Bellingham Scoop for January 14: Foggy Views, MLK Day Deals & Local Good Vibes

Good morning, Bellingham! It’s January 14, 2026!

Peek out your window this morning and you’ll see… well, probably not much. The fog is back and thicker than a Woods Coffee mocha. But while our mornings are looking misty, the week ahead is bright and bustling with good things from volunteering to art, cider, and community celebrations. Grab that coffee (maybe your second cup), and let’s dive in.

In this issue:

• Fog, fog, and more fog (and how to get through it)
• Flood recovery help in Nooksack
• A jam-packed Saturday with art, giving, and community service
• A stolen vehicle story with a safe, happy ending
• A chance to step inside one of Bellingham’s most historic homes

Sponsored by Cascade Home Cleaning

New year, new sparkle! In honor of MLK Day, Cascade Home Cleaning is giving new customers $100 off any deep clean, but only if you book by this Friday, January 17.

Whether you’re tackling post-holiday clutter, muddy paw prints, or that mysterious sticky spot you’ve been pretending not to see, Cascade’s expert cleaners have you covered. Their deep cleans go beyond the usual tidy-up, reaching the corners, baseboards, and hidden spots that make your home feel truly fresh again.

It’s the perfect time to start the year with less stress, more shine, and maybe even a weekend free of cleaning supplies. Plus, you’ll be supporting a trusted local business that’s been keeping Bellingham homes spotless for years.

So before the fog clears and the weekend hits, snag this deal and give your home the refresh it deserves.

👉 Book your Deep Clean by Friday and get $100 off (new customers only): Call us to book, or learn more here

Upcoming Events

Peace Portal Drive Grand Re-Opening
📍 Thursday, January 15, 12:00 p.m. | 546 Peace Portal Dr, Blaine Visitor Center
Downtown Blaine just got a glow-up! Celebrate the grand re-opening of Peace Portal Drive with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, hot cider, and community cheer. Local shops will be offering specials and giveaways—check out spots like Aloha Café, Bella Boutique, and Gateway1890 Taphouse.
More details → blainebythesea.com

Pop-Up Disaster Assistance Center for Flood Recovery
📍 Thursday, January 15, 6:00–9:00 p.m. | Nooksack Valley Middle School, 404 W Columbia St, Nooksack
If you’ve been impacted by flooding, help is here. Agencies will be available to replace vital records, answer insurance questions, and hand out food, diapers, and hygiene supplies. Interpreters and snacks provided—because no one should recover on an empty stomach.
More info → Whatcom Ready Facebook Page

MLK Day of Service Community Work Party
📍 Saturday, January 17, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. | Squalicum Creek Park
Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy by getting your hands a little dirty (in the best way). Join Bellingham Parks & Rec and NSEA to remove invasives, spread mulch, and plant native shrubs. Coffee is usually flowing and so are the good vibes.
Sign up → volunteerbellingham.org

SQHS Baseball PAAC Donation Drive
📍 Saturday, January 17, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Sehome High School Lower Parking Lot
Clean out your closets for a great cause! The SQHS Baseball PAAC and Goodwill are teaming up to collect gently used clothing, toys, and household items. Every donation helps local players hit it out of the park.
More info → Seattle Goodwill

Art on Tap: Painting Exhibition at Wander Brewing
📍 Saturday, January 17, 1:00–4:00 p.m. | 1807 Dean Ave, Bellingham
Beer and brushstrokes, anyone? Local artist Sierra James is bringing her colorful creations to Wander Brewing for a one-day pop-up show. Stop by for art, conversation, and your favorite local brew.
Event page → Event Details

Roeder Home Tours
📍 Sunday, January 18, 1:00–4:00 p.m. | 2600 Sunset Drive, Bellingham
Step into Bellingham’s history at the Roeder Home, one of our city’s most beautiful landmarks. Free tours start on the hour and feature stories of the Roeder family, historic architecture, and a few secret passageways.
More info → Whatcom Historical Society

Foggy Days Ahead: The Blanket Over Bellingham

The National Weather Service says fog will linger all week across Whatcom County, especially during early mornings. Visibility may drop below a quarter mile at times, so extra caution is encouraged on local roads.

While the haze slows down commutes, it also gives our coastal town an eerie kind of beauty. The bay looks like glass, the Sehome Hill trails disappear into soft clouds, and every streetlight glows a little brighter against the gray.

For early risers, there’s something peaceful about watching the mist lift over Lake Whatcom. And if you’re more of an indoor person, this weather practically demands a cozy blanket and a refill on your favorite roast.

So take it easy out there, Bellingham. Leave early, drive slow, and let’s enjoy this moody little season for what it is.. a quiet reminder to slow down.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered in Everson: Quick Work, Safe Ending

On January 12, Everson Police responded quickly to recover a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado stolen from Bellingham’s Cordata area. Thanks to the vehicle’s GPS tracking, officers spotted it within minutes and attempted a traffic stop on Everson Goshen Road. When the driver refused to pull over, the situation briefly escalated into a pursuit.

The chase ended near East Pole Road after the suspect crashed through a fence into a backyard. With help from the Washington State Patrol and Bellingham Police, officers quickly apprehended the 37-year-old man without injury. The truck was recovered with minimal damage and returned to its owner later that day.

What could have been a lengthy investigation turned into a swift and safe resolution thanks to cooperation between departments. It was a quiet reminder that local law enforcement teams work together every day to keep our communities safe and connected.

So if you see Everson’s officers out on patrol this week, a quick wave or thank-you wouldn’t be out of place because they’ve earned it.

Break for a brief Disaster Assistance PSA

Ferndale Downtown Association Wants You: Be Part of Downtown’s Comeback

Downtown Ferndale has been quietly thriving again lately, and the Ferndale Downtown Association (FDA) is a big reason why. Now they’re looking for a few more hands to keep that momentum going.

The FDA is inviting community members, business owners, and local enthusiasts to join its Board of Directors. The board helps plan events, beautify downtown, and support local shops through the Main Street Approach—a national program that focuses on community-driven revitalization.

Projects like Ferndale’s flower baskets, holiday decorations, and live music nights all started with ideas from volunteer board members. Serving on the board means helping turn those small ideas into visible downtown improvements. No special background is required—just a love for Ferndale and a few hours each month.

Applications are open now and easy to submit online at this link. It’s a great way to meet neighbors, build community connections, and make your mark on Ferndale’s future. If you’ve ever walked through downtown and thought, “I wish there was more of this,” this is your chance to be the “more.”