Strong winds in Whatcom County result in road closure, crash, Larsen rally disrupted by pro-Palestinian supporters, Bellingham PD arrests 23 people over two days for shoplifting at Bakerview Fred Meyer, Port of Bellingham installs 250 solar panels at BLI airport, Two battery storage projects in Skagit County under review, open to public comment, Comp plan survey set to launch
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KMRE brings you local news for Monday, December 16th. Good afternoon, I’m Theron Danielson.
STORY: Strong winds in Whatcom County result in road closure, crash
A windstorm on Saturday caused widespread impacts with reportedly 2,000 in Whatcom County and 50,000 across the region losing power.
According to Puget Sound Energy, fallen trees and power lines closed roads near the intersection of Nooksack and East Badger roads in Everson. The Washington State Patrol also reported a crash on I-5 south of Bellingham after a tree fell on an SUV, resulting in minor injuries to two occupants who were hospitalized.
A weather station in Ferndale recorded wind gusts of 66 mph at around noon, but wind speeds decreased throughout the afternoon.
STORY: Larsen rally disrupted by pro-Palestinian supporters
Representative Rick Larsen faced protests from pro-Palestinian supporters at a town hall on Saturday.
The protesters chanted accusations of his support for quote-unquote “genocide” after he voted for a bill providing $13 billion for Israel’s military earlier this year.
Larsen defended his record, and noted he recently signed a bipartisan letter urging the Biden administration to hold both Israel and Hamas accountable for actions in the Gaza conflict. He described the letter as reflecting a “more balanced approach” than his past positions.
STORY: Bellingham PD arrests 23 people over two days for shoplifting at Bakerview Fred Meyer
Bellingham police arrested 23 people over two days for shoplifting at the Fred Meyer on West Bakerview Road.
Officers patrolled the store on the 5th and 10th of December, resulting in 12 counts of third-degree theft, nine counts of shoplifting, and three counts of second-degree burglary. Some suspects also face charges for other offenses, including possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, first-degree theft, violating a domestic violence no-contact order, and obstructing a public servant. Many had outstanding warrants or probable cause for additional crimes.
The targeted patrols were in response to significant theft issues at the store.
STORY: Port of Bellingham installs 250 solar panels at BLI airport
The Port of Bellingham has installed 250 solar panels at Bellingham International Airport as part of its Climate Action Strategy to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.
According to the Port, the solar array will generate 100,000 kilowatt-hours annually, providing clean, renewable energy and lowering electricity expenses. The Port says the project is indicative of its commitment to sustainability, and says it plans to seek federal incentives to cover 30% of the costs.
This marks the Port’s second major solar initiative, following the 2021 installation of over 300 panels at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal.
The Port says it hopes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under its Climate Action Strategy by at least 90% by 2030, and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
STORY: Bellingham expands Lake Whatcom watershed protections
The Bellingham City Council has approved measures to protect over 100 acres in the Lake Whatcom watershed that will safeguard drinking water for about 100,000 residents.
The actions include combining conservation easements on Patricia Otto’s property at Agate (aah-GIT) Bay Lane and prevention of further development on the land. This would preserve 100 acres of mature forest, forested wetlands, and headwaters critical to water quality and habitat. The agreement, monitored by the Whatcom Land Trust, carries no cost to the city.
Additionally, the city purchased a roughly 2-acre undeveloped property on Toad Lake Road for $225,000, removing one development unit.
The efforts are part of the Lake Whatcom Watershed Land Acquisition and Preservation Program, funded by local assessments on water and sewer bills, which has protected about 2,800 acres since 2001.
STORY: Two battery storage projects in Skagit County under review, open to public comment
Two proposed battery energy storage system projects in Skagit County will be discussed at upcoming public meetings on Wednesday and Friday.
The Goldeneye Project near Sedro-Woolley is a 200-megawatt facility proposed by Tenaska (tuh-NESS-cuh), located on pasture land near a salmon-bearing creek. Concerns about environmental and safety impacts have spurred opposition. The project is being evaluated through the state Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council process, which recently determined the project complies with Skagit County’s land use regulations.
EFSEC will discuss the project further during its Wednesday meeting, but written public comments must be submitted in advance. Additional public input will be possible during the subsequent State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review.
The NextEra Project near Mount Vernon is also a 200-megawatt facility, sited on industrial land in the Bayview Ridge Urban Growth Area, and is proposed by NextEra Energy Resources. It is proceeding through the local permitting process, having already passed a SEPA review. A public hearing to consider a special use permit will be held Friday, with comments accepted until Thursday or during the hearing. The Skagit County Hearing Examiner will render a decision within 10 business days of the hearing.
A recent Skagit County code amendment prohibits new energy storage projects on agricultural land, but this does not affect Goldeneye, which was proposed before the change, or NextEra, which is located on industrial land.
STORY: Comp plan survey set to launch
The Whatcom County Planning Commission seeks public input on next year’s Comprehensive Plan.
The 20-year framework outlines goals and policies for land use, zoning, development, public services, and environmental protection. The plan update, required under the Growth Management Act, aims to reflect community priorities. To help find out what those are, a public survey will run from tomorrow until January 28th, which will allow residents to share their perspectives. Residents are encouraged to participate and help shape the county’s future.
WX: I am Kyler. Rainy Day Whatcom #12 and #35
And now for your Whatcom County weather:
Cloudy skies with highs in the mid-low 40s. Expect calm, variable winds and rain as the evening rolls in, with nighttime lows in the upper 30s.
Clouds and rain are likely tomorrow with highs up to 50 degrees.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Riley Weeks, Brodey O’Brien, Paloma Ortiz, Anna Hedrick and Miguel Garduño (MEE-gel gar-DOO-ño). 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 Theron Danielson, and thank you for listening.
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