Second of two complete I-5 closures scheduled for tonight, other major roads to see construction projects as well, Primary election results certified for Whatcom and Skagit counties, $14 million allocated to several counties around Puget Sound, including Whatcom, to aid in ecological restoration projects, Marblemount Bridge to close for repairs in September, WSP dealing with increasing backlog of forensic firearms investigations, Ferguson repudiates AG Bondi’s “threats,” in last week’s letter, pledges to affirm Keep Washington Working Act, Free or Cheap (Kill 9/12)
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KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, August 20th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Second of two complete I-5 closures scheduled for tonight, other major roads to see construction projects as well
Major roadwork will impact drivers in Whatcom County this week.
The left lane on southbound I-5 between Blaine and Custer School Road will be closed nightly, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m today through Friday morning.
Elsewhere, single-lane traffic will alternate on State Route 544 at Hannegan Road from 9 p.m tonight to 5 a.m. tomorrow. Traffic will also alternate on State Route 9 near Potter Road from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. tomorrow.
Finally, closer to Lynden, the Hannegan Road Bridge will be reduced to one lane today from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Officials urge drivers to plan ahead, expect delays, and slow down in work zones.
STORY: Primary election results certified for Whatcom and Skagit counties
The official results from the August 5th primary are in, with candidates locked in for the November election.
In Whatcom County, both the South Whatcom Fire Authority and Rural Library levies passed. For County Council, Elizabeth Boyle and Maya Morales (moh-RAH-lizz) advance in District 2, while Jessica Rienstra (reen-STRUH) and Kyle Christensen move forward in District 3. Ken Bell and Carly James also secured spots on the November ballot.
In Blaine, it’ll be Isaac Newland vs. Ray Leone for Ward 2, Position 4. Richard Postma (POST-mah) and Brett Egbert move on in Sumas, and in a razor-thin race for Point Roberts Hospital District Commissioner, Allison Calder and Alyssa Clark advance.
Over in Skagit County, the Mount Vernon Council-at-Large race will be between Demi Daman (dem-MEE DAY-muhn) and Stefanie LeJeunesse (lih-zhuh-NESS). For Sedro-Woolley Ward 6, it’s Joe Burns and Karl de Jong (duh YOUNG). In Anacortes, Mary LaFleur (la-FLUR) and Terry Carroll-Gillis move on for Port District 1, Position 1. Finally, Melanie Mankamyer (man-kuh-MEYER) and Keith Chaplin advance in Skagit Port District 2.
Both counties certified their results this week. Full vote counts and multi-county race results are online at results.vote.wa.gov.
STORY: $14 million allocated to several counties around Puget Sound, including Whatcom, to aid in ecological restoration projects
The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office and the Department of Fish and Wildlife have partnered to award more than $14 million to counties around Puget Sound.
The money will fund a variety of projects as part of the ongoing Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program.
The Whatcom Land Trust will receive close to $370,000 to purchase 3.2 acres of mudflat wetlands along California Creek, which is populated by Chinook (shuh-NUK), coho, and chum salmon, as well as steelhead trout. According to the Salmon Restoration Plan, the purchase will conserve shoreline and improve the water quality for nearby oyster habitat in Drayton Harbor, as well as enhance the nearby California Creek Estuary Park.
An additional $1.8 million will go to help landowners reduce shoreline armoring in Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, and four other counties.
Established in 2006, the Estuary Restoration Program has invested over $150 million in more than 200 stream and waterway restoration projects statewide.
STORY: Marblemount Bridge to close for repairs in September
Heads up for Cascade River Road travelers — the Skagit River Marblemount Bridge will be closed for repairs from September 2nd through the 16th.
To reach popular destinations like Cascade Pass, Boston Basin, and Eldorado, motorists will need to take the detour via State Route 530 and Rockport Cascade Road.
If you’ve got backcountry reservations starting during the closure, you can request remote permits by email. However, if you’re changing plans or hoping for a walk-up permit, you’ll need to visit the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount — either the day of, or the day before your trip.
And don’t forget — bear canisters are required in most backcountry areas accessed from Cascade River Road. You can borrow one for free at the Wilderness Information Center.
STORY: WSP dealing with increasing backlog of forensic firearms investigations
A growing backlog at Washington crime labs is forcing police to sometimes wait more than a year for firearms evidence to be tested.
According to a recent release from the Washington State Patrol, the labs receive more than six hundred gun test requests a year, but only complete about four hundred. As of July, more than 950 cases were waiting for analysis, with delays stretching up to 54 weeks. That backlog is expected to top a thousand cases this summer.
The patrol has doubled the number of firearms scientists in the past two years, though training takes time. Officials say once all new staff are fully trained, the backlog could be cut by 60 percent by 2027, with a goal of completing tests within 120 days by 2028.
Until then, detectives and prosecutors may still charge suspects — but trials can be slowed as they wait for forensic results.
STORY: Ferguson repudiates AG Bondi’s “threats,” in last week’s letter, pledges to affirm Keep Washington Working Act
Governor Bob Ferguson is pushing back against what he calls federal intimidation over Washington’s immigration policies.
At the Capitol, Ferguson blasted a letter from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi threatening criminal charges over the state’s so-called “sanctuary” laws. He said threats will not force Washington to abandon its values.
[clip ferguson-1, :10, out: “…happen either.”]
Ferguson believes Bondi is targeting the Keep Washington Working Act — a law limiting state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, backed by State Senator Lisa Wellman of Mercer Island.
Wellman says immigration enforcement is the federal government’s responsibility — and it already has billions in funding to do it.
[clip: wellman.wav, :03, out: “…the hell alone.”]
Ferguson admitted the state could lose some federal funding.
[clip: ferguson-2, :05, out: “…get through it.”]
Still, Ferguson made it clear: Washington will not divert public safety resources to enforce what he called cruel immigration crackdowns.
WX: andit’sgettingclosertogethe – IT’S A STAAAAAAR
And now for the weather:
Today, we bid farewell to our streak of cloudy weather, with an overcast morning giving way to a clear, sunny afternoon. Temperatures are expected to reach highs in the low-70s, with a max U.V. index rating of 6. Things should remain fairly clear as we head into the evening, wherein we should see temperatures drop to lows around 50 degrees.
This week should get warmer and sunnier tomorrow, with possible highs in the 80s slated for the weekend.
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 _________, and thank you 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.
