
Transportation
WTF? WSF meets community’s ire after Memorial Day weekend debacle in San Juans
June 2, 2023
Questions on crew shortage, breakdowns, overnight wait, emergency services, fare increases, Sidney run resumption — and more — aired at meeting on ferries.
Nancy DeVaux
Natural Resources
Making charcoal as a first step to facing climate change
June 2, 2023
A Whatcom-based organization seeks to engage farmers and forest owners in conserving carbon with a trust that makes environmental and financial sense.
Kai Uyehara
Commerce
Can small businesses survive in Friday Harbor?
May 26, 2023
Friday Harbor small businesses struggling to stay afloat cite rent prices, failing infrastructure and workforce shortage — and, some say, difficult landlord relationships.
Kathryn Wheeler
Culture
Office stack planned to replace historic building on onetime Poor Farm site
May 26, 2023
Whatcom County’s process to demolish a past work farm and nursing home site to build government offices is underway.
Matt Benoit
Community Voices
Homeless by choice
May 26, 2023
Commentary: Bobby Joe, the Singing Hillbilly, has stories, songs and jewelry to share.
John Dunne
Public Health
How new gun laws might make a difference
May 19, 2023
A new firearms law addressing banning, waiting and training is aimed at aspects of safety and security. Will it work?
Kai Uyehara
Community Voices
Loss of palliative care is a community’s loss
May 19, 2023
Commentary: More than 100 current patients and all possible future eligible patients stand to lose palliative care when PeaceHealth closes its outpatient palliative program.
Margaret Jacobson
Community Voices
Outpatient palliative care program unfortunately unsustainable
May 19, 2023
Commentary: Insurance reimbursement levels and rising costs across all service lines led to PeaceHealth’s decision to end its comprehensive outpatient palliative program and restructure to continue to “provide the essential components of the program.”
Bryan Stewart
Artist’s Corner
Sky Cutter
May 19, 2023
The common nighthawk winters as far as the Amazon Basin and returns to this area to nest in summer. Ironically and contrary to its name, the common nighthawk’s numbers are diminishing.
Tony Angell
Education
Assistant … or replacement? AI, in real life
May 12, 2023
The future is already here for users of artificial intelligence technology.
Matt Benoit
Commerce
B.C. metal recycler may site shredder on Bellingham Bay
May 12, 2023
A scrap metal recycling company which has been the subject of noise complaints from neighbors is reportedly looking to expand its operations along Bellingham Bay.
Kai Uyehara
Natural Resources
‘No Mow May’ keeps pollinators in mind
May 12, 2023
Native plants and trees provide food for “workaholic” bees.
Clifford Heberden
Governance
San Juan County permit woes result in director firing
May 12, 2023
Months of complaints of delays, discourtesy and interpretation led to a decision by the San Juan County council to “part ways” with the county’s Community Development director.
Nancy DeVaux
Public Health
City seeks balance: housing needs and forest benefits
May 5, 2023
Bellingham faces the challenge of building homes to meet housing needs while preserving trees for public and environmental health.
Clifford Heberden
Education
Island schools avoid perfect storm menacing budgets
May 5, 2023
School districts in San Juan County have steered away from a perfect storm of budget cuts, while districts in Whatcom and Skagit counties are feeling the squeeze.
Nancy DeVaux
Commerce
Expectations are high, questions remain as waterfront neighborhood takes shape
April 28, 2023
In early planning, Bellingham envisioned an urban village, public spaces, new jobs and low-income housing on the former GP property on Bellingham Bay. What’s actually in development?
Kai Uyehara