Whatcom County releases tool for tracking respiratory viruses, Design contest announced for new Downtown Sounds logo, Olympic Pipeline Update: 7,388/25,000 gallons of gasoline recovered, 275 cubic yards removed, State finalizes deal for 20,000 acres of logging lands in southwest Washington, Black bear damage permits will be available Washington commercial timber owners, WNS – AFT grants to WA help communities find local education solutions, Winter Solstice Tonight ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, December 21st. Good afternoon, I’m __David Korb____. STORY: Whatcom County releases tool for tracking respiratory viruses A new Respiratory Virus Dashboard has been launched, providing Whatcom County data on COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial (sin-SEE-shull) virus (also known as RSV). In a recent release County officials announced the dashboard will be updated weekly on Wednesdays, and aims to offer local and regional data to healthcare facilities, high-risk community members, and the general public. Data come from Whatcom County and the North Sound Region, and officials are hoping the information will help people make informed decisions regarding event attendance, wearing masks, and hand hygiene. The new dashboard replaces the COVID-19 Data page, which will retire at the end of January. STORY: Design contest announced for new Downtown Sounds logo The Downtown Bellingham Partnership has announced a logo design contest to mark the 20th anniversary of the Downtown Sounds summer music festival. Local artists are being asked to submit portfolios of their work, for a chance to design the logo. Submissions are being accepted through January 10th. The contest winner will be decided on January 17th and will receive $800. For more information, or to submit your design, visit downtownbellingham.com. STORY: Olympic Pipeline Update: 7,388/25,000 gallons of gasoline recovered, 275 cubic yards removed Numbers are in for the gasoline leak at the Olympic Pipeline near Conway. The Department of Ecology says approximately 25,000 gallons were released in the spill. As of Tuesday, over 7,000 gallons of gasoline have been recovered. That number will be updated when the oil/water mixture has sufficient time to settle and be measured. First responders have also removed approximately 275 cubic yards of soil near the source of the spill, which will be transported to a hazardous waste facility in Oregon for treatment and disposal. Emergency response and surveys of impacted areas are in progress, with remediation efforts due to begin after completion of the emergency response. STORY: State finalizes deal for 20,000 acres of logging lands in southwest Washington Washington’s Department of Natural Resources and a national non-profit have completed a $121 million purchase of 20,000 acres of logging land. The acquisition, named Deep River Woods, is in the southwest corner of the state and is the largest land purchase in over a decade. The nonprofit, The Conservation Fund, contributed $66 million to cover part of the cost, allowing the state to secure the land. The agreement grants Washington the option to buy the non-profit out of the arrangement if additional state funds become available. The purchase aims to support rural communities dependent on the timber industry and is tied to a land conservation plan proposing the transfer of 2,000 acres to conservation status. The move has received mixed reactions, with industry groups criticizing the shift away from working lands, while environmental groups view it as a positive step toward managing state lands for multiple benefits. Washington has been experiencing a decline in forested land due to development, and the acquisition represents an effort to preserve and manage forest resources. STORY: Black bear damage permits will be available Washington commercial timber owners On Friday, the Department of Fish and Wildlife approved a new black bear hunt permit for timber owners. The permits are available only for commercial timber owners that can prove that black bears are damaging their trees. The bears strip bark from trees looking for food, often at smaller timber farms. To get a permit, property owners will have to turn in pictures and GPS data of the damage. The previous method of acquiring a permit had owners asking the Fish and Wildlife Director directly. Last year, 60 permits were issued and 6 bears were killed — with the new system, department staff don’t expect that number to increase. According to commissioners, while bear hunts may not be perfect, it may be the best option for now. The program will be monitored and reviewed at the end of next year. STORY: WNS – AFT grants to WA help communities find local education solutions The American Federation of Teachers is partnering with organizations around the country to promote community solutions to the issues educators are facing. Eric Tegethoff (TEG-it-off) has more. TEACHER AUDIO STORY: Winter Solstice Tonight The winter solstice arrives tonight at 7:27 p.m. and marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. During the solstice, the noon sun is directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, and results in the sun’s lowest and shortest path across the southern sky in the Northern Hemisphere, leading to the longest midday shadow of the year. WX: Rainy Today will likely be rainy with a high of about 51 degrees and a low around 43. Light winds during the day will turn to gusts of up to 20 mph after midnight. Tomorrow will also be rainy, with high winds persisting into the afternoon. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, 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. If you would like to help keep local news accessible, check out our new Patreon page at patreon.com/kmrenews or go to kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m ___David Korb_____________… thanks for listening. ###
December 20, 2023 News Transcript
Terminal Building being taken apart, plans to be demolished, Man in custody after shots fired in downtown Bellingham, Bellingham board selects “Northern Lights Park” name for future park, city still to decide, Two Whatcom County areas among 2,000 acres of land in conservation proposal, Head of Washington State Ferries Patty Rubstello to step down, Debate intensifies over conservation of PNW’s old-growth forests, HUD reports record-high homeless count in 2023 for U.S., WA ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, December 20th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Terminal Building being taken apart, plans to be demolished The historic Terminal Building in Fairhaven is being dismantled brick-by-brick to aid in the search for potential victims. Building co-owner Jim Hestad (heh-STOD) says the building’s structural integrity is deemed compromised beyond repair and contractors are now working to remove the rubble after a late-night fire gutted the building last week. Cafe owner, Nathaniel V. Breaux (BRO), is still missing, and the search for victims has been limited due to the unstable structure. The goal of the demolition is to make the site safe for investigators. According to a City of Bellingham release, the 135-year-old building was the oldest surviving continuously occupied commercial building in Fairhaven. Now that the building is set for a full demolition, discussions on preserving its bricks for historic reasons are taking place. The Bellingham Fire Department is maintaining a presence during the search, and anyone with information on Breaux (BRO) is urged to contact the police. STORY: Man in custody after shots fired in downtown Bellingham A man was arrested on Saturday night after allegedly firing gun shots during a fight. The