Staff cut after $6 million slashed from Ferndale SD budget, Blaine SD considers adding Birch Bay to name, buying land, La Conner School District to reinstate cancelled programs in wake of federal funding release, Shellfish harvest back on in northern Whatcom County, WA’s new rent increase cap set just below 10% for 2026, WA gas prices stable after new tax, Free n Cheap
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KMRE brings you local news for Friday, August 1st. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.
STORY: Staff cut after $6 million slashed from Ferndale SD budget
Ferndale schools are bracing for a leaner year.
Cascadia Daily News reports that the Ferndale School District has slashed $6 million from its budget ahead of the new school year — cuts which eliminate its long-standing program of providing free school supplies for all students.
The district has reduced 20 teaching positions, mostly through retirement and resignation, and cut over 45 classified staff roles, including para-educator hours. Three administrative jobs were also eliminated.
Officials say rising costs and stagnant state funding force them to cut into regular operations — not just temporary programs. Superintendent Kristi Dominguez warned families may notice the changes this fall, from fewer staff to reduced services.
Community groups are now stepping in to help cover school supply needs.
STORY: Blaine SD considers adding Birch Bay to name, buying land
The Blaine School District is considering big changes — both in name and footprint.
The Northern Light reports that the board is discussing adding “Birch Bay” to the district’s name and reviving efforts to purchase land in Birch Bay for a long-requested elementary school.
The board stopped short of supporting a full name change, but several members acknowledged Birch Bay residents feel overlooked despite making up a significant portion of the district.
The board also discussed purchasing land in Bay Horizon Park, a location viewed for decades as a potential elementary school site. Interim Superintendent Dan Chaplik says the district is serious about moving forward, calling it a responsible step for students and taxpayers.
Birch Bay, home to over 10,000 residents, now sends more students — and tax dollars — to Blaine schools than the city of Blaine does for itself.
STORY: La Conner School District to reinstate cancelled programs in wake of federal funding release
La Conner schools are back on track.
After a surprise funding freeze forced the district to cancel key programs last week, the federal government reversed course — releasing the money in time for the 2025-26 school year.
Cascadia Daily News reports that La Conner School District will now restore the Braves’ Hub after-school program, the Brave Beginnings preschool, and services for migrant, and multilingual students — all of which rely on federal grants.
Superintendent Dave Cram says displaced staff are being rehired, and the district is thrilled to move forward, but notes funding for the following year remains uncertain.
District leaders say they will closely monitor the situation and continue to keep families informed.
STORY: Shellfish harvest back on in northern Whatcom County
Beaches in northern Whatcom County are open for shellfish harvesting once again.
The Washington State Department of Health has lifted the biotoxin closure for beaches from Sandy Point to the Canadian border, including all of Drayton Harbor and Point Roberts. That means recreational shellfish harvest is now allowed in those areas.
However, harvest remains off-limits on Lummi Nation tidelands for non-tribal visitors.
Health officials say toxins like those that cause paralytic shellfish poisoning cannot be seen or cooked out — so always check the Shellfish Safety Map or call the DOH hotline before you dig.
Shellfish from stores and restaurants are tested and safe to eat, but crab “butter” and entrails should still be discarded.
STORY: WA’s new rent increase cap set just below 10% for 2026
Washington has set next year’s statewide rent increase cap.
According to the Washington State Standard, the state has locked in its new rent limit for 2026 at just under 10 percent. The cap is part of a new state law aimed at reining in rising housing costs.
The cap is based on inflation and resets each year. For the rest of 2025, landlords cannot raise rent more than 10 percent. Beginning in January of 2026, the rate drops slightly to 9.68%. Going forward, the Department of Commerce will announce the annual rent limit each July.
The law also bars rent increases in the first year of a lease, and limits hikes on manufactured homes to 5 percent. Violations can carry penalties of up to $7,500.
The law will remain in place through 2040.
STORY: WA gas prices stable after new tax
Despite a recent gas tax hike, prices at the pump in Washington are holding steady.
The state’s gas tax increased by six-tenths of a cent per gallon this month, but so far, drivers aren’t feeling the pinch. According to AAA, the average price of regular in Washington is $4.39 a gallon — down slightly from last month’s $4.42, and up just 15 cents from this time last year.
Nationwide, the average is far lower at $3.14, the lowest summer gas price since 2021. Crude oil prices and demand are both up slightly, but not enough to push prices higher.
Here in Bellingham, the average sits around $4.28, with the cheapest gas reported at $3.29 at the Shell on Highway 539. Costco was selling regular at $3.64, according to GasBuddy.
STORY: Free n 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.
Set sail for Blaine this weekend — pirates are taking over Marine Park! The Drayton Harbor Pirate Festival drops anchor tomorrow with a full day of live music, food, and family-friendly fun. Come dressed in your best pirate gear and enjoy seaside festivities for all ages at Blaine Marine Park. It’s a swashbuckling way to spend your Saturday — no treasure map required!
Keep your eyes peeled for hidden octopuses in downtown Bellingham! The Opal Scavenger Hunt continues through August 15th, and it’s free to join. Just visit 13 local businesses, snap photos of each octopus you find, and submit your sightings online. Everyone who completes the hunt wins a prize — like gift cards, mystery bags, and even event tickets.
Finally, the Farmtunes summer concert series continues tonight at Bellewood Farms & Distillery near Lynden from 6 to 9 p.m. Food and beverages are available, and there’s plenty of space for kids to play. Concerts are free — just bring a blanket or chair. For details, visit bellewoodfarms.com.
