Caught Red-Handed on Meridian + Firefighters Take on Leukemia This March

Happy Tuesday, Bellingham. It is March 10 and we have a busy one this morning. From a late-night burglar caught red-handed to firefighters going to bat for blood cancer research, here is what is going on around the county.

BPD Officers Catch Burglar Mid-Escape at True Value Store

Two Blue Night Shift officers were driving to an unrelated call on Meridian Street when they noticed shattered glass in the front door of CHS Northwest True Value. Before they could even stop the car, the burglar popped out through the broken glass carrying stolen candy and Red Bull.

Officers told him to get on the ground, which he did. He then continued to eat the stolen evidence while on the ground. He was booked on charges of burglary, malicious mischief, and theft. Bellingham Police shared photos from the scene, courtesy of Cpl. C. Puhan. Well done, Blue Night Shift.

20 Firefighters Competing for LLS "Firefighter of the Year"

Twenty Bellingham firefighters are participating in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Firefighter of the Year campaign, raising money for blood cancer research and patient services. The competition runs through the end of March.

Separately, six firefighters have spent the past several weeks completing a Fire Officer training program, adding to the department's leadership pipeline. A strong showing from BFD on both fronts this week.

New 86-Bed Assisted Living Facility Opens at Lake Whatcom Center

Whatcom County is congratulating the Lake Whatcom Center on the opening of a new 86-bed assisted living wing, expanding care capacity for seniors in the county. The expansion adds significantly to the local long-term care options at a time when senior housing demand is growing across the region.

Scammers Sending Fake Invoices From "Whatcom County Planning"

Whatcom County is alerting residents and businesses that scammers are sending fake invoices that appear to be from the County Planning and Development Services office. If you receive an unexpected invoice claiming to be from county planning, do not pay it. Contact Whatcom County Planning directly at whatcomcounty.us to verify before taking any action.

Regional Drug Task Force Reports Arrests in 2025-2026 Investigations

The Whatcom Regional Drug Task Force has reported multiple arrests across 2025 and into 2026 as part of ongoing narcotics investigations in Whatcom County. The Sheriff's Office has not released individual case details publicly, but confirmed the WRDTF remains active in the county.

St. Patrick's Day Week Is Good for Downtown Businesses

With St. Patrick's Day on Tuesday, March 17, several events are lining up that tend to bring foot traffic into downtown Bellingham, Fairhaven, and the waterfront area. Bellingham Experience is highlighting a festive morning run/walk, live performances, and a parade on the 17th.

If you have a shop, cafe, or restaurant near the parade route or downtown core, the week ahead is a good one to have a special on the board or extend your hours. Check in with the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce for any coordinated promotions.

Support Whatcom Literacy Council at the Library Today

Today, Tuesday March 10, the Bellingham Public Library is highlighting the Whatcom Literacy Council's donation drive. Every dollar donated supports adult literacy programs in the county. You can give directly at whatcomliteracy.org. Quick, easy, and it makes a real difference locally.

Also coming up: the library is hosting the culminating event in the 2026 Whatcom READS author series later this month. Keep an eye on their events calendar for the date and details.

Ask Mayor Kim Lund Anything on March 18

Mayor Kim Lund is holding an open "Ask Me Anything" session on Wednesday, March 18. The event is a chance for residents to ask about the City's priorities, ongoing projects, or anything else on their mind. City of Bellingham has posted details on their Facebook page. Mark your calendar if you have been wanting to put a question to the mayor directly.

The Upcoming Week