A tax lien is a legal claim filed in court by a government against a person or business owing taxes. Liens are civil, not criminal claims, and normally seek to attach money and/or property to pay the taxes. A list of liens is kept at the county courthouse showing whom the government is pursuing and how much is sought.

Liens

Premier Masonry Inc., $3,443.27 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Tero Company Inc., $1,916.39 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 29.

Douglas Johnson, $253.509.71 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 9.

Armond P. Hawley, $4,657.57 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 9.

B. and A. Bone Constable, $114,299.77 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 9.

Benjamin A. Wilkins, $7,170.23 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 10.

Carl Hagen, $24,834.26 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 10.

Lynn Vander Yacht, $34,350.63 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 10.

Precision Plumbing NW Inc., $8,513.05 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 10.

Lee Connors dba Advanced Interior Partitions, $757.89 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 10.

Bella Marina LLC, Gillian Scianna MBR, $1,192.60 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 14.

Pacific Northwest Karate LLC, Shayne Simpson MBR, $1,084.11 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 14.

Vivonet Inc., $87,000.00 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 14.

Robert E. Lovelace, $141,574.04 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 15.

Mabel M. Shaffer, $156,467.11 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 15.

James M. England, $5,019.80 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 15.

Robert W. Kness, $118,779.14 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 15.

Harper Marine Inc., $11,127.53 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 15.

Jeffrey D. Searfoss, $122,425.65 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 15.

Elizabeth G. Welch, $364.643.77 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 15.

Cherie Kukhahn, $1,806.05 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 15.

Gary Gallanes, $12,465.68 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 15.

Van Zanten & Son LLC, Gary Van Zanten MGR, $278,863.15 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 15.

Yung Hoon Corp., $3,642.57 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 15.

Lance W. Robins, $25,988.83 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 16.

Donald L. Albin, $6,281.59 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 16.

Nicole E. Gruendl, $59,864.76 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 16.

T&T Construction Inc., $10,563.67 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 17.

Ray D. and Sally A. Poorman, $58,787.32 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 17.

Oros Caras Corp. dba Brighton Crest Golf, $48,575.66 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 17.

Topside Construction Inc. dba Topside Construction & Roofing, $13,967.38 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 17.

Bayview Property Management LLC, $4,255.77 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 17.

Tom H. Pheifer, $42,371.98 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 18.

Max Management LLC, Kevin Faris MBR, $50,280.43 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 18.

Jerry D. Horner and Sharon J. Allen, $13,829.28 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 21.

Randy L. Velthuizen, $94,698.49 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 22.

Derek K. Hilleary, $14,342.97 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 22.

Matthew G. Bortles, $94,810.71 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 22.

Bayside Construction and Excavation LLC, Mike McGuire MBR, $3,767.16 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 22.

Bogaards & Associates Inc., $281.61 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 22.

Katherine M. Holmes, $13,593.24 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 22.

Inocencio Valderrame dba Hosanna Tree Service, $4,186.60 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 22.

Kurt and Patricia S. Morgan, $25,501.98 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 22.

Rudes Auto Repair Inc., $4,253.38 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 23.

Roose & Kelstrup PTRS dba Birch Bay Garden Center, $130.42 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 23.

Charles and Linda J. Peeples, $7,200.78 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 24.

Blais & Associates Inc., $9,659.71 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 24.

Modern Interior Systems Inc., $117,244.94 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 24.

Top Notch Drywall, Timothy Sanderson PTR, $110,113.99 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 24.

Van Zanten & Son LLC, Gary Van Zanten MGR, $25,084.15 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 24.

Kimble Lukenbill dba Kimbles Earth Works, $12,382.07 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 25.

Hancock House Publishers LTD, $5,875.07 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 25.

Naturally Decadent Affairs Corp dba Sorellas, $21,017.56 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 25.

Bellingham Flight School Inc., $6,996.92 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 25.

Bellingham Fuel Services Inc., $11,523.19 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 25.

Tri-County Appraisal LLC, Kenneth B. Davis MBR, $3,056.05 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 25.

Towner Press Inc., $28,783.03 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 28.

River Oak Properties Inc., $28,005.62 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 28.

Richard S. and Rachel A. Cannon, $14,680.49 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 29.

Jason A. and Laura M. Greig, $1,-43.91 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 29.

Oriento Grill & BBQ Inc., $3,343.65 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 29.

Darryl W. Chen, $254,730.26 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 29.

Linh T. Vu, $254.730.26 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 29.

Jay Shaffer dba Shaffer RV, $2,329.01 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 29.

Geleynse Inc. dba Ninas Cafe, $6,580.44 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 29.

Releases

Bob W. Jr. and Melanie N. Sample, $5,079.54 in IRS taxes was released. Filed June 9.

B&J Fiberglass LLC, Keith R. Olsen MBR, $29,935.90 in IRS taxes was released. Filed June 16.

Robert G. and Geraldine A. Lane, $7,088.30 in IRS taxes was released. Filed June 23.

Peter Feenstra, $11,754.44 in IRS taxes was released. Filed June 23.

Donald P. Provalenko, $117,141.92 in IRS taxes was released. Filed June 25.

Judgments

Chad A. and Renee L. Parson dba Parson Homes & Renovations, $724.98 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed July 12.

Ketterers Intl. LLC aka Back East BBQ, $992.51 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed July 12.

Mobil 1 Service Center LLC fka Birchwood Service Center, $505.59 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed July 12.

Kiniski & Company, $654.74 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed July 12.

Katie C. Ofshe dba Johnson’s Flower Shop, $1,358.12 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed July 12.

Downtown Bobs LLC dba Bob’s Burgers and Brew, $4,752.42 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed July 12.

John D. Dickinson dba Dickinson Farms, $833.37 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed July 12.

Petra Apreza dba Video La Gloria, $540.66 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed July 12.

Ernesto Apreza dba Video La Gloria, $1,025.53 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed July 12.

Premier Packing LLC, $8,710.87 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed July 12.

Premier Packing LLC, $10,638.00 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed July 12.

Robert V. Anderson dba Double Action Training Academy, $4,703.94 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed July 12.

Michelle McClellan dba Waynes Custom Detailing & Auto, $16,023.04 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed July 12.

The Lectronic Shoppe Inc., $1,288.75 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed July 13.

Katie C. Ofshe dba Johnson’s Flower Shop, $11,107.67 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed July 13.

Harper Marine Inc., $5,928.62 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed July 13.

CNC Construction Inc., $703.52 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed July 13.

Sound Hearing Inc., $307.63 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed July 9.

Robert L. Hinds , $1,905.07 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed July 9.

Bogaards & Associates Inc., $491.64 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed July 9.

Jeffery R. Seymour, $781.85 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed July 6.

Bradley K. Hudson dba Hudsons Imports, $1,709.87 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed July 6.

Leonard and Beth A. Sansone dba Perfect Timing, $2,707.05 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed July 7.

Robert C. Mann IV dba RCM Floring, $1,551.37 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed July 7.

Bruce R. Killough dba Air Pro Mechanical McGary Heating, $681.61 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed July 7.

Bellingham Home Remodeling LLC, $275.77 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed July 7.

Belaire Service Inc., $4,717.85 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed July 7.

Abbott Construction Co. Inc., $12,633.49 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed July 7.

Copper Mountain Real Estate Inc., $2,488.96 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed July 1.

Pacific Packetting Inc., $1,982.30 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed July 1.

Health & Exercise Prescriptions Inc., $2,855.85 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 30.

Mobil 1 Service Center LLC dba Birchwood Service Center, $3,154.55 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 30.

Steve Anderson Construction Inc., $8,110.57 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 30.

T.O.G. Inc, $234.34 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 30.

Frank R. Castaneda, $263.16 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 30.

Bela and Candace K. Pataky dba Pataky Enterprises for commercial vessel tax, $395.55 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 30.

RF & RW Enterprises of Whatcom County Inc. dba Meridian Tire Service, $18,356.67 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 29.

Bradley A. Nelson dba Eye Watch, $87,459.19 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 28.

Bellingham Whatcom Radiator & Battery Repair, $20,366.96 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 28.

Adam L. and Michelle R. Foy dba Three Nails Construction, $17,708.11 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 28.

Milhaus Construction Inc., $2,102.13 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 28.

Scion Hotel Management LLC dba Hampton Inn Bellingham Airport, $66,698.44 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 28.

Steve Duthie dba Roguehero Sports Bar, $2,342.11 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 25.

Rick Fowler and Rich Waldmar dba Meridian Tire, $6,667.75 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 25.

Radley K. Muller and Christina M. Ducker dba Yary Sports Photography, $439.94 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and

Industries taxes. Filed June 25.

Robert H. Kapuscink dba CJ Concessions, $225.62 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 25.

Karen L. Vance, dba Lone Star Cafe & Pub, $176.43 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 25.

Joyce Bigalow dba The Lighthouse, $66.84 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 25.

Harmony Homes Inc., $2,394.73 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 25.

Erin K. Allen, $552.20 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 23.

Daniel C. Cruckrey, $564.71 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Felix M. Solomon, $1,868.13 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Nicholas A. Karabias, $2,396.00 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Douglas R. Harris, $1,297.60 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

James W. Belfield III, $615.58 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Ashley D. Hoover, $830.13 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Victoria Redfern, $4,324.80 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Rachael L. Buntin, $588.99 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Archie D. Stewart, $1,099.16 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Jason S. Lewis, $5,584.19 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Paul E. Gilligan, $3,975.69 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Michael A. Hanlon, $1,566.40 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Randy J. Hiramoto, $574.60 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Gerardo Marin, $642.63 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Alfred R. Galindo Sr., $565.03 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Anthony R. Rabonza, $2,437.84 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Carla McCall, $143.00 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Shannon m. Steinle, $313.92 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Jeffrey D. Sapinoro Maher, $508.52 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Glen T. Lewis, $172.87 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Eulalio Garcia, $37.50 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Nicholas S. Fiore, $372.85 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Crystal A. Moore, $231.58 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Nicholas F. Laclair, $429.62 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Shawn W. Wynne, $424.54 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Tiffany A. Ordos, $582.50 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Walter D. Channel, $6,097.40 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Ian A. MacGregor, $556.23 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Adrienne J. Cobb, $1,104.00 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Jason M. Tetzloff, $657.10 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

David J. Carr, $2,274.40 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

James C. Johnson, $1,016.80 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Kathleen M. Hyde, $2,731.39 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Stephany S. Vander Woude, $1,448.19 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Robert D. Neil, $606.72 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Robert K. Brooks, $3,705.77 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Virginia A. Roberts, $581.27 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Timothy J. Hall, $620.80 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

David E. Williams-Adams, $4,512.28 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Steven Giacoletti, $1,476.16 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Jeramie M. Ayers, $605.20 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Allan C. Bergstrom, $1,424.32 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Kaleen S. Lasater, $566.14 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Alma L. Jefferson, $769.63 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Kendall M. Hillaire, $549.93 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Mark E. Vanderyacht, $558.00 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Daniel S. Seburn, $3,087.76 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

John J. Hewett, $798.08 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Joseph E. MacGregor, $1,051.90 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Ryan A. Shintaffer, $910.48 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Tiffany M. Easton, $569.47 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

August P. Joseph, $734.00 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Deva S. Pillay, $1,518.05 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Patricks Custom Construction Inc., $23,849.18 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 17.

Belaire USA Inc., $261.51 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 17.

Max G. Swaim dba Swaim Construction, $346.00 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 17.

Hi Tec Potworks Inc. dba Trilogy Crabpots, $1,640.00 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 17.

Ruiz F. Garcia dba Paradise Lawn Services & Landscape, $959.10 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 17.

Zachary S. Garza, $1,060.00 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 17.

Satisfactions

Kristine W. Dodge, $599.46 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed July 15.

Edward J. Balboa dba Stallion Entertainment, $1,880.56 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed July 9.

Tero Company Inc., $3,644.31 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed July 9.

Tero Company Inc., $2,953.83 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed July 9.

Mirela Giaconi dba Sandwich Odyssey, $281.10 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed July 9.

Belaire USA Inc., $261.51 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed July 9.

Hi Tec Potworks Inc. dba Trilogy Crabpots, $1,640.00 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed July 9.

Jeffrey D. Ewing, $241.70 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed July 12.

Shayne L. Rowan, $1,332.33 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed July 12.

Joseph C. Stewart, $1,582.94 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed July 12.

Kevin M. Gleason, $1,196.68 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed July 12.

Karen L. Rahrich, $7,917.68 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed July 8.

Joshua K. Parker, $853.22 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed July 7.

Adam H. Yongue, $669.33 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed July 7.

Michael R. Koop, $1,173.55 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed July 7.

Kirk B. Brumbelow dba KB Painting & Construction, $4,391.92 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed July 1.

Brian M. and Rebecca A. Orcutt dba B&B Landscape Services, $1,743.89 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed July 1.

Best Deck LLC dba Prodekx, $5,843.96 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed July 1.

Downtown Bobs LLC dba Bob’s Burgers and Brew, $4,545.96 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed July 1.

Lisa M. Evoy, $5,332.68 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 30.

Dorian P. Webster Sr., $251.60 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 30.

Carla McCall, $170.44 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 30.

Brad R. Thompson, $260.32 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 30.

Sandra G. Stacey, $257.65 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 30.

Colin J. Dullum, $644.20 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 25.

Tracy R. Douglas, $2,421.36 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 25.

Lucas J. Reed, $848.96 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 25.

Marc Carlson dba Carlson Construction, $1,909.12 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed June 25.

Patricks Custom Cosntruction Inc., $14,222.85 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed June 25.

Jesus A. Rodriguez, $127.08 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 25.

Cascade Pizza & Italian Cuisine dba Niko’s, $1,749.14 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed June 25.

Anita L. Hudson dba Sidewalk Cafe & Catering, $3,298.24 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed June 25.

Tommy S. Chong, $1,252.05 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 25.

David W. and Rita R. Draper dba Details By Dave, $1,109.68 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed June 25.

Northwest Collision Specialist Inc., $9,735.83 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed June 25.

Family Foot Care PS, $2,484.56 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed June 25.

Milts Pizza Place LLC, $8,366.19 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed June 25.

Susan E. Marshall, $329.72 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 25.

Living Systems Restoration LLC, $2,294.53 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed June 25.

Rebecca D. Moreland, $230.44 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 25.

Advanced Renovations LLC dba Casa Que Pasa, $2,027.92 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed June 22.

