IRS grants Whatcom and Skagit business owners extension in filing taxes due to floods, WTA and WWU move to extend universal bus pass, Whatcom health officials warn residents of uptick in unsafe food vendors, Former Lummi Nation school teacher sentenced, Whatcom woman sentenced after filing false reports A Whatcom County woman has been sentenced after admitting to filing false reports with law enforcement. Whatcom Public Works to host office hours for help with water adjudication, Registration opens for Bellingham Traverse relay, Frustrations mount over state budget’s slashing of two small grant programs, Sedro-Woolley appoints new mayor, Frustrations mount over state budget’s slashing of two small grant programs, FREE or CHEAP, Major roadwork project in Everson set to begin this week (run 4/13 or /14), Lawsuit filed against Millionaire’s Tax (needs “who”), Washington leaders try to rein in AI, Chee and Freap
Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Friday, April 10th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.
STORY: IRS grants Whatcom and Skagit business owners extension in filing taxes due to floods
Residents and business owners in Skagit and Whatcom counties now have more time to file their taxes.
The IRS has extended the deadline to May 1st for people effected by the flooding last December. This relief follows a federal disaster declaration after tens of thousands were forced to evacuate. The extension also applies to certain tax payments, IRA and health savings contributions, and some quarterly filings.
Anyone who receives a late penalty notice is encouraged to contact the IRS directly.
STORY: WTA and WWU move to extend universal bus pass
WTA and Western Washington University have announced they will extend the universal bus pass program.
The new deal would run through September of 2027 and increase the university’s payment by $100,000 a year — all while keeping student fees the same. The agreement comes as WTA prepares to double general fares to two dollars per ride next year — its first increase since 2009.
Leaders say the partnership keeps transit affordable and accessible for students and staff across Whatcom County.
Final approval is expected to come at WTA’s board meeting on April 16th.
STORY: Whatcom health officials warn residents of uptick in unsafe food vendors
Health officials in Whatcom County are urging caution around unsafe food vendors.
According to a recent press release, Whatcom County Health and Community Services has responded to multiple reports of unpermitted food stands operating without basic safety measures. These measures include handwashing stations, refrigeration, and verified food sources. Officials warn these conditions may increase the risk of serious foodborne illnesses such as E. coli, salmonella, and norovirus.
Health officials say properly permitted vendors are required to follow strict sanitation and safety standards — standards which help protect the public. Residents are encouraged to look for valid health permits, and avoid vendors operating out of makeshift setups like folding tables or vehicles.
STORY: Former Lummi Nation school teacher sentenced
A former Lummi Nation School teacher has been sentenced in Whatcom County Superior Court.
According to court documents, 47yo Robert Ziesing (ZY-sing) pled guilty to two counts of fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation. He will serve 15 days in custody, with the possibility of home monitoring.
The charges stem from a 2022 incident at Birch Bay Waterslides, where witnesses reported inappropriate contact involving two students during a summer school outing. Ziesing is now subject to two-year no-contact orders with the victims; he must also pay legal fines and fees, as well as provide a DNA sample.
STORY: Whatcom woman sentenced after filing false reports
A Whatcom County woman has been sentenced after admitting to filing false reports with law enforcement.
According to court documents, twenty-seven-year-old Merissa Saenz (SAH-ens) pled guilty to malicious prosecution, entering an Alford plea to making a false statement to a public servant.
The court suspended more than a year of jail time and thousands of dollars in fines. Investigators say Saenz made about a dozen reports over nearly three years, accusing an intimate partner of abusing two children. Multiple medical exams and investigations found no evidence to support those claims. Authorities say the reports were made to prompt the arrest of an innocent person.
Saenz will not serve jail time if she meets the conditions of her sentence.
STORY: Whatcom Public Works to host office hours for help with water adjudication
Local library branches will host three extra sessions to help landowners with water rights questions.
The Washington State Department of Ecology sent adjudication documents via certified mail to all WRIA (WHY-ra) 1 landowners in March of last year. Anyone using surface, or groundwater in the designated area must file a court claim form that details all water use — including home, wells, livestock, and irrigation.
The first session will occur at the Deming Library tomorrow, with additional sessions taking place in Blaine on April 16th and Ferndale on April 22nd. Representatives from Whatcom County Public Works, Ecology, and Geotech Consultants will be available to answer questions, and to help complete the forms. Appointments are required.
More information can be found on the Whatcom County Public Works’ website.
STORY: Registration opens for Bellingham Traverse relay
Registration is open for the 2026 Bellingham Traverse.
Whatcom Events is bringing back the multi-sport race on August 29th — their first year running it since purchasing the event from Pacific Multisports late last year. Racers can sign up to compete solo, in tandem, or as five-person teams, with extra perks for corporate teams chasing the Corporate Award.
The planned course begins with a sea-kayak leg from Waypoint Park to Marine Park, then shifts to a road bike loop around Lake Samish, a trail run from Padden toward Galbraith, a mountain bike leg on Galbraith, then a Greenway run back to Waypoint Park. Teams finish with a short group run before the after-party and awards at Kulshan Trackside.
The route still needs approval from several agencies. Whatcom Events will post updates on the Traverse website and social media as plans are finalized.
STORY: Sedro-Woolley appoints new mayor
Sedro-Woolley has a new mayor.
City council member JoEllen Kesti (KESS-tee) was sworn in this week, taking over after former Mayor Julia Johnson stepped down for personal reasons. The council selected Kesti from a small pool of candidates, as required under state law. She has served on the council for nearly six years, and will now fill out the remainder of the mayoral term through 2027.
