Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Trumpet player Pace Rubadeau significantly influences Bellingham's music scene through his role in the First Friday Busking Program. He promotes local musicians and fosters community connections, having performed in various locations worldwide. His recent collaboration with Chuckanut Bay Distillery revives the spirit of 1920s speakeasies in Bellingham.
The National Weather Service forecasts warm summer temperatures in western Washington, with highs reaching 80 degrees in Whatcom County this weekend. A minor heat risk warning is in effect from Thursday through Sunday, primarily affecting those sensitive to heat. Overnight lows will provide some relief, dropping to about 57 degrees.
A 62-year-old man and his companion were rescued from Mount Baker after becoming stranded while attempting to summit. The rescue team from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island reached them quickly, thanks to an ongoing training exercise. The mountaineers were transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center for evaluation.
Two lane closures on southbound I-5 near Bellingham will occur Thursday from 4 a.m. to 11 a.m. for sign work. Drivers should anticipate delays and are urged to drive cautiously to ensure crew safety.
The Bellingham Bells achieved a shutout victory over the Kamloops NorthPaws, winning 3-0 in their season opener. The Mariners lost to the Baltimore Orioles 5-1, marking their third consecutive loss since George Kirby's injury. Meanwhile, the Storm ended their losing streak by defeating the Dallas Wings 83-77.
Student workers at Western Washington University set a two-day deadline for the university to make progress on union recognition negotiations. If the administration fails to respond adequately, the Operational Student Employees plan to resume their strike on June 9. The university has not yet commented on the union's demands.
The Port of Bellingham Commission terminated Rob Fix as executive director in a 2-1 vote, with commissioners citing the need for new leadership. Bobby Briscoe, the sole dissenting vote, praised Fix for his contributions since 2008. Tiffany DeSimone has been appointed as Interim Executive Director.
Whatcom County Public Works will host its final water adjudication workshop for residential well users on June 5 at 5:30 pm. The virtual event will feature a water rights consultant who will guide participants through the claim form process and answer questions. Registration is required and limited to 50 households.
A Sedro-Woolley woman, Amy Siniscarco, pleaded guilty to embezzling over $1.4 million from Hardware Sales in Bellingham. She committed wire fraud and filed a false tax return, leading to her arrest in January 2023. Siniscarco faces a recommended sentence of up to 33 months in prison and must repay the stolen funds and taxes.
Washington law enforcement must report use of force incidents to a new database called WADEPS. Created under a 2021 bipartisan law, the database tracks incidents involving firearms, tasers, and other methods. Agencies must begin reporting by September 2 and continue monthly thereafter.