WX: M O R E
And now weather:
We’ve got a mostly sunny day in store for us again, with forecast highs in the mid-70s and a U.V. index rating of 7. Skies should remain clear during the day, ending in a mildly cloudy evening with lows in the upper-50s.
Looks like we’ll have similar weather through the weekend and heading into Monday.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THARE-un) Danielson, Cody Mills, Aidan Larson, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), Bella Mae, Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee), Nate Landi (LAND-ee) and Hailey LeRoy (luh-ROY). 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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STORY: WSP reports well over 7,000 drivers caught speeding since implementation of work zone cameras
Washington’s new work zone speed cameras are catching thousands of drivers — and fast.
KOMO News reports that in just 90 days, the state’s Work Zone Speed Camera Program has issued nearly 76-hundred infractions. According to the Washington State Patrol, just under 4,000 are still being processed.
The program, launched in April by both State Patrol and the Department of Transportation, aims to reduce speed-related crashes in highway work zones. First-time violations result in a $125 fine. Just over 260 repeat offenders already face $248 penalties.
Transportation Secretary Julie Meredith said the early numbers confirm what road crews have long reported — too many drivers speed through work zones.
Notices are sent to the vehicle’s registered owner. While the infractions do not affect driving records or insurance, unpaid fines can block registration renewal.
Appeals are handled by the state Office of Administrative Hearings.
STORY: Free or Cheap (Kill 9/12)
https://www.whatcomcd.org/run-with-the-chums — Sat, Sept. 13
Mark your calendars for the 13th Annual Run with the Chums on September 13th at BP Highlands in Birch Bay.
This free, family-friendly 5K fun run celebrates salmon, clean water, and community. All ages and paces are welcome, and the scenic course offers stunning views of Whatcom County’s shoreline.
Kids 10 and under can enjoy the Smolt Sprint obstacle course starting at 9:30 a.m., with the 5K kicking off at 10.
Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m.—arrive early for a free T-shirt while supplies last.
Draft 1
Draft 1
“An unprovoked, violent attack on a uniformed law enforcement officer.”
That’s how Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell Tanksley described the shooting during a press conference Monday—after a Lummi Nation officer was shot early Sunday morning.
Just before 1 a.m., the officer came across a White Ford Ranger that had crashed into a ditch along North Red River Road. As he approached to help—his body camera recording—ten shots were fired.
The officer was hit seven times, including the legs, chest, and head. He remains in stable condition at PeaceHealth St. Joseph after being placed in a medically induced coma and receiving a second surgery.
According to court records, the driver—later identified as Jesus Abraham Penuelas-Agramon, 23, of Colorado—was crawling out of the passenger-side window when the officer arrived. He allegedly swore, and opened fire.
Investigators recovered “numerous” 9mm shell casings and a handgun previously reported stolen to Bellingham Police. Penuelas-Agramon then fled on foot.
Roughly 20 minutes later, another Lummi Tribal officer pulled over a GMC Sierra pickup with three occupants. Penuelas-Agramon was in the truck, but gave a false name—Javier Pena-Flores—and was released.
He was later identified by fingerprints and video footage. Court records say he had been living locally under the false name, and had ties to another criminal investigation involving the same truck.
Later that day, he was arrested at a friend’s apartment in Ferndale. SWAT teams loud-hailed the residence, and Penuelas-Agramon exited without incident. He was treated at the hospital for injuries from the crash and then booked into Whatcom County Jail.
According to court records, Penuelas-Agramon is a convicted felon, and was wanted for a parole violation out of Colorado. A March warrant described him as having “violent tendencies.”
In court, he appeared visibly upset at claims that he posed a danger to others. He now faces multiple charges, including first-degree attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and delivery of fentanyl.
His arraignment is scheduled for Friday, August 8th at 10:30 a.m.
The Lummi Nation and Whatcom County communities have expressed gratitude for the public’s support and privacy. As of Wednesday, more than $1,300 had been raised for the officer’s recovery through the Lhaq’temish Foundation.
A benefit dinner is planned for August 4th at Syros Restaurant in Lynden.
Sheriff Tanksley added that the shooting could have happened to any first responder, calling it “an alert to everyone in the community that these things can happen.”
Updates on the officer’s condition and the investigation are expected in the days ahead.
Draft 2
“An unprovoked, violent attack on a uniformed law enforcement officer.”
That’s how Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell Tanksley described the shooting during a press conference this Monday – after a Lummi Nation officer was shot early Sunday morning.
The officer came across a seemingly entrenched truck on North Red River Road. As he approached to help his body camera recorded—ten shots were fired.
He was hit seven times, and remains stable after a second surgery following being placed in a medically induced coma at PeaceHealth St. Joseph.
Deputies arrested Jesus Abraham Penuelas-Agramon, 23, of Colorado. And while he initially gave a false name, he was later identified through fingerprints and video footage.
He was located in a truck – along with 3 others shortly after the incident.
In court, he appeared visibly upset at claims that he posed a danger to others. Now, he faces multiple charges, including delivery of fentanyl, unlawful possession of a firearm, and attempted murder to the first degree.
His arraignment is scheduled for Friday, August 8th at 10:30 a.m.
The Lummi Nation and Whatcom County communities have requested privacy and emphasized care and safety – raising more than $1,300 as of Wednesday to help aid the officer’s recovery. A benefit dinner is planned for August 4th in Lynden, and donations are being accepted through the Lhaq’temish Foundation to support the officers recovery efforts.
Tanksley said the shooting could’ve happened to any first responder in whatcom county – describing how the spark in emotion is ‘an alert to everyone in the community that these things can happen,” He said.
Updates on the officer’s condition and the ongoing investigation are expected in the days ahead.
