Blaine residents and business owners could see a decrease in their fire insurance premiums after North Whatcom Fire and Rescue officials (NWFR) reported improvements in the city’s fire rating.

At long last, the waters off Blaine and Birch Bay will be open to recreational crabbing starting Thursday.

Voters in Blaine and Birch Bay mostly agreed with voters across Whatcom County and the state in the August 7 primary’s major races – except the Washington governor’s contest.

Whatcom County staff have planned a community meeting for August 21 to inform residents of the Cottonwood Beach neighborhood about stormwater issues and projects focused on the area.

One Blaine and five Birch Bay residents were arrested last week on various charges that included possession of drugs and stolen property.

Birch Bay Water and Sewer District (BBWSD) commissioners have approved policy changes that should prevent people from making false claims when seeking credit for leaks.

As August’s summer sun beats down on Blaine, The Northern Light followed Kathleen Capson, one of Blaine’s most knowledgeable historians, on a present-day look into Blaine’s history.

The Birch Bay Village Golf Course will once again host Blaine and Birch Bay youth between the ages of 8 and 16 who want to learn the basics of golf this summer.

Blaine’s lot coverage regulations are different from most other cities in Whatcom County, and Blaine planning commissioners are on board with changing that.

Katharine Sell of Birch Bay, daughter of Kerry and Shirley Sell, was recently awarded the Dean’s Scholarship to attend Trinity Western University in Langley, B.C. The $12,000 scholarship is awarded annually to the top academic incoming transfer students.

Alejandro Moser-Hernandez, 6, holds a plaque and certificate he earned in the Washington State Pepsi Championship Bowling Tournament.

With the retirement of veteran pastor Dennis Wildermuth, Blaine’s Grace Lutheran Church has an opening in the top spot for the first time in 35 years. The transition is a chance for the church to redefine the congregation’s direction and role within its community.

Members of the Kalevaria Samoan United Methodist Church Youth Group perform during the Peace Arch International Concert series at Peace Arch State Park on Sunday, August 12.

The Blaine Senior/Activity Center folks are enjoying a warm August, after a cooler than usual summer. What a privilege to live in such a scenic setting as ours in such a supportive community.

Jim passed away this week after an eight year battle with Parkinsons/Multiple Systems Atrophy. He is survived by his wife, Susan O’Malley, his two daughters, Rebecca and Erin Fetridge, his son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Pam MacFetridge and their two sons, Aidan and Campbell.

Police reports from the Blaine Police Department for August 8 through August 14, 2012