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Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay
May 23 - 29, 2024
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IN THIS
ISSUE
Q&A with U.S. Border Patrol chief in Blaine, page 3
BHS track and field sends 10 to state, page 6
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
Plover repairs continue into summer, page 10
Blaine spring block party draws crowd McFrugal’s Discount Outlet opens in Blaine By Grace McCarthy
(See McFrugal’s, page 3)
s McFrugal’s Discount Outlet in Blaine. Photo by Grace McCarthy
s Russell Duncan of Paellaworks makes a paella with local oysters, clams, adobada sausage and more on H Street Plaza during the Blaine spring block party on May 18. The street fair filled downtown streets with vendors, live music, youth activities and more. See more festival photos on page 8. Photo by Ruth Lauman
Sidhu, Shewmake talk Birch Bay incorporation By Grace McCarthy Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu and state senator Sharon Shewmake (D-42nd District) fielded questions about what it would mean for Birch Bay to become its own city during the May 16 Birch Bay Incorporation Association meeting at North Bay Community Church. While Shewmake and Sidhu said they were neither for nor against Birch Bay incorporation, the two said a city government would provide Birch Bay more of a voice on issues, ranging from the county to federal level. Both admitted they had never been involved in an incorporation and were catching up to speed on the topic. “I don’t know whether or not to incorporate is the right thing to do and I think
that is OK. It’s not my decision to make as I live in Bellingham,” Shewmake said. “But if you think it’s the right thing to do for your community, I’m here to help.” Sidhu said he’s discussed Birch Bay incorporation with the sheriff’s office, public works, and planning and development services department so they were aware of the possibility. “No one has come up and said, ‘Oh my God this could be a disaster. Don’t do it.’ Or, ‘Do it this way. Do it that way,” Sidhu said. Sidhu encouraged Birch Bay residents to consider having their own school district to keep property taxes in their community. Sidhu also told residents that a (See Birch Bay, page 2)
INSIDE
McFrugal’s Discount Outlet, a discount closeout retailer, held a soft opening May 14 in Blaine. McFrugal’s sells apparel, outdoor gear, hardware, toys, household goods, linen and furniture. The Blaine location had clothing items under $10, $6 dolls and bins with 50 percent off items. Many of the products come from Walmart, Target and Amazon. The items change often as the store is supplied with overstock buys and closeouts, according to its website. “We buy from manufacturers and retailers who are clearing goods out and sometimes discontinued items,” McFrugal’s CEO Jason McDougall said. “We pass the savings onto customers.” McDougall said the company decided to open in Blaine because it saw a void in the marketplace for discounted goods and merchandise. The store is located in the Cost Cutter Plaza, at 1733 H Street, suite 500. McFrugal’s has four other locations in B.C., Saskatchewan and Alberta. McDougall is also the CEO of Fields Stores, which sell discounted goods throughout rural Canada. McDougall wants to help people stretch their dollar and said he likes to open stores in areas where people would otherwise have to drive outside their community to purchase goods. “We sell just about anything,” he said. “Whatever we can get a great buy on.”
Coming Up . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Sports . . . . . . . 6, 12 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14
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