man is 24-year-old Ty Brote, who was also found to be in possession of a bag of controlled substances. Bellingham Police spokesperson Megan Peters said officers responded to the report of a fight on Magnolia Street. An investigation found that Brote took another person’s handgun during the incident and fired it in the direction of other people. The gun owner reported it stolen after the fight. Brote remains at Whatcom County Jail on a bail of $20,000. STORY: Bellingham board selects “Northern Lights Park” name for future park, city still to decide A potential name has been chosen for a new public park under development in Bellingham’s Cordata neighborhood. The City Parks and Recreation Advisory Board selected Northern Lights Park as the name for the new park, which is located west of Northwest Drive next to Costco. This comes after a review of 150 name suggestions from the public, which included names such as Tokitae (toh-KEE-tay) Memorial Park, Kirkland Signature Recreational Area, and the Park of Subdued Excitement. The City Council is due to consider the board’s recommendation and finalize a name at its upcoming meeting on January 29th. STORY: Two Whatcom County areas among 2,000 acres of land in conservation proposal Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz announced plans to conserve 2,000 acres of state forestland in Washington through the Climate Commitment Act. The targeted areas are located in Clallam (CLEH-lum), Jefferson, King, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties, and according to Franz, aim to protect fish and wildlife habitat, as well as natural and cultural values. Two areas in Whatcom County are proposed for conservation— approximately 575 acres southeast of Lake Whatcom, and around 75 acres south of the Middle Fork Nooksack River. Both areas are considered structurally complex forestland, and stewardship will prioritize forest health, wildlife habitat, wildfire and climate resilience, and carbon sequestration. Franz says the initiative attempts to address the decline in Washington’s forested land and will support habitat conservation, climate resilience, and local economies. The proposed lands are primarily held in support of the Common School Trust. The management of Trust land funds K-12 school construction statewide and local services in Whatcom County. The proposal awaits concurrence from county leadership and approval from the Board of Natural Resources. STORY: Head of Washington State Ferries Patty Rubstello to step down Patty Rubstello, head of Washington State Ferries, is resigning after three years on the job and over three decades at the Washington State Department of Transportation. Rubstello cited personal reasons for leaving, mentioning the loss of her father and impending grandmotherhood. Under her management, WSF received a $1.3 billion boost for new ferries, but staffing remains an issue. Rubstello will stay on until early 2024, and assist in the selection of her successor. STORY: Debate intensifies over conservation of PNW’s old-growth forests The Biden administration announced increased protections for old-growth forests, including a ban on old-growth logging starting in 2025. The administration announced that they completed an initial inventory of old-growth forests in the U.S. They will draft and gather feedback on proposed rules, and provide extra funds to help reach conservation goals. The Pacific Northwest already has an ongoing plan to overhaul old-growth protections, setting aside more than a million acres of forest, protecting them from logging. While the majority of Whatcom County’s old-growth trees were harvested between about 1890 and 1945, patches of old growth trees still exist in the Canyon Lake Community Forest and elsewhere on Mt Baker. Old-growth trees are important, absorbing more carbon than younger trees, and providing increased biodiversity. The Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management will continue to work on the forest assessments, and plan to release an environmental impact statement in June. STORY: HUD reports record-high homeless count in 2023 for U.S., WA The rate of homelessness is increasing more than ever before, according to data released Friday by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The 2023 Annual Homeless Assessment Report shows that more than 653,000 people were experiencing homelessness in the U.S. — marking a 12% increase from 2022. It’s the highest homeless population ever recorded since the federal government first began collecting this information in 2007. Washington’s count was also at an all-time high, growing at an unprecedented rate — about 11%. The data shows marked disparities in homelessness, with people of color experiencing homelessness at …
December 19, 2023 News Transcript
Terminal Building fire search temporarily suspended, BPD call for public’s help in murder investigation at Lake Padden Park, Bus and car incident on Hannegan ends with bus under toppled canopy at nearby gas station, Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce receives funding for tourism in 2024, More businesses opening at Bellingham’s waterfront container village, Hiker rescued following 1,200 feet fall on Whidbey Island, WNS – Groups urge WA to warn about gas-burning health effects, Feds pledge $600M for new I-5 bridge linking Washington and Oregon ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, December 19th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Terminal Building fire search temporarily suspended The search in the remains of Fairhaven’s Terminal building was put on hold yesterday due to safety concerns. In accordance with structure experts, Firefighters were only allowed to cut holes in the building to search it without causing the structure to collapse. The search was called off after the team were unable to find anything. The owners of the building are working with their insurance company to get machinery that can be used to maintain its structure while it is searched. The terminal building used to house Tony’s Coffee, which became The independent Coffee house and Harris Avenue Cafe. Nathaniel V. Breaux (BRO), the owner of the two coffeehouses, is still declared missing. Fire chief Bill Hewett stated that the search should continue today. STORY: BPD call for public’s help in murder investigation at Lake Padden Park Bellingham police are seeking the public’s assistance in the fatal shooting of Isaac “Izzy” Ruiz over seven months ago in Lake Padden Park. A recent BPD post on Facebook is asking for help from individuals with information about the incident. Anyone with information about the events on May 15th at Lake Padden is urged to contact the police. Online tips can be submitted at www.cob.org/tips, and Detective Travis Hauri can be contacted at 360-778-8791. STORY: Bus and car incident on Hannegan ends with bus under toppled canopy at nearby gas station First responders were called to the intersection of E Pole and Hannegan Road yesterday following reports of a collision involving a Whatcom Transportation Authority bus and another vehicle. WTA spokesperson Maureen McCarthy says the bus was driving westbound on Pole Road around 7:50 pm when it collided with a car that ran a red light at the intersection with Hannegan. The bus then collided with the fuel pump island at the Hi-Notes Corner Gas Station, causing a portion of the canopy to collapse. There were no reports of fire. Only one passenger was on the bus during the incident and they were not hurt. The bus driver was taken to the hospital and was later released, the other driver was treated at the scene. STORY: Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce receives funding for tourism in 2024 The Whatcom County