August 4 - 10, 2016
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IN THIS
ISSUE
Luke Ridnour at Blaine basketball camp, page 7
Local doctor offers skin cancer prevention tips, page 10
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
Birch Bay brings music to the masses, page 14
Buys and Van Birch Bay residents get a lesson on clamming Werven will face democrats in November By Oliver Lazenby
s Jana Turner, left, coordinator of interpretive programs at the BP Heron Center, Birch Bay State Park, presented “Clamming 101,” on July 30, an informational discussion about Birch Bay clams and clamming, followed by a hands-on clamming experience. Photo by Chuck Kinzer
Livaboards want justification for extra fees By Oliver Lazenby For Marilyn Rockwell-Bengen, living in Blaine Harbor on “Let Freedom Ring,” her 50-foot Bayliner powerboat, is almost ideal. The harbor’s location provides Rockwell-Bengen and her husband easy access to the San Juans and the Inside Passage, which the retired couple has explored for more than 350 miles up to the village of Bella Bella, B.C. When they’re not exploring the coast, Rockwell-Bengen and her husband socialize with other so-called “liveaboards” at Blaine Harbor. An afternoon may include barbe-
cuing oysters with friends on the dock or lending tools and pitching in on boat repair projects. “It’s a fabulous community. It’s very friendly and supportive,” she said. “We get together for birthday parties, we welcome new people. We use any and all occasions to celebrate.” But Rockwell-Bengen said life has been a little bit less wonderful lately, as an extra cost for living on their boat looms on the horizon. The Port of Bellingham – which manages Blaine Harbor and Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham — updated its liveaboard regu-
Northwest Steam Society celebrates annual meet B y S t e fa n i e D o n a h u e Expect to see about 20 old-fashioned steamboats navigating through Blaine Harbor this Saturday and Sunday, August 6–7. Don’t be surprised if you feel like you’ve taken a step back in time. Seattle-based Northwest Steam Society (NSS) celebrates its 43rd annual steamboat meet in Blaine during Drayton Harbor Days. The boats are generally 25 to 30 feet in length and mimic styles that reached peak popularity in the late 19th century.
The international society has more than 200 members and makes an appearance at Drayton Harbor Days about once every five years. Twelve members live in Whatcom County, including Gordon Sullivan who cofounded the organization under a different name in the ’50s. Sullivan grew up during World War II and started working in a steam plant on weekends when he was 13-years-old. Since then, he’s had a fascination with steam power, or live steam, as it’s typically called. A master of machine and mechanics,
Sullivan has become highly admired for his skill and passion for steam. He and his boat “Oesa” will join the NSS crew during Drayton Harbor Days. “Oesa” has a top speed of about 9 mph and is equipped with an eight-horsepower triple-expansion engine. Affluent men typically used this kind of Edwardian-era boat for recreational purposes from about 1890 to 1910, he explained. Over time, the model became less efficient and less (See Steam, page 6)
lations this year. After a six-month process that included several public meetings, port commissioners approved an update to the regulations in July. But they decided to postpone a decision on the most controversial of the proposed updates — a monthly fee for living on a boat in the harbor. This January, port staff and commissioners will take another look at charging a fee to those who live on their boats in addition to monthly moorage – a practice that’s become common at nearby marinas. (See Boats, page 8)
INSIDE
After an initial count on Tuesday night, Whatcom County incumbents Luanne Van Werven, R-Lynden, and Vincent Buys, R-Lynden, had big leads in their races for state representative in the 42nd Legislative District. The district covers most of Whatcom County except for south Bellingham. Van Werven and Buys each faced three challengers in their races for positions 1 and 2, respectively. The top two candidates in each race will advance to the November election. Vincent Buys For position 1, Van Werven led with 51 percent of the vote and will face Democrat Sharlaine LaClair, who had 41 percent of the vote. Independent Doug Karlberg had nearly 5 percent of the vote and Blaine libertarian Jacob Lamont had 3 percent. Buys led the race for position 2 with 53.5 percent of the vote. He’ll face Democrat Tracy Atwood, who trailed with 35 percent. Dale Dickson, an inLuanne Van Werven dependent, had 9.5 percent of the vote and libertarian Jerry Burns received 1.8 percent. For updated ballot counts go to the county auditor’s website: bit.ly/2av2YvX. County auditors will certify official results on August 16.
Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Classifieds . . . 15-16 Coming Up . . . . . 18 Police . . . . . . . . . 18 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 18
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