Blaine woman arrested following high-speed chase, Federal government cancels $4M grant to WA libraries, Barkley Village seeks urban village designation in pursuit of major development project, Home prices stabilized in Whatcom over first quarter of 2025, Free and cheap, Trackside to reopen in coming weeks
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KMRE brings you local news for Friday, April 11th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Blaine woman arrested following high-speed chase
A high-speed motorcycle pursuit last Wednesday ended with a dramatic foot chase and escape attempt in Ferndale.
According to court records filed in the Whatcom County Superior Court, the incident began around 3:20 p.m., when a State Patrol trooper spotted a motorcycle traveling at high speed northbound on I-5 near the Meridian Street interchange. The motorcyclist, 41-year-old Tina Marie Blotsky (BLAH-ski) of Blaine, reportedly accelerated to 120 mph after spotting the trooper’s vehicle.
Despite attempts by multiple troopers to stop her, the pursuit was called off for safety reasons after the motorcycle exited at Main Street in Ferndale. Troopers later found the abandoned motorcycle near 1st Avenue and Cherry Street, along with a discarded pink helmet. Witnesses directed them toward the nearby VanderYacht Park, where Blotsky had been seen.
Blotsky tried to evade arrest by wading into the Nooksack River, but was apprehended in knee-deep water by pursuing troopers.
Authorities discovered the motorcycle had been reported stolen, with a damaged ignition switch and a license plate registered to a utility trailer. Blotsky also had a suspended license, and was required to use an ignition interlock device.
Blotsky now faces multiple charges including possession of a stolen vehicle and attempting to elude police, among others. She was released from custody on Monday after posting bond, and her arraignment is scheduled for today.
STORY: Federal government cancels $4M grant to WA libraries
Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs is speaking out forcefully after the federal government abruptly rescinded a nearly $4 million annual grant to the Washington State Library.
The decision came in an April 1st notice from Keith Sonderling, the Acting Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which stated the grant was, quote, “inconsistent with IMLS’ priorities” unquote.
On the official Secretary of State Instagram channel, Hobbs did not hold back his criticism.
Libraries Audio
In another Instagram video posted on Sunday, he warned that the freedom to read and access information is under threat from government decisions like this one. Deputy Secretary of State Randy Bolerjack (BOWLERJACK) said the terminated grant makes up nearly one-third of the State Library’s annual budget.
The decision comes amid broader federal cutbacks under President Trump’s administration, which supporters say are designed to improve government efficiency. Critics argue the sweeping reductions are dismantling essential services, with this library funding cut cited as a key example.
STORY: Barkley Village seeks urban village designation in pursuit of major development project
Barkley Village is on track to become the city’s seventh official urban village.
The 250-acre, mixed-use area in northeast Bellingham is often seen as an urban hub, but its status as an urban village would mean the neighborhood could be designated under unified zoning as an area that would absorb future population and commercial growth.
The Talbot Group, primary owner of the Barkley Village, says it is working with the City of Bellingham to finalize the designation. The proposed plan would enable up to 2,420 multi-family units, 100 single-family homes, and millions of square feet in new retail, office, and industrial space — all supported by new roads, sidewalks, bike infrastructure, and a 40-acre forested park. An environmental impact statement for the entire area was completed earlier this year, which developers say will streamline future project approvals. The build-out is expected to ramp up within the next two to five years.
Final approval of the urban village designation could come as soon as this summer, and will follow public hearings with both the Planning Commission and the Bellingham City Council.
STORY: Home prices stabilized in Whatcom over first quarter of 2025
Home prices in Whatcom County stabilized during the first three months of 2025.
Peter Ahn, the co-owner of The Muljat Group in Bellingham, says the median selling price in the county was $625,000, which represents a 3.4% decrease from the same quarter last year. The median price for a house in Bellingham was $770,000, a decrease of over 6% from a year ago. Birch Bay, Blaine and Lynden also saw slight drops in their home prices.
Conversely, Ferndale, Sudden Valley and the Nooksack Valley School District saw modest increases in their home prices. The Mount Baker School District saw a price increase of over 17%, but remains the most affordable area in the county with a median price of $400,000.
Ahn says that home prices should remain mostly steady throughout the year, thanks to relatively stable mortgage rates.
STORY: Free and cheap
It’s Friday – if you’re looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend, here’s a little of what’s going on around the county.
WWU’s Performing Arts Center is hosting the university’s 33rd Annual Drag Show tonight at 7:30. The event, which will be hosted by Western alum Sage Valentine, is described by LGBTQ+ Western’s Instagram account as dedicated to, quote, “prioritizing queer joy during these uncertain times” unquote. A mix of university students and established drag artists will be featured. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for the general public — but please do not forget to tip the performers!
Tomorrow afternoon will see the Mount Baker Theatre host a screening of Charlie Chaplin’s The Circus at 2 p.m. The silent film classic will feature a live musical accompaniment by MBT organist Dennis James. Tickets starting at $10.75 can be purchased at the Theatre’s website.
Finally, Gruff Brewing at East Maple Street will host a plant swap on Sunday from 1-to-4 p.m. to celebrate International Plant Appreciation Day. Gruff will provide a few starter plants, but the rest is up to the participants; attendees are welcome to bring everything from seeds and starts to plants and pots. The plant swap will be for people 21 and over, and attendance is free.
WX: Little Miss Partialcloudcoverwithirregularsolariridescence
And now for the weather:
Today will kick off with some clouds and light rain, gradually becoming sunnier as the afternoon wears on. Highs will be in the mid-50s during the day, steadily cooling down to evening lows closer to 40 degrees.
The weekend weather looks to be mostly sunny and fairly warm.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Stevie Sjogren (SHOW-gren) and Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg). 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 _________, and thank you for listening.
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STORY: Trackside to reopen in coming weeks
Kulshan Brewing Company’s Trackside Beer Garden will re-open for its fifth season on May 2nd.
Located on the Bellingham waterfront, Trackside is known for its laid-back vibe, wide beer selection, and strong community atmosphere. The 25,000-square-foot outdoor space features 20 taps of local beer, cider, and nonalcoholic drinks, live music every Friday and Saturday, and is family- and dog-friendly. Guests are welcome to bring their own food or grab a bite from nearby food trucks.
Trackside will be open from Monday through Thursday from 3-to-9 p.m., and on weekends from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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