Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
The Port of Bellingham proposes expanding its Board of Commissioners from three to five members and seeks community input on the matter. Whatcom County residents can submit "For" or "Against" statements for the upcoming Nov. 4 general election. Committee applications are due by 4 p.m. on July 23.
Bellingham’s South Bay Trail will close for 18 months as construction begins on the Fairhaven Center, a development featuring 200 residential units and commercial space. A detour will be established to maintain access between Taylor Dock and Fairhaven during the closure. The trail will reopen once construction is complete.
Two Bellingham businesses, Sugar and Co. and Ponderosa Beer and Books, announced their closures this summer. Sugar and Co. will cease operations on July 25, while Ponderosa Beer and Books plans to close at the end of August, celebrating its community with a farewell party.
Four U.S. citizen children were released from an ICE facility in Ferndale after being detained with their mother, who is from Honduras, for over two weeks. Their mother, Kenia Jackeline Merlos, remains in federal custody at the NW Detention Center in Tacoma, facing accusations of smuggling, although she has not been charged with a crime. A federal judge granted an emergency restraining order preventing the family's deportation.
Ferndale will close several lanes at the Vista roundabout starting July 22 for road upgrades. Traffic will alternate in single lanes on Vista Drive, while Malloy Avenue will partially close for local traffic only. The changes aim to improve access to Ferndale Terrace.
Whatcom County fire officials raised the fire danger level to "very high" due to hot and dry conditions. These conditions increase the risk of wildfires, especially from small sparks or heat sources, which can spread rapidly. Residents are urged to exercise caution outdoors.
Lummi Police named Terry Bowman a person of interest in the disappearance of Besalynn James, a 62-year-old Lummi Nation elder missing since January 21. Authorities confirmed they have interviewed Bowman and are working to gather more information. The FBI is urging anyone with tips to contact them.
An Oak Harbor man, 57-year-old Andres Venegas Hernandez, faces multiple charges linked to drug trafficking in Whatcom County. Authorities seized cocaine, heroin, and approximately 5,000 suspected fentanyl pills during a raid of his home. Additional arrests are anticipated as the investigation continues.
High levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) biotoxins prompted the closure of recreational shellfish harvesting from Sandy Point to the Canadian border, including Point Roberts. Whatcom County Health and Community Services warns that PSP cannot be eliminated through cooking or freezing. Harvesters must consult the state’s shellfish closure map before harvesting.
Whatcom County, WA, hosts a variety of events this weekend, including the Northwest Raspberry Festival starting July 18 and the inaugural Ferndale PRIDE Weekend. Concerts featuring notable bands like Toad the Wet Sprocket and Jackie Venson add to the excitement. Local residents can enjoy these community celebrations and performances under sunny weather.