Local Frequency - Bellingham

Local Frequency - Bellingham

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Local Frequency - Bellingham episodes

  • Bellingham Construction Guide and Spring Updates for April 4th
    Good morning, this is your Bellingham Local Frequency for Saturday, April 4th, 2026.
    We're starting this Saturday with some important news for anyone navigating our city's streets. If you've been wondering about all the construction activity popping up around town, the City of Bellingham has made it easier to stay informed. They've just launched an interactive construction map on their website that details all the upcoming projects happening across the city. It's a great tool if you're planning your commute or trying to avoid delays. Some of the major work includes nighttime paving on the Guide between Bakerview and Kellogg roads starting very soon, construction continuing on the new What-Comm dispatch center near James Street and Alabama, and importantly, single-lane closures on James Street between Telegraph Road and Gooding Avenue that are starting next week. That What-Comm center is expected to wrap up by fall of next year, so keep that timeline in mind if you work in that area.
    On the local business front, we're seeing some changes in our downtown dining scene. The New Mexico Tamale Company, a woman-owned Mexican restaurant that's been serving our community for ten years, is closing its doors. Rising costs and declining revenue made the decision necessary, reflecting some of the economic pressures our local restaurants are facing right now. It's another reminder to support the establishments that make our community special.
    If you're looking for things to do this spring and summer, Active Kids has some great youth trip opportunities coming up. They're offering day adventures filled with friendship and fun for young people in our area, so if you have kids looking for something exciting, that might be worth checking out.
    We also want to give a shout out to the arts community. There's a First Friday event happening downtown at the BQC Community Center, where you can check out work from Sierra James, a Pacific Northwest mixed-media artist whose work blends painting, design, and experimental technique. It's a great way to support local artists and get out in the community.
    As we head into this busy spring season with construction ramping up around town, make sure to visit that interactive map so you can plan accordingly. Stay safe out there, stay informed, and keep supporting your local Bellingham businesses.
    This has been Bellingham Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
    For more http://www.quietplease.ai
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    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.
    3 min
  • Bellingham Schools Navigate Budget Cuts While Community Events Thrive This April
    Good morning, this is your Bellingham Local Frequency for Thursday, April 2nd.
    We're starting this morning with important news from Bellingham Public Schools. Superintendent Dr. Greg Baker announced that the district will be cutting roughly 60 positions as it navigates declining enrollment and funding challenges from the state level. However, there's some good news for families concerned about school closures: elementary schools will remain open at least through 2027. The cuts will primarily affect counseling and library staff assignments, and some programs are being temporarily paused, including the beloved fifth grade mountain school trip. The district did pass an operations levy back in November, but state legislators have pulled back funding for programs like mental health support and early learning, which is driving these necessary adjustments.
    On the transportation front, if you're planning to head north on Interstate 5, be aware that WSDOT has completed cliff scaling work near Bellingham, but there's still no timeline yet for when the highway will fully reopen. Crews finished that critical safety work yesterday, so stay tuned for updates as they continue their assessment.
    For those looking to explore our local economy and culture, the Bellingham Farmers Market is making its return this April with plenty of fresh local goods and community connection. Speaking of April events, there's a pub crawl happening around town, so if you're looking for a fun evening out, that's one way to support our local businesses.
    If you're into the arts, Bellingham Repertory Dance is celebrating 20 years of contemporary dance with a concert called Hindsight. It's a wonderful opportunity to see the vibrant history of local dance on stage.
    And here's something unique: Whatcom County just debuted an AI holographic tour guide at the newly reopened Hovander Park. Yes, you'll be getting park information from an interactive Sasquatch. It's the kind of forward-thinking approach our community is known for.
    For those looking for regular entertainment, Monday trivia nights are back at Fountain Brewing and Zeeks starting April 6th, running weekly through September. Twenty dollar pitchers during trivia make it a fun way to spend your Monday evenings.
    One more thing to note: Allegiant Air will be closing its crew base at Bellingham International Airport in November, so if you're a frequent flyer, you may want to plan accordingly.
    This has been Bellingham Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
    For more http://www.quietplease.ai
    Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.
    3 min
  • Bellingham Wednesday: I-5 Landslide Delays, Ferry Changes, and Weekend Fun
    Good morning, this is your Bellingham Local Frequency for Wednesday, April 1.
