Governor gives State of the State address, Sumas mayor implores Whatcom County council to take greater action to protect high flood-risk communities, Dept. of Ecology urges Nooksack Valley water rights holders to file court claims ahead of May deadline, Two Bellingham residents among four arrested on federal drug trafficking charges, Lynden School Board director announces intention to resign, State Democratic leaders say House “unlikely,” to hold hearings on Let’s Go Washington initiatives, State ferries back to pre-Covid levels, State debuts Telebupe, Washington seeks re-hearing on TransAlta coal plant, Dirty Dan Harris reopens, Gov. Ferguson Approves 1,300-Acre Solar Farm in Klickitat County, Free or Cheap, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Events
Day of Service Community Work Party
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STORY: Governor gives State of the State address
Governor Bob Ferguson delivered his first State of the State address yesterday.
In it, he urged lawmakers to take bold action while emphasizing optimism and bipartisanship. Ferguson highlighted the state’s response to the historic December flooding; called for investments in infrastructure, tax fairness, and housing; and voiced support for a millionaires’ tax to return money and services to Washington residents.
Ferguson also pointed to bipartisan efforts on public safety and accountability, and said Washington must meet outside challenges with what he called the state’s enduring heart and spirit.
STORY: Sumas mayor implores Whatcom County council to take greater action to protect high flood-risk communities
Sumas (SOO-mass) Mayor Bruce Bosch (BOSH) has called upon the Whatcom County Council to take immediate and decisive action to combat flooding issues in the area.
In a letter to Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu (SAHT-pow SEE-do) and County Council members, Bosch criticized the county’s decision to allow the Nooksack River to overflow in the Everson area. He claims that cities such as Sumas, Nooksack, Everson, and Abbotsford were not consulted about the quote-unquote “conscious decision” to maintain the Everson overflow.
Bosch and dozens of Sumas residents attended the first Whatcom County Council meeting of the year last night to discuss the historic flooding last month.
STORY: Dept. of Ecology urges Nooksack Valley water rights holders to file court claims ahead of May deadline
With the May deadline approaching, only about 10% of water right holders have filed claims in Whatcom County so far.
The state estimates there are 15-to-20 thousand people in the county who should be filing, but only 1,600 have. The Washington State Department of Ecology says filing early is critical as a sweeping water rights lawsuit moves forward. The case will determine whether individual water users across the Nooksack Basin are legal, how much water can be used, and who has priority during shortages. The lawsuit includes farmers, well owners, tribes, and local governments.
Ecology is urging anyone who received a claim form to file by May 1st, or risk losing the legal ability to use water in the future.
STORY: Two Bellingham residents among four arrested on federal drug trafficking charges
Two Bellingham residents are facing federal drug trafficking charges after more than 20 pounds of cocaine were allegedly moved through the city.
The U.S. Department of Justice says four people were arrested in connection to the case: the two Bellingham residents, as well as individuals from Marysville and Everett. Investigators allege the group planned a large drug exchange involving cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, following a months-long undercover operation by Homeland Security Investigations. Court records show officers seized cocaine, firearms, and ammunition.
Each defendant faces a potential mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
STORY: Lynden School Board director announces intention to resign
Lynden School Board Director Tonya (TAWN-ya) Hickman has announced her intent to resign from her position later this month.
Hickman announced her resignation during last Thursday’s board meeting, citing, quote “a call to invest more time directly in serving our local families” unquote. Hickman had been reelected last November in an unopposed race.
During her time on the board, Hickman opposed curriculum-related bills from the state legislature, as well as other bills that she and the board said would undermine parental rights and local control.
STORY: State Democratic leaders say House “unlikely,” to hold hearings on Let’s Go Washington initiatives
Washington voters are now on track to decide on two high‑profile initiatives this November.
