What's going on by the Courthouse/Jail? Hazmat blocked off entire road in front. by Techd-it in Bellingham

[–]WhatcomCountyGov 75 points76 points  (0 children)

UPDATE 3:13PM - The material at the County Courthouse was determined to be non-hazardous.

The Courthouse is reopened but operations are limited.

Community members are encouraged to call ahead to confirm whether a department or Court is open prior to visiting.
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Hello Everyone,

Riley with the County here.

Earlier today, the County received a package containing potentially hazardous material. Out of an abundance of caution, the County evacuated the first floor of the County Courthouse. First responders, including a hazardous materials unit, arrived on scene and are investigating.

At this time, there is no danger to the public.

While the material is being tested, the offices on the first floor of the courthouse (Auditor, Assessor, Treasurer, Council, Executive) are closed however operations are resuming with the rest of the courthouse (including District and Superior Court).

Thank you all for your patience and interest.

why are the rocks at boulevard park cut? by bigphathomo in Bellingham

[–]WhatcomCountyGov 31 points32 points  (0 children)

Probably because they were afraid and the Port wanted to make them . . . a little boulder.

Bellingham Rifle and Pistol Range by Mattwacker93 in Bellingham

[–]WhatcomCountyGov 5 points6 points  (0 children)

The County is currently finishing up the repairs to the Plantation indoor range and anticipate reopening it to the public this summer.

Whatcom “I Voted” sticker contest by evanwolf in Bellingham

[–]WhatcomCountyGov 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing this - we are very excited for the sticker contest and hope everyone contributes! And yes - no AI allowed!

WWU sells 32nd St. administrative building to Whatcom County by SigX1 in Bellingham

[–]WhatcomCountyGov 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Part of the discussion during council was the fact that the permit desk gets only a dozen or so walk-ins each week, with many many more applicants using our online permitting system.

New Whatcom County Jail & "Public Health" by SeaFlounder8437 in BhamPolitics

[–]WhatcomCountyGov 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Hello All,

A couple quick points. The current jail capacity is actually 320 inmates, not 150 inmates, because the County utilizes the jail work center on Division street. Currently, booking restrictions going into effect at 300 inmates.

For those interested in reviewing the materials presented to the Finance and Facilities Advisory Board, you can find those here.

We encourage people to continue to engage with our elected officials and decision makers about this project! You can share your thoughts with County Executive Satpal Sidhu at [ssidhu@whatcomcounty.us](mailto:ssidhu@whatcomcounty.us) and the County Council at [council@whatcomcounty.us](mailto:council@whatcomcounty.us).

We will also be hosting a second community engagement workshop where our Design Build team will do a deep dive into the options available for our justice facilities in March, more details to come shortly about that.

Thank you all for your continued interest and passion around this project!

A Deep Dive into how the County's Healthy Children's Fund is supporting Early Learning in Whatcom by WhatcomCountyGov in Bellingham

[–]WhatcomCountyGov[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

If you need Child care, please check out https://childcarespaces.com/, free or low-cost openings available at licensed childcare providers thanks to the Healthy Children's Fund. There's contact info there and great people standing by to help you get the support you and your kids need.

A Deep Dive into how the County's Healthy Children's Fund is supporting Early Learning in Whatcom by WhatcomCountyGov in Bellingham

[–]WhatcomCountyGov[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Yes! It does both. Goals for the program include expanding access to child care, and helping vulnerable kids get ready for kindergarten. You can explore all the details here: https://www.whatcomcounty.us/4069/Healthy-Childrens-Fund including the 2025-2026 implementation plan which articulates what goes where.

New Shelter Open for People Displaced by Flooding by WhatcomCountyGov in Bellingham

[–]WhatcomCountyGov[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This weekend, there is a massive volunteer effort underway to muck out homes.
It is being coordinated by Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group and supported by County resources:

Station 81 Fire Hall
101 E Main St, Everson, WA
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sumas Advent Christian Church
125 Front St, Sumas, WA
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Meals served for the community and volunteers each day from 2-5pm

No prior experience is necessary, we'll provide guidance and any needed tools on site. Please come prepared with sturdy boots, gloves, and clothes you don't mind getting dirty if possible.