February 7 - 13, 2019
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IN THIS
ISSUE
Conservation district election approaching, page 2
Self-defense class for women, teens, page 7
New Birch Bay traffic rules in effect, page 9
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
Blaine police Arts & Jazz event raises funds for the fine arts chief abruptly resigns to return to LAPD By Stefanie Donahue
Photo by Shawn Robins
Summer camp dormitories vandalized in Birch Bay By Jami Makan An investigation is underway after three Lions Camp Horizon dormitory buildings in Birch Bay were vandalized on January 29. The vandal(s) forced entry into three of the four dormitory buildings, which are located in Whatcom County’s Bay Horizon Park, and discharged multiple dry-chemical fire extinguishers. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident and collected fingerprints at the scene of the crime.
There are no known suspects at this time. Powder from the fire extinguishers spread throughout the buildings, causing extensive damage to carpets, walls, window coverings and beds. Cleaning up the chemical residue is expected to cost up to $15,000. However, this figure could easily grow if the fire detection and alarm panel equipment turns out to be damaged by the corrosive fire extinguisher powder. As a result of the attack, Lions Camp Horizon, which provides summer camp for
City council to consider B&O tax By Stefanie Donahue Wholesale and manufacturing businesses that gross $20,000 or more per year may soon be asked to pay a 0.2 percent Business and Occupation (B&O) tax to help pay for city services. Blaine City Council will decide whether or not to approve the B&O tax after two public hearings scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, February 11 and 25 at Blaine
City Hall, located at 435 Martin Street, Suite 4000. In Washington, a B&O tax can be levied at a maximum 0.2 percent on the gross receipts of wholesale, manufacturing, retail and service businesses. Gross receipts are the total annual revenue of a business, without subtracting costs and expenses. Wholesale and manufacturing businesses – such as plants, factories and mills or businesses that arrange the purchase or
sale of goods to retail establishments – are being targeted because they don’t pay a sales tax, but still utilize city services. “The city has continued to see an increased demand for services and revenue is not keeping up,” according to a press release from the city. “Revenue to provide services is increasing at two percent per year, while costs independent of the city (See B&O tax, page 3)
about 250 teens and adults each summer, had to pay an insurance deductible, taking away money from its already lean budget. “Spending $2,500 as our deductible to get this mess cleaned up takes money directly away from assets that could be used for scholarships for those who cannot afford our camp fees, camper activities, facility improvements and maintenance,” Lions Camp Horizon Foundation president Don Webster wrote in an email. “It also (See Vandalism, page 3)
Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 6 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Coming Up . . . . . 14 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14
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(See Police, page 3)
s Some of the money raised on February 2 from the Arts & Jazz auctions will go toward scholarships for students interested in the arts, while the rest will go toward funding field trips and equipment. Above, Ethan Robins performs on trumpet. See photos on page 8-9.
INSIDE
With just over 160 days of service at the Blaine Police Department under his belt, Allen Schubert abruptly resigned from his position as police chief. The announcement was made during a special meeting on February 4 in which Blaine City Council voted unanimously to approve approximately $28,000 in severance pay for Schubert. Councilmembers cast their vote after an executive session and did not explain why they approved severance pay or what prompted his resignation. In a statement provided to The Northern Light the next day, city manager Michael Jones confirmed, “Schubert has decided to return to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and resign from his position as the police chief for the city of Blaine.” Schubert was sworn in as chief last August. He previously worked for the LAPD as a lieutenant of the transit services division. “During his tenure with Blaine, he worked diligently on the recommendations outlined in the Loaned Executive Management Assistance Program and contributed to building a positive police/ community relationship,” Jones said. “We wish to thank him for that service and wish him the best.” When asked why Blaine City Council approved severance pay, despite Schubert not being terminated from his position, Jones replied, “No further comment.” According to the Open Public Meetings Act, “… discussion by a governing body of salaries, wages and other conditions of employment to be generally applied within the agency shall occur in a meeting open to the public, and when a governing body