State Democratic leaders signaled on Friday that neither chamber plans to take up IL26‑001 — Strengthen Communication Between Parents and Schools — or IL26‑638 — Protecting Fairness in Girls’ Sports. That set the stage for House Speaker Laurie Jinkins to make it clear where things stand:
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IL26‑001 would undo recent legislative changes to the state’s Parents’ Bill of Rights, expanding parental access to school records and notifications. IL26‑638 would bar transgender students from participating in girls’ sports by defining eligibility based on sex assigned at birth.
Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen says that Senate Democrats are united in their approach to the two initiatives:
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Meanwhile, Republican House Leader Drew Stokesbary said he believes the Legislature owes it to the voters to consider the measures:
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If the signatures are validated and lawmakers decline to pass them, both initiatives will appear on the November ballot.
STORY: State ferries back to pre-Covid levels
The Washington State Ferries carried over 20 million passengers in 2025 — it’s the first time ridership has been that high since 2019.
According to the state Department of Transportation, the system logged a 5% increase from the previous year. Officials credit the return of full domestic service on key routes and fewer canceled sailings — which dropped to their lowest level since 2020. Seattle-to-Bainbridge remained the busiest route, while Seattle-to-Bremerton saw the biggest year-to-year jump after two-boat service was restored.
STORY: Guinness World Records say Birch Bay polar plunge record attempt unsuccessful, reasoning unclear
Thousands of people of all ages gathered in Birch Bay on New Year’s Day for its 43rd Annual Polar Bear Dip.
This year, however, the area’s Chamber of Commerce had additional ambitions: they meant to break the Guinness World Record for the largest ever polar bear dip. As per strict Guinness guidelines, the Chamber asked participants to don swimwear and shoes, wait until directed to enter the water, and then stay there for at least 60 seconds.
Pacific Multisports says Birch Bay shattered the record set in Norway just weeks before. 4,917 bibbed and properly attired participants surged together into the frigid bay.
However, there appears to be a catch: Sacha Sanguinetti (SASHA sang-wi-NETT-ee), the Birch Bay Chamber’s event coordinator, says she received no reply after repeated messages to Guinness. Finally, in an email sent to the Bellingham Herald yesterday, Kylie (KAI-lee) Galloway, a Guinness senior PR executive, said that Birch Bay’s attempt was unsuccessful.
As of now, no reason for that ruling or timeline for clarification has been provided.
WX: Lift every fog and sing
And now for the weather:
Expect intermittent periods of clouds and partial sunshine today, bookended in the early morning and late evening with periods of fog. Daytime highs look to hover around the low-50s; however, they will drop into the mid-40s later tonight.
This peculiar streak of warm-ish January sunshine looks to continue into tomorrow, with temperatures in the low-50s and a little more sun. We must be cashing in some good karma after last month.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRAH-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), Austin Wright, and Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee). 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. To help support what we do, check out our Patreon, Substack, or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _________, and thanks for listening!
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STORY: State debuts Telebupe
People across Washington now have a new, same-day option for help with opioid use disorder.
According to a release, the state Department of Health has expanded the Washington Telebuprenorphine Hotline statewide, which gives residents access to addiction treatment by phone or video, no matter where they live in the state. The service connects callers with University of Washington physicians who can prescribe the medicine– often called ‘bupe’— to ease withdrawal and cravings.
Health officials say more than 1,400 people have already used the hotline, which is free, available year-round to people as young as 13, and available from 9am-9pm.
STORY: Washington seeks re-hearing on TransAlta coal plant
Washington state has asked the U.S. Department of Energy to reconsider an emergency order that would keep the TransAlta coal-fired power plant in Centralia in operation.
Attorney General Nick Brown and Governor Bob Ferguson say the order is illegal and unnecessary, and argue the plant was already slated to end coal generation under state law by the end of 2025. State officials warn the move could raise energy costs and increase pollution, while interfering with local energy planning.
The federal government has 30 days to respond to the state’s request for a rehearing.
STORY: Dirty Dan Harris reopens
A beloved Fairhaven steakhouse is back up and running.
