Whatcom Word, the word of Whatcom
- 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.
- by City of BellinghamFan zone watch parties, Fourth of July updates, construction projects, and more: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamSpray parks, concerts in the park, ADU resources, library night at the Bells, and more: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamMayor Lund issues executive order to drive economic opportunity
- by City of BellinghamHome share, Landlord Tenant Advisory Group, tourism grants, Juneteenth flag raising, and more: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamSoccer fan zone, parking changes, construction updates, and more: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- by City of BellinghamHeron nesting season, Youth Pride, the summer of soccer, playground updates, and more: A news roundup from the City of Bellingham
- Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning biotoxin levels have dropped in shellfish in southern Whatcom County. As a result, the Washington State Department of Health has lifted the biotoxin closure from Sandy Point south to the Skagit County border.
- Partly sunny today with thunderstorms possible in the evening. Clearing up for tomorrow. There is a red flag warning today (cancelled as of 1:46 pm) and a county-wide stage 2 burn ban goes into effect Friday at 8 am, no outdoor burning allowed.
- Although some cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in Washington, the state is not experiencing an outbreak or an unusual spike in infections like seen elsewhere. None of the cases reported this season are linked to active outbreaks in other states.
- Due to increasingly dry weather conditions and low fuel moisture levels, the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s office, has ordered a Stage 2 Burn Ban placing restrictions on all open burning effective at 8 AM on Friday July 17th, 2026
- Today should be another nice, sunny day with clouds moving in overnight. Tomorrow a chance of a bit of rain with thunderstorms possible in the evening. There is a red flag warning for tomorrow as well. County-wide stage 1 burn ban in place.
- Expect travel delays between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., and use alternate routes whenever possible.
- Whatcom County is accepting applications for tourism promotion grants to promote eligible tourism and cultural activities for 2027
- Permit and renewal invoices will be emailed instead of mailed starting in October.
- This change is in effect July 14, 2026, through September 10, 2026. We will resume propane and fuel delivery runs on Tuesdays when the ferry returns from dry dock, beginning with Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
- Registered voters in Whatcom County may cast their August Primary and Special Election ballot on an accessible voting unit (AVU).
- Deep dive into the proposed size, facility features, and programming details of the Behavioral Care Center and the New Jail as Council prepares for the handoff to the Design-Build team
- Approximately 50 miles of county roads are scheduled for treatment this summer. Specific roads scheduled for chip seal will be announced each week throughout the program.
- Many of these advisories are long-term and will remain posted until conditions change. Drivers are encouraged to use caution and follow posted signage.
- Summer in the Pacific Northwest is an incredible time to get outside. Whether you’re planning to dance at a music festival, attend a Fan Zone event, or just spend a quiet afternoon basking in nature, we’ve got tips to help you get the most out of summer.
- Visit our website to read the most current fecal bacteria water quality monitoring results.
- The Whatcom County Disposal of Toxics facility will be closed Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, for the 4th of July holiday.
- We’ve published our After Action Report on the 2025-2026 winter severe weather shelter (SWS), highlighting successes in both new and existing partnerships and ongoing challenges with recruitment, training, and scheduling of shelter staff.
- The return date is always tentative and subject to change.
- Ballot packets for the primary and special election will be mailed to registered voters on July 15. Voters should receive a ballot by July 21.
- Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning biotoxin levels have dropped in shellfish in northern Whatcom County. The Washington State Department of Health has lifted the biotoxin closure from Sandy Point north to the Canadian border including all of Point Roberts.
- Event date: July 21, 2026 Event Time: 04:30 PM – 06:00 PMLocation: 110 Unity StWhatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: July 20, 2026 Event Time: 06:00 PM – 07:30 PMLocation: 4106 Valley HwyDeming, WA 98244
- Event date: July 21, 2026 Event Time: 11:30 AM – 01:00 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: July 20, 2026 Event Time: 09:00 AM – 11:00 AMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: July 23, 2026 Event Time: 06:00 PM – 09:30 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: July 21, 2026 Event Time: 07:00 PM – 08:30 PMLocation: 322 N Commercial StreetBottom FloorBellingham, WA 98225
- Event date: July 22, 2026 Event Time: 03:00 PM – 05:00 PMLocation: 5280 Northwest DriveBellingham, WA 98226
- Event date: July 18, 2026 Event Time: 06:50 AM – 03:20 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: July 30, 2026 Event Time: 03:30 PM – 05:00 PMLocation: 322 N Commercial StreetBottom FloorBellingham, WA 98225
- Event date: July 27, 2026 Event Time: 08:30 AM – 04:30 PMLocation: 311 Grand Ave Suite 103Bellingham, WA 98225
- Event dates: July 27, 2026 – July 31, 2026Event Time: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event dates: July 20, 2026 – July 24, 2026Event Time: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event dates: July 15, 2026 – July 17, 2026Event Time: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PMLocation: Whatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: July 29, 2026 Event Time: 03:00 PM – 05:00 PMLocation: 322 N Commercial StreetBottom FloorBellingham, WA 98225
- Event date: July 27, 2026 Event Time: 04:30 PM – 06:00 PMLocation: 110 Unity StWhatcom County, WA 98225
- Event date: July 28, 2026 Event Time: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PMLocation: 311 Grand Ave1st FloorBellingham, WA 98225