News in Brief

Voter registration deadlines coming up
Saturday, October 4 is the last day to register to vote or submit a change of address by mail for the November 4 general election, according to Whatcom County auditor Shirley Forslof. If registered voters have moved, a phone call to 676-6742 by Friday, October 3 will transfer their voter registration to their new address for the general election. The following locations have mail-in registration and transfer forms and will be open on October 4: Cost Cutter, Whatcom County library system, select U.S. post offices, vehicle and vessel licensing agents and state drivers license agencies. In-person registration is available at the county auditor�s office in the courthouse from October 6 - 20 during regular business hours. Those registering in person during this period must vote by absentee ballot. For more information and the location of additional sites, please call the election department at 676-6742 or visit online at www.co.whatcom.wa.us.

CERT class cancelled due to low enrollment
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class has been postponed because of low enrollment, according to Dale Kloes of Whatcom County Emergency Management. The eight-week course, which teaches disaster preparation for emergencies such as severe weather, fires, terrorist attacks and medical emergencies, was to begin last month at the Blaine fire station at 9408 Odell Road. The course will now likely be offered in the spring and one may be held in Bellingham over the winter. Interested parties should contact the division of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at 676-6681 for more information.

Some fire restrictions lifted due to weather changes
Due to the recent rain and changes in weather patterns, the Whatcom County fire marshal�s Office has lifted some open burning restrictions. Recreational and camp fires no larger than two feet in diameter in an approved enclosure will be allowed provided water is available to extinguish the fire and burning is done only when calm or light winds do not exceed seven mph. Beach fires may be an eight-inch deep pit surrounded by four-inch high stone walls. Residential debris fires no larger than four feet in diameter are allowed and are only for natural vegetation. For more information, visit Whatcom County online at www.co.whatcom.wa.us

Pacific Arts presents Chevalier, Maurice & Me
The Pacific Arts Association has announced the one-man production of �Chevalier, Maurice & Me� featuring Tony Sandler, will hit the stage next weekend in Blaine. Sandler is known for his debonair style and continental charm - qualities embodied in Maurice Chevalier, qualities Tony brings to the stage for this show with a wink and a smile. Look forward to an evening of class entertainment filled with humor, savoire faire and romance. The performance is scheduled for Saturday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Blaine Performing Arts Center. Adults are $15 and students are $7.50 and are available online at www.pacificartassoc.org or by calling 332-6484. Tickets are also available at Steamers, Blaine visitors center, the gift shop at Semiahmoo Resort, Village Books in Fairhaven, and at the door.

Candidates to debate homelessness, poverty
Five local agencies are teaming up to present a candidates forum that focuses solely on human services. The human services candidates forum will be Thursday, October 9, 5:30 � 9:30 p.m., at the municipal courtroom, 2014 C Street, Bellingham. Candidates running for Whatcom County council and other positions will field questions that address homeless, hunger and poverty concerns. �Those of us who work with low income families are keenly aware of the increasing needs we are experiencing from families who simply cannot make ends meet,� said Rebecca M. Johnson, co-chair of Coalition for the Homeless, one of the sponsoring agencies. �We�re also aware of the role local government can play in providing basic human needs and this forum can showcase how these future leaders will address these issues.�
Other sponsoring agencies are the Anti-Hunger Coalition, Opportunity Council, Interfaith Coalition, and Northwest Youth Services. Moderators for the evening include Kathy Washatka, Ken Crawford, Jim Grennell and Nan Greer. For more information, contact Mike Cohen at 676-6749.

Campbell trial moved to December 15
The trial of Mike Campbell, former NWFRS commissioner charged with second degree child molestation and rape of a child in the second degree, has been moved to Monday, December 15. Campbell was arrested in October of 2002 on the suspicion he raped a young girl while he served as the Point Roberts fire chief. The rape is alleged to have occurred in 1999, when the 13-year-old girl was visiting Campbell�s home in Point Roberts. The girl first told a counselor about the alleged rape. Campbell was booked into jail and released on his own recognizance. The trail has been moved several times now, including last March, June and September. County prosecutor David McEachran could not be reached for comment as of press time.