Dirty Dan Harris has reopened more than two years after the Terminal Building fire forced the longtime restaurant to close. The December 2023 fire caused significant damage to the historic structure, and left the business shuttered as repairs moved forward and the community recovered.
According to recent Facebook posts, the restaurant reopened Sunday under new owner Steve Marandola. Updates to the former Churchill Room have been completed, and is now renamed the Phantom Room. The space can be reserved for private dining.
Owners say they’re grateful for the community’s support and patience throughout the long closure— and say they look forward to welcoming customers back as the landmark spot begins its next chapter.
STORY: Gov. Ferguson Approves 1,300-Acre Solar Farm in Klickitat County
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has approved the 1,300-acre Carriger Solar project in Klickitat County, calling it a win for our state.
The project is expected to generate enough electricity to power more than 30,000 homes and includes a 63-megawatt battery storage system. Construction is planned to start soon to qualify for federal clean energy tax credits, with power delivery expected by summer 2028.
Ferguson worked with the Yakama Nation to address concerns about cultural resource protections. The agreement includes a $100,000 grant to the tribe’s Cultural Resources Program and guarantees access to traditional lands during construction, though the tribe still opposes the project.
Cypress Creek Renewables, the California-based developer, said it’s “moving with urgency” to keep the project on track and help advance Washington’s clean energy goals.
Ferguson said the project balances the need for affordable clean energy with mitigation requirements that protect Washington’s environment, adding that swift action was necessary to secure federal incentives.
STORY: Community Forum on South Fork Nooksack River Scheduled for January 27
The Lummi Nation and Nooksack Indian Tribe are inviting local residents, landowners, and partner organizations to a community forum focused on the South Fork Nooksack River. The event will take place Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 4–7 p.m. at the Rome Grange, 2821 Mt. Baker Highway.
Attendees can learn about salmon recovery efforts, flood management strategies, and ongoing river restoration projects. The forum offers a casual, welcoming environment to meet the people leading these initiatives, ask questions, and join discussions about the river’s future. Refreshments and raffle prizes will be available.
RSVP by January 19 via email at outreach@triangleassociates.com or by phone at (206) 981-2229 ext. 102.
STORY: Free or Cheap
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Events
Day of Service Community Work Party
Saturday, Jan 17
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Squalicum Creek Park
Join us for a community work party inspired by Dr. King’s concern for the urban environment. Come plant native trees and shrubs to restore fish and wildlife habitat and improve water quality in the Willow Spring project site at Squalicum Creek Park. Connect with your community and improve tree canopy, water quality, and habitat for all!
All ages, abilities, and experience levels are welcome at this event. Donations for the Birchwood Food Desert Fighters are welcomed. We will provide tools, gloves, snacks, Tony’s coffee, and free pizza. Spots are limited, so register in advance here!
Mission Possible: Moving, Building, Uniting
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Celebration
Monday, Jan 19
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sehome High School
Join us for for a free breakfast, presentations, songs and performances, local vendors, and more at this annual event hosted by the Community Consortium for Cultural Recognition, a coalition of education, local government, and nonprofit partners across Whatcom County.
This year’s theme invites our community to reflect on Dr. King’s teachings through volunteerism, advocacy, and the uplifting of marginalized voices. Together, we will engage with pressing local issues, explore practical solutions, and work toward systemic change and community well-being.
For more information, please visit the event webpage.
Staff, students, families and community members are invited to attend the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Celebration from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, Jan. 19 at Sehome High School. This year’s theme is Mission Possible: Moving, Building, Uniting. All are welcome at this free event. This year’s event includes breakfast at 10 a.m., presentations, songs and performances, local vendors and art, followed by community service projects at noon. This is an annual event sponsored by the Community Consortium for Cultural Recognition in Whatcom County. Sehome High School is wheelchair accessible, and ASL is available upon request. Please email cjoefield@whatcomymca.org by Jan. 16 to request specific accommodations.
