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Whatcom County residents can provide feedback on 12 proposed amendments to the county charter ahead of the November General Election. The council seeks volunteers to draft pro and con statements, with applications due by July 14. Proposed changes include establishing an "Office of the Ombuds" for government complaints and modifying referendum signature requirements.
Rite Aid locations in Whatcom County will transition to CVS pharmacies following Rite Aid's bankruptcy announcement. The Sehome Village Rite Aid will close on August 19 and reopen as a CVS the next day, with additional locations following suit in mid-September. All prescriptions will be transferred to CVS automatically, requiring no action from patients.
A hiker was rescued after falling in a snowy area near Twin Lakes in the North Cascades on June 26. The Bellingham Mountain Rescue Council reported that a pair of National Forest Service employees heard the hiker's calls for help and provided assistance until a rescue team arrived. Hikers are reminded to pack essential gear and prepare for wintery conditions, even in late June.
East Whatcom County will ban campfires, fire pits, and barbecue grills in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex starting Thursday, July 3, due to heightened wildfire risks. Stoves or grills powered by bottled fuel are permitted if they have an on/off switch. Park officials urge visitors to be cautious with smoking and prohibit fireworks on federal lands.
Bellingham Public Schools plans to run two levies in the November election to counteract proposed federal funding cuts. The supplemental operations levy aims to raise $4 million annually, while the facilities maintenance levy seeks $11 million yearly for essential repairs. The district anticipates losing $750,000 in annual funds due to budget cuts.
Mount Baker Theatre in Bellingham, WA, reveals its 2025-26 Main Stage Season lineup featuring 25 events, starting with Grammy-winning trumpeter Chris Botti on September 20. Executive Director John Purdie highlights that this season marks the theater's 99th, with preparations underway for its centennial celebration.
Travelers on I-5 south of Bellingham will face delays as construction begins this weekend to replace a fish culvert at Lake Creek. Starting Sunday at 8 p.m., lane and ramp closures will occur, with traffic shifting to a two-lane bypass on Monday morning to facilitate the removal and replacement of the culvert.
Free vaccinations for young people under 18 will be available in Bellingham on July 1 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The clinic comes in response to two confirmed measles cases in the Lynden area, and other childhood vaccines will also be offered.
Bellingham officials remind residents that all fireworks are banned within city limits, with exceptions for pre-approved public displays. In unincorporated Whatcom County, fireworks can be used from July 3 to July 5, with specific hours set for each day. Improvised explosives remain illegal statewide.
Mobile blood donation stations will operate in Bellingham next month, addressing a critical shortage of all blood types, especially type O. Stations will be available at locations like Sehome Haggen, City Hall, and WWU campus from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on designated days.