The Salish Current

The Salish Current

@salish-current.org

Independent — inquisitive — inclusive — factual — local — open to all: journalism for Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties in the Pacific Northwest. salish-current.org

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The Salish Current
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Tax fraud conviction shadows Skagit County treasurer candidate Garrison Garrison faces incumbent Brunson on Nov. 3 Timothy Garrison said if he's elected Skagit County treasurer he would not allow “improper or unlawful transactions under his watch” and would bring a “careful, professional approach…

salish-current.orgTax fraud conviction shadows Skagit County treasurer candidate GarrisonGarrison faces incumbent Brunson on Nov. 3 Timothy Garrison said if he's elected Skagit County treasurer he would not allow “improper or unlawful transactions under his watch” and would bring a “careful, professional approach to safeguarding public funds and strengthening public trust.” Timothy Garrison. (Courtesy photo) He comes prepared for the job, he said, with degrees in business administration and finance and some 50 years of experience as a tax accountant.
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Samish Crest fires raise concerns about prevention in urban-adjacent woods A resident’s discovery of a still-burning campfire highlights confusing rules amid rising risk Samish neighborhood resident Betsy Gross was on her near-daily walk through the Samish Crest Open Space in Whatcom County last…

salish-current.orgSamish Crest fires raise concerns about prevention in urban-adjacent woodsA resident’s discovery of a still-burning campfire highlights confusing rules amid rising risk Samish neighborhood resident Betsy Gross was on her near-daily walk through the Samish Crest Open Space in Whatcom County last month when she reached the overlook and found a campfire that had not been fully extinguished. Flames still flickered underneath some half-burned logs. A pair of plastic Adirondack chairs sat nearby. 
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Inside the obsessive, beautiful world of Bellingham’s fungi experts Wild Mushroom Show set for Sunday in Bellingham Buck McAdoo hunched over his microscope at the PNW Mushroom Lab and Herbarium, aka his shed in the backyard of his home in Bellingham. He was looking at the tiny spores bursting from…

salish-current.orgInside the obsessive, beautiful world of Bellingham’s fungi expertsWild Mushroom Show set for Sunday in Bellingham Buck McAdoo hunched over his microscope at the PNW Mushroom Lab and Herbarium, aka his shed in the backyard of his home in Bellingham. He was looking at the tiny spores bursting from the tubes of a mushroom he collected, apprehensive whether there would be enough specimens for the upcoming annual Wild Mushroom Show.
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Whatcom County’s Kidney Moonshot: A goal within reach Whatcom County nephrologist pushes for 'Apollo Mission' of eliminating the kidney transplant waiting list Ed.: The essays, analyses and opinions presented as Community Voices express the perspectives of their authors on topics of interest and…

salish-current.orgWhatcom County’s Kidney Moonshot: A goal within reachWhatcom County nephrologist pushes for 'Apollo Mission' of eliminating the kidney transplant waiting list Ed.: The essays, analyses and opinions presented as Community Voices express the perspectives of their authors on topics of interest and importance to the community and are not intended to reflect perspectives on behalf of Salish Current. As a nephrologist, I have watched patients organize their entire lives around dialysis.
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A protest in pictures: Whatcom County says ‘No Kings’ Northwest Washington joined all 50 states Saturday for the fourth installment of 'No Kings' — this time, to defend the vote Just over two weeks from the midterm election, the fourth round of "No Kings" rallies emerged in communities across the…

salish-current.orgA protest in pictures: Whatcom County says ‘No Kings’Northwest Washington joined all 50 states Saturday for the fourth installment of 'No Kings' — this time, to defend the vote Just over two weeks from the midterm election, the fourth round of "No Kings" rallies emerged in communities across the country. On Saturday, Northwest Washingtonians marched to vote early, encouraging others to vote and stand up to injustice. Here are a handful of faces and statements gathered across Whatcom County.
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Campus food pantries see increased demand as students struggle with basic needs   Rising rents and grocery prices are pushing more students to seek help  As costs continue to rise, students returning to school this fall have felt the burden. Grocery prices in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area were…

salish-current.orgCampus food pantries see increased demand as students struggle with basic needs  Rising rents and grocery prices are pushing more students to seek help  As costs continue to rise, students returning to school this fall have felt the burden. Grocery prices in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area were 5.3% higher in August than they were a year earlier, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  A 2025 statewide survey by the Washington Student Achievement Council and Western Washington University found that more than half of college students in Washington had experienced some form of basic needs insecurity.   
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Facing multimillion-dollar shortfalls, county candidates pitch efficiencies and alternatives Winners will take office with leaner budgets, fewer employees Elaina Thompson of the Islands Oil Spill Association saw what was coming and planned accordingly — and did so just in time. San Juan County…