Council member Nick Lavacca (luh-VAH-kuh) had been serving as mayor pro tem during the transition.
STORY: Frustrations mount over state budget’s slashing of two small grant programs
Frustration is boiling over in the state Capitol.
Governor Bob Ferguson is taking heat after vetoing two tiny grants in Washington’s new $80-billion budget — cuts that amount to just one thousandth of a percent of overall spending. The Washington State Standard reports the vetoes wiped out $300,000 for the Prime Time Family Reading Program and $500,000 for a pilot project aimed at curbing organized retail theft.
Both programs say they were blindsided. Supporters of the reading initiative call it a proven literacy tool for families, while backers of the retail-theft pilot argue it helped law enforcement coordinate investigations.
Ferguson says lawmakers had to close a projected $2.3-billion shortfall, and that the dollars were redirected to protect core state services. His office later said both programs had already expired.
STORY: FREE or CHEAP
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 32nd annual Spring Garage Sale runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow at the Skagit County Fairgrounds, with more than 190 vendors, seven food booths, and live music. Skagit County EMS will also be there, handing out free kids’ bike helmets while supplies last. Admission is five dollars — kids 12 and under get in for free — and parking is also five bucks.
Meanwhile, gardeners can head to Western’s Whatcom County Master Gardener Early Bloomer Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow at Hovander Homestead Park in Ferndale — find early-season plants and plenty of expert advice.
Saturday night at sunset, Zuanich Point Park hosts the free Sunset Silent Disco. Headphones and gorgeous water views included!
Finally, Sunday brings plenty of easy options: Open Mic Night at Aslan Depot from 7 to 10 p.m., Sunday Jazz Jams from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Hotel Leo… or two different trivia nights — Red Rum Trivia from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Red Rum Tiki Bar, and Sunday Night Trivia at Stemma OG from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
WX: Hikin’, bikin’, and fission
And now weather:
We’re going 5-for-5 on bright, sunny spring days here in Whatcom, with today’s forecast calling for continued beautiful blue skies with highs in the low-60s. Some cloud cover is expected later, increasing as we transition into an evening of overcast skies, occasional showers, and lows in the upper-40s.
Expect the weekend to be mostly cloudy with scattered showers. More showers are expected on Sunday, as are lows in the mid-40s and highs approaching 60.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Glen Hirshberg, Kathi O’Shea, Kai Blais-Schmolke, Kieran Dang, Bella Farris, and Jenny Lam. 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 _David Korb________… thanks for listening!
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STORY: Major roadwork project in Everson set to begin this week (run 4/13 or /14)
STORY: Lawsuit filed against Millionaire’s Tax (needs “who”)
A lawsuit was filed yesterday against the Millionaire’s Tax.
The legal filing argues the tax is unconstitutional and could block it from taking effect.
The law, signed by Governor Bob Ferguson last month, would impose a nearly 10 percent tax on annual income over one million dollars starting in 2028. Plaintiffs say the measure violates the state constitution, which has been interpreted to require a flat tax on income.
The case could prompt Washington’s highest court to revisit long-standing rulings on how income can be taxed in the state.
STORY: Washington leaders try to rein in AI
Washington state is trying to set some guardrails around AI.
Last month, Governor Bob Ferguson signed new laws that require companies to disclose when images, video, or audio are created or altered by AI systems.
Another measure targets so-called companion chatbots. It requires companies to clearly tell users they’re interacting with a machine — and provide frequent reminders, especially for minors — as well as build in safeguards for users in distress.
Supporters say the laws aim to reduce deception and protect vulnerable users as AI becomes more common in daily life. Critics, though, warn parts of the chatbot law could lead to legal uncertainty by allowing private lawsuits.
The chatbot rules take effect in January, with AI media disclosure requirements following later in 2027.
STORY: Chee and Freap
Celebrate Earth Day with us
Save the date for Earth Day on April 22! The City is hosting several events throughout April to celebrate, including:
- Free First Friday at the Whatcom Museum with activities around the new exhibition, Painted Forest: The Science and Beauty of Petrified Wood
- Earth-themed Children’s Storytimes with the Bellingham Public Library
- Volunteer work party to improve water quality and habitat at Squalicum Creek
- A recycling drop-off event for hard-to-recycle items – bring your sensitive documents for shredding, electronic waste, batteries, and used athletic sneakers
- A tour of our recently completed Padden Creek fish passage project
Check out a full list of events with details online.
Residents of Whatcom County can safely and responsibly dispose of old or leftover household paint at a Free Paint Collection & Recycling Event. The event will take place on Saturday, May 2, in Lynden. https://www.whatcomcounty.us//CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=5453
THRIFTOPIA! A FLEA MARKET BLOCK PARTY |
| Saturday, April 25 10AM – 3PM | 900 E Fairhaven Ave, Burlington |
| Held just once each spring during the Tulip Festival season, this FREE-admission event features 70+ local vendors offering everything from arts & crafts and jewelry to clothing, garage sale treasures, and new or gently used goods.With booths filling the Burlington Parks & Recreation Building, Burlington Public Library (Friends of the Library Used Book Sale), and Burlington Senior Center, you’ll find plenty of INDOOR and OUTDOOR shopping. Grab a bite from Mexicraves or Drifters Desserts, and don’t forget to ride your bike for a FREE tune-up from the Skagit Valley Bicycle Coalition! Visit our facebook event page for updates. |
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