Council has approved funding for the Birch Bay Visitor Center earlier this month. The center will receive $136 thousand for operations in 2024. The funding hopes to capitalize on the growth in tourism in the area following the end of the pandemic. According to Danielle Gaughen (GAW-en), executive director of the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce, 2023 was a return to normal for summer tourism. The chamber reported a 44 percent increase in visitors to the information center from 2022 to 2023, and a 17.5 percent increase in visitors to various chamber events compared to 2022. Other recipients of the tourism fund included the Mount Baker Foothills Visitor Center, Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, Northwest Tune-Up, Port of Bellingham, and Sustainable Connections. STORY: More businesses opening at Bellingham’s waterfront container village The Port of Bellingham has announced the arrival of multiple new businesses on the downtown waterfront in 2024. Zeeks Pizza as well as Bin 13 Wine Bar will both open up locations at the Portal Container Village, a collection of used shipping containers repurposed to highlight Bellingham’s art and culture. The Portal Putt mini-golf course will also expand to 18 holes, and additional retail space will be added for local artists to display their talent. A larger restroom will also be added to accommodate increasing visitors. The Port of Bellingham is looking to expand the village again in 2025, and is currently turning to community members for ideas. For more information, or to submit a container business proposal, visit PortOfBellingham.com. STORY: Hiker rescued following 1,200 feet fall on Whidbey Island A Search and Rescue team successfully rescued a 30-year-old male hiker who fell over 1,200 feet down a ravine in the Olympic National Forest on Saturday. The crew launched from Air Station Whidbey, eventually spotted the hiker with the help of a flashing light near a boulder field, and quickly hoisted him back onto the helicopter. The patient was transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, and was treated for a broken arm, symptoms of hypothermia, and significant abrasions. This is the 33rd rescue by Whidbey Search and Rescue this year. STORY: WNS – Groups urge WA to warn about gas-burning health effects A coalition of groups are petitioning the Washington State Department of Health to clarify the effects of burning gas in homes after they claim the American Gas Association misled the public for decades. GAS AUDIO STORY: Feds pledge $600M for new I-5 bridge linking Washington and Oregon More than half-a-billion dollars will go into replacing the I-5 bridge across the Columbia River. A $600 million dollar grant from the federal government will cover about 8-to-12% of the cost of replacing the bridge linking Washington and Oregon. Both states are routing a billion dollars to the bridge replacement, and driver tolls are anticipated to generate another 1.5 billion. The bridge replacement project has been under discussion for two decades when it was found to be at risk of collapse in the event of an earthquake. One of its two spans is 65 years old, while the other span is over a century old. Construction is expected to begin in 2025 …
December 18, 2023 News Transcript
Cafe owner missing following fire that destroyed historic Fairhaven building, Authorities investigating email threat that forced Bellingham synagogue to cancel services, Residents of Samish Mobile Home Park pursue purchase, Mount Baker Schools superintendent stepping down early, Mount Baker Schools superintendent stepping down early, Plantation Rifle Range’s early cleanup estimate: $6.5M, BP restarts Olympic pipeline Wednesday after gasoline spill, Abortions jump 23% in WA as visiting patients reverse decade-long decline, More businesses opening at Bellingham’s waterfront container village ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, December 18th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Cafe owner missing following fire that destroyed historic Fairhaven building The oldest continuously occupied commercially-run building in Fairhaven was destroyed in a fire on Saturday night, and one of the owners is yet to be found. Firefighters first reported on the scene at midnight on Sunday, and declared it a two-alarm fire – requiring more equipment than a one-alarm. The building used to house Tony’s coffee and now houses the Old Independent Coffee House and Harris Avenue Cafe. Private offices on the second floor above were also destroyed. The owner of Harris Avenue Coffee, Nathaniel V. Breaux (BROH), is the only person associated with the building who has been declared missing. The building cannot be entered as the brick structure is too fragile, making it impossible to search the interior. The fire department is currently working to insure the structure’s safety. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. STORY: Authorities investigating email threat that forced Bellingham synagogue to cancel services An email threat led to the cancellation of services at a local synagogue on Saturday. Rabbi Joshua Samuels of Congregation Beth Israel in Bellingham, reported a security threat received via email. Torah study and Tot Shabbat was canceled for the day. The threat comes amid a reported rise in antisemitic incidents following the Oct. 7th attack by Hamas militants. Bellingham Police and the Whatcom County Sheriff are continuing the investigation. STORY: Residents of Samish Mobile Home Park pursue purchase Residents of the Samish Mobile Home Park may soon own the property they live in. In a meeting last Sunday, residents agreed to pursue a collaborative purchase of the site, which its developer-owner has put up for sale. The residents have formed a cooperative that would own and manage the park, and are offering between $4.5-and-5 million dollars for the 3-acre park. City rules enacted last year state that the property owner, Michael Reams, is required to negotiate in good faith to close the sale. The rules are intended to protect mobile home owners in Bellingham, a city with few housing options for low-income residents. After the property is inspected and the residents receive a loan offer, they will vote again on whether to finalize the purchase— a vote that will likely take place in February. STORY: Mount Baker Schools superintendent stepping down early The Mount Baker School District Superintendent is stepping down today. Mary Sewright, superintendent of the school district for five and half years, announced in an email that she is going on leave six months early to focus on her health. The Mount Baker School District had been one of three districts that signed an oversight agreement with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction at the beginning of the school year due to its lack of a balanced budget. The “binding conditions” pact, which spans at least two years, assure the district’s access to money and allows the OSPI and the Educational Services District to closely review and recommend school district decisions. School board officials voted Thursday to search for an external candidate to fill the interim position, hoping to provide an outside perspective on the financial issues. Nick Perigo, executive director of human resources and operations at the district, will serve as the superintendent designee until an interim superintendent is hired. Interviews and hiring would then take place in early 2025. STORY: Plantation Rifle Range’s early cleanup estimate: $6.5M The costs associated with cleaning up the Plantation Rifle Range could run as high as six-and-a-half million dollars. Officials announced at a public meeting Thursday that soil samples taken at