What’s happening in Whatcom County for Oct. 20
Rowdy Buckaroo dies
Rowdy, whose real name was Carl Pirscher, was famous in downtown Bellingham for many years for plugging dimes in shoppers’ expired parking meters to save them a ticket. He left behind a small flier saying , “You’ve been rescued by Rowdy Buckaroo.” While the meter effort was financed by then-Horseshoe Cafe owner Travis Holland who argued with city officials over the meters, Rowdy was the colorful character most people knew, with his trademark cowboy hat and brightly painted truck. Pirscher died Oct. 10 at Whatcom Hospice House.
Whatcom unemployment rate drops
Whatcom County’s unemployment rate was 5.4 percent last month, dropping to the lowest level since November 2008, according to data from the state’s Employment Security Department.
The county’s unemployment rate is down significantly from a year ago, when it was at 6.3 percent. In the past year this area has gained 1,385 workers.
Skagit County’s unemployment rate was 6 percent last month. The lowest rate was in San Juan County at 3.8 percent, while King County came in at 3.9 percent. The highest rate was in Ferry County, at 9.1 percent.
A disturbance in The Force
The crush of fans trying to get tickets to “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” when they went on sale Monday night crashed Fandango, according to news reports. You can benefit, though. As of Tuesday morning, tickets were available at the Barkley Regal theater not only for opening day, but sneak peeks on Thursday, Dec. 17.
Run wild for a good cause
Register now to Run Wild for Wild Whatcom, a nonprofit that provides outdoor education for youngsters and families, on Sunday, Oct. 25, at Whatcom Falls Park in Bellingham. The event is described as part race, part scavenger hunt and part Halloween celebration. Go to runwildbellingham.com and wildwhatcom.org.
Veterans benefit event in Ferndale
The Whatcom County Veteran Navigator Program will hold an event Saturday, Oct. 24, in Ferndale to help veterans and families understand the VA benefits they are entitled to get.
The event will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ferndale Library, 2125 Main St. in Ferndale. For more information, email veterannavigator@gmail.com or call 360-393-5514.
Help plan Sehome High
Have hopes and dreams for the new Sehome High? There are several ways to tell us, click on the link to learn more: https://t.co/2zm9ZqjiNd
— Bellingham Schools (@BhamSD) October 20, 2015
This story was originally published October 20, 2015 at 11:09 AM with the headline "What’s happening in Whatcom County for Oct. 20."