Whatcom County to implement “immediate austerity measures,” in face of looming budget crisis, County Council approves jail budget cap, Whatcom’s second disaster assistance center opening in Everson, Ferndale shooting suspect pleads not guilty to multiple felonies, Upcoming early dismissals from local schools, Birch Bay Waterslides listed for sale, Let’s Go Washington and conservative influencer named in complaint alleging campaign finance violation, WA voting experts call for change after SCOTUS ruling
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KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, May, 2026. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Whatcom County to implement “immediate austerity measures,” in face of looming budget crisis
Whatcom County is preparing for major budget cuts as county leaders warn of a growing financial shortfall.
Deputy Executive Kayla Schott-Bresler (SHOT BRESS-lur) told the county council Tuesday that flattening sales tax revenue and rising labor costs could leave the county more than eight million dollars in the red by 2027, growing to 14 million dollars the following year.
County Executive Satpal Sidhu has asked departments to prepare for service reductions of up to 10 percent. Officials say required services will be prioritized, but no department is exempt from possible cuts, layoffs, or schedule changes as budget planning moves forward.
STORY: County Council approves jail budget cap
In more Council news, Whatcom County has finally set a direction for its long‑debated new jail — but the fight isn’t over.
The County Council voted 5–2 to cap the jail budget at $205 million, a move critics say will shrink the project so much it risks becoming an undersized “tiny jail.”
Councilmember Ben Elenbaas (ELL-en-boss) voted no, saying the county needs a coordinated plan that tackles both incarceration and treatment if it wants to stop people from cycling back into jail.
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The vote followed weeks of stalled meetings and sharp pushback from city mayors and law enforcement, who say their warnings about capacity are being ignored. Stagnant sales tax revenue and rising construction costs have already forced the design to shrink by more than 70,000 square feet.
County Executive Satpal Sidhu has publicly blasted the delays — even threatening to halt design work last week.
The council takes up the next round of financial planning which includes talks with cities, at its May 26th meeting.
STORY: Whatcom’s second disaster assistance center opening in Everson
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened a second Whatcom County Disaster Assistance Center to support victims of last December’s brutal flooding.
Located at A Watered Garden Family Learning Center in Everson, the new Center will open on Tuesdays from 5 to 9 pm through June 9th, with some exceptions. Residents can get help from specialists in accessing and completing applications for federal and state assistance.
The Assistance Center at Sumas (SOO-mass) Advent Christian Church remains open Monday through Friday from 9 to 5, and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., through June 10th. Applications for FEMA or US Small Business Administration benefits must be submitted by that date.
For more information, visit disasterassistance.gov.
STORY: Ferndale shooting suspect pleads not guilty to multiple felonies
Michael Steven Daniels Jr. pleaded not guilty Monday to first-degree murder and six other felony charges in connection with a deadly shooting in Ferndale.
According to court documents, prosecutors say Daniels fatally shot Jordan Cernich (SER-nich) early Friday morning after forcing his way into his ex-wife’s apartment. A domestic violence protection order barred him from possessing firearms. Court documents say Daniels fired multiple shots after a fight with Cernich in the hallway. Daniels claims he acted in self-defense.
A judge ordered him held without bail. He now faces charges that include murder, burglary, assault, robbery, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
STORY: Upcoming early dismissals from local schools
Bellingham Public Schools have announced early dismissals tomorrow and next Thursday.
According to the release, this is to accommodate scheduled staff and instructional planning. Elementary schools dismiss at 12:20 p.m., middle schools at 1:15, and high schools at 2 p.m. Schools will also be closed this Friday, and again Monday, May 25th for Memorial Day.
More information is available on the district’s website.
STORY: Bellingham indoor shooting range reportedly nearly ready for reopening, environmental cleanup still years away
Whatcom County says the long-delayed indoor re-opening of Plantation Rifle Range is almost here.
The indoor range has been closed since July of 2021 after ventilation failures and lead dust contamination were discovered. Whatcom County Parks and Recreation Director Bennett Knox told the county council Tuesday that new HVAC and air handling systems are now operational. Knox said a limited reopening for law enforcement is planned before public access resumes.
However, the outdoor range remains closed indefinitely as officials prepare for a major environmental cleanup tied to decades of lead contamination. County leaders say cleanup work might not begin until 2029, with costs now expected to reach several million dollars.
STORY: Birch Bay Waterslides listed for sale
The future of Birch Bay Waterslides is now uncertain after the 14-and-a-half acre property was listed for sale for six million dollars.
Local realtor Patrick Starr of John L. Scott Realty listed the property just days after operators announced the water park would remain closed this summer. According to the listing, the property includes room for commercial development beyond the water park itself, with zoning that allows for housing, retail, lodging and restaurants. The park has faced years of challenges, that include a serious injury lawsuit tied to a 2023 incident as well as management changes after major renovations.
STORY: Let’s Go Washington and conservative influencer named in complaint alleging campaign finance violation
A Washington watchdog group says Brian Heywood’s Let’s Go Washington may have hidden up to a million dollars in political advertising.
Washingtonians for Ethical Government filed a complaint with the state Public Disclosure Commission, that accuses the campaign of failing to report at least 159 online promotions by commentator Brandi Kruse.
The group says Kruse — who sells advertising on her podcast and social media channels — repeatedly promoted two Let’s Go Washington initiatives without the required disclosures. They estimate the value of those posts and podcast segments at between $345,000 and $1.25 million dollars.
The complaint also says the campaign didn’t report Kruse’s appearances at two Let’s Go Washington rallies, or in‑kind support from Project 42, an organization tied to Heywood.
The group is asking the Commission to investigate and to update its rules to reflect the growing role of paid online influencers in political campaigns.
WX: The Coolong Strangler
And now for the weather:
Today’s forecast calls for intermittent showers throughout the afternoon, winds of up to 30 mph, and highs in the low 60s. The rain should stick around for a bit, and leave us with a mostly overcast evening and lows in the early 50s.
Tomorrow should stay largely the same, with rain changing to showers.
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), Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee), 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 _________… thanks for listening!
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STORY: WA voting experts call for change after SCOTUS ruling
Civic engagement leaders in Washington call on the state to adopt rank choice voting as a way to secure voting rights against changes to the federal Voting Rights Act. Washington News Service’s Isobel Charle (shar-LAY) reports:
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