Adam R. Hill dba Fresh Air Systems, $2,206.44 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 22.

Zach H. Peterson, $1,060.00 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 18.

Oriento Grill & BBQ Inc., $395.11 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed June 18.

Dr. Jeffrey Prager, a Bellingham dentist with more than 30 years of experience, has changed the name of his practice to include the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

Prager and his staff at the Bellingham Smile Care and Sleep Center have completed advanced training in dental sleep medicine. Prager is the only dentist in Whatcom County who is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

Bellingham Smile Care and Sleep Center now can provide screening for sleep apnea to determine if patients will benefit from a custom-fitted oral appliance that is approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Initial and follow-up fitting of appliances is conducted in its office at 1420 King St., Suite B.

Prager said custom-fitted appliances are preferred by many sleep apnea patients because they’re more comfortable and easier to use than continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines, which require a user to wear a mask as air is blown through a hose into the nose.

Prager was previously diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep study tests indicated his breathing was stopping for 10 to 30 seconds on an average of a dozen times each hour he was sleeping.

“After receiving a custom-fitted appliance, I began sleeping better,” Prager said. “It was a classic example of not knowing how bad I was sleeping until I began using the appliance. My health and stamina have improved dramatically since then.”

Bellingham Smile Care and Sleep Center continues to offer complete dental care, including examinations, fillings, crowns, teeth whitening and cosmetic dentistry. For more information, call (360) 671-4552 or visit www.bellinghamsmiles.com.

For all of you hungry and thirsty gourmets out there, this year’s Bite of Bellingham will include for the first time a beer and wine garden that will feature nine breweries and wineries from around the region.

The annual event will run from 12 to 4 p.m. Aug. 21 on the 1300 block of Cornwall Avenue, and will include more than 20 local restaurants. Attendees will have an opportunity to vote for Bellingham’s “Best Bite,” “Dreamiest Drink,” and “Sweetest Sweet.”

To accompany the food and beverages, live music will be performed by Polecat, Robert Blake, Pete Farmer and Vaughn Kreestoe.

Last year’s event drew more than 3,700 people. The event is organized by the Downtown Bellingham Partnership. For more information, call (360) 527-8710 or visit www.downtownbellingham.com/bite.

The following recent building permit activity includes permits for commercial projects valued at $10,000 or more, and residential projects valued at $250,000 or more.

Accepted

2501 E St., $2,292,400 for commercial alterations to Washington Square: renovate building systems and perform minor site work. Owner: City of Bellingham Housing Authority. Applicant: RMC Architects.

1400 12th St., $2,091,100 for commercial alterations to Chuckanut Square: renovate building systems and perform minor site work. Owner: Bellingham Housing Authority. Applicant: RMC Architects.

411 York St., $200,000 for commercial alterations: renovate mechanical and electrical systems, rebuild vestibule and reception desk, and add three interior walls. Owner: Bellingham Housing Authority. Applicant: RMC Architects.

1637 Grant St., $350,000 for commercial alterations: renovate building systems, reinforce roof frame and install green roof. Owner: Bellingham Housing Authority. Applicant: RMC Architects.

409 York St., $3,427,600 for commercial alterations to Lincoln Square Highrise: upgrade building systems, install community room clerestories and acoustical ceilings and perform minor site work. Owner: Bellingham Housing Authority. Applicant: RMC Architects.

4056 Meridian St., $20,000 for tenant improvement: replace shelving fixtures and revise layout. Owner: KWO Bellingham. Applicant: O’Reilly Automotive Inc.

1256 N. State St., $10,000 for commercial alterations: replace five windows with new vinyl windows one door. Owner: Whatcom Family YMCA. Applicant: Dawson Construction.

905 Squalicum Way Suite 101, $785,400 for tenant improvement: finish shell space in commercial building for Dermatology & Laser Center. Owner: Squalicum Lofts. Applicant: RMC Architects.

2138 Humboldt St., $84,220 for new post frame warehouse. Owner: Anne-Marie Faiola. Applicant: Pioneer Post Frame Inc.

1Bellis Fair Parkway, $475,535 for commercial reroofing project: remove loose pea gravel and install PVC membrane. Owner: Bellis Fair Partners. Applicant and contractor: Clark’s Quality Roofing Inc.

1 Bellis Fair Parkway Suite 422, $200,000 for tenant improvement: American Eagle Outfitters. Owner: Bellis Fair Partners. Applicant: American Eagle Outfitters.

AIC Western Washington University, $40,000 to install new access control doors and non-load-bearing partitions. Owner: Western Washington University. Applicant: Andrew Krzysiek.

2500 Cornwall Ave., $20,000 for tenant improvement: convert tenant space into bakery, construct nonbearing partitions and install kitchen equipment. Owner: J.T. Kim LLC. Applicant: Bellingham Flat Bread.

223 E. Bakerview Road, $150,000 for commercial renovation of existing assisted living facility: change living units into memory care units, also build gazebo enclosed by 8-foot fence. Owner: MWSH Bellingham LLC. Applicant: James Clarkson, Ron James Architect. Tenant: Spring Creek Retirement Community.

3230 Meridian St., $40,000 to create three new classrooms within existing childcare center. Owner: Mike & Bob Properties. Contractor. Pioneer Construction Company. Applicant: Fuller Building Design.

PP Western Washington University, $400,000 for addition to existing paint shop and carpentry shop, and construct new storm vault. Owner: Western Washington University. Applicant: King Architecture.

1201 Northshore Drive, $421,000 for new single family residence. Applicant: Kerri Lenderman.

Issued

115 E. Magnolia St., $25,509 for commercial reroof. Owner: John F. Tiscornia. Contractor: Hytech Roofing Inc.

610 32nd St., $1,134,711 for eight-unit residential townhouse project. Owner: North Forest LLC. Contractor: Robinson Hardwood & Homes LLC.

610 32nd St., $17,420 for detached accessory garage for eight-unit townhouse project. Owner: North Forest LLC. Contractor: Robinson Hardwood & Homes LLC.

1313 Bay St., $105,000 for commercial aleration: construct four shower rooms in new exercise area in basement. Owner: Bay Building LLC. Applicant: Marcus Johnson. Contractor: Franklin Corp.

1514 12th St. Suite 103, $30,000 for tenant improvement: renovate 2,184 square feet of existing building for physical therapy offices. Owner: Uy Family LP. Contractor: Myers General Inc.

333 Caluna Court, $250,000 for commercial alterations: remove existing siding and install new siding, construct new freestanding canopy. Owner: Whatcom Community College. Contractor: Arrow Construction & Excavating Inc.

21 Bellwether Way Suite 111, $12,500 to install one internally illuminated sign suspended between roof-canopy columns at entry to building: CH2M HILL. Owner: Port of Bellingham. Contractor: Signs Plus Inc.

1514 12th St. Suite 103, $30,000 for tenant improvement: renovate 2,184 square feet of existing building for physical therapy offices. Owner: UY Family LP. Contractor: Myers General Inc.

315 Prospect St., $59,572 for window replacement on west side of Post Office Building. Owner: W. John-Lorraine Ester EA and Steve and Michelle Foreman EA. Applicant: Tod Hunter Brothers Glass Inc. Tenant: U.S. Postal Service. Contractor: Core Management Group LLC.

2508 Utter St., $20,000 for commercial alterations: renovate girls’ restroom. Owner: Bellingham School District 501. Applicant: Jed Clark. Contractor: HB Hansen Construction Inc.

1256 N. State St., $10,000 to reduce rough openings and replace five windows opening onto alley and replace alley exit door. Owner: Whatcom Family YMCA. Contractor: Daws Construction.

ET Western Washington University, $387,000 to enclose ground floor receiving area and add storage room to second story. Owner: Western Washington University. Contractor: Colacurcio Brothers Inc.

133 E. Holly St., $33,395 to install new membrane roof system. Owner: John F. Tiscornia. Contractor: Hytech Roofing Inc.

2420 James St., $121,000 for tenant improvement: combine separate tenant spaces into one suite and install sporting goods store.

Forget about housing starts and foreclosure rates, Ted Thompson of Z Recyclers has his own economic indicator: He watches the size of the company’s scrap metal pile.

“My dad has always called our scrap pile our bank account,” Thompson said, looking out over a pile of mixed and mangled metal parts about 50 feet high and covering nearly two acres. “We can judge the market just by looking at it. That back corner over there hasn’t been touched for five to six years.”

When the market for scrap metal is good, prices go up and the pile goes down. When the market is bad, the pile slowly grows as the company waits to get a better price.

Thus far, 2010 has been a decent year for scrap metal, with prices peaking near $300 per ton of steel. Since May, though, prices have been slowly dropping and many in the industry are hoping it doesn’t stay that way.

When the housing market collapsed in 2008 and construction and manufacturing activity slowed, the market for scrap metal also dropped significantly. For scrap yards like Z Recyclers, that meant the companies that shred the metal for reuse were paying much less for the raw material sold to them.

“The end of 2008 was when it absolutely tanked,” Thompson said. “We couldn’t get rid of material. We went from 19 employees down to nine. That is stuck in the back of my head  — I really hope that doesn’t happen again.”

Z Recyclers has since been able to hire back four of its former employees, but the market is nowhere near where it was before the recession.

Global demand

Since much of the shredded scrap metal produced here is sent overseas, the global economy has a big impact on the price of scrap metal. And for the past two years, the global economy did not need a whole lot of scrap metal.

Construction is a major supplier and consumer of scrap metal. Many industry analysts point to a recent uptick in construction in China as one of the reasons for higher demand this year. But here in Washington, construction is still slow, meaning there is less metal being scrapped.

“The flow of the market depends a lot on construction,” said Marty Kuljis, manager at Northwest Recycling. “A great deal of scrap metal comes from that sector and that’s fallen off considerably.”

Globally, construction has once again slowed, causing the price of scrap metal to drop to around $180 per ton, Kuljis said.

Steel shipping containers are also a large supplier of scrap metal. But low scrap metal prices are keeping many shipping containers from being scrapped because of a growing market for used containers, said Dave Black, who owns Big Steel Box in Lynden with his wife Debbie.

Big Steel Box rents and sells new and used shipping containers, which are generally used as backyard storage. Black buys many of his used containers from shipping companies in Seattle and he said he is seeing a lot of poor quality containers that would normally be scrapped.

But scrap metal prices are so low that many companies are holding on to their aging containers hoping for better scrap prices to come. With global shipping also down, the number of unused shipping containers is starting to pile up.

“When the scrap market was high, they were taking a lot of the worst-case shipping containers and scrapping them,” Black said. “Now there is a ton of really nasty containers in Seattle.”

Staying on top of the pile

The trick to staying ahead in the scrap metal business is just like any other — never pay more for something than what you can sell it for. The only problem is that scrap metal prices fluctuate daily.

“If you buy too much at too high a price, you have to watch the market to make sure it doesn’t drop too quickly,” Thompson said.

Scrap yards like Z Recyclers are almost always looking for more scrap metal, which makes the business quite competitive. Most yards will have agreements with local manufacturing companies to take all their scrap metal, but the average person coming in to sell scrap metal is looking for the best price and will call around or wait to give it up.

“It can be very cut throat at times,” Thompson said. “It’s more aggressive when it comes to getting the scrap. And when the market is down, you almost start to see it pile up around the county.”

To insulate itself from the daily fluctuations of scrap metal prices, Z Recyclers picks through the scrap metal it receives and pulls out items like antique tractor parts or artsy pieces of copper that might be of interest to someone. This draws a regular crowd of metal artists and repairmen, who sort through boxes of copper pipe, aluminum scraps and structural steel.

“It is one of the neat things about working here; you get to see a lot of different people from all over the county,” Thompson said.

All the while, the company ships out about five truckloads of scrap metal each week, slowly working toward that back corner of the pile that hasn’t been touched for five years — and may not be touched for a few more.

The waterfront redevelopment project took another step forward this month when the Port of Bellingham and City of Bellingham released a preliminary draft master plan of the 220-acre project.

The preliminary plan comes on the heels of another milestone that was reached this month: the release of the finalized environmental impact statement (EIS), which is more than 2,500 pages and took three years to complete. This document outlines all the potential environmental impacts of redeveloping the site.

The preliminary draft master plan outlines the vision of the redevelopment project and specifies a street grid, the location of parks, building heights and project phasing over the next 30 to 50 years.

“Redeveloping Bellingham’s waterfront is a community priority,” said Mayor Dan Pike in a press release. “Years of public process and hard work have produced a draft plan that is based on the vision and principles of the Waterfront Futures Group and yet reflects the diversity of perspectives we’ve heard from the community.”

The Waterfront Advisory Group will be hosting an open house at 6 p.m. Aug. 11, at the port offices to discuss the preliminary plan and answer questions from the community.

The document is designed to be adopted by the city as a sub-area plan, similar to the Old Town and Samish Way urban village plans the city has adopted in recent years. In September, the port will submit the plan to the city’s planning department, which will launch a review process that will include public hearings before the planning commission and City Council.

The master plan is on track to get final approval from the City Council and the port commission by the end of the year, said Mike Stoner, port environmental director.

It’s been a good year so far for Amtrak Cascades, which has seen double-digit ridership growth and record-breaking totals each month this year.

Ridership for April, May, and June recorded the highest second quarter totals since 1994, with 214,641 passengers. Compared to the second quarter of 2009, this is an increase of nearly 12 percent.

“The growth of Amtrak Cascades this year has been phenomenal and is a strong indicator of the demand for this service,” said Scott Witt, state rail and marine director. “Combined with the addition of the second train service to Vancouver, B.C., and a strong summer travel season, Amtrak Cascades is on pace to finish 2010 with the highest ridership ever.”

As of June 30, Amtrak Cascades’ total ridership for the year of was 398,414. That represents a 17.3 percent increase over 2009.

The growth in ridership is due in part to the additional service to and from Vancouver, B.C., that began in August 2009 and also in part because of the 2010 Olympic Games that were held in Vancouver, B.C., in February and March.

Amtrak Cascades operates four daily round trips between Portland and Seattle; one daily round trip between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., and between Portland and Vancouver, B.C.; and daily service between Eugene and Seattle, via Portland.

For more information, visit www.amtrakcascades.com.

Bellingham Kite Paddle Surf
Owners: Andy and Marlys Holmes
Start date: June 12
Square feet: approx. 600
Address: 2620 N. Harbor Loop Drive
Phone: (360) 775-2741
www.kitepaddlesurf.com

The odds are slim that two emerging adventure sports will complement each other and appeal to the same group of people. You would be hard pressed to find an outdoor store tailored to rock climbing and snowmobiling.