    Start your day with the big story thats got everyone talking: that massive landslide blocking northbound I-5 just south of town near mileposts 248 and 249. Since March 19, WSDOT crews have been battling 5,000 to 6,000 tons of debris, including bus-sized boulders, working daylight hours seven days a week to stabilize the slope with steel dowels and clear the mess. No reopening timeline yet due to the hillsides unpredictable shifts, so expect 30-minute delays on detours like Samish Way from Exit 246. Locals along the route are feeling the crunch with backed-up traffic, and freight haulers stick to SR 9 via SR 20 and SR 542, since Chuckanut Drive and other locals cant handle the big rigs. Southbound lanes are fine, but watch for temporary fencing catching stray rocks. This closure hits commuters hard, stretching daily drives and squeezing nearby businesses, so plan ahead and check WSDOT updates to keep your routine rolling.
    Closer to home, Whatcom County Public Works rescheduled shoulder repairs on Everson Goshen Road north of E. Smith Road, now closing it daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday starting April 6, blocking all traffic including buses and emergencies. Detour via Noon or Mission Roads to avoid the hassle, especially if youre heading south of Everson.
    On a brighter note, our islands ferry fans take heed: the Whatcom Chief skips service from 10:10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today for terminal inspections at Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point, so catch the last morning runs by 9:50 or 10 a.m. And mark your calendars, the 2026 dry dock outage hits April 25 through May 17, pausing vehicle service after April 24.
    Looking ahead to fun ways to shake off the road woes, lace up for the inaugural Pink Pony Trot 5K this Saturday, April 4 at Lake Padden, hosted by the Northwest Renegade Cowgirls Drill Team its their first ever, promising a lively community run with real heart. Friday kicks off Free First Fridays at the Whatcom Museum, with free admission from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Old City Hall and Lightcatcher, plus family-friendly programs to spark your evening. Theater lovers, Bellingham Theatre Guilds Kodachrome opens April 3 through 19, a poignant tale of memory and family directed by Heidi Sackerson dive in for some emotional storytelling. Kids and grownups alike, Bellingham Public Librarys packed April with Spring Break programs and all-ages events to fuel your curiosity.
    Trail enthusiasts, gear up for Celebrate Trails Day and the Native Plant Sale on April 25 along Bay to Baker and Salish Coast paths from Bellingham to Maple Falls and Cordata Park get out, plant natives, and celebrate our backyard wonders before potential state budget cuts trim access to some public lands amid maintenance strains.
    Meanwhile, bundle up: a winter weather advisory blankets the upper Eastern Cascades slopes from 5 a.m. today through Thursday noon, bringing snow that could slick moun
    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.
    4 min
  • Bellingham Local Frequency: I-5 Closures, New Judge, Poetry Contest Deadline
    Good morning, this is your Bellingham Local Frequency for Monday, March 30th.
    We're starting this week with some important traffic updates for your commute. If you're heading north on Interstate 5 south of Bellingham, crews are still working to stabilize a slope following a landslide that occurred earlier this month. That stretch of northbound I-5 remains closed, so plan ahead and consider using State Route 9 or State Route 11 as your alternate routes. Traffic management teams are actively working on the repairs, so stay tuned for updates on when those lanes reopen.
    On the civic front, Bellingham's municipal court is welcoming some new judicial leadership. Nicholas Henery has joined Judge Debra Lev on the bench starting March 16th, bringing additional capacity to our local court system as we serve the community's legal needs.
    If you're a poetry enthusiast, mark your calendars because the annual Sue C. Boynton Poetry Contest is still accepting entries through the end of this month. This is the 21st year of the contest, which typically draws around 250 submissions. If you'd like to participate, just email your poem to SueCBoynton at Gmail dot com. Be sure to check the submission guidelines at thepoetrydepartment dot wordpress dot com slash contest. The real celebration happens on May 28th when the award ceremony takes place at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal at 7 PM, and it's free to attend. After the ceremony, selected poems will be displayed on placards around Bellingham Public Library downtown and on Whatcom Transportation Authority buses throughout our community.
    This week also brings theatrical opportunities for families. Disney's The Little Mermaid, presented by the Theatre Arts Guild, is offering a special ticket giveaway running through tomorrow, so check your local media for details on how to enter.
    Looking a bit further ahead, Bellingham schools are continuing their important facilities planning work. Projections show elementary enrollment declining by about 1,000 students between 2018 and 2028, and the facilities planning task force is expected to complete its recommendations this spring. Those recommendations could impact our community starting as early as fall of this year or next year, so this is worth paying attention to if you have school-aged children.
    This has been Bellingham Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
    For more http://www.quietplease.ai
    Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.
    3 min
  • Bellingham Rising: From Protest to Planting, Community Shapes Change
    Good morning, this is your Bellingham Local Frequency for Sunday, March 29.
