Good morning, Bellingham.

A Ferndale man was taken into custody after allegedly kidnapping his eight-month-old child during a burglary in-progress call on 32nd Street early Monday when he grabbed the sleeping infant and threatened both the mother and another adult before trying to flee to Nevada; police later stopped his SUV on I‑90 near Bellevue and returned the child safely to its mother.

Residents in Birch Bay reported a strong burning oil odor early Sunday from the BP Cherry Point Refinery and the Northwest Clean Air Agency received roughly 70 complaints over the weekend—inspectors said the smell was under control by Monday morning.

Whatcom County Health and Community Services Director Erika Lautenbach was placed on leave on March 5, with Assistant Director Charlene Ramont now serving as acting director, according to Public Affairs and Strategy Manager Jed Holmes.

Lautenbach led county efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and opioid crisis and most recently supported keeping the severe weather shelter's temperature guidelines in place.

The state sent out water adjudication claim forms to roughly 30,000 water users in the Nooksack watershed — the forms must be picked up in person and an adult must sign — and an informational webinar is set for April 16 at 5:30 p.m. with in-person seminars in Ferndale and Lynden in May.

On March 14, Mayor Kim Lund, council members, and the Old Town Village development team celebrated the start of construction on an 8-block redevelopment in Old Town that will add about 800 new housing units and commercial space over the next 10 years.

The project includes upgrades to trails and streetscapes with a $5 million public investment and a plan for affordable housing with Mercy Housing Northwest — key steps that will transform the area.

Petunia & the Vipers Live Concert

Enjoy a live concert featuring Petunia & the Vipers at The Oddfellows Room in Bellingham.

Bellingham Chamber Music Society: Between Two Worlds Featuring the BJ Block Trio, rioT, and Dr. G

This event explores the intersection of classical and jazz music with performances by the BJ Block trio, rioT, and Dr. G.

Bit Brigade Concert

7 PM - 1 AM — Wild Buffalo House Of Music — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of music and entertainment with Bit Brigade in Bellingham.

Carol Makela - The Spyglass: A Childhood in Sweden and Finland

6-7 p.m. | Village Books and Paper Dreams | Free entry | Discover a moving memoir of a young Finnish boy's journey amid wartime turmoil and cultural exploration.

37th Annual Fairhaven Plant and Tree Sale at Lake Whatcom Park

The Fairhaven Plant and Tree Sale offers a variety of plants and trees for gardening enthusiasts in a scenic setting at Lake Whatcom Park.

Whatcom County Home & Lifestyle Show

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Northwest Washington Fair and Event Center — Free admission — Step into inspiration with BBQ competitions, food trucks, workshops, and family fun activities.

Richard Widerkehr & Barbara Bloom: Missing the Owl

3-4 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Celebrate Poetry Month with engaging readings and delightful treats from local poets.

Intro to Vector Graphics Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Pricing varies — Master vector graphics using Inkscape to create art and cutting files.