But stand-up paddling and kiteboarding seem to go hand in hand, especially at Bellingham Kite Paddle Surf.

“It’s the perfect complement to kiteboarding,” shop manager Colleen Carroll said about stand-up paddling. “If you show up to the beach and it’s not windy, you can still get on the water, guaranteed. It’s another way to enjoy gorgeous Bellingham.”

Owners Andy and Marlys Holmes opened the shop June 12 after they decided to add stand-up paddling to their existing business, Bellingham Kiteboarding, which they ran out of their home near Locust Beach.

Located along the Squalicum Harbor walkway, the new retail store offers kiteboarding lessons, stand-up paddle board rentals and all the gear you need to get out on the water. For those simply spending the day at nearby Zuanich Point Park, the shop also carries a selection of small stunt kites and single-line flyers, which have sold extremely well, Carroll said.

Stand-up paddling has been popular in Hawaii for decades and is quickly gaining followers here on the West Coast. The boards are typically 10 feet to 12 feet long and wide enough to provide a stable platform. Some are made of high-density foam and resemble a giant body board, others are made of fiberglass and have a pointed bow similar to a boat. Riders propel themselves using a long-handled paddle similar to ones used for canoeing.

There may not be any waves for these stand-up paddlers to ride here, but the shallow bay and steady wind is also attracting kiteboarders from around the region, Carroll said. Already the shop has seen customers from Seattle, Tacoma and Vancouver, B.C.

“People don’t think about Bellingham as a kiteboarding destination, but it’s becoming one,” she said. “We get more consistent wind than a lot of places in Puget Sound. The wind comes in off the strait nice and smooth and we get real moderate speeds.”

The shallow waters off Locust Beach make it ideal for teaching beginners because the instructor can stand in the water next to the student and offer tips, Carroll said. The steady 10-mph to 20-mph wind is ideal for those just learning to control their large kite as it pulls them along the water on a board similar to a wakeboard.

“The hardest thing is learning good kite control,” she said. “There’s a lot going on at first, but it’s really not that difficult to learn.”

But with summer in full swing, the hardest part of Carroll’s job is staying inside.

“It’s hard on windy days. Everyone here kiteboards and we argue about who gets to bail first and go play,” she said. “We’re just water people.”

The search for an executive director for the Port of Bellingham will continue this summer as the port commissioners announced Friday, July 16, that they would be interviewing additional candidates within a few weeks.

Commissioners directed their Seattle-based search firm, Waldron and Associates, to revisit the 110 applications that were submitted in May and help them select more people to interview. They hope to conduct additional interviews by the end of August.

“We carefully and thoughtfully considered all of the input we received during the interview process,” said Commission President Jim Jorgensen in a press release. “And we greatly appreciate all the time that members of the community and stakeholder groups took to share their thoughts with us. Based upon that feedback, we believe it is necessary to expand the pool of applicants for this key leadership position.”

Following the news of the decision, the remaining three finalists withdrew from the running. The three are Jeffrey Bishop, executive director for the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay; Dwight Rives, director of port construction services at the Port of Seattle; and John Carter, finance director for the City of Bellingham.

Earlier in July, the three finalists took part in a two-day comprehensive interview process that included interviews with the commission, a stakeholder group and staff panels, as well as a community reception.

For more information, visit www.portofbellingham.com

Bellingham Elks Lodge recently awarded its Elks National Foundation Gratitude Grant of $500 to Bellingham Search & Rescue at its June meeting. Fred Knight of Search & Rescue accepted the award.

For more information, call the Elks Lodge at (360) 224-5915.

Oak Creek Homes, a manufactured home dealer in Lynden, has announced their 2010 Summer of Giving charity donation recipients.

Owners Gerry & Diane Hansen will make a $500 donation for every home sold in the months of July, August and September. With a goal of donating in excess of $5,000, the Hansen’s say this is a chance for families to make their new home purchase count towards helping those less fortunate.

In 2009, Oak Creek Homes worked with the Opportunity Council to provide three new homes to deserving Whatcom County families. As the featured charity for July, each $500 donation will assist The Opportunity Council efforts in serving homeless and low-income families and individuals.

In August, each new home buyer will be able to choose a Whatcom County Food Bank for a $500 donation, assisting them to continue providing local families with food and basic household needs.

The Smile Train has been selected as the honored charity for September. Each $500 donation will allow the Smile Train to provide life-altering cleft palate surgery for two children both here and abroad.

The public is invited to participate in a Labyrinth Vigil at Whatcom Hospice House on Aug. 21, 2010, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The event, hosted by Karen Ssebanakitta, director of Whatcom Hospice, and Myra Smith, owner of The Laughing Flower Labyrinth & Landscape Co., will be held at the site of the new Hospice House opening this fall at 2806 Douglas Ave.

A suggested donation of $10 per person is fully tax-deductible and will directly benefit the Hospice House fundraising campaign. Smith will be available to teach labyrinth walking methods.

“I will be forever grateful to Whatcom Hospice for helping me care for my uncle in our home,” Smith said. “Thanks to Hospice, his last months of life were spent at home with our family instead of alone in a hospital. The memories and moments we shared are priceless, so I am honored to create a labyrinth fundraising event for Whatcom Hospice House.”

For more information, call The Laughing Flower Labyrinth & Landscape Co. at (360) 927-8803 or visit www.laughingflowerlabyrinth.com.

When the Bellingham Public Development Authority (BPDA) was created in 2008 and tasked with developing city-owned properties, the first question was where to start.

The initial idea for starting the BPDA was to develop city property that is part of the 220-acre waterfront redevelopment project, but the scope has since grown to include five sites: Cornwall Beach on the waterfront, a parking lot at Cornwall and Maple streets, the Federal Building downtown, the Army Street parcel, and a parcel at 600 W. Holly St., also known as the old ReStore site.

Last month, the BPDA board of directors outlined for the first time a strategic plan for undertaking the daunting task of improving all five properties, which are all in various stages of development.

“The purpose of this [strategic plan] is to evaluate the properties that are to be transfered to the public development authority,” said BPDA Executive Director James Long. “We have limited time and staff, so we’re looking for a strategy that allows us to move forward on all five projects concurrently.”

Long described the plan as a management tool that will help the group focus its time and energy on projects that have the highest benefit to the community. To assess each property, the group came up with preliminary plans for each project and scored them against a list of goals and objectives.

The analysis also considers any environmental remediation, land acquisition or public infrastructure that would be needed for development to proceed.

“It’s a long way from a definitive development plan on any of these projects,” Long said. “There’s still a good deal of information that we don’t know.”

In all, the five properties included in the strategic plan total more than 21 acres of land on which roughly 100,000 square feet of buildings currently exists. Most of these sites are vacant or underutilized with depreciated structures, according to the report.

Conceptual plans

The plan is to develop each project in such a way as to spur private development in that area — all with an overarching concept or master plan. The goal is to parlay these 21 acres into developments of 45 to 50 acres with a potential of 1.75 million square feet of building over the next 20 to 25 years.

“We focus on place-making concepts,” Long said. “We initiate the concept and see if there’s interest.”

Here are the basic plans and descriptions of each site, ranked in order of priority in the strategic plan:

1. Army Street: Located next to a street right-of-way that was never built, this small 0.4-acre parcel has a very strategic location at the juncture of downtown, Old Town and the waterfront.

The plan is to include several surrounding parcels owned by eight different land owners, including the Port of Bellingham and Trillium Corp., for a total acreage of about 20 acres — much of it on the waterfront — to create a large mixed-use development that would draw activity to the area. Conceptual plans include a four to five-level parking structure along the bluff, adaptive reuse of The Granary for a conference center, urban plazas and up to 1.5 million square feet of mixed-use space.

2. 600 W. Holly St.: This 2.1-acre site was the former location of the ReStore building, which was demolished in 2009.

The plan is to develop it for institutional use by BTC, Western and Northwest Indian College and serve as a logical expansion of the North Puget Sound Clean Ocean Research facility next to the site. Should this institutional use not work out, the next idea is for a mixed-use building, but that depends on the timing of a relocation of nearby Northwest Recycling.

3. Cornwall/Maple project: The city purchased this 0.7-acre gravel lot in 2008 with plans to build another parking garage.

The new conceptual plan is for a single mixed-use building with excess parking to meet demand for public parking in the area. Development on this site isn’t likely to drive more development on the waterfront site or downtown, but could complement other projects, Long said.

4. Cornwall Beach: This project encompasses three parcels of land: the five-acre R.G. Haley parcel, which the city recently acquired; a six-acre parcel that is jointed-owned 51/49 percent by the port and city; and a seven-acre site owned by the state that is managed by the port.

This proposed project would create a new park and would coincide with the master plan for the waterfront redevelopment project. There is also a possibility of using four acres of the site for private development, such as office or institutional space.

These properties are contaminated and will require extensive environmental cleanup, which could take upward of two years.

5. Federal Building: Built in 1913 and purchased by the city in 2004, this three-story historic building has approximately 45,000 square feet of space. Less than one-third of the building is currently occupied.
Management of the building has already been conveyed to the development authority; the city is retaining ownership.

The plan is to renovate and update the building to create separate tenant spaces. Some mitigation of lead and asbestos will be required.

The next step

While the strategic plan is a major step for an organization that is just getting on its feet, the BPDA still has a long way to go.

“Overall, I like where they’re going, but there are still challenges,” Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike said.

Focusing on the Army Street site is a good place to start, Pike said, because it is at the nexus of three districts and it has the potential to spur development on the waterfront — something many citizens have been waiting to see happen.

Now that the BPDA has a strategy for tackling all five projects, the group will start diving into the finer details of each project and working with the private sector to get development started as soon as possible.

The strategic plan will be updated every year to account for changes in the market, the addition of new projects, or new development ideas. But for a first step, Long said the strategic plan is quite comprehensive and does a good job of guiding the work of the BPDA.

“This [strategic plan] is for setting the context for what is to come,” Long said. “After all, where you end up is a function of where you start.”

As the Bellwether Gate building nears completion, two new tenants have signed leases for ground floor spaces: AlyBlue Boutique and Kookaburra Coffee House.

For the owners, Lynda and James Fell, opening these businesses has been a journey through the stages of grief.

Nearly a year has passed since their daughter, Alyssa (Aly) Fell, was killed in a tragic car accident in Burlington while coming home from watching a swim meet in Federal Way.

“When the accident happened, it just totally shattered life as we knew it,” Lynda said. “It will be a year on Aug. 5, but to us it’s still yesterday. Focusing on these businesses is what gets us out of bad feelings. I feel like this little shop is what she left behind to keep me going.”

It was Aly who first convinced her mom to open the Little Green Formal Shop in Ferndale, where Lynda sold new and consigned dresses and Aly sold her handcrafted jewelry. After Aly’s death, Lynda began making soaps as her own form of therapy and began selling them in the store. The products sold so well that she created an entire line of products called AlyBlue Gourmet Skincare.

The Little Green Formal Shop has since outgrown its space, so Lynda decided to move it to a 1,200-square-foot space in Bellwether Gate and change the name to AlyBlue Boutique.

“We are a destination business and this is an easier location to meet every one’s needs,” Lynda said, adding that she has customers from Everett to Vancouver, B.C.

The store will still sell prom and wedding dresses, but will also carry more gifts such as hand-painted wine glasses and AlyBlue skin care products, she said.

As for Kookaburra Coffee House, which will be right next door, that was her husband’s idea. As a superintendent on the project with Ebenal General Construction, he had his eye on a 1,000-square-foot space for a coffee shop, Lynda said.

The shop will offer coffee from Hammerhead Coffee Roasters and the couple have applied for a liquor license to sell wines from Australia, where James was born and raised.

AlyBlue Boutique is scheduled to be open by Sept. 1 and the coffee shop will open a few weeks later, Lynda said. For more information, visit www.alyblue.com or www.kookaburracoffeehouse.com

Signs have gone up for Perfect 10 Espresso at the former home of The Blend, located at 1330 N. State St. across the street from Puget Sound Energy.

Most of the equipment has been installed in the coffee stand and it is scheduled to open this week, company sources said. Though the company has other coffee stands with bikini baristas in the region, the Bellingham location will not be one of them.

Hotel managers of Providence Hospitality Partners, which manages the Lakeway Inn & Conference Center, took a break from a four-day conference in June to make improvements to a new Bellingham trail.

The team of 30 managers and executives cleared brush and roots from a new trail in the South Lake Whatcom watershed. The trail, managed by the City of Bellingham, will eventually connect with trails to Lake Padden, Whatcom Falls and Galbraith Mountain.

“Bellingham’s trails and access to so much natural beauty are enjoyed by many of our guests, so we appreciated the opportunity to give back to the community in this manner,” said Steve Brenk, the Lakeway Inn’s general manager.

During the months of April, May and June, employees of the Bellingham Moss Adams office donated $1,634 to local charities, and a full day of labor to the Bellingham Food Bank Farm.

The office designates one or more Friday’s each month as a Dress Down for Charity Day, an office sponsored day that supports a more casual dress code and provides an opportunity to donate to a worthy cause.

During the three months, employees donated $135 to the WWU Beta Alpha Psi Relay for Life team, $245 to the Whatcom Family YMCA Girls on the Run Program, $237 to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services, $310 to Children’s Organ Transplant Association in honor of six-year-old Olivia Cook, as well as 150 pounds of food and $707 to the Bellingham Food Bank’s Milk Money Program.

Additionally, 20 employees volunteered their time and spent a day at the Food Bank Farm laying irrigation tape, weeding, fertilizing, and pruning.

The following recent building permit activity includes permits for commercial projects valued at $10,000 or more, and residential projects valued at $250,000 or more.

Accepted

803 Harris Ave., $250,000 for commercial reroof: install overlay metal roofing on FMIP Building 2. Owner: Port of Bellingham. Applicant: Carletti Architects P.S.

410 W. Bakerview Road Suite 113, $40,000 for tenant improvement: hearing testing and hearing aid sales. Owner: Madrona Bay LLC. Applicant and contractor: By The Bay Construction. Tenant: Miracle Ear.

2420 James St., $121,000 for tenant improvement: complete shell space for new retail store. Owner: Sunnyland Properties LLC. Applicant: Marcus Johnson. Tenant: Sportsman Chalet.

2717 Alderwood Ave., $35,000 for commercial addition: install portable classrooms. Owner: Bellingham School District 501. Applicant: Jed Clark.

2508 Utter St., $20,000 for commercial alterations: renovate girls’ restroom. Owner: Bellingham School District 501. Applicant: Jed Clark.

1081 Telegraph Road, $365,850 for new single family residence with attached garage. Owner: Joe Razore. Applicant: Perspective Design Inc.