salish-current.orgFacing multimillion-dollar shortfalls, county candidates pitch efficiencies and alternativesWinners will take office with leaner budgets, fewer employees Elaina Thompson of the Islands Oil Spill Association saw what was coming and planned accordingly — and did so just in time. San Juan County residents voted overwhelmingly in April to turn down a property tax increase that would have, in part, helped support discretionary services that are not required by law.
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San Juan County council candidate’s approach to the budget San Juan County council candidate Katherine Bryant Ingman offers steps for balancing the 2027 budget shortfall Ed.: The essays, analyses and opinions presented as Community Voices express the perspectives of their authors on topics of…

salish-current.orgSan Juan County council candidate’s approach to the budgetSan Juan County council candidate Katherine Bryant Ingman offers steps for balancing the 2027 budget shortfall Ed.: The essays, analyses and opinions presented as Community Voices express the perspectives of their authors on topics of interest and importance to the community and are not intended to reflect perspectives on behalf of Salish Current. San Juan County is set to spend more than it takes in for 2027.
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Bellingham innovators build ‘Telehamster’ network for vintage phones It’s a project aimed at limiting screen time and increasing focused communication In Bellingham, two founders are bringing back a retro technology most people stopped using years ago: the landline. Telehamster cofounder Simon…

salish-current.orgBellingham innovators build ‘Telehamster’ network for vintage phonesIt’s a project aimed at limiting screen time and increasing focused communication In Bellingham, two founders are bringing back a retro technology most people stopped using years ago: the landline. Telehamster cofounder Simon Graves demonstrates the use of his new landline service. (Courtesy Telehamster) Simon Graves and Casey Connor created Telehamster, a private network that lets members use analog telephones to call one another without screens.
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Southern resident killer whales out, Bigg’s in, according to new data  Recently compiled data from the Whale Museum in Friday Harbor shows a shift in the presence of two ecotypes of killer whales in the Puget Sound. Sitting on a bench at Marine Park along Bellingham Bay, local photographer Nate…

salish-current.orgSouthern resident killer whales out, Bigg’s in, according to new data Recently compiled data from the Whale Museum in Friday Harbor shows a shift in the presence of two ecotypes of killer whales in the Puget Sound. Sitting on a bench at Marine Park along Bellingham Bay, local photographer Nate Bolton photographed one of his most memorable encounters with an orca. Jack, one of the most famous Bigg's killer whales in the Salish Sea, dove underneath a boat and emerged on the other side.
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Katherine Bryant Ingman is a leader who has lived it To the Editor: I believe elected officials should understand what it means to walk in the shoes of the people they represent. That means knowing what it's like to work multiple jobs to pay the bills and to worry about affording health care and…

salish-current.orgKatherine Bryant Ingman is a leader who has lived itTo the Editor: I believe elected officials should understand what it means to walk in the shoes of the people they represent. That means knowing what it's like to work multiple jobs to pay the bills and to worry about affording health care and keeping a roof over their heads. For many people in this county, a steady paycheck, affordable healthcare and a secure home are not givens.
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Cascadia Works anthology: A lesson in literary citizenship, community New anthology features poetry and prose by more than 120 contributors who work the land and sea of the Cascadia bioregion I remember the first day co-editor Tele Aadsen and I met. I had just given a talk at a Sustainable…

salish-current.orgCascadia Works anthology: A lesson in literary citizenship, communityNew anthology features poetry and prose by more than 120 contributors who work the land and sea of the Cascadia bioregion I remember the first day co-editor Tele Aadsen and I met. I had just given a talk at a Sustainable Connections event in Bellingham. She came up to me with my memoir, “A Little Bit of Land,” in hand. I told her I had a copy of her recent memoir, “What Water Holds,” on my shelf at home.
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Washington needs this aging state ferry to keep running and running At 67, the Tillikum keeps plugging away in the San Juan Islands. The ferry system hopes it can serve until 2033 when new boats will clear the way for overdue retirement. Originally published by Washington State Standard on Oct. 5,…

