Whatcom man with outstanding warrant arrested following brief chase, Gas prices spike, Whatcom Chief dry dock dates updated, Submissions open for designs of Whatcom’s 2026 “I Voted” stickers, Legislature limits use of face masks, Ferguson announces pick for new WA Supreme Court justice, U.S. Congress renews attempt to remove dark money U.S., Worse season for flu than covid, Officials concerned over spike in measles, WA keeps preventive health services , Lummi Island ferry dry dock scheduled for mid-April, Places to file your taxes for free
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KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, March, 10th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Whatcom man with outstanding warrant arrested following brief chase
A 21-year-old Maple Falls man was arrested Saturday after deputies say he tried to evade police.
The sheriff’s office says Ryszard Dylczyk (RISH-ard DILL-chick) had a 2023 warrant for third-degree assault with a weapon and third-degree malicious mischief. When deputies approached a compound off Lattimore Road on Saturday around 2:30 p.m., Dylczyk allegedly drove away at high speed. His vehicle was later found abandoned on Sunset Avenue. Deputies used a drone and a K9 unit to locate him in the woods nearby, where he was taken into custody without incident.
Dylczyk was booked into the Whatcom County Jail on suspicion of attempting to elude police and the 2023 charges. Authorities say he faces two class C felonies and a gross misdemeanor.
STORY: Gas prices spike
Gas has reached $5.10 a gallon at the Chevron on Sunset Drive.
Prices are climbing quickly nationwide, as the conflict with Iran rattles global oil markets. According to a survey of local prices, a gallon averages about $4.62 a gallon throughout the county— just one cent lower than the state-wide average. For drivers looking for a bargain, it’s been posted as low as $4.09 a gallon at the Arco in Lynden.
According to AAA (TRIPLE A) and GasBuddy, this price is up from roughly $4 a month ago and $3.69 two months ago. The national average sits around $3.48 a gallon. Analysts say fears of oil supply disruptions tied to tensions near the Strait of Hormuz have pushed crude prices above $100 a barrel, driving fuel costs higher.
Experts say while geopolitical shocks may spike prices, the impact is often short-lived.
STORY: Whatcom Chief dry dock dates updated
The Whatcom Chief ferry will be out of service for its annual dry dock later this spring, Whatcom County officials announced last Wednesday.
The outage is scheduled from April 25th through May 17th, a week later than previously planned. The ferry, which carries both vehicles and pedestrians between Gooseberry Point and Lummi Island, will be replaced by a pedestrian-only vessel during the maintenance period.
This year, Lummi Island riders will no longer have access to the shuttle service that normally helps passengers get around. County documents say the shuttle vans, originally obtained from WTA surplus, have reached the end of their usable life, and replacing them is cost-prohibitive.
STORY: Mount Baker officials announce night skiing following winter storm warning
Mount Baker Ski Area officials have announced night skiing for March 13th and 14th, coinciding with a blizzard warning issued for the area by the National Weather Service.
The Weather Service’s Seattle office says the blizzard warning will be in effect from Wednesday at 6 p.m. to Thursday at 5 a.m.
Total snow accumulation is estimated to be between one and three feet in the affected area, which includes the Cascades from Whatcom County to northern King County.
This is the first time that the Mount Baker Ski Area will open for night skiing in its 73-year history. Chair 7 will be in operation from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
STORY: Submissions open for designs of Whatcom’s 2026 “I Voted” stickers
Submissions are now open for this year’s “I Voted” stickers in Whatcom County.
The contest was announced by its organizers, the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office, who will feature the winning design in its office beginning on July 15th. Submissions are required to fit within a 4-inch diameter circle. Hand-drawn and digital designs will be accepted, but no AI-generated art is allowed. Entries are due by May 1st.
More information can be found at
“whatcomcounty-dot-U.S.-slash-Elections”
STORY: Legislature limits use of face masks
Washington lawmakers have approved a bill limiting law enforcement’s use of face masks.
Senate Bill 5855 passed the state Senate 30-to-19 and now heads to Governor Bob Ferguson, who is expected to sign it. The measure would ban officers — including federal immigration agents — from covering their faces during public interactions, with exceptions for SWAT gear, protective equipment, and religious coverings.
Supporters say the law increases transparency and accountability, arguing communities deserve to know who is exercising government authority. Republicans opposed the bill, raising concerns about officer safety and questioning whether the state can regulate federal agents. The bill passed both chambers along party lines, with Republicans voting against it.
The bill would go into effect immediately when signed.
STORY: Ferguson announces pick for new WA Supreme Court justice
In other political news, Governor Ferguson has announced the appointment of Theo Angelis (ANGELES) as the newest Washington Supreme Court Justice.
Angelis will replace the retiring Chief Justice Barbara Madsen next month. He is the first Justice of Middle Eastern descent on Washington’s Supreme Court. According to a news release by the Governor’s office, Angelis has 25 years of legal experience as a partner at the law firm K&L Gates.
Angelis will officially start on April 4th, as he sees out the remainder of Madsen’s term.
STORY: U.S. Congress renews attempt to remove dark money U.S. Representative Rick Larsen has joined 184 colleagues in reintroducing the DISCLOSE Act, legislation aimed at ending “dark money” in U.S. elections.