1707 35th St., $468,255 for new single family residence with attached garage. Owner and applicant: Jaskarn and Saroj Gill.

1313 Bay St., $105,000 for commercial aleration: construct four shower rooms in new exercise area in basement. Owner: Bay Building LLC. Applicant: Marcus Johnson. Contractor: Franklin Corp.

1801 Roeder Ave. Gate 10, $60,000 for repairs to floating moorage system. Owner: Port of Bellingham. Applicant: Norman Gilbert.

2600 S. Harbor Loop Gate 6, $80,000 for repairs to floating moorage system. Owner: Port of Bellingham. Applicant: Norman Gilbert.

315 Prospect St., $59,572 for window replacement on west side of Post Office Building. Owner: W. John-Lorraine Ester EA and Steve and Michelle Foreman EA. Applicant: Tod Hunter Brothers Glass Inc. Tenant: U.S. Postal Service.

4059 Hammer Dr., $96,500 for new 3,560-square-foot mini storage building. Applicant: Com-Steel LLC.

3421 Chandler Parkway, $392,820 for new 4,547-square-foot single family residence with attached garage and daylight basement. Owner and applicant: Steven J. and Christine Mura.

1112 Birch Falls Drive, $255,200 for new single family residence with attached garage, daylight basement and hydronic heating. Applicant: Fuller Building Design.

Issued

3870 Mustang Way Suite 101, $100,000 for tenant improvement: interior modifications to establish occupancy for a precision mold fabricator: Gray Mold Inc. Owner: Jerry Hammer. Contractor: Duane Sala Cosntruction LLC.

241 W. Kellogg Road, $400,000 for commercial reroof: replace existing membrane and flashing and install metal siding over existing stucco: Whatcom Community College. Owner: Washington State Board for Community College Education. Contractor: Axiom Division 7.

4545 Cordata Parkway Suite 204, $25,000 for tenant improvement: upgrading second floor deli space in medical building to comply with health department requirements. Owner: 4545 Cordata Parkway LLC.

1413 Broadway St., $22,000 for commercial alterations: reside portion of church wall and replace existing windows. Owner: Slavic Baptist Church.

4260 Cordata Parkway Suite 101, $95,000 for tenant improvement: new coffee shop. Owner: Whatcom Plaza LLC. Contractor: MCC Brothers Construction.

810 Halleck St., $100,000 for phase 1 foundation: install exterior footings for future shell and core replacement work: Whatcom Middle School. Owner: Bellingham School District 501. Contractor: Dawson Cosntruction Inc.

AA Western Washington University, $230,538 to clean and repair exterior masonry and replace skylights. Owner: Western Washington University. Contractor: Sterling Constriction Inc.

WL Western Washington University, $121,600 to clean and repair exterior masonry and reseal windows. Owner: Western Washington University. Contractor: Sterling Constriction Inc.

420 Telegraph Road, $25,000 for two wall-mounted signs: Home Depot. Owner: Cole HD Bellingham WA DST. Contractor: The Sign Post.

2433 E. Bakerview Road, $30,800 for eight signs and five illuminated awnings: McDonald’s. Owner: Ashok and Sangeeta Khanna. Contractor: The Sign Post.

1221 Potter St., $15,000 for commercial alterations: convert portion of storage building into office. Owner: City of Bellingham Finance. Contractor: Martin Rinehart Construction.

4420 Aldrich Road, $8,200,000 for new two-story elementary school with associated parking/playing fields and covered play area. Contractor: Tiger Construction LTD.

HH Western Washington University, $57,000 to reroof planetarium dome. Owner: Western Washington University. Contractor: Artus Construction Co.

340 W. Bakerview Road, $75,411 for minor remodel of commercial kitchen area to provide protection for new type one hood and associated cabinetry: T-Mobile. Owner: Western Mortgage Development. Contractor: Colacurcio Brothers Inc.

410 W. Bakerview Road Suite 113, $40,000 for tenant improvement: hearing testing and hearing aid sales: Miracle Ear. Owner: Madrona Bay LLC. Contractor: By The Bay Construction.

918 Lakeway Drive, $50,000 to install tire storage rack system within building and enclose 152 square feet under existing roof for tire storage. Owner: Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. Contractor: Baker Construction.

2130 Northshore Dr., $441,281 for new single family residence with attached garage. Owner: Wayne S. and Irene Hwang. Contractor: Pillar Construction & Man LLC.

Mt. Baker Chapter of the American Red Cross held its 16th Annual Golf Tournament July 2 at Shuksan Golf Club.

The event was sponsored this year by long-time supporter ConocoPhillips. Following the tournament was the 3rd Annual Golf Ball Drop, sponsored by Ferndale Ready Mix and Gravel.

These events are both major annual fundraisers for the Mt. Baker Chapter and all proceeds will directly support the  efforts of the Mt. Baker Chapter to help our community prevent, prepare for, and respond to disasters.

When Sherry and George Keizer decided to sell Keizer A A Meats in Lynden, they wanted to make sure the business would end up in good hands. That’s because without Keizer Meats, USDA certification would not be available to most meat producers in Whatcom County, and without USDA certification meat can’t be sold in stores or restaurants in Washington. No Keizer Meats would mean limited selling options for local producers.

Local real estate agent Ron Bennett immediately thought of two buyers who would likely be interested in purchasing Whatcom County’s only USDA-certified meat processing facility. For Bennett, USDA certification is of particular significance. In addition to selling commercial real estate, he raises and sells grass-fed beef to local stores and at his farm in Everson.

The buyers he had in mind didn’t bite. Those rejections, along with the concern that the wrong buyer could decide to use the facility for another kind of processing, inspired Bennett to explore another option. He decided to talk to other meat prodcers with a similar interest in the facility. Bennett wanted to know whether they would be interested in starting a corporation and buying shares in Keizer Meats.

Word spread quickly. Weeks after Bennett was turned down by the two potential buyers, a meeting was  held just to see what kind of serious interest was out there and to talk out details of the corporation. People filed into the Lynden Senior Center ready to invest.

“Some people had their checks out and were ready to go,” Bennett said.

Sherry Keizer said that because of the need for the facility to stay as is, she hopes the corporation is able to form and buy the business. But meat producers aren’t alone in their need for processing options. Clayton Burrows, director of Growing Washington, said Whatcom County has very few food processing facilities, which means consumers have less access to local foods, especially in darker, low-production months. It also means producers can’t reach their full sale potential.

“There is not enough processing infrastructure in the county, nor for that matter, the region,” Burrows said.

The power of processing

In 2007, when the last agricultural census was done, the market value of agricultural production for the county was more than $326 million. Jeff Voltz, project manager for the Northwest Agriculture Business Center, said Whatcom County has the largest farm gate sales of all western Washington counties and is among the top in the state.

More milk and raspberries are produced in the county than can be consumed here, Voltz said, and there is even more capacity to grow more food. So, with all the potential to grow even more food, and thus grow the local economy, why don’t producers produce more?

“The issue is pretty complex really, and pretty simple at the same time,” said Fred Berman, WSDA Small Farm Program coordinator.

Part of the reason, Berman said, is a lack of processing facilities.

Voltz said nearly all capacity to process food has left the county.

Burrows said there is a demand for local food year round, and processing facilities would enable producers to meet that demand, if only in part, by putting food in a form that preserves it, such as canning or freezing.

The need for processing goes beyond putting food in a form that preserves it, though. Burrows said there is also a need for post-harvest facilities that have the capacity to turn milk into cheese or yogurt, and those where carrots and onions could be sliced and packaged. The latter process is important because institutional kitchens, such as those in schools and hospitals, don’t have the facilities or staff to prepare vegetables themselves, Burrows said.

Berman said post-harvest production is key to opening new markets for local producers, but because of expenses, it would be advantageous for groups of producers to establish and run processing facilities cooperatively — think Keizer Meats.

One market that could be accessed if a large-scale commercial processing facility were available is Western Washington University, which has a food-service contract with Sodexho. Berman said local producers’ food is getting to Western already, but it’s a small amount and has to go through at least two back doors to get there, which cuts into producers’ profits.

In order for most foods to be sold on campus, they have to be routed through a Sodexho network — Sodexho only buys from businesses on the company’s preferred sellers list. Local producers could get on that list, but doing so would require a large group of committed producers and a large post-production processing facility, and even then, costs would probably need to be offset with grant money, Berman said.

And why would food production require grant money? Because increasing processing capacity isn’t all that’s needed to increase local food production and the economic value of Whatcom County agriculture. Berman said processing is the easy part of the answer. The remainder of the solution is the more difficult.

Don’t have a cow, have 49,000

Part of the issue is convincing producers it is economically viable for them to put, or in some cases keep, their products in forms that make them available to local consumers year round, Berman said, and the only way to do that is to create a market for those goods. Creating that market is the hard part. The reason: Costs of small-scale, local production and processing are higher than those for mass production.

Voltz said more production would benefit Whatcom County’s food economy, but consumers have to be willing to buy so producers have an outlet for their products.

For instance, according to the most recent agriculture census, in 2007 there were approximately 49,000 milk cows in Whatcom County — for reference, that’s about one milk cow for every four residents.

approximately 133 million gallons of milk are produced in Whatcom County each year and local residents only consume about 4 million gallons of milk each year, Voltz said, but most of that milk is shipped out of the county and processed into powder.

“The milk produced here goes somewhere else,” Voltz said. “We need to bring that capacity back locally.”

Nearly all milk producers in the county sell their milk to Darigold, which turns it into powder, Voltz said. Producers need viable business models and most don’t see selling milk in-county is not an option because local consumers can’t drink all the milk produced here and producing and processing dairy independently can be expensive.

Still, that abundance of milk shouldn’t be looked at in terms of milk sales alone. Some milk could be processed into yogurt, which adds value to the milk and results in a larger profit for the milk producer, Voltz said. The same holds true for other value-added dairy products.

So why aren’t brilliant entrepreneurs building post-production processing facilities? Again, the answer is costs. The cost of building and operating small post-production facilities is high relative to larger operations, which translates into higher priced foods.

“It gets to be price, price, price is everything,” Voltz said.

Larry Stap, owner of Twin Brook Creamery in Lynden agreed. He said dairy processing plants have continued to grow and become more cost efficient, which makes it difficult for small, independent producers to offer competitive pricing. That’s why cooperatives such as Darigold are appealing, he said.

Stap said that, in his opinion, most consumers want cheap meat and cheap dairy, not high-quality local products. While small, local processing plants will help a few, they won’t be used to feed the masses because most people won’t pay more, he said.

“The simple part is processing,” Stap said. “The complicated part is where are you going to market it.”

Estimates for the amount of locally produced food consumed locally support Stap’s opinion. That amount ranges from 1 percent to 5 percent, with five agreed upon as incredibly generous and even unlikely. Voltz said demand is key.

“With more local and regional demand for locally produced food, the agricultural economy would blossom,” Voltz said.

Finding your niche

Stap used to be a member of the Darigold cooperative, but changed directions. Twin Brook starting selling milk independently and in 2007, began selling milk in glass bottles. That set their product apart from others, Stap said, and it paid off. He said the business has taken off and to such a degree that an expansion is in order.

The key for small-scale producers, Stap said, is finding a niche.

Berman said that now, more than ever, producers need to have a marketing plan to reach consumers who are used to buying based on price comparisons alone. For many producers, that could mean diversifying product options or finding a niche, he said.

Voltz said a lot more food could be produced in Whatcom County, and Stap said more food production would create more farming and processing jobs, which would result in demand for tractor dealers, feed producers and countless others down the line.

But, Berman said, increasing the amount of food produced locally would take more than individual producers coming up with impressive marketing plans. He said it would require systemic change — people have to be willing to pay for it.

“We really are looking at a paradigm shift,” Berman said.

That shift has started to happen, and not just within county borders. Berman said the federal government is investing in localized and regional food systems.

Federal investments, local food advocates’ grassroots efforts and marketing efforts are starting to pay off. Voltz said there is a growing demand for local food. Berman said the same and Bennett said there is definitely a demand for his local, grass-fed beef. Bennett said he sells 200 to 250 pounds per week to the downtown Bellingham Community Food Co-op alone.

Both Twin Brook Creamery and Keizer Meats are planning facility expansions and Twin Brook is now selling glass milk in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties.

“We have to look at expanding,” Stap said. “It has just taken off.”

Whatcom Women in Business has awarded $1,000 scholarships to 10 local women who are pursuing higher education.

Scholarships were awarded in June after an application and panel interview process. Although the number of applications received was lower than it has been in the past, the decision process was more difficult than ever. Awards were based on professional goals, GPA, personal achievements, community service, extracurricular activities, financial need, and an in-person interview.

Scholarship recipients include: Stephanie Williams, Alanna Steele, Gabrielle Holmquist, Jordyn LeBlonde, Kylee Clark and Melinda Shenk of Bellingham, Megan Reardon and Krisula Steiger of Lynden, Dani Plagerman of Everson and Bailey DeBruin of Sumas.

Whatcom Women in Business is a nonprofit organization consisting of business owners, managers and professionals who provide a positive role model for the community through leadership and professional mentoring.

Customers of Haggen Food & Pharmacy and TOP Food & Drug stores recently donated $42,283 to Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Haggen and TOP Food stores in Washington offered Miracle Balloons for $1 apiece from June 2-15 as a fundraiser for Seattle Children’s Hospital. The stores also presented barbecues with donations going to the hospital.

The donations support uncompensated care, enabling children to receive medical care regardless of their family’s ability to pay. The annual drive at Haggen and TOP Food stores now has raised more than $310,000 for uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s since 2004.

“The generosity of our customers was amazing as donations were up 30 percent this year,” company spokesperson Becky Skaggs said in a press release.

Overall taxable retail sales in Whatcom County rose 1.2 percent to $634.7 million during the first quarter of 2010, according to a new report by the Department of Revenue.

This defied the statewide trend, which shows taxable retail sales dropping 2.9 percent to $22.6 billion.

Retailers statewide saw a small boost in sales, though, up 1.9 percent to $10.2 billion over the first quarter of 2009. In Whatcom County, retail trades posted a 5.6 percent jump over last year. Retail trade is a subset of all taxable retail sales that includes retailers but excludes other industries such as services and construction.

Statewide results continued to be held down by weakness in the construction sector, which was down 18.3 percent to $3.5 billion over year-earlier results.

Industries that saw increases in sales include new and used car dealers, which were up 1.8 percent to $1.7 billion, and accommodations and food services sales were up 1.8 percent to $2.5 billion. Building materials, garden equipment and supplies sales were up 8.3 percent to $921 million.