salish-current.orgWashington needs this aging state ferry to keep running and runningAt 67, the Tillikum keeps plugging away in the San Juan Islands. The ferry system hopes it can serve until 2033 when new boats will clear the way for overdue retirement. Originally published by Washington State Standard on Oct. 5, 2026 When the Washington state ferry Tillikum entered service in 1959, Albert Rosellini was in his first term as governor and Dwight Eisenhower was in his second as president.
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Bellingham superhero scene rises overnight A cast of crimefighters in Bellingham inspire similar ‘superheroes’ across the state Just three weeks ago, a local “superhero” first put on the mask to patrol Western Washington University’s campus. Now, he has over 11,000 followers on Instagram, dozens…

salish-current.orgBellingham superhero scene rises overnightA cast of crimefighters in Bellingham inspire similar ‘superheroes’ across the state Just three weeks ago, a local “superhero” first put on the mask to patrol Western Washington University’s campus. Now, he has over 11,000 followers on Instagram, dozens of “spinoff” characters popping up locally and across the state, fan art, theme music and a parody news organization covering the rising scene.
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A letter to all islanders I am giving my enthusiastic support to our county council candidate Katherine Bryant Ingman.As a 35-year resident of the county and past planning commission chair, councilpersonand mayor for the Town of Friday Harbor, I see a rare opportunity in electing someone who…

salish-current.orgA letter to all islandersI am giving my enthusiastic support to our county council candidate Katherine Bryant Ingman.As a 35-year resident of the county and past planning commission chair, councilpersonand mayor for the Town of Friday Harbor, I see a rare opportunity in electing someone who hasshown dedication to issues faced by her community and has worked tirelessly to solve them.
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The secrets of Salish Sea’s sixgill sharks Northwest Fisheries Science Center biologist Kelly Andrews provides insights on the shark scientists call an 'enigma' Originally published by NOAA Fisheries on Sept. 28, 2026 Bluntnose sixgill sharks are something of an enigma, even to scientists who…

salish-current.orgThe secrets of Salish Sea’s sixgill sharksNorthwest Fisheries Science Center biologist Kelly Andrews provides insights on the shark scientists call an 'enigma' Originally published by NOAA Fisheries on Sept. 28, 2026 Bluntnose sixgill sharks are something of an enigma, even to scientists who study them. Using data collected over more than 20 years, scientists have learned that the Salish Sea, including Puget Sound, comprises one of the world’s few known pupping grounds for the species.
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Volunteers work to solve Washington’s kelp mystery Northwest Straits Commission Marine Resources Committee surveys show bull kelp forests 'extremely healthy' A drysuit, water shoes and a sun hat aren’t the usual garb of a detective, but they’re essential gear for the group of volunteer sleuths…

salish-current.orgVolunteers work to solve Washington’s kelp mysteryNorthwest Straits Commission Marine Resources Committee surveys show bull kelp forests 'extremely healthy' A drysuit, water shoes and a sun hat aren’t the usual garb of a detective, but they’re essential gear for the group of volunteer sleuths paddling out from Washington Park in Anacortes. The three kayakers are looking for clues — water depth, temperature, maybe a crab — to better understand what drives the health and recovery of bull kelp in the Salish Sea.
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How to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in NW Washington  Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated nationally from Sept. 15 - Oct. 15 Community leaders say there’s plenty to celebrate this Hispanic Heritage Month but urge people to support the community year around. The annual celebration of…

salish-current.orgHow to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in NW Washington Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated nationally from Sept. 15 - Oct. 15 Community leaders say there’s plenty to celebrate this Hispanic Heritage Month but urge people to support the community year around. The annual celebration of Hispanic and Latino culture, heritage and contributions runs Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. “It's also important in this political climate to give our culture and our people a positive spotlight, while so much of our administration is harmfully and wrongfully targeting our families,” said Walter Topete with…
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Laughs are year-round in Bellingham’s stand-up comedy scene Bellingham's Laughing Hamster comedy festival returns Oct 8-17 In my years of doing stand-up comedy in Bellingham, I’ve performed in some truly ridiculous places. Comedian and freelance journalist Matt Benoit performs at a recent open mic…

