Good morning, Bellingham.

Birch Bay Waterslides will reopen on June 14 — the park has been closed since 2023 after an incident that led to an ongoing lawsuit.

It has sold day tickets and season passes online since early May — a sign that local guests are preparing for its return.

Leslie Lekos, founder of Wildroot Botanicals, led a seaweed harvesting workshop at Fort Ebey State Park’s beach on Whidbey Island on May 3 where students learned to forage safely after obtaining a Washington state fishing license and bringing their own tools.

She has taught herbalism and foraging classes in Whatcom and Skagit Counties for over a decade—she now offers additional workshops during the summer and fall.

Today, Lynden School District's board is expected to renew its WIAA membership.

The board will also consider a three-year extension for superintendent David VanderYacht—who began his tenure on July 1, 2022.

Last winter, Whatcom County Health and Community Services found that staffing shortages and guest safety concerns, along with reliance on daily weather forecasts, challenged operation at the severe weather shelter—located at the former Central Lutheran Church, where capacity nearly doubled. The report recommends regular winter operation despite expected funding cuts.

The Whatcom County Auditor’s Office announced a three-day filing period for local candidates that ends at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 16, for 13 open seats which will be on the November ballot—these include commissioner roles on local fire districts, cemetery districts, a water district and Lynden Regional Park and Recreation.

The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission nears its deadline to propose amendments that will update the county charter — the document that governs Whatcom County operations — as part of its 10-year review.

The Mariners lost 3-2 to the Yankees today and placed pitcher Bryce Miller on a 15-day injured list for his right elbow—joining injured teammates Logan Gilbert and George Kirby as they hold a one-game lead over the Athletics before a road series against the Padres.

Sehome’s boys soccer team won the 2A district title with a 1-0 penalty kick win and high school star Talon Jenkins committed to play Division I basketball at Idaho.

The Mariners lost 3-2 to the Yankees this afternoon after Julio Rodriguez hit a 2-run double, and the team placed starting pitcher Bryce Miller on the 15-day IL for right elbow inflammation—adding to a recent string of losses ahead of a road series against the Padres.

Local high school sports saw Sehome’s boys soccer team win the 2A district title to reach the state tournament while Meridian High’s Talon Jenkins committed to play Division I basketball at the University of Idaho.

Intro to Vector Graphics Workshop

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — See event details for registration costs — Learn to create vector graphics using Inkscape for laser and vinyl cutting.

Pawject Runway: Compassion is the Fashion

5-9 p.m. — Best Western Plus Lakeway Inn — Online auction from May 12-16 — Celebrate compassion for animals through fashion at this unique fundraiser.

Meet-A-Truck 2025

1-3 p.m. — Bellingham City Hall — Free entry — Explore big trucks and equipment while enjoying crafts and a scavenger hunt.

Intro to Vector Graphics Workshop

6:00 – 7:30 PM — Bellingham Makerspace — Class fees apply — Learn to create stunning vector graphics using Inkscape with expert guidance.

Corvettes Unlimited Car Show

10 AM – 3 PM — Bellewood Farms & Distillery — $20 entry for participants — Celebrate the 30th Annual showcase of corvettes and open classes.

Intro to Laser Cutter Workshop

6-7 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Class fees applicable — Learn to safely operate the laser cutter and create your own acrylic keychain.

Bellingham Scottish Gathering

8 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Blaine Marine Park-kids play area — Free entry — Celebrate Scotland's vibrant culture in the heart of Blaine.

Comedy Night with Scott Losse

9:30-11:30 p.m. — Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro — Tickets required — Enjoy a night of laughs with national headliner Scott Losse in Bellingham.