To see a breakdown of taxable retail sales by city, county or industry, click here.

Washington state produced a bumper crop of agricultural jobs in 2009, according to a new report by the Employment Security Department.

Employment in agriculture increased 7 percent last year, to 102,530 jobs, according to the report. Agricultural employment is a combination of seasonal and non-seasonal jobs, but the increase in 2009 was driven almost entirely by seasonal work in orchards.

“During a tough year for the economy, the agricultural industry was a bright spot,” said Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee.

Deep job cuts in construction and manufacturing likely increased the pool of workers for agricultural jobs, while crop sizes, crop quality and mild harvest weather increased demand for those workers. The mild weather conditions were ideal for pruning activities, increasing demand for workers in apple, cherry and pear orchards.

More than one-quarter of all agricultural jobs were in Yakima County (26 percent), followed by the Chelan-Douglas county area (12 percent) and the Benton-Franklin county area (11 percent).

Whatcom County accounted for 3 percent of total agricultural jobs in the state. The highest monthly employment locally occurred in July, with 5,810 people employed.

Though the demand for labor was higher last year, wages were actually down between 4 and 10 percent for apple, cherry and pear harvests. That’s because the supply of seasonal labor increased even more than labor demand, according to the report.

More work didn’t equate to longer hours. In fact, with so many workers available, the average farm laborer worked about 10 percent fewer hours last year.

Even with the additional work, more farm workers collected unemployment benefits in 2009. According to the report, this is likely due to unemployed workers from other industries taking agricultural jobs and pushing out existing workers. The number of agricultural workers collecting unemployment benefits was 30 percent higher than in 2008 and 40 percent higher than in 2007.

Leeper’s Marine, a boat repair company located at 1627 Valencia St., is celebrating its 25th anniversary this summer.

Owned and operated by Larry and Renee Leeper since 1985, Leeper’s Marine also includes their son, technician Brandon Leeper. The company specializes in service and repairs for wakeboard boats, competition ski boats, runabouts, 4-stroke outboards, and bay cruisers up to 26 feet. It also offers detailing, custom storage covers and indoor and outdoor storage.

Leeper’s Marine rebuilt its facility five years ago, adding a covered work area and making other improvements to better serve customers and protect their boats. It has taken steps over the years to prevent pollution and properly dispose of waste products.

For more information about Leeper’s Marine, call (360) 671-3103.

With the delivery of five new brewing tanks this week, Chuckanut Brewery will be able to double its production capacity to more than 1,500 barrels (approximately 46,500 gallons) of beer per year.

“We’ve been at capacity since April of last year year,” owner Will Kemper said.

The increased production will allow the brewery to meet the rising demand from restaurants and bars in the Puget Sound Region. The brewery currently delivers to roughly 25 establishments.

“We’ve had a waiting list of people wanting to get our beer,” Kemper said. “We were really strapped by how much we could manufacture. By not being able to make more beer, we couldn’t ensure a steady supply and that’s why we aren’t on the menu for many of our accounts.”

Chuckanut Brewery spent approximately $40,000 on the new tanks and also ordered 150 new kegs for delivery. The tanks should be ready for their first batch of beer in about a week, Kemper said.

For more information, call Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen at (360) 752-3377 or visit www.chuckanutbreweryandkitchen.com.

Chapter 7 — Straight bankruptcy; debtor gives up non-exempt property and debts are discharged.

Chapter 11 — Business reorganization; protection from creditors while business devises a plan of reorganization. Income/expense reports must be filed monthly.

Chapter 13 — Plan is devised by individual to pay a percentage of debts based on ability to pay. All disposable income must be used to pay.

Chapter 7

Susann M. and Michael S. Cillern, 7956 E. Golf Course Drive, Blaine. Filed May 25.

Kathleen J. Hooper, 1232 Mitchell Ave., Blaine. Filed May 26.

Tara L. Tjoelker, 1300 Bradley Meadows Court, Lynden. Filed May 27.

Judith K. Pasky, 4295 Rural Ave., Bellingham. Filed May 27.

Steven C. LaRose, 2508 Vallette St., Bellingham. Filed May 27.

Lisa D. and Ricky R. McCauley, 3635 S. Pebble Place, Bellingham. Filed May 27.

Kevin V. Tucker, 605 Strandell St., Everson. Filed May 27.

Sharise R. and Brian L. Gass, 1078 Sudden Valley, Bellingham. Filed May 28.

Echo R. Bleakney, 7951 Apache Drive, Bellingham. Filed May 28.

Shaun L. and Wendi L. Wilson, 3106 Racine St. #602, Bellingham. Filed May 28.

Tammy L. Christensen, 2843 W. Maplewood Ave. #11, Bellingham. Filed May 28.

Elly V. and Richard A. Morrison, 310 Palm St., Bellingham. Filed June 1.

Donna A. and Thomas L. Herrewig, P.O. Box 2191, Ferndale. Filed June 1.

Stephanie M. and Garrett W. Fultz, 1316 Andrea Court, Bellingham. Filed June 3.

Joseph M. and Heather L. Fitzgerald, 2067 Ponderosa Court, Bellingham. Filed June 4.

Brian N. Fitzpatrick, 1319 E. Maplewood Ave. #1, Bellingham. Filed June 7.

Bradley J. Martin, 2824 St. Clair St., Bellingham. Filed June 7.

Dorothy L. Peterson, 2110 Bill McDonald Parkway #2, Bellingham. Filed June 7.

Jon C. Soine, 2129 Ontario St., Bellingham. Filed June 8.

Charise L. Wenzi, 4380 Tull Road #401, Bellingham. Filed June 8.

Linda K. Dolan, P.O. Box 561, Custer. Filed June 8.

Larry M. Franks, 4860 N. King Mountain Road, Bellingham. Filed June 8.

Genna A. and Isreal G. Casarez, 6136 Sunshine Drive, Ferndale. Filed June 9.

Robin L. and Will W. Brant, 324 W. Homestead Road #204, Lynden. Filed June 9.

Valerie K. and Steven D. Van Wingerden, 4415 Squalicum Creek Drive, Bellingham. Filed June 10.

Helen T. and Erhard Squire, PMB 1188 4550 Birch Bay Lynden Road, Blaine. Filed June 10.

Joginder K. and Mohan S. Sandhu, 325 8th St., Blaine. Filed June 10.

Andrew N. Fischer, P.O. Box 30830, Bellingham. Filed June 15.

James F. Crane Jr., 1400 12thSt. #603, Bellingham. Filed June 15.

Dee W. Smith, 4360 Lake Hill Lane, Bellingham. Filed June 15.

Ben R. and Sara J. Harvey, 2608 Peabody St., Bellingham. Filed June 15.

Frances M. and Victor W. Maker, P.O. Box 4431, Nooksack. Filed June 16.

Chapter 13

Lisa D. Zapien-Baldwin and Nathan R. Baldwin, 4226 Cedar Hills Court, Bellingham. Filed May 27.

Sheryl D. Larson, 8475 Alder Way, Blaine. Filed May 27.

Guy L. and Diane Murphy, 667 Andy Court, Bellingham. Filed June 4.

Alton R. Dickinson, 509 D. St., Blaine. Filed June 9.

Mary R. Peters, 6110 Aquarius Ave., Ferndale. Filed June 10.

Pedro and Tracy M. Hinojosa, 1941 Lake Whatcom Blvd. B-3 #191, Bellingham. Filed June 10.

Peggy A. Erickson, 5846 Pacific Rim Way #59, Bellingham. Filed June 14.

Tanya L. and Carl F. Hunter, 800 South Park St., Lynden. Filed June 15.

Candace P. Carson, 1781 Old Samish Road, Bellingham. Filed June 15.

Whatcom Women in Business (WWIB) is now accepting nominations for Professional Woman of the Year. The deadline for submitting nominations is Aug. 1.

Nominees should be established business leaders in their field as well as owners of a business or executive managers within an organization. They should exhibit strong business acumen, mentorship and inspire community involvement.

The 28th Annual Professional Woman of the Year awards banquet will be held on Oct. 26 at the Bellingham Golf & Country Club. Along with the awards banquet, WWIB will hold both a silent and a live auction with proceeds going toward scholarships benefiting women who are pursuing higher education.

Whatcom Women in Business is a nonprofit organization consisting of business owners, managers and professionals who provide the community with leadership and professional mentoring. Members are dedicated to reaching out to help women achieve success in their professional and personal growth.

For more information, visit www.wwib.org.

A tax lien is a legal claim filed in court by a government against a erson or buiness owing taxes. Liens are civil, not criminal claims, and normally seek to attach money and/or property to pay the taxes. A list of liens is kept at the county courthouse showing whom the government is pursuing and how much is sought.

Liens

Ross L. and Lindsay Beck, $6,527.03 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 12.

Ross L. Beck, $40,160.04 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 12.

Bryan Corp. dba Quincy Inn, $245,748.02 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 12.

Ben J. Rawls, $63,529.23 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 12.

Becklund Ferarri Group LLC dba Tivolo, $6,326.50 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 13.

Augustus Contracting Inc., $15,152.07 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 14.

Buckley Enterprises Inc. dba Bellingham Athletic Club, $100,398.83 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 14.

Bella Marina LLC, $9,728.93 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 17.

New York Pizza and Bar LLC, $22,240.85 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 17.

Brian P. Sullivan, $27,278.85 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 18.

John W. Engholm, $635,081.93 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 18.

Maureen R. and Steven N. Kinley, $2,634.8 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 18.

Scott A. Velthuizen, $8,278.88 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 18.

Lighthouse Addiction Recovery Centre, $20,924.65 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 18.

Polar Electric Inc., $25,182.74 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 18.

Horseshoe Inc., $20,617.54 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 18.

Leory C. Richards, $39,215.65 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 19.

Jujuana Mexicana LLC dba Joowana, $2,403.86 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 19.

Mary C. Richards, $39,215.65 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 20.

FTB Inc. in bankruptcy, $121,822.49 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 22.

Christopher Dishon, $19,511.52 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 25.

Julia Findley, $111,043.85 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 25.

Edythe Z. Kizaki, $13,154.81 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 25.

Leona and Larey Mount dba Mount Farms, $109.43 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 25.

Towner Press Inc., $17,162.69 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 25.

Kappa Pizza LLC, $13,231.62 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 25.

Tiam Pies Inc. dba Dominos Pizza, $5,638.22 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 25.

Mad Pizza Company Inc., $490,745.34 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 25.

West Coast Pizza Company Inc. dba Dominos Pizza, $7,375.80 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 25.

Michael M. James, $397.49 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 27.

Lyle D. and Carol Y. Benson, $7,366.79 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 27.

Sergio Hidalgo-Gomez, $27,017.68 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 1.

Robert M. Stoddard, $60,732.99 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 1.

J&J Custom Construction LLC, $5,704.26 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 1.

Skyborne LLC dba Tint Plus, $1,886.65 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 2.

Bogaards & Associates Inc., $15,570.06 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 2.

Hyperian Inc. dba Best Rooter Services, $28,721.24 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 2.

Brent W. and Donna J. Goodrich, $13,812.88 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 4.

Pegasus Transportation Inc., $9,131.30 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 4.

Releases

Shannon J. Huber, $6,152.47 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 12.

Sally J. Kayser, $7,558.34 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 12.

David M. Farmer, $5,598.22 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 12.

John E. Pempe, $114,494.17 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 12.

Oriento Grill & BBQ Inc., $362.92 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 12.

Lloyd C. Russell, $5,996.04 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 19.

Mark A. Dittrich, $6,097.53 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 19.

Lisa Gardner, $3,061.04 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 26.

Scott E. Hillman, $5,229.33 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 26.

Daniel A. Bentley, $11,078.28 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed May 26.

Lowell Radder, $6,829.97 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 2.

B&J Fiberglass LLC, $3,703.93 in unpaid IRS taxes. Filed June 2.

When an individual or business becomes delinquent in tax payments, the state can obtain a judgment against any property or business. Judgments are filed in Whatcom County Superior Court, as are records of judgments paid or satisfied. The following information is taken from the Whatcom County Superior Court clerk’s office:

Judgments

L&L Art & Frame LLC dba Three Corners Art, $2,416.05 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 16.

The Boat Medic LLC, $1,307.25 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 16.

BBS/Bachtal Building Services Inc., $6,469.99 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 14.

Harkness Contracting Inc., $3,955.34 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 14.

Jesse K.Q. Bowe, $1,090.56 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 14.

Eric Rhodes, $1,060.00 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 14.

Brian T. Mahoney, $1,060.00 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 14.

Custom Concrete Contracting Inc., $5,607.28 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 15.

Lee D. and Rosemary S. Connors dba Advanced Interior Partitions, $2,632.94 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed May 27.

Best Deck LLC fka Prodekx, $3,348.65 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 11.

Kenneth and Angelica Selvidge dba Mi Casa, $3,155.68 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 9.

IWS Building Services LLC, $1,886.77 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 9.

Green Frog Cafe LLC, $5,860.84 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 9.

Weston Roofing LLC, $1,179.81 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 9.

Evergreen Insulation Services, $1,046.80 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 9.

Good Earth Landscapes and Michael J. Stubbs and Heather M. Johnson, $1,789.06 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 9.

Darin L. Hatch dba Hatch Homes, $4,728.61 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 9.

Kappa Pizza LLC dba Dominos Pizza, $36,744.91 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 9.

Frank C. and Lynn E. Pace dba C&E Plumbing, $12,576.63 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 9.

Frank C. and Lynn E. Pace dba C&E Plumbing, $13,490.76 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 9.

Saving Lives From Fire LLC, $2,210.95 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 9.

Vivian L. Simonis dba Company Gear, $1,132.63 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 9.

Pacific Northwest Karate LLC, $1,015.50 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 9.

Stebner Real Estate Inc., $5,925.68 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 9.

Milts Pizza Place LLC, $7,244.63 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 8.

John M. and Susan G. Otis dba John Otis Tree Service, $1,239.32 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 8.

All Stars Coffee Company LLC, $4,728.60 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 8.

Tahiti Mi Tan Inc., $249.09 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 8.

Downtown Bobs LLC dba Bobs Burgers and Brew, $4,545.96 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 8.

Jerstedt Lumber Co. Inc., $880.37 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 8.

Anna Riley dba Riley Business Services, $378.08 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 8.

Kiniski & Company, $2,862.51 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 8.

Fraser Sand & Gravel Inc., $2,701.37 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 3.

Archipelago Construction Inc., $2,436.00 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 3.

Nikkos Greek & Italian Restaurant dba Pioneer Sports Lounge, $1,672.16 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 3.

Belaire USA Inc., $28,868.62 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed June 4.

Bogaards & Associates Inc., $2,013.73 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed June 1.

Nishan Singh, $310.00 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 1.

Monkeyn Around Inc., $4,508.29 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 1.

Mary C. and Leroy Richards fka LCM Towing Services, $5,524.67 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed June 1.

PG Enterprises LLC aka Neiner Neiner Weiner dba Koffe Klutch & Deli, $3,258.64 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed May 26.

Lee D. Connors dba Advanced Interior Partitions, $2,632.94 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed May 26.

Fraser Sand & Gravel Inc., $6,289.74 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed May 27.

Fraser Sand & Gravel Inc., $7,836.99 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed May 27.

Border Tire LLC, $6,877.08 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed May 26.

Jaime Colon dba Arce Painting & Pressure Washing Unit 119, $4,958.22 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed May 26.

Sheila D. Haugen dba Gardenworks, $3,208.26 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed May 26.

J&B Contracting LLC, $3,014.04 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed May 26.

Jay H. Shaffer dba Shaffer RV, $3,439.41 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed May 25.

Fiber Recovery Inc., $362.71 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed May 25.

Mirela Giaconi dba Sandwich Odyssey, $281.10 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed May 24.

National Tribal Development Association, $309.89 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed May 21.

Karty D. Brown, $292.20 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Leonard D. Dixon, $526.64 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Christian L. Atteberry, $351,86 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Linda A. Peart, $235.88 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Miguel Leyva, $380.38 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

William M. Mays, $310.18 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Kelly M. Sinclair, $217.67 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Donie L. Akins, $3,744.34 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Patricio Lopez, $3,932.48 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Carlos J. Quintanilla, $9,978.02 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Harold E. Jones, $6,130.26 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Jabari H. McClain, $3,014.27 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Duane R. Johnson, $6,894.65 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Calvin Silva, $14,955.46 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Lori A. Aswegan, $1,426.84 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Francis L. Ocasio, $1,894.00 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Heather Johnson, $2,801.98 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Michael J. Campbell, $4,295.13 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Anthony D. Burgraff, $547.99 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Ryan M. Haner, $4,603.05 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Paul E. Moe, $1,664.86 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Susan L. Van Arnam, $2,660.71 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Paige E. Mistal, $1,413.86 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Jeremy R. Bennett, $31,965.91 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Robert L. Nievwendorp, $3,147.51 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Shane L. Greve, $4,801.94 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Althea D. Wilson, $1,892.20 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Marcello A. Maddalena, $1,106.87 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Pamela White, $3,100.00 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Callieann Olson, $634.66 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Wayne D. Planalp, $1,795.12 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Heath A. Carpenter, $249.45 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Christina L. Eatman, $216.55 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Francis J. Morris, $353.02 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Samuel M. Turpin, $392.58 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Tova L. Fry, $348.55 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Sandra G. Stacey, $272.65 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Michael L. Boyer, $382.16 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Rebecca D. Moreland, $245.44 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Mary A. Segel, $289.00 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Wendy K. Perry, $302.35 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Trevor L. Jorissen, $409.00 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Leslie D. Wyngaert, $151.56 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Tait Phan, $393.32 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Flats Inc. dba Flats Tapas Bar, $834.20 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed May 19.

Gravy Dog LLC dba The Nightlight Lounge, $191.80 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed May 19.

Deborah L. Cook dba Cityview Mortgage Professionals, $1,078.53 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed May 20.

RTM Photography Inc. dba Yary Sports Photography, $2,899.87 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed May 20.

Ronald R. Yepez dba The Concrete Guy Norhwest, $3,376.50 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed May 20.

R Roofing LLC, $344.90 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed May 18.

Living Systems Restoration LLC, $2,294.53 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed May 18.

Great Links Resorts LLC, $2,368.55 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed May 18.

Great Links Resorts LLC, $4,165.53 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed May 18.

Jennifer L. Beal dba Harvest Moon Bakery, $726.20 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed May 18.

Jennifer L. Beal dba Harvest Moon Bakery, $444.02 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed May 18.

Nikkos Greek & Italian Restaurant dba Pioneer Sports Lounge, $307.29 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed May 18.

Nikkos Greek & Italian Restaurant dba Pioneer Sports Lounge, $541.16 in unpaid Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes. Filed May 18.

Karl A. Lacariere, $5,929.66 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Robert W. Fields, $565.30 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Rachel Preston, $1,211.65 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Orlando L. Aponte, $1,481.26 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Yvonne M. Bryan, $271.00 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Victor Blanco, $343.68 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Rachel Ruiz, $321.20 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Monique M. Crooks, $219.22 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Nathaniel T. Sullivan, $374.40 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Nichole K. McKernan, $208.48 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Katherine A. Taylor, $504.63 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Andrew P. Dunnet, $304.00 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Becki M. Finkbonner, $287.97 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

Edgar R. Rodriguez, $206.16 in unpaid Employment Security Dept. taxes. Filed May 19.

William C. and Katy J. Anker dba The Anker Cafe, $1,952.04 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed May 18.

Julia A. Clifford dba Clifford Creations, $992.79 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed May 18.

Guy A. Decoteau dba Radiant Heat Plus, $1,613.32 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed May 18.

Nancy A. and Jeffrey E. Fullner dba Simply Good Scents, $655.16 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed May 18.

Gravy Dog LLC dba The Nightlight Lounge dba 13,704.28 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed May 18.

Turtle Island Contracting Inc., $1,769.08 in unpaid Dept. of Revenue taxes. Filed May 18.

Satisfactions

Darrel L. Sanders, $1,199.52 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 17.

Incor Construction Inc., 8,341.50 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed June 17.

William H. Nievwendorp dba Espressoman, $5,715.34 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed June 16.

Benjamin V. Budde, $357.68 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 15.

Benjamin V. Budde, $283.94 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 15.

Jeremiah S. Decker, $706.19 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 15.

Topside Construction Inc., $17,669.22 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed June 14.

Tiam Pies Inc. dba Dominos Pizza, $8,284.76 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed June 14.

Nikkos Greek & Italian Restaurant Inc. dba Pioneer Sports Lounge, $781.42 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed June 14.

Paul E. Parker, $2,890.46 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 11.

Ryan G. Sterk, $851.20 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 11.

Debra J. Daniels, $598.26 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 11.

Jerome A. Baas, $290.74 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 11.

Vernell P. Lane, $545.92 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 11.

John L. West, $1,312.96 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 11.

Jane M. Ellis, $2,494.12 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 11.

Belaire USA Inc., $20,011.82 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed June 9.

Michael V. Norsby, $560.77 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 9.

Belaire USA Inc., $26,576.79 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed June 9.

Belaire USA Inc., $17,718.98 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed June 9.

Shaun Liu and Tze-Huey Wah as president of Belaire USA Inc., $5,639.54 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed June 9.

Kappa Pizza LLC, $14,619.99 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed June 8.

Daniel V. Allison dba Interior Solutions & Services, $2,326.21 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed June 8.

Albert J. Howard, $632.00 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 7.

888 424 Maid4U Inc., $2,637.99 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed June 8.

888 424 Maid4U Inc., $1,082.02 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed June 8.

Sarah R. James, $1,479.79 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 7.

Jay H. Shaffer dba Shaffer RV, $637.64 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed June 8.

Jeremiah T. Hesyck, $1,470.67 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 7.

Robert C. Patz dba Coastal Limousines, $134.88 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed June 8.

Rikki R. Auguston, $320.41 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 7.

William J. Newmon, $3,424.72 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 4.

Ronald J. Workentin, $1,394.45 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 4.

Anthony T. White, $263.71 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 3.

Marvin D. Graddy, $1,922.65 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 3.

Christina M. Lopez, $823.36 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 3.

Jadon L. Kleinhampl, $979.30 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 3.

Lee D. and Rosemary S. Connors dba Advanced Interior Partitions, $3,067.87 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed June 3.

Gavin R. RosenKilde, $1,833.77 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 1.

Mariaellen A. Perez, $207.97 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed June 1.

Cascade Commodities Inc., $8,712.64 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed May 28.

Bellingham Aero Inc., $16,310.38 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed May 28.

Bring it on Welding LLC, $521.44 in Dept. of Licensing taxes was satisfied. Filed May 28.

Jeffrey R. Alton dba Classic Restorations, $4,452.76 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed May 28.

Accusearch LLC, $3,987.37 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed May 28.

William and Katy Anker dba The Anker Cafe, $1,168.93 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed May 28.

Barry L. Norman dba Sunset Construction, $5,246.57 in Dept. of Revenue taxes was satisfied. Filed May 28.

Joshua L. Eilmes, $347.39 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed May 28.

B&J Fiberglass LLC, $2,361.75 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed May 27.

Jorge Ramirez, $1,640.08 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed May 27.

Jack J. Ganzel, $298.48 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed May 25.

Atiavo A. Jude, $665.65 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed May 25.

Julian Calderon Jr., $2,313.58 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed May 25.

Bellingham Transfer & Storage Inc., $5,625.45 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed May 24.

Heather S. Young, $299.16 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed May 25.

Richard W. Webber, $2,173.04 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed May 21.

David S. Patterson, $2,807.61 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed May 21.

Tiffany A. Fout, $159.88 in Employment Security Dept. taxes was satisfied. Filed May 18.

Ryan L. Teed, $319.45 in Dept. of Labor and Industries taxes was satisfied. Filed May 18.

The following recent building permit activity includes permits for commercial projects valued at $10,000 or more, and residential projects valued at $250,000 or more.

Accepted

3979 Hammer Drive Suite 102, $177,000 for tenant improvement: establish new office and storage areas in existing building. Owner: Bergman-Rainey Investments LLC. Applicant: Douglas Landsem. Tenant: Prologic Engineering Inc.

4420 Aldrich Road, $8,200,000 for new two-story elementary school with associated parking/playing fields and covered play area. Applicant: Bellingham School District 501. Contractor: Tiger Construction LTD. Tenant: Aldrich Elementary School.

4545 Cordata Parkway Suite 204, $25,000 for tenant improvement: upgrading second floor deli space in medical building to comply with health department requirements. Owner: 4545 Cordata Parkway LLC. Applicant: PeaceHealth Medical Group.

918 Lakeway Drive, $50,000 for commercial addition: install tire storage rack system within building and enclose 152 square feet under existing roof for tire storage. Owner: Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. Applicant: Bergman Architects.

905 Squalicum Way Suite 101, $785,400 for tenant improvement: Dermatology & Laser Center. Owner: Squalicum Lofts. Applicant: RMC Architects.

223 E. Bakerview Road, $150,000 for commercial renovation of existing assisted living facility, change living units into memory care units, and build gazebo encolsed by 8-foot fence. Owner: MWSH BEllingham LLC. Applicant: James Clarkson, Ron James Architect. Tenant: Spring Creek Retirement Community.

700 Bayside Road, $497,000 for new single family residence with attached garage. owner: James and Suhyun Kim. Applicant: JWR Design.

21 Bellwether Way Suite 111, $12,500 to install one illuminated sign. Owner: Port of Bellingham.

Issued

202 E. Holly St. Suite 201-202, $40,000 for commercial alterations: convert portion of second floor into two studio apartments. Owner: EWHA Inc.

UT Western Washington University, $240,000 for commercial alterations: replace steam vault at Edens Hall. Owner: Western Washington University. Contractor: Razz Construction Inc.

1100 Lakeway Drive, $13,500 for fifteen signs: Washington Federal. Owner: Washington Federal Savings. Contractor: Signmart USA LLC.

Earl’s Bike Shop
Owner: Craig Earl
Square Feet: 500
Start Date: May 1
Address: 2827 Meridian Street, Bellingham
Phone: (360) 746-2401

Craig Earl opened his new bike shop at the beginning of May with a couple services that bikers will not find elsewhere in Bellingham. He sells consigned bikes at affordable prices and offers a used parts system that will help cut down on the cost of repairs.

Earl said he found the shop’s location in the Fountain District about a year ago.

“I was riding my bike around here and I noticed there were a lot of ‘For Lease’ signs. That was right at the time when it seemed like we were at the full recession and commercial real estate seemed to be cheap,” he said.

He said he worked with an agent to find a suitable space for a community bike shop until they found the current location.

“I wanted to be in this in this area because there’s a lot of commuters, a lot of people riding around on their bikes,” Earl said. “A lot of people seemed to like the idea of being able to walk or ride their bike to the grocery store.”

Earl said he has worked at several different bike shops over the course of his career, including locations on the East Coast and California. Before starting Earl’s Bike Shop, he ran Whatever It Takes Bike Repair out of his basement, which was a home bike repair and delivery business.

He said the startup costs of his brick-and-mortar shop were low because he already had many of the tools and parts he needed from his home business and some generous contributions from the building’s owner also helped him get started out.

Earl said he provides a full-service repair shop, but one of the main things that sets Earl’s Bike Shop apart is that he accepts consigned bikes, which he fixes up to be sold.

“No one was doing the consignment bike thing,” he said. “I thought it helped fill a niche for those people that want to get a bike that’s a decent bike but they really can’t afford a brand new one. And buying one off Craigslist — for some people it’s kind of a little sketchy.”

He said his shop offers a safer environment for customers looking to save on a used bike because all his bikes come with a service policy and have been checked over by a certified mechanic. He said it’s almost like buying a new bike when a customer purchases a consigned bike from his shop.

Additional services include a parts workbench, where he sells used parts and barely used parts. He hopes to offer a customer rewards program in the future where repeat customers and their families pay the same labor rates as the year they first started doing business with Earl’s Bike Shop.

The Port of Bellingham’s Board of Commissioners has announced the finalists for the port’s executive director position. More than 100 people applied to serve in the port’s top administrative position. The finalists have a mix of broad port experience and public sector employment.

“We are very pleased with our candidates and look forward to meeting them and interviewing them in July,” said Commission President Jim Jorgensen. “Each one would bring different strengths to the port, and the Commission is committed to working together to determine who is the best fit for our organization.”

Last week the commissioners reviewed the results of semi-finalist interviews conducted by Waldron & Company, the firm selected to conduct the search process for the port. The five finalists for the Port of Bellingham Executive Director position will participate in interviews during the week of July 5.

One portion of the interview process will be a public reception at 5 p.m. July 8 at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal where the finalists will be introduced. The reception will begin with brief remarks from each candidate and will provide the community with the opportunity to engage in informal discussions with the finalists.