the rifle range found a 300-yard swath of lead contamination about 3-to-4 feet deep. Some of the soil samples had a concentration of lead that was almost 200 times the state contamination standard, and lead readings from broad areas on the range exceeded 10,000 parts per million. Additional costs will come with a redesign of the range, which is intended to limit lead contamination in both the soil and the wetlands on the site. Lead had been allowed to accumulate unchecked at the Plantation Rifle Range since its opening in 1971. The high-powered rifle range and its adjacent range for small-bore weapons must remain closed until cleanup is completed, which would be sometime between late 2024 and 2025. STORY: BP restarts Olympic pipeline Wednesday after gasoline spill BP has restarted the Olympic Pipeline after repairing a tubing failure that caused a gasoline leak of approximately 25,000 gallons near Mount Vernon. The main pipeline was shut down after a pressure loss caused by tubing failure in a concrete vault connecting to a pressure sensor. The restart followed repairs, integrity testing, and regulatory approval. The cleanup, involving the Environmental Protection Agency and local officials, has recovered nearly 7,000 gallons. According to the EPA, the spill resulted in the deaths of a beaver, a pine siskin bird, and a mallard duck. Around 2,100 feet of boom remained deployed to contain the spill, with no signs of gasoline or sheen on the Skagit River. STORY: Abortions jump 23% in WA as visiting patients reverse decade-long decline The number of abortions in Washington increased by 23% in 2022, reaching the highest level in a decade. New data released by the Washington State Department of Health shows 20,000 abortions were performed, nearly 3,800 more than the previous year, reversing a long-term decline. The Department of Health attributes the rise to the U.S. Supreme …
December 15, 2023 News Transcript
Lead developer of major Whatcom County housing projects files for bankruptcy, Public invited to submit information for new wildlife status reports, WA ferries fare system restored, after outage brought hours of delays, Farmers and growers seek leeway under new agriculture overtime law, NW states, tribes reach ‘historic’ deal with feds over Columbia River Basin fish and dams, Free and Cheap ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, December 15th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Lead developer of major Whatcom County housing projects files for bankruptcy A real estate development company involved in major projects in Whatcom County has filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11. Harbor Custom Development, Inc., was the lead developer for the Grandis Pond project, a 992-unit housing and commercial development in Blaine but withdrew from the project in September. According to a company release, despite the filing, Harbor will continue normal operations while preparing a Reorganization Plan. The official bankruptcy filing includes information about Grandis Pond and other Blaine projects. The company’s total assets are estimated to be between $100-and-$500 million dollars. The company has not responded to requests for comment but is expected to continue selling properties and operating multifamily projects during the bankruptcy process. STORY: Public invited to submit information for new wildlife status reports The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking information from the public to inform several species status reports. The Dept is seeking information about the burrowing owl, Mount Rainier white-tailed ptarmigan (TAAR-muh-gin), island marble butterfly, and the wolverine. They want to know more about demographics, habitat conditions, threats, population trends, and existing conservation efforts for each species. Whatcom County is home to the wolverine and the white-tailed ptarmigan. Wolverines currently live in high-elevation landscapes around North Cascades National Park, after being reestablished there in the 90s. However, the population in all the Cascades is fewer than 25 individuals. The white-tailed ptarmigan has a similar range and has a population of around 1000. Additional information will help the Department assess the conservation status of each species and guide further recovery efforts. STORY: WA ferries fare system restored, after outage brought hours of delays On Thursday, the fare system for the Washington State Ferries was restored after an outage earlier that morning. According to The Seattle Times, during the outage, staff resorted to writing receipts by hand and transferring the information into the state’s online database. The system was eventually rebooted late that morning. In his new supplemental budget, Governor Jay Inslee outlined a plan to spend millions on recruitment and upgrades for the aging ferry system. The cause of the malfunction is still under investigation. STORY: Farmers and growers seek leeway under new agriculture overtime law Starting in January, farmworkers in Washington will be eligible for overtime pay after working more than 40 hours a week. This change comes after 2021 legislation removed a 60-year prohibition on overtime pay for farmworkers. However, agricultural producers are seeking to relax the new rules for up to three months annually during peak harvest times, citing staffing needs. The debate centers on the impact of added costs on the state’s agriculture industry, as well as concerns about the economy’s overall health. Supporters of the new regulations argue that farmers can adjust hiring and scheduling, while opponents stress the need for flexibility. Washington joins California as only two states that allow farmworkers to earn overtime after 40 hours. An Oregon law mandates overtime after 55. STORY: NW states, tribes reach ‘historic’ deal with feds over Columbia River Basin fish and dams In a major agreement, the federal government has promised to spend $1 billion dollars to help restore salmon and other fish runs. The administration reached the deal with Oregon and Washington, the Nez Perce (NEZ PIERCE), Umatilla (you-muh-TIL-luh), Warm Springs, and Yakama tribes on Thursday. The new money would be combined with other spending and delivered over the next decade to help restore wild fish and assist in the construction of at least 1 to 3 gigawatts of tribally sponsored clean-energy production. The agreement also contains a compromise to decrease spillage of the Snake River dams during the summer and fall, but increase the amount of spilled water in the spring to help young Chinook migrate to the sea. However, not everyone is happy with the deal. Local tribes and environmental groups have been fighting to remove the dams completely, and this agreement does not guarantee any further action on that front. However, the settlement does pause the legal fight over wild fish restoration that began in the 90s. It also includes a commitment to begin replacing the hydropower provided by the dam, giving hope that dam removal may be possible in the future. STORY: Free and Cheap Looking for something to do? There are plenty of holiday events going on across the county. The Lynden Heritage Museum is having its Winter Open House on Saturday from 1 to 5pm. The museum will have live re-enactors in special exhibits, refreshments, and sweet treats. Registration is available online. Bellingham Makers Market is holding the Holiday Makers Market at the Cruise Terminal this weekend, from noon to 5 pm. The market will have hand made goods, foods, and other gifts for sale. The Pacific Arts Market will be open for its final days today through Sunday from 10am to 6pm. The market is located at Bellis Fair, in a building outside the food court. Vendors will be selling a variety of homemade goods at the market. And finally, if you’re in the mood for something more active, volunteer work parties are happening this Saturday throughout Bellingham’s parks. Volunteers are needed from 9AM-12pm – you can find out which parks are being worked on by visiting volunteerbellingham.org. WX: Sunny Today will be mostly sunny with a high of about 51 degrees and a low around 38. Clouds will come later, with calm winds blowing throughout the day. This weekend will be a mix of sun and clouds, with a …
