Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Shellfish harvesting in northern Whatcom County is closed due to unsafe levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning. The Washington State Department of Health prohibits recreational harvesting from Sandy Point to the Canadian border, affecting areas such as Birch Bay and Drayton Harbor. This closure follows a similar ban earlier this summer.
Gas prices in Whatcom County, WA, have risen to an average of $4.30 per gallon, up over five percent from last year. In contrast, the national average has decreased by eight percent during the same period. Residents are now paying 36% more than the national average, with potential storm impacts looming as hurricane season approaches.
The Washington State Transportation Commission unveiled its Transportation Plan Vision 2050, outlining a strategy for the state's transportation network over the next two decades. The plan addresses issues such as traffic fatalities and infrastructure reliability, proposing solutions like zero-emission transportation and flexible transit systems.
Crews in Bellingham prepare for rain while cleaning up a diesel spill at Padden Creek. The Washington Department of Ecology installed temporary coffer dams to prevent diesel runoff and plans to remove an impacted tree before the rain begins.
Whatcom County residents can now report illegal burning through new online complaint forms provided by the Fire Marshal’s Office. The forms address non-emergency issues like prohibited materials or nuisance smoke, while emergencies should still be reported via 9-1-1.
A bat discovered in a child's bedroom in Skagit County has tested positive for rabies, marking the first confirmed case in the county this year. The family is unsure if there was contact with the bat and is seeking medical treatment. Residents are urged to avoid wild animals and ensure their pets are vaccinated.
Whatcom County braces for a series of rare summer storms bringing moderate rain and strong winds this weekend. The National Weather Service forecasts rainfall exceeding 2 inches and wind gusts up to 35 mph, prompting emergency management to warn of potential localized flooding.
The Bellingham City Council approved nighttime construction at Boulevard Park, allowing additional noise from October to December. The work aims to enhance the shoreline and public access, with timing determined by tidal conditions. Councilmember Edwin Williams emphasized that this approach minimizes disruption for park users.
The Bellingham Bells defeated the Portland Pickles 2-1 to claim their first West Coast League Championship since 2014. Nate Kirkpatrick’s solo home run and a late RBI from Noah Cassie secured the victory, while stellar pitching held the Pickles to just one run.
Bellingham's runaway cow, Mabel, has found a permanent home at Heaven on Earth Animal Retirement Sanctuary on San Juan Island. After evading capture for over two months following her escape in August 2024, Mabel was surrendered by her original owner to the Whatcom Humane Society.