WSDOT News -  Judging by all the phone calls and e-mails I’m getting, there are a lot of people itching to get up to Artist Point. It probably has something to do with the 80-degree weather forecast for this weekend. What better place is there to go besides Artist Point to beat the heat? While the road isn’t completely open yet, we have opened the first mile of roadway up to the Heather Meadows visitor center, and the visitor center opened today (Friday, July 23). We still have two miles of roadway left to finish clearing.

 I can tell you that after three weeks of work, we’re getting closer to opening, but we still don’t have an exact opening date yet. The opening could come by the end of next week or the first week of August. There are a lot of variables that play into the schedule – equipment breakdowns, weather, crew health, etc. We’ll have a better idea of when we’re going to open later next week.

Crews have cut a rough path through the snow all the way up to the upper parking lot. That’s where the snow was 20 feet deep three weeks ago. The warm weather this weekend to should really help melt away a lot of the snow.

Summer is hot at Baker! – MBVR

A discussion on domestic violence and a candlelight vigil are planned for Wednesday, Jan. 13, at Kendall Elementary School, 7547 Kendall Road, in Maple Falls.

The event begins at 7 p.m. with a presentation by Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services about domestic violence, why it happens, and how to avoid it. Advocates also will be available for anyone who wishes to meet privately with them that evening or later on.

The candlelight vigil will follow outside, weather permitting.

A fund has been set up to help Rebecca Boonstra. Donations may be made to the Rebecca Boonstra Donation Account at the Whatcom Educational Credit Union branches, or can be sent to the Credit Union at: P.O. Box 9750, Bellingham, WA 98277.

Donations may also be dropped off at the Visitor’s Center located at 7802 Silver Lake Road, Maple Falls. Their hours are Wed-Sun 10AM-4PM.