The Birch Bay Water and Sewer District has received its 19th Outstanding Performance Award from the Washington State Department of Ecology, recognizing its wastewater treatment plant for meeting state water quality standards in 2025. The district was among 126 facilities honored out of more than 300 statewide and one of four in Whatcom County. The award recognizes compliance with water quality monitoring, reporting requirements and discharge limits designed to protect public health and the environment. “This award reflects the skill, consistency, and teamwork of our wastewater treatment staff,” General Manager Sandi McMillan said. The district, which has served Birch Bay since 1976, provides water and wastewater services to more than 8,000 connections.
Home Farm announced that it will be permanently closed to the public after nine years in a Facebook post Monday. The farm at 8020 Kickerville Road owned by Dan Burdick and Bridgette DiMonda has operated a farm stand and u-pick pumpkin patch. Earlier this year, they announced that the farm itself would not open to the public because it did not grow pumpkins or corn this year due to rising fuel and fertilizer costs, with the farm stand remaining open. The owners cited loss of inventory and continued theft as factors that contributed to the decision to close the farm stand permanently. The farm will continue raising hogs and operating its food rescue program in Whatcom County.
Founder of Pittie Project PNW Ashley Georgia appeared in Whatcom County Superior Court for a preliminary hearing and arraignment Monday, following her arrest on Oct. 23. Georgia pleaded not guilty to 30 counts of first degree animal cruelty, and bail was set at $200,000 with no cash alternative. If Georgia posts bail, she is prohibited from leaving the state or county without permission and may not have contact with any animals. She remained in jail Tuesday afternoon. There will be a status hearing on Nov. 18 and a trial date has been set for Dec. 14.
The Blaine City Council approved Monday a zoning moratorium on battery energy storage systems and data centers. The moratorium prevents the city from accepting or processing applications for either facility. The moratorium, which will last one year, will allow the city to develop regulations on battery energy storage systems and data centers. The city will be regulating battery energy storage systems and data centers separately, city staff said.
The Blaine City Council approved an ordinance Monday that bans the sale of kratom and kratom-derived products within the city. The ordinance, which will go into effect five days from publication, makes it a gross misdemeanor to sell kratom products. Police Chief Rodger Funk said that this is the best Blaine can do at the moment, but until kratom products are federally regulated, it's on local governments to regulate the products. Whatcom County is also developing regulations on kratom products.
The Blaine City Council approved an ordinance Monday that concluded its deannexation dispute with Whatcom County. The ordinance granted final approval of the deannexation and defines the new city limits. About 573 acres will be transferred to the county, including a 1.5-mile stretch of H Street. Blaine will be responsible for maintaining this portion of H Street until July 2030. Blaine will also reimburse the county for 20% of its H Street repair project, but this amount is capped at $250,000.
A 63-year-old man is facing felony harassment and malicious harassment charges after he threatened a man’s life in Blaine on Oct. 21. Blaine Police responded to a call in the 300 block of Alder Street in which Wesley Copeland allegedly was holding a hunting knife and a rock as he threatened to kill another man. According to court records, Copeland called the man a slur before pointing the knife at his face, which was about six inches away. Copeland is being held in Whatcom County Jail without bail.
