K-9 Rudy Catches Murder Suspect + New Port Director Named in Bellingham

Good morning, Bellingham. It is Wednesday, May 13, and we have updates on a big leadership hire at the Port, school schedule changes coming next year, a BPD crime roundup, and a few ways to get involved before the weekend.

🌧 Today: 50% chance of rain mainly 10am-4pm. Mostly cloudy, high near 63. South winds 9-15 mph, gusts to 26 mph. Full forecast at NWS Bellingham.

Safety

BPD Week in Review: K-9 Rudy Catches Murder Suspect, Harbor Loop Assault, Meth Arrest

It was a busy stretch for Bellingham Police. On May 7, BPD officers joined members of Lummi Nation for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP) Awareness Walk. On May 8, K-9 Rudy tracked and helped capture a murder suspect. On May 11, a serious assault occurred on Harbor Loop -- BPD has not released suspect or victim details. On May 12, a bike officer arrested a person found with two stolen bikes and 20 grams of methamphetamine.

Full details here or follow Bellingham Police on Facebook.

Add your content

Love digesting, and want to contribute? We have two ways:

1. Submit a tip 

2. Sponsor a newsletter

Civic

Port of Bellingham Names Tiffany DeSimone as New Executive Director

Port of Bellingham Names Tiffany DeSimone as New Executive Director

After reviewing nearly 100 candidates, the Port of Bellingham Commission has appointed Tiffany DeSimone as its next Executive Director. The Commission called it a deliberate, forward-looking selection focused on leadership, accountability, and long-term community outcomes.

DeSimone will oversee waterfront redevelopment, airport diversification, maritime business support, and public access to Whatcom County's shoreline. Read the full announcement here.

School + Family Update

Bellingham Schools 2026-27 Calendar: Early Dismissal Every Thursday Starting Next Year

Bellingham Schools 2026-27 Calendar: Early Dismissal Every Thursday Starting Next Year

The Bellingham School District has released the full 2026-27 calendar. Starting next school year, all schools dismiss early every Thursday:

• High school: 1:15 p.m.

• Middle school: 2:00 p.m.

• Elementary: 12:20 p.m.

The change gives staff regular time for collaboration and planning. First day for grades 1-12 is Monday, August 31, 2026. Kindergarten and Promise K start Wednesday, September 2. Full calendar here.

Civic

Free One-on-One Help With Whatcom Water Rights Claim Forms on May 21

The Washington Department of Ecology is holding a free appointment-only session on Thursday, May 21 at Edison Elementary in Bow to help landowners complete WRIA 1 water rights adjudication claim forms. This process affects most of Whatcom County and parts of Skagit County.

Sign up at go.ecology.wa.gov/adjudication-appt-edison or call 360-255-4406. Spots are limited. More information here.

Events

Ski to Sea is 11 Days Away: Plan Your Finish Line Spot in Fairhaven

Saturday, May 24 is Ski to Sea. Hundreds of teams race from Mount Baker to the sea, with the finish line at Marine Park and celebrations spilling into Fairhaven Village. Whether you are racing or just cheering, Fairhaven that afternoon is a genuinely good time. Spectator info and route details here.

Parks

Lake Padden Dog Park Fencing Work Ongoing This Week + Name the New Bakerview Park

Lake Padden Dog Park Fencing Work Ongoing + Name the New Bakerview Park

A contractor is installing new fencing on the north edge of Lake Padden Dog Park this week. The park stays open, but Bellingham Parks asks that you keep a close eye on your dogs near the crew.

Separately: Bellingham Parks wants your help naming a new neighborhood park coming to E. Bakerview Road. Submit name ideas and vote through May 28 at engagebellingham.org/bakerview-park/name-the-park.

📅 The Upcoming Week

Sponsored

From our neighbors at Cascade Home Cleaning:

Between the BPD blotter, the school schedule update, and the water rights paperwork, it has been a full week to be a Bellingham homeowner. Let someone else handle the floors.

This week only: Get your first routine clean FREE when you purchase a deep clean and sign up for ongoing service. Offer expires Sunday.

🕵️ Book at cascadehomecleaning.com