December 14, 2023 News Transcripts
WWU operational student employees file to unionize, Sumas Mountain closed to vehicles after environmental damage, Public Meeting to Discuss Cleanup of Plantation Rifle Range, WNS – WA advocates take on sharply rising health care costs, Most kids in WA still aren’t tested for lead, despite risks, Washington workers’ compensation premium rate going up an average of 4.9% in 2024, School officials urge state to extend emergency graduation waiver, Don’t eat pre-cut cantaloupe if the source is unknown, CDC says, as deadly salmonella outbreak grows, Abortions jump 23% in WA as visiting patients reverse decade-long decline ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, December 14th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: WWU operational student employees file to unionize Yesterday, a group of operational student employees at Western Washington University filed for unionization. The group is made up of over 1,100 individuals who work as program support staff, recreation assistants, and clerks. Citing issues of low and late pay, unsafe work environments, and unpredictable schedules, they submitted their request for union recognition to the Washington State Public Employment Relations Commission and delivered a letter to the university president. This marks the second time in a year that student employees at Western have voted for unionization. According to a recent release, the new operational student employee union hopes to promptly address concerns like low pay and inadequate safety measures through official negotiations with the university. STORY: Sumas Mountain closed to vehicles after environmental damage The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is closing the area around Sumas Mountain to vehicles. DNR said the closing is due to environmental damage from the public. Unsanctioned trail-building, garbage dumping, and timber theft continue to damage public resources. Illegal trails affect local fish by delivering sediment to streams. DNR had previously closed the area to vehicle access in August 2022 due to similar environmental concerns. According to the agency, the damage from the past two years has cost the state around $30,000 so far. The entrances are likely to remain closed until the 2024 hunting season. The forest remains open for walk-in recreation. STORY: Public Meeting to Discuss Cleanup of Plantation Rifle Range Tonight, Whatcom County Parks and Rec. will hold a meeting about the cleanup of the Plantation Rifle Range. Over the course of its 50 years of operation, lead bullets have contaminated the soil and made its way into the nearby streams and waterways, causing concern about negative impacts on both humans and wildlife. Surface tests have been conducted on the water, revealing that it moderately exceeds the Clean Water Act standards for aquatic life, but remained well below benchmarks for unsafe drinking water. The event will take place at 6:30 p.m. tonight at Wade King Elementary. STORY: WNS – WA advocates take on sharply rising health care costs Health care advocates are calling on Washington state lawmakers to do more to rein in rising health-care costs after a recent report shows sharply rising prices. Reporter Mark Moran (mor-ANN) has more. COSTS AUDIO STORY: Most kids in WA still aren’t tested for lead, despite risks A recent report from Washington’s state auditor reveals 74% of Medicaid-enrolled kids have not been tested for lead. Lead exposure, especially harmful to children, is typically determined through blood tests. Federal rules mandate lead testing for Medicaid-enrolled children by the age of 6 if no prior tests are recorded. The recent audit indicates that up to 60,000 children born between 2017 and 2019 in Washington may be at higher risk but were not tested. And according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just 4% of all Washington children were tested for lead as of 2018. While lead pipes are uncommon in Washington, children can still be exposed through paint, imported products, contaminated soil, and drinking water. Despite historical deficiencies in lead testing rates, Washington did see an increase in testing between 2018 and 2022. In response to the report, state agencies acknowledged the need for improvement in identifying and supporting individuals vulnerable to lead exposure. STORY: Washington workers’ compensation premium rate going up an average of 4.9% in 2024 A 4.9 percent increase in the average workers’ compensation premium rate goes into effect on January 1st. According to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, employers and workers will pay an additional $65 a year for each full-time employee. Workers will contribute about a quarter of the premium. The decision is based on factors like expected payouts, contingency reserves, and wage inflation. The 4.9 percent hike is an average, with rates varying by industry. STORY: School officials urge state to extend emergency graduation waiver School districts are hoping the Board of Education will extend the emergency high school graduation waiver for the class of 2024, citing the lasting impact of COVID-19 on students. The waiver was originally established by the state legislature in 2021 to protect students from quote “unforeseen disruptions beyond the student’s control”. In 2022, this allowed for up to two credits as well as the technical skills graduation pathway requirement to be waived. That year, nearly 13% of students used a waiver to graduate. This year, only one credit can be waived and school officials are asking the board to continue waiving graduation pathway requirements as well. Scott Friedman, of the Association of Washington School Principals, says that many students and schools are currently focused on credit recovery, due to high failure rates during online learning. Some technical classes could not be offered online, and even now offer fewer classes due to reduced staff, which makes meeting the graduation pathway requirements more difficult. In a School Counselor Association survey of over 70 school districts in the state, 94% said they had students who would not graduate without the pathway requirement waiver. Board members were scheduled to vote last Thursday whether or not to extend the waiver but could not come to a clear consensus. They will vote on the waiver again in early 2024. WX: Sunny …
December 13, 2023 News Transcript
