Refund system in operation for businesses impacted by now-stricken federal tariffs, Early release could be in cards for Whatcom man after first-degree murder charge changed to felony assistance, Over 100 people show up at school board meeting, Longtime Opportunity Council head announces retirement, Whatcom County Council eyeing $225 million budget cap for new jail and behavioral crisis center, Many cry foul as Skagit Regional Health moves to dissolve contract with sound physicians, Bald eagle with suspected gunshot wound found and treated in Whatcom, odds of full recovery seem high, Free and Cheap
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KMRE brings you local news for Friday, April 24th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.
STORY: Refund system in operation for businesses impacted by now-stricken federal tariffs
Local businesses impacted by recent tariffs may soon see relief.
A federal refund system launched on Monday allows some importers to recover costs from tariffs after they were ruled illegal earlier this year by the Supreme Court.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection estimates that more than 330,000 importers paid roughly 166 billion dollars under those tariffs. The first phase of refunds applies to cases where payments were not finalized or fall within an 80-day review window.
Business owners must register through CBP’s electronic payment system to qualify. In Whatcom County, more than 40 percent of businesses surveyed last summer reported tariffs were already affecting—or expected to affect—their bottom line.
STORY: Early release could be in cards for Whatcom man after first-degree murder charge changed to felony assistance
A 19-year-old man could be released from jail as early as this week after pleading guilty in connection to a deadly October shooting.
Yesterday morning, Royelio Marquez admitted to rendering criminal assistance in front of a Whatcom County Superior Court judge in a case that left one man dead and another seriously wounded. The charge is a class B felony. Prosecutors say Marquez was not the shooter, but acted as a go-between during the incident near Cordata Park.
In the recommendation for a seven-month sentence, the Whatcom County prosecuting attorney said Marquez was not the individual who fired the gun; instead, he was trying to act as a peace maker.
Originally charged with murder, Marquez received a reduced sentence of seven months, with credit for time served. The suspected shooter remains in custody and is expected back in court next month.
STORY: Over 100 people show up at school board meeting
Tensions ran high at Thursday night’s Bellingham School Board meeting, where a large crowd pushed back against possible elementary school closings.
The district is grappling with declining enrollment and budget shortfalls, with one projection estimating a loss of about one-thousand students over the next decade. Multiple parents spoke for over an hour during the public comment period – here’s a sample of what we heard.
School Board AUDIO 1
A task force is considering options, including boundary changes, program consolidation, and potentially closing schools like Carl Cozier and Columbia.
STORY: Longtime Opportunity Council head announces retirement
One of Whatcom County’s most influential nonprofit leaders is preparing to step aside.
Opportunity Council executive director Greg Winter will retire in August, ending an 18-year run with the agency. Winter joined the organization in 2008 to help launch the Whatcom Homeless Service Center, later becoming executive director in 2016.
Under his leadership, the council grew into one of the region’s largest nonprofit employers and developed more than 300 affordable dwellings, while expanding housing stabilization, early learning, and energy-assistance programs.
The board has begun a national search for his successor and says services will continue uninterrupted during the transition.
The Opportunity Council serves residents across Whatcom, Island, and San Juan counties.
STORY: Whatcom County Council eyeing $225 million budget cap for new jail and behavioral crisis center
Whatcom County Council is moving toward a 225-million-dollar budget cap for a new jail and behavioral crisis center.
The proposal would split funding—205 million for the jail and 20 million for the crisis facility—giving designers a target as planning moves forward. The measure is expected to be discussed at the council’s criminal justice committee meeting April 28.
The project, approved by voters in 2023, aims to replace the overcrowded 1980s-era jail and expand mental health services. As part of the tax ordinance, the county was directed to enter into negotiations with the seven local cities regarding bond repayment with a portion of funds, ideally 50% at a minimum, going to incarceration-prevention services.
But rising construction costs and lower-than-expected tax revenue now fuel debate over how much funding should go to incarceration versus community-based services.
STORY: Many cry foul as Skagit Regional Health moves to dissolve contract with sound physicians
Skagit Regional Health has announced it will change hospitalist providers, and end its contract with Sound Physicians.
According to a recent release, California-based Vituity will start July first. The move affects care teams at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon and Cascade Valley Hospital in Arlington. Some physicians say the decision comes shortly after they unionized and are now raising concerns about possible anti-union motives.
Hospital leadership denies retaliation, citing performance issues and financial pressures as key factors. The transition has left many hospitalists uncertain about their jobs, with some already seeking work elsewhere as the new contract takes shape.
STORY: Bald eagle with suspected gunshot wound found and treated in Whatcom, odds of full recovery seem high
A bald eagle is getting a second chance after being shot in the face.
The bird was transferred from the Whatcom Humane Society’s wildlife center to the Progressive Animal Welfare Society — or PAWS — at the end of March with a badly misaligned bill. X-rays revealed why: metal fragments from a gunshot were lodged near the mandibles, forcing the beak to grow crookedly. In the wild, that kind of injury is often fatal because the eagle cannot properly eat or preen.
Rehab staff used a Dremel tool to reshape the bill and fitted specialized headgear to correct the alignment. PAWS says the eagle is responding well and may be able to return to the wild.
Federal penalties for shooting a bald eagle are up to $100,000–$250,000 in fines, one to two years in federal prison, or both.
STORY: Free and 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.
Here are a few options for free Earth Day activities on Saturday.
A volunteer work party runs 10am to 1pm at the Squalicum Creek Re-route site, where crews will remove invasive plants — tools and snacks provided. A recycling drop-off runs noon to 3pm at 1530 East Bakerview Road for shredding, e-waste, batteries, and old sneakers. And, a guided Padden Creek fish-passage tour starts at 2 p.m. along the Interurban Trail.
Burlington’s throwing a giant flea-market on Saturday.Thriftopia runs from 10am to 3pm at 900 East Fairhaven Avenue, with more than 70 local vendors selling crafts, clothing, jewelry, and garage-sale finds across the Parks & Rec Building, the library, and the senior center. Food trucks will be on site, and cyclists can get a free bike tune-up.
WX: The Wonder Years
And now weather:
We’re closing out the week sunny and warm. Expect highs today in the mid-60s, with light clouds. This evening should be cool and clear, with lows around 40 degrees.
Get ready to bask in glorious sun rays for a few more days: the weekend is expected to be just like today.
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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UPCOMING FREE/CHEAP:
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
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