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Hi Bellingham, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: St. Luke’s Hospital site for sale, a world-ranked robotics team, make your own mozzarella, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Realigning resources for patients: PeaceHealth has listed the former St. Luke’s Hospital site in Bellingham for sale, part of a plan to focus investment at St. Joseph’s main campus. Three parcels are included — see what’s being sold.
Coach credits world-class field: Lake Stevens’ Team Arsenic took second in skills at the VEX Robotics Competition in Bellingham, earning No. 5 worldwide and No. 4 nationally, losing only to the current No. 1 — get all the details.
Everyday heroism in action: On December 28, Point Roberts resident Elliott Smith rescued a stranded boater and dog as the Coast Guard headed from Bellingham, then helped an injured snow goose, highlighting small-town resilience — read the full story.
Recurring floods strain farms: After December flooding on the Nooksack, Whatcom farms face significant damage. Bellingham’s Community Food Co-op has offered more than $85,000 through its Farm Fund to help local growers recover — get all the details.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. Curious about precious metal investing? GoldCo has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Navigating water-rights filings: Just over 1,600 Whatcom County water users have filed for adjudication so far. The Department of Ecology estimates about half of the roughly 30,000 served claim forms are active users. The filing deadline is May 1, and workshops and one-on-one help are available. See how to get help.
Your neighbors are Googling you: It’s uncomfortable but true — employers, new friends, even other parents at school pickup search names all the time. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up first, it can shape opinions before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so your first impression actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s someone you care about, you can help them too.
Bellingham events roundup: The Valentines Masquerade Party at Hotel Bellwether is tomorrow, Feb. 13, from 7 to 11 p.m. The Fairhaven Chocolate Walk returns on Feb. 14 with a Valentine’s swing dance that evening. Dockside Market is back Feb. 21 at Squalicum Harbor, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out the full lineup.
Gold is having a moment: Between inflation headlines, market swings, and growing global uncertainty, precious metals are (again) in the spotlight. American Hartford is currently offering up to $25,000 in free silver when you open a qualified account. They’ll also help you set up a penalty-free gold IRA with a lowest price guarantee, no buyback fees, and 7-day price protection.
Soft spot for whiskers: NEKO Cat Cafe Bellingham pairs good coffee, local sips, and a room full of adoptable rescue cats, the ultimate midweek reset. Settle into the cat room or a Work/Study/Purr spot and actually get things done, with purrs, head boops, and friendly supervision from whiskered coworkers.
A second opinion never hurts: Not every financial advisor is the right fit, and it’s okay to explore your options. Unbiased matches you with an advisor based on your personal situation, giving you a chance to ask questions in a free, no-pressure conversation to see if the fit makes sense. No obligation — just helpful advice.
Cozy wine night, solved: Sink into The Temple Bar for an easygoing glass from the by-the-glass lineup and a cheese plate worth lingering over. Quietly anchoring downtown since 2002, it still nails that “meet a friend, stay longer than planned” mood, with unfussy pours and a mellow, stay-a-while pace.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
☘ Bellingham Celtic Festival Fundraiser @ Honey Moon | Friday (2/13) at 5:00 PM – Your drink can do double duty at The Honey Moon, raising cash for the Bellingham Celtic Festival while you enjoy The House Wrens and a batch of lovely performers. Expect fiddles, foot-tapping, and neighborly vibes, then feel smug your mead habit just funded bagpipes.
🎸 Hayes Carll @ Wild Buffalo | Friday (2/13) at 7:00 PM – Hayes Carll hits Wild Buffalo with Ryan Montbleau, serving wry, heart-forward Americana that goes great with bourbon and a sitter. Spring for VIP to snag an acoustic set and Q&A, early entry, a photo and signing, and a limited tour poster.
💘 Valentine’s Day Craft-A-Palooza @ Bellis Fair Mall | Saturday (2/14) at 12:00 PM – Need a Valentine’s Day plan that swaps candlelight for glitter? Head to Bellis Fair, where old Forever 21 is Cupid’s craft studio, with coloring, music, and a photo booth. Go early, the first 100 kids snag goodie bags, and you snag an afternoon of peace.
🦀 Cynthia Nims: Essential Shellfish Cookbook @ Village Books in Fairhaven | Saturday (2/14) at 4:00 PM – Settle into Fairhaven for Cynthia Nims, the Northwest’s shellfish whisperer, sharing coastal stories, smart techniques, and recipes you’ll actually cook. She literally wrote the books on crabs and oysters, then pops upstairs to Next Chapter Cafe. Reserve your spot: www.eventbrite.com/e/1979329099619
🧀 Let’s Make Mozzarella and String Cheese! @ Cordata Park Pavilion | Saturday (2/14) at 6:00 PM – Put your inner nonna to work at Cordata Park Pavilion with a hands-on class where you’ll stretch mozzarella and twist string cheese, then snack on light appetizers and new friendships. All ages welcome, pre-registration required, and $45 per session. Low drama, high cheese pull.
🎷 Little Big Band @ Zeeks Pizza | Saturday (2/14) at 7:00 PM – Little Big Band is serving the hits from classic and southern rock, plus everything in between. You know the words, your knees know the limits. Grab a drink, sing along, and enjoy guitars that still have something to say.
🍕 Candlelit Acoustic Music & Heart Shaped Pizza @ Aslan Depot | Saturday (2/14) at 8:00 PM – If your idea of romance is carbs over carnations, Aslan Depot is doing Valentine’s right with a candlelit acoustic set from Fritillary and heart-shaped pies all day. Cozy corners, good tunes, and pizza you don’t have to share, unless you really must.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Bellingham report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 51°F – Low: 40°F – Precip: 16%
A slight chance of rain after 4pm. Partly sunny. High near 51, with temperatures falling to around 48 in the afternoon. South southeast wind 1 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. South southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
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Tomorrow – High: 48°F – Low: 36°F – Precip: 70%
Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 48. South southeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Rain likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
This house is wild
On Lake Whatcom in Old Geneva, this 2010 waterfront home sits on a private non-through lane and showcases craftsmanship. Reclaimed fir floors, cherry cabinetry, walnut built-ins, and custom fir windows frame views. A chef’s kitchen anchors the main level with a primary suite. Downstairs opens to a beach, patio, and new dock. Three-car garage with EV charging and potential ADU.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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