Heavy summer storm bound for Whatcom County, flooding currently not expected around Nooksack River, Bat tests positive for rabies in Skagit County, Several diseased or dead trees removed from Chestnut Street, Nighttime constructions scheduled to resume at Boulevard Park, Free school supplies to be available at events across Whatcom beginning next week, Public records suit filed against City of Blaine, Free & Cheep Cheep, Free or Cheap (Kill 9/12)
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KMRE brings you local news for Friday, August 15th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.
STORY: Heavy summer storm bound for Whatcom County, flooding currently not expected around Nooksack River
Soggy weather is passing over Whatcom County — and it could bring more than wet roads.
Expect steady rain today, continuing through tonight and tapering off by tomorrow night.
The National Weather Service warns that urban and low-lying areas could see minor flooding, especially on flat roads and poorly drained areas. The Nooksack River is not expected to flood, but smaller streams and creeks could swell with runoff, though some may absorb the rainfall more efficiently.
Stay alert, especially if you’re traveling — and give yourself extra time on the roads.
STORY: Bat tests positive for rabies in Skagit County
A rabid bat found in a child’s bedroom has prompted swift action from Skagit County health officials.
Uncertain whether their child or pets had contact with the bat, the family alerted Skagit County Public Health. The bat did test positive for rabies on Monday after being submitted to the state lab.
It’s the first confirmed rabid bat in Skagit County this year, and the fourth statewide in 2025. The family was advised to seek medical care due to potential exposure.
While bats play an important role in our ecosystem, officials urge residents not to touch them. If a bat is found indoors — especially near people or pets — call public health immediately for guidance.
STORY: Several diseased or dead trees removed from Chestnut Street
A stretch of chestnut trees lining Chestnut Street were removed last weekend.
Kelsey Thomas, the City of Bellingham’s Assistant Communications and Community Outreach Director, told My Bellingham Now that the city’s park arborist discovered two of these trees were dead, with a few others showing serious signs of disease and decline. Thomas said that appropriate street trees will be planted this fall.
Parks Operations Manager Steven Janiszewski told My Bellingham Now that there are no plans to remove more chestnuts, but that the health of those remaining will be monitored.
While the reason for their decline is unknown, Whatcom Million Trees Executive Director Sarah Hutton pointed out in an email to My Bellingham Now that urban street trees generally undergo more stress due to exposure to pollution, as well as their roots being constrained by the infrastructure around them. The high heat days and drought brought by climate change can also make them particularly vulnerable to disease.
STORY: Nighttime constructions scheduled to resume at Boulevard Park
Bellingham City Council announced that construction to improve the beloved Boulevard Park will commence this fall.
The Council also voted on Monday night to allow additional noise while a crew works to enhance the shoreline and public access.
Councilmember Edwin “Skip” Williams said the noise variance covers work done between October 1st and December 1st.
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Construction will take place at night, during low tide. The city plans to remove the failing rock revetments, extend the beach, and repair walking trails.
They estimate completion by next spring.
STORY: Free school supplies to be available at events across Whatcom beginning next week
As school approaches, Whatcom and Skagit communities are coming together — offering free backpacks, supplies, health checks, and more.
It all starts tomorrow, with Mount Vernon’s Back to School Blessing and the Anacortes Ready to Learn Fair, where families can pick up clothing, books, and lunch.
On the 17th, Lyman Church is giving out backpacks and snacks… and on the 18th, Nooksack’s Wellness Fair offers immunizations and hearing exams.
The fun continues on August 21st with supply drives and block parties in Lynden, Blaine, and Sedro-Woolley, followed by Mount Baker’s Resource fair on the 22nd. The 23rd brings district-wide celebrations in Ferndale, Bellingham, and Burlington.
Concrete Elementary wraps up on August 28th, and mid-September brings Bellingham’s Blue Skies program with coats and shoes for fall.
Join the season of giving, so that every child enters school ready to learn.
STORY: Public records suit filed against City of Blaine
A new lawsuit accuses the city of Blaine of stonewalling public records requests and hiding environmental documents.
The Northern Light reports Geoffrey Baker — using the name Otto Pointer — filed the civil suit last week in Whatcom County Superior Court on behalf of the Blaine Water Coalition. It alleges repeated violations of Washington’s Public Records Act and seeks penalties, attorney’s fees, and reforms.
A vocal critic of recent housing developments in east Blaine, Baker and the Blaine Water Coalition have allegedly flooded the city with records requests. City officials say the demands have strained staff and cost taxpayers thousands.
Baker is also asking the court to seal his name, citing anti-SLAPP protections, though his identity is already public.
STORY: Free & Cheep Cheep
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 Northwest Washington Fair wraps up tomorrow in Lynden. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for kids, and there’s plenty of free entertainment — like trick dogs, aquatic shows, live music, magicians, and more. This year’s new food value menu features meals for $10 or less. Details are available at nwwafair.com.
There’s live music tonight at the Acme Diner, with BandZandt taking the stage in the beer garden from 6 to 8 p.m. Known as East County’s favorite dance band, the local rock-and-blues group brings high-energy tunes and crowd-pleasing vibes. All ages are welcome to this free event — put on a rain jacket, bring your lawn chair, grab a drink, and enjoy the mountain valley views!
Finally, today is also Fish Fry Fryday at Boundary Bay Brewery, where the music sizzles and the fish is hot! Tonight in the beer garden is a free, family-friendly show with Cozmic Sauce – a high-energy blend of funk, soul, and jazz grooves. Music starts at 6pm!
WX: This video is sponsored by WetterHelp
And now weather:
We’re looking at a healthy dose of rain today, with up to one-and-a-half inches of precipitation expected to fall by the end of the night. Daytime highs are projected in the upper-60s, with wind gusts expected to reach up to 29 miles per hour. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue well into the night, with temperatures falling to lows around 60 degrees.
It will turn to drizzle Saturday, before partial sunshine returns on Sunday.
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: 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.
