News | The Northern Light

Covid-19 cases in Whatcom County by school district, January 16

As of January 18, Whatcom County has had a total of 4,880 confirmed cases of Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic and 56 deaths, according to the Washington State Department of Health … more

1/20/21 07:02 PM

Birch Bay berm performing as it should, public works says no project will prevent all damage

Whatcom County Public Works said in a news release on January 14 that the Birch Bay berm performed well during the previous week’s storm and any flooding occurred in an area not protected … more

By Ian Haupt | 1/20/21 06:54 PM

Wings Over Water set for virtual festival in March

Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival will host online events this March to continue teaching community members about migratory birds that frequent the Blaine area. The 19th annual festival … more

1/20/21 06:50 PM

Borderite football excited for possible return, amid new guidelines

The Borderite football team has not played a snap since its November 2019 playoff game against Liberty High School and the team’s newly built stadium remains unused. For the past several … more

By Conor Wilson | 1/20/21 06:46 PM

Missionaries provide free household help to county residents

Missionaries are providing community members with household help – from raking leaves to cleaning garages –at no expense. About 30 missionaries have helped over 130 people since they … more

By Grace McCarthy | 1/20/21 06:42 PM

City to hold public hearing on final assessment roll for Gateway project

Blaine City Council will hold a virtual public hearing on the final assessment of the Gateway stormwater improvements at 6 p.m. on Monday, February 8. The Gateway stormwater project is under … more

1/20/21 06:38 PM

Road Rules: When can pets become a distraction while driving?

Q: Distracted driving is easy to pin on phone usage, but what about little dogs on drivers’ laps? I’ve seen so many situations that can be very dangerous due to dogs between the driver … more

By Doug Dahl | 1/20/21 06:31 PM

Capital gains tax gets a harsh reception in Olympia

A different take on governor Jay Inslee’s capital gains tax, less broad and friendlier to small family-owned businesses, will likely be introduced later in this year’s legislative … more

By Patric Haerle, Washington State Journal | 1/20/21 06:27 PM

Parents, educators worry Inslee schools budget falls short

Governor Jay Inslee’s proposed budget for the upcoming biennium calls for $570 million in new education spending, but many parents and educators have expressed frustration that the … more

By Patric Haerle, Washington State Journal | 1/20/21 06:23 PM

Sheriff's Reports, January 21-27, 2021

January 12, 2:52 a.m.: Domestic verbal in progress on Harborview Road. January 12, 9:02 a.m.: Refer to other agency in progress on Quinault Road. January 12, 12:10 p.m.: Traffic stop on Arnie … more

1/20/21 06:15 PM

Year in Review: Blaine Library

2020 began like previous years with the Blaine Library’s usual slate of programs – children’s storytimes, LEGO, Slime, and chess clubs, teen gaming and art groups, and gardening and … more

By Debby Farmer, branch manager | 1/20/21 06:02 PM

Whatcom County Sheriff's Office employees test positive for Covid-19

Seven Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office employees have tested positive for Covid-19 over the past two weeks, six of whom are law enforcement deputies and one a corrections deputy. The … more

By Grace McCarthy | 1/15/21 08:19 PM

Blaine burglary turns into high-speed chase, suspects arrested

Blaine police officers entered into a high-speed pursuit just after midnight January 13 when three burglary suspects attempted to elude police. Blaine Police Department booked Dillon Wilson, 30, … more

By Ian Haupt | 1/14/21 08:31 PM

Covid-19 cases increasing at alarming rate, health officials say

Whatcom County Health Department officials are pleading for the public to take immediate precautions as Covid-19 numbers sky rocket to the highest they’ve been since the pandemic … more

By Grace McCarthy | 1/13/21 08:25 PM

U.S./Canada border closure extended until February 21

The U.S./Canada border closure to non-essential travel has been extended for the 10th time with a continued closure until at least February 21, 2021. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau … more

By Grace McCarthy | 1/13/21 08:18 PM

Vaccines distribution continues in county with 9,200 doses delivered

According to a Whatcom County Health Department spokesperson, 9,200 Covid-19 vaccine doses had been delivered to the county as of January 13. The county has 17 enrolled vaccine providers, … more

By Grace McCarthy | 1/13/21 08:12 PM

Family Care Network project delayed five months

A purchase agreement for a proposed Family Care Network (FCN) clinic has been delayed until early summer, after the feasibility period was extended from December 31 to May 28. The deal’s … more

By Grace McCarthy | 1/13/21 08:04 PM

Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce receives $100,000 grant

Whatcom County Council granted the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce $100,000 to pay for the operations of the Birch Bay Visitor Center and the promotion and advertising of its events for … more

By Ian Haupt | 1/13/21 08:02 PM

WIAA announces fall sports to start February

The Washington State Interscholastic Activities Association’s (WIAA) executive board voted to amend its schedule January 6, moving the traditional fall sports season to begin February … more

By Conor Wilson | 1/13/21 08:00 PM

City of Blaine to offer RED loan program again

The city of Blaine has reintroduced a loan program to assist local businesses amid the economic impacts of Covid-19. The city will begin accepting applications for low interest $5,000 to … more

By Conor Wilson | 1/13/21 07:57 PM