On January 25, a vehicle crash led to the temporary closure of Kendall Elementary School in the Mount Baker School District, with significant damage reported to a classroom for multilingual students. Interim Superintendent Nick Perigo explained that the driver lost control while navigating a turn on Kendall Highway, causing the car to crash into the building. Fortunately, the incident occurred outside of school hours, ensuring the safety of all students and staff. Emergency repairs began promptly on January 27, with Tiger Construction working to patch the damaged area in time for classes to resume on Tuesday. The driver involved in the crash was treated at PeaceHealth St.

Joseph Medical Center and subsequently arrested on DUI charges. Perigo praised the rapid response from local emergency services, including Whatcom County Fire District 14 and the Washington State Patrol. Families of Kendall students were provided with meal options at the school to alleviate any disruptions caused by the closure. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges related to road safety and the importance of community support during emergencies.