Years of advocacy bear fruit as WWU’s OSE union finally certified, Whatcom County approves criminal justice sales tax, Engine failure leads private airplane to make emergency landing at BLI, Housing inspectors beginning visits to flood-damage homes in Whatcom, Skagit, and affected tribal nations, Engine failure leads private airplane to make emergency landing at BLI, Housing inspectors beginning visits to flood-damage homes in Whatcom, Skagit, and affected tribal nations, Whatcom County appoints new deputy executive, Eastbound lane of Mount Vernon’s Division Street bridge set to close for repainting until 2027, WSDOT releases data from first year of operating speed cameras, WA awarding nearly $56 million in grants to childcare, Free and Cheap, New housing rule workshop offered, Chee and Freap
Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Friday, April 17th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.
STORY: Years of advocacy bear fruit as WWU’s OSE union finally certified
Western Washington University’s operational student employees have officially secured union certification.
After years of organizing, strikes, and legislative advocacy, this move is the first-of-its-kind for Washington state.
The OSE has argued that their group became unionized years ago after its members voted for representation. Western administrators have consistently opposed formal recognition until legislation was passed. Now, that the house has passed HB1570 — sponsored by State Representative Joe Timmons— university administration has officially recognized the union.
WAWU Local 4929 represents about 1,000 student workers in roles across campus, from resident advisers to library and childcare staff. Members say they are focused on higher wages, stronger workplace protections, and expanded support services — and that they are ready to begin contract negotiations.
STORY: Whatcom County approves criminal justice sales tax
In a split vote, the Whatcom County Council has approved a new sales tax to fund criminal justice services. Simultaneously, a separate proposal to send the measure to voters was rejected.
The tax passed 5-to-2, with council members Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler voting against it and for the public referendum. The measure is now set to take effect July 1st, and is expected to generate up to seven million dollars a year as the county faces a projected twelve million dollar deficit by 2028.
Officials say the funding will support the sheriff’s office, courts, and jail services. The sales tax is expected to add about ten cents on every one-hundred-dollar purchase, or roughly 25 to 45 dollars annually for the average household.
STORY: Engine failure leads private airplane to make emergency landing at BLI
On Tuesday afternoon, a mid-flight engine failure forced the pilot to make an emergency landing at Bellingham Airport.
According to Bellingham Fire Captain Dustin Michaelis, emergency crews with BFD were on standby as the Beech C99 touched down just after 4 p.m. According to Port of Bellingham Public Affairs Administrator Mike Hogan, the pilot — who was the only person on board — had departed from Spokane and had been scheduled to land at BLI before the engine trouble. He was uninjured.
STORY: Housing inspectors beginning visits to flood-damage homes in Whatcom, Skagit, and affected tribal nations
Those who applied for disaster assistance with FEMA after last December’s storms may soon be hearing from an inspector.
According to FEMA’s website, housing inspections are now underway in parts of western Washington, including Whatcom and Skagit counties. The free, in-person visits will assess damage and determine eligibility for aid not covered by insurance. FEMA says legitimate inspectors are FEMA employees or contractors and they will already know the applicant’s FEMA case number, and will present official FEMA identification.
More information is available at FEMA.gov.
STORY: Whatcom County appoints new deputy executive
Whatcom County has a new Deputy Executive.
The County Council has confirmed Executive Satpal Sidhu’s appointment of Debbie Arthur as the county’s second Deputy Executive. She will serve alongside current Deputy Executive Kayla Schott-Bresler.
Arthur brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across government, education, private industry, and emergency response. She joined the county last fall as EMS Administrator, where she strengthened financial oversight and coordination across fire districts and partner agencies.
In her new role, Arthur will oversee administrative services including finance, budget, IT, facilities, and human resources, as well as share broader departmental leadership with Schott-Bresler. County officials say her background in long-range planning, capital strategy, and organizational performance will support ongoing efforts to improve transparency and public trust.
STORY: Eastbound lane of Mount Vernon’s Division Street bridge set to close for repainting until 2027
A major repainting project will shut down eastbound traffic on Mount Vernon’s Division Street Bridge for nearly a year.
WSDOT (WASH-dot) says the bridge, last painted in 1990, will get a full new coat starting next month in order to protect the 73 year old structure and extend its life.
During construction, eastbound lanes will be fully closed except for emergency vehicles. All eastbound drivers will follow a signed detour. The bridge will stay open to people walking and biking, and a free shuttle will run during the closure.
Westbound lanes will remain open; however, they will face several nighttime and weekend closures with detours in place.
WSDOT says the year-long timeline is driven by safety concerns, paint curing time, and the need to keep westbound traffic moving for emergency response.
STORY: WSDOT releases data from first year of operating speed cameras
Speed cameras are making Washington’s work zones safer — and more are coming.
WSDOT says early deployments show drivers are slowing down where mobile work-zone cameras are in place. On I-5 near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, the share of speeding vehicles dropped from more than 60 percent to about 30 percent during enforcement. Similar improvements were recorded on State Route 522. The program has issued roughly 65,000 infractions so far, most of them first-time warnings.
Beginning July 1st, the first offense will carry a $125 fine, while repeat violations will cost $248. Cameras only activate when crews are present, and every potential violation is reviewed by a Washington State Patrol trooper before a notice is mailed.
WSDOT plans to grow the program to as many as 15 camera units by 2027, including new sites in eastern Washington.
STORY: WA awarding nearly $56 million in grants to childcare
Washington state is investing in child care.
State officials are awarding nearly $56M in grants to support child care and early learning providers across the state.
This funding will help providers build, expand, and upgrade facilities, increasing access for families as demand continues to outpace supply.
Leaders say the investment is designed to strengthen provider capacity and support the workforce, with contributions from partners including the Ballmer Group.
However, demand continues to exceed funding, underscoring the need for more affordable child care across Washington.
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. All events mentioned today are free.
In Bellingham, celebrate the return of spring this Saturday with the Downtown Spring Scavenger Hunt & Festival. 11am check in at 1314 Commercial Street.
The Bring It On community art show runs Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. at the Meloy Gallery in Bay Street Village. Allied Arts’ Recycled Art and Reuse Expo is also open on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1213 Cornwall Avenue.
And, in Skagit County, Mount Vernon’s Tulip Festival Street Fair continues through Sunday with vendors, food, and live entertainment. In Anacortes, Sunday brings a full slate of Earth Day celebrations, including the Environmental Fair, the Procession of the Species, and an evening Luminary Parade.
WX: Vendredi-class Star Destroyer
And now weather:
Expect a pleasant day of sunshine and light clouds, with highs around 55 degrees. Clouds are expected to increase this evening, and tonight we’ll have mostly overcast skies with lows in the mid-40s.
Tomorrow will bring partial sun with highs in the mid-60s and light winds, with more clouds later on. Clouds should stick around on Sunday, with highs in the mid to upper 60s — possibly passing 70 by Monday. Mmmm!
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!
##
STORY: New housing rule workshop offered
The City of Bellingham is hosting a free workshop to help renters and landlords navigate new housing rules.
The event takes place April 28 at City Council Chambers, where city staff and local groups — including Western Washington University Off Campus Living and the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center — will break down new rental regulations and answer questions.
Topics include local ordinances, statewide rent stabilization, and fair housing laws, with a focus on disability discrimination — the most common complaint in Whatcom County.
The session is part of Fair Housing Month, which also includes a film screening and panel discussion on April 22.
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. |
Leave a Reply