Police activity, helicopter near Bellis Fair for arrest, String of downtown Bellingham burglaries continues with theft of Louis Vuitton bags, Update on the pipe leak in the WWU Fairhaven Complex, Update on the oil spill in Skagit, PSE’s Warm Winter campaign provides meals, clothing, holiday joy to Wash. residents, WNS – WA kelp, eelgrass recovery plan tackles big losses in marine habitat, Military testing reveals hundreds of drinking water wells contaminated with PFAS in WA, Geminids meteor shower to happen over a cloudy WA, Abortions jump 23% in WA as visiting patients reverse decade-long decline ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Webnesday, December 13th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Police activity, helicopter near Bellis Fair for arrest Yesterday, the Bellingham Police Department apprehended an individual while a helicopter hovered above the area near Meridian and Baker Street. About 4pm yesterday, Bellingham police posted on social media, warning the public to stay away from the area near The MorningGlory Inn as officers were aiding the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office. One person was taken into custody on charges of eluding police, assault, and weapons charges. STORY: String of downtown Bellingham burglaries continues with theft of Louis Vuitton bags $12,000 to $15,000 dollars in Louis Vuitton (vee-TAWN) handbags were stolen from the Neeter House of Luxury last Friday. Two suspects broke in by smashing the glass with a baseball bat, and left a crowbar behind. According to recent reporting from the Bellingham Herald, this is the third Bellingham Business to be robbed in just over a month, including The Comics place in October and Penny Lane Antique Mall on Nov. 17th. The Bellingham police department has yet to state if they are connected, but warn that the thieves may be selling the bags online. STORY: Update on the pipe leak in the WWU Fairhaven Complex The source of the pipe leak in the Fairhaven Complex at Western Washington University has been found. According to Amanda Cambre (KAM-bray), the director of facilities at Western, a hole in a sewage pipe under stack three of the Fairhaven dorms is believed to be the major source of the leak. Western Facilities says repairing the hole is their top priority. Other pipes have also been found to be degraded, and Facilities says it plans to line them with a seal that would last 50 years. STORY: Update on the oil spill in Skagit Clean-up continues around the gasoline spill in Skagit County that resulted in the release of more than 25,000 gallons of fuel. Despite the spill being one of the largest in the state since the year 2000, there were no signs of the fuel reaching the Skagit River, and no injuries to wildlife were observed. Caused by a failure in the Olympic Pipeline operated by British Petroleum, the system carries gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel from northwestern Washington to Oregon. The spill is among several recent incidents of significant size nationally, raising concerns about pipeline safety. STORY: PSE’s Warm Winter campaign provides meals, clothing, holiday joy to Wash. residents Puget Sound Energy has donated $200 thousand to non-profits across Washington as part of their first-ever Warm Winter campaign. The donated money will be used to support those in need by providing warm meals, winter clothing, and toys or other holiday cheer items. Twelve non-profits in Whatcom will receive funding, including DVSAS, Lydia Place, and Northwest Youth Services, among others. PSE says funding for the donation comes from PSE itself and not from customer rates. STORY: WNS – WA kelp, eelgrass recovery plan tackles big losses in marine habitat The Washington Department of Natural Resources has a new plan to help revitalize kelp and eelgrass on Washington’s coast. Reporter Suzanne Potter has more. KELP AUDIO STORY: Military testing reveals hundreds of drinking water wells contaminated with PFAS in WA Test results published by the U.S. military reveal that hundreds of drinking water wells near military bases and other facilities in Washington have been contaminated by PFAS. According to the Seattle Times, the military confirmed that the “forever chemicals” were released at 10 military installments in the state, most of them located near the Salish Sea. Simultaneously, the Department of Defense detected PFAS in 866 private drinking water wells, which is nearly half of all the state’s wells tested by the military in the past two years. Out of those wells, over 500 were found to have concentrations of chemicals above the levels proposed by the EPA to protect people’s health. However, over 400 of those wells fall below levels that prompt the military to take action, such as providing clean drinking water. Studies by the EPA show that PFAS are known to disrupt the immune system in the human body, as well as increasing the risk of various types of cancers. Pentagon spokesperson Jeff Jurgensen said the military is evaluating the risk to human health and the environment in the areas near the facilities as part of a cleanup process, as well as preparing to implement the EPA’s final drinking water standard in the next few months. STORY: Geminids meteor shower to happen over a cloudy WA An annual meteor shower, considered by NASA to be one of the best, is set to peak this week. The Geminid meteor shower will last until December 24, providing opportunities to view “shooting stars” through next week. Unfortunately, we may miss out, as cloudy skies and light rain are forecast for Western Washington. During the peak, around 120 meteors are expected per hour. WX: Sunny Today will be mostly cloudy with a high of about 49 degrees and a low around 39. There will be light winds this afternoon, with rain coming late tonight and persisting into tomorrow morning. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Alex Michael, 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 …
December 12, 2023 News Transcript
Bellingham council passes resolution calling for ceasefire in Middle East, Bellingham council proposal meant to quiet ABC Recycling meet resistance, Mount Baker Ski Area announces opening date after receiving snow over the weekend, Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges sets emergency funding for BTC as top priority, Lummi Nation to receive $1m to help make roadways safer, Fish and Wildlife proposes killing over 400,000 barred owls in the Pacific Northwest to protect endangered spotted owl, PSE to build Montana wind farm as coal-fired energy winds down, Don’t eat pre-cut cantaloupe if the source is unknown, CDC says, as deadly salmonella outbreak grows, Abortions jump 23% in WA as visiting patients reverse decade-long decline ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, December 12th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham council passes resolution calling for ceasefire in Middle East During their final meeting for 2023, Bellingham City Council unanimously passed a resolution condemning racism and violence and calling for an “immediate ceasefire” in the Israel-Palestine conflict. The resolution avoids delving into detailed aspects of the conflict but condemns racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia, and expresses concern for the 17,000 lives lost in the conflict without supporting either side. The resolution urges the Biden administration to push for a ceasefire and de-escalation. STORY: Bellingham council proposal meant to quiet ABC Recycling meet resistance Also at the council meeting, a proposal by Bellingham leaders to prohibit overnight quote “construction and industrial noises” met resistance from city officials. Language being developed by City staff for inclusion into local regulatory codes would restrict overnight work by ABC Recycling. The new proposed ordinance comes after complaints from residents of South Hill and other neighborhoods that operations have disturbed their sleep. An agreement between the company and the longshoremen’s union determined that crews will stop work at midnight as a means of appeasing the residents. Opposition to the restrictions, however, have been mounting. Port of Bellingham Executive Director Rob Fix told the council yesterday that the noise ordinance wouldn’t only affect ABC Recycling but many other maritime businesses. Fix also said the language on enforcement is very subjective. The code states that a police officer at the scene would have to make a reasonable determination