Good morning, this is your Bellingham Local Frequency for Thursday, May 22, 2025.
Today's a great day to experience the huge machines that keep our city running as the annual Meet-a-Truck event takes place from 1 to 3 PM in front of City Hall on Lottie Street. This free event celebrates National Public Works Week and gives everyone a chance to see up close the equipment that maintains our streets, storm drains, sewer, and water lines. The Bellingham Children's Library will be there with crafts, and there's even a scavenger hunt planned. This family-friendly event welcomes all ages, so bring the kids for an educational afternoon.
Book lovers, take note: the Friends of the Bellingham Public Library's Spring Book Sale continues today through May 24 in the Central Library Lecture Room. Thanks to a recent collaboration with Ridwell, they've received a huge inventory of donated books. Most items are priced at $2 or less, and proceeds will fund Summer Reading programs for children, teens, and adults. It's the perfect opportunity to stock up on summer reading material while supporting our library.
In healthcare news, PeaceHealth nurses at St. Joseph Medical Center begin voting today on a new tentative agreement. After four months of negotiations, 14 bargaining sessions, and working six weeks with an expired contract, the 1,100 nurses represented by the Washington State Nurses Association will vote electronically starting at 6:30 this morning through tomorrow evening. The agreement addresses concerns about "ghost steps" in experience recognition and establishes quarterly forums for nurses to discuss the new health insurance plan implemented in January.
This week, Bellingham joined communities across the nation in observing National Police Week, honoring the dedication of our law enforcement officers and remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
For those planning weekend travel, remember that recent traffic incidents have occurred on both I-5 and Pacific Highway, so allow extra time for your commute and stay alert on the roads.
This has been Bellingham Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.