    What a vibrant weekend its been in Whatcom County, folks, with communities coming together to make real change amid national tensions. Yesterday, thousands rallied right here in Bellingham as part of the widespread No Kings movement protesting the Trump administrations policies on democracy, immigration, and more. Chants of No kings, no war, no ICE, no more echoed from the waterfront during a powerful march, drawing folks from all walks of life to stand up and say we must resist. Organizers highlighted how these actions protect our local values of inclusivity and justice, reminding us that grassroots energy right here shapes bigger fights. If youre still buzzing from that, channel it into todays hands-on fun.
    Kick off your afternoon with the Work Party Planting Trees at Jensen Family Forest near Custer, starting at noon. Team up with the Whatcom Land Trust and Whatcom Million Trees to plant native shrubs and trees in this 23-acre gem of century-old Douglas-firs, donated by Don and Judith Jensen. Its just a short drive north on I-5, east on Birch Bay-Lynden Road to Stein Roadexpect some uneven trails, digging, and bending, but every plant strengthens habitat and builds resilience against climate shifts for our county. Register quick if you havent; its a perfect way to connect with nature and neighbors while boosting our green future.
    Catch some culture at Mount Baker Theatre this afternoon too, with a 2 PM screening of Aelita: Queen of Mars, the silent sci-fi classic thats a treat for film buffs exploring early cosmic adventures. Tickets are hot, so grab yours to dive into that retro wonder.
    Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the Community Grief Lodge today from 2 to 7 PM at the NSEA Nursery, offering space to process emotions together, and NSEA Nursery Plant Potting on April 4. Yesterday wrapped with the Queer Latine Society gathering at the BQC Community Center, fostering vital connections in our diverse scene.
    These events arent just happeningsthey weave our community tighter, turning passion into action that impacts daily life from cleaner forests to stronger voices. Stay engaged, Bellingham.
    This has been Bellingham Local Frequency. Well see you tomorrow with more local updates.
    For more http://www.quietplease.ai
    Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.
    3 min
  • Bellingham Saturday Events: Elton John Tribute, Ghost Tours, and Regional Rally Updates
    Good morning, this is your Bellingham Local Frequency for Saturday, March 28th.
    We're starting this Saturday with quite a bit happening around our community. If you're looking for a cultural evening, Electric Elton, a tribute to Elton John, is taking the stage tonight at Mount Baker Theatre at seven thirty. Tickets are still available with a range of seating options from the balcony to premium main floor seats, so there's something for every budget if you're in the mood for some classic Elton John favorites performed by tribute artists.
    For those interested in the paranormal and local history, the Bellingham Ghost Tour is operating today, offering paranormal education and storytelling focused on Whatcom County's mysterious past. It's a unique way to learn about the area while exploring some of Bellingham's haunted history.
    Speaking of activities, if you have family in town, there's a student art show called By the Books running today at Western Washington University from eight in the morning through five in the evening. It's a great opportunity to support local student artists and see what creative work is being produced right here at WCC.
    Now, if you're planning to get around town today, it's worth noting that there are some significant events happening in the region that may impact traffic. A major nationwide demonstration called the No Kings rally is taking place across Washington state today, with organizers expecting hundreds of participants statewide and potentially tens of thousands in Seattle. The Seattle event starts at eleven in the morning at Colman Dock before marching to Cal Anderson Park. While the main rally is focused in Seattle, it's the kind of large-scale event that can create ripple effects on regional traffic and transportation throughout the day, so plan accordingly if you're heading south on I-five or traveling outside Bellingham.
    Local organizers have emphasized that these rallies are intended to be peaceful demonstrations, and both event coordinators and law enforcement have made extensive preparations to ensure safety. If you're participating or just passing through, expect potential traffic disruptions and plan extra time for any regional travel.
    That's what's happening in and around Bellingham this Saturday. This has been Bellingham Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
    For more http://www.quietplease.ai
    Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.
    3 min
  • Bellingham Local Frequency: Roads Reopen, Community Thrives, March 26
    Good morning, this is your Bellingham Local Frequency for Thursday, March 26.
    Rise and shine, Bellingham! After a week of headaches from Nooksack River flooding, Whatcom County Public Works has good news: Marine Drive reopened this morning east of Lummi Shore Drive, getting commuters and folks heading to Ferndale back on track just in time for drier days ahead. That means smoother rides to work or weekend errands, easing the strain on everyone dodging detours. Meanwhile, the highway at Diablo Lake stays closed from a massive rockslide, so plan alternate routes if youre heading east.
    Shifting to city business, the Whatcom County Council hit pause on a hot-button proposal Tuesday, voting 6-1 to delay deciding on a new one-tenth of one percent sales tax for criminal justice needs. That dime per hundred bucks could bring in 7 million bucks a year to cover rising jail and court costs, with Bellingham and Lynden already on board alongside Skagit County. Public hearings stay open till April 7 or 14, so your voice could tip the scales on how we fund safer streets.
