Perry Fire grows to over 1,500 acres, Lynden man pleads not guilty to involvement in Little Squalicum Park assault, Local businessman purchases Bellingham’s Flatiron building, State Dept. of Health issues standing order recommending all residents over six months of age to receive COVID-19 vaccine, New report from governor’s office says WA could lose over $2 billion in general fund revenue to tariffs over next four years, Dozens of boats expected to turn out for inaugural Hands Across The Water flotilla celebrating friendship with Canada, Businesses at Bellingham’s Portal Container Village set to ramp down for the winter season, Free or cheap (kill 9/12), Free or cheap (KILL 9/19), Election Town Halls slated for October (kill 10/4), Tree coupon back (fill)
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KMRE brings you local news for Monday, September 8th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Perry Fire grows to over 1,500 acres
The Perry Fire in the North Cascades National Park has grown to a little over 1,500 acres.
The fire started on August 27th after lightning struck near the Little Beaver drainage, west of Ross Lake. Crews have been battling difficult terrain with aerial water drops. About a week ago, a Type-1 Wildland Fire Module — or WFM — was ordered to support suppression efforts. A Type-1 WFM is a specialized unit of firefighters who possess a broad range of qualifications for fireline duty, and is designed to operate for extended periods without external support.
The fire remains 0% contained, according to the Wildfire Explorer website. Warm, dry weather and gusty winds have continued to fuel its growth. No evacuations are in place, but trails and camps in the Little Beaver area are closed. Smoke is also impacting air quality in Whatcom County, with unhealthy levels near Mount Baker.
Full containment is not expected until mid-November.
STORY: Lynden man pleads not guilty to involvement in Little Squalicum Park assault
A Lynden man has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape, robbery, and assault in connection with an attack last month at Little Squalicum Park.
According to court records, 35-year-old Joseph Drager (DRAY-gur) entered the plea last Friday in Whatcom County Superior Court. He was arrested on August 27th after witnesses reported seeing a man fleeing the scene where a 48-year-old woman had been assaulted at knifepoint.
The victim, who has Down syndrome and regularly visits the park with help from her mother, had visible injuries and reported her wallet was stolen.
Investigators say Drager changed his appearance after the incident, but clothing identified by the victim was later found at his home.
Drager is due back in court on September 24th.
STORY: Local businessman purchases Bellingham’s Flatiron building
The historic Flatiron (FLAT-eye-urn) Building in downtown Bellingham has a new owner and a new future.
The iconic 1907 building on Bay Street — which has long been the home to Faithlife and its Logos Bible software — was sold this summer for just over $10 million. It will now serve as headquarters for Place, a locally owned real estate services and technology company founded by Ben Kinney.
Kinney says his family of businesses — which includes Place, Brivity, Envoy Mortgage, and the Ben Kinney Real Estate Team — will fill the entire building, and bring hundreds of employees downtown. He says the move is both an investment in Bellingham’s future and a way to keep local talent from leaving the community.
The Flatiron, listed as a federal landmark since 1983, was once Bellingham’s tallest building and remains one of its most recognizable.
STORY: State Dept. of Health issues standing order recommending all residents over six months of age to receive COVID-19 vaccine
Washington is making COVID-19 vaccines easier to get.
The state Department of Health has issued a new standing order that allows anyone six months and older to get vaccinated directly at pharmacies and clinics.
This means people can now receive the vaccine without a prescription, which streamlines the process and improves access.
This action comes as Washington joins California, Oregon, and now Hawaii in the West Coast Health Alliance, a regional public-health partnership committed to science-driven policy. Many interpret the move as a statement of independence amid rising federal uncertainty.
Health officials emphasize that COVID-19 vaccine updates remain the best way to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death. The vaccine continues to be covered by most private insurance plans, Apple Health, and state vaccine programs, which reduces cost barriers for many families.
While some providers already have the latest 2025-2026 vaccines, others still await supplies. The Department of Health recommends calling your pharmacy or healthcare provider to check availability and schedule appointments.
STORY: New report from governor’s office says WA could lose over $2 billion in general fund revenue to tariffs over next four years
Washington families could pay over 16 percent more for groceries by 2027 if President Trump’s tariffs remain in place — this according to a new report from the state’s Office of Financial Management.
The analysis, shared on Thursday by Governor Bob Ferguson, warns that a family currently spending $6,000 a year on groceries could see that rise to about $7,000 within two years. Ferguson had this to say about the report:
[audio: FERGUSON 1, :23, out: “…and the adverse impacts to Washingtonians”]
The 65-page report says nearly 32,000 jobs are at risk — especially in agriculture and aerospace — and the state could lose $2.2 billion in revenue by 2029. Prices for clothing, shoes, and cars are also expected to climb, while electricity and natural gas costs could increase — and the projected impacts do not stop there.
