News In Brief

Train delays: Second meeting set for November 20
Following last month�s meeting with government, railroad and state officials, the city of Blaine has scheduled a follow-up meeting with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to further discuss the train delays at the junction of Bell Road and Peace Portal Drive. The meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, November 20 at 7 p.m. at city hall. DHS officials will be joined by additional representatives from Washington D.C. The rail Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS) was installed in early September as an added measure of national security following September 11; however, the increased inspection of rail cargo has caused traffic delays and concerns over public safety.

Volunteers needed for final HFH home touchups
Three to four volunteers are needed Thursday afternoon, November 13, at the Blaine Habitat for Humanity (HFH) home at 940 Cedar Street to help with the completion of finishing touches, including doors and painting. Those interested in volunteering, should call Jim at 366-3581. The home will be dedicated on Saturday, November 22 and soon-to-be-owners Mark and Debbie Heinzer will be on hand.

Birch Bay: Youth opportunities to be discussed
Residents of Birch Bay, especially parents and children, are encouraged to attend a meeting focusing on recreational opportunities and afterschool activities for children in the Birch Bay area. Sponsored by the Birch Bay Plan Steering Committee and Smart Growth Birch Bay, the meeting will be held at the Birch Bay Bible Community Church, located on Jackson Road between Grandview and Bay roads, on November 18 from 7- 9 p.m. Discussion will include what actions residents can take to support Birch Bay�s youth. For more information, contact Alan at 371-3441 or email citizenscience@comcast.net

Grate coverings removed on D and E streets
A total of six grate coverings had been tampered with and removed from several storm drains in the area of D and E streets, near 8th Street, last week, according to Blaine police chief Mike Haslip and public works director Steve Banham. Public works employees located the grates, which had been pulled up and thrown into the drain system. The covers were replaced, and officers are investigating the reckless endangerment offense that was committed. This was the second time that vandals have tampered with the grates.

Local group sponsoring �Meet the Developer�
The independent citizen�s organization Smart Growth Birch Bay is sponsoring a �Meet the Developer� night with Ken Hertz of Blossom Development. Hertz will discuss plans for Malibu Associates, a 90-acre parcel located in the Birch Bay urban growth area on Point Whitehorn and Grandview roads. Currently, the site is undeveloped woodlands containing wetlands and a seasonal stream, and is adjacent to residential properties and the Birch Bay state park. The meeting will be held on Monday, November 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Birch Bay fire station on Birch Bay-Lynden Road. For more information, call 371-4217.

Two teens found with weapons on school grounds
Two teenagers were found to have weapons on Blaine school grounds last week. A 17-year-old male under a No Trespass Order issued by the school district was picked up for violating that order when he entered the campus around 8:15 a.m. on Monday, November 6. The male, who is not a student, was found to be in possession of a long hollow plastic pipe that appeared to be a club, according to Blaine police chief Mike Haslip. Inside the pipe was a metal bar and a knife with a six-inch blade. The teen claimed he was carrying the weapons for protection from other people, also not students, who he claimed might attack him. He was booked into juvenile detention and was evaluated by a professional from the county department of mental health. A 15-year-old student, who is biologically related to the first, was found shortly after to have a metal screw driver, nail clippers, and two utility knifes. Although related, there seemed to be no connection between the two, Haslip said.

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