Bellingham Officials Recall 9/11 and Its Lasting Impacts on the 25th Anniversary

Happy Friday, Bellingham. It is September 11, and we are pausing for a moment to mark 25 years since the attacks that changed the country, before getting into everything happening locally today. There is a lot on the docket, from road closures to ferry changes to a burn ban downgrade just in time for the weekend. Coffee in hand? Let's get into it.

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Today’s Weather: Mostly cloudy today with a high near 62 and light south winds. Tonight stays mostly cloudy, dropping to around 53. Not a bad Friday to wrap up with a campfire, actually, now that the burn ban has been relaxed. Full forecast and details at the National Weather Service.

Remembrance

Bellingham Officials Recall 9/11 and Its Lasting Impacts on the 25th Anniversary

Twenty-five years ago today, the attacks on September 11, 2001 reshaped the country in ways that are still felt every day. Local elected officials, including Bellingham's mayor and members of the Whatcom County delegation to Olympia, are reflecting on where they were that morning, how the community responded, and what the lasting impact has been here at home.

From changes in emergency preparedness to shifts in how local agencies coordinate response, Bellingham and Whatcom County were not untouched. The Blaine Peace Arch is also hosting a cross-border remembrance ceremony today with both American and Canadian participants marking the occasion on the 25th anniversary. Read the full story here.

Safety Update

Whatcom County Drops to Stage 1 Burn Ban, Allowing Recreational Fires Starting Today

Good news if you have been waiting to break out the fire pit. The Whatcom County Fire Marshal's Office has reduced the burn ban from a full ban to Stage 1, effective as of 8 a.m. this morning, September 11. That means recreational fires are now allowed in unincorporated Whatcom County, as long as you follow the rules.

Here is what is allowed: fires up to 3 feet by 3 feet, using only seasoned firewood or charcoal, in a steel or masonry enclosure at least 16 inches high. The fire must be 25 feet from structures and combustible material, with overhead clearance of 15 feet. You will also need a garden hose or two 5-gallon buckets of water on hand. All other outdoor burning, including yard debris and land clearing, is still banned.

Note that the City of Bellingham maintains its own total burn ban, so this change applies to unincorporated county areas only. Check your jurisdiction before you light up. Questions? Call the Burn Ban Hotline at (360) 778-5903. Full details and requirements here.

Transit Alert

Whatcom Chief Ferry Leaves for Dry Dock Saturday, Limiting Lummi Island Service Until October

If you live on or are planning to visit Lummi Island, pay attention to this one. The Whatcom Chief is departing for its annual dry dock maintenance this Saturday, September 12, and is not expected to return until Sunday, October 4 (though that date could shift depending on the extent of repairs).

Today, Friday September 11, is the last day for Lummi Island residents to move a vehicle to the mainland. Starting Saturday, service switches to pedestrian-only between Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point. Service will also be interrupted Saturday morning during the dry dock switchover, with passenger ferry trips beginning around noon. Sunday will also see an outage until mid-afternoon while gangways are installed at both terminals.

The usual spring dry dock was delayed this year because the original contractor could not meet the schedule. Questions? Contact the Ferry Division at 360-778-6200. Get the full schedule here.

Road Closure

State Route 546 Near Lynden Closing Nightly September 13-16 for Pavement Repairs

Heads up if you drive State Route 546 near Lynden. Starting Sunday night, September 13, WSDOT will close the road each night through Wednesday, September 16 for pavement repair work. The road closes at 8 p.m. and reopens by 6 a.m. the following morning.

Plan accordingly if you have early morning or late evening travel in that corridor. A signed detour will be in place during each closure window. Full closure details and detour information here.

Road Closure

Alm Road Near Highway 9 Closing Daily September 14-18 for Bridge Repairs

One more road closure to flag for next week. Whatcom County Public Works will close Alm Road at Bridge 308, between Highway 9 and Gillies Road, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily from Sunday, September 14 through Thursday, September 18. Crews will be making repairs to maintain the bridge's existing weight restrictions.

No traffic, including emergency vehicles, will be able to cross during work hours. Properties on either side of the bridge will remain accessible, and Alm Road reopens to through traffic each afternoon outside the closure window. A signed detour will be in place. This work is weather-dependent and could change. Questions? Contact Whatcom County Public Works at 360-778-6400. More information here.

Health & Finances

Washington State Approves 22.2% Health Insurance Rate Hike for 2027 Exchange Plans

If you buy health insurance through Washington's individual exchange, you are looking at a significant cost increase next year. State regulators have approved an average 22.2% rate increase for individual health plans sold on the exchange for 2027, affecting people who do not receive coverage through an employer, including self-employed workers, early retirees, and small business employees.

Three carriers serve Whatcom County residents on the state exchange. Insurers had originally requested an average hike of 22.4% statewide. The state approved 12 insurers to sell individual plans in 2027, covering 281,055 Washingtonians. This follows last year's 21.0% rate change. Open enrollment for 2027 plans opens this fall. Read the full breakdown here.