[audio: FERGUSON 2, :16, out: “…will cost Washington jobs”]
Ferguson called the tariffs harmful to Washington’s working families and businesses, and left open the possibility of withholding federal tax collections in response.
Port of Seattle Commissioner Ryan Calkins said on Thursday that the ongoing uncertainty is damaging for business, workers, and the state’s economy.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is fighting a court ruling that limited its authority to impose the tariffs, with the Supreme Court set to weigh in soon.
The next state revenue forecast later this month could show early effects of the tariffs and influence the 2026 legislative session.
WX: Slippery When Wet
And now for the weather:
Today’s forecast calls for a back-and-forth between sun and rain, with much of the precipitation expected to fall in the late afternoon. Daytime highs should hover around the low-70s, and we have a slight chance of thunderstorms later on in the evening. Speaking of which, this evening should be partly cloudy, with some sporadic showers and lows in the mid-50s.
Clouds and showers are expected to stick around tomorrow, and possibly longer. Autumn ahoy, folks.
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: Dozens of boats expected to turn out for inaugural Hands Across The Water flotilla celebrating friendship with Canada
Call it a handshake across the water — with the celebration of connection and shared island spirit.
This September 19th, more than a hundred boats will set sail from Orcas to Salt Spring Island for the first-ever Hands Across the Water flotilla.
With support from the Orcas Island Yacht Club and the Ganges (GAN-jeez) community, the event welcomes people from all walks of life for three days of concerts, yoga, soccer, tours, and sailing.
No boat? No problem — organizers are matching passengers with crews. Tickets are about 100 U.S. dollars, on sale through September 16th. Youth under 19 are free with an adult, and children under 2 do not need an event passport — just bring ID for the border.
STORY: Businesses at Bellingham’s Portal Container Village set to ramp down for the winter season
Bellingham’s Portal Container Village has started to wind down its summer season.
The waterfront hub of food trucks, live music, mini golf, and Kulshan Brewing’s Trackside beer garden will close for the winter by Sunday, November 2nd.
However, closing dates vary by business. For example, Portal Putt and Selkie Scoop ice cream plan to shut down by the end of September, while Zeek’s Pizza will stay open through Halloween. Kulshan Brewing is expected to scale back their hours in October, and Sun-E-Land Bikes will wrap up in mid-October.
The Port of Bellingham recommends checking with each business, since hours are weather-dependent and already reduced at many locations.
STORY: Free or cheap (kill 9/12)
The 18th Annual Whatcom County Farm Tour is set for Saturday, September 13, from 10 to 4. The free, self-guided event invites all ages to visit local farms, meet the people who grow our food, and learn how it makes its way from field to table.
STORY: Free or cheap (KILL 9/19)
As part of Whatcom Water Week, the Whatcom Land Trust is hosting a Forest Water Scavenger Hunt at Stimpson Family Nature Reserve on Saturday, September 20, from 10 to 4. Families can pick up an activity booklet at the trailhead, then explore the forest to learn how trees and streams keep water clean and cool. The free, family-friendly event includes kid-friendly activities and a Water Wise take-home memento.
STORY: Reykdahl releases state assessment results – 9/10/25
Basic info: Media briefing where State Superintendent Chris Reykdal will share results from Washington’s spring 2025 statewide assessments in math and English language arts, as well as provide information about student achievement nationally and internationally.
| Who: State Superintendent Chris ReykdalWhat: Media briefing where Superintendent Reykdal will share results from Washington’s 2025 statewide assessments in math and English language arts, as well as provide information about student achievement nationally and internationally.When: Wednesday, September 10 at 10 amWhere: The event will be livestreamed on OSPI’s YouTube page, OSPI’s Facebook page, and TVW. – we can get audio from this |
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.
STORY: Election Town Halls slated for October (kill 10/4)
This year’s election is all about local power — from city councils to school boards — and Cascadia Daily News wants voters to hear directly from the candidates.
You’re invited to two free town halls in October at the Sehome High School Theater in Bellingham. The first, focused on County Council races, is Saturday, October 4. The second, covering Bellingham City Council candidates, is Saturday, October 11. Both run from 6 to 8 p.m.
It’s your chance to ask questions, raise concerns, and hear where candidates stand before ballots drop.
Admission is free, but an RSVP is required. Reserve your seat for county races at CascadiaDaily.co/WhatcomTownHall and for city races at CascadiaDaily.co/BhamTownHall.
STORY: Tree coupon back (fill)
Bellingham’s Tree Coupon Program is back this fall. Residents can get up to $100 off per tree at participating nurseries to plant on private property. The city says last year’s program added more than 500 trees, boosting Bellingham’s urban canopy. Sign-ups are online, and coupons are valid from October through May.
