Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Trader Joe’s opened its second location in Bellingham, WA, on Thursday, attracting a line of eager customers. The grand opening featured music from the Meridian High School band and saw Bianca and Tony Summers become the first customers by purchasing a plant. The store operates daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Bellingham has acquired nearly 100 acres for the Lake Whatcom Watershed Land Acquisition and Preservation Program, totaling $1.1 million in purchases funded by utility fees. The recent acquisitions aim to protect water quality by preserving forested land around the lake from development.
Bellingham City Council approved two ordinances to enhance affordable housing options, allowing middle housing in nearly all residential zones. The interim ordinance will take effect on June 3, aligning with future state housing laws. A final vote on the proposed changes is scheduled for June 9.
Rescue crews responded to three separate incidents involving climbers and a skier in Mount Baker National Forest, leading to multiple leg injuries. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office urged adventurers to carry emergency GPS devices to facilitate quicker rescues.
Skagit County residents may experience smoky air next week due to a postponed prescribed burn. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources rescheduled the burn for June 2, pending favorable weather conditions. The burn area is located between SR 9 south of Big Lake and Lake Cavanaugh Road near Summer Lake.
A 36-year-old man, Richard Solomon, is in custody on homicide and drug possession charges following a drug-related death on the Lummi Nation. Police responded to a medical emergency on Smokehouse Road early Sunday, where the victim, a Lummi Nation member, was pronounced dead later that morning. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death is ongoing.
A non-profit warns against swimming in Bellingham Bay after detecting E. coli levels 50 times above safe limits at two runoff points. RE Sources reported discolored water with a rancid odor near Olive Street, and high bacteria levels were also confirmed near Taylor Dock. They advise swimmers to avoid open wounds and rinse off after swimming.
KAFE 104.1, an adult contemporary radio station in Bellingham, has built strong community ties through its morning show and local involvement. Hosts Dave Walker, Patrice Valentine, and Allan Fee emphasize delivering feel-good content while engaging listeners with community stories. The station's initiatives, like Festive Fridays, foster connections and support local organizations.
Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund appointed Joel Pfundt as public works director and Mike Olinger as deputy director. Both have served as interim co-directors since the dismissal of the former director last July, and Lund emphasized their leadership capabilities and shared vision for the city's development.
An 18-year-old Bellingham resident, Alejandro Pallares, died from injuries sustained in a shooting on May 18. The suspect, also 18, faces possible charges after accidentally discharging a loaded gun while playing with it. Pallares, a football player, was set to graduate from Ferndale High School soon.