Whatcom County Prosecutor Blocked Outside Probe Into Ethics Complaint Against Him

Happy Monday, Bellingham. It is August 17 and there is a lot worth knowing before you start your week. We have a civic accountability story that should be on every Whatcom County resident's radar, some good news for families and museum-goers, and a fascinating look at a local landmark you have probably walked past a hundred times. Let's get into it.

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Today’s Weather: You may wake up to a little patchy fog this morning, but it will clear out early. Expect mostly sunny skies and a high near 69 degrees, with a light south-southwest breeze. Tonight turns mostly cloudy with a low around 55. Full forecast from the National Weather Service.

Civic

Whatcom County Prosecutor Blocked Outside Probe Into Ethics Complaint Against Him

Whatcom County Prosecutor Eric Richey declined to authorize an outside investigation into himself and his second-in-command after a human resources recommendation called for one. The complaints, filed since February, allege ethical violations and election interference, and several involve candidates running for the prosecutor's seat.

HR flagged the complaints as serious enough to warrant an independent outside review. Richey chose not to pursue that route. Critics say the decision allows someone accused of misconduct to effectively oversee the response to that accusation.

This is an ongoing story with a contested election for the prosecutor's office in the background. Read the full details here.

Home Sweet Bellingham

The Story Behind Downtown Bellingham's Iconic Hardware Building on Holly Street

That bold block-letter sign on Holly Street has been there longer than most of us have lived here. The original hardware store closed back in 1978, but the building found new life just two years later and has been a mixed-use anchor in downtown ever since, now housing apartments, offices, and retail space.

If you have ever walked past and wondered about the history behind that facade, this is the story for you. It is a good reminder that some of Bellingham's most interesting architecture has been quietly reinventing itself for decades. Get the full story here.

Environment

WWU Research Institute Calls for Stronger Cross-Border Governance of Columbia River Basin

A new report from Western Washington University's Border Policy Research Institute and the University of Victoria argues that the Columbia River Basin needs better coordination across the U.S.-Canada border to manage environmental threats like water contamination. The research was prompted by real incidents: a British Columbia copper mine has repeatedly released excess metals into the Similkameen River, which flows into Washington state before feeding into the Columbia.

Researcher Jamie Ferrill put it plainly: pollution does not stop at border crossing points, so we cannot manage it like it does. The report calls for more formalized networks among the agencies already doing this work. Read more about the findings here.

Arts & Culture

Whatcom Museum's New Petrified Wood Exhibit Blends Science and Art Through April 2027

Dozens of million-year-old petrified wood findings are now hanging on the walls of Old City Hall. The new exhibition, called Painted Forest, is on display at the Whatcom Museum through April 2027 and brings together natural history, geology, and visual art in one unexpected place.

It is the kind of exhibit that works whether you bring a curious kid or just want to spend a quiet hour with something genuinely surprising. Worth putting on your calendar before summer slips away. Full details about the exhibit here.

Family

BPL Children's Craft Fair Returns to Bellis Fair Mall This Friday

Mark your calendar: the Bellingham Public Library Children's Craft Fair is back at Bellis Fair Mall this Friday, August 21, from 5 to 7pm. Kids sell their own handmade crafts and treasures, with everything priced at $5 or less. It is cash only, so bring some small bills.

A great way to wrap up the week, support some young local makers, and find something one-of-a-kind before back-to-school season hits full swing. More information here.

Environment

Pigeon Guillemots Are a Window Into the Health of Our Local Waters

The pigeon guillemot is a small, red-footed seabird you can spot along Whatcom County shorelines, and researchers say its population trends tell us a lot about the overall health of the Salish Sea. When guillemot numbers shift, it tends to mean the ecosystem below the surface is shifting too.

Citizen science monitoring of these birds has been going on in the region for years, and there are local opportunities to get involved. If you spend any time near the water, this is worth a read. Read the full story here.

Sponsored

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Between back-to-school prep, summer projects wrapping up, and a busy fall calendar ahead, the last thing you need is to spend your weekend cleaning. Cascade Home Cleaning is a local, trusted service that knows Bellingham homes.

This week only: get a free deep clean upgrade on your first clean when you sign up for recurring services. Offer expires end of the week, so do not sit on it.

Schedule your first clean at cascadehomecleaning.com.

The Upcoming Week