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For people in Whatcom County, living on the streets could mean dying on the streets
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Nationwide, 20 homeless people die every day. In Whatcom County, the number is up to two people per week, and the trends don't look good. Outreach worker Cheri Johnson checks in on homeless folks getting a meal at Bellingham's Faith Lutheran Church. They're people she calls friends — and said she is increasingly worried about them.
Thousands of community leaders across the country back Whatcom County’s urge to declare national fentanyl emergency
WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A major organization has backed Whatcom County’s effort to address the fentanyl crisis on a national level. The National Association of Counties (NACo) on Monday, July 15, unanimously approved a resolution that was passed by the county council earlier this year asking to declare a federal emergency over the crisis.
Turning the Tide: Coast Guard uses old whale-hunting tactic to save WA orcas
BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Conservationists report only 73 Southern Resident Killer Whales still call the Salish Sea home. Concerned by the subtype's waning numbers and the rising risk of oil spills, a Coast Guard Lieutenant out of Bellingham reached out to local advocacy group, Orca Conservancy. When a ship goes down...
Crabbing season returns to Whatcom County waters
BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Summer crabbing season is upon us as the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announces rules and regulations for this summer. The season officially opens on July 18 for Bellingham and the San Juan Islands, lasting through Sept. 30 and crabbing is only allowed Thursdays through Mondays. Tuesdays and Wednesdays will be closed for all recreational crabbing.
Initiative to repeal Whatcom County child care tax goes to court
Nearly $100 million hangs in balance as the County Council launches a legal challenge weeks before the deadline to put the measure on the November ballot. The Whatcom County Council’s decision to ask a Superior Court judge to answer questions about the validity of a group’s effort to repeal a countywide child care tax puts the council in new territory as it faces a fast-approaching deadline.
Cantwell tours Island Hospital and new helipad
Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) toured Island Hospital today to help celebrate the hospital's newly completed rooftop helipad, constructed above the hospital's Acute Health Care Unit, next to the Emergency Department. The first stop on the tour was the new helipad for a photo op. Sen. Cantwell helped secure $2.5 million...
Inslee appoints Whatcom County Superior Court judge
Governor Jay Inslee has appointed Jennifer E. Slattery to the Whatcom County Superior Court bench, the governor’s office announced on July 12. Slattery will fill a fifth position the Washington state legislature created earlier this year. The position was created to help with a backlog of cases. During her...
Bellingham City Council members mull over locked mailbox proposal
BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Bellingham City Council is considering an ordinance aimed at making your mail safer. Councilmembers were introduced to the proposal at their meeting on Monday, July 15, which would require all rental properties to install locked mailboxes for their residents. Planning and Community Development Director...
Mayor Kim Lund announces two new city deputy administrators
BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The City of Bellingham is adding a pair of familiar faces to its top leadership team. Mayor Kim Lund announced on Monday, July 15, that she appointed longtime employees Janice Keller and Forrest Longman to roles as the city’s deputy administrators. Executive leadership was...
Bellingham investment group organizes business pitch competition
Calling all entrepreneurs in Whatcom and Skagit counties: The Bellingham Angel Investors (BAI) will be hosting a business pitch competition in August. BAI aims to empower local leaders to support the economy by making local investments. The group has invested more than $30 million since its founding in 2005, most of which goes to startups in the Pacific Northwest and B.C.
Bellingham and Whatcom County Tourism Promotion Grants Now Open for 2025
Organizations and businesses in Bellingham and Whatcom County can now apply for grants through the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County. Grant funds can be used to develop and market new or ongoing events that will generate economic activity, leading to increased hotel stays in the city and county. Funding is limited to activities that are open to the public and draw visitors to Bellingham and Whatcom County.
Some Lake Samish residents have gone overnight without power
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Residents at the south end of Lake Samish have found themselves without power since about 7pm yesterday, Monday, July 15th. As of 3:40pm today, the current estimate for restoring power is 5pm. According to Puget Sound Energy (PSE), the outage was first reported about 7pm on...
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