Whatcom Word, the word of Whatcom
- by City of BellinghamLittle Squalicum Estuary work, new parking rules, library seeks artists, Ask Us Anything wrapped, and more: a news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamAsk Us Anything, utility report, I-5 lane reduction, Children’s Craft Fair, and more: a news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamFree family fun, smoke support, renter protections, and our final Ask Us Anything of the year: a news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamKids Fest, behind the scenes of the Salish Star, community street projects, and more: a news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamChildren's craft fairs, new rental registration dashboard, and Cornwall Memorial Park restoration: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamThe new Division Street community will be run by HomesNOW!
- by City of BellinghamFirst responders at the Bells, volunteer opportunities, construction updates, and more: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamDowntown viewfinder, new advisory group, construction updates, Pride IN Bellingham, and more: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamAffordable housing, Free First Friday, holiday closures, lifeguards at Bloedel Donovan, and more: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamEven fireworks purchased legally in Whatcom County are prohibited within City limits.
- The next planning director brings more than two decades of experience helping organizations work through complex planning, leadership, and organizational challenges
- Sunny today after morning fog in areas clear. Increasing clouds tomorrow with rain developing by Saturday morning. A county-wide stage 2 burn ban in effect until further notice, no outdoor burning allowed. Summer water safety tips below.
- Mostly sunny today after possible fog or clouds this morning. Sunny tomorrow and Friday with clouds and rain moving in overnight. A county-wide stage 2 burn ban in effect until further notice, no outdoor burning allowed. Summer water safety tips below.
- With certification of the August 4, 2026 Primary Election complete, the 2nd and 3rd place candidates for Legislative District 42 State Senator is separated by 4 votes. This falls within the parameters of a mandatory recount.
- Whatcom County Public Works will temporarily close Lake Louise Road and Lake Whatcom Boulevard August 24–26 for roadside mowing and pavement striping.
- If you get your drinking water directly from Lake Samish through your own private drinking water system, be aware that a recent surface water test found increased levels of microcystin, a cyanotoxin that can be produced by blue-green algae, in the lake.
- This year, Whatcom County will observe International Overdose Awareness Day with a series of community events throughout August.
- Whatcom County is taking the next step to reduce child care costs for Whatcom County families. Last night, the County Council approved a contract with AidKit to run the new Whatcom Kids First Child Care Subsidy Program.
- This week, two bats in Whatcom County tested positive for rabies. Bats are found all over the world and play a vital role in ecosystems. However, they can carry rabies, a deadly disease that is transmitted through bites or scratches.
- An Air Quality Alert and Heat Advisory are in effect for Whatcom County. Wildfire smoke from Canada may reach unhealthy levels this week, and temperatures are expected to reach near 90 degrees in parts of the county Wednesday and Thursday.
- The Whatcom Chief will depart for dry dock on Saturday, September 12, 2026. We anticipate the ferry will return to its regular schedule on Sunday, October 4, 2026.
- Whatcom County Health and Community Services was notified of a discovered wastewater discharge on the northwestern side of Lake Whatcom near the Agate Bay residential area. No wastewater entered the lake. There is no risk to public health at this time.
- Summer is in full swing! Warmer temperatures and extra nutrients in the water can cause blue-green algae to grow rapidly at this time of year. While not all algae blooms are dangerous, some can produce toxins that can make people and pets severely ill.
- Summer is here and so are conditions that lead to periodic algae blooms. If you get your drinking water directly from Lake Whatcom through your own private drinking water system, you should be aware that Harmful Algae Blooms can occur in Lake Whatcom.
- Event date: August 26, 2026 Event Time: 03:00 PM – 05:00 PMLocation: 5280 Northwest DriveBellingham, WA 98226
- Event dates: August 25, 2026 – August 28, 2026Event Time: 08:00 AM – 04:30 PMLocation: 311 Grand Avenue Suite B3Bellingham, WA 98225
- Event date: August 26, 2026 Event Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AMLocation: 300 4th StreetLynden, WA 98264
- Event date: August 21, 2026 Event Time: 02:30 PM – 03:00 PM
- Event date: September 3, 2026 Event Time: 06:00 PM – 09:30 PMLocation: 5280 Northwest DrivePortable BuildingBellingham, WA 98226
- Event date: August 24, 2026 Event Time: 03:30 PM – 05:00 PMLocation: 322 N Commercial StreetBellingham, WA 98225
- Event date: August 22, 2026 Event Time: 06:50 AM – 03:20 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: September 1, 2026 Event Time: 04:00 PM – 06:00 PMLocation: 5280 Northwest DrivePortable BuildingBellingham, WA 98226