Whatcom Word, the word of Whatcom
- by City of BellinghamProcession of the Species, Bellingham in Bloom, South Bay Trail closure, and more: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamI-5 reopened, temporary alley closure downtown, work zone safety, and more: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamFair Housing Month, Earth Day, trail changes at Maritime Heritage, and more: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamUpcoming road work, feedback on parks and rec plans and Downtown safety, spring/summer playbook, and more: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamThe future of Civic, landslide traffic impacts, free reservations at Maritime Heritage Park, and more: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamEarth Day events, salmon send-off, the future of public safety funding, and more: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamSt. Patrick’s Day festivities, Javier Zamora livestream, Old Town construction, and more: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamAMA with the mayor, how to identify BPD, WTA survey, new beach, and more: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamGood salmon news, open houses, senior affordable living progress, and more: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamMore than 30 years after it was first envisioned, new trail turns Sunset Pond into a regional park destination for recreation, nature, and neighborhood connection.
- FEMA representatives are out in the Sumas area working with applicants on flood damages. See WhatcomReady for more information. Cloudy, possible drizzle this morning, then sunny. See Mt. Baker on a clear day? Volcano awareness information below.
- Many of these advisories are long-term and will remain posted until conditions change. Drivers are encouraged to use caution and follow posted signage.
- FEMA representatives are out in the Sumas area working with applicants on flood damages. See WhatcomReady for more information. Rain showers this morning, then sun for the next week or so. See Mt. Baker on a clear day? Volcano awareness information below.
- Visit our website to read the most current fecal bacteria water quality monitoring results.
- Punch cards will be sold between 5:40 a.m. and 2:40 p.m. at the Lummi Island Ferry Office (island-side terminal).
- Recently, we’ve seen evidence that a new substance called medetomidine is sometimes mixed with fentanyl in Washington State, and can lead to overdose or serious withdrawal.
- Unsafe levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning biotoxin have prompted the Washington State Department of Health to close recreational harvest for all species of shellfish throughout Whatcom County.
- Ballot packets for the special election will be mailed to registered voters in Lynden School District 504 on April 8.
- WA Department of Health has recalled oysters harvested from Mason County, WA, between March 22 and April 9, and sold in Whatcom County due to possible Norovirus risk
- On Tuesday, April 14, Whatcom County Council confirmed Executive Satpal Sidhu’s appointment of Debbie Arthur as the County’s second Deputy Executive.
- Led by the JPOP Committee, Whatcom County launched a new data tracking site to share available data related to the Justice Project, the voter-approved initiative to reshape our community’s criminal justice and behavioral health systems.
- Approximately 250 miles of County roads are typically scheduled for seasonal treatment. Please call 360-778-6400 with questions or to sign a copy of the 'Owner Will Maintain' form.
- Find out more and get the volunteer application link.
- The Whatcom County Council has approved a lease for us to operate the Bellingham severe weather shelter in the same location as last winter. Hiring continues for some positions.
- Our Bellingham Severe Weather Overnight Shelter (SWS) has been open 23 nights so far this winter. Here are some quick numbers for the 2025-2026 so far.
- We believe every person should have access to shelter, and it is heartbreaking when people are forced to sleep outside. We’ve received many questions about the Bellingham shelter, and wanted to share the changes from last winter and how we got here.
- With longer days, warmer weather, and more people outdoors and dining on the go, Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS) encourages residents and visitors to support local food vendors with valid permits.
- Event date: April 29, 2026 Event Time: 03:00 PM – 05:00 PMLocation: 322 N Commercial StreetBottom FloorBellingham, WA 98225
- Event date: April 27, 2026 Event Time: 03:30 PM – 05:00 PMLocation: 509 Girard StWhatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: May 6, 2026 Event Time: 08:30 AM – 04:30 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: May 8, 2026 Event Time: 11:00 AM – 11:30 AMLocation: 311 Grand Avenue Suite B3Bellingham, WA 98225
- Event date: May 7, 2026 Event Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PMLocation: 311 Grand Avenue Suite B3Bellingham, WA 98225
- Event date: April 28, 2026 Event Time: 08:00 PM – 08:30 PMLocation: 311 Grand Avenue Suite B3Bellingham, WA 98225
- Event date: May 3, 2026 Event Time: 08:00 AM – 08:30 AMLocation: 311 Grand Ave Suite 103Bellingham, WA 98225
- Event date: May 8, 2026 Event Time: 05:00 PM – 05:30 PMLocation: 311 Grand Ave Suite 103Bellingham, WA 98225
- Event date: May 7, 2026 Event Time: 08:00 AM – 04:30 PMLocation: 311 Grand Ave Suite 103Bellingham, WA 98225
- Event date: May 1, 2026 Event Time: 09:30 AM – 10:00 AMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: April 30, 2026 Event Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AMLocation: 311 Grand Avenue Suite B3Bellingham, WA 98225
- Event dates: May 4, 2026 – May 8, 2026Event Time: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PMLocation: 311 Grand Ave Suite 103Bellingham, WA 98225
- Event date: May 1, 2026 Event Time: 08:30 AM – 04:30 PMLocation: 311 Grand Ave Suite 103Bellingham, WA 98225
- Event date: April 28, 2026 Event Time: 08:30 AM – 08:00 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: April 28, 2026 Event Time: 08:30 AM – 08:00 PMLocation: 311 Grand Ave Suite 103Bellingham, WA 98225
- Event date: May 5, 2026 Event Time: 04:00 PM – 06:00 PMLocation: 5280 Northwest DrivePortable BuildingBellingham, WA 98226
- Event date: May 7, 2026 Event Time: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: April 28, 2026 Event Time: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PMLocation: 311 Grand Ave1st FloorBellingham, WA 98225