as to whether the noises were disturbing quote “the peace, comfort and repose of others”. While some council members such as Lisa Anderson are intent on making the new rules work, Mr. Fix suggested holding off on enforcing the ordinance until after ABC Recycling loads its next ship under the new hour restriction. The next scrap-metal loading is likely to happen in the first quarter of 2024. STORY: Mount Baker Ski Area announces opening date after receiving snow over the weekend Last weekend, Mount Baker received 17 inches of snow – and that means the ski area is opening. The park will be available to season pass holders tomorrow, and will open to the general public on Thursday. A few events are planned for opening weekend–Santa will visit for free photos with kids, and the Baker Beacon Rally will teach mountain rescue techniques. To check weather updates, visit mt.baker.us STORY: Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges sets emergency funding for BTC as top priority Repairs to Bellingham Technical College are the top priority in a recent funding request from the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. The board voted unanimously Thursday on a motion for funds to repair BTC’s Campus Center. The almost-$20 million dollar request will help fix seismic reinforcement deficiencies in the building. The building has been closed since July after issues with truss points were found by engineers. The closure affects the library, food pantry, student support services, ID services, and student life services, which all had to move to different parts of campus. The request has been sent to the State Legislature and the Campus Center building will stay closed through the 2023-24 academic year. STORY: Lummi Nation to receive $1m to help make roadways safer Communities across Washington, including the Lummi Nation, will receive nearly $40 million to make roadways safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. The funding, which comes from the Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program, includes three project implementation grants and 22 planning grants.The Lummi Indian Business Council will receive $1 million dollars to develop a comprehensive safety action plan, and to make nine targeted intersections safer. The Safe Streets and Roads for All program is among the transportation investments included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The law has funded nearly 1,200 transportation projects in the State of Washington in the two years since its signing in November of 2021. STORY: Fish and Wildlife proposes killing over 400,000 barred owls in the Pacific Northwest to protect endangered spotted owl The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed a controversial plan to shoot over 400,000 barred owls over the next 30 years to protect the endangered spotted owl. First recorded in eastern Washington in 1965 and in western Washington in 1973, Barred owls are a non-native species and have outcompeted the spotted owls for resources. The agency argues that the drastic measure is necessary to save the spotted owl from extinction. Other methods, such as sterilization and nonlethal removal, were considered impractical. The proposal has sparked ethical debates, with concerns about human responsibility for the presence of barred owls in the region. In the proposal, the agency emphasizes the need to conserve both species and justifies the lethal removal as a last resort for species preservation. STORY: PSE to build Montana wind farm as coal-fired energy winds down Puget Sound Energy, Washington’s largest private utility, is planning to build a 248-megawatt wind farm in Stillwater County, Montana. PSE says the Beaver Creek wind farm will power over 80,000 homes and support the transition away from coal. Energy from the farm will replace electricity currently generated by a Montana coal plant and is part of the company’s efforts to meet Washington …
December 11, 2023 News Transcript
Lummi Nation leader urges Biden to declare national fentanyl emergency, Donnell Tanksley names Sheriff’s Office leadership team, City of Bellingham considers extra level of security after another park is vandalized, Memorial bench will honor Henry King, who was slain at Bellingham’s Boulevard Park, Olympic Pipeline spills gasoline, highway closed, school closure announced near Mt Vernon, Amazon packages overwhelm San Juan postal system, Supreme Court won’t hear WA case over LGBTQ+ conversion-therapy ban, Don’t eat pre-cut cantaloupe if the source is unknown, CDC says, as deadly salmonella outbreak grows, Abortions jump 23% in WA as visiting patients reverse decade-long decline, Lighted bikes and all-ages fun ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, December 11th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Lummi Nation leader urges Biden to declare national fentanyl emergency The Lummi Nation called on President Biden to declare a national fentanyl emergency during the Tribal Nations summit at the White House last Thursday. According to Chairman Anthony Hillaire, a national state of emergency would remove barriers that hinder the Tribal Nations’ abilities to address the fentanyl crisis, which so far has killed more people in the Lummi Nation than the COVID-19 pandemic. Back in September, the Lummi Indian Business Council declared an emergency over the fentanyl crisis. A day before the summit, President Biden had signed an executive order aimed at facilitating the access to federal funds by tribal governments, and granting those governments greater autonomy on how those funds are used. A press release from the White House stated that federal agencies are now required to ensure funding for tribes is accessible, equitable and flexible. Mr. Hillaire said in a panel discussion that the executive order is a step in the right direction. STORY: Donnell Tanksley names Sheriff’s Office leadership team Newly elected Whatcom County Sheriff, Donnell Tanksley, has announced his leadership team. Deputy Sheriff Steve Harris has been promoted to undersheriff and will take office on January first. He will replace Undersheriff Doug Chadwick who ran against Tanksley in the November 7th election. Detective Erik Francis has been selected as the chief civil deputy/chief of investigations and support services. Both Harris and Francis have over 28 years of experience in the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. Other key positions, including Chief Corrections Deputy Caleb Erickson and Chief Criminal Deputy/Chief of Field Services Jason Gum, will remain unchanged. Holly Woll-Salkeld will serve as the interim deputy director of emergency management, succeeding John Gargett, who is retiring. Other hiring is also underway. Tanksley’s transition to sheriff takes place on the first of January. STORY: City of Bellingham considers extra level of security after another park is vandalized The city of Bellingham is addressing persistent overnight vandalism in parks by considering additional safety measures. The Parks and Recreation Department director, Nicole Oliver, revealed plans to implement locked gates at night at certain locations and says she is also considering hiring additional overnight staff. Plans were announced after deep ruts were left in the grass at Boulevard Park in November, and additional damage was done to the lawn and ball fields at Lake Padden Park last weekend. Oliver acknowledged that labor contracts would need to be adjusted to add evening shifts for staff. The new steps could be taken early next year. STORY: Memorial bench will honor Henry King, who was slain at Bellingham’s Boulevard Park A memorial bench will be placed at Bellingham’s Boulevard Park in honor of a man killed last