Fentanyl Bust in Bellingham + Shelters Open Tonight + St. Pat's Weekend

Today's Weather: Rain and snow mixed through mid-morning, then a chance of rain into early afternoon. Mostly cloudy with a high near 45. Tonight, a 50% chance of rain after 11 pm, with a low near 33. Full forecast from the National Weather Service.

Happy Friday, Bellingham. It is March 13 and there is a lot to cover this morning. A major drug bust, emergency shelters opening tonight, a wintry Friday ahead, and a big St. Patrick's Day weekend on deck. Let's get into it.

Public Safety

Major Fentanyl Operation Nets Three Arrests, 137,000 Pills Seized

A months-long investigation by the Whatcom Regional Drug Task Force into a Mexico-based transnational criminal organization wrapped up this week with two search warrants and three arrests.

On March 4, investigators served a warrant in Federal Way, seizing 33.25 pounds of suspected fentanyl-laced pills (approximately 137,000 pills) and 2.3 pounds of fentanyl powder, along with about $10,000 in drug proceeds. The combined street value topped $130,000. Alfio Felix Rivera, 22, of Federal Way was arrested on charges of delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent, maintaining a premises, and money laundering.

On March 10, a second warrant was served at two Bellingham locations on the 200 block of N Forest St and the 4800 block of Northwest Ave. Investigators seized 1.9 pounds of fentanyl powder, a handgun, and over $15,000 in suspected drug proceeds. Omar Gaona Garcia, 26, and Jorge Ramos, 23, both of Bellingham, were booked into Whatcom County Jail. Both face multiple counts of delivery, possession with intent, maintaining a dwelling, and conspiracy.

The investigation involved the DEA Bellingham Regional Office, Homeland Security, Washington State Patrol, Whatcom County Sheriff, Bellingham Police, Federal Way Police, and Ferndale Police.

Community Services

Overnight Shelters Open Tonight and Saturday in Bellingham and Ferndale

Due to cold weather, Whatcom County is activating overnight severe weather shelters in Bellingham and Ferndale tonight (Friday, March 13) and tomorrow night (Saturday, March 14). Shelters may run additional nights depending on conditions and staffing.

Bellingham Overnight Shelter is located at 925 N. Forest Street. Doors open at 4 pm, check-in runs until 8 pm, and check-out is at 8 am the following morning. Space is first-come, first-served. The West Holly Street day shelter will not be activated. Guests from North Forest Street can access free morning transportation to other locations.

A shelter is also open in Ferndale. Full details are available from Whatcom County. If you know someone who needs a warm place tonight, pass it along.

Weather Advisory

Winter Storm Warning in Effect for Eastern Whatcom County Through Saturday Morning

A winter storm warning remains in effect for eastern Whatcom County through 5 am Saturday, March 14. The Whatcom County Division of Emergency Management is monitoring conditions at Level 3 (Monitoring). If you are heading into the mountains this weekend, plan ahead and check road conditions first.

In Bellingham proper, expect a wintry Friday morning with rain and snow mixed through mid-morning before tapering off. Roads may be slick early, especially on elevated surfaces. Heads up if you're heading out before 11 am.

Weekend Events

St. Patrick's Day Weekend Is Here: Parade Sunday, 5K on Saturday

It is a big green weekend in Bellingham. Here is what is on tap:

Saturday, March 14: The Runnin' O' the Green 5K and 8K is happening Saturday morning. Registration is closed as of last night, but if you are already signed up, get those race-day nerves going. It is a great one.

Sunday, March 15: The Bellingham St. Patrick's Day Parade steps off at noon. This year's Grand Marshal is Mayor Kim Lund. Whether you march or watch from the sidewalk, it should be a good time. More details including the route are on the parade website.

Feel Good Friday

Station 5 Turns 55: A Look Back at Chief Jack Baker and a 1971 Ladder Truck

The Bellingham Fire Department shared a wonderful throwback photo this week. It shows Chief Jack Baker standing in front of Station 5 on Northwest Ave back in March 1971, during the station's construction. It opened on May 10, 1971, nearly 55 years ago.

Here is the part worth smiling about: Station 5 is still in service today. It houses a three-person crew, the city's ladder truck, and an ambulance. Chief Baker is leaning on a 1969 Chevrolet Brookwood command vehicle in the photo. (Was it fire engine red? The department is asking, too.)

There is something grounding about infrastructure that just quietly works for 55 years. Thanks to the crews who keep it running.

The Upcoming Week

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