salish-current.orgLaughs are year-round in Bellingham’s stand-up comedy sceneBellingham's Laughing Hamster comedy festival returns Oct 8-17 In my years of doing stand-up comedy in Bellingham, I’ve performed in some truly ridiculous places. Comedian and freelance journalist Matt Benoit performs at a recent open mic at Beach Cat Brewing in Bellingham. He usually smiles. (Courtesy Jerry Barnett) These include: a now-closed barbershop on Meridian Street, where I told jokes without a microphone next to a bathroom entrance; an illegal cannabis dab bar next to the infamous Aloha Motel, where the microphone stand blocked access to the only ATM of an all-cash business; at Fairhaven’s Paws for a Beer, where dogs kept jumping onto the stage, making the focused performance of material impossible but cute distractions never-ending.
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Endorsement for Katherine Bryant Ingman, San Juan County Council District 3 To the Editor: This is to share how my husband and I know Katherine Bryant Ingman candidate for San Juan County Council District 3 and why she has our full support. We first met Katherine when we began to volunteer at the…

salish-current.orgEndorsement for Katherine Bryant Ingman, San Juan County Council District 3To the Editor: This is to share how my husband and I know Katherine Bryant Ingman candidate for San Juan County Council District 3 and why she has our full support. We first met Katherine when we began to volunteer at the Lopez Food Share in 2020 during the COVID pandemic. Lopez has a long history of food generosity but as the impact of the pandemic hit the island like a tidal wave, the need to help with food security and to help our farmers and food related businesses stay afloat made it clear that we needed structure and order to make effective, long-term use of our deep wellsprings of good will and good intentions.  
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Author writes first full history of long-lost Mount Baker Marathon "The Mountain Runners: America's First Adventure Race, 1911-1913" released in August by Washington State University Press The Mount Baker Marathon — the most dangerous, adventure-filled competition in Whatcom County history — has…

salish-current.orgAuthor writes first full history of long-lost Mount Baker Marathon"The Mountain Runners: America's First Adventure Race, 1911-1913" released in August by Washington State University Press The Mount Baker Marathon — the most dangerous, adventure-filled competition in Whatcom County history — has at last received a book-length account, complete with photographs and maps. “The Mountain Runners: America’s First Adventure Race, 1911-1913,” by Bellingham history author and filmmaker Todd Warger, has been published by Washington State University Press.
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Bellingham Herald newsroom staff cut by a third  Two Bellingham Herald Reporters among nationwide McClatchy layoffs  Bellingham Herald said goodbye to housing and homelessness reporter and editor Rachel Showalter this week, and Jack Belcher — who covered transportation, environment and breaking…

salish-current.orgBellingham Herald newsroom staff cut by a third Two Bellingham Herald Reporters among nationwide McClatchy layoffs  Bellingham Herald said goodbye to housing and homelessness reporter and editor Rachel Showalter this week, and Jack Belcher — who covered transportation, environment and breaking news — will work his last day on Oct. 11. Bellingham Herald reporter Jack Belcher holds a sign on Holly Street and Lakeway Drive during a one-day strike in May.
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Whatcom Studio Tour: 5 artists share their craft and calling Whatcom Studio Tour returns Oct. 3-4 and 10-11 across the county  Bellingham artist Christopher Moench had scheduled an open house at his studio in 1994, but it occurred to him that he could include more artists and more studios for the…

salish-current.orgWhatcom Studio Tour: 5 artists share their craft and callingWhatcom Studio Tour returns Oct. 3-4 and 10-11 across the county  Bellingham artist Christopher Moench had scheduled an open house at his studio in 1994, but it occurred to him that he could include more artists and more studios for the event. Thus, the Whatcom Artist Studio Tour was born. It was originally open to any local artist, but now artists are selected by a juried system, featuring professional or full-time artists.
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Northwest rail fans eager for Sept. 30 debut of Amtrak’s Airo fleet Get ready for that new train smell and more seats. But they won’t go faster or run more frequently on the Cascades route in Washington and Oregon. Originally published by Washington State Standard on Sept. 18, 2026 A date that…

salish-current.orgNorthwest rail fans eager for Sept. 30 debut of Amtrak’s Airo fleetGet ready for that new train smell and more seats. But they won’t go faster or run more frequently on the Cascades route in Washington and Oregon. Originally published by Washington State Standard on Sept. 18, 2026 A date that Pacific Northwest train riders and advocates have long awaited is finally nigh. Amtrak’s sleek, amenity-packed new trains will debut on the Cascades intercity route on Sept.
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Environment takes back seat in San Juan priorities, say former county employees Elimination of Stewardship director position, other moves seen by some as concerning pattern As the San Juan County council continues to discuss the 2027 budget, the elimination of the Environmental Stewardship…

