Government

Voters will decide on a state constitutional amendment, local initiatives, numerous council races on the city and county levels, school district directors and a Port of Bellingham seat.

The planning commission is scheduled to make a decision on the proposed changes on Nov. 18. 

The DOH is advising program users that some WIC officers may temporarily close as a result of the shutdown.

Conservative political action committee Let’s Go Washington says its group has been the target of harassment, vandalism and theft while gathering signatures for its two new initiatives.

County Health and Community Services adds that they’re still hiring on-call shelter attendants, including lead positions.

If approved by the council, Lynden’s expected fiscal impact would be up to $400,000 in a year and the tax would go into effect in January.

Port staff will present the strategy to a community advisory committee in Point Roberts on Oct. 16 before getting feedback from residents.

As part of the agreement, the farm will install telemetric water meters that will allow Ecology to monitor the site and make sure RAN doesn’t have any more violations.

The Capitol building is back open to the public, but certain spaces are closed off as the damage starts to get repaired. 

Starting on Jan. 1, 2026, it will add a dime to a $100 purchase.