INTRO
Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for [Friday], [May 26th]. Good afternoon,
I’m __.
STORY: CAPITAL GAINS TAX BRINGS IN MORE THAN EXPECTED
The new capital gains tax to help fund education in the state could bring
in over three times more than expected.
The Seattle Times reports that the capital gains tax, which was passed in
2021, was given the green light from the state supreme court in March
despite legal challenges.
The seven percent tax on the sale or exchange of stocks, bonds and
other assets that are valued above two hundred and fifty thousand
dollars will fund K through 12 and early education, and help build and
repair schools.
The legislature first thought that the tax might bring in about two
hundred and forty eight million dollars, but so far it’s brought in over
eight hundred million.
The first five hundred million of the tax will go to the Education Legacy
Trust Account for the benefit of public schools. Excess goes toward
school construction projects.
STORY: FENTANYL DEALER ARRESTED
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of 35-
year-old Daniel Little for possession and distribution of fentanyl.
The Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force began investigating Little
earlier this month and received a warrant to search the room at the
Bellingham Motel 6 where Little was suspected to be operating.
After arresting Little, detectives found over 500-suspected fentanyl-
laced pills, suspected fentanyl powder, scales, a loaded 9mm handgun
and roughly $800 cash.
Little was booked into the Whatcom County Jail on May 24. He is being
charged with Delivery of a Controlled substance, Possession of a
Controlled Substance with intent to deliver, and unlawful possession of a
firearm.
STORY: BELLINGHAM MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FENTANYL SALES
In more drug task force news, Jeffrey Loren Eagleman, a 32-year-old
resident of Bellingham, has pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges in
Whatcom County Superior Court, following a criminal narcotics
investigation.
According to court records, the investigation began after a high-speed
pursuit involving Washington State Patrol troopers. Eagleman faced
felony charges in three cases as well as felony harassment charges for
threatening a domestic violence victim.
On May 11th, he was sentenced to almost 6 years in prison. Eagleman
has prior felony convictions for child molestation, unlawful possession of
a controlled substance, assault with a deadly weapon, and failure to
register as a sex offender.
STORY: NEW STATE STREET CREAMERY BUILDING PROJECT
According to a story published by the Bellingham Herald, a new five-
story mixed use building has been proposed in downtown Bellingham.
The State Street Creamery project begins with the demolition of the old
dairy building at 820 N. State Street where a new combination rental
housing and commercial space will be built.
Pricing for the apartments has not been set, though according to Scarlet
Ponder, an employee of the RJ group who is managing the project, units
will be market rate with no affordable units expected.
The project will contribute to Whatcom County’s goal of creating almost
35,000 new units by 2044, however, according to Bellingham Planning
Director Blake Lyon, the city needs about 22 thousand Affordable units
to answer current demand.
Housing is considered affordable when it does NOT exceed 30% of a
family’s income, and serves those making 80% or less of the area’s
median income. According to the latest U.S. census, that’s roughly 56
thousand dollars in Bellingham.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.
STORY: WNS Wetlands Protections Gutted
The United States Supreme Court has handed down a decision that will
eliminate protections for some wetland areas. Before, these areas were
protected under the federal Clean Water Act. Eric Tegethoff has the
story.
[Audio: 1:50s]
STORY: FREE AND CHEAP EVENTS
Now for KMRE’s free and cheap things to do this weekend!
Tonight, kickoff Ski to Sea weekend with Boundary Bay Brewery’s block
party featuring live music and a fish fry; proceeds of the event benefit
the Bellingham Food Bank. It goes from 4 to 10 p.m.
Tomorrow, wave at KMRE’s float in the Whatcom Memorial Day Parade
in downtown Bellingham. Starting at noon, the parade will begin at
Alabama and Cornwall and move south into downtown.
On Lummi Island this weekend, the Spring Artists’ Studio Tour will be
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Over 30 artists and
crafters will show off their skills including painting, metalwork and
quilting. A map of the tour can be found at lummi dash island dot com.
The Nooksack tribe is holding its annual Nooksack Days Canoe Race at
Bloedel Donovan park on Lake Whatcom this Saturday and Sunday,
starting at 11.
They’ll also be hosting a Coast Salish music jam session at the Bloedel
Donovan multipurpose room from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday evening.
Sunday marks 50 years of Ski to Sea, the multisport relay race spanning
Mount Baker to Bellingham Bay.
Accompanying Ski to Sea is the huge Fairhaven Festival, with live music,
food and artisan vendors taking up the streets of Fairhaven from 11 a.m.
to 7 p.m.
On Monday, the American Legion of Bellingham will hold two
ceremonies in honor of Memorial Day, the first is at 8:45 in the morning
at Memorial Park on King Street. The second is 11 a.m. at Bayview
Cemetery.
WX:
Today’s forecast says we can expect sunny skies in Bellingham all
weekend long. Today a high of 75 will reach town at around 3pm this
afternoon, followed by a low of 52 into the evening.
Tomorrow will be sunny with spots of clouds, a high of 68 during the day
with another low around 51 in the evening.
For the rest of Memorial Day weekend be prepared for temperatures
peaking in the high 60s.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carl Bryden and Questen
Inghram. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p-m,
and on demand at kmre.org. For news tips and feedback, please send
an email to news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit
community radio station, powered by listener donations. I’m
___________ and thanks for listening.
