The Bellingham Herald week in review
Bellingham’s iconic I-5 boulder destroyed by WSDOT
Bellingham’s beloved Interstate 5 boulder, a community landmark for nearly 60 years, has been broken into “100 pieces” by the Washington State Department of Transportation. Keith Cook, who manages the Bellingham Rock Facebook page, visited the site May 6 and reported the rock had been smashed beyond any meaningful preservation. WSDOT confirmed the rock will not be relocated, stating it plans to distribute a limited number of pieces to interested members of the public. The 100-ton boulder was removed as part of a $160 million project to widen three salmon-bearing streams under the freeway across a 6-mile stretch in Whatcom and Skagit counties. Blasted from Chuckanut sandstone when I-5 was built in 1966, the rock served as a community message board featuring tributes, memorials, and personal milestones. WSDOT also denied media requests to document the rock’s destruction.
Reported by Robert Mittendorf, published May 7
Neighbors push back on Lake Padden infill project
A proposed 29-unit subdivision on a 4.5-acre property near Lake Padden Park in Bellingham’s Samish neighborhood has drawn concern from nearby residents. The site, currently home to a single farmhouse and open greenery, would feature a mix of townhomes and detached homes on lots ranging from roughly 3,500 to 5,000 square feet. Dozens of neighbors signed a letter to city and county leaders citing concerns about neighborhood character, environmental preservation, and safety. The project aligns with state and city middle housing goals, supported by a 2023 state law and a May 2025 Bellingham interim ordinance. Planning Director Blake Lyon said the city is working with the applicant on design considerations. Developer AVT Consulting says neighbor feedback has already shaped revisions. The project is in the pre-application stage, with permits expected soon and homes potentially reaching market by spring or summer 2028.
Reported by Rachel Showalter, published May 12
Whatcom County braces for multi-million budget crisis
Whatcom County officials are preparing to announce immediate austerity measures as the county faces projected General Fund deficits of $8.3 million in 2027 and $14.3 million in 2028. Deputy Executive Kayla Schott-Bressler delivered the sobering forecast Tuesday to the County Council’s Finance and Administrative Services Committee, warning that cuts of 7% to 10% are needed to avoid the shortfalls. Finance Director Randy Rydel cited rising inflation and declining sales tax revenues as key drivers of the crisis. Last week, the county executive warned employees that layoffs or schedule adjustments may be necessary. The county currently employs 1,154 people and had a a budget of nearly $700 million for 2025-2026. The executive’s office is expected to present its formal two-year budget proposal in the fall.
Reported by Robert Mittendorf, published May 12
Kent’s Garden Nursery marks 50 years in Bellingham
Kent’s Garden & Nursery in Bellingham is celebrating its 50th anniversary on Mother’s Day, honoring its history and the community it has served since 1976. Founded by Kent Gerard at 5428 Northwest Drive, the nursery is now in its third ownership, led by Isaac and Laurie Burrous. The nursery expanded significantly when Ginny Crump and Nancy Henshaw took over in 1999, adding annuals, perennials, fruit trees, vegetables, and outdoor pottery. Isaac Burrous describes it as a five-acre plant paradise boasting Whatcom County’s largest Pacific Northwest plant selection. With a peak-season staff of 22, the nursery also offers plant design and installation services introduced in 2022. Anniversary festivities included refreshments, prize drawings, and a fundraiser benefiting the Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group, which supports flood victims from Everson, Nooksack, and Sumas.
Reported by Alyse Smith, published May 9
Bellingham plans new park with future housing option
Bellingham officials are planning a 29-acre mostly wooded park east of Bellis Fair mall, located on East Bakerview Road between Deemer Road and James Street in the King Mountain neighborhood. The site includes about 9 acres of cleared hayfields, a creek, and 20 acres of forest and wetlands. First trails could open this year, with more recreational opportunities planned as funding becomes available. The city purchased the property in 2020 for $2.3 million using Greenways Levy funds, supplemented by a $376,508 grant from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office. A 3.5-acre parcel at the northwest corner is reserved for potential affordable housing development. Residents can suggest a name on the Engage Bellingham website until May 28. Current suggestions include Wildgrove Park, Komo Grove Park, Skygrove Park, and Wildwood Park. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will then recommend a name to City Council, with construction set to begin in 2027.
Reported by Robert Mittendorf, published May 11
Bellingham Circus Guild opens its doors to all performers
The Bellingham Circus Guild, founded in 2007 and based in a bright blue building on Sixth Street in Fairhaven, has grown into a community hub for circus arts. The nonprofit hosts workshops for all skill levels and holds a monthly fundraiser called Vaudevillingham, where performers of any experience level can take the stage. Acts must stay under five minutes with no repeats, keeping every show fresh. In April, Sehome High School’s juggling club made their debut, while first-time performer Jae Lewis delivered a grief-and-gratitude monologue alongside their stuffed chicken, Glinhenda. Proceeds from the sliding-scale event help cover the Guild’s rent and staffing costs, which grew after the organization began hiring employees just a couple of years ago following 15 years as an all-volunteer operation.
Reported by Julia Hawkins, published May 9
This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 2:55 PM with the headline "The Bellingham Herald week in review."