Property Tax Levy on Upcoming Ballot, Fatal Train Collision, Peacehealth Aims to Unionize, Planned Development at Mud Bay Cliffs Gets Pushback, Back to School Giveaway, Whatcom County wins case against Petrogas Pacific, Mayoral Primary Candidates interview after news.
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KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, July 18th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Property Tax Levy on Upcoming Ballot
The August 1st election in Fire District 4 will decide the future of emergency response in the northwest rural area of Whatcom County.
The proposed levy increase of 99 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value hopes to improve services and response capabilities. The tax hike will enable 24-hour staffing at Station 12, fund station repairs, and acquire a new fire engine.
KMRE reporter Myles Weber, sat down with Fire Chief Jason Van der Veen to find out more.
FIRE AUDIO
Two public informational sessions led by the North Whatcom Fire Chief and District 4 Commissioner will be offered on July 19th and 22nd. To hear the complete interview with Chief Van Der Veen tune in today after the news.
STORY: Fatal Train Collision
A pedestrian was hit and killed by a Burlington Northern freight train over the weekend.
Responders, including South Whatcom Fire Authority and Bellingham Fire Department, were dispatched to the scene on Sunday night. The accident did not happen at a railroad crossing, and no crew members on the train were reported injured.
The victim’s identity remains unknown, and the incident is currently under investigation.
STORY: Peace Health Aims to Unionize
More than 80 healthcare workers at PeaceHealth filed a petition to unionize on Friday.
According to a recent release from the Union of American Physicians and Dentists, the move comes after three years of expressing concerns about the quality of care at PeaceHealth. The Unions says that due to poor management at PeaceHealth, medical providers were pressured to spend less time with patients.
The filed petition will trigger an election within 45 days to determine whether the healthcare providers can form a collective bargaining unit under the UAPD.
STORY: Planned Development at Mud Bay Cliff Gets Push Back
A proposal to develop a 38-lot residential subdivision called “The Woods at Viewcrest” in Bellingham’s Edgemoor neighborhood is facing opposition from a group called “Protect Mud Bay Cliffs.”
The group, who works to preserve the large forested property overlooking Mud Bay Cliffs and the Chuckanut Bay estuary, have raised concerns about potential adverse impacts on the environment, wildlife, and neighboring residents. According to a recent letter from the group, their main requests are for the city to issue a SEPA Determination of Significance and require an Environmental Impact Statement.
The developer has made some changes to address concerns, but opposition remains. Construction is expected to begin by 2025, pending further permitting processes.
STORY: Back To School Giveaway
Blue Skies For Children is organizing a giveaway for students in need.
The giveaway, done in collaboration with Christ The King Church, will provide new shoes, socks, and backpacks to low-income, homeless, and foster children from Whatcom and Skagit Counties. Community members can donate new items or financial contributions through Blue Skies’ website.
The giveaway will take place from July 25th to July 29th at Christ The King Church, with varying pickup hours each day.
STORY: Whatcom County wins case against Petrogas Pacific
Whatcom County has won a lawsuit against Petrogas Pacific resulting in a potential payment of $10 million or more in back taxes.
The state Supreme Court upheld an appellate court ruling that requires Petrogas to pay taxes as assessed by the Whatcom County Assessor’s Office for its properties. In its lawsuit, Petrogas Pacific LLC and Petrogas West LLC were challenging Whatcom County assessments that included the value of an aquatic lands lease.
The Whatcom County Assessor’s office says the ruling will benefit other property owners in Whatcom County who have been paying more taxes due to Petrogas’ reduced tax payments.
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
It looks like sunshine and a few afternoon clouds today with a high of 76 degrees. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Overnight lows around 55. Tomorrow will be hotter, with Bellingham highs around 82 and clear skies. Things should remain up around 80 until the weekend.
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.
