Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Two Ferndale businesses, Outlaws Saloon and Griffintown’s Cozy Corner Books, are set to close permanently. Outlaws Saloon has operated for over 14 years, while Cozy Corner Books is holding clearance sales before its closure this Saturday.
Washington State Patrol seeks witnesses to an alleged assault on a ferry from San Juan Island to Anacortes on August 21. A woman reported that a man, identified as a 70-year-old from Orcas Island, struck her neck after her cart inadvertently bumped into him. The incident is under investigation as it occurred outside San Juan County jurisdiction.
Bellingham celebrates an early Oktoberfest at Kulshan's Trackside Beer Garden on September 12, featuring live music and a stein-holding contest. Additionally, the Whatcom County Farm Tour occurs on September 13, allowing residents to learn about local agriculture. The weekend also includes a mural unveiling at the Deming Library and live performances by Kim Richey and the band Haunt.
Leo Rivas hit a two-run homer in the 13th inning, leading the Seattle Mariners to a 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on September 10. The win marked Seattle's fifth consecutive victory and completed a three-game sweep, keeping them within one game of Houston in the AL West. Thomas Saggese's four hits for the Cardinals included an RBI single that briefly gave St. Louis the lead in the 11th inning.
An independent evaluation reveals that 88% of participants in Whatcom County's Permanent Supportive Housing programs were previously chronically homeless or institutionalized. The report highlights a significant prevalence of mental health and substance use disorders among users, emphasizing the need for improved treatment accessibility.
The Washington Department of Health closed recreational shellfish harvesting in Samish Bay due to high levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins. This closure also extends to butter and varnish clams on several nearby islands, impacting most coastal areas in the state. Harvesters are urged to consult the state's shellfish safety map for updates.
Washington education leaders plan to allocate more resources for math instruction following modest improvements in student assessments. State Superintendent Chris Reykdal requested $10 million from the legislature to enhance math scores, emphasizing the importance of early education in maintaining global competitiveness.
A judge ordered Li-Ching Fang, owner of a former encampment site near Walmart in Bellingham, to pay $125,000 for cleanup costs. The city reported significant waste removal efforts, including over 17 tons of debris, yet Fang has not coordinated any cleanup herself. The ruling clarifies that the city is not responsible for preventing trespassing on her property.
Whatcom County has selected a combination of local and national firms to design and construct a new jail in Ferndale. The project will involve Nelson Worldwide, RMC Architects, Clark Construction, and RAM Construction, with completion expected by summer 2028. Negotiations for contracts are currently underway.
The Seattle Mariners aim for the AL West division lead tonight against the Los Angeles Angels after winning five straight games, including a dramatic 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. The Seattle Storm will discover their playoff opponent following their recent clinch of the final postseason spot in the WNBA. Meanwhile, the Seahawks face injury challenges ahead of their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday.