The Northern Light

Body found on Semiahmoo Spit spurs homicide investigation

Local authorities are investigating a homicide after a body was found on Semiahmoo Spit Wednesday afternoon, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office chief deputy Kevin Hester told The Northern Light in … more

By Grace McCarthy | 4/8/21 11:04 AM

Spring sports begin; some wins, some loses and a conference leader

While all spring sports had scheduled events so far in the WIAA’s adjusted season 2, some results are yet to be posted and will be updated following the return from spring break next … more

By Ian Haupt | 4/7/21 04:47 PM

Covid-19 in Whatcom County, by school district boundaries: April 3

Governor Jay Inslee has announced that all adults in Washington would be eligible for the Covid-19 vaccination starting Thursday, April 15. The governor’s office said in a March 31 statement … more

By Grace McCarthy | 4/7/21 04:39 PM

County sees 5 fentanyl-related deaths in two weeks, increasing trends

Whatcom County has had five fentanyl-related overdose deaths in the last two weeks, which the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force called a “disturbing trend.” Three adults, two men, ages … more

4/7/21 04:16 PM

Blaine sailor awarded national honor for boating education

The U.S. Power Squadrons (USPS) awarded Blaine resident Graham Hunter for boating instruction with a high-ranking honor only presented to three people this year. Hunter received the award for his … more

By Grace McCarthy | 4/7/21 04:15 PM

Sidhu gives his first State of County address

County executive Satpal Sidhu gave his first State of the County address at the April 6 Whatcom County Council meeting, outlining the tumultuous year since he took office in January 2020 and … more

4/7/21 03:11 PM

Family Care Network welcomes new physician assistant

Joseph Banham has joined Family Care Network’s Birch Bay Family Medicine as a physician’s assistant. He is now the third provider serving patients at the health clinic. Banham grew up … more

4/7/21 03:07 PM

Road Rules: How dark is too dark for tinted car windows?

Question: I’m pretty sure that Washington has a regulation for how dark front passenger and driver side windows can be tinted. If so, why do I see so many vehicles with windows that are almost … more

By Doug Dahl | 4/7/21 03:03 PM

Extra patrol for Distracted Driving Awareness month

Law enforcement agencies statewide will add extra distracted driving patrols for Distracted Driver Awareness month this April. If the driver’s distractions cause other traffic violations, they … more

By Sienna Boucher | 4/7/21 03:01 PM

Sustainable Connections to offer virtual Green Homes Tour on April 17 and 18

Community members interested in environmental home building have the opportunity to learn the inner workings during Sustainable Connections’ virtual Green Home Tours on Saturday, April 17 and … more

4/7/21 02:54 PM

Sheriff's Reports, April 8-14, 2021

March 29, 7:33 a.m.: Mental cold call on Harborview Road. March 29, 8:12 a.m.: Vehicle theft cold call on Alderson Road. March 29, 12:54 p.m.: Assist citizen on Harborview Road. March 29, … more

4/7/21 02:47 PM

Bill starts effort for state universal healthcare

Universal health care for every state resident who wants it could come to Washington by 2026. A bill under consideration now in the state legislature establishes a healthcare commission to develop … more

By Sydney Brown | 4/7/21 02:42 PM

Sweeping childcare reform moving through state legislature

Early childhood care and education would see sweeping reform through the expansion of affordable child health and learning services, if a bill in the state legislature wins approval. “This … more

By Sydney Brown | 4/7/21 02:41 PM

Obituary: Vernon Van Tries Tabb

Vernon Van Tries Tabb September 2, 1944 – April 4, 2020 Vernon Van Tries Tabb, lovingly called "Van”, unexpectedly passed at home last year on April 4, 2020 in Blaine. He … more

4/7/21 02:38 PM

Hybrid students to return to class with 3-foot rule

The Blaine school district expects to return all hybrid students to the classroom Monday, April 19, superintendent Christopher Granger announced in a March 29 community Q&A. Following the state … more

By Ian Haupt | 3/31/21 04:48 PM

City and port prioritize Marine Drive remodel

The city of Blaine and Port of Bellingham are seeking $4 million in transportation funding to reconstruct the westernmost section of Marine Dive that provides access to the Jorgensen Public Pier. The … more

By Ian Haupt | 3/31/21 04:39 PM

NWFR donates emergency vehicles to Mexico

3/31/21 04:33 PM

Birch Bay Road Race set April 10, registration closes April 8

With the weather getting warmer and the state loosening restrictions, in-person events are on the way back. The Birch Bay Road Race, an event that used to see some 500 runners, is holding in-person … more

By Ian Haupt | 3/31/21 04:31 PM

Blaine Senior Center to host vaccination clinic

The Blaine Senior Center is now accepting appointments for an April 13 vaccination clinic that will vaccinate those eligible. The senior center needs at least 50 people to sign up before Monday, … more

3/31/21 04:24 PM

Elected offices coming up for a vote

Elected offices coming up for a vote This being a non-Presidential election year, there are a slew of elected offices up for a vote this November. Those interested in running or re-running as the … more

3/31/21 04:23 PM