Saturday, December 6, 2025

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Tag: Local

Bellingham Mother and Daughter Hospitalized at UW Medical Center in Rare Genetic Heart Condition Case

A Bellingham mother and daughter were hospitalized simultaneously at UW Medical Center after doctors discovered they both suffer from a rare genetic heart condition. The mother is now on the national heart-transplant waitlist while her 19-year-old daughter recently underwent a triple bypass. The family says early screening could save lives and is urging the community to learn the warning signs of Familial Hypercholesterolemia.

Redevelopment Plans Advance for Former Burlington Building on Meridian Street

Developers are exploring a full redevelopment of the former Burlington Coat Factory building at 4131 Meridian Street, according to newly completed pre-application documents with the City of Bellingham. The proposal, led by Bellis Meridian LLC and Cole Valley Partners, would divide the large retail anchor space into multiple new suites suitable for soft-goods retail, a grocery tenant, or a fitness operator. The project remains in early planning stages, with no formal permit application yet filed.

Bellingham to Open Temporary Daytime Severe Weather Shelter on Dec. 1

The City of Bellingham will open a temporary Severe Weather Day Shelter starting December 1 at the former Lighthouse Mission Drop-In Center on Holly Street. The space will operate from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on days when the County activates its overnight severe-weather shelter, providing a warm daytime option for people experiencing homelessness. Supported by local outreach teams and service providers, the site can accommodate about 60 guests and will offer transportation from the overnight shelter. Real-time activation updates will be available at shelterstatus.com.

Whatcom County’s Housing Crisis: A Council Perspective on Density, Costs, and Finding Middle Ground

Whatcom County’s housing debate continues to highlight rising costs, infrastructure challenges, and differing views on growth. In this installment, Council Chair Kaylee Galloway discusses the need for denser development in urban areas, the high price of expanding infrastructure, and ongoing efforts to improve permitting and expand shelter options. She emphasizes finding middle ground between increasing land supply and encouraging smart density so families of all income levels can continue living in Whatcom County.

Bond Would Flip Lynden High School’s Footprint and Add Modern Labs and Arts Center

Lynden voters will decide this fall whether to approve a $129 million bond to replace Lynden High School with a reoriented north–south campus, modern career and technical labs, and a new performing arts center. Superintendent David Vanderyacht says the design will emphasize “function over fancy” and include opportunities for students to gain “pre-apprentice experience” in trades such as electrical, plumbing, and framing.

Lynden School Board Tables Resolution on Establishing “Charlie Kirk Day”

The Lynden School Board voted 3–2 Thursday to table a proposal that would have created an annual “Charlie Kirk Day.” The resolution, introduced after Kirk’s assassination on September 10, called for a yearly observance against political violence and support for student debate clubs. Board President Verburg acknowledged the decision, saying, “The buck stops here,” and committed to allowing more community input. The proposal may return for discussion at the October 2 meeting.