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Clallam County, WA, Highlights Site Area 34 at Salt Creek Recreation Area for Utility Campsite Reservations

Clallam County, WA, Highlights Site Area 34 at Salt Creek Recreation Area for Utility Campsite Reservations

Clallam County, WA, Highlights Site Area 34 at Salt Creek Recreation Area for Utility Campsite Reservations

Bellingham Transformed Halloween into a Patriotic Community Event During World War Two

Bellingham Transformed Halloween into a Patriotic Community Event During World War Two

During World War Two, Bellingham, Washington, experienced a significant shift in how Halloween was celebrated. Traditionally a night for pranks and vandalism, the holiday evolved into a community-focused, patriotic event. This transformation was influenced by wartime restrictions and a concerted effort to channel youthful energy constructively. Rationing impacted traditional treats like donuts and candy, and a curfew was imposed in 1942 for the 'dimout,' requiring lights to be off to protect against potential air raids, which also limited typical Halloween mischief. Authorities deemed vandalism unpatriotic, arguing that damaged property and repair work diverted resources from the war effort. Schools, like Whatcom Junior High, actively promoted 'safe and sane' celebrations, with student campaigns equating vandalism to treason. Community organizations, including PTAs and churches, hosted parties, dances, and events featuring magic shows, live music, and costume contests, often with soldiers and nurses as pop...

Strong El Niño Expected to Impact Washington's Winter Weather

Strong El Niño Expected to Impact Washington's Winter Weather

A strong El Niño event is intensifying in the tropical Pacific Ocean, with sea surface temperatures exceeding +2.0-4.0°C above normal as of late summer 2026. This event is projected to continue strengthening, with a 95% chance of becoming very strong and a 69% chance of reaching historic levels, according to the Climate Prediction Center (CPC). El Niño typically brings warmer winter temperatures, lower snowpack, and slightly increased odds of drier conditions in Washington. Additionally, elevated sea levels along the West Coast, driven by ocean temperature expansion and altered wind patterns, may increase the risk of coastal flooding. These impacts could be compounded by background sea level rise and storm surges, posing significant challenges for coastal communities. Seasonal forecasts will be critical for tracking the event's progression and impacts. Source time: Thu, 10 Sep 2026 05:40:29 GMT.

USA SUP National Championships to be Held in Gig Harbor, Washington

USA SUP National Championships to be Held in Gig Harbor, Washington

USA SUP National Championships to be Held in Gig Harbor, Washington

Hexagon Energy and Weyerhaeuser Partner to Develop 3 GW Geothermal Power in Pacific Northwest

Hexagon Energy and Weyerhaeuser Partner to Develop 3 GW Geothermal Power in Pacific Northwest

Hexagon Energy and Weyerhaeuser Partner to Develop 3 GW Geothermal Power in Pacific Northwest

Roslyn, Washington, Adopts Prescribed Burns to Combat Wildfire Threats

Roslyn, Washington, Adopts Prescribed Burns to Combat Wildfire Threats

The town of Roslyn, Washington, is embracing prescribed burns as a proactive measure to mitigate the risk of devastating wildfires. After narrowly escaping destruction during the 2017 Jolly Mountain Fire, the community has implemented controlled burns and forest thinning to reduce fuel loads and create a protective barrier around the town. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to adapt to the increasing threat of wildfires in the Western United States, exacerbated by climate change and decades of fire suppression policies. Local fire districts, conservation groups, and organizations like The Nature Conservancy have collaborated to conduct these burns, which also serve as training exercises. Since 2017, over 500 acres have been treated with prescribed burns, and additional areas have been thinned to reduce fire risk. Roslyn's approach is being viewed as a potential model for other wildfire-prone communities in the region. (Source: Next City, published on Thu, 10 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT)

Snohomish County PUD and City of Everett Launch New Community Solar Array to Benefit Income-Qualified Households

Snohomish County PUD and City of Everett Launch New Community Solar Array to Benefit Income-Qualified Households

Snohomish County PUD and the City of Everett are celebrating the launch of a new community solar array named 'El Sol al Alcance de tus Manos' (The Sun Within Your Hands). The array, located on 1.75 acres of City of Everett property at 1226 W. Casino Rd., Everett, WA, is capable of generating 400 kilowatts of power, enough to supply electricity to approximately 30 homes annually. All funds generated by this project will be directed to the Community Energy Fund, administered by St. Vincent de Paul, to assist income-qualified community households with their electric bills. The project also features a mixed-media art display created by local artists Luisana Hernandez, Ruben Trujillo, and Yessica Marquez, in collaboration with the PUD and community members, reflecting themes of solar energy, connection, transformation, and collective action. The artwork includes nearly 1,000 suns and hands decorated by local students.

