Good morning, Bellingham.

Lynden High School junior Courtney Small shows how perseverance and kindness fuel her busy student life as she participates in athletics and the arts (ultimate frisbee, volleyball, theater, and extra classes) and inspires her peers.

On Monday, Oct. 19, researchers with the Center for Whale Research observed a new male orca calf, J65, travelling with the J Pod.

The calf is the sixth offspring of J35 and appears healthy.

DEA Drug Takeback Day will be held on Saturday, Oct.

24, offering a secure drop-off for expired or unused medications. The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office runs a site at Birch Bay Fire Station (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and several pharmacies accept drop-offs throughout the year.

The Mariners are advancing their search for a new skipper—with candidates including Joe Espada, Rocco Baldelli, and Jason Kanzler—and a final decision is expected by month-end.

Meanwhile, the Kraken won 4-3 in a shootout at home while local teams have key contests tonight at Carver Gym and LC.

Bellingham edged Squalicum 1 to 0 in a girls soccer match to lock up the No. 1 seed in districts; district play begins Monday.

The win keeps the local team undefeated ahead of the upcoming tournament.