The Bellingham Herald week in review
Invasive newts with deadly pathogen seized in Whatcom
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Police seized 16 invasive newts from an Everson man recently, referring the case to the Whatcom County Prosecutor’s Office. The newts, identified as Anatolia newts native to Turkey and marbled newts native to Western Europe, were carrying a contagious and potentially deadly pathogen not previously detected in the United States, authorities say. No arrests have been made, and the suspect has not been named. The case originated after federal authorities were tipped that a Boston amphibian dealer had been illegally purchasing amphibians carrying an unknown pathogen and shipping them nationwide. WDFW officials warn the newts pose a serious threat to native amphibian populations, with Justin Bush of the Aquatic Invasive Species Division stating the coordinated response prevented what could have been a severe ecological disaster for Washington state.
Reported by Robert Mittendorf, published May 4
English ivy now banned from sale in WA
English ivy, a common garden plant long marketed as a low-maintenance groundcover, is now illegal to buy, sell, transport, or distribute in Washington state. In August 2025, the Washington State Department of Agriculture added the plant to its quarantine list to prevent invasive species from entering the state. Classified as a Class C noxious weed since 2002, English ivy can outcompete native plants, kill trees by shading them out, and add dangerous weight to tree canopies during storms. Its sap can irritate skin, and consuming large amounts of its leaves or berries can be toxic to people and cattle. Residents who find ivy on their property are encouraged to remove it by hand-pulling, cutting vines on trees, or using a blowtorch repeatedly. Protective gloves and clothing are recommended during removal.
Reported by Julia Hawkins, published May 5
Whatcom County funds final phase of affordable homes
The Whatcom County Council voted unanimously to approve $436,902.48 to support the final phase of Telegraph Townhomes, a 24-home permanently affordable development in Bellingham’s King Mountain neighborhood. Built by Kulshan Community Land Trust in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, the project’s first 16 homes are fully occupied, with the last eight on track for completion this fall. The funding draws from the Economic Development Investment Program and the Housing Affordable for the Work Force program. KulshanCLT uses 99-year ground leases and equity caps to preserve long-term affordability. The development serves households earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income, which was approximately $81,784 from 2020 to 2024. Whatcom County is estimated to need nearly 35,000 new housing units by 2044, with over 60% required to be affordable.
Reported by Rachel Showalter, published May 1
Woman rescued after 3 days trapped on Chuckanut Drive
A 59-year-old woman was rescued after spending three days trapped in her car following a crash on Chuckanut Drive near Chuckanut Ridge Drive in Skagit County. Authorities say she drove off the road on Wednesday, April 22, but did not call 911 until Saturday morning. The woman told dispatchers she was unable to get her phone to work until then. Her injuries from the crash were not significant, but she was taken to Skagit Valley Hospital for health issues related to being stranded for three days. The vehicle had fallen approximately 50 to 75 feet down the embankment and was not visible from the road, requiring rescuers to track her cell phone via GPS. Chuckanut Drive was closed from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. April 25 while crews performed a technical rope rescue. Washington State Patrol cited distracted driving as the cause of the crash.
Reported by Jack Belcher, published April 30
Downtown Bellingham vacancy rate prompts city action
Bellingham city officials are exploring solutions to a growing downtown vacancy problem, with about 10% of first-floor properties in the city center currently empty — at the high end of what is considered a healthy rate. The rate climbs to 14% in the downtown pedestrian core, according to a report presented to the City Council as part of Mayor Kim Lund’s Downtown Forward initiative. Possible remedies include tax incentives for investment and penalties for intentionally idle retail space, though fines would require state legislative action. Commercial broker Ryan A. Martin cautioned that the strategies are largely discussion-based and that the core issue is structural — too few residents and daytime workers to sustain retail. Community and economic development manager Tara Sundin noted that empty storefronts reduce pedestrian engagement and can make areas feel less safe. Mayor Lund said the city will pursue a range of actions, including advocating for a state-level vacancy tax.
Reported by Robert Mittendorf, published May 4
Fire authority to halt remote area emergency response
South Whatcom Fire Authority (SWFA) announced it will stop responding to 911 calls in several remote areas outside its service boundaries starting July 1, citing cost concerns and legal issues. Fire Chief Mitch Nolze said the five-member Board of Fire Commissioners voted to end services in areas including Lake Whatcom, Lookout Mountain, Chuckanut Mountain, and parts of Galbraith Mountain after failed negotiations with Whatcom County. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office said Search and Rescue volunteers will continue operating but warned of longer response times. County Council member Jon Scanlon called for a backup emergency plan, noting the areas are heavily used for recreation. SWFA serves 13,700 residents across 21 square miles but had been covering an additional 30-plus square miles outside its boundaries.
Reported by Robert Mittendorf, published May 2
This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 2:31 PM with the headline "The Bellingham Herald week in review."