Special election results – Fire District 17 levy, Mount Vernon schools levy too close to call, Whatcom County releases plan to finance new jail, Whatcom County Council blindsided by news of $225,000 harassment settlement, Elementary education will become a major at Western in fall 2024, Bodies found near San Juan Island by San Juan County Sheriff’s Department, Bellingham looking toward community center, expanded indoor swimming and recreation, Washington State Digital Equity Plan wins approval, $15.9 million in federal funding, Social Security expands rental subsidy
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STORY: Special election results – Fire District 17 levy, Mount Vernon schools levy too close to call
Results are back for the Whatcom and Skagit County special elections.
The proposed tax levy increase for Fire District 17 in Sandy Point, aimed at funding a new station due to flood damage, seems to be failing, however ‘no’ is leading by only 8 votes.
In Skagit County, three ballot measures— one to renew the Emergency Medical Services levy, another to replace the Mount Vernon School District safety and technology levy, and a third to increase the levy for Fire District 9— are all passing as of now. Mount Vernon’s levy is close, with just over 50% of votes in favor. A similar proposition failed in February by just six votes.
The next ballot count for Skagit will be on Thursday, and the next for Whatcom is on the 2nd.
STORY: Whatcom County releases plan to finance new jail
On Monday, a letter was sent to the mayors of Whatcom’s seven small cities, detailing the funding plan for the proposed jail and behavioral health treatment facility over the next four to six years.
In November’s election, voters passed a 0.2% sales and use tax aimed at funding services to upgrade the county’s justice system. A primary condition of the funding is that by 2029 fifty percent of the revenue must go to mental health services. The rest will go toward building a new jail as well as a behavioral care center that would provide re-entry services as an alternative to incarceration.
Revenue collection for the tax will begin in June, with anticipated revenue for 2025 expected to reach almost $14 million dollars. To manage the funds, the county intends to establish a ‘finance and facility advisory board’ to monitor spending and provide yearly progress reports. The entire project is expected to cost 150 million dollars with construction to begin in 2026 and completed by 2028.
The seven Whatcom County Cities must approve the proposed agreement by June 1st.
STORY: Whatcom County Council blindsided by news of $225,000 harassment settlement
Three Whatcom County Council members say they were unaware of sexual harassment allegations against former public works director Jon Hutchings until a recent report by Cascade PBS disclosed the information.
Despite accusations from multiple women and an ongoing investigation into the allegations, no formal findings were issued. A letter was issued after a hearing, acknowledging Hutchings’ personal struggles but finding no clear evidence of harassment. The county assisted Hutchings in securing a new position in Lynden, where he now works, and settled a lawsuit for $225,000 dollars. County Executive Satpal Sidhu took responsibility for handling the incident independently of the council, stating that he worked with human resources and legal teams to ensure policy compliance. In a prepared letter to the County Council on Tuesday, Sidhu called the letter that introduced Hutchings to his new employer a “difficult” decision, but said he stands by the content.
Yesterday, Lynden City Administrator John Williams said the city was not aware of any allegations against Hutchings until it was first reported by PBS, but said that Hutchings was hired after passing background checks. Since then, the City learned that an investigation and recently concluded review by the County found that Mr. Hutchings did not violate County policies against sexual harassment.
An email from the County to Hutchings stated that they now consider the matter resolved.
STORY: Elementary education will become a major at Western in fall 2024
Western Washington University announced a new major in Elementary Education.
Previously, students interested in education studies had to complete 30 credits in a related department as well as finish the professional course sequence. According to a recent release from Western, the addition of the new Elementary Education major will now allow students to complete their degree in 4 years as opposed to the previous 5. The change will give students the option of earning elementary endorsements while also getting a Bachelor of Arts in Education along with a teaching certificate.
The new major is expected to benefit freshman and incoming students but will not replace the heavy credit studies that current students must complete.
STORY: Bodies found near San Juan Island by San Juan County Sheriff’s Department
The San Juan Sheriff’s office announced that the two bodies of deceased men have been found off of San Juan Island.
According to the San Juan County Sheriff, the bodies were found on April 22nd and 23rd on the south side of the island, just days after two Canadian kayakers were declared missing.
The sheriff’s office has not yet confirmed the identity of the bodies nor any connection to the missing kayakers.
STORY: Bellingham looking toward community center, expanded indoor swimming and recreation
City officials are developing plans for a multi-use center at the northeast corner of Lakeway Drive and Lincoln Street.
The site is part of a proposed land swap with the Bellingham school district announced in February, and could expand the city’s Arne Hanna Aquatic Center. According to Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund, the expansion would include space for community gatherings, activities, and classes. The most recent state budget includes $200,000 to help the city define the project’s goals.
City officials say they are in the process of developing a business plan and also say that the project will likely take years to complete.
STORY: Washington State Digital Equity Plan wins approval, $15.9 million in federal funding
Washington’s Digital Equity Plan has received approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which will unlock almost $16 million dollars in federal funding.
The Plan aims to address disparities in digital access, skills, and affordability across the state, and sets measurable objectives for promoting high-speed internet access and digital skills. Additionally, the Digital Equity Act, a part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, will provide nearly $3 billion dollars nationally to promote digital equity and inclusion.
Washington state has been at the forefront of digital equity efforts, receiving a perfect score on the State Digital Equity Scorecard in 2021.
WX: Sun
Your Whatcom County weather – This afternoon, there’s a chance of rain with a high of 56 degrees. Expect rain off and on into the night, with clouds rolling in and a low of 46. Tomorrow will bring even more precipitation.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman, Kye Salinas (KEY suh-LEE-nus) and Tristan Trudell. 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 listener donations. Check out our Patreon page or go to kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m ________________, and thanks for listening.
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STORY: Social Security expands rental subsidy
The Social Security Administration announced they will expand the rental subsidy policy for those on Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
SSI provides monthly payments to individuals with disabilities, blindness, or those aged 65 and older with limited income and resources to cover basic needs like rent, food, and medicine. The department says the rule aims to simplify and broaden rental subsidy policies nationwide, improve program equality and reduce administrative burden. The expanded policy will apply nationwide starting September 30th, and will potentially increase payment amounts and eligibility for many.
For more details on SSI eligibility and applications, visit the SSA website.
