Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 22nd of March.
Good morning, Bellingham.
🏘️ Community
Library teens celebrated Women’s History Month by choosing empowering books as the library plans salmon events on March 26 and March 29; the new YWCA shelter opened on March 17 and a City Council public hearing on middle housing is set for March 24.
Property owners are cleaning unauthorized encampments with City help—proposals for park service vendors are due by 11 a.m. on April 30 and crews will improve Woburn Street during the week of March 24.
🌲 Environment
The Washington State Department of Ecology will open a public comment period for the Treoil Industries cleanup site on Aldergrove Road starting Monday, March 24th through April 22nd.
The 3.5-acre site had nearly 200,000 gallons of oil removed in cleanups that cost over $4.3 million—its owners were fined $900,000 in 2023.
Bellingham's commercial fishing companies have put five engine replacement projects on hold after DOGE froze the EPA grants meant to lower fuel use and emissions.
The Working Waterfront Coalition says the funding freeze leaves fishers unsure if they can make the needed upgrades.
🏛️ Government
The Whatcom County Planning Commission is considering raising power line voltage limits beyond 115,000 volts in non-industrial zones.
County planner Lucas Clark said the 1990 rule was illegal because it removed county zoning regulations.
County Executive Satpal Sidhu dismissed Health Department Director Erika Lautenbach using the county charter that gives him discretion—Health Officer Dr. Amy Harley now serves as acting director until the county council appoints interim director Charlene Ramont.
The county will update the leadership transition at a meeting on April 1.
🎉 Bellingham Events
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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.
BAAY Presents: Out of the Woods
7 p.m. — BAAY Theatre — Ticket details available online — Experience a whimsical apocalyptic tale where imagination reigns as beloved characters find their way back to creativity.
The River Only Runs One Way Book Reading
6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Celebrate award-winning poet Mary Lou Kayser's newest collection that explores love, loss, and the passage of time through evocative poetry.
Páscoa Rhythms: Easter Brunch with Jovino Santos Neto
Celebrate Easter with Páscoa Rhythms at Hotel Leo—a festive brunch buffet featuring dishes like coconut chicken thighs, prime beef sirloin, and brunch classics paired with live piano by three-time Grammy nominee Jovino Santos Neto. Sip Novo Fogo caipirinhas crafted for the occasion, with a portion of proceeds supporting rainforest reforestation; $68 per person, half off for kids 12 and under, and 10% off for seniors.
🏠 Bellingham Real Estate
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💼 Bellingham Job Board
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📣 Bellingham Announcements
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