Good morning, this is your Bellingham Local Frequency for Monday, December 15. As we shake off the weekend's wild weather, Bellingham and Whatcom County are buzzing with recovery efforts, community warmth, and plenty of ways to dive into local fun today. Let's start with the big story impacting us all: severe flooding from the Nooksack River has led Lummi Nation to declare a state of emergency, leaving just one access point to the area and homes surrounded by water. Leaders are working round the clock with first responders and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to monitor damaged dikes at Slater Road, preventing a potential breach that could isolate the community like in 2021. This deluge also knocked out BNSF rail lines across the Northwest and caused widespread disruptions, including a shutdown of SR-167 south of us due to standing water, so plan your drives carefully and check Whatcom County alerts for road updates. On a brighter note, these rains highlight why our severe weather shelters are more vital than ever this winter. The Bellingham Severe Weather Shelter at 925 North Forest Street stands ready for extreme cold snaps, backed by a fresh county lease with Lutheran Community Services and up to $550,000 in funding for operators. They've ramped up staffing with new seasonal roles and even added naloxone dispensers at spots like the Way Station on North State Street to boost safety. Meanwhile, Whatcom County scored $3.6 million in grants to expand permanent housing for those with behavioral health needs, part of the new 2026-2030 Homeless Housing Plan tackling youth homelessness and system gaps. And good news from Lummi Island: Beach Avenue landslide repairs are fully complete, reopening the road without restrictions. Shifting to today's must-do's, jazz lovers catch the Connection Jazz Series Candlelight event, Darkness and Light, at FireHouse Arts Center tonight from 6:30 to 8:30, blending smooth tunes in an intimate glow. Over at Bellingham TheatreWorks, the comedy-drama Biosphere runs with tickets at $25 for adults, riffing on that wild desert experiment where four folks battle hunger, low oxygen, and each other. WWU hoops fans, Men's Basketball faces Langara at Carver Gym after yesterday's action, while the Career Center hosts virtual drop-ins online. Art enthusiasts, swing by the By the Books WCC Student Art Show all day, or Minds Alive at 2 p.m. For hands-on vibes, NorthWest Free Repair Event at Bellis Fair from 1 to 3 lets you fix gadgets for free. The Sheriff's Office eyes a move to Cordata for a modern HQ, promising better service, and the Port leads our economic strategy update. Whether you're braving recovery or chasing holiday cheer, stay connected and safe out there. This has been Bellingham Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

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