MV Columbia at Fairhaven terminal
MV Columbia at Fairhaven terminal

Alaska Ferry stuck in Bellingham

​The Alaska Ferry “Columbia” is stuck in Bellingham waiting for repairs. The Columbia did not sail last Friday at 6 pm when scheduled for its weekly departure to Ketchikan, Alaska. The bowthruster mechanism was broken. Parts have been ordered and it is hoped it can sail this Friday - but it may not be until February that it is able to depart for Alaska. It is docked at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven for all of this week.

Pinky Vargas
Pinky Vargas

Pinky Vargas announces for state senate

Bellingham City Council representative Pinky Vargas, announced on Saturday that she will run for the state Senate seat in the 42nd District which is most of Whatcom County. This seat is currently held by Doug Ericksen. It is unknown what his plans are. Doug recently changed his mind about a job offer by the Federal EPA in Seattle. While some have said the Herald jumped the gun, the facts we have gotten from very reliable sources is Ericksen learned he would have to quit his state Senate seat and reversed his decision. His state Senate seat provides him and his family with very fine health coverage.