The Bellingham Herald week in review

Barn fire at Whatcom County farm spares animals

A fire destroyed a workshop June 12 at Grace Harbor Farms in Whatcom County, with no injuries or animal harm reported. Owner David Lukens said the blaze will not affect creamery production, as most dairy operations occur off site and the creamery building was undamaged. Pet goats housed in the workshop had been moved to a pasture beforehand, and only one nearby delivery vehicle sustained minor damage. Lukens said a charging off-brand 60-volt battery was the suspected cause. North Whatcom Fire and Rescue Chief Jason Van der Veen said firefighters used water tender trucks to contain the fire and protect a 500-gallon diesel tank inside the workshop.

Reported by Jack Belcher, published June 16

WA nudity laws: When can neighbors call the police?

Washington has no outright ban on nudity, but indecent exposure laws still apply. According to the Seattle Police Department, while being naked is not illegal, exposing oneself in an “open and obscene” way that is likely to cause reasonable affront or alarm is against the law. The Law Office of Kevin Trombold notes that merely being naked in your backyard is not automatically illegal, but nudity easily visible to others can legally be treated as public exposure. Sunbathing nude on a deck visible to neighbors or skinny-dipping in a visible pool could lead to charges. Indecent exposure is typically a misdemeanor carrying up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, though penalties increase significantly when a child under 14 is involved, potentially reaching a year in jail and a $5,000 fine. Certain sex offenses can escalate charges to felonies.

Reported by Julia Hawkins, published June 13

FBI probes Border Patrol shooting near Blaine border

The FBI was leading a criminal investigation into an officer-involved shooting that occurred early June 16 in Blaine, Washington, near the intersection of Fourth and A streets. CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott confirmed that a U.S. Border Patrol agent discharged his service weapon during an encounter, injuring one person who was transported to a hospital. No agents were reported injured, and a firearm was recovered at the scene. North Whatcom Fire and Rescue dispatch records show ambulances were sent to the area around 5:30 a.m. for an assault call. The FBI described the incident as isolated, stating there is no danger to the public. The CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility was conducting a separate use of force review alongside the FBI’s criminal investigation. Blaine Police Deputy Chief Brent Greene said the police department was not involved and directed all inquiries to the FBI and Border Patrol.

Reported by Hannah Edelman, published June 16

Boundary on State opens its doors in downtown Bellingham

Downtown Bellingham welcomed a new chapter of a beloved local institution June 10 as Boundary on State held its grand opening at 954 N State St. The venue is a reimagined offshoot of the iconic Boundary Bay Brewery, which closed its Railroad Avenue location on Sept. 30 after owners Ed Bennett and Janet Lightner retired following 30 years in business. Manager Madison Pugmire, Lightner’s daughter, told The Herald that a distribution license requirement for beer brewed by Black Raven ultimately made a physical storefront necessary, leading the team to the new spot. The smaller venue retains bistro tables and a bar from the original location, along with a sailboat sail above the bar as a nod to the original decor. Fan-favorite drinks like the Cedar Dust IPA and Imperial Oatmeal Stout remain on the menu, alongside familiar food items and new paninis. Within the first 30 minutes of opening, the patio and booths were full.

Reported by Julia Hawkins, published June 11

North Bellingham trail connection gets council approval

Bellingham is moving forward with a long-awaited trail connection on the city’s north side, linking two neighborhoods and improving access to trails and shopping. The City Council unanimously approved a contract this month to build a trail through undeveloped space connecting the east end of Telegraph Road in the King Mountain neighborhood to the west end of Division Street in the Irongate neighborhood, using Jills Court to connect to Hammer Drive and Division Street. The $873,428 project will be funded through the Greenways levy for parks and trails. The trail will stretch approximately 1,500 feet and feature a crushed limestone surface along with several retaining walls. Parks and Recreation Director Nicole Oliver called it a significant improvement, noting it will create a north-south connection for King Mountain and Bakerview residents while bypassing a stretch of James Street that lacks shoulders entirely.

Reported by Robert Mittendorf, published June 15

Mayor Lund issues order to boost downtown business

Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund issued a four-point executive order aimed at revitalizing downtown commerce, declaring that “Bellingham is open for business.” The order includes creating a new Mayor’s Office position to serve as a concierge-style resource for businesses and investors, streamlining permitting, establishing a business roundtable, and requesting a seven-year tax exemption for new ventures in the downtown pedestrian core. The initiative also emphasizes partnerships with Whatcom County, the Port of Bellingham, and local colleges. This marks Lund’s third executive order since taking office in January 2024, following previous orders addressing housing and the fentanyl crisis.

Reported by Robert Mittendorf, published June 16

This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 3:42 PM with the headline "The Bellingham Herald week in review."