Larsen, who represents Washington’s 2nd congressional district, said the bill targets secret spending by super PACs, corporations, and other organizations. It also requires disclosure of donors who contribute more than $10,000, strengthens prohibitions on foreign influence, expands disclosure for online political ads, and applies to payments made to social media influencers.
Dark-money spending has surged since the 2010 Citizens United decision, and reached $1.9 billion in the 2024 election cycle, up from less than $5 million in 2006. According to Larsen, the DISCLOSE Act of 2026 aims to modernize campaign finance rules and ensure voters have clear information about who is shaping elections.
STORY: AG Brown vows to continue case against Live Nation
A multistate coalition is pressing ahead with its antitrust case against Live Nation.
Washington says a new federal settlement does not go far enough, and is breaking from the Department of Justice. The state is joining more than two dozen others in continuing their own lawsuits.
CNN reports the company reached an agreement with the DOJ yesterday. Under that deal, Ticketmaster would have to let venues use competitors like SeatGeek and StubHub instead of requiring exclusive contracts. Live Nation would also be forced to divest 13 amphitheaters, with that number increasing if more states sign on. The company is offering a $280 million settlement fund for states that agree.
The coalition argues Live Nation has used its dominance in ticketing and concert venues to block competition and drive up prices — and says it’s prepared to keep litigating to restore competition in the live‑entertainment industry.
WX: Overcast Party
And now for the weather:
Today kicks off with another round of rain. Expect highs in the mid-40s, with temperatures driven lower by winds of up to 25 mph. Tonight, look for rain with lows in the high 30s. Note that there’s a winter storm warning in effect until Friday for the North Cascades, and a blizzard warning until
tomorrow at 6 p.m. As such, stay safe and warm if you’re going into the mountains.
Tomorrow…here in the lowlands, expect more rain with a high near 49.
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, Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee), Kieran (KEAR-un) Dang, and Bella Farris. 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 our work, check out our Patreon, or Substack, or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _________… thanks for listening!
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STORY: Worse season for flu than covid
For the second winter in a row, flu cases in the U.S. have surged while COVID cases have declined.
Flu primarily affects the respiratory system, while COVID can impact multiple organs and cause long-term complications known as long COVID. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 25 million people have caught the flu this season, resulting in 330,000
hospitalizations and 20,000 deaths. By comparison, since October COVID has sickened between 3 and 9 million people, with up to 170,000 hospitalizations and around 20,000 deaths.
Experts say the difference reflects changes in the viruses as well as human immunity. Early in the pandemic, COVID was far more deadly and transmissible than flu, but widespread vaccination and prior infections have now tempered its impact. Meanwhile, the H3N2 flu strain has mutated— leaving vaccines less effective and driving higher flu numbers.
Public health officials caution that both viruses still pose serious risks and vaccination remains the main defense against severe illness for both viruses.
STORY: Officials concerned over spike in measles
Washington health officials say measles cases are rising sharply this year.
The Washington State Department of Health has confirmed 26 measles cases across four counties so far in 2026. That’s already more than double the 12 cases reported statewide during all of last year.
Most of the cases are in children, and nearly all involve people who are unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. Cases have been reported in Snohomish, Clark, Stevens and Kittitas counties.
Health officials say measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. They say the MMR vaccine remains the most effective protection against the disease.
Nationally, the U.S. has now recorded more than 1,100 measles cases this year.
STORY: WA keeps preventive health services
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has signed a bill preserving no-cost preventive health services for residents who choose to use them.
Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 2242 keeps coverage in place for services like well-child visits and immunizations that Washingtonians have received without cost since 2010. The measure, requested by Ferguson and Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer, passed the House 36–12 and took effect immediately after being signed Monday. Supporters say the law ensures medical recommendations continue to come from trained health experts rather than political appointees.
STORY: Whatcom County to host second community engagement workshop for new jail RUN AGAIN BY/ABOUT MAR 16 Whatcom County wants the public to weigh in on plans for the new jail and behavioral health facility.
The county will host its second community engagement workshop for the voter-approved Justice Project next month in Lynden. The initiative, passed in November 2023, includes construction of a new jail and a behavioral care center.
County leaders are expected to decide this spring on the final capacity, scope and budget before construction begins later this year.
Residents can review project updates and provide feedback at the workshop, scheduled for Thursday, March 19th, at the Lynden City Annex Chamber.
STORY: No Kings Day March 28th
STORY: Lummi Island ferry dry dock scheduled for mid-April
STORY: Places to file your taxes for free
Even though the Trump Administration has ended the IRS Direct File program, many Americans can still file their taxes for free this season.
Taxpayers earning under eighty-nine thousand dollars a year can use IRS Free File software online, while those making about sixty-seven thousand dollars or less may qualify for free, in-person help through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites at libraries and community centers. Seniors can get no-cost help through AARP Tax-Aide, and military members can file for free through the Defense Department’s MilTax program.
Anyone can also file at no charge using the IRS’s Free File Fillable Forms on IRS dot gov. The tax filing deadline is April fifteenth.
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