Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Cleanup crews continue efforts at Padden Creek after over 600 gallons of diesel spilled, killing three coho salmon. Wildlife responders recovered the carcasses and urge the public to report any oiled or injured animals. A stop work order is in place until the site is fully remediated.
A rescue operation off Point Roberts resulted in one fatality and one recovery. The U.S. Coast Guard, Canadian Coast Guard, and a good Samaritan responded to a sinking vessel, recovering one fisherman alive while the other was later declared deceased.
The Washington Department of Wildlife detected invasive European green crabs near Port Gamble and Port Ludlow, marking a significant spread in the Salish Sea. The presence of green crabs threatens local ecosystems by consuming native species. This detection follows the confirmation of a green crab molt in False Bay on San Juan Island, the first since 2019.
Boundary Bay Brewery in Bellingham will partner with Black Raven Brewery to continue producing popular ales after its closure in September. The brewery, which has operated for 30 years, will celebrate its legacy with a block party on September 20th.
The Bellingham Bells face a crucial playoff game against the Edmonton Riverhawks tonight in the North Division Championship. The winner will advance to the West Coast League Championship on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Mariners begin a nine-game East Coast road trip against the last-place Baltimore Orioles.
Whatcom County Council approved the acquisition of over 1,600 acres on Stewart Mountain for conservation, with a funding partnership totaling $5.5 million. This initiative aims to expand the Stewart Mountain Community Forest, which seeks to incorporate approximately 6,000 acres into local stewardship.
Cal Raleigh hit his MLB-leading 45th home run, leading the Seattle Mariners to a 6-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on August 10. The win marked Seattle's seventh consecutive victory, closing out a successful 9-1 homestand. Bryan Woo contributed with six innings pitched and nine strikeouts.
A second fuel leak occurred in Padden Creek during a fish passage project in Fairhaven, causing the death of at least two fish. The City of Bellingham has issued a stop work order until complete containment of the spills is achieved. Crews are monitoring the construction zone following the replacement of the leaking generator.
More than 7,000 hatchery Chinook salmon are set to return to Whatcom Creek, according to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. This initiative aims to support local ecosystems, tribal fisheries, and educational programs at Bellingham Technical College. Fishing for Chinook will be permitted in lower Whatcom Creek on weekends until September 14.
Jesus Penuelas-Agramon, 23, pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder and drug-related offenses after allegedly shooting a Lummi police officer seven times on July 28. The officer, whose identity remains undisclosed, is recovering well, and the community has raised over $25,000 for his family. Penuelas-Agramon faces a status hearing on August 27 and a trial scheduled for September 22.