go before the Whatcom County public works department on September 25 at 6:30 p.m. The community plan encompasses the committee’s findings and suggestions about issues relating to Birch Bay, such as natural resources, public education, health and safety, transportation and utilities, and governance.
Doralee Booth, co-chair of the committee’s health and safety division, said the intention of the public meeting is to inform the public of the committee’s findings and let them know how they can become involved with the goals of the community plan. The steering committee’s next meeting will be August 27, with the time and location yet to be determined.