Breaking news

CDC to put tight restrictions on dogs traveling across the border

Barring some response from elected federal officials, the CDC will be implementing new rules about bringing dogs into the country by land, sea or air from anywhere in the world. This will include …

Man sues Birch Bay Waterslides for serious injury on slide

A Skagit County man who spent nearly two weeks in intensive care after being injured going down a faulty slide at Birch Bay Waterslides last August has sued the water park for negligence. The water …

Northern lights make rare showing above Blaine

Oh bear, they're back!

Several Blaine residents have recently reported seeing a mother black bear and her offspring wandering around Giles Road, just north of Custer. The sightings come after a black bear and two cubs were …

More news

Spring block party coming to downtown Blaine

An all-day spring block party will fill the streets of downtown Blaine on Saturday, May 18. Blaine Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event from noon to 8 p.m. The spring party will be …

Candidates file to run for public positions

As election season nears, a slate of candidates has filed for offices to represent north Whatcom County residents. Below is a list of some candidates who decided to run in the August 2024 …

Blaine Planning Commission changes downtown parking recommendation

Blaine Planning Commission made revisions to its downtown residential parking recommendation for city council during its May 9 meeting and planned to hold a special meeting at 5 p.m. May 15 to vote …

Veronica North’s EP “double bar line.” The Birch Bay artist will perform at Wild Buffalo on Thursday, May 23.

Veronica North headlines Wild Buffalo

Birch Bay singer-songwriter Veronica North will take center stage at Bellingham’s popular music venue, the Wild Buffalo, on Thursday, May 23. The concert, only for those over 21 years old, …

Blaine artist Georgia Donovan has over 20 pieces of art on display at the Great Blue Heron restaurant at Semiahmoo Golf Club, including the painting titled, “Oh! Deer!” Available for purchase, her work will be on display through the end of May. Donovan’s art is also showcased at The Starfish Cafe at Semiahmoo Marina and Rooted by The Bay Coffee Shop in Birch Bay. For more of Donovan’s work, visit fineartamerica.com.

Georgia Donovan’s art at Great Blue Heron

National Police Week was honored during the May 13 Blaine City Council meeting. Mayor Mary Lou Steward, r., read a proclamation for the week while police chief Rodger Funk remembered the three members of Blaine’s police force who lost their lives in the line of duty: former interim chief Michael Knapp, who died while working for Lynden Police Department in 2019; and assistant chief Larry Duronso and officer Douglas Krenz, who died in a plane crash in 1978. “There have been numerous police officers and agents who have served federal, state and local agencies who have lost their lives in Whatcom County,” Funk said.

National Police Week recognized in Blaine

KMRE Radio to host fundraiser to expand into Blaine, Birch Bay

Bellingham-based community radio station KMRE will hold its first pledge drive from Friday, May 17 to Sunday, May 19. Funds donated from the community will go toward the station’s goal of …

Sports update

Navarez and Griffin head to state, 22 head to track and field bi-districts

Track and Field Blaine track and field competed well in the Northwest Conference 1A District Championships at Lynden Christian on May 8 and 10, with 22 athletes qualifying for the District 1/2 …

Last week in sports...

Baseball and boys soccer bow out in district playoffs, softball wins big

Baseball Blaine baseball had the toughest path through the District 1/2 1A tournament after finishing the regular season third in the Northwest Conference (NWC) 1A standings. Blaine needed a win …

Weekly updates

Blaine Police Department Reports: May 16-22, 2024

May 4, 1:28 a.m.: Burglary on Canvasback Road. May 4, 10:52 a.m.: Sex crime (no rape) on Mitchell Avenue. May 4, 4:05 p.m.: Death investigation on Boblett Street. May 4, 6:11 p.m.: …

Sheriff's Reports, May 16-22, 2024

May 3, 8:32 a.m.: Civil problem cold call on Bay Road. May 3, 3:51 p.m.: Civil problem cold call on Comox Road. May 4, 1:46 a.m.: Domestic – physical on Birch Bay Drive. May 4, …

Letters to The Editor: May 16-22, 2024

The Editor: I am writing again to commend you for your excellent coverage, this time the finessed departure of Jon Hutchings, the former Whatcom County public works director. All I know about …

This year's winning entries are...

Current issue

The Northern Light: May 16-22, 2024

Crossword Puzzle Answers

Crossword Puzzle Answers: May 16-22, 2024

In case you missed it...

Birch Bay Waterslides opened in 1983 and has eight slides, two pools, a hot tub and other attractions.

Birch Bay Waterslides to undergo refurbishment, remain closed for 2024 season

Birch Bay Waterslides won’t be open this summer as its operating permit remains suspended following a serious injury at the end of last season. Water park management is planning a full …

The Birch Bay Incorporation Association approved city boundaries it plans to use a feasibility study. The boundaries follow the Birch Bay urban growth area. Other areas, such as Birch Point or south of Point Whitehorn, could be added if residents wanted to be included.

Whatcom County Council to consider fully funding Birch Bay incorporation feasibility study

Whatcom County Council is anticipated to vote in June on providing crucial funding for Birch Bay incorporation efforts through a feasibility study that would provide a clearer picture of costs …

Baywood celebrated its grand opening at 8036 Birch Bay Drive on May 3.

Baywood Coffee opens in Birch Bay

A new Birch Bay coffee shop with beachside views and the goal of becoming a community hub has opened just in time for summer. Baywood Coffee celebrated its grand opening May 3 in the former …

The Washington state Department of Ecology report highlighted declining salmon populations, low water levels due to growing demand and diminishing snowpack, and a long history of water disputes as reasons it supported adjudication of the Nooksack River.

Ecology officially begins Nooksack adjudication

After years of preliminary work, the Washington Department of Ecology (DOE) filed for a general adjudication of the Nooksack watershed in Whatcom County Superior Court on May 1, officially starting …

Whatcom County Council forms investigative committee on sexual harassment complaints

Whatcom County Council formed a three-member investigative committee to formally review how the county handles sexual harassment claims and legal payouts during its committee of the whole meeting on …

Marketplace