Good morning, Bellingham.

Seven miles of new trails have opened near Lake Whatcom in Olsen Creek State Forest at the Y Street trailhead for hikers, mountain bikers, and horses.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources worked with local groups (Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition and Washington Trails Association) to build the trails, and a Discover Pass is not required though parking is limited.

Whatcom County has a Stage 1 burn ban from June 15 through September 15 — recreational fires are allowed if they meet strict safety rules — and violations can lead to fines starting at $250.

Local fire districts, Tribes, and the state have set these measures to keep both wildlands and neighborhoods safe.

A state agency is asking for public feedback on Washington’s rail plan (feedback closes today) so people can share ideas on how rail service may ease traffic, help the economy and lower emissions.

The agency will compile responses in the coming months (the plan will be shared with state and federal leaders later this year) to guide future rail projects.

The Department of Justice sued Washington state over a law that will require priests to report suspected child abuse and may lead to misdemeanor charges as the law takes effect on July 27 + the suit argues that it forces priests to break the confidentiality of confession.

Supporters say the law closes a loophole that allowed abuse to go unreported + unpunished.

The Port of Bellingham is considering adding two members to its commission — this change would allow commissioners to have private conversations.

The commission will vote on the measure on Tuesday, July 15 and if approved it will go on the November ballot.

Health officials confirmed two measles cases in Whatcom County, with one individual quarantining at home since June 20 and a second testing positive on June 23 after visiting an urgent care center in Lynden on June 18 from 5 to 9 p.m. Officials are contacting those exposed—symptoms may appear from June 25 to July 9—even as the overall risk to the community remains low.

Whatcom County Health and Community Services confirmed two measles cases—one person has been home quarantined since June 20 and a household member was diagnosed on June 23 after a visit to an urgent care center in Lynden from 5 to 9 p.m. Health officials are contacting those exposed and warn that symptoms may appear from June 25 to July 9—while the overall risk remains low.

Intro to Vector Graphics Workshop

6:00 – 7:30 PM — Bellingham Makerspace — $ — Learn to create stunning vector graphics using Inkscape for your creative projects.

Boulevard Park Concert Series: SpaceBand

6-8 p.m. — Boulevard Park Stage — Free — Enjoy an evening of old-school dance covers and new classics with the local favorite, SpaceBand.

Bellingham Festival of Music Opening Night 2025

7:30 p.m. — Performing Arts Center — $50--$60 — Experience a global musical tour with Artistic Director Marcelo Lehninger and pianist Simon Trpceski starting with The Russian Masters.

2025 Literary Citizenship Awards Ceremony

6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Celebrate local literary citizens recognized for their contributions to the community.

Laser Cutter Q&A Session

6-7 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Free for members — Get expert advice on laser projects and tools from Jason Davies in a casual setting.

In Timberline's Embrace Book Reading

6-7 p.m. — Village Books and Paper Dreams — Free entry — Jean Waight explores the enchanting history of Timberline Lodge through her latest book.

Horseshoe Tournament

All day — Lynden / Bellingham KOA Journey — Entry fee required — Compete in a thrilling horseshoe tournament while enjoying scavenger hunts and tractor rides.

Cascadia Dirt Cup 2025 – Galbraith Mountain Enduro

July 12-13 — Galbraith Mountain and Padden Trails Parking Lot — Entry fee varies — Experience thrilling mountain bike racing at the fourth stop of the Cascadia Dirt Cup series.

Intro to the Laser Cutter

4-6 p.m. — Bellingham Makerspace — Free for members — Learn from laser expert Jason Davies and get your questions answered about laser projects and techniques.

Midsummer Cider Tasting

4-7 p.m. — Elizabeth Station — Free entry — Sample specialty ciders from local farms and enjoy beautiful bouquets in a vibrant community setting.

Country living minutes from Barkely Village

Beautiful 3 bedroom 2 bath on 5 acres close to town located on a private road.