Bellingham is proposing a BNSF port rail connection, Whatcom County makes code changes following lawsuit over ferry rate increase, Whatcom County makes code changes following lawsuit over ferry rate increase, Family of man killed by Sedro-Woolley police officer files wrongful death lawsuit, Bears in the North Cascades – What you should know if you spot one, Car crash deaths in Washington reach highest levels in over 30 years after 10% increase, Bellingham offering funding opportunity for downtown arts & culture, 2 out of 3 Bob Fergusons withdraw from WA governor’s race
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STORY: Bellingham is proposing a BNSF port rail connection
The Port of Bellingham is seeking federal grants to re-establish a rail connection between the Bellingham Shipping Terminal and the BNSF Mainline.
In a presentation to Bellingham City Council on May 6th, Port of Bellingham Executive Director Rob Fix said the terminal, which lost its rail link in 2001, needs the connection to attract new shipping customers and facilitate seamless cargo movement. Potential future shipments include bagged cargo, aggregate, wind turbines, and automobiles. The rail connection could also alleviate congestion at other ports like Vancouver, BC, which, according to the Port, is often congested. The port’s activities significantly impact the local economy, supporting thousands of jobs and generating substantial revenue.
Fix said the Port would own the rail connection and the land under the track and wouldn’t cross any existing city streets. The proposed connection would join the Mainline between Cornwall Street and Laurel Street. Fix also said that any future street crossing with the railroad would be quiet zone compatible.
The project, estimated to cost $15 million dollars, depends on securing federal funding and could be completed by 2028.
STORY: Whatcom County makes code changes following lawsuit over ferry rate increase
Whatcom County Council has adopted changes to the county code to allow increases to the Lummi Island ferry ticket costs.
Last month, a private citizen filed a complaint in Whatcom County Superior Court claiming a proposed fare increase violated the current code. It noted that, according to ordinance, ferry rates are supposed to be set at levels that covered operating expenses, and asserted that the County, by including expansion and construction costs, violated that rule.
A week after the complaint, in a 7-1 vote, the Whatcom County Council adopted changes in the Code that updated and modified the language associated with fare increases to allow the proposed fare increase to move forward. Last week, in an official response, the County pointed out that while the complaint cites correct language in the Code at the time of the filing, because the language is now different the complaint is not valid.
The complaint remains active in the court and a preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for May 22nd. The new rates become effective June 1st.
STORY: Family of man killed by Sedro-Woolley police officer files wrongful death lawsuit
The family of a man killed by police officers in Skagit County has filed a wrongful death lawsuit.
On Thursday, the family of David Babcock, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Mount Vernon, the City of Sedro-Woolley, Skagit County and officer Maxwell Rosser. Babcock died in 2022 from a gunshot wound fired by Rosser while driving around a police spike strip.
The incident began when law enforcement officers followed Babcock under suspicion of a stolen license plate. Authorities followed him for over 20 miles, without lights or sirens on, and stayed a couple hundred yards back. Once Babcock drove onto country roads, an officer laid spike traps ahead of him. Babcock swerved around the strips, and Rosser, who was standing alongside the road, fired into Babcock’s car, and killed him. Rosser said they feared for their safety because Babcock seemed to be attempting to strike them with his vehicle. Reports indicate that Babcock was going 12 mph.
The lawsuit was filed in Snohomish County Superior Court on Thursday.
STORY: Bears in the North Cascades – What you should know if you spot one
With grizzly bears being reintroduced in the northern cascades, locals have concerns about a possible increase in bear attacks.
According to Scott Fidkin, a wildlife biologist, bears are generally unlikely to kill people they come across and there is little to fear, as long as you know how to differentiate bears and how to interact with them. If you do encounter a bear, fur color alone is not a good way to tell them apart. A primary characteristic of the grizzly is its hunchback. They also have short rounded ears and long claws, while black bears have tall ears and short claws. Grizzlies also have a wider, flatter face.
If you’re camping in bear country, Fidkin says, remember to always carry bear spray, keep food and anything that gives off scent high up in a secure container, and make plenty of noise with your voice while hiking to keep from startling a bear.
While there is never no risk when encountering a bear, experts say the risk is minimal when people practice the recommended precautions in a wild setting.
STORY: Car crash deaths in Washington reach highest levels in over 30 years after 10% increase
Data from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission show yet another year of increasing fatalities on the state’s roads.
Statewide, 810 people were killed in crashes involving a motor vehicle in 2023, a 33-year high. That’s up from 743 in 2022, and nearly double from 2014, with 462 deaths. The upward swing bucks national trends, where traffic deaths have fallen two years in a row despite an increase in the number of miles driven.
According to recent reporting by the Seattle Times, Roger Millar, who leads the state transportation department, said the state is investing in safer roads, by installing cameras that catch speeders and incorporating ‘Complete Streets’ policies into its capital programs. These create more space and separation for people on bikes and pedestrians. But he called on people to end, quote, “erratic driver behavior,” which he said would make a difference immediately.
With its more than 10% increase over the previous year, Washington joins Idaho and Rhode Island as the three top states with the most dangerous roads.
WX: Sunny
Your Whatcom County weather today – Expect sun and light winds, with a high of 66 degrees. Clouds will roll in tonight as temperatures will drop to a low of 51. Rain is likely to return tomorrow.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman, and Kye Salinas (KEY suh-LEE-nus). 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. Check out our Patreon page or go to kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m ________________, and thanks for listening.
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STORY: Bellingham offering funding opportunity for downtown arts & culture
STORY: 2 out of 3 Bob Fergusons withdraw from WA governor’s race
The state’s longtime attorney general is now the only Bob Ferguson in the governor’s race after two others with the same name withdrew.
The confusion began when conservative activist Glen Morgan orchestrated the entry of two more Bob Fergusons into the race, raising legal and logistical issues. Both candidates withdrew after facing pressure from the attorney general, who had sent cease-and-desist letters and threatened legal action, citing a state law against filing under a well-known name to confuse voters.
The two Bob Fergusons, one a veteran and the other a retired state employee, criticized the attorney general’s actions as undemocratic and bullying. The attorney general, however, maintained that their actions threatened democracy and stated that he held no ill will towards them. With their withdrawal, the attorney general’s position on the ballot shifted, and he is now the sole Bob Ferguson running for governor.
Washington’s primary election will be held on August 6, with the top two candidates advancing to the general election.