Washington State Sees Continued Decline in Kindergarten Vaccination Rates Amidst Rising Preventable Disease Cases

Washington State Sees Continued Decline in Kindergarten Vaccination Rates Amidst Rising Preventable Disease Cases

Overall vaccination rates for kindergartners in Washington state have continued to decline, reaching 86.5% for the recommended vaccine schedule, down from 92.2% in the 2020-2021 school year. Measles vaccination rates have also dropped from 94.5% to 90.6% during the same period. These figures are significantly below the federal target of 95% for herd immunity, particularly in areas like Whatcom County, where measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination rates are around 81%. The decline is not uniform across districts; for instance, the Mount Baker District has a rate of 68.3%, while Bellingham is at 83.5%. Within Bellingham, disparities exist, with Columbia Elementary at 95.8% and Cordata at 79%. This trend occurs as more cases of preventable diseases, such as measles, are being reported nationwide, including in Bellingham. The state Department of Health's School Immunization Data Dashboard, updated annually in December, provides detailed information on these rates.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Denies Petitions to Reinstate Spring Bear Hunt Amidst Audit Findings

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Denies Petitions to Reinstate Spring Bear Hunt Amidst Audit Findings

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has denied petitions to reinstate the controversial spring bear hunt, which was ended in 2022. This decision follows an audit of the Fish and Wildlife commission that revealed disregard for government transparency laws, conflict of interest rules, and internal clashes among staff. The audit, conducted by Transformative Workplace Investigations, recommended that Governor Bob Ferguson require training on public records and establish clearer communication rules for commissioners. Internal memos from the Governor's Office to Commissioners Melanie Rowland and Lorna Smith acknowledged violations of the Public Records Act and Open Public Meetings Act, warning of removal from the commission if expectations are not met. Commissioner Smith has filed a lawsuit against WDFW Director Kelly Susewind and Deputy Director Amy Windrope, alleging they manufactured allegations to incite the investigation. The fall black bear hunting season is currently underway in Skagit a...

Pac-12 football power rankings: Boise State clearly No. 1, but then what?

Pac-12 football power rankings: Boise State clearly No. 1, but then what?

After nearly taking down Oregon, Boise State is the clear frontrunner in the Pac-12 and favorite for the College Football Playoff.

Washington Bikini Baristas Win $1.85 Million Wage Theft Lawsuit Against Espresso Stand Owner

Washington Bikini Baristas Win $1.85 Million Wage Theft Lawsuit Against Espresso Stand Owner

Washington Bikini Baristas Win $1.85 Million Wage Theft Lawsuit Against Espresso Stand Owner

Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe to Open First Tribal-Owned Psychiatric Treatment Center in Washington

Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe to Open First Tribal-Owned Psychiatric Treatment Center in Washington

The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe is set to open its $30-plus million voluntary admission psychiatric evaluation and treatment clinic, Jamestown Salish Seasons, in Sequim, Washington, later this month. A grand opening was held on August 26 for tribal members, staff, and local dignitaries. This 16-bed facility will provide around-the-clock inpatient care, offering crisis stabilization, diagnosis, medication management, and traditional tribal healing practices. It is designed to assist voluntary patients experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms such as severe depression, suicidal ideation, or an inability to meet basic health and safety needs due to psychosis. Executive Director Matt McKnight stated that staff training will continue throughout the month, with patient referrals beginning on September 28. The clinic is the first tribal-owned and operated evaluation and treatment center in Washington, addressing a significant gap in behavioral health services in the region.