The Washington Court of Appeals reversed a 2007 Whatcom County Superior Court ruling last week that voided building permits sought by developers in Birch Bay because of objections from North Whatcom Fire and Rescue (NWFR) officials.

The annual Fourth of July parade gets underway Saturday at noon in downtown Blaine with the always cheerful Jerry Wolten as grand marshal. Wolten owns and operates the Wolten’s True Value Hardware store and has been a fixture at local athletic events for many years. He is again reserving his parking lot at Clark and Peace Portal Drive for handicapped parking.

A former Blaine Border Patrol agent will serve up to four years in prison for three counts of child rape.

Birch Bay beach clean-up July 5 • CJ’s hosts wine pairing night July 11 • Church has new Birch Bay location • Two paddling events scheduled in July • Border agents nab $1 million in ecstasy • Boys & Girls Club auction July 18 • Health officials urge dead bird reporting

Drayton Harbor will be safer for water sports this year due to the efforts of a handful of local folks and businesses.

Western Washington University student Taylor Livingston will begin a journey of a thousand miles in Blaine.

Local law and fire officials are advising consumers to exercise caution when purchasing fireworks this Fourth of July.

A Toni & Guy-affiliated hair salon is one of Birch Bay Square’s newest openings.

Quick thinking saved a sailboat from sinking Monday night.