Special election results, Fire at 22 North displaces several residents, Arne Hanna Aquatic Center to re-open following break-in, Last day to apply for PNW wildlands firefighter position, Whatcom County receives mixed air quality grades from American Lung Association, WA gray wolf population down for the first time since 2008, Major three-year construction project starts just south of Bellingham, : WA confirms fifth measles case of 2025 in King County, Bellingham Secures $1.7M Grant to Power Community Solar Project, Boost Climate Action Fund, Lynden man arrested under suspicion of arson
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KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, April 24th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.
STORY: Special election results
Special election results are in and Meridian School District voters have rejected a $70.9 million bond to rebuild the district’s aging middle school.
It’s the second failed bond vote in a year. Despite a reduced scope based on voter feedback, the measure received only 48.7% approval—well short of the 60% supermajority required. Superintendent James Everett cited economic challenges and tax concerns as contributing factors.
Meanwhile, Skagit County’s Island Health levy appears on track to pass, with over 56% approval. The measure would raise the property tax rate from 34 to 75 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value in order to address rising healthcare costs. Results will be certified on May 2.
STORY: Fire at 22 North displaces several residents
A fire at 22 North, a supportive housing building in downtown Bellingham, displaced several residents on Tuesday night.
According to the Bellingham Fire Department, no injuries were reported. The blaze, reported around 9:30 p.m., was traced to a candle left burning by a third-floor tenant, which ignited nearby materials. Sprinklers activated and contained most of the fire, while firefighters extinguished remaining hot spots.
Thirteen residents, including some with mobility issues, were temporarily relocated due to water damage and an out-of-service elevator. Communications Director for 22 North, Emily Martens, says they are working with residents to arrange temporary accommodations.
STORY: Arne Hanna Aquatic Center to re-open following break-in
A break-in at the Arne Hanna Aquatic Center on Tuesday night forced the facility to close for repairs all day yesterday.
According to the City of Bellingham, the intruder or intruders entered through a shattered glass door and stole electronic equipment and cash. Broken glass was found throughout the building. Police are investigating, but no suspects have been identified.
The pool has since re-opened.
STORY: Last day to apply for PNW wildlands firefighter position
The application window for wildland firefighters for the 2025 fire season closes today.
The USDA’s Pacific Northwest Region seeks applicants for a range of roles, from fire preparation and hand crews to aircraft operations, following concerns sparked by a hiring freeze under the Trump administration.
The agency says U.S. citizens and nationals over the age of 18 are eligible to apply. More information on available positions can be found on the USDA’s official website.
STORY: Whatcom County receives mixed air quality grades from American Lung Association
A new report from the American Lung Association gives Whatcom County mixed grades for air quality.
The “State of the Air” report analyzed data from 2021 to 23. The county earned an “A” for ground-level ozone pollution, placing it among the cleanest in the nation. However, it received a “D” for particle pollution, due largely to heavy wildfire smoke during recent summers.
According to the Northwest Clean Air Agency, despite the lower grade for particle pollution, overall air quality in the county remains generally good for residents and workers.
STORY: WA gray wolf population down for the first time since 2008
For the first time since 2008, Washington state’s gray wolf population has declined.
According to a recent report from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) there was a 9% drop from 254 wolves in 2023 to 230 in 2024. The report, compiled with tribal partners, also shows that two of the state’s three recovery regions did meet breeding pair goals, and the number of packs slightly increased to 43.
WDFW downplayed the decrease, citing regional recovery progress and natural fluctuations as the population nears carrying capacity. But the Center for Biological Diversity raised concerns and pointed to a rise in wolf deaths as well as lack of recovery in the Southern Cascades and Northwest Coast region—where poaching has hindered progress.
37 deaths were documented in 2024, which include seven from illegal killings. Fish and Wildlife emphasized its commitment to reducing mortality through conservation efforts, public engagement, and stronger enforcement.
STORY: Major three-year construction project starts just south of Bellingham
A major three-year construction project along a six-mile stretch of Interstate 5 has begun.
Crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will work overnight south of Bellingham to remove 17 fish-blocking culverts and replace them with 10 new fish-friendly structures. The work will improve stream connectivity around Lake Samish, and enhance habitats in Lake Creek, Chuckanut Creek, and tributaries into Friday Creek.
Drivers can expect overnight lane closures on I-5 beginning April 30th and temporary bypass roads near Lake Samish. This project supports a 2013 federal court order requiring the state to remove barriers to salmon and other fish species.
Construction is expected to last through 2027.
STORY: WA confirms fifth measles case of 2025 in King County
As the U.S. surpasses 800 measles cases across 24 states, the Washington State Department of Health is urging residents to ensure they and their children are fully vaccinated.
A fifth case was reported in Washington this week. The department says the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is incredibly important in our area, particularly as data show Washington kindergartners have lower MMR coverage than some other outbreak-affected states.
This warning comes during National Infant Immunization Week. Children should receive their first MMR dose at 12 to 15 months, and a second between ages 4 and 6. Adults, especially those in high-risk groups or planning international travel, should verify that they’ve had both doses.
With vaccination rates in decline since the COVID-19 pandemic, health officials are concerned about the potential for a local outbreak. Residents can check their immunization records at MyIRmobile.com.
WX: That ‘70s Temp
And now weather:
Another day of sunny skies is in store for us today, with highs expected to break 70 degrees for the first time this year. Things should stay clear through the day and into the evening, when temperatures will fall to lows around 40 degrees.
Tomorrow should be warm and sunny, with highs again reaching into the 70s.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Stevie Sjogren (SHOW-gren), Cody Mills, Aidan Larson, and Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg). 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. Check out our Patreon page or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _David Korb________… thanks for listening.
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STORY: Bellingham Secures $1.7M Grant to Power Community Solar Project, Boost Climate Action Fund
The City of Bellingham is advancing its climate goals with the help of a $1.7 million grant from the Northwest Clean Air Agency.
The money will help develop a new community solar array which is expected to generate about $69,000 in annual revenue, which will be directed into the City’s Climate Action Fund to support local climate initiatives. The City also received a separate $165,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce to fund a feasibility study to identify suitable installation sites.
The proposed solar array aims for a 1-megawatt capacity, enough to meet the energy needs of roughly 100 homes annually.
The initiative supports the City’s broader Climate Action Plan, which has already led to a 68% reduction in emissions from municipal operations since 2000. Additional efforts include the Bellingham Green Power Challenge and a 20-year renewable energy purchase agreement with Puget Sound Energy (PSE).
NWCAA, which serves Island, Skagit, and Whatcom counties, says they have awarded a total of $3 million in climate-focused grants. Another recipient, the Opportunity Council, received up to $1.3 million to install efficient ductless heat pumps at Mercy Housing’s Sterling Meadows complex, home to local farmworker families.
STORY: Lynden man arrested under suspicion of arson
A 71-year-old Lynden man was arrested Sunday night on suspicion of arson after refusing to exit an RV that had caught fire in a local trailer park.
According to Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Deb Slater, deputies responded around 8 p.m. to reports of smoke and flames at a trailer park at Guide Meridian. Upon arrival, deputies found the RV engulfed in flames with the man still inside, armed with a knife and a hammer, and refusing to come out.
The situation was particularly dangerous as the burning RV was near other trailers and propane tanks. Deputies were eventually able to detain the man before the RV became fully engulfed. Fire crews extinguished the flames, but the RV was destroyed.
The man was treated at the scene and later booked into Whatcom County Jail on probable cause for first-degree arson, felony harassment, and obstruction of a law enforcement officer.
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