salish-current.orgEnvironment takes back seat in San Juan priorities, say former county employeesElimination of Stewardship director position, other moves seen by some as concerning pattern As the San Juan County council continues to discuss the 2027 budget, the elimination of the Environmental Stewardship Department director remains the hot-button issue. Former county employees consider the direction reminiscent of others in recent years which appeared to de-prioritize environmental stewardship. This summer, an arbitration decision sided with a former environmental planner over claims that the county violated a bargaining agreement by laying her off.
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Excellent discussion with women jurists at Whatcom Community College There was an excellent and well-attended panel discussion featuring local Superior Court Judge Lee Grochmal, Chief Washington State Appellate Court Justice Cecily Hazelrigg and Chief Washington State Supreme Court Justice Sheryl…

salish-current.orgExcellent discussion with women jurists at Whatcom Community CollegeThere was an excellent and well-attended panel discussion featuring local Superior Court Judge Lee Grochmal, Chief Washington State Appellate Court Justice Cecily Hazelrigg and Chief Washington State Supreme Court Justice Sheryl Gordon McCloud at Syre Hall at Whatcom Community College on Saturday morning, talking about the pressures, the day-to-day responsibilities and the separate roles branch of the judiciary plays in our system of justice.
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The artists, history and heart behind the Bellingham Circus Guild Bellingham Circus Guild approaches 20th anniversary According to Bellingham Circus Guild performer Jules McEvoy, Bellingham may have the most circus performers per capita of any city in the United States. McEvoy, a lifelong…

salish-current.orgThe artists, history and heart behind the Bellingham Circus GuildBellingham Circus Guild approaches 20th anniversary According to Bellingham Circus Guild performer Jules McEvoy, Bellingham may have the most circus performers per capita of any city in the United States. McEvoy, a lifelong performer, entered the realm of the Bellingham Circus Guild in the days before it had a name and a rich history. Jules "the juggler" McEvoy juggles at the Bellingham Circus Guild's Vaudevillingham show.
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Removal underway for sinking boat in Lake Whatcom  Residents feared pollutants in Bellingham’s water source Over half of a sunken 98-year-old wooden boat on Lake Whatcom has been removed after spending nearly four months below water. Residents who frequent the north side of the lake may have…

salish-current.orgRemoval underway for sinking boat in Lake Whatcom Residents feared pollutants in Bellingham’s water source Over half of a sunken 98-year-old wooden boat on Lake Whatcom has been removed after spending nearly four months below water. Residents who frequent the north side of the lake may have noticed a damaged 46-foot boat sitting below the waterline this summer. The vessel, Seaforth, sank off of Lake Whatcom Boulevard on May 29 after a mild windstorm exposed existing structural damage from a boat accident four years ago, Chris Spens, the owner of Seaforth said.
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Governor’s response to WDFW investigation sows more discord Hunters’ demands for spring bear kills led to dubious reprimand, tarnished reputations, say commissioners Ed.: This article was originally published in Columbia Insight on Sept. 14, 2026. Disappointing. That’s the general sentiment…

salish-current.orgGovernor’s response to WDFW investigation sows more discordHunters’ demands for spring bear kills led to dubious reprimand, tarnished reputations, say commissioners Ed.: This article was originally published in Columbia Insight on Sept. 14, 2026. Disappointing. That’s the general sentiment surrounding the Aug. 31 letters from Gov. Bob Ferguson’s office to Washington Fish and Wildlife Commissioners Lorna Smith and Melanie Rowland, following a months-long independent investigation into their conduct.
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Bellingham’s Salish Landing Park moves closer to completion The city’s newest park will add trails, beach access and public space Bellingham is in the first phase of Salish Landing Park following a decade of planning: an overhaul of the space previously known as Cornwall Beach Park on Pine Street.…

salish-current.orgBellingham’s Salish Landing Park moves closer to completionThe city’s newest park will add trails, beach access and public space Bellingham is in the first phase of Salish Landing Park following a decade of planning: an overhaul of the space previously known as Cornwall Beach Park on Pine Street. City officials say this portion of a much larger site project will reconnect residents with a section of shoreline that was long inaccessible, while providing public access that has undergone extensive environmental cleanup.
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New poetry collection speaks to ‘Women, Madness, Whiteness’ 'Women, Madness, Whiteness' poetry collection released Sept. 8 by Village Books and Paper Dreams I have been writing "Women, Madness, Whiteness" since I was an overwhelmed and confused teenager trying to figure out the wild ride of my…

