Daily
Bellingham
Thursday, January 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Bellingham. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 22nd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Bellingham Parks and Rec has reopened Little Squalicum Pier after it closed on Dec. 10 due to sinkholes caused by high tides — repair crews placed 160 tons of rock to stabilize the shoreline and are completing finishing touches this week. KAFE
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ In Fairhaven, Crooked Spoon will close its Harris Avenue shop after Sunday, Jan. 25 when its building is sold while Magdalena’s Creperie and Bistro will host monthly pierogi-making classes until it closes on Sept. 7. KISM
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Bellingham Folk Festival launches in downtown Bellingham with diverse folk and Celtic fiddle music at 22 venues from the downtown core to the Fountain District. Organizer Celine Parton encourages attendees to use the festival app (to track jam sessions and workshops) as local businesses host shows. KAFE
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Lynden School Board will officially acknowledge Tonya Hickman's resignation today — effective Jan. 21 — as her departure creates an open seat with applications due by Feb. 23. Lynden Tribune
- ➤ Meridian Middle School principal Robert Kratzig won the 2025 Crystal Apple award on Jan. 21 — he earned the honor for his strong focus on communication with families and the community. Lynden Tribune
- ➤ On Jan. 15, the Nooksack Valley School Board reviewed school achievement results for the 2024-2025 year during its first meeting of the new year—examining the data amid proposed education cuts in the Governor’s budget. Lynden Tribune
- ➤ Three local Lynden students were celebrated for their essays on respecting the American flag at the annual VFW Youth Scholarship contest (each received an award and certificate) in Lynden. Lynden Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents affected by recent floods attended a county council meeting on Jan. 13 to urge officials to change policies before another flood occurs — they cited the December and November 2021 floods as warnings. Lynden Tribune
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A new report by Pacific Continental Realty shows Bellingham's office vacancies dropped in late 2025 plus retail vacancies rose at most sites except Bellis Fair Mall. Buyers and sellers are expected to become active early in 2026 as interest rates drop. KAFE
- ➤ Habitat for Humanity of Whatcom County’s Mateo Meadows project in Everson will receive part of over $63 million awarded by the state Department of Commerce’s Homeownership Capital Programs to support affordable housing statewide. Lynden Tribune
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The WWU Vikings softball team is nationally ranked No. 3 in the preseason poll after back-to-back NCAA D-II World Series appearances. Junior third baseman Maleah Andrews returns as the team will travel to Irvine next Friday for the CUI Kickoff Classic. KISM
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Puzzle Hustle
6-7:30 p.m. — Bloedel Donovan Park — $30/team — Compete in a jigsaw puzzle race for a chance to win prizes.
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Community Work Party at Fairhaven Park
10 a.m.-1 p.m. — Fairhaven Park Pavilion — Free — Help improve the Outdoor Classroom and Native Plant Garden while enjoying the outdoors.
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Bellingham Symphony Orchestra: Smitten
3-6 PM — Mount Baker Theatre — Tickets available — Experience a delightful musical evening with the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra.
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Intro to Laser Cutting Workshop
6-7 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Class fees include materials — Learn to safely operate a powerful laser cutter and create custom acrylic keychains.
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Super Bowl 60 Watch Party
3 p.m. — Aslan Depot — Free admission — Enjoy pizza, beer, wings, and the excitement of the Super Bowl.
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Josh Rawlings Trio Live Performance
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Firehouse Arts & Events Center — $20 general, $10 students — Experience captivating jazz grooves and soulful classics from Grammy-nominated pianist Josh Rawlings and his trio.
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Emily Nemens and Kiik Araki-Kawaguchi: An Evening of Friendship
6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Dive into the heartfelt narrative of friendship and resilience in Emily Nemens' newest novel 'Clutch'.
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Valentine's Day Swing Dance
7-11:30 p.m. — 1027 N Forest St, Bellingham, WA — Check event site for cost — Celebrate Valentine's Day with live jazz music, dance performances, and a beginner swing dance lesson.
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Paul Bannick's Woodpecker Photography Presentation
6:30-7:45 p.m. — Whatcom Museum — $17 — Experience captivating stories and stunning images of North American woodpeckers throughout the seasons.
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HOPE Conference® Bellingham
9:30 AM – 2:30 PM — Four Points by Sheraton Bellingham Hotel & Conference Center — Free event — A supportive gathering for those on the Parkinson’s journey.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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