Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Northwest Youth Services (NWYS) closed its Mount Vernon facility in March due to serious safety and health concerns, leaving four at-risk youths without immediate housing. The abrupt closure has raised questions about the facility's future and the impact on local services, particularly the partnership with the YMCA Oasis Teen Shelter. Despite requests for more information, NWYS has provided limited details about the situation.
Mayor Kim Lund of Bellingham reflects on her first months in office, emphasizing her commitment to transforming the city from a small to a mid-sized urban area. She acknowledges the challenges that come with growth, including homelessness and budget constraints, while striving to implement strategic changes within the city's administration. Lund’s leadership style focuses on active listening and decisive action, aiming to foster a collaborative environment among city employees.
Bow Sanctuary, located on Chuckanut Drive, features Japanese-inspired gardens designed by Deymian LeSar, which were inspired by a vivid dream. Established nearly three decades ago, the gardens were initially part of Karma Place Japanese Garden & Nursery, offering various classes and items related to Japanese culture. After closing, the property transitioned through different uses until it found a new purpose with Bow Sanctuary, much to LeSar's delight.
A mobile dental clinic, DentALL, is addressing the significant gap in dental care access for underserved patients in East Whatcom County. Founded by Dr. Jessica Dubek, the clinic aims to provide essential dental services to those who have been without care for years, often due to homelessness or lack of insurance. The initiative highlights the broader issue of dental care shortages in Washington state, where many counties are designated as having limited access to dental health professionals.
The article details a $3.5 million fundraising initiative to revitalize the Bellingham Central Library, coinciding with National Library Giving Day. It also highlights upcoming Earth Day events and encourages community feedback on downtown improvements. The article underscores the city's commitment to enhancing public spaces and environmental awareness.
The City of Bellingham will host its annual Lake Whatcom Joint Councils and Commissioners meeting on April 2, providing an opportunity for local leaders to discuss efforts aimed at protecting and preserving Lake Whatcom. The meeting will feature updates on water quality, phosphorus reduction goals, and stormwater management initiatives. Community participation is encouraged, allowing residents to voice their opinions during a public comment period.
The City of Bellingham is investing $40 million to upgrade air emission control equipment for sewage sludge incinerators at the Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant. This initiative aims to comply with stricter air quality regulations and ensures the plant's long-term operational viability. Mayor Kim Lund emphasized the city's commitment to balancing environmental protection and responsible use of taxpayer funds.
The article discusses an upcoming School to Work Transition Fair in Ferndale, WA, aimed at helping young adults with disabilities explore workforce opportunities. Scheduled for March 27, 2025, the event will offer resources from local organizations and is open to middle and high school students and their families. Attendance is free, and no advanced registration is required.
Point Roberts, a small American exclave, is facing economic challenges due to a trade war between the U.S. and Canada. The community, heavily reliant on Canadian tourism, has seen a significant decline in traffic, exacerbated by previous pandemic-related border closures. Local businesses are feeling the impact of reduced visitor numbers as tensions rise between the two nations.
A Skagit County judge declared a mistrial in the case against Angela Conijn, accused of second-degree murder for the shooting of Kamran Cohee in February 2021. The mistrial was declared after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict. Conijn claimed self-defense amidst a dispute over a political sign theft.