salish-current.orgNew poetry collection speaks to ‘Women, Madness, Whiteness’'Women, Madness, Whiteness' poetry collection released Sept. 8 by Village Books and Paper Dreams I have been writing "Women, Madness, Whiteness" since I was an overwhelmed and confused teenager trying to figure out the wild ride of my mother’s madness. When I was a little girl, my mother was institutionalized and diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. While I understood that her behaviors were odd and at times scary and unsettling, I also understood that what was happening was connected in some ways to abuse and trauma.
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Get to know a Ferndale art haven and 2 artists it celebrates Bellingham artists Maggie Bates and Erin Libby recently featured at Ferndale's It's About Time Cultural Arts Center At the It’s About Time Cultural Arts Center in Ferndale, handmade jewelry and artisanal crafts line the brimming…

salish-current.orgGet to know a Ferndale art haven and 2 artists it celebratesBellingham artists Maggie Bates and Erin Libby recently featured at Ferndale's It's About Time Cultural Arts Center At the It’s About Time Cultural Arts Center in Ferndale, handmade jewelry and artisanal crafts line the brimming storefront gallery entrance. The for-sale works of local artists cover the walls — digital prints, watercolor and oil paintings and glass statues invite visitors deeper inside.
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Guided by faith: Finnish founder keeps Lynden’s musical heart beating Lynden Music Festival returns Oct. 7-11 When Terhi Miikki-Broersma founded the Lynden Music Festival in 2009 as a self-described “newbie,” it was simply because there was no music festival in town. This year’s Lynden Music…

salish-current.orgGuided by faith: Finnish founder keeps Lynden’s musical heart beatingLynden Music Festival returns Oct. 7-11 When Terhi Miikki-Broersma founded the Lynden Music Festival in 2009 as a self-described “newbie,” it was simply because there was no music festival in town. This year’s Lynden Music Festival runs Oct. 7-11 in the cafes, restaurants, pubs and other venues in downtown Lynden. Atlantics frontman plays blues and funk at the Lynden Music Festival.
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Skagit News Workers settle for deal AI usage, pay raises included in new contract Skagit County journalists voted unanimously on Sept. 4 to ratify a new two-year contract, with stipulations for increased pay and AI usage. The unionized employees from the Skagit Valley Herald, Anacortes American…

salish-current.orgSkagit News Workers settle for dealAI usage, pay raises included in new contract Skagit County journalists voted unanimously on Sept. 4 to ratify a new two-year contract, with stipulations for increased pay and AI usage. The unionized employees from the Skagit Valley Herald, Anacortes American and Stanwood Camano News went on a three-day strike at the end of July. They were prepared to strike again, indefinitely this time, if the new contract did not meet their demands.
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Understanding and respect to pave the path forward After burial disturbances at Point Roberts, community member points to collaboration and discussion to tackle region’s biggest issues Ed.: The essays, analyses and opinions presented as Community Voices express the perspectives of their authors on…

salish-current.orgUnderstanding and respect to pave the path forwardAfter burial disturbances at Point Roberts, community member points to collaboration and discussion to tackle region’s biggest issues Ed.: The essays, analyses and opinions presented as Community Voices express the perspectives of their authors on topics of interest and importance to the community and are not intended to reflect perspectives on behalf of Salish Current. What a shock to read about the…
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Despite audit, Fish and Wildlife not budging on spring bear hunt Petition filed to reinstate spring bear hunt after commission audit  The fall black bear hunting season is well underway in Skagit and Whatcom counties, and a hunter filed two petitions recently with the Washington Department of Fish…

salish-current.orgDespite audit, Fish and Wildlife not budging on spring bear huntPetition filed to reinstate spring bear hunt after commission audit  The fall black bear hunting season is well underway in Skagit and Whatcom counties, and a hunter filed two petitions recently with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to bring back the spring bear hunt, a controversial season that ended in 2022 and resulted in a Fish and Wildlife commission audit…
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Environmental Stewardship among extensive San Juan County cuts  San Juan County council prepares for 2027 budget approval  At a meeting last week, Councilmember Kari McVeigh said San Juan County is tasked with “making gold out of corn.” In the wake of a failed property tax measure in April and…

