October 2 - 8, 2014 HHHECRWSSHHH Postal Customer
IN THIS
ISSUE
Candidates coming to Birch Bay, page 2
Birch Bay chamber plans big changes in 2015
First Responders special section, pages 8-9
PRSRT STD U. S. Postage PAID Permit NO. 87 Blaine, WA 98230
Author speaks on surviving loss, page 10
Run with the Chums
By Steve Guntli The Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce has an ambitious plan to rebrand the bayside community over the next few years, and it all starts with some big changes in 2015. At a special presentation at CJ’s Beach House restaurant on September 24, chamber director Jeff Carrington laid out his business plan to improve community participation starting in 2015. Carrington is anticipating a large influx of money into the community over the next three years, including funds dedicated to developing urban growth areas and shoreline restoration and infrastructure grants that were tabled when Governor Jay Inslee first took office. Additionally, planning for the Birch Bay Drive and Pedestrian Facility Project, which will install a berm and pedestrian pathway along the shore of the bay, is underway and construction is expected to begin in 2016. With the improved infrastructure and shoreline, Carrington wants to be sure that Birch Bay is ready to seize the opportunity to promote more tourism. One of the immediate steps the chamber is taking is implementing a new VIP Social Membership card for chamber members. For a $50 fee, members will receive a oneyear membership card. Each card comes pre-loaded with $23 towards admission to Birch Bay Waterslides, $20 towards a rental at Paddle and Pedal Adventures and $12 off admission to Miniature World. Additionally, members can use their cards for 10 percent off meals at participating
s Katelyn Baertsch gets a little encouragement from young volunteers as she approaches the finish line for the second annual Run with the Chums 5k on September 27.
Photo by Steve Guntli
Edaleen Dairy scheduled to open on Monday By Steve Guntli Blaine’s new Edaleen Dairy store is tentatively scheduled to open next week. The dairy, located on 458 Peace Portal Drive, has been under construction since last spring, and owners Ed and
(See Chamber, page 13)
Aileen Brandsma are hoping to open for business by noon on Monday, October 6. “Right now, we’re just waiting on a few final inspections and a few final details,” Aileen said. “But if it all goes as planned, we’ll be ready.” The 3,200-square-foot store will be the
Woman dies, husband seriously injured in crash A Canadian woman has died after a collision last weekend outside of Lynden. Beverly Raginski of Surrey was riding behind her husband, Michael Caldwell, on their 2005 Triumph motorcycle when they struck the side of a pickup truck that had run a stop sign. Derek Tiemersma of Blaine was driving his 1999 Chevrolet K1 pickup southbound on Sunrise Road as Caldwell and Raginski rode eastbound on West Badger Road. The
accident occurred about 9 a.m. on September 27. According to Washington State Patrol, a witness to the accident stopped and administered CPR to Raginski, who was not breathing after the collision. Both Caldwell and Raginski had been wearing helmets at the time of the accident. Caldwell, 61, received serious injuries, including several broken bones, but is expected to recover. Raginski, 62, suffered
more severe injuries to her neck and chest. The couple was admitted to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, where Raginski succumbed to her injuries on September 29. Tiemersma, 22, was wearing a seatbelt and was not injured during the crash. Washington State Patrol has not cited him, but charges may still arise. Tiemersma tested negative for drugs and alcohol. An investigation is currently underway.
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Lynden dairy’s fourth storefront in northern Whatcom County, with two stores in Lynden and another in Sumas. Aileen said the Blaine store would most closely resemble their store on the Guide Meridian in (See Dairy, page 3)
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