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A 47-year-old man from Puyallup was arrested by Whatcom County Sheriff's Office deputies following a drive-by shooting incident near Woodlawn Cemetery on February 18. Witnesses reported the suspect brandishing a firearm during a road rage altercation, leading to the discovery of a pistol and ammunition in his vehicle. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the shooting.
The Washington State Supreme Court's recent visit to Bellingham emphasized its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion amidst federal challenges to such initiatives. During a Q&A session at Western Washington University, justices discussed their diverse backgrounds and the importance of equity work, highlighting significant milestones in representation within the court.
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.
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.
A Bellingham law firm has been ordered to pay $1.3 million in damages after a ruling by Whatcom County Superior Court Judge Lee Grochmal, following sexual harassment claims from two former employees. The court found the testimonies of the employees credible, revealing inappropriate workplace behavior by the firm's owner, Craig Allen.
Paper Whale, a Bellingham-based nonprofit founded by Nick Hartrich and Gretchen Leggitt, aims to revitalize the local art community through diverse cultural events and installations. By integrating traditional and non-traditional art forms, they foster connections between artists and the community, including the Coast Salish tribes. Their recent initiatives also emphasize economic opportunities and community engagement, highlighting Bellingham's unique creative landscape.
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.
Suzanne Simard, a renowned forest ecologist, emphasizes the ecological importance of the Douglas fir in her latest research, which highlights the need for assisted migration to combat climate change. Her findings indicate that continued clear-cutting could significantly hinder the survival of this vital species, underscoring the urgency of sustainable forestry practices.
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.