salish-current.orgEnvironmental Stewardship among extensive San Juan County cuts San Juan County council prepares for 2027 budget approval  At a meeting last week, Councilmember Kari McVeigh said San Juan County is tasked with “making gold out of corn.” In the wake of a failed property tax measure in April and projections of a $3.7 million budget deficit — 12% of the county’s operating revenue — for 2027, the county council spent this summer going department-by-department looking for cuts.
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The battle of Sudden Valley’s invasive waterlilies Sudden Valley plans herbicide treatment for invasive waterlilies at Lake Louise They are back and spreading! The invasive fragrant waterlilies at Lake Louise in Sudden Valley cover much of the shoreline this time of the year. A bird sanctuary on…

salish-current.orgThe battle of Sudden Valley’s invasive waterliliesSudden Valley plans herbicide treatment for invasive waterlilies at Lake Louise They are back and spreading! The invasive fragrant waterlilies at Lake Louise in Sudden Valley cover much of the shoreline this time of the year. A bird sanctuary on the southeast end of the lake is so dense with lily pads that waterfowl commonly seen there in the cooler months are now absent.
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Drier summers push Bellingham to rethink Padden Creek water use  City of Bellingham works to bolster Padden Creek habitat Drier, hotter summers are prompting new ideas for how to balance recreation and wildlife in the Padden Creek watershed. The City of Bellingham is working on a water budget that…

salish-current.orgDrier summers push Bellingham to rethink Padden Creek water use City of Bellingham works to bolster Padden Creek habitat Drier, hotter summers are prompting new ideas for how to balance recreation and wildlife in the Padden Creek watershed. The City of Bellingham is working on a water budget that investigates the feasibility and impacts of using more water from Lake Padden to boost streamflows in the creek, Jason Porter, public works surface water manager, wrote in an email.
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Bellingham residents cut Flock cameras, part of a growing trend Citizens have taken a ‘vigilante justice’ approach to what many call a growing surveillance threat as automatic license plate cameras continue to appear across Washington Shoppers at Home Depot in Bellingham have recently been greeted…

salish-current.orgBellingham residents cut Flock cameras, part of a growing trendCitizens have taken a ‘vigilante justice’ approach to what many call a growing surveillance threat as automatic license plate cameras continue to appear across Washington Shoppers at Home Depot in Bellingham have recently been greeted with an unexpected sight: Two of four automatic license plate recognition cameras installed on the business’s property were cut down, rendering them inoperable. Earlier this summer, two Flock cameras at the Home Depot in Bellingham were cut down by an anonymous resident.
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On International Day of the Dissapeared To the Editor: International Day of the Disappeared is observed on August 30 each year to bring awareness and advocate for rights of those who've been subjected to enforced disappearance.  Amnesty International marks this day by bringing attention to a…

salish-current.orgOn International Day of the DissapearedTo the Editor: International Day of the Disappeared is observed on August 30 each year to bring awareness and advocate for rights of those who've been subjected to enforced disappearance.  Amnesty International marks this day by bringing attention to a number of cases, including that of 2 Palestinian journalists, Dr. Abu Safiya, a Tibetan religious leader and educator, and several activists from Pakistan and China.  
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Dolly Parton’s country legacy sings on in Northwest Washington From classic country standards to old-school revivals, musicians across the North Sound region carry Parton’s sound to a new generation of listeners  Ed.: The essays, analyses and opinions presented as Community Voices express the…

salish-current.orgDolly Parton’s country legacy sings on in Northwest WashingtonFrom classic country standards to old-school revivals, musicians across the North Sound region carry Parton’s sound to a new generation of listeners  Ed.: The essays, analyses and opinions presented as Community Voices express the perspectives of their authors on topics of interest and importance to the community and are not intended to reflect perspectives on behalf of Salish Current. Dolly Parton died Aug.
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New shark research launches decade-long data crusade Increasing sixgill and sevengill sightings provide new research opportunities in the Salish Sea Researchers with the Seattle Aquarium, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon State University Big Fish Lab and Point Defiance Zoo &…

salish-current.orgNew shark research launches decade-long data crusadeIncreasing sixgill and sevengill sightings provide new research opportunities in the Salish Sea Researchers with the Seattle Aquarium, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon State University Big Fish Lab and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium have tagged eight bluntnose sixgill sharks this summer with a budget for 12-15 total through September.  Growing up to 14 feet if not bigger, sixgill sharks are some of the…
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We must save our school libraries at all costs School libraries must be prioritized among budget cuts Ed.: The essays, analyses and opinions presented as Community Voices express the perspectives of their authors on topics of interest and importance to the community and are not intended to reflect…

