Drug overdose deaths across Whatcom dropped sharply across 2024, Whatcom Councilmember proposes controversial changes to severe weather shelter, Proposal to lower state blood alcohol limit for driving under consideration in House and Senate, Free and Cheap
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KMRE brings you local news for Friday, January 17th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.
STORY: Drug overdose deaths across Whatcom dropped sharply across 2024
Drug overdoses and overdose deaths in Whatcom County have decreased significantly over the past year.
In 2024, there were 83 confirmed or probable overdose deaths, down from 137 in 2023, which marks a reversal of a five-year rising trend of deaths largely fueled by fentanyl. Whatcom County Health and Community Services say that’s largely due to coordinated efforts on the part of local government, as well as various agencies focused on intervention, treatment, and follow-up care initiatives.
Programs that train medical staff on opioid treatment and the introduction of substance abuse professionals in emergency departments are two efforts that have contributed to the drop in local opioid deaths.
While the decline is encouraging, officials stress that overdose remains a significant issue, with about 1,250 suspected cases reported last year. Local law enforcement and Whatcom’s health department say they are addressing the crisis through targeted interventions, such as drug task force operations, public safety directives, and expanded human services.
Despite the progress, officials acknowledge that broader systemic factors, like housing insecurity and poverty, must also be addressed to ensure continued success in combating the fentanyl epidemic.
STORY: Whatcom Councilmember proposes controversial changes to severe weather shelter
A heated debate unfolded at a Whatcom County Council meeting after councilmember Kaylee Galloway proposed changes to the severe weather shelter policy.
Galloway brought a letter to the full council and proposed that the council vote on making it a formal proposal to County Executive Satpal Sidhu (saht-POW see-DO). In the letter, Galloway called for the shelter to be opened during encampment clean-ups, an extension of operations to 14 consecutive days, and an increase in the temperature at which the shelter opens to 35 or 40 degrees. Currently, the shelter opens whenever 4 or more hours of temperatures at or below 32 degrees are projected. The letter also proposed local entities collaborate to construct another tiny home village.
Council supporters such as Jon Scanlon highlighted health risks at lower temperatures and advocated for shared responsibility with local organizations. However, critics including councilmember Ben Elenbaas (ell-in-BUS) and County Executive Sidhu raised concerns about budget constraints. Sidhu emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility and noted that additional funding would require reallocation from other services.
The letter was narrowly approved in a 4-to-3 vote and has been sent to Executive Sidhu for a formal response.
STORY: Proposal to lower state blood alcohol limit for driving under consideration in House and Senate
Washington’s proposal to lower the legal blood alcohol level has cleared its first legislative hurdle.
If passed, Washington would join Utah as the only state with this stricter limit — a reduction of the blood alcohol limit from .08% to .05% — which proponents argue would reduce impaired driving and fatalities. Utah experienced a 20% drop in fatal crashes after adopting the .05% limit in 2018.
Sponsored by state senator and former state trooper John Lovick, the bill addresses a sharp rise in traffic deaths in Washington, which hit 809 in 2023 — the highest since 1990. Impaired drivers were involved in about half of those fatalities. Supporters argue that drivers with blood alcohol levels over .05% are significantly more likely to crash, and the change could save lives.
Opponents, including the hospitality industry, worry about financial impacts on bars and the challenges for servers to identify impaired behavior at the lower limit. Some suggest a two-tier penalty system, as seen in other states, to address these concerns.
The bill includes public education efforts and requires an impact evaluation. If enacted, the new limit would take effect on July 1st of next year.
Despite resistance, the proposal has gained momentum, with a House version set for a committee hearing soon.
STORY: Free and cheap
It’s Friday – if you’re looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend, here’s a bit of what’s going on around the county.
The Chicago Experience will be performing at the Skagit Casino Resort tonight and tomorrow. The tribute band is led by Danny Seraphine (SEH-ruh-fin), the original drummer and a founding member of the iconic rock band Chicago, known for hits such as “25 or 6 to 4,” “Saturday in the Park,” and “If You Leave Me Now.” Both shows will take place at 8 p.m., and tickets can be purchased for $40 at the Skagit Casino’s website.
Another Skagit offering will take place tomorrow at 6pm at the Lincoln Theatre in Mount Vernon. The venue will host the first Skagit Drag Show of 2025, a series of events emceed by local performer Gina Touchè. Unlike most Skagit Drag shows, however, this one will showcase live vocals by its performers. Tickets starting at $25 can be purchased at the Lincoln Theatre’s website.
And, finally, we’re back in Bellingham for Mount Baker Theatre’s Bellingham Winter Wedding Show on Sunday, which will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is the ideal occasion for those just beginning to plan their wedding or are finalizing the details of their special day. The event, which will unite the local wedding industry under one roof, will feature 30 vendors, from photographers to caterers, venues, makeup artists and more. Tickets for the show can be purchased at MBT’s website for just $12; the theatre’s website also features the full list of vendors for the event.
WX: SUN OF MAN, LOOK TO THE SKY! LET YOUR SPIRIT SET YOU FREE!
And now weather,
The work week is expected to close out with another day of partial sunshine, with light and variable winds, and daytime highs in the low-to-mid 40s. Cloud cover will steadily increase over the evening, which should result in an overcast night sky, and temperatures in the high-20s.
The weekend looks nearly identical to today, so be prepared for some more chilly nights.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Paloma Ortiz, Stevie Sjogren (SHOW-gren), and Miguel Garduño (MEE-gel gar-DOO-ño). Our news director is Staci Baird. 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 your donations. Check out our Patreon page or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _David Korb________… thanks for listening.
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