Cover Story
Powering Up Community Action: KVWV 94.9 FM Goes on Air
by Neah Monteiro For more than a year, KVWV has been gathering strength as the newest community radio station in downtown Bellingham. A year of Internet streaming laid the groundwork for the broadcast at 94.9 FM, which officially began on … Continue reading
Agriculture
Why Larger Farms in Whatcom County Are Needed for Small Farms to Survive
by Rich Appel Editor’s Note: Writer Jennifer Moon recently published two articles about small farms in Whatcom Watch in January and February 2016 issues. She invited readers to respond to issues about farming. Rich Appel of Whatcom Family Farmers submitted … Continue reading
Beaks and Bills
by Joe Meche There are certain times of the year that are particularly notable, especially those times that relate to seasonal changes. The change from spring into summer is often so subtle that we hardly notice the shift. Summer eases … Continue reading
Beaks and Bills
14th Annual Wings Over Water Northwest Birding Festival March 11-13, Blaine, Washington
by Joe Meche The perfect activity to complement winterspring is the Wings Over Water Festival in Blaine, the origin of which might require a little foreword. It was just over fourteen years ago that I hosted a meeting with members … Continue reading
Watching Government
Compiled by Andrew S. McBride Action Taken at December 15, 2015 Meeting Shall the commission: 165. Authorize the executive director to sign a ,348 contract (amendment #1) with Bennett Engineering LLC of Bellingham to monitor the airport woodwaste landfill? It … Continue reading
Watching Government
Compiled by Boris Schleinkofer Action Taken at January 11, 2016 Meeting Shall the council: 1. Endorse the mayor’s letter to Governor Jay Inslee requesting the declaration of a State of Emergency on homelessness within the city of Bellingham? A declaration … Continue reading
Watching Government
Compiled by Barry MacHale Action Taken at January 12, 2016 Meeting Shall the council: 1. Fill two vacancies on the Noxious Weed Control Board? Members must reside in District 3 and District 5. These are four-year terms. There were no … Continue reading
Journalism
Freedom of the (Local, Independent) Press
by Jennifer Karchmer Sandra Robson (left) received the Paul deArmond Citizen Journalism Award on Feb. 12, 2016, at The 3rd Annual Paul deArmond Citizen Journalism Award dinner held at Soy House on W. Holly St. in Bellingham. John Servais (right), … Continue reading
poetrywatch
“When power leads man toward arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the area of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.” — John F. Kennedy by … Continue reading
Salmon
Padden Creek Update: Salmon Stream Sees Daylight After 120 Years
by Ron Kleinknecht Editor’s note: This article was originally published Jan. 27, 2016, on the Daily Kos (www.dailykos. com). It has been edited slightly to include updated information. After 120 years, a half-mile length of Padden Creek will once … Continue reading
Twenty Years Ago
Get the Scoop on the ‘90’s Biggest Menace to Small Business: Wal-Mart
To celebrate the 24th year of publishing Whatcom Watch, we will be printing excerpts from 20 years ago. David M. Laws has been generous enough to volunteer to review the Whatcom Watch for 20 years ago to find suitable material … Continue reading
Unsung Heroes
Bill Sterling and the Center for Self Reliance
by Kathryn Fentress Bill Sterling, 63, was born in Bellingham and has lived here his whole life. He attended Sehome High School and Fairhaven College at Western Washington University. He has three adult sons and five grandchildren. He has been … Continue reading
Is Oyster Dome to Be Clear Cut?
by Craig Romano Editor’s Note: the following was originally published on Jan. 31, 2016, at Craigromano.com/blog. Reprinted with permission. One of Puget Sound’s most popular hiking spots may soon succumb to clear cut logging. The Oyster Dome, the Pearl of … Continue reading