salish-current.orgWe must save our school libraries at all costsSchool libraries must be prioritized among budget cuts Ed.: The essays, analyses and opinions presented as Community Voices express the perspectives of their authors on topics of interest and importance to the community and are not intended to reflect perspectives on behalf of Salish Current. For our family, elementary school started online in the fall of 2020. If you lived in the Pacific Northwest at the time, it also happened to be a September covered in orange smoke from nearby forest fires.
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New technology tracks bumblebees across the Nooksack and Bellingham Researchers use miniature tags to study bee behavior Trail walkers may have noticed new devices lining the Nooksack trails in Bellingham. The devices, which stand on poles and feature solar panels connected to gray power-boxes,…

salish-current.orgNew technology tracks bumblebees across the Nooksack and BellinghamResearchers use miniature tags to study bee behavior Trail walkers may have noticed new devices lining the Nooksack trails in Bellingham. The devices, which stand on poles and feature solar panels connected to gray power-boxes, are radio nodes that make up a grid system of receivers that obtain data from bumblebees tagged with newly innovated radio tracking technology. A radio node receiver picks up signals from bees along the Nooksack River in Bellingham.
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Creating treasure on Lummi Island How a local artist creates treasure from scraps "Giraffe Ornate" by Cathie Cousineau Born in the 1950s, a middle child in a middle‐class family, I was taught to “make do with what you have.” Everyday items themselves were made to last in those days, plus the art…

salish-current.orgCreating treasure on Lummi IslandHow a local artist creates treasure from scraps "Giraffe Ornate" by Cathie Cousineau Born in the 1950s, a middle child in a middle‐class family, I was taught to “make do with what you have.” Everyday items themselves were made to last in those days, plus the art of repair was a necessary skillset when only a few coins were given for a weekly allowance.
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Bellingham woman whips up confidence Brittani VanDyken uses the skill of whip handling to challenge herself and lead team-building workshops During warm summer evenings in front of Bellingham’s El Sueñito Brewing Company, it’s common to hear the crispness of a sonic boom. The source of the noise…

salish-current.orgBellingham woman whips up confidenceBrittani VanDyken uses the skill of whip handling to challenge herself and lead team-building workshops During warm summer evenings in front of Bellingham’s El Sueñito Brewing Company, it’s common to hear the crispness of a sonic boom. The source of the noise isn’t from a gunshot or jet breaking the sound barrier, however: It’s from the crack of a 10-foot whip held by Brittani VanDyken.
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Ditching the Blue Line: Whatcom Transit launches simpler routes for WWU commuters WTA service changes have started ahead of September fare increase  This summer, Whatcom Transportation Authority implemented its 2026 service changes, aiming to simplify routes, improve reliability and better match…

salish-current.orgDitching the Blue Line: Whatcom Transit launches simpler routes for WWU commutersWTA service changes have started ahead of September fare increase  This summer, Whatcom Transportation Authority implemented its 2026 service changes, aiming to simplify routes, improve reliability and better match service to actual demand.  The most significant changes center on routes serving Western Washington University. Previously, the Blue Line consisted of six overlapping routes that funneled through campus, often creating confusion and inefficiency.
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Beyond the salmon crisis: Northwest may face broad loss of freshwater species Using eDNA to map and save lower-profile species crucial to the ecosystem, researchers say According to a recent Convention of Migratory Species Report, migratory freshwater fish populations have dropped 81% worldwide…

salish-current.orgBeyond the salmon crisis: Northwest may face broad loss of freshwater speciesUsing eDNA to map and save lower-profile species crucial to the ecosystem, researchers say According to a recent Convention of Migratory Species Report, migratory freshwater fish populations have dropped 81% worldwide since 1970. While Northwest Washington species face many of the same pressures as other species across the planet, the story here is a bit more nuanced, and researchers point to a unique interagency collaboration in the state as a pathway forward.
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Salish Tribute bike trail weaves through Indigenous art   Free trail app offers new opportunities in Bellingham Summer in Bellingham means sunlit trails and a steady stream of cyclists cruising through town. For local riders looking to ground their usual weekend ride in something deeper, a new…

salish-current.orgSalish Tribute bike trail weaves through Indigenous art  Free trail app offers new opportunities in Bellingham Summer in Bellingham means sunlit trails and a steady stream of cyclists cruising through town. For local riders looking to ground their usual weekend ride in something deeper, a new self-guided route offers a journey through the city's Indigenous heritage: the Salish Tribute bicycle ride. The route is the latest creation from Sarah Birch, founder of…