Tsunami Warning, Blaine man arrested for felony kidnapping, Community Discussion on Fentanyl Crisis, Free Meals for Whatcom County Children, Head Start Enrollment Begins, State Reneges on pandemic pay, Mayoral Primary Candidates interview after news
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Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, July 17th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Tsunami Warning
A 7.2 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Alaska early Saturday morning triggered a tsunami alert for our region. The alert lasted a few hours but was eventually canceled. The earthquake’s epicenter was 55 miles southwest of Sand Point, Alaska and 20 miles under water. Moderate shaking and tsunami waves of half a foot were reported in communities along the Alaska Peninsula and Aelutian Islands. The seismically active Aelutian subduction zone has seen earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.8 and 8.2 in the last two years.
STORY: Blaine man arrested for felony kidnapping
A 31-year-old man from Blaine is facing multiple charges, including felony kidnapping, after stealing a vehicle with a juvenile in the front seat.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office received a report of the stolen vehicle on July 13, and the suspect parked the vehicle a few blocks away before fleeing on foot. Another citizen reported an attempted car break-in, and a witness followed the suspect until deputies apprehended him.
Travis Parke was arrested and booked into the Whatcom County Jail. He is charged with second-degree kidnapping, vehicle prowling, and theft of a vehicle and is scheduled to appear in court on July 14th.
STORY: Community Discussion on Fentanyl Crisis
All Hands Whatcom and the Bellingham Public Library are holding a free event aimed at promoting community discussion about the current fentanyl, meth, and opioid crisis.
The event will be led by Sam Quinones (QUINN-no-nez), the author of the book “The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth.” According to a recent release, All Hands Whatcom hopes to foster a better understanding of the drug crisis and explore potential solutions.
The community gathering is open to the public and takes place on Tuesday, August 1st, at 6 p.m. at Bellingham High School.
STORY: Free Meals for Whatcom County Children
Kids under 18 in Whatcom County can receive free meals this summer thanks to the efforts of local non-profit Common Threads Farm.
The project starts this week and will run until August 17th. Common Threads Farm, which focuses on seed-to-table education, connects children with healthy food. The free meals are available from Monday to Thursday at various locations, including Kendall and Acme Elementary, the North Fork and Deming Libraries, and Glenhaven Lakes.
For further details and a schedule, visit the Common Threads Farm Facebook page.
STORY: Head Start Enrollment Begins
The Opportunity Council is currently accepting enrollments for their preschool and early head start programs.
The programs cater to children aged three to five years old and are available across Whatcom County. Families have the choice between full and part-day options, and breakfast as well as lunch are provided. Additionally, the Council offers a home-based, early head start program for children under the age of three and pregnant mothers. This program includes weekly visits, prenatal support, and other services.
Both the preschool and early head start programs are free for qualifying families.
STORY: State reneges on pandemic pay
Washington State Department of Corrections workers say they’re being denied a $1,000 pandemic-related bonus. They’re urging state leadership to follow through on their promise. Eric Tegethoff has more.
BONUS AUDIO
STORY: Mayoral Primary Candidates interviews after news
The KMRE Focus on Primary Candidates airs everyday after the 5pm news. You’ll hear the candidates for Mayor and County Executive speak to issues that are on our listener’s minds. Today, the Mayoral Candidates share their views on bike and pedestrian improvements. Tune in after the 5pm news.
WX: Sunny and Warm
In Whatcom weather today– things will cool a bit momentarily, but warm up as the week goes on. The chance for drizzle inland should end by midday and skies should clear during the afternoon. Tomorrow will be dry throughout the county, with winds a bit breezy, but should remain under 25 mph. For the Strait and Inland Coastal Waters off Whatcom County today the wind will come from the south at 5-15 knots with wind waves 1-3 feet.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Sarah Edmonds and Myles Weber. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p-m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at 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.
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