One dozen dog carcasses wash ashore on Guemes Island, Bellingham superintendent says no elementary schools will close before 2027, Allegiant Airlines announces closure of BLI crew base, says flights will continue, Water main flushing across Bellingham, Water main flushing across Bellingham, Bellingham needs boats, Bellingham’s Denny’s, last of its kind in Whatcom, announces abrupt closure, Star Park open house on April 6, Whatcom County Hearing Examiner sides with environmentalist groups in halting expansion of Ferndale Terminal, AG’s office prepares for legal challenge to executive order creating list of eligible voters, restricting mail-in voting, Spokane rep and lead WA Democrat budget writer will not seek reelection, FREE OR CHEAP, Free tree saplings for, Bellingham community members, Celebrate Earth Day with us
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KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, April, 2nd. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: One dozen dog carcasses wash ashore on Guemes Island
Residents of Guemes (GWAY-muss) Island are raising alarms after more than a dozen skinned canine carcasses washed ashore over the past week.
The discoveries began on March 26th, when beachgoers found two bodies and shared photos online. In the following days, additional carcasses appeared, bringing the total to at least 13, including one recovered near Swinomish (SWIN-uh-mish) Channel by animal control.
Guemes Island Fire Chief Olivia Cole said the animals were all similar in size. While some residents believe they may be coyotes, Cole suspects they could be domesticated dogs dumped elsewhere and carried in by tides.
Authorities say the remains have been sent for forensic necropsy and DNA testing. Officials are asking anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s office as the investigation continues.
STORY: Bellingham superintendent says no elementary schools will close before 2027
Bellingham Public Schools says no elementary schools will close before 2027.
In a message sent to community members on Tuesday, Superintendent Greg Baker explained that officials will slow down a decision-making process driven by declining enrollment and budget pressures. Baker cited the complexity of the issue and the need for more community input. A facilities task force is still expected to make recommendations this spring, which could include consolidations or the closure of one or more schools.
Enrollment in the district has dropped by about 600 students since 2019, a trend officials link largely to declining birth rates. At the same time, the district is facing financial strain and plans to cut around 60 staff positions.
While no final decisions have been made, schools including Columbia and Carl Cozier have been discussed, drawing concern from families who say closures could disrupt neighborhoods and undermine past investments. Community meetings are scheduled later this month as the district gathers feedback.
STORY: Allegiant Airlines announces closure of BLI crew base, says flights will continue
Allegiant Air will close its crew base at Bellingham International Airport in November.
The move affects more than 100 local employees but will not impact current flights. The airline has operated in Bellingham since 2004, with the airport serving as a crew base since 2009. However, a recent drop in Canadian passengers, along with shifting demand and rising costs, contributed to the decision to close the Bellingham Airport base.
Airport officials say pilots and flight attendants will no longer be based in Bellingham, though the airline plans to maintain its existing routes and schedule. The Port of Bellingham emphasized the decision reflects internal operational changes, not a reduction in service to travelers.
Port officials say the airport remains focused on expanding service, even as the closure raises questions about the future of local airline jobs.
STORY: Water main flushing across Bellingham
Just a reminder — if you notice that your water has suddenly turned brown for a while, do not be alarmed, as April is the time for the annual City of Bellingham water main flushing.
The routine process clears mineral buildup from pipes and maintains water quality. Crews will work weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting in the northwest part of the city and moving southeast. Officials say drinking water will remain safe, though some residents may notice temporary discoloration or reduced pressure. Running a cold tap for a few minutes should help clear cloudy water.
In an announcement, the city said flushing will be done with water conservation in mind, and all discharged water will be dechlorinated before entering the storm system. Residents may contact the city for more information as the work continues.
STORY: Bellingham needs boats
Boaters in Bellingham are being asked to volunteer their vessels to help protect local lakes from invasive species.
The Whatcom Boat Inspection Program is recruiting four volunteers with boats for its annual watercraft inspector training on April 15th at Bloedel Donovan Park. Officials are looking for a variety of watercraft — including fishing boats, personal watercraft, and ski or wakeboard boats — to help staff practice inspection procedures.
