April 10 - 16, 2025
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Peace Arch Park smuggling ring sentenced, page 3
State rolls out e-bike rebate lottery, page 3
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
Online adjudication information sessions, page 5
WCLS to place levy lid lift on August ballots By Grace McCarthy
(See Library, page 3)
s Drayton Harbor Oyster (DHO) Company’s farm in Blaine. DHO co-owner Steve Seymour is leading an effort to create MERIS (Marine, Economic and Research Institute for Sustainability), which is envisioned to be a marine center at Blaine Harbor that would provide Photo by Mark Seymour opportunities for education and workforce development.
Local leaders envision Blaine maritime center By Grace McCarthy Local leaders spanning the maritime, government and education sectors are rallying behind an idea to build a marine center at Blaine Harbor that could be a hub for learning and recreation. The vision, which is still in the early planning stages, is called MERIS (Marine, Economic and Research Institute for Sustainability). Supporters say they would like to see MERIS become a community hub at Blaine Harbor that promotes environmental sustainability, education, workforce development and growth of the marine economy. “I think a concept like this could add a whole new energy to this area,” said Drayton Harbor Oyster Company
co-owner Steve Seymour, who is leading efforts on the MERIS project. The hub could provide hands-on learning for Blaine students and Bellingham Technical College aquaculture students. It could also serve as a focus for citizen science efforts on water quality and tracking invasive European green crabs, while also being a draw for tourism with recreational opportunities such as kayak rentals, supporters say. Organizers see Blaine Harbor as being an ideal location for the center, with 2.5 million people living within 30 miles and containing six colleges and universities. Near the harbor are two salmon-bearing streams, an estimated 20 square miles of (See MERIS, page 2)
INSIDE
Faced with continual increase in costs, the Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) is seeking its first levy lid lift in 16 years. The lift will be presented to voters in the August 5 primary election. According to county assessor tax book data, the library system levy cost $0.50 per $1,000 assessed value as far back as 2000. Over time, that rate has declined to the present day rate of $0.26 per $1,000 in 2025. The total tax collected was $3.51 million in 2000; $9.76 million in 2024. The WCLS Board of Trustees approved placing the levy lid lift during its March 28 meeting. If approved by voters, the levy lid lift would cost $0.42 per $1,000 of assessed value. The levy would continue funding daily operations, which would allow WCLS to work on deferred maintenance and consider library building projects. Without it, the library system would need to reduce library hours and eliminate staff, according to WCLS. The library trustees decided to go out for a levy now, in part, because of inflation that’s averaged 4-8 percent annually for several years has caused expenses to outpace revenue. “The library system is careful and intentional in managing resources, but it is apparent that we have come to a point where rising costs require action,” WCLS Board of Trustees vice chair Matthew Santos wrote in a statement. “The resolution to pursue a levy lid lift in August is a proactive step to support our libraries’ ability to maintain services and staff.” For a $600,000 home, the additional annual cost would be $96 or $8 more per month. An owner of a $400,000 home would pay an additional $64 per year, and an owner of a $800,000 home would pay an additional $128 per year. The levy will require a supermajority, or 60 percent of support, to pass. The WCLS has begun looking for affected voters to serve on “For” and “Against” committees to write arguments for or against the levy. Those interested in participating may email their name, address, phone number and on which committee they would like to serve to wclslevy@wcls.org or 360/305-3641. The committees will be filled in order of receipt; the deadline to sign up is 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 15.
Coming Up . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . 11, 12 Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Sports . . . . . . . . . 6,7 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14
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