Your trusted source for local Bellingham, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
An ambitious vacation rental project near Glacier, led by developer Youri Benoiston, has only delivered one concrete dome despite raising $1.2 million through crowdfunding. As delays continue, many backers are requesting refunds, citing safety concerns and unmet expectations regarding the luxury accommodations promised.
Local lawmakers in Olympia are advancing several significant bills aimed at addressing environmental violations and expanding education opportunities for homeless and foster youth. Notably, SB 5360 seeks to amend penalties for environmental crimes, while HB 1540 would facilitate access to tribal colleges for eligible students. These legislative efforts reflect a proactive approach to pressing local issues within the Washington state legislature.
Bellingham International Airport's control tower is reducing its operational hours due to a decrease in air traffic controllers, highlighting a nationwide staffing crisis. The tower's closure on Tuesdays and some Wednesdays raises concerns about air safety, particularly as the airport experiences increased traffic from inexperienced pilots. Despite these challenges, commercial operators claim that their operations remain unaffected.
Whatcom County residents affected by the bomb cyclone in November 2024 are urged to apply for financial assistance by March 3, 2025. The Washington state government is providing aid for major home damages and related expenses incurred due to the storm, particularly in the Sudden Valley area. For further details on eligibility and financial support, residents can visit Whatcom County's dedicated assistance webpage.
A 47-year-old man was arrested for a drive-by shooting incident that occurred north of Bellingham, WA, on Tuesday night. According to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect fired a handgun during a road rage altercation and was apprehended shortly after the incident.
The Port of Bellingham has approved the design documents for Phase 2 of the Millworks project, which will add a seven-story affordable housing complex featuring 109 units of workforce housing. This development, adjacent to the first phase, aims to address the critical housing needs of the local community and is projected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Whatcom County's Health and Community Services is seeking community input to shape its upcoming homeless housing plan, focusing on priorities such as affordable housing and emergency shelter space. Residents can provide feedback through a survey, which will inform the five-year plan set for approval by the Whatcom County Council in 2026.
Whatcom County is seeking community feedback on its homelessness strategies as it develops a plan for addressing homelessness from 2026 to 2030. The Housing Advisory Committee aims to gather public input through surveys and presentations, focusing on balancing short-term and long-term solutions. This initiative follows a record of homelessness affecting over 846 individuals in January 2024.
The Washington State House of Representatives honored Dr. Kathi Hiyane-Brown, the longtime president of Whatcom Community College, with a resolution recognizing her 35 years in higher education, including 18 years at WCC. Under her leadership, the college expanded its curriculum significantly and was designated as Washington's Cybersecurity Center of Excellence. As Dr. Hiyane-Brown prepares for her retirement on March 1, the college has announced three finalists for her successor.
Local agencies successfully rescued an elderly woman who fell down a steep embankment in Sumas, Washington, on February 18. Utilizing a drone for location assistance, firefighters collaborated with multiple law enforcement agencies to safely extract her and transport her to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.