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Government

Whatcom County fires health department head; she dubs it a ‘wrongful termination’

County notes a 'pattern of concerns' but Erika Lautenbach vows to fight her firing

Updated March 19, 2025 12:17 p.m.

Lawmakers discuss state budget woes, education funding at packed Ferndale town hall

Fight to preserve education funding for K-12 schools and WWU

March 15, 2025 4:32 p.m.

State budget cuts take center stage at Mount Vernon town hall

Legislators from 40th District spoke frankly about state funding challenges at town hall

March 15, 2025 4:04 p.m.

Whatcom County health department head put on leave

County council left 'in the dark' about Lautenbach's employment status

Updated March 17, 2025 11:24 a.m.

Whatcom food banks will be hurt by loss of USDA funding

Federal government axes food purchasing program, additional food assistance funding in question

March 12, 2025 9:00 p.m.

Fairhaven residents will hear fewer train horns with new quiet zone

A Waterfront Quiet Zone is in the works, dependent on future funding

March 10, 2025 1:04 p.m.

Anti-immigrant joke made by a Mount Vernon council member angers community

Council pressed to adopt a resolution affirming city's support for immigrant population

March 6, 2025 10:55 a.m.

Two Skagit battery farms face challenges as approval process advances

Sedro-Woolley project clears regulatory hurdle, opponents appeal Mount Vernon project

March 5, 2025 12:05 p.m.

Labor agreements under scrutiny as Whatcom plans for massive public construction

Companies say county's draft proposal mimics state law, could impact bid chances

Updated March 13, 2025 2:44 p.m.

Seven-month hiring freeze lifted in Whatcom County government

Former Mount Vernon mayor hired in the executive's office

Feb. 26, 2025 5:11 p.m.

More than a year after $225K settlement, county hires firm to review HR policies

Council awards $76,500 contract to Matrix Consulting Group

Feb. 25, 2025 7:39 p.m.

Employees: Forest Service cuts will hurt trails, threaten public safety

The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest lost 36 employees, almost a third of its workforce

Feb. 25, 2025 5:11 p.m.