Good morning, Bellingham.

A community meeting was held Wednesday evening near Walmart on Guide Meridian to discuss the resilient homeless encampment, where officials (Mayor Lund and Police Chief Mertzig) explained legal hurdles while residents voiced ongoing frustrations and pressed for stronger action.

The encampment has shifted despite city efforts.

CHS Northwest, a Lynden company, filed a mini-WARN notice on March 5 to close its Convenience and Farm and Home stores in Nooksack, Ferndale and Lynden as part of a sale of additional locations across Whatcom County; employees were notified in November and closures will follow state law.

Join Mayor Kim Lund at the first Ask Us Anything event for 2026 on March 18 at the Cruise Terminal – Dome Room, where refreshments begin at 5:30 p.m. Hosted in part by the Fairhaven Association, the event offers a chance to learn about city priorities and ask questions.

The state closed shellfish harvesting in Drayton Harbor after raw oysters sold by Drayton Harbor Oyster Company and at Dockside Market were linked to norovirus symptoms — the company will keep its restaurant open without serving harbor shellfish until a safe reopening is expected by Mar. 24.

This weekend local celebrations include daffodil picking at Tulip Valley Farms from Mar.

6 to 29, Bruce Springsteen karaoke at Kulshan Brewing on Friday, storytelling at Mount Baker Theatre on Saturday, jazz in Lynden, and a live rock show by Dryland in Bellingham Saturday night.

Lifestyle Lookout features a weekend of events: the La Conner Daffodil Festival (Mar.

6–29) at Tulip Valley Farms offers daffodil picking and mini cows; Bruce-Springsteen karaoke runs Friday, 7–10 p.m. at Kulshan Brewing; and the Jansen Jazz Orchestra performs twice in Lynden Saturday.

Lynden Christian girls are set to play Annie Wright tonight on KPUG for a 1A state semifinals spot after beating Deer Park, while the Kraken ended a five-game home win streak with a 3-2 loss last night and Seahawks receiver Rashid Shaheed nears free agency.

Two Whatcom County high school teams were eliminated from the state tournament on Wednesday at the Yakima Valley Sun Dome while the Lummi Nation girls edged a win in overtime in Spokane & continue their tournament run.

Lynden Christian girls and boys advanced to state semis after wins over Deer Park and Seattle Christian; girls face Clarkston and boys meet King’s tomorrow on KPUG.

The Kraken lost a five-game home streak on March 5, and Seahawks’ Rashid Shaheed will test free agency next week.

Fill the Room with Joyce Parry-Moore

6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — An inspiring evening about claiming your voice and living boldly through a blend of story and creative practice.

Runnin' O' the Green 5K

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Stones Throw Brewery — Various prices — Celebrate St. Paddy's Day with a vibrant 5K run and festive atmosphere at Fairhaven Brewery.

Spring Equinox Sound Journey

7-8 p.m. — Firehouse Arts & Events Center Bellingham — $28 ticket — Experience a rejuvenating soundscape for seasonal transition and new beginnings.

Native Jazz Quartet Performance

7-9 p.m. — FireHouse Arts & Events Center — $25 — Experience high-energy jazz infused with indigenous melodies and cultural stories.

Literary Discussion with Jeremy Voigt and Jeffrey Morgan

6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Explore themes of grief and connection in local poet Jeremy Voigt's new book during an engaging conversation.

Game Night at Stemma West

5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Riviera Club at Stemma West — Enjoy drinks and a variety of fun games with friends to support LAW Advocates.

Grover Concert Night

9 p.m. — The Shakedown — Check local listings for ticket prices — Experience the melodic tunes of Grover in an engaging live performance.

Bootsy Holler in Conversation with Kyle Logghe: MAKiNG iT

6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Dive into the Seattle music scene of the 90s and 2000s with photographer Bootsy Holler discussing her new book, 'MAKiNG iT!'.

Book Discussion with Nancy Y. Levine and Rachel Levine-Spates

2-3 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Explore a powerful dual POV memoir on recovery and hope with the authors in person.