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Community Newspaper of Blaine and Birch Bay
June 3 - 9, 2021
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Military truck design unveiling, page 2
WTA to start regular bus service Sunday, June 13 Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) is slated to resume regular bus service throughout the county Sunday, June 13. WTA will also begin collecting fares July 1 after it suspended fare collection during spring 2020 to keep riders six feet apart from bus drivers. WTA announced it will ease back into its normal transportation operations due to the federal mask mandate on public transportation, and many bus drivers are now vaccinated as more riders are getting vaccinated. The transportation authority is now able to resume fare collections, which vary in cost for type of pass and are offered at a discount to veterans, people with disabilities, students and youth. At the beginning of the pandemic, WTA reduced its bus service by 30 percent to lower ridership as more people stayed home and WTA faced staff uncertainty. WTA says more people are requesting normal transportation and it expects demand to continue to go up throughout summer and fall. This comes as WTA has more confidence to predict its staff levels. WTA provides fixed route, paratransit, rural dial-a-ride, and vanpool service in Whatcom County. WTA is also starting an on-demand Lynden van service June 13. For $1 per ride, anyone can use the “Lynden Hop” to pick them up and take them wherever they need in Lynden. People who want to use the van can download the “WTA Ride” app, create an account, and then can book a ride. Lynden riders can also book a ride by calling WTA at 360/676-7433 or online at ridewta.com/ride. WTA is also starting a new Youth Ride Free program for those 17 and younger or those in high school can pick up a free No TouchPass Card at the Bellingham station at 205 E Magnolia or a student can request a card if they email buspasses@ridewta. com using their school email. For services starting June 13, visit ride(See WTA, page 10)
Grant applications due June 7, page 3
Blaine alum a naval academy grad, page 15
Memorial Day Weekend in Birch Bay
s Beachgoers celebrated Memorial Day weekend by sailing, paddling and soaking in everything that a Birch Bay summer offers. Photo by Richard Sturgill
BPD swears in two new officers, more to join By Ian Haupt The Blaine Police Department (BPD) hired two new officers who were swornin June 1 at city hall. Jordan Maphumulo, 31, and Katelyn Weaver, 27, who worked together at the Western Washington University Police Department, both said they chose to serve the city of Blaine due to its values and philosophy. At the ceremony, mayor pro tempore and city councilmember Mary Lou Steward swore in officers Maphumulo and Weaver,
and chief of police Donnell Tanksley presented each of them with the BPD badge. The families of the new officers, BPD officers and other city officials witnessed the small swearing-in ceremony in city council chambers. With five and three years’ experience in law enforcement and coming from WWU, where Tanksley previously worked as assistant chief of police from 2014 to 2017, Tanksley said Maphumulo and Weaver will make a great addition to the Blaine police force and community.
In-person graduation and parade in the works By Ian Haupt The Blaine school district and community are trying to make graduation celebrations available to as many people as possible. While the district is waiting until Monday, June 7 to decide whether this year’s in-person ceremony will be held inside or out, senior parents have put together a drive-by celebration similar to last year’s. Blaine High School graduation Lisa Moeller, public relations supervi-
sor for the school district, said the district will not be making any decisions on where graduation will be held – whether outdoor or indoor – until Monday, June 7. Moeller said they are leaving it late so they have a better idea of the weather forecast on graduation day. If weather permits and the ceremony can be held outside, she said students will receive four tickets. In the case of an indoor ceremony, students will be allowed two guests. Moeller said there will not be areas des-
ignated for vaccinated attendants. Drive-by parade for BHS seniors Senior parents have brought back the drive-by graduation celebration for the second consecutive year. On Sunday, June 6 at 2 p.m., Blaine High School seniors are invited dress up in their caps and gowns and assemble on both sides of Mitchell Avenue south of the I-5 overpass as family and community members drive down Mitchell Avenue – possi(See Graduation, page 7)
Maphumulo, who graduated from WWU with a degree in sociology, said he chose a career in law enforcement because he wanted to do something that would outlast himself. “I wanted to work in a profession that would afford me the opportunity to serve and make tangible change in people’s lives,” he said. “I also enjoy the fact that no two days are the same in this job. Each day is new and exciting and you never know (See Officers, page 4)
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Coming Up . . . . . 14 Classifieds . . . . . 11 Letters . . . . . . . . . 4 Police . . . . . . . . . 14 Sports . . . . . . . . . . 6 Tides . . . . . . . . . . 14
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