Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Law enforcement will conduct large-scale training drills at Vista Middle School in Ferndale on July 9 and 10. The training will focus on responses to mass shooting incidents, and residents are advised not to call 911 if they hear gunshots during the drills. Additional training sessions are scheduled for July 24.
Whatcom County now has more residents aged 65 and over than those 18 and under for the first time, according to new data. This trend, mirrored in four other counties, reflects a broader state and national shift as the population of older adults grows while the number of children declines. Washington state lost over 42,000 children from 2020 to 2024, while the number of seniors increased by nearly 160,000.
Nico Sanchez founded Black Noise Records in 2016 in Bellingham, WA, creating a hub for local underground musicians. The label, which emphasizes vinyl and physical music ownership, also operates a record store that caters to the community's tastes. Sanchez highlights the support from Bellingham residents as crucial for the label's success amidst economic challenges.
Bellingham plans to renovate a downtown skatepark under the Roeder Avenue Bridge with a $3 million budget. The city partnered with Northwest Skate Collective to design a space for skateboarding events and live music. Public comments will be solicited before the park's opening date is announced.
A public health alert advises residents drawing drinking water from Lake Whatcom to boil their water due to a sewage overflow reported at Camp Firwood. Crews have begun repairs after some sewage entered a stormwater drain leading to the lake. Customers of Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer and the City of Bellingham do not need to boil their water.
Bellingham City Council approved trail improvements in the Hundred Acre Wood, awarding the contract to Faber Construction. The project will include trail narrowing, resurfacing, and the construction of a new bridge, with work expected to begin by the end of the month and finish by February 2026.
Whatcom County will receive over $2 million from Washington State to enhance outdoor recreation, part of a $148 million funding initiative for hundreds of projects statewide. The funds will support 14 projects, including safety materials for mountain bikers and improvements to local parks and trails. Nearly 60% of grant applicants across the state successfully secured funding.
Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei suffered head and neck injuries during a match against the Columbus Crew on July 6 and was taken to a hospital via ambulance. Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer reported that Frei was alert and responsive after the incident, which occurred when his head collided with an opponent's knee. The match ended early due to concerns for Frei's condition.
Randy Arozarena's home run and George Kirby's strong pitching led the Seattle Mariners to a 1-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 6, marking the Pirates' third consecutive shutout loss. All-Star Paul Skenes pitched effectively for Pittsburgh, striking out ten batters but still suffered the defeat as the team struggled offensively. The Mariners' win continued the Pirates' scoreless streak, tying a major league record.
Authorities expanded the search for Travis Decker into Idaho after a tip indicated he might be in Sawtooth National Forest. Decker faces charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping in connection with the deaths of his three daughters, found dead in June. Search teams are scouring both the woods and bodies of water in the region.