Wiser Lake Water Quality, Excessive Heat Watch, The price of a Washington State Ferry ticket is set to increase in October, Local doctor’s license restricted, Border crossings in Lynden and Sumas set for upgrades, EPA clears WA to do more controlled burns, Wealth Gap
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Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Monday, August 14th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Wiser Lake Water Quality
Two types of toxic algae have been found in Wiser Lake, the Whatcom County Department of Health and Community Services warned on Friday.
Water samples from the lake have shown levels of anatoxin-a and microcystin that exceed state recreation guidelines since 2014. These toxins are naturally occurring, but human activity can impact the severity of freshwater algal blooms. Nutrients in fertilizer, animal waste, and agricultural runoff provide food for algal growth.
According to experts, only a laboratory toxin analysis can confirm if a bloom is toxic or non-toxic.
The Health Department advises against swimming in the lake, as ingestion of lake water poses the primary human health concern. Animals can also get sick from drinking the water as well as from licking their fur.
Wiser Lake is one of 11 lakes in Washington with toxic algae that exceed safe levels and is the only toxic lake in Whatcom County.
STORY: Excessive Heat Watch
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for Western Washington including Whatcom County for the upcoming week, starting today through Thursday.
The Puget Sound can expect highs in the 80s to 90s and officials are warning people to be aware of the signs of heat-related illness like headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and elevated body temperature.
If you have pets, it’s recommended they be taken outside sparingly and never leave an animal or child unattended in a car with the air conditioning off.
STORY: The price of a Washington State Ferry ticket is set to increase in October.
The Washington State Transportation Commission voted Thursday to raise ticket prices by more than 4 percent to cover budget shortfalls, and the price will increase again next year.
Low ridership numbers are responsible for a projected 28-million-dollar gap in operating expenses over the next two years. Ridership is projected to continue growing from its pandemic depths, but at a slower pace than forecast by the Legislature. The result could be a roughly $9 million gap over two years, even with the higher fares.
The commission opted to raise the price while further discounting tickets purchased in bulk, an approach that favors frequent ferry riders.
Commissioners acknowledged the hikes come amid rider frustration with service and reliability. The Transportation Commission hopes to have all routes back to normal service in 2024, but crew shortages and the aging fleet means the recovery is fragile.
So far this year, ridership is 77% of pre-pandemic levels.
STORY: Local doctor’s license restricted
An osteopathic physician and surgeon in Whatcom County has had his license restricted due to allegations of inadequate pain medication management.
The Washington State Department of Health, along with The Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, imposed the restriction on Dr. Gregory Sharp, citing concerns about his treatment of patients falling below the expected standard of care.
Until the charges are resolved, Sharp is prohibited from practicing in Washington. He can contest the charges by requesting a hearing within the next 20 days.
STORY: Border crossings in Lynden and Sumas set for upgrades
A public meeting will be held later this month by the U.S. General Services Administration to discuss the modernization of the border crossings in Lynden and Sumas.
According to the agency, the Kenneth G. Ward crossing in Lynden has space limitations which result in frequent congestion and inefficiencies, while the Sumas crossing does not have enough space for proper traffic flow and secure inspection areas. In order to address those issues, both crossings would get modern and energy-efficient upgrades with funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The virtual meeting is scheduled to take place on August 23rd at 5pm. Members of the public can sign up to attend the meeting on Zoom.
STORY: EPA clears WA to do more controlled burns
Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency approved Washington’s new smoke management plan, allowing for more prescribed burns within Washington State.
Prescribed burns have been used in the northwest since the 70s, but this new plan is the first update to the state’s main document guiding burns in over twenty years. Controlled burning of vegetation first came back in 2022, after 18 years without them in Washington.
The controlled burning of forests is a proven method in preventing massive wildfires like those that wracked Washington State this past decade. By burning dead plant matter and cluttered debris, the amount of fuel for potential fires is greatly reduced. Though this may still pollute and produce smoke in the process, it is still much smaller compared to the amount an uncontrollably burning wildfire creates.
Six burns are planned for this fall, two of which will be Okanogan County at Camelback and Sinlahekin (sin-lah-HEEK-in), west of the ongoing Eagle Bluff fire.
STORY: Wealth Gap
The gap in wealth between the highest and lowest earners in the country is large. Financial institutions could help shrink it. Here is Eric Tegethoff with more.
Wealth Gap Audio
WX: Sunshine and Heat
It’s a sunny day in Bellingham, with a high of 84. Expect clear skies tonight with an overnight low of 60 degrees. Temperatures are forecasted to stay in the low 80’s through Thursday, with clouds moving in on Friday to cool things down this weekend.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Myles Weber, Emma Toscani and Carlos Braga. 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. I’m ________________ and thanks for listening.
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