Everson PD rescues inner tuber stranded on Nooksack River, BC wildfires drive down air quality south of the border, Main terminal lot at Bellingham Intl closed until mid-September for updates to automated parking system, Port of Bellingham releases new study analyzing industrial land use, Lynden police chief confirms retirement, prompting search for replacement, Dept of Ecology seeking feedback on plan to clean Drayton Harbor, Certain North Cascades trailheads to be closed for infrastructure repairs over next month, Whatcom County issues warning of radioactive-contaminated frozen shrimp sold in WA, Free and Cheap (Kill 9/5), Free or Cheap (Kill 9/12)
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KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, August 26th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Everson PD rescues inner tuber stranded on Nooksack River A tubing trip on the Nooksack River nearly turned tragic on Friday afternoon — however, a life jacket and fast-acting rescue crews made all the difference.
First responders were called to Lawrence Road around 2:50 p.m., where a man was stranded on a log jam after being swept off-course while inner tubing.
Everson/Sumas Police’s Swiftwater Rescue Team launched into action, reaching the man by boat and bringing him safely to shore. He was uninjured, partially because he was wearing a life jacket.
Officials say this is a powerful reminder of the hidden dangers in local rivers — from cold currents to debris — and the importance of being prepared before hitting the water.
The Everson/Sumas Police Department praised the teamwork of Whatcom County agencies, saying this close call had a positive outcome thanks to quick action and smart choices.
STORY: BC wildfires drive down air quality south of the border Air quality in Bellingham and Whatcom County is at moderate levels today because of smoke from a wildfire in southern British Columbia.
The Northwest Clean Air Agency says that means people with heart or lung conditions could be affected. The Sailor Bar fire, east of Vancouver, is burning about 300 acres and remains out of control. West-northwest winds are expected to push smoke into western Washington through Tuesday. While impacts here in Whatcom are limited, MetroVancouver has issued air quality warnings for the Vancouver area because of high ozone and fine particulates.
Those alerts will stay in effect until conditions improve.
STORY: Main terminal lot at Bellingham Intl closed until mid-September for updates to automated parking system Bellingham Airport’s main parking lot is closed through September for a system update.
The Main Terminal Parking Lot will be closed through September 12th, with installation of the new hardware taking place on the 8th. According to a Facebook video posted by the Port of Bellingham last Friday, the new system will be fully automated, and feature online reservations and license plate readers; this will reduce the amount of time it takes one to get in and out of the lot.
The Economy A Parking Lot will be open during this time however it, too, will close from September 15th through October 3rd, after the Main Lot reopens.
STORY: Port of Bellingham releases new study analyzing industrial land use
Whatcom County has set aside over 3,000 acres of land zoned for industrial use — however, not all of it is ready to support growth yet.
The Port of Bellingham recently released the first study of its kind that looks at the potential expansion of industrial land. Consultants found almost 1,000 acres bring barriers to development — they have no water, sewer and power— as well as poor road access and environmental limits.
The report recommends more wetland mitigation, better truck routes, and consistent zoning. This comes as the county and cities update their 2025 growth plans — which will shape where local jobs and development go next.
STORY: Lynden police chief confirms retirement, prompting search for replacement
Lynden Police are on the search for their next leader.
According to Lynden Police, Chief Steve Taylor’s last day will be Friday. Taylor, who’s worked for Lynden Police for nearly six years, will return to
his home state of Arkansas, where he’ll work as an attorney for the state’s Department of Public Safety.
The City of Lynden has posted a job listing for police chief on its website. Applicants must have at least ten years of experience in law enforcement, with at least five years in senior or executive-level management. Applications are due by September 19th, with first consideration given to applications received by the 5th.
STORY: Dept of Ecology seeking feedback on plan to clean Drayton Harbor
Drayton Harbor and nearby streams in Whatcom County are once again on the state’s impaired waters list, due to high levels of fecal bacteria.
The pollution comes from sources like failing septic systems, manure, and wastewater spills — and it makes local waters unsafe to fish, harvest shellfish, or swim in. The state has drafted a new cleanup plan, called a Total Maximum Daily Load — or TMDL — that sets pollution reduction targets and outlines steps for local partners to restore water quality.
Public comments on the draft plan are open through September 26th.
STORY: Certain North Cascades trailheads to be closed for infrastructure repairs over next month
The U.S. Forest Service says hikers hoping to catch fall colors along State Route 20 should plan ahead.
Several popular trailhead parking areas in the North Cascades will close through September for repairs.
The Washington Pass Overlook and Bridge Creek Trailhead will be closed until September 7th, and both the Rainy Pass Picnic Area and Rainy Pass North — including access to the Pacific Crest Trail — will be shut down from September 8th through the 25th.
Officials warn that parking alternatives are extremely limited, restrooms will be closed, and parking along the highway is dangerous and ticketed. The work, funded by the Great American Outdoors Act, should be complete in time for peak larch season.
STORY: Whatcom County issues warning of radioactive-contaminated frozen shrimp sold in WA
Whatcom County’s health department has issued a warning regarding radioactive contamination in select frozen shrimp.
In a press release last Friday, Health and Community Services said that California-based Southwind Foods has voluntarily recalled a limited amount of its bagged frozen shrimp due to possible contamination by cesium-137. The shrimp was sold between July 17th and August 8th in nine states — including Washington — under the brand names Sand Bar, Best Yet, Arctic Shores, Great American and First Street.
According to the FDA, the radioactive isotope was found in certain frozen shrimp products from an Indonesian company. The agency says no products imported into the U.S. have tested positive for it and no
sicknesses have been reported yet, as an investigation into the case continues.
Anyone who bought the recalled shrimp is urged to throw it away immediately, as prolonged exposure to cesium-137 can increase the risk of cancer.
WX: Helter swelter
And now for the weather:
Welcome to the last full day of our local heat advisory. Highs today should reach up to the low-80s, with some mild winds hopefully taking the edge off. We should see some cloud cover as the evening wears on, which will bring nighttime lows down to around 60 degrees.
Despite the heat advisory wrapping up early tomorrow morning, air temperatures are not actually looking much cooler at all, with highs expected to reach up to around 80 once again.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THARE-un) Danielson, Cody Mills, Aidan Larson, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), Bella Mae, Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee), Nate Landi (LAND-ee) and Hailey LeRoy (luh-ROY). 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 _________, and thank you for listening!
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STORY: Free and Cheap (Kill 9/5)
STORY: Free or Cheap (Kill 9/12)
https://www.whatcomcd.org/run-with-the-chums — Sat, Sept. 13
Mark your calendars for the 13th Annual Run with the Chums on September 13th at BP Highlands in Birch Bay.
This free, family-friendly 5K fun run celebrates salmon, clean water, and community. All ages and paces are welcome, and the scenic course offers stunning views of Whatcom County’s shoreline.
Kids 10 and under can enjoy the Smolt Sprint obstacle course starting at 9:30 a.m., with the 5K kicking off at 10.
Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m.—arrive early for a free T-shirt while supplies last.
