Good morning, Bellingham.

Blaine’s Railway Cafe, set in a rail car on Peace Portal Drive, will close on Aug.

31 after nearly 8 years in business as the owners retire to move east + customers are encouraged to stop by for a snack before unused gift cards expire.

Small businesses, private nonprofits and faith-based organizations in Whatcom and Skagit counties may apply for low-interest federal disaster loans from the SBA to recover from spring freeze damage.

Applications are due by March 31, 2027 + loans can cover up to $2 million with low rates and 12 months without payments.

A total fire ban is in effect following dry conditions and high fire danger that led Fire Marshal Shawn Linville to issue the order on Thursday, Aug.

6 in Bellingham. Recreational fires and fire pits are banned while barbecues remain allowed (ash disposal should be handled with care).

This week, outdoor fun is here as the Skagit County Fair runs from Thursday, Aug.

6 to Sunday at the Mount Vernon fairgrounds and a live show at the Shakedown takes place on Friday at 9 p.m. Local activities bring community excitement.

Wildfire smoke has cleared and neighbors can enjoy the ongoing Skagit County Fair in Mount Vernon through Sunday, a live show tonight at Shakedown, mountain biking classes and outdoor cinema events Saturday, plus a free community festival in Ferndale Sunday, with the Northwest Washington Fair beginning next Thursday.

After a 6 to 2 win last night at Joe Martin Field, the Bells clinched a playoff spot and will face the Nanaimo NightOwls in a best of three series starting tomorrow at 6:35 p.m. + A watch party is set at Larrabee Lager at 6 p.m.