The port anticipates making a final hiring decision by the end of July. The finalists, in alphabetical order are:

•    Jeffrey Bishop: Currently the Executive Director for the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay. Previously Bishop held the positions of Manager, Industrial Development for the Port of Tacoma; Director of Properties and Development for the Port of Pasco; and Chief Appointed Officer for multiple cities in Oklahoma, Idaho, Washington, and Kansas. Bishop earned a Bachelor of Arts from Central State University in Oklahoma.

•    John Carter: Currently the Director of Finance for the City of Bellingham. Carter previously worked at the Port of Bellingham for 18 years in various positions, most recently serving as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at the time of his resignation in 2008. Previously he served as Vice President and CFO for Dealer Information Systems  and various financial positions with Sears, Roebuck and Co. Carter earned a Bachelor of Science from Central Washington University.

•    Dwight Rives: Currently the Director of Port Construction Services at the Port of Seattle. Rives has been with the Port of Seattle for 11 years in multiple positions. Rives previously was employed as the Capital Projects Manager at the Seattle Public Library, a division of the City of Seattle. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture at Washington University and a Masters in Public Administration at the University of Washington.

•    Mark Watson: Is the former City Administrator of Yuma, Arizona. Prior to joining the City of Yuma in 2005, Watson spent over 24 years in city management in Montana and Texas. He earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters in Public Administration at the University of Kansas.

•    Larry Williams: Currently the Assistant Director, International Trade & Economic Development for the Washington State Department of Commerce. Williams has more than 17 years of experience in international trade with both the State of Washington and State of North Carolina. He has two Bachelor of Science degrees from North Carolina State University.

The port is filling the job that became vacant when Jim Darling took a private sector position in June 2009, after serving for 15 years as executive director.

Corion Landscape Management is the new name of the Ferndale-based Four Seasons Landscaping, which is expanding into Skagit and Snohomish counties.

Founded in 2001, the company provides comprehensive maintenance services for businesses, condominium associations, assisted-living facilities and multi-family residential properties. The company saw revenue growth of 20 percent in 2009 and is on pace for a 22-percent increase this year.

“We changed our name to reflect a series of moves we’ve made to better serve our customers,” said David Arnold, president of Corion Landscape Management. “We’ve increased our staff to 22 employees, who continually receive training. We’ve also expanded our facilities so we’re immediately ready to serve customers as far south as Everett.”

Corion Landscape Management offers services from mowing and pruning to snow removal and sprinkler system maintenance. The company also provides design and installation services and installs plants, trees, walkways, patios and retaining walls.

For more information, call Corion Landscape Management at (360) 312-8052 or visit www.corionlandscape.com.

While much of the federal health care reform law will not take effect until 2014, there are a lot of changes being made this year that will affect businesses and people seeking insurance coverage.

An estimated 500,000 additional Washington residents will get health insurance this year and the state is creating a high-risk insurance pool to insure those who are often denied coverage, state Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler said at a June 23 Bellingham City Club panel discussion.

Kreidler spoke at the event just one day after he attended a White House breakfast with other insurance commissioners, industry executives and President Obama. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss how to implement these reforms, Kreidler said.

“Americans are still strongly divided on the Affordable Care Act,” he said. “But as an insurance commissioner, the fact is that it is the law of the land and it’s my job to implement it.”

Also starting this year, small businesses with fewer than 25 employees will be able to write off 35 percent of the health benefits given to employees. That amount will increase to 50 percent in 2014, Kreidler said.

The way services are paid for will also start to change this year for the better, said Dr. David Lynch, immediate past president of the Whatcom County Medical Society. Much of Lynch’s speech at the event focused on reducing costs and improving the quality of care.

“The way doctors and professionals are paid these days does not help change the way we treat chronic conditions,” he said. “The payment system dictates the kind of care that is given.”

More than half of the cost of health care is related to treating chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, Lynch said.

The new health care law also provides broader coverage for preventive care, and that will go a long way to reduce long-term costs, said Victoria Doerper, executive director of the Northwest Regional Council.

The Bellingham City Club is a nonpartisan civic organization that meets each month at Northwood Hall. Events are open to the public. Washington state Attorney General Rob McKenna is scheduled to speak in July about why he is suing the federal government on health care reform.

Family Foot Care is moving from its current location in Sehome Village to the former home of Swanson Pediatric Dental at 2000 Broadway St.

The new space is 50 percent larger than the current 1,400-square-foot space and has a more efficient layout, said Dr. Michael Sherwin. He plans to be open in the new space by early July.

Family Foot Care specializes in disorders of the foot and ankle and has been in Bellingham for five years.

For more information, call Family Foot Care at (360) 738-9797 or visit www.familyfootcarebham.com.

Business: Go Big Paintball
Owner: Rick O’Connor
Address: 4120 Meridian St., Bellingham
Start Date: June 5, 2010
Square Footage: 900
Phone: (360) 318-7637
Website: www.gobigpaintball.net

Some hobbies are a little more exciting than others. Snowboarding down a mountain or skating across a ramp can pale in comparison to having small globes of paint shot at you at 300 miles per hour by dozens of other players.

Paintball is an intense sport that involves shooting up your opponents not with bullets, but with small spheres of compacted paint. For those who are interested in the sport or have been fans for years, Go Big Paintball on Meridian Street might be just the place for them.

Owner Rick O’Connor, who also owns Blu Sky Creative Services, a web programming and design business, said he and his friends have been paintballing for years and the lack of a paintball shop in Bellingham has put them in some awkward situations.

“Myself and a bunch of other buddies, we typically go paintballing every weekend,” he said. “We’re used to having to buy everything online, and then you receive things that are bought online, sometimes they aren’t what you originally thought you were buying.”

He said he wanted to fill the void in the Bellingham paintball market by establishing a community shop where players can come to get equipment and repairs. He said the vision of Go Big is to have good customer service, a knowledgeable staff and to help grow the sport of paintball.

The business’s website has been operating since November 2009, O’Connor said, and the shop opened its doors on June 5 with people coming in immediately. O’Connor said people were wandering in and buying items while the shop was still under construction.

“We knew there was a demand for it, and because we played it all the time we knew the elements customers were looking for,” he said.

The shop has an enclosed, 25-foot long target range where guns are tested out. Instead of using actual paintballs, customers and staff use small plastic balls to shoot down targets and see what each gun can do.

Beyond selling guns, paint, air canisters, rotors, masks and clothing, O’Connor said the shop will offer gun diagnostics and a customer rewards program that gives back $5 for every $100 spent at Go Big. The shop will be implementing a rental program, through which people can rent guns and buy paint ammo at  discounted prices for events or parties.

“We’re about really taking care of the customer completely,” O’Connor said, “and it just kind of comes naturally because everyone who works here is really enthusiastic about the sport.”

Sportsman Chalet will be moving this summer to 2420 James St., next to Trader Joe’s.

Tenant improvement work is already underway and the business plans to open in the new space by early August, owner Noel Lemke said in a press release. Sportsman Chalet first opened in 1972 and has been in its 13,500-square-foot location at 114 W. Holly St. since 1996.

Though the new space is smaller — around 8,000 square feet — it is located in a busy retail area and has free parking, which was a big factor in deciding to move, Lemke said.

“As much as we like to see people riding their bikes and using public transportation, we don’t see people coming in to buy a pair of skis and carting them away on a bicycle,” he said. “We will miss our downtown neighbors, but are very excited to become a part of the excitement and growth that is occurring in the Sunnyland area.”

For more information, call Sportsman Chalet at (360) 671-1044 or visit www.sportsmanchalet.com.

Whatcom County’s second manure digester broke ground June 28 at 8421 Bob Hall Road in Lynden.

The $3.9 million project will take the manure from 2,000 nearby dairy cows and use the methane extracted from the manure to produce about 6 million killowatt-hours of electricity per year, enough to power 500 homes.

What makes this project unique is that heat from the generator will be captured and used to heat four acres of greenhouses owned by Van Wingerden’s Greenhouses, said Kevin Maas, co-owner of Farm Power. In return, Farm Power has an affordable lease on 2.5 acres of land next to the greenhouses.

Heating greenhouses is very expensive and has kept the Van Wingerdens from expanding, Mike Van Wingerden said in a 2009 BBJ article. Partnering with Farm Power reduces the cost of operating the greenhouses and allows the company to build a larger project than was previously possible.

The digester project is funded by $1.5 million in state and federal grants and a $2.4 million loan from Shorebank Pacific. Construction of the project is expected to take six months, Maas said.

For more information, call Farm Power at (360) 424-4519 or visit www.farmpower.com.

Fairhaven Originals Gallery will have its grand opening celebration at 5 p.m. June 18 at 960 Harris St. Suite 103.

Notably acclaimed artists such as Ann Fleming, Mary and Jacques Regat, Lea Kelley, Deborah Jang and Richard Bulman will be available to discuss their art and answer questions.

“We are thrilled to give people access not only to beautiful artwork, but also to our talented artists who will be attending the opening,” gallery curator Caitlin McInnis said. “These unique artists will make ours a destination gallery for art lovers from Seattle, Oregon, Canada, and, of course, Bellingham.”

Fairhaven Originals Gallery displays a collection of original art representing a variety of media, including bronze, ceramic and wall sculptures.

For more information, call Fairhaven Originals Gallery at (360) 220-2150 or visit www.bellinghamfog.com.

Washington’s unemployment rate fell to 9.1 percent in May, the lowest level since the same month a year ago. In Whatcom County, though, the unemployment rate rose slightly from 8.1 percent to 8.2 percent.

The state economy also picked up an estimated 8,600 jobs in May, the bulk of which were federal Census jobs. With the job gains in May, Washington has added jobs in four of the first five months of 2010, for a net gain of 25,800 so far this year.

“It’s refreshing to talk about job growth and a falling unemployment rate,” said Employment Security Commissioner Karen Lee. “The momentum seems to be shifting in the right direction.”

Among the top industries that added jobs in May were government, construction, professional and business services, and retail trades. Jobs were lost in financial activities, manufacturing, leisure and hospitality, and transportation.

Year over year, Washington had 27,000 fewer jobs last month than in May 2009, a 1 percent decrease. Nationally, employment declined by 0.4 percent over the past year. An estimated 310,069 people (not seasonally adjusted) in Washington were unemployed and looking for work, and more than 265,000 people received unemployment benefits from Washington in May.

To read the full report, click here.

Fresh fruit and produce are abundant in Whatcom County and now they are easier to find thanks to an interactive online map put together by NW Farms & Food.

The map is a searchable guide to more than 100 farms in Whatcom County and gives descriptions of each farm and the type of fruit or produce grown there, from berries and nuts to mushrooms and poultry.

“This is an abundant agricultural region and we want to connect people with the local foods harvested here,” publisher Larry Kimmett said.

Map users can do combined searches to pinpoint special interests. For example, a search on the topics “certified organic,” “u-pick,” and “strawberries”  brings up the local farms offering organic u-pick strawberries. The map also helps users locate farm stands, produce delivery services and farms that sell their products at in-town outlets.

In addition, the map covers farms and wineries that welcome visitors for food or wine tastings, tours, festivals, classes or overnight stays.

“We hope the interactive map will be useful for residents and tourists who want to sample the good food and attractions on Bellingham-area farms,” Kimmett said.

The NW Farms & Food map can be found online at www.nwfarmsandfood.com.

One of the fastest growing markets in the world of dietary supplements isn’t a new vitamin or compound, but rather a new way of taking supplements. Pills are out and liquids are in.

Botanical Laboratories in Ferndale is on the leading edge of the liquid supplement market. Founded in 1988, the company makes Wellesse brand supplements and has seen a 40 percent increase in sales in the past two years.

“Liquid supplements are really hot right now as more people age and become aware of vitamin supplements,” said Greg Andrews, vice president of marketing and product development. “Our product is for people who don’t like taking pills and want something that absorbs quicker.”

Botanical Laboratories makes three supplements under the Wellesse brand: glucosamine for joint health, vitamin D3 for immune system support, and calcium with vitamin D3 for bone health. The glucosamine supplement used to be the star of the line-up, but recent studies, showing the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Americans, have dramatically increased demand for that supplement, Andrews said.

Wellesse supplements are now distributed to more than 40,000 stores nationwide, which is double what it was in 2007. This growth has put the company near the upper limits of its production capacity.

Botanical Laboratories has grown incrementally over the years as it has taken on more private-label manufacturing for other brands and expanded the Wellesse line. The company now operates out of four buildings, totaling 80,000 square feet and each with its own production line based on the size of the product’s bottle.

The largest of the production lines is for the Wellesse brand, which comes in 16-ounce bottles. The manufacturing process starts in two 1,300-gallon tanks, where the supplement is mixed. Each supplement has a recipe that is meticulously checked each time to ensure the proper amount of each ingredient.

As you might expect with a liquid product, the most important ingredient in that mixture is water — in this case, purified water, said Operations Director Tim Schaafsma. About a year ago, the company invested in its own 2,500-gallon water purification system.

Once mixed, the solution is pumped to the bottling machine, which fills 12 bottles at a time and then sends them down the line to be capped and labeled. The system can pump out approximately 60 bottles a minute, equal to a bottle a second. From there, the bottles are boxed and sent to the warehouse to be shipped.

“One of the disadvantages of liquid is it’s bulky,” Schaafsma said. “We don’t get as many units on a pallet and the weight is a factor in shipping. But we get a good freight rate because there are a lot of goods coming into Whatcom County and we get a competitive rate for trucks going back out.”

Spurred on by growth here in the United States, the company has jumped into international markets and now sells Wellesse in Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, Korea and Taiwan.

“The international market has been challenging, but it’s worth it,” Andrews said, adding that there is a large market for supplements in Asia. “In Taiwan, about 78 percent of consumers take dietary supplements, as opposed to 60 percent in the U.S.”

Indeed, for a product with the slogan “Better Health at the Speed of Liquid,” growth has been fluid at Botanical Laboratories.

The following recent building permit activity includes permits for commercial projects valued at $10,000 or more, and residential projects valued at $250,000 or more.

Accepted

918 Lakeway Drive, $50,000 to build storage room, service area and racking system: Discount Tire Co. Owner: Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. Applicant: Bergman Architects.

1211 Potter St., $15,000 for commercial alterations: convert portion of storage building into office. Owner: City of Bellingham Finance. Applicant: Douglas Landsem.

2211 Rimland Dr. Suite 220, $17,500 for tenant improvement: minor interior work on non-structural walls for room revisions. Owner: Haggen Talbot Co. LTD. Applicant: Dave Scoboria. Tenant: Interfor Pacific Inc.