Courts

Everson Mother Sues Whatcom County Over Son's 2023 Jail Suicide, Alleging Inadequate Care

An Everson woman has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Whatcom County and several jail staff members over the 2023 death of her son while he was in custody at the county jail. She alleges the suicide could have been prevented with better staffing, adequate mental health access, and proper suicide prevention training.

The case adds to a broader conversation about conditions at the Whatcom County Jail at a time when the county is also mid-construction on a new $225 million facility. Full details on the lawsuit and the allegations here.

Courts

Former Whatcom County Health Employee Sentenced to 90 Days for Domestic Violence Assault

Mark Raaka, a former Whatcom County Health Department employee, was sentenced to 90 days in jail on September 10 for assaulting his ex-wife. Raaka was put on paid administrative leave in May 2024 after a protection order violation was reported, then fired in October 2025 following an investigation.

The case drew scrutiny over the length of time he remained on paid leave before termination. Read more about the sentence and the timeline here.

Feel Good Friday

Bellingham Residents Asked to Nominate and Vote for the City's First Official Bird

Here is your Friday feel-good: Bellingham might soon have its very own official bird. The North Cascades Audubon Society and Audubon Washington are inviting residents to nominate candidates now, with nominations open through mid-September. After that, the top 10 birds head into a public vote during Bellingham Bird Week, October 5-11.

Yes, that means you get to weigh in. Osprey enthusiasts, great blue heron fans, and the bald eagle crowd all have a shot. Submit your nomination and find out how to vote here.

Community

Whatcom Water Week Runs September 12-20 With Free Events Across the County

Starting tomorrow, September 12, Whatcom Water Week kicks off nine days of free, all-ages events celebrating local water resources. You can study stream bugs to learn about water quality, take behind-the-scenes tours of water treatment plants, watch habitat restoration in action, and join storytime along the waterfront.

It runs through September 20 and there is something for every age group. Check the full event lineup here.

Family & Outdoors

Run with the Chums 5K Returns Saturday to Birch Bay With Kids Obstacle Course

If your weekend plans need a little adventure, this one is worth knowing about. The Run with the Chums 5K is back this Saturday in Birch Bay, and this year it comes with a bonus: a Smolt Sprint Obstacle Course designed for kids under 10. The course is themed around the real-life obstacles salmon face on their journey to and from the ocean, including culverts, eagles, bears, and strong currents.

It is put together by Whatcom Conservation District and combines conservation education with a genuinely fun family morning. Registration info and event details here.

Events

Lynden Music Festival Returns October 7-11, Celebrating Its Founder's Finnish Musical Roots

The Lynden Music Festival is back October 7-11, spreading live music through the cafes, pubs, restaurants and venues of downtown Lynden. The festival was founded in 2009 by Terhi Miikki-Broersma, a Finnish musician and Bellingham Symphony Orchestra bassoonist who moved to the area and decided to bring the same community festival spirit she knew from her hometown in Helsinki.

This year's festival spans five days with a mix of genres ranging from jazz and bluegrass to swing and hymns. If you have never made the drive to Lynden for this one, locals say it is worth it. Full lineup details and how to attend here.

Local Sports

WWU Volleyball Opens GNAC Play With Five-Set Win Over Northwest Nazarene

The Western Washington University Vikings volleyball team opened conference play Thursday night at Carver Gymnasium with a five-set win over Northwest Nazarene University. Delaney Speer led the way with 22 kills, with Aly Skagen and Jasmine Terry each adding 11 more. It was a hard-fought match that went the distance.

The Vikings now turn their attention to their next GNAC match. Game recap and next match details here.

Public Safety

Acme Man Charged With Felony After Jumping Into Nooksack River to Flee Police

A 51-year-old Acme man has been charged with felony attempting to elude police after allegedly jumping into the Nooksack River from a bridge on Slater Road to avoid arrest on August 31. Matthew Pruett pleaded not guilty on September 1 to the felony charge along with several misdemeanors.

According to the police report, a Lummi Nation Police officer tried to pull over a driver who nearly caused a head-on collision near Slater Road and Ferndale Road. A chase followed, ending at the Nooksack River bridge, where Pruett left his van and jumped in. Deputies found him on the west bank near Rayhorst Road. He told police he fled because he had outstanding warrants and did not want to go to jail. He is due back in court September 30. Full details on charges and court dates here.

Schools

Bellingham College Fair Set for October 8 at Sehome High School

High school students and their families should mark the calendar. The Bellingham Public Schools College Fair is happening Thursday, October 8 at Sehome High School. It is a chance to connect with representatives from colleges and universities in one place, ask questions, and start narrowing down post-secondary options.

More details and a list of attending schools are available through the district. Full information here.

The Upcoming Week