Whatcom County certified primary election results, showing a turnout of over 31% of registered voters. Elizabeth Boyle and Maya Morales will compete for the District 2 council seat, while Kyle Christensen faces Jessica Rienstra for District 3. Both levies for the rural library district and South Whatcom Fire Authority passed.
Ferndale City Council approved a contract on August 18 with Dawson Construction to build a new Civic Campus, enhancing City Hall. The 19,000-square-foot structure will include city council chambers, municipal court, and administrative offices, while the existing City Hall will be repurposed for nonprofit services. Construction is set to begin this fall.
Ragfinery plans to reopen its retail space in downtown Bellingham following a fire that damaged its previous location. The new site will feature a downstairs retail area and an upstairs office space, with a grand opening expected before winter 2025. Community support helped raise over $40,000 to facilitate the reopening.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced that sockeye salmon fishing is now permitted in specific marine areas of the Salish Sea from August 19 to the end of the month. Anglers can retain up to two sockeye per day, in addition to the two pink salmon already allowed, while other salmon species must be released. This expansion follows an above-projected forecast for sockeye returns to the Fraser River.
Whatcom County Public Works received over $875,000 in federal funding to support the Lummi Island ferry operations. The U.S. Department of Transportation allocated $175 million to ferry providers nationwide, with Washington State receiving nearly $40 million. Upcoming cable replacement work will cancel late-night ferry trips this weekend.
Donald Malone, 61, faces trial for the first-degree murder of accountant Vaughn Hagen in Whatcom County Superior Court. Malone allegedly shot Hagen multiple times after the accountant arrived to assist him with cleaning out his late mother's garage. The trial is set to begin on September 29 and will last approximately four days.
Whatcom County has closed all beaches for recreational shellfish harvesting due to elevated levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) detected in local shellfish. This includes species such as oysters, mussels, and scallops, affecting areas from Bellingham Bay to Drayton Harbor. Residents are advised to check for biotoxin closures before harvesting.
Local authorities seek public assistance in locating a suspect connected to a sexual assault and robbery at Little Squalicum Park in Bellingham, WA. The incident occurred Wednesday morning, prompting a campus lock-down at Bellingham Technical College. The suspect is described as a heavyset male in his 30s to 40s, approximately 6 feet tall.
WWU Geology Professor Doug Clark highlights the retreat of glaciers on Mount Baker, attributed largely to human-induced climate change. Over the past two decades, glaciers have significantly shrunk, with one glacier retreating nearly a quarter mile. The findings emphasize the urgent impact of climate change on local glacial systems.
Karolina Lobrow and Ben Howe opened Otherlands Beer, a cozy brewpub in Bellingham, WA, specializing in meat-free food and European-style brews. Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, they successfully launched in June 2020 and recently celebrated their fifth anniversary. The couple aims to create a unique, community-focused space that supports local artists and hosts regular events.
Paving work will fully close portions of northbound I-5 in Bellingham from Sunset Drive to Meridian Street tonight from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Wednesday. Southbound I-5 will also close between Northwest Avenue and Meridian Street during the same hours on Wednesday night. Drivers should expect delays and use alternative routes.
The Seattle Mariners aim to recover from a tough weekend series against the Mets as they face the Phillies today. Cal Raleigh leads the majors with 47 home runs, while Victor Robles faces potential suspension for an incident in a Triple-A game. The Seahawks and Storm also had notable performances, with the Seahawks winning their preseason game against the Chiefs.
Whatcom County will receive nearly $370,000 to purchase over three acres of wetlands, part of a $14.6 million fund aimed at improving salmon habitats in the Puget Sound region. The funding, awarded by the Washington State Recreation Conservation Office and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, supports efforts to enhance water quality and restore coastal ecosystems.
The U.S. Coast Guard rescued 12 kayakers, including six children, from distress between Patos Island and Sucia Island on August 14. The group was saved thanks to their VHF marine radio, which allowed for a quick response by the Coast Guard and local authorities. All individuals were safely returned to Orcas Island.
Two people sustained minor injuries in a helicopter crash at Skagit Regional Airport in Burlington on August 18. The helicopter's tail struck a light pole during takeoff, prompting an investigation by the FAA and NTSB.
Mark Vientos hit a three-run homer, leading the New York Mets to a 7-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners in the Major League Baseball Little League Classic on August 18. The game featured many young fans, including Little Leaguers who participated in various roles, enhancing the nostalgic atmosphere for the players. Seattle's Cal Raleigh added to his home run tally, hitting his 47th of the season.
Birch Bay residents can provide feedback on the area's potential incorporation into a city through a new survey. Whatcom County seeks input on public services and priorities, with the survey closing on September 10. The Birch Bay Incorporation Association is leading the initiative and will hold a barbecue for community updates.
In-N-Out Burger opens its first Washington location in Ridgefield on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 10:30 am. The starting wage for employees will be $18.75 per hour, exceeding the state minimum by over two dollars.
Whatcom County officials emphasize fire safety amid rising wildfire risks, noting that 90% of wildfires are human-caused. Residents are urged to create a fire escape plan and adhere to safety measures, including installing smoke detectors and maintaining safe distances from flammable materials.
Former Whatcom County health director Erika Lautenbach seeks $1.5 million from the county, claiming wrongful termination due to a hostile work environment fostered by County Executive Satpal Sidhu. Lautenbach alleges discrimination based on sex and cites mental health issues stemming from workplace bullying. The county strongly denies her allegations and plans to contest her claims legally.
Bellingham residents can now register for the 20th annual Essence of Bellingham Photo Competition, which invites participants to capture the city's spirit in photographs. Entries are accepted free of charge until October 1, with winners recognized in multiple categories and displayed at the Whatcom Museum.
Whatcom County residents faced a tsunami advisory after a significant earthquake near Russia, but the resulting waves were minimal. This event served as a valuable learning experience, enhancing community preparedness and collaboration among local agencies.
Ferndale Police seek public assistance to identify suspects involved in a theft and hit-and-run at a 7-Eleven on August 7. The suspect vehicle struck an unoccupied car before fleeing, and police suspect the driver participated in a theft inside the store. Surveillance images have been posted on Facebook for identification.
Anacortes Police warn residents about cryptocurrency scams that have cost locals tens of thousands of dollars. Scammers falsely claim victims have outstanding warrants, demanding payment in crypto. Authorities emphasize that they will never request cryptocurrency payments.