4260 Cordata Parkway Suite 101, $95,000 for tenant improvemet: new coffee shop. Owner: Whatcom Plaza LLC. Applicant: Marcus Johnson.

237 W. Kellogg Road, $10,000 for commercial alterations: replace reception window with fire rate roll-down door, provide new desk. Owner: Washington State Board for Community College Education. Applicant: Zervas Group.

PA Western Washington University, $10,500 for structural upgrades to accommodate new sound system in the Performing Arts Center. Owner: Western Washington University. Applicant: Sparling Inc.

2130 Northshore Drive, $441,281 for new single family residence with attached garage. Owner: Wayne S. and Irene Hwang. Applicant: Haven Design.

720 Poplar Drive, $307,210 to construction new single family dwelling within footprint of existing demolished dwelling. Owner: Mark C. and Megan J. Handzlik. Applicant: Jim Degolier.

1608 6th St., $150,000 for new two-story commercial building to replace burned structure. Owner: Mark R. Vondrachek. Applicant: Fuller Building Design.

2717 Alderwood Ave., $35,000 to install two portable classrooms. Owner: Bellingham School District 501. Applicant: Jed Clark.

525 N. State St., $200,000 for commercial alterations: structural and envelope stabilization, including masonry repointing, replacement of rotted plywood over openings and re-roofing. Owner: Western Washington University. Applicant: Zervas Group.

1707 35th St.. $325,000 for new single family residence. Owner: Jaskarn and Saroj Gill. Applicant: Jas Gill.

1413 Broadway St., $10,000 to reside portion of church wall and replace existing wood windows with vinyl. Owner: Slavic Baptist Church. Applicant: Dimitriy Chernomorets.

810 Halleck St., $100,000 for exterior footings for shell and core replacement work on Whatcom Middle School. Owner and applicant: Bellingham School District 501.

SL Western Washington University, $67,285 to convert one classroom into two with operable partition door system: Room 240. Owner: Western Washington University. Applicant: Jim Williams.

202 E. Holly St., $125,000 for tenant improvement: convert second floor space into nine studio apartments. Owner: EWHA Inc. Applicant: Lisa Woo.

3343 Stonecrop Way, $395,000 for new single family residence: three bedroom, 2.5 bath, 1,903 square feet, two stories with attached garage. Owner: Spyglass Hill Associates LLC. Applicant: Wellman & Zuck.

Issued

BB Western Washington University, $180,000 for commercial alterations: convert portions of lab rooms 258 and 261 into specimen storage and grad student offices. Owner: Western Washington University. Contractor: CLK Construction LLC.

4620 Cordata Parkway Suite 108, $17,920 for tenant improvement for new restaurant: Maine Coon. Owner: Whatcom Plaza LLC.

4260 Cordata Parkway Suite 106, $25,000 for tenant improvement: new tanning salon/juice bar in shell space. Owner: Whatcom Plaza LLC.

100 N. Commercial St., $10,000 for tenant improvement: minor interior alterations to existing restaurant space. Tenant: The Bellingham Pasta Company. Contractor: Pacific Rim Native Resources.

110 Park Ridge Road, $40,000 to install two portable classrooms and exterior ramps and walkways. Owner: Bellingham School District 501.

2715 Alabama St., $25,000 for new home occupation: bakery to be located in the basement of existing single family residence. Owner: Theodore E. and Nancy Seifert.

355 Harris Ave., $210,000 for commercial improvements: resuspend existing utilities under Bellingham Cruise Terminal pier and replace 20 feet of fuel line. Owner: Port of Bellingham. Contractor: Razz Construction Inc.

FI Western Washington University, $255,000 for commercial alterations: remodel rooms 209, 210 and 211; modify mechanical ventilation system at north end of building. Owner: Western Washington University. Contractor: Regency NW Construction Inc.

21 Bellwether Way Suite 112, $185,000 for tenant improvement: 5,500-square-foot restaurant in newly constructed building. Owner: Port of Bellingham. Contractor: Volonta Corp.

2211 Rimland Drive Suite 220, $17,500 for tenant improvement: minor changes to office suite layout. Owner: Haggen Talbot Co. LTD. Contractor: Scoboria Construction Inc.

ES Western Washington University, $562,952 to clean, repair and waterproof exterior concrete walls, replace windows on west wall and portions of south and north walls. Owner: Western Washington University. Contractor: Regency NW Construction Inc.

720 Poplar Drive, $307,210 to construction new single family dwelling within footprint of existing demolished dwelling. Owner: Mark C. and Megan J. Handzlik. Applicant: Jim Degolier.

On a sunny Saturday evening last month, a group of about 12 people, many of whom had never met before, gathered for dinner at a downtown restaurant. There was nothing out of the ordinary about the event, but the circumstances were unique: Almost all of the attendees were vegans and they met at Bellingham’s first restaurant devoted to an entirely vegan menu.

It was a meet-and-greet without the meat.

“We had a great time and we talked about food most of the time,” said local blogger Clarissa Mansfield, who runs the blog Vegan in Bellingham and organized the event. “We’re going to make it a regular thing every other month or so.”

Vegans in Bellingham now have more options for dining out than ever before. In the last several months, three restaurants with meatless menus have opened offering a mix of vegan, vegetarian and raw food entrees: Bloom, Veg Express and Nama Living Foods & Wellness cafe.

And these aren’t the only restaurants catering to a growing population of vegan diners, said Mansfield, who has been a vegan for 10 years. An increasing number of restaurants here and around the region now have vegan entrees on their regular menus.

“Bellingham has become a lot more vegan friendly,” she said. “More people are talking about food sources and restaurants are noticing.”

Not just for vegans

There are varying levels of vegetarianism, depending on whether you exclude red meat, poultry, fish or all of the above, but a vegan diet is perhaps the simplest to describe. Vegans eschew all animal products, whether it be dairy, eggs or meat. Some vegans take it further and also avoid animal-derived products found in clothing and cosmetics.
For many vegans, the health benefits of the diet are as much a factor as the ethical reasons and environmental impact.

“I really stand by the diet,” said Justin Bilancieri, owner of Bloom. “I believe that it’s the most healthy diet, not only for humans, but for the environment as a whole.”

Since opening Bloom in October 2009, Bilancieri said he has received positive feedback from the local vegan community. He has expanded the menu in recent months to include items that non-vegans might be more willing to try, such as vegan burgers and burritos.

“I’m trying to cater to vegans and non-vegans alike,” he said. “Even people who aren’t vegetarian or vegan have taken a liking to the food. They don’t miss the meat when they come.”

Marlene Riviere, owner of Nama Living Foods, has a similar outlook with her raw food menu. She opened the restaurant in April of this year with a small menu of lunch items and desserts, but there is nothing on there that the average person wouldn’t recognize.

“I have a small, select menu because I want everything to taste good and I try to make food that tastes similar to foods that people are familiar with,” Riviere said.

A raw food diet, also called a living food diet, is slightly different from a vegan diet, though the two can be quite similar. Raw foodism is not anti-animal products — it is anti-cooking. Cooking sucks nutrients and natural enzymes out of food and makes it harder to digest food, Riviere said.

Though it may sound like a rather restrictive diet, Riviere wants people to know that eating raw food doesn’t have to be boring. Her first experience with raw food three years ago wasn’t exciting — she had green smoothies for a month — and she eventually dropped the diet. But after attending a raw food potluck a year ago and seeing and tasting the variety of dishes there, she decided to give raw food another chance. Preparing raw food is time consuming, though.

“There’s a lot of prep work. It’s not easy and it can take a lot of time,” she said. “It can be simple, you just have to have lots of room in your fridge to store stuff.”

So what does a raw foodist eat? Mostly sprouted nuts, grains, veggies and fruits. One of the more popular items on the menu at Nama Living Foods is the Thai noodles made with zucchini and kelp, topped with a spicy almond sauce and lots of veggies.

More vegan options

When Mansfield started her blog in 2008, Bellingham didn’t have restaurants dedicated to vegan or raw food. So she started the blog to be a resource for fellow vegan diners.

“I used to feel really uncomfortable when I first became vegan. I felt like the center of attention when I would go out in a group and it came around to my turn to order and I had my list of usual questions,” she said. “Now I feel like I can order like a regular person. Most restaurants know what vegan is and you don’t have to explain it.”

Even after two years of reviewing vegan fare in Bellingham, Mansfield still has a lot of restaurants left to visit. And she still questions the servers when ordering just to make sure the entree is vegan.

Some common mistakes she finds while dining out include serving a creamy salad dressing (made with dairy) with a side salad or cooking a vegan entree on the same grill where meat is cooked.

“It’s like giving a gluten-free person a basket of bread after they order,” she said.

While she really enjoys the new restaurants with meatless menus, Mansfield said she wants to encourage mainstream establishments to add to their vegan options.

“It’d be kind of neat if businesses realized that offering vegan items is in their best interest, because vegans come with people,” she said. “They will bring more people to the restaurant.”

Bellingham’s newest outdoor store will have its grand opening June 12 at 2620 N. Harbor Loop Drive.

Bellingham Kite Paddle Surf specializes in kiteboarding, stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, stunt kites and longboards. Owner and local school teacher Andy Holmes started the business in 2006 as Bellingham Kiteboarding and focused solely on teaching kiteboarding and selling kiteboarding equipment online.

The business has grown and recently added stand-up paddle boarding. The new retail location in the Harbor Mall will allow people to take paddle boards directly onto the water for lessons or practice kite flying in the nearby park.

The grand opening will feature free paddle board and kite demos from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and live music starting at 3 p.m.

For more information, call Bellingham Kite Paddle Surf at (360) 775-2741 or visit www.kitepaddlesurf.com.

By Ryan Wynne

Katie Fellows, a 2006 Western Washington University graduate, walked into work on a seemingly average workday two months ago. She soon realized that day would be a turning point in her life.

Rob Knode, a salesman with 25 years experience, received an unwanted surprise when he went into work on Aug. 10, 2009, which led him on a journey most people don’t tend to go on after 50.

What do these two have in common? At least two things: they were both laid off and have struggled with unemployment during this recession.

According to regional employment data, the unemployment rate is beginning to decline, but it remains high and that means people looking for jobs can’t find them. In April, the unemployment rate dropped to 8 percent in the Bellingham/Whatcom County area. While that may seem low compared with the 10 percent unemployment rate just a few months ago, it is much higher than numbers from 2007, which bottomed out at 3.7 percent. Not to mention that 8 percent represents 8,590 neighbors who are looking for work, but can’t find it.

“We are not going to see 3.6 any time soon. I just think this is going to be a slow recovery,” said Jim Vleming, a regional labor economist for Washington State.

‘Uncharted territory’

The last time April rates were close to this high was in 1994, Vleming said, and over the past couple of years, Whatcom County unemployment rates have been higher than any previously recorded.

“It’s kind of uncharted territory,” he said.

Gary Smith, regional director for WorkSource Northwest, which covers Whatcom County, said visits to the free one-stop career center have increased dramatically in the past few years. He said visits are up 78 percent since the beginning of the recession in 2007, and that for every one job that opens, there are six people looking.

“It’s unprecedented in our system,” Smith said.

Not only is it unprecedented, it’s also demanding and challenging for WorkSource employees and, it goes without saying, for most people using the federally and state-funded program, he said.

“Being out of work is being out of work. It is a very difficult emotional experience,” Smith said,  comparing it to the stages of grief.

Pounding the pavement

Fellows may or may not be dealing with those stages. Either way, she said she is going through a hard time. She was blindsided two months ago when her employer laid her off.

“I showed up to work that day and by afternoon I was no longer employed,” Fellows said.

Fellows graduated from Western with a degree in business administration and was able to find a job right away. Jobs are harder to come by than they were four years ago and Fellows said she has searched for a job for two months and applied for 40 to 50.

Even though unemployment numbers are beginning to decline, Fellows said she is hesitant to embrace optimism.

“Honestly, because I’m in the position of being unemployed, I don’t think it’s getting any better,” Fellows said.

Of the 40 to 50 jobs she applied for, Fellows said she has had four nibbles. She had two interview and two call backs.

“Once you try a little bit harder and you still aren’t getting anywhere, you kind of go back into a rut,” Fellows said.

Knode, who was also surprised by a layoff, said the old, traditional way of job seeking doesn’t really work any more. He said he didn’t turn in resumes, but instead turned to networking. That, and the decades of experience he has under his belt paid off. He found a job within about two months of being let go. Not that it was easy for him. Knode said he had to scrape by during that period.

Knode was able to find a job much quicker than most. Vleming said nationwide, it is taking job seekers an average 33 weeks to find work

Fellows said the job situation is discouraging, but that she is trying to stay positive. She also said she has a lot less to worry about than those receiving unemployment benefits that are about to run out.

Growth on the horizon

So far in Whatcom County, approximately 500 people have seen their benefits exhausted and that number will soon increase to 600, according to C.J. Seitz, Northwest area director for the state’s Employment Security Department.

But there is light creeping in through a small crack at the end of the tunnel. Vleming said he thinks the unemployment rate will continue to decline. In April, Whatcom County gained 300 jobs. It was the biggest month-over-month gain since around November of 2008, Vleming said. That growth will likely continue through summer, especially in the construction, retail-trade and hospitality industries, which are seeing relatively significant growth.

The momentum won’t be everlasting though, and will likely peter out at the beginning of winter, he said.

“I think the hiring frenzy is probably going to be on hold for awhile,” Vleming said. “I think we will probably see some conservative growth, but at least its growth.”

Editor’s Note: This story is part one in a three-part series on unemployment in Whatcom County by reporters Ryan Wynne and Isaac Bonnell.

A new business has opened that offers personalized fitness training at clients’ homes or offices.

Fresh Start Fitness Training and Nutritional Consulting is a mobile service that customizes training programs based on overall health and disease prevention rather than just weight loss.

Owner Lori Johnson, a certified personal fitness trainer and nutritional consultant, starts each personalized program with a free 30-minute consultation followed by a fitness and dietary assessment. Beyond the cardio and strength training, Johnson also teaches clients about basic food science and how to eat a balanced diet.

For more information, call Fresh Start at (360) 223-3801 or visit www.freshstartfitnessandnutrition.com.

Dermatology & Laser Center NW is opening a second office at 12 Bellwether Way Suite 219.

The clinic brought in a fourth doctor, Dr. Mark Doherty, in May and didn’t have enough room for him in the current office at 3614 Meridian St., said office manager Judi Brick. The new office will give Dr. Doherty his own space and is scheduled to open by the end of June.

For more information, call Dermatology & Laser Center NW at (360) 671-3295.