WA officials declare drought emergency for fourth year running, Initial timeline and designs released for proposed Birchwood-Meridian roundabout, St. Joseph’s receives $10 million dollar donation, Missing Indigenous Person alert activated, Lummi Island Ferry dry dock dates rescheduled once again, Whatcom medical providers asking for blood donations at pair of upcoming drives, WA lawmakers struggle with healthcare relief, First American to summit Mount Everest and longtime Port Townsend resident passes away, Major roadwork project in Everson set to begin this week (run 4/13 or /14), FREE or CHEAP, Celebrate Earth Day with us
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KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, April, 9. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: WA officials declare drought emergency for fourth year running
Washington faces a fourth year of drought emergency because water supplies will likely fall short of demand over the Summer.
The Department of Ecology said much of the moisture over the Winter fell as rain rather than snow, leaving the snowpack at about half the usual amount.
State deputy climatologist, Karin Bumbaco explained that although precipitation has been normal over the winter, the warmest December on record and an extended mid-winter dry spell stopped snow accumulation.
By declaring an emergency, the Department of Ecology can then release response grants and speed up processing of emergency water right permits
Consumers should check with local water utilities for conservation measures that might be in place.
STORY: Initial timeline and designs released for proposed Birchwood-Meridian roundabout
A major overhaul is in the works for one of Bellingham’s busiest intersections—and it could mean long detours for drivers.
Residents got their first look at the proposed roundabout connecting Meridian Street, Birchwood Avenue and Squalicum Parkway during a March open house at Parkview Elementary School. The city outlined their proposed roundabout at Meridian Street, Birchwood Avenue and Squalicum Parkway. According to the City, the aim is to improve traffic flow, reduce long backups and add safer crossings for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate the tens of thousands of vehicles that drive the road each day.
Early designs show construction would happen in phases over about 13 months starting in late 2027. During that time, traffic would be rerouted along nearby roads like Northwest Drive, Bakerview Road and West Illinois Street, with detours shifting as work progresses.
City officials say the project is still in the preliminary stages, with designs and timelines subject to change as they gather more public input.
STORY: St. Joseph’s receives $10 million dollar donation
Bellingham’s St. Joseph Medical Center has received a major boost to its expansion efforts.
The hospital foundation announced a $10 million donation from local business leaders Fred Kaiser and Grace Borsari, helping push its Stronger Together campaign past the $100 million mark.
Hospital leaders say the upgrades aim to improve capacity, patient flow and access to care across Whatcom County and the surrounding region.
STORY: Missing Indigenous Person alert activated
A missing Indigenous person alert is active in the Bellingham area.
Sixteen-year-old Ariel Feliciano was last seen last night around 6 p.m. She is 16 about 5’2″ and 130 pounds. She was last seen wearing a black jacket, black sweatpants, and white slippers.
Anyone with information is urged to call 9-1-1.
STORY: Lummi Island Ferry dry dock dates rescheduled once again
Maintenance for the Lummi Ferry dry dock has been rescheduled for the Fall.
Whatcom County Public Works officials said the selected shipyard is unable to meet the April through May schedule.
That means ferry services to Lummi will continue as usual for now.
The County will put out a new bid for a new contractor with the goal of completing the maintenance work in October.
STORY: Whatcom medical providers asking for blood donations at pair of upcoming drives
Medical providers are urging Whatcom County residents to roll up their sleeves.
Bloodworks Northwest says supplies have dropped significantly during spring break, and dozens of appointments remain open for mobile blood drives in Bellingham next week—including one at the Viking Union at Western Washington University this Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Another will be hosted by PeaceHealth at St. Luke’s Health Education Center on Wednesday from 10:30-2:30 with multiple appointments still open. And of course, Bloodworks’ Bellingham Center near Bellis Fair Mall is open Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Officials say donations are critical right now to help stabilize the blood supply and ensure hospitals can meet patient needs.
STORY: WA lawmakers struggle with healthcare relief
Health care costs are now the number one concern for Americans, according to a new poll.
In Washington, advocates warn rising premiums and looming federal cuts could leave hundreds of thousands without coverage—while lawmakers struggle to pass solutions. Reporter Isobel Charlet (shar-LAY) has more.
AUDIO PX CHARLET
STORY: First American to summit Mount Everest and longtime Port Townsend resident passes away
The first American to summit Mount Everest has died.
Jim Whittaker was 97. His family says he died Tuesday at his home in Port Townsend.
The Associated Press reports Whittaker became a global icon after his 1963 climb, a decade after Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay first reached the peak.
The Seattle native went on to become REI’s first full‑time employee and later its CEO, and remained a leading voice for outdoor recreation and conservation.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson called Whittaker’s death a major loss for the state. He said Whittaker was one of Washington’s great figures, someone who inspired generations of climbers — including him — and added that he was grateful for the time he spent with Whittaker over the years. Ferguson offered condolences to Whittaker’s family.
WX: Thursgood Dayshall
And now for the weather:
It’s lookin’ like another day of beautiful sunshine here in Whatcom, with blue skies and highs in the mid-low 60s. Tonight should be similarly clear and pleasant, with temperatures dropping to lows around 40 degrees.
Tomorrow, look forward to closing the week out on the warmest, sunniest day yet. Huzzah!
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), Kieran (KEAR-un) 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 _________… thanks for listening!
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STORY: Major roadwork project in Everson set to begin this week (run 4/13 or /14)
FREE or CHEAP
32nd Annual Spring Garage Sale, Antiques, Crafts and More!
Looking for unique items, great food and local music? Come to the 32nd Annual Spring Garage Sale, Antiques, Crafts and More, happening this Friday and Saturday, April 10-11. Visitors can shop through over 190 vendors, grab a bite to eat from seven food vendors and enjoy live musical performances each day!
On Saturday ONLY (April 11)
Staring at 9:00 am, Skagit County EMS will have a booth inside the event giving out FREE kids bicycle helmets while supplies last. A big THANK YOU to North Region EMS Trauma Care Council for providing this resource to our community.
April 10 & 11
Friday & Saturday Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm
$5 Admission; Kid’s 12 and under FREE
$5 onsite parking available
Skagit County Fairgrounds
501 Taylor Street
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
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.
32nd Annual Spring Garage Sale, Antiques, Crafts and More!
Looking for unique items, great food and local music? Come to the 32nd Annual Spring Garage Sale, Antiques, Crafts and More, happening this Friday and Saturday, April 10th and 11th. Visitors can shop through over 190 vendors, grab a bite to eat from seven food vendors and enjoy live musical performances each day. On Saturday only there will be free kids activities, and staring at 9:00 am Skagit County EMS will have a booth inside the event with a limited supply of 100 FREE kids bicycle helmets to give out while supplies last. A big THANK YOU to North Region EMS Trauma Care Council for providing this resource to our community.
April 10 & 11
Friday & Saturday Hours: 9:00am-4:00pm
$5 Admission; Kid’s 12 and under FREE
$5 onsite parking available
Skagit County Fairgrounds
501 Taylor Street
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
For the full list of food vendors and entertainment schedule, visit www.skagitcounty.net/garagesale
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. |
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