Twenty-six-year-old Javier Pena Flores, a Whatcom County resident, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a multi-agency response to a shooting early Monday morning. A Lummi Nation police officer was shot multiple times while investigating a traffic incident on the 3200 block of N. Red River Road in Whatcom County, according to the Lummi Indian Business Council. Authorities said the driver opened fire after the officer contacted them, then fled on foot. The officer received immediate emergency medical care and has since undergone surgery.
Mount Vernon City Council voted July 23 to extend its moratorium on battery energy storage systems, citing safety and regulatory gaps. The emergency ban, first enacted May 28 under Ordinance 3913, halts permits for facilities designed to store and supply power to the electrical grid. Council members said rising demand for electricity and the lack of local siting criteria or safety standards necessitated the pause. Concerns include fire hazards from lithium-ion batteries, noise, and potential impacts on residential and retail areas. Ordinance 3915 continues the moratorium while the city’s Development Services Department studies the issue and drafts permanent regulations. The moratorium will remain in effect until new codes are adopted through the public review process, including hearings before the Planning Commission and Council. A work plan attached to the ordinance outlines studies and tasks expected to take longer than six months.
Skagit Valley College is one of 12 schools across Washington to receive a share of $1.58 million in workforce development funds from the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. The college will use the grant to update its fire and EMT training programs. The goal of the funding is to help local industries grow by aligning education with real-world job needs. Other winning projects focus on areas like welding, healthcare, renewable energy, and electric vehicle tech.
The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community is celebrating National Night Out Tuesday at John K. Bob Ball Park, hosted by Swinomish Police, Fish & Wildlife Enforcement, Fire District 13, and other partners. Festivities run from 7 to 9 p.m. and include food, activities, and community fun. At 9 p.m., guests can stick around for a free outdoor screening of Zootopia under the stars. Snack boxes will be provided; attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs.
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community members are invited to participate in the March Against Addiction Wednesday at John K. Bob Ball Park, 16966 Reservation Road, La Conner. Shirt pickup begins at 11:30 a.m., with the march starting at 12:45 p.m. Following the march, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and stay for family-friendly activities and community connection.
A community blood drive will take place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday, Aug. 11 at the La Conner Fire Station, 12142 Chillberg Road. Bloodworks Northwest urges donors to invest just one hour to help address a critical summer shortage as motor accidents and trauma cases increase. Donations support local hospitals treating thousands of emergency patients daily. Appointments are required for the best experience and can be booked at bloodworksnw.org/giveblood or by calling 800-398-7888. Same-day appointments are available at most sites. Donors should bring photo ID, eat a hearty meal, and drink plenty of fluids beforehand. For safety, no visitors under 16 are allowed at donation sites.
