Latest News in Bellingham, WA

Northwest Sports Update RIP Lenny Wilkens, Seahawks cruise to 4th straight, HS football state tourney schedule and more

Lenny Wilkens, a legendary figure in Seattle basketball and three-time Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, passed away at 88. Meanwhile, the Seahawks secured their fourth consecutive victory, defeating the Arizona Cardinals 44-22, setting up a pivotal matchup against the Rams next week. High school soccer teams from Blaine and Lynden also made headlines, with Blaine advancing to the state tournament for the first time in 22 years.

Repaving on I-5 to cause overnight slowdowns, commercial filming on SR 542 to close both lanes

Repaving on I-5 near Ferndale will cause overnight lane closures starting Wednesday, Nov. 12, with additional work scheduled for Thursday night. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is completing a 10-mile repaving project from Blaine to Ferndale. Commercial filming will also lead to rolling slowdowns on Mount Baker Highway this week.

Lynden Heritage Museum suffers minimal damage following interior fire

A small fire at the Lynden Heritage Museum caused minimal damage over the weekend. The fire, ignited by a malfunctioning paper shredder, resulted in smoke and soot spreading throughout the building but left an estimated $3,000 in damage. The museum remains closed for cleanup until Wednesday.

Veterans Day events in Whatcom County happening this week

American Legion Post 7 in Bellingham hosts a Veterans Day ceremony on November 11, featuring music, a Color presentation, and a community lunch. Texas Roadhouse offers free meals to veterans and active military personnel during the event. State ferries will sound their horns at 11:11 a.m. to honor the signing of the World War I armistice.

Two people arrested after car chase ending in Bellingham

Two suspects were arrested in Bellingham after a reckless car chase that ended when the driver ran in front of a patrol vehicle. Both individuals, a 40-year-old male driver and a 36-year-old female passenger, have active warrants from California and are currently held at Whatcom County Jail. The passenger sustained a broken vertebra and was hospitalized.

CONTRIBUTED Prepare in a Year Shelter in Place

Whatcom County officials emphasize the importance of knowing how to "shelter in place" amid potential hazards like volcanic ash and flooding. Residents are urged to prepare by securing their homes and stocking emergency supplies for at least two weeks. Public Information Officer Amy Cloud advises utilizing local resources for updates during emergencies.

Skagit County approves 0.1 public safety sales tax

Skagit County's Board of Commissioners approved a 0.1% sales tax to fund criminal justice initiatives, set to begin on April 1, 2026. The tax, equating to 10 cents per $100 purchase, is projected to generate $4 to $4.5 million annually. Mental health professionals testified on the importance of diversion programs for offenders with mental illness during the public hearing.

Bellingham acupuncturist accused of sexual misconduct with patients has license suspended

A Bellingham acupuncturist, Timothy Baglio, faces a suspended license due to allegations of sexual misconduct during treatment sessions. The Washington Department of Health confirmed an ongoing criminal investigation by the Bellingham Police Department following reports from former patients. Baglio's license expired in August, and he reportedly attempted to dissuade one victim from reporting the incidents.

Whatcom County Council approves lease for new sheriffs office location

The Whatcom County Council approved a lease for a new sheriff's office location in Bellingham's Cordata neighborhood. The decision, made with a 6-0 vote and one abstention, addresses substandard conditions at the current office in the county jail basement. The move is set for summer 2026, pending funding approval.

New online tool shows immunization data in Whatcom County

Washington health officials launched an online Respiratory Immunization Dashboard to track vaccination trends during the cold and flu season. Whatcom County reports higher vaccination rates for COVID, flu, and adult RSV compared to state averages, with pediatric RSV shots only slightly trailing.