Latest News in Bellingham, WA

Northwest Sports Update Pair of top 10 matches in state highlight Week 2 of prep football season, Ms jump into division lead, Seahawks in for reunion in Pittsburgh and more

Anacortes High School hosts a marquee football matchup tonight as the top-ranked Seahawks face the sixth-ranked Mariners in Week 2 of the prep football season. Elsewhere, several other local teams are in action, including Mount Baker and Meridian, with coverage starting at 6:00 PM. The Seahawks also prepare for a game against the Steelers, while the Mariners lead the AL West after a recent win.

Whatcom County finalizes four contractors to design, build new jail in Ferndale

Whatcom County has finalized contracts with four firms to design and build a new jail in Ferndale, scheduled to begin construction in 2026. The project will combine the expertise of local and national companies, with a completion target set for summer 2028. County Executive Satpal Sidhu expressed confidence in the selected teams, highlighting local industry involvement.

Pair of Ferndale businesses announce closures

Two Ferndale businesses, Outlaws Saloon and Griffintown’s Cozy Corner Books, are set to close permanently. Outlaws Saloon has operated for over 14 years, while Cozy Corner Books is holding clearance sales before its closure this Saturday.

State Patrol searches for witnesses of alleged assault on Washington State Ferry to Anacortes

Washington State Patrol seeks witnesses to an alleged assault on a ferry from San Juan Island to Anacortes on August 21. A woman reported that a man, identified as a 70-year-old from Orcas Island, struck her neck after her cart inadvertently bumped into him. The incident is under investigation as it occurred outside San Juan County jurisdiction.

Lifestyle Lookout An early start to Oktoberfest in Bellingham, farm tours, live music events and more this weekend

Bellingham celebrates an early Oktoberfest at Kulshan's Trackside Beer Garden on September 12, featuring live music and a stein-holding contest. Additionally, the Whatcom County Farm Tour occurs on September 13, allowing residents to learn about local agriculture. The weekend also includes a mural unveiling at the Deming Library and live performances by Kim Richey and the band Haunt.

Rivas hits walk-off homer in 13th to give streaking Mariners a 4-2 win over Cardinals

Leo Rivas hit a two-run homer in the 13th inning, leading the Seattle Mariners to a 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on September 10. The win marked Seattle's fifth consecutive victory and completed a three-game sweep, keeping them within one game of Houston in the AL West. Thomas Saggese's four hits for the Cardinals included an RBI single that briefly gave St. Louis the lead in the 11th inning.

New report sheds light on who uses Whatcom County supportive housing programs

An independent evaluation reveals that 88% of participants in Whatcom County's Permanent Supportive Housing programs were previously chronically homeless or institutionalized. The report highlights a significant prevalence of mental health and substance use disorders among users, emphasizing the need for improved treatment accessibility.

Dept. of Health issues recreational shellfish harvesting closure in Samish Bay

The Washington Department of Health closed recreational shellfish harvesting in Samish Bay due to high levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins. This closure also extends to butter and varnish clams on several nearby islands, impacting most coastal areas in the state. Harvesters are urged to consult the state's shellfish safety map for updates.

Testing data of Washington state education assessment shows modest improvements in math, reading

Washington education leaders plan to allocate more resources for math instruction following modest improvements in student assessments. State Superintendent Chris Reykdal requested $10 million from the legislature to enhance math scores, emphasizing the importance of early education in maintaining global competitiveness.

Bellingham Walmart encampment landowner ordered to pay city

A judge ordered Li-Ching Fang, owner of a former encampment site near Walmart in Bellingham, to pay $125,000 for cleanup costs. The city reported significant waste removal efforts, including over 17 tons of debris, yet Fang has not coordinated any cleanup herself. The ruling clarifies that the city is not responsible for preventing trespassing on her property.