Wed, Apr 25, 2012
Birch Bay pedestrian facility moves forward
Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce members received a nice surprise at their monthly meeting last week. Whatcom County Executive Jack Louws told them that county public works staff have started seeking funding sources for long-awaited pedestrian and shoreline improvements along Birch Bay Drive.
City reinstituting water, sewer connection fees
Citing slow economic growth, Blaine City Council has voted to re-establish water and sewer hook-up fees for new development in the city.
Immigrant rights group claims CBP racially profiles along northern border
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents engage in racial profiling when dealing with Latinos along the northern border, instilling a climate of fear within immigrant communities.
Home & Garden Special Section: A bamboo oasis in a Blaine backyard
In the corner of the yard, a rare black bamboo plant is flowering. Tom Burton planted it 31 years ago, after receiving it as a housewarming gift when he and his wife finished building their Blaine Avenue home. Bamboo flowers infrequently, and afterward the plant dies. However, Burton is hopeful. His black bamboo plant is the only one around, so he’s going to leave it be and hope that since it can’t cross-pollenate with any other plants, it’ll survive.
Whatcom County man accused of running puppy mill
A Whatcom County man has been accused of animal cruelty after Whatcom Humane Society (WHS) officers seized nearly 50 dogs from his property.
County council votes to approve voting precinct changes
Most registered Whatcom County voters are in new voting precincts following a Whatcom County Council vote on Tuesday.
County executive pledges portable restrooms for Birch Bay this summer
The Birch Bay waterfront will once again be equipped with portable restrooms for the summer thanks to Whatcom County executive Jack Louws.
City council approves Peace Portal trail bid
An improved pedestrian and bike trail will be completed just in time for summer, according to Blaine Public Works staff.
Birch Bay businesses sought for coupon book
The group charged with developing ways to promote off-season tourism in Birch Bay and the Mt. Baker foothills area has come up with a nifty idea: a coupon book filled with offers good from Labor Day until Thanksgiving 2012. Organizers are hoping that Birch Bay businesses will want to be included in the promotional vehicle.
Hanging basket sales fund girls’ scholarships
The Blaine chapter of the international women’s group Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) is once again selling hanging baskets to raise money for local girls’ scholarships.
Home & Garden Special Section: Get your house ready to sell
If you’re putting your house on the market, you can help ensure the fastest selling time and highest price by making sure it’s as clean and neat as possible.
Home & Garden Special Section: Wood refinishing business opens Blaine branch
The owner of a nationwide wood refinishing chain has opened an office in Blaine to serve northwest Washington.
A Visitor to Birch Bay
This Bonaparte’s gull was wading in the shallows during low tide in Birch Bay on Tuesday, likely on its way to Canada or Alaska to breed.
U.S. Border Patrol Report
The U.S. Border Patrol report for April 13 through April 18
Wed, Apr 18, 2012
Effects of stormwater permit on Birch Bay uncertain
Whatcom County stormwater planners are taking a “wait and see” approach in response to a local environmental group’s petition to have Birch Bay included in a national stormwater monitoring permit that would place more onerous demands on local stormwater management practices.
Marine Drive improvements get thumbs-up
Improvements to Marine Drive near the railroad tracks will move ahead with minor changes after a Blaine Planning Commission vote last week.
County seeks first round of comments on Cherry Point terminal project
County residents now have their first opportunity to officially weigh in on the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal.
Blaine Planning Commission approves proposed Chada Thai expansion
The owners of the Chada Thai restaurant on Peace Portal Drive will be allowed to expand their kitchen and build a basement after getting the necessary permissions from the Blaine Planning Commission.
Volunteers sought for state middle school math championships
The Blaine school district will once again be host to the Washington State Middle School Math Championships this year, and organizers are looking for volunteers to help run the competition.
Green Living Special Section: Hit the road on two wheels
Blaine resident Ken Knutson, 81, loves to ride his bike. He generally goes on two trips daily, adhering to a similar route each time. He starts at the senior center, and from there he travels to city hall for a cup of coffee. Then he rides home, unless he wants to stop at the store or visit friends a bit further south.
Green Living Special Section: Sustainable Connections conference slated for April 26, 27 in Bellingham
Sustainable Connections’ Future of Business Conference kicks off this year with what organizers call a “localicious opening reception.” Attendees to the conference will be able to register and then join a “meet, greet, and eat” session being held at the Whatcom Museum starting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 26.
Green Living Special Section: Take advantage of the Community Energy
As a homeowner, how would you like to reduce energy use, save money, improve comfort and increase your home value – all while protecting our environment?
Green Living Special Section: Rain barrel workshops scheduled
The Birch Bay Water and Sewer District (BBWSD) is planning two workshops this spring to teach Blaine and Birch Bay residents the basics of rainwater collection.
Green Living Special Section: Free spark plugs, filters for Earth Day
An outdoor power equipment dealer in Ferndale is marking Earth Day by offering free spark plugs and air filters for lawnmowers.
On the Water Special Boating Section: Coast Guard Auxiliary offers education, fun
Would you be interested in being a photographer for a polar expedition? Would you like to be a chef coordinating thousands of dinners? Or do you just want to know how to send out a Mayday when a day out on the water takes a bad turn? The United States Coast Guard (USCG) Auxiliary could be how you get there.
On the Water Special Boating Section: Fishermen’s Memorial Committee to launch scholarship
A $500 scholarship to aid a Blaine High School senior whose family is involved in the fishing industry will be offered for the first time this spring.
U.S. Border Patrol Report
The U.S. Border Patrol Report for March 29 through April 9
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