Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Point Roberts, a small American exclave, is facing economic challenges due to a trade war between the U.S. and Canada. The community, heavily reliant on Canadian tourism, has seen a significant decline in traffic, exacerbated by previous pandemic-related border closures. Local businesses are feeling the impact of reduced visitor numbers as tensions rise between the two nations.
Whatcom County has recently addressed the dismissal of its health department director, Erika Lautenbach, though no specific reasons have been provided. Lautenbach expressed surprise at her termination, citing concerns about the county executive's actions. The county is in the process of appointing an interim director while the leadership transition is discussed in upcoming meetings.
A Skagit County judge declared a mistrial in the case against Angela Conijn, accused of second-degree murder for the shooting of Kamran Cohee in February 2021. The mistrial was declared after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict. Conijn claimed self-defense amidst a dispute over a political sign theft.
The article highlights significant community events in Bellingham, including the celebration of Women’s History Month by the Teen Advisory Board at the local library and the opening of a new YWCA shelter for mothers and young children. It also announces upcoming events related to salmon conservation and a public hearing regarding middle housing expansion, showcasing the city's commitment to environmental and social issues. Overall, the article serves as an informative roundup of local initiatives and celebrations.
The article reports on a forecast of heavy rain and moderate winds expected in Bellingham over the weekend, as issued by the National Weather Service. It highlights the potential for rising river levels due to snowmelt but reassures that local rivers are not at flood risk. Additionally, the article covers a public comment period regarding the cleanup of a contaminated site in Ferndale.
Hundreds of Latino students from various school districts gathered at Western Washington University for the Latinos in Action Youth Leadership Conference. The event aimed to empower Latino youth, featuring performances and art showcases, while keynote speaker Xiye Bastida addressed attendees via Zoom after being denied entry to the U.S. Despite the setback, the conference highlighted the significance of community engagement and cultural expression among Latino youth.
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has announced a new spring sailing schedule for the Anacortes and San Juan ferries, effective March 23, 2025. This update comes after a decade of outdated schedules, resulting in improved on-time performance from 68% to 91%. The new schedule will remain in effect until June 14, and full details are available on the WSDOT website.
Environmental projects aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of commercial fishing in Bellingham are currently in limbo due to frozen grants from the EPA. The Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County reports that five engine replacement projects have been suspended, leaving local fishers uncertain about future upgrades. The situation highlights the broader impact of funding cuts on fishing communities from Alaska to Maine.
The article discusses the upcoming public comment period for the Treoil Industries cleanup site in Ferndale, WA, which will begin on March 24 and last until April 22. This site has been on the Washington State Department of Ecology's Contaminated Site List due to hazardous spills and has undergone previous cleanup efforts costing over $4.3 million. Residents are encouraged to review the documents and provide feedback on the proposed third cleanup plan.
Bellingham Public Schools is seeking community input on proposed budget cuts to address a $15 million deficit. The district is considering revising the school calendar and introducing fees for certain extracurricular activities. Superintendent Greg Baker emphasizes the importance of protecting classroom resources while managing financial constraints.