Volunteers will receive a $10 discount on their 2026 aquatic invasive species permit, which may be combined with other savings. Organizers say staff training is key to preventing the spread of harmful species and keeping local waterways safe.
STORY: Bellingham’s Denny’s, last of its kind in Whatcom, announces abrupt closure
Bellingham’s last remaining Denny’s has closed permanently, marking the end of the chain’s presence in Whatcom County.
A notice posted on the restaurant’s door on Tuesday thanked customers for their support and confirmed the closure. The location, near the Bellis Fair mall, had been the final Denny’s in the county.
The nearest remaining restaurant is now in Mount Vernon, as the number of Denny’s locations in Washington continues to shrink.
STORY: Star Park open house on April 6
Ferndale’s Star Park is becoming more inclusive.
The city announced a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Monday at 11:30 a.m. for a new communication board at Star Park. The new board uses symbols and pictures to help children communicate, especially those with disabilities, and makes it easier for kids to interact and play.
Following the ceremony, families are invited to stay for a free Spring Break Bubble Playdate featuring games, activities, and community fun.
STORY: Whatcom County Hearing Examiner sides with environmentalist groups in halting expansion of Ferndale Terminal
A proposed expansion of the propane‑handling terminal at Cherry Point is now on hold.
Whatcom County has been told to redo major parts of its review of the AltaGas (AL-ta GAS) Ferndale Terminal before the project can move forward.
The facility already receives, stores, and ships propane and butane by truck, rail, pipeline, and marine vessels.
Last September, the County cleared a set of upgrades at the site without a full environmental study, saying staff had already done consultations similar to one.
A coalition of appellants challenged the County’s review, saying officials relied on a flawed estimate of how much fuel the terminal could move. The Hearing Examiner agreed, and sent both the environmental review and the land‑use permit back for more work.
The ruling does not kill the project, but it does pause it until the County completes that new analysis.
STORY: AG’s office prepares for legal challenge to executive order creating list of eligible voters, restricting mail-in voting
Washington state leaders are pushing back against a new executive order from President Trump that seeks to restrict mail-in voting.
Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said the state is reviewing Trump’s order to create a nationwide list of eligible voters and will act to protect the Washington election system. In a recent announcement, Attorney General Nick Brown signaled his readiness to challenge the move in court. Officials argue the order oversteps federal authority and infringes on states’ constitutional role in running elections.
Washington, which has conducted all elections by mail since 2012, defended its system as secure and accessible. U.S. Representative Suzan DelBene (DELL ben-AY) criticized the order as an attempt to influence the upcoming midterm elections, while Senator Maria Cantwell warned it could disrupt voting and disenfranchise voters.
The order directs federal agencies to compile voter eligibility lists and suggests withholding funding from states that do not comply. State officials across the West, where mail-in voting is common, are expected to join Washington in opposing the measure.
WX: Noah’s Day Off
And now for the weather:
Another predominantly cloudy day is in store for us. Look for rain on and off throughout, tapering off into the evening. Highs should once again hit the mid-50s, dropping into the mid-40s by nightfall. Speaking of which, tonight will be full of clouds with some rain.
The rain should disappear by noon tomorrow, but we’ll still see cloud cover, and hopefully, a few sun breaks.
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: Spokane rep and lead WA Democrat budget writer will not seek reelection
FREE OR CHEAP
Small Looms – Saturday, April 4, 12:00 – 3:00 pm SkillShare Space, Central Library: Hands-on weaving with fiber arts projects for library patrons of all ages. Members of the Whatcom Weavers Guild will bring projects to demonstrate as well as allowing the community to drop in for some firsthand experience.
Free tree saplings for Bellingham community members
As part of our efforts to grow Bellingham’s tree canopy, we are continuing our beloved tree giveaway program this spring. Find us at the Bellingham Farmers Market on April 4, the Sunnyland Earth Day event on April 18, and our volunteer work party on April 25. Available species may include cascara, paper birch, and other native trees – while supplies last! Learn more about our Community Tree Programs.
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
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