News In Brief trillium

Resident tips police, wanted felon found in bar
Blaine police took a wanted felon into custody, after a resident tipped authorities that he was in a bar in the 600 block of Peace Portal Drive. Marcus W. Humphrey, 33, was wanted by the Washington State department of adult corrections in Pierce County for violating the terms of his community custody program there, according to Blaine police chief Mike Haslip. Humphrey is a violent offender whose criminal record includes sexual assault against children and felony hit and run. On August 28, the Bellingham police issued a Level III sex offender notice about Humphrey, when it appeared he would become a resident.

Skate park fundraiser nets $300, plans continue
The Blaine Extreme Sports Club held a car wash on Saturday, September 20 and raised over $300 for the proposed skate park, with over 15 kids helping out. In addition to this fundraiser, the New Edge Hair Design is supporting the park by donating $5 from every adult hair cut through Friday, September 27. Appointments are necessary, and can be set up by calling 332-7626.

Governor Locke, business leaders meet in Blaine
State business leaders are in Blaine this week to discuss the economic future of the state. The annual policy summit of the Association of Washington Businesses (AWB) is being held now through Friday at the Semiahmoo Resort. �The idea of AWB�s policy summit is to provide today�s employers with the tools they need to put Washington on the leading edge of today�s business world,� said AWB president Don Brunell. These tools will include a conversation with Governor Gary Locke and several seminars that look at the state�s strengths. The AWB is Washington�s oldest and largest business organization with 3,700 members, employing more than 600,000 workers in the state.

Trillium files second Seagrass Cottage application
Trillium Corporation filed a second application for its proposed Seagrass Cottage on Semiahmoo spit, according to community planner Russell Nelson. The application was submitted on August 19; however, a determination of complete application was made on September 15. The plan now includes 36 duplex lots on roughly 20 acres, and includes public parking and public access trails to the beach. The public is allowed to provide input about the project in a written format to the city of Blaine planning department, 344 H Street, Blaine, WA 98230. A public hearing has not been set yet, Nelson said.
The Seagrass Cottage project initially included 64 units on 14 acres; however, Trillium decided to change the plan after the community vocalized environmental concerns, including birdlife, road work, and sewage treatment issues.

Contest attracts 75 artists, next one in the works
An art contest sponsored by the Smuggler�s Inn, a Blaine bed and breakfast, attracted 75 artists and a total of 26 entries were made. Owner Bob Boule said there would have been more entries had there been more preparation time. About $1,800 in prizes went to the artists, who were judged by residents and officials, including city manager Gary Tomsic and Bruce and Sandy Wolf. First place went to Jan Kupka, second was awarded to Cynthia Jackson, third to Jordan River and people�s choice went to Nathan Karuza. The art will be displayed at businesses throughout the area. Next year�s art contest is already in the works and will feature Blaine�s boardwalk, Boule said. The boardwalk design is already complete, so artists will be asked to create a Victorian community around the finished boardwalk.

Dakota Creek Roadhouse closed, concert moved
Dakota Creek Roadhouse boarded up its windows and doors last week, and a scheduled concert has had to change venue. Blue Rodeo, a popular Canadian alt-country-rock outfit, will appear in concert with Oh Susanna on Saturday, September 27 at the Fairhaven Pub & Martini Bar, 1114 Harris Avenue, Bellingham. It will be the first concert ever in Bellingham for Blue Rodeo. Tickets are still available for $18 advance from Ticketmaster or $20 at the door. For directions see www.fairhavenpub.com or call 671-6745. The owner of Dakota Creek Roadhouse could not be reached for comment as of press time.

Land proposal: No action taken at city council
The Blaine city council took no action at Monday evening�s meeting concerning the proposed land deal that would add 5.43 acres to the Blaine Municipal Airport. The land, owned by Custer resident Robert Carruthers, lies near the southern end of the airport and contains tall trees that encroach into the airport�s flight path. The city of Blaine initially offered Carruthers $300,000 for the land, and he in turn requested $310,000 - the extra $10,000 for legal fees he has incurred while fighting the city of Blaine in court over the trees. The proposed deal is now at $305,000. City attorney Jon Sitkin had no comment on the proposal, but did say a deal should be reached soon.

Gleaners has new hours, seeks board members
Gleaners, the county-wide food reclamation program based in Birch Bay, has announced new hours and is seeking additional members, as well as board of director members. According to Lori Furman, Gleaners is now open from 5 - 6 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the back room of Video Impact at the junction of Birch Bay-Lynden Road and Blaine Road. For more information, call Furman at 371-3082 or Vivien Drake at 371-3341.