The Northern Light

School closure extended through the end of the school year

Washington state joined at least 13 other states in canceling in-person classes for the rest of the school year for K-12 schools. Governor Jay Inslee and state superintendent Chris Reykdal announced … more

Oliver Lazenby | 4/6/20 03:40 PM

State public lands agencies extend closures until May 4

In accordance with Governor Jay Inslee extending the state's stay-at-home order, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Parks and the Washington Department of Fish and … more

4/6/20 11:41 AM

School district adds five meal pick-up sites in Blaine

The Blaine school district is adjusting its meal delivery program to allow more social distancing and convenience for those who live in town. Starting Monday, April 6, the district will no longer … more

Oliver Lazenby | 4/3/20 09:09 AM

Inslee extends stay-at-home order until May 4

Washington governor Jay Inslee extended the state’s stay-at-home order until May 4. Inslee made the announcement in a televised update on the state’s response on April 2. The governor … more

Oliver Lazenby | 4/2/20 06:31 PM

Community invited to surprise 16th birthday drive-by parade

On Saturday, April 4, Michaela Long will be celebrating her 16th birthday. But with social distancing measures due to Covid-19, celebrating means finding creative solutions to make it a birthday … more

Grace McCarthy | 4/2/20 03:21 PM

County reports biggest single-day jump in coronavirus cases

In its latest update, the Whatcom County Health Department is reporting 31 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and one new death related to the illness. That’s the biggest single-day increase … more

4/2/20 01:48 PM

D Street Shell station owners giving away milk and bread to help local families

Since about March 21, Sukhwant Singh Gill and his son Gury Gill have been giving away milk at their Shell gas station at 360 D Street in Blaine, and more recently they started giving out free bread … more

Oliver Lazenby | 4/1/20 04:04 PM

Inslee prohibits in-person city council meetings

Blaine residents who wish to personally attend the next city council meeting on April 13 will not be able to do so, after governor Jay Inslee suspended key provisions of the Open Public Meetings Act … more

Jami Makan | 4/1/20 04:01 PM

CARES Act gives quick relief to local businesses and the self-employed

The CARES Act recently passed by the U.S. Congress should benefit local businesses, independent contractors and the self-employed who have taken a hit from the coronavirus pandemic. The bill … more

Patrick Grubb | 4/1/20 03:59 PM

BPD, WCSO urge voluntary compliance with stay-home order

The Blaine Police Department (BPD) and Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) are urging local residents to voluntarily comply with governor Jay Inslee’s stay-home order to help curb the … more

Jami Makan | 4/1/20 03:56 PM

The Bridge begins new food distribution program in Birch Bay

Three weeks ago, volunteers at The Bridge Community Hope Center in Birch Bay started distributing free food to people in need. While they were planning to do it even before the current crisis hit, … more

Jami Makan | 4/1/20 03:55 PM

On-Board Marine Services plans to expand Blaine shipyard

After relocating in January from Bellingham to the old Walsh Marine site at Blaine Harbor, On-Board Marine Services has big plans for the future. The company, a one-stop shop servicing recreational … more

Jami Makan | 4/1/20 03:53 PM

Flags in council chambers offer snapshots of U.S. history

Star-spangled banners decorate the side wall of Blaine’s council chambers, with three framed American flags representing different eras of U.S. history. Below each flag is a brief note about … more

Grace McCarthy | 4/1/20 03:23 PM

Nature’s Path hiring up to 30 employees in Blaine

Organic breakfast foods company Nature’s Path is hiring at its Blaine facility. According to associate vice president of operations David Pickrell, the company is seeking to add about 20 to … more

Jami Makan | 4/1/20 03:20 PM

How COVID-19 is affecting local real estate

Like so many industries, the challenges arising from the coronavirus pandemic have caused those of us in real estate to be creative and innovative. The buyers who were in the market several weeks ago … more

Mike Kent | 4/1/20 03:18 PM

Blaine councilmembers, BBWSD suspend utility shut-offs and late fees

Blaine city councilmembers have temporarily suspended utility shut-offs and late fees for all of the city’s utility customers. Separately, the board of Birch Bay Water and Sewer District … more

Jami Makan | 4/1/20 03:16 PM

Unemployment insurance claims spike in Whatcom County

Initial claims applications for unemployment insurance soared in Whatcom County during the week of March 15 to 21, according to data released by Washington’s Employment Security Department … more

Jami Makan | 4/1/20 03:12 PM

11 Stafholt residents, two healthcare workers test positive for COVID-19

Good Samaritan Society – Stafholt in Blaine has 13 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, including 11 residents and two healthcare workers, a spokesperson for the Good Samaritan Society said … more

Oliver Lazenby | 4/1/20 10:43 AM

With 19 new COVID-19 cases identified, Whatcom County's total is 139

With 19 new cases of the new coronavirus identified in the past 24 hours, Whatcom County is now up to 139 total cases of COVID 19. more

3/31/20 05:13 PM

Four associated with Stafholt in Blaine test positive for COVID-19

Two residents and two medical professionals at Good Samaritan Society – Stafholt have tested positive for COVID-19, a Good Samaritan Society spokesperson said. The Blaine skilled nursing and … more

3/30/20 03:12 PM