    On a brighter note, sports fans, grab your gear: local baseball and golf teams kick off home openers today, while the softball squad just crushed a big win over Bellingham rivals. Perfect weather to cheer them on and feel that community spirit. And if youre pondering our green spaces, dive into the heartfelt stories behind city park names, from generous donors to cherished memories that shaped these hiking trails and neighborhood spots we all love.
    Todays packed with family fun to shake off the winter blues. Kick off at 9 with Preschool Open Gym, then hit the Whatcom Museums FIG Artists Corner or Studio from 10 till 4:30 for creative vibes. The Marine Life Center opens free at 10, Tiny Tots Playgroup runs till 11:30, and storytime at FIG wraps by 11. Afternoon brings Whatcom Family Village Stories and Songs at 1:30, Think and Tinker Thursdays till 4, Pokemon Club free at the Central Library from 3 to 4, and evening Pajama Storytime at 5:15. Swimmers, Arne Hanna Aquatic Center has preschool and family sessions all day, plus YMCA pools buzzing. Bowlers, Park Bowl stays open late, or try Mt. Baker Lanes in Ferndale. Craft fans, join the Greeting Cards Meetup organizing the craft room at 10.
    Beer lovers, head to Chuckanut Brewerys South Nut Tap Room at 4 for the official tapping of Skagit Tulip Ale, with brewers from Chuckanut and Terramar ready to chat and pour. Cap your night with live tunes as Nimino rocks the Wild Buffalo at 9, doors at 8.
    This has been Bellingham Local Frequency. Well see you tomorrow with more local updates.
    For more http://www.quietplease.ai
    Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.
    3 min
  • Bellingham Wednesday: I-5 Mudslide Detours, Downtown Safety Fences, Family Fun Guide
    Good morning, this is your Bellingham Local Frequency for Wednesday, March 25.
    Start your day with a heads up on those traffic headaches hitting our roads hard. A massive mudslide dumped thousands of cubic yards of debris on northbound I-5 between North Lake Samish and Old Fairhaven Parkway, shutting down all lanes since Thursday. No reopening timeline yet, but WSDOT crews are racing around the clock to clear it and stabilize the hill. That means detours flooding Samish Way, backing up Bill McDonald Parkway, and even ripple delays on other local spots. Mayor Kim Lund is asking for patience, noting our streets just cant handle 50,000 extra cars daily, especially semis—those big rigs should head for Cook Road to Highway 9 instead. Whatcom County Sheriffs are boosting patrols on detours to curb speeding, so drive safe and smart out there; it keeps us all moving.
    Downtown, the city council just greenlit a bold move against crime with alleyway closures. In a unanimous 6-0 vote Monday, they okayed fences on key spots requested by police chief, targeting open-air drug dealing thats plagued the area for years. Mayor Lund stresses its not about unhoused folks or addicts but shutting down the epicenter of illicit sales where newcomers first try harmful stuff. Council Chair Holly Huthman calls it a temporary Band-Aid experiment with modest gains, backed by Seattles similar policy. Violators face up to $1,000 fines or 90 days in jail, so respect the barriers as crews install them—this could make our core safer for everyone strolling or shopping.
    For fun today, families have a playground of options. Kick off at the Whatcom Museum's Artists Corner from 10am to 4:30pm, diving into Oakland artist David Huffmans basketball-inspired abstracts—think bold colors and shapes in the Family Interactive Gallery, perfect for kids layering textures like a slam dunk. Public ice skating rolls at Bellingham Sportsplex till 11:45am, or hit Sportsplex Play Day from 10am. Storytimes abound: Little ones at Bellis Fair Library branches all morning, Deming and South Whatcom at 10:30am, even preschool tales at the mall at noon. Swimmers, Arne Hanna Aquatic Center has preschool sessions mornings and family time at 1:30pm. Builders Club crafts from 3pm at Fairhaven Library, and Spanish stories and songs at 4pm downtown. Bowling at Mt. Baker Lanes or Park Bowl anytime, plus Open Track Night evening. WWU sports fans, mens basketball Elite Eight action today in Pittsburgh.
    Poets, entries for the 21st Sue C. Boynton contest close end of month—submit to see your words on library placards and buses come May.
    This has been Bellingham Local Frequency. Well see you tomorrow with more local updates.
    For more http://www.quietplease.ai
    Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.
    4 min
  • Bellingham Local Frequency: Spring Art Scene and Live Music This Week
    Good morning, this is your Bellingham Local Frequency for Monday, March 23rd, 2026.
