The Board of Fire Commissioners for Fire District 21 will meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, to plan the next steps after voters approved a levy lid lift in the August election. The meeting will be at Station 61, 9408 Odell Road in Blaine. After three failed attempts, the district convinced voters to increase their property taxes so the district could update or replace aging buildings and equipment, hire more employees and meet the fire and emergency services needs of a growing population.
Whatcom County election workers began a hand recount on Tuesday to determine which of two Democratic candidates will be on the November ballot in the race for state senator of the 42nd Legislative District. Republican Erika Creydt, a clinical psychologist and Blaine School Board member, already has secured a spot in the general election for the seat. Whether Creydt faces Michael Shepard or Eamonn Collins, both from Bellingham, is what the recount will determine. Just four votes separate Collins and Shepard, who is ahead — triggering a mandatory recount of ballots cast in the August primary. Whatcom elections officials said they expected to finish the recount on Wednesday, Aug. 26.
The U.S. Small Business Administration will provide federal disaster loans for nonprofits and small businesses in Whatcom and Skagit counties affected by the drought that began May 12. Economic injury disaster loans of up to $2 million will be offered with 4% or lower interest rates and no payments required or interest accrued for the first 12 months. Applications will be accepted at sba.gov/disaster through April 13.
Confused about Washington state’s laws for e-bikes, electric scooters and other e-rides? The Washington Traffic Safety Commission has created and released a nearly eight minute video to help answer your questions. The video explains e-ride classifications as well as where you can ride them and how to do so safely and legally. Find it at https://bit.ly/45SvsYq.
