Big change’ in weather expected to strike Whatcom County over several days, SR20 will close ahead of potentially snow-laden storms on the horizon, Opportunity Council to launch new rental assistance program Dec. 1, City of Lynden buys last piece for trail extension, $4.8 mil in federal funding to refurbish Wash. state ferries, Methow Wildlife Area units close temporarily to protect wintering mule deer, $4.8 mil in federal funding to refurbish Wash. state ferries, Pac-12 lawsuit: New court ruling keeps conference frozen as WSU, OSU seek full control
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STORY: ‘Big change’ in weather expected to strike Whatcom County over several days
Storms heading towards Western Washington from the Pacific Ocean are expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds from today until next week.
While the Nooksack River is expected to remain below flood stage, the National Weather Service has stated that this could change, and that Whatcom County is not out of danger. Temperatures will rise and winds tomorrow are expected to be strong enough that power outages are a possibility.
The National Weather Service also said that Bellingham could see up to an inch of rain from today until tomorrow, and up to two feet of snow is also expected to fall in the North Cascades.
STORY: SR20 will close ahead of potentially snow-laden storms on the horizon
The North Cascade Highway will close for the season starting at 6 pm tonight.
The Washington Department of Transportation announced the closure of State Route 20 will take place at the Ross Dam trailhead on the west side and the Silver Star gate on the east side. The closure comes in expectation of the two feet of snow later this week, an amount that can cause avalanche danger in the pass. Cayuse Pass and Chinook Pass have already closed for the season.
All three passes will remain closed until spring.
STORY: Opportunity Council to launch new rental assistance program Dec. 1
The Opportunity Council is launching a new rental assistance program tomorrow.
The program, designed to assist low income seniors and families, will provide short-term rental assistance and case management. Those seeking services may complete a screening online at the Opportunity Council’s website, in-person at the Opportunity Council’s offices at Cornwall Avenue, or by calling their Homeless Prevention Screening Line.
Households paying more than 50% or their income for rent or making below 50% of the area median income will be randomly selected through a lottery system and contacted to be scheduled with an appointment.
Applications may be submitted starting tomorrow at 9 a.m. through the afternoon of December 8th.
STORY: City of Lynden buys last piece for trail extension
The Lynden City Council has acquired the last piece of land required to complete a trail that’s been in progress for almost 25 years.
The land buy will complete the Jim Kaemingk Sr. (KAY-mink) trail that currently ends at City Park. Vander Griend (GRIND) Lumber sold the narrow strip along Fishtrap Creek to the city of Lynden for $380,000. The construction of this trail section is expected to cost about $1.6 million dollars and will be finished in 2024.
According to Lynden officials, a state grant will cover approximately 60% of the expenses, including the footbridges over Fishtrap Creek. Eventually, the trail will follow the creek’s path and extend into new Dickinson Park, following the creek’s path.
STORY: Methow Wildlife Area units close temporarily to protect wintering mule deer
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is closing five units of the Methow (MEH-tao) Valley Wildlife Area until next March.
The closure aims to safeguard crucial winter foraging habitat for the largest migratory mule deer herd in Washington. The Wildlife Area spans over 34,000 acres and the closure is intended to reduce human disturbance during critical winter months.
Recreational opportunities for visitors will not be affected, as the popular groomed trail system will remain open. Fish and Wildlife says the Methow area plays a vital role in preserving various habitats, benefiting not only the mule deer but also songbirds, mammals, salmon, and other wildlife.
STORY: $4.8 mil in federal funding to refurbish Wash. state ferries
Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murry announced yesterday that Washington ferries will receive nearly $5 million in federal funding.
Washington State Ferries will be using the money to refurbish passenger areas on six aging boats in its fleet. Those six ships include the Chelan (shuh-LAN), which serves Anacortes and the San Juan Islands. The project will allow for more space between passengers in high-occupancy areas and make cleaning easier for staff. Since 2019, each of these six ferries have been out of operation for three months out of the year on average.
The upgrades come as the Washington ferry system continues to struggle with maintenance and funding. A third of the 21 available boats are currently out of service. The state plans to add an additional 16 boats to the fleet and retire many of the aging vessels. However, contracts for new boats have yet to be agreed on, with estimates pointing to 2027, at the earliest.
The project expects to extend the life of the aging vessels for another five to ten years.
STORY: Pac-12 lawsuit: New court ruling keeps conference frozen as WSU, OSU seek full control
The Washington Supreme Court has granted an emergency stay in the legal dispute between Washington State and Oregon State and the Pac-12 conference.
The stay– issued by the Supreme Court’s commissioner– delays the attempts of WSU and OSU to take control of the conference’s governing board. WSU and OSU immediately filed an appeal directly to the judges, seeking to remove the stay.
A preliminary injunction, granted last month by a lower court, initially gave the two universities control of the Pac-12 board and its financial assets. The court commissioner’s ruling sets a December 12 deadline for motions, after which the judges will decide whether to review the case.
According to reporting by the Seattle Times, the defendants, representing the departing “Pac-10” schools, expressed satisfaction with the stay, emphasizing equal decision-making for all 12 current members. WSU and OSU expressed disappointment and plan to seek court review of the commissioner’s decision.
WX: Winter Storm Watch
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for areas above 2,000 feet through Sunday morning, anticipating snow accumulations of up to 3 feet. The watch covers the Cascade Mountains in Whatcom and Skagit Counties, the Olympic Mountains, and the Cascades in King, Lewis, Pierce, and Snohomish Counties. Motorists are advised to be prepared for winter conditions.
Your Bellingham weather today will see rain showers on and off for the rest of the afternoon with a high of 43 degrees. Winds will blow from the southeast at 10 to 15 mph. Overnight, expect rain of nearly a quarter of an inch. Rain is in our forecast for the foreseeable future.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Alex Michael, and Tristan Trudell. 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. If you would like to help keep local news accessible, check out our new Patreon page at patreon.com/kmrenews or go to kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m ________________ and thanks for listening.
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And finally, if you’re in the mood for something more active, volunteer work parties are happening every Saturday until December 16th throughout Bellingham’s parks. Volunteers are needed from 9AM-12pm– you can find out which parks are being worked on by visiting volunteerbellingham.org.