    We're starting this week with some great opportunities to get out and support local artists. If you're looking for something to do today, the Whatcom Community College Library is hosting "By the Books," a student art show featuring original work from visual arts classes. It's free to visit and open during regular library hours at the WCC Library on West Kellogg Road. This is a wonderful chance to see what our local students are creating and get inspired by fresh artistic perspectives right here in our community.
    Speaking of the art scene, there's some exciting momentum happening on the skateboard art front. Local artist Kelly Sorbel recently put out a call for submissions to a skateboard deck art show, and it's part of a broader movement bringing skateboard culture from gallery walls into shop windows around Bellingham. It's a creative way artists are reimagining where and how art can be displayed and experienced.
    For those looking for evening entertainment, Amendment 21 continues its weekly Sunday night performance series at Hotel Leo in downtown Bellingham, with shows running every Sunday from six to nine in the evening. It's become a regular gathering spot for folks looking to enjoy some live music and community connection right in the heart of downtown.
    If you're planning your week ahead, there's plenty happening at our local venues. The Mount Baker Theatre has several shows coming up, and El Capitan's continues to host regular events including their popular Just Dance night on Mondays.
    We should also mention that folks in Kittitas County were under a flood warning this past weekend, though that warning expired this morning. It's a good reminder to stay weather aware as we head into the spring season and conditions continue to shift.
    Whether you're an art enthusiast, music lover, or just looking for ways to stay connected to what's happening in Bellingham, there's plenty to explore. Get out and support our local businesses, artists, and venues. They make our community special.
    This has been Bellingham Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
    For more http://www.quietplease.ai
    Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.
    3 min
  • Bellingham Sunday: I-5 Closed, Family Fun Awaits, Vampire Theatre Tonight
    Good morning, this is your Bellingham Local Frequency for Sunday, March 22.
    Start your day with a heads up on the roads, folks. Northbound Interstate 5 south of town remains closed after massive landslides dumped thousands of cubic yards of boulders, trees, and debris across the lanes near mileposts 248 and 249. Emergency crews kicked off work yesterday to stabilize the slope and clear the mess, with geotechnical engineers on site crafting a solid plan. Northbound traffic is diverted at North Lake Samish Drive exit 246, but its not ideal for big rigs, so truckers and anyone heading north should hop on Valley Highway or Chuckanut Drive instead. This could snarl commutes and deliveries for days, so plan ahead to keep our community moving smoothly.[1][3][5]
    Shifting gears to sunnier spots, its a perfect Sunday to dive into family fun. The Whatcom Family YMCA has their large and small pools open from 6am to 845pm for laps or playtime with the kids. Head to the Marine Life Center in Bellingham, free and running from 10am to 4pm, where you can get up close with local sea creatures and spark some ocean curiosity. Bowling enthusiasts, Mt. Baker Lanes in Ferndale is ready from 9am to 9pm, and Park Bowl right here in Bellingham rolls from noon till 10pm. Over in Lynden, catch open skate at Skateway from 130pm to 4pm if youre craving some wheel time.[2]
    Art lovers, dont miss the Whatcom Museums Artists Corner in the Family Interactive Gallery at Lightcatcher from noon to 430pm. Todays feature is Oakland artist David Huffman, whose bold basketball-inspired paintings explore identity and culture. Kids can layer colors, shapes, and textures in the FIG Studio to craft their own vibrant masterpieces, all included with admission and free for members. Its hands-on inspiration that connects global art to our creative community.[4]
    For evening thrills, Unsubdued Theatre Collective wraps up Love Sucks: A Vampire Valentines Day Revue at 7pm at Wink Wink on Commercial Street. This biting collection of ten original short plays dives into love, death, and supernatural twists with local talent, tickets just fifteen bucks. Meanwhile, the Spark Museums MegaZapper demo zaps at 230pm, electrifying young minds with inventions history.[2][7]
    Catch services or gatherings at spots like Cornwall Church too. Confirm details as weather or changes might pop up. Stay safe out there, Bellingham.
    This has been Bellingham Local Frequency. Well see you tomorrow with more local updates.
    For more http://www.quietplease.ai
    Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta
    This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.
    3 min

About Local Frequency - Bellingham

From the publisher's feed

Local Frequency Bellingham explores the vibrant community and unique culture of Bellingham, Washington. Tune in to discover local stories, hidden gems, and interviews with fascinating residents. Whether you're a local or planning a visit, this podcast offers valuable insights and a deeper connection to the area's lifestyle and attractions. Join us for engaging conversations and stay updated on the pulse of Bellingham with Local Frequency Bellingham.