The Northern Light

Whatcom County Sheriff's Office employees test positive for Covid-19

Seven Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office employees have tested positive for Covid-19 over the past two weeks, six of whom are law enforcement deputies and one a corrections deputy. The … more

By Grace McCarthy | 1/15/21 05:19 PM

Blaine burglary turns into high-speed chase, suspects arrested

Blaine police officers entered into a high-speed pursuit just after midnight January 13 when three burglary suspects attempted to elude police. Blaine Police Department booked Dillon Wilson, 30, … more

By Ian Haupt | 1/14/21 05:31 PM

Covid-19 cases increasing at alarming rate, health officials say

Whatcom County Health Department officials are pleading for the public to take immediate precautions as Covid-19 numbers sky rocket to the highest they’ve been since the pandemic … more

By Grace McCarthy | 1/13/21 05:25 PM

U.S./Canada border closure extended until February 21

The U.S./Canada border closure to non-essential travel has been extended for the 10th time with a continued closure until at least February 21, 2021. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau … more

By Grace McCarthy | 1/13/21 05:18 PM

Vaccines distribution continues in county with 9,200 doses delivered

According to a Whatcom County Health Department spokesperson, 9,200 Covid-19 vaccine doses had been delivered to the county as of January 13. The county has 17 enrolled vaccine providers, … more

By Grace McCarthy | 1/13/21 05:12 PM

Family Care Network project delayed five months

A purchase agreement for a proposed Family Care Network (FCN) clinic has been delayed until early summer, after the feasibility period was extended from December 31 to May 28. The deal’s … more

By Grace McCarthy | 1/13/21 05:04 PM

Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce receives $100,000 grant

Whatcom County Council granted the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce $100,000 to pay for the operations of the Birch Bay Visitor Center and the promotion and advertising of its events for … more

By Ian Haupt | 1/13/21 05:02 PM

WIAA announces fall sports to start February

The Washington State Interscholastic Activities Association’s (WIAA) executive board voted to amend its schedule January 6, moving the traditional fall sports season to begin February … more

By Conor Wilson | 1/13/21 05:00 PM

City of Blaine to offer RED loan program again

The city of Blaine has reintroduced a loan program to assist local businesses amid the economic impacts of Covid-19. The city will begin accepting applications for low interest $5,000 to … more

By Conor Wilson | 1/13/21 04:57 PM

Historical Photo of the Week: Students enjoy Birch Bay ferris wheel

1/13/21 04:48 PM

Unemployment claims rise due to seasonal effects, experts say

Claims for unemployment insurance increased in Whatcom County and Washington state during the week of December 27 to January 2 to nearly the same amount as the spike the week of November 16, when … more

By Ian Haupt | 1/13/21 04:42 PM

Bulkhead removal gets $115,000 in additional funds, and other port news

Port of Bellingham commissioners increased the Blaine Harbor bulkhead repair budget by $115,000 to accommodate additional costs that could arise during construction. Port commissioners unanimously … more

By Grace McCarthy | 1/13/21 04:41 PM

Road Rules: How to know when a loved one should stop driving

Q: My parents are getting older, and I’m wondering, how do I know when it’s time for them to stop driving? A: If you’re a fan of the Guinness World Records, you might have heard … more

By Doug Dahl | 1/13/21 04:29 PM

WCLS to host virtual events for Washington Black book

Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) is hosting online events in March in anticipation of Canadian author Esi Edugyan’s discussion of her book, Washington Black. HarperCollins published … more

1/13/21 04:26 PM

Lawmakers to fund vaccinations, reduce evictions, boost small businesses

Covid-19 relief is a top priority for this year’s legislature, and Republicans and Democrats generally agree it will be necessary to get aid out as soon as possible. The parties are split, … more

By Patric Haerle, Washington State Journal | 1/13/21 04:22 PM

Policing, racial injustice, governor’s power on legislative agenda

This year’s legislature won’t just be about numbers and budgets: It will explore social inequities, the proper role of policing and just how much authority the governor is … more

By Sydney Brown, Washington State Journal | 1/13/21 04:19 PM

Blaine Food Bank wraps up 2020 with community support

Blaine Food Bank spread holiday joy this season, decorating its outdoor center with a 5-foot Frosty the Snowman, twinkling reindeer and a towering Christmas tree fashioned with glittering … more

By Grace McCarthy | 1/13/21 03:55 PM

Letters to the Editor, January 14-20, 2021

The Editor: Thank you, Lynden Tribune, Joel Douglas and Gerald Hulbert for informing citizens so eloquently on pages A4 and A5 on January 6. Had the President ordered the testing and manufacturing … more

1/13/21 03:44 PM

Ring of Fire and Hope and Brr-tual Polar Bear Plunge started the Birch Bay new year

1/7/21 03:31 PM

Stafholt to receive vaccine as distribution ramps up in county

As county and statewide vaccinations continue into the new year, Good Samaritan Society – Stafholt is expected to start distributing doses of the first round of the Pfizer vaccine on Tuesday, … more

By Grace McCarthy | 1/6/21 05:15 PM