July 28 - August 3, 2022
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National Night Out returns Tuesday, August 2, page 3
Election Day is August 2, page 4
School district forecasts deficit, page 5
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Blaine Harbor bustling with summer activities Raft race returns to Drayton Harbor Maritime Festival By Grace McCarthy
(See Festival, page 2)
s Blaine Harbor was vibrant with summer activities on July 26. The harbor has been noticeably busy as people take advantage of the extensive trail system around the harbor, jump off Jorgensen Pier, catch a ride on the Plover to Semiahmoo, grab a bite to eat at Alaska Wild Fish and Chip Co.’s food truck and play at the pirate playground in Blaine Marine Park. Photo by Grace McCarthy
City’s public works director suddenly resigns By Grace McCarthy The city of Blaine’s public works director Bernie Ziemianek abruptly resigned July 12, submitting his resignation letter the day he left. Interim city manager Dave Wilbrecht said Ziemianek left the city for personal reasons. On July 12, Ziemianek sent a one-sentence resignation letter to Wilbrecht. “Effective at the close of business day (Tuesday, July 12, 2022), I hereby resign my position as public works director for the city of Blaine,” he wrote. Gary McSpadden, maintenance and operation supervisor for the city’s public works department, will serve as the acting public works director until someone
is hired permanently. McSpadden was hired with the city in December 2021 and spent most of his career doing underground pipeline work for Sedro-Woolley’s Snelson Inc. Wilbrecht said it’s hard to tell how long searching for a new director will take. City staff are researching recruiting firms to potentially bring in front of city council, but hiring a firm would be an added expense likely paid from existing savings in the payroll. For reference, council recently approved a $25,000 contract for a new city manager. “It’s an important job,” Wilbrecht said. “We need to fill it, the sooner the better.” (See Resignation, page 9)
INSIDE
It’s that time of year for Blaine residents to uncover their pirate swords and eye patches: Drayton Harbor Maritime Festival returns Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7 in Blaine Harbor. Among festival highlights, the Prestigious George Raft Race will make a comeback this year. The maritime-themed festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. August 6 and August 7 at Blaine Harbor Boating Center, 235 Marine Drive. Pirate Daze will take place alongside the festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 6 at Blaine Marine Park. “It’s back. That’s such a big deal after being two years gone,” said Carroll Solomon, this year’s festival event coordinator, when asked what she’s most excited about. “It’s been a struggle to connect with people. But now that we’re up and running, it will be easier for next year.” The family-friendly weekend will kick off with arts, crafts, a scavenger hunt, a model boat display and food vendors all day at the boating center. The Prestigious George Raft Race will start at 12 p.m. August 6 outside of the boating center. Participants are invited to put together a homemade raft out of anything that floats such as lumber or empty milk jugs. More than one person can be on a raft but everyone should wear a lifejacket, Solomon said. Winners will be honored with a perpetual trophy. At Pirate Daze, Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2) will host a mermaid booth, face painting, arts and crafts, and pirate sword playing before ending with a balloon fight around 1:45 p.m., BBBPRD2 director Heather Lindsay said. Festival participants are encouraged to wear their best pirate costume to the free events. Hot dogs, chips and a drink can be purchased for $1 each. Pirate Daze will also feature a 30-minute Blaine Community Theater “Pirates of Penzance” performance and water balloon show. “I’m looking forward to seeing the community theater performance,” Lindsay said. “The energy they bring to the event is fantastic.” The Historic Plover ferry will offer passengers rides between Blaine Harbor and
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Rite Aid Sharon Shewmake for State Senate
SATURDAY, JULY 30 • 9AM-4PM ROLLBACK WEEKEND 7968 BIRCH BAY DRIVE
Open Car Show Sunday, July 31 • 8am-1pm
Behind The Beach & Beach Cate Brewing Co. 7876 Birch Bay Drive For more information, see ad on page 2.