March. The man, 48-year-old Henry King, was fatally shot on the boardwalk between Boulevard Park and Taylor Dock. 22-year-old Elijah Belmont of Marysville was arrested last week in connection with the murder. King was a well-known local figure who would sit on a bench and chat with passers-by at Boulevard Park. Fernando Gonzalez, the manager of the Bellingham Metro News site on Facebook, organized a GoFundMe campaign as a tribute to King. The effort raised over $2,200 in just three hours, with part of the money going to King’s funeral expenses and the rest going to the memorial bench. STORY: Olympic Pipeline spills gasoline, highway closed, school closure announced near Mt Vernon The Olympic Pipeline leaked near Mount Vernon on Sunday, spilling gasoline into a nearby ditch and creek. According to a tweet by the Department of Ecology, the leak happened in a vault used to access the pipeline, spilling gasoline into Hill Ditch and Bulson Creek. In response to the leak, crews have placed containment booms in Fisher Creek and other waterways connected to Hill Ditch to prevent the gas from spreading. The spill has caused the Conway School, a nearby K-8 school, to close today, as well as Highway 534 from the I-5 off-ramp to Bulson Road. Air monitoring has been performed at nearby homes and gasoline vapor concentrations are within safe limits. The pipeline, owned by BP, runs along a 299-mile corridor from Blaine to Portland delivering fuel to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Harbor Island. The pipeline exploded in 1999 in Bellingham, killing three people. Keltner said the Department of Ecology does not yet have an estimate on how long cleanup will take. STORY: Amazon packages overwhelm San Juan postal system The San Juan Islands are experiencing Christmas-time chaos as an overwhelming surge of Amazon packages has inundated the local post office. The problem is attributed to a shift in Amazon’s delivery contracts, with reports suggesting a switch from UPS to USPS in some communities. Workers at the United States Postal Service (USPS) on San Juan Island and in rural Bemidji (buh-MID-gee), Minnesota, are facing overwhelming package volumes, leading to delays in mail delivery. In Friday Harbor, tents have been set up outside the facility to handle the surge. Both USPS and UPS acknowledge staffing challenges. Senator Amy Klobuchar has initiated a congressional investigation into these issues, expressing concerns about the impact on postal operations, workers’ stress, and mail delays. STORY: Supreme Court won’t hear WA case over LGBTQ+ conversion-therapy ban The Supreme Court has declined to hear a case regarding the …
December 8, 2023 News Transcripts
Man burns to death in sleeping bag on Bellingham sidewalk, Bellingham initiates its first Community Court, Whatcom Humane Society broken into and dog stolen, Search and Rescue raising funds for new building in Everson, Research institute collecting stories from border towns during the U.S./Canada border closure, WA proposes ban on ‘forever chemicals’ in clothes, other products, Free and Cheap ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, December 8th. Good afternoon, I’m __David Korb____. STORY: Man burns to death in sleeping bag on Bellingham sidewalk A man burned to death on a Bellingham sidewalk last Sunday. Authorities report that 26-year-old Cody Allen Call was in a sleeping bag when it caught fire around 6 a.m. at Cornwall Avenue. The sleeping bag was no longer on fire by the time first responders arrived at the scene. The body was transported to St. Joseph Medical Center, then flown to Harborview Medical in Seattle. The incident was declared an accidental death by the King County Medical Examiner. According to the medical examiner’s report, Mr. Call had burns over 95% of his body. STORY: Bellingham initiates its first Community Court A recently established community court in Bellingham will be operating soon. Established by the Bellingham Municipal Court, the plan to start the Community Court was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The city is now searching for a Court Services manager to help oversee the sessions. The Community Court’s purpose will be to connect participants with social services as an alternative to incarceration for nonviolent misdemeanors. Services will include employment, mental health resources, housing and food. STORY: Whatcom Humane Society broken into and dog stolen A dog named Pogo was stolen from the Whatcom Humane Society last week. In a recent release, the Human Society says the thief cut through fences, destroyed a kennel door, and left the property with the dog. According to the Society, an unknown person called inquiring about Pogo, claiming to know the previous owner without providing details. The one-year-old female had been in the society’s care for a couple of weeks and arrived as a stray. The humane society asks the public to contact them with any information. STORY: Search and Rescue raising funds for new building in Everson Whatcom County Search and Rescue is attempting to raise $1 million for their new location. The team is made up entirely of volunteers, and is recognized for backcountry rescues in varying terrain and weather. They now need more space to house their six rescue units. A plot of land near Everson was donated for new building — their current building will be torn down to make room for a new County Planning and Public Works facility. To raise funds, they are asking for auction donations that can be dropped off on December 9th from 10-2. To learn more about the plan, visit wcsar.org. STORY: Research institute collecting stories from border towns during the U.S./Canada border closure The Border Policy Research Institute in collaboration with Simon Fraser University is researching the effects of closed borders during the pandemic. The Institute has launched an online survey to collect feedback from those affected. It targets residents of U.S. and Canada border towns impacted by the closure. The initiative aims to provide insights for future public health emergencies and will use the data to examine the equity of pandemic border measures. The survey is available on the BPRI website. STORY: WA proposes ban on ‘forever chemicals’ in clothes, other products The Washington State Department of Ecology has proposed a ban on toxic chemicals used to repel water, heat, and fuel in some clothing, firefighting gear, and cleaning products. In a draft report published Wednesday, Ecology identified safer alternatives for some uses of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS (P-fass), also known as “forever chemicals”. The report recommended restricting or banning the use of the chemical in clothing, cleaning products, and vehicle washes where safer alternatives are available. Additionally, reporting requirements are proposed for floor and ski waxes, shoes, waterproof clothing, cookware, and personal protective equipment for firefighters. The chemicals have been linked to increased risk of some cancers, birth and developmental defects and other health disorders. In the environment, PFAS has been found in fish and may accumulate in apex predators like orcas. The chemical can wash off clothing and other products and find its way into drinking water. The state adopted rules earlier this year to restrict the use of PFAS in textile furnishings as well as water-resistance treatments. For the rule to be expanded to other products, Ecology must first find a viable alternative for PFAS. Public comment will be open on the draft report through Jan. 12. STORY: Free and Cheap “‘Tis the season” for holiday events and there’s a bunch going on! If you’re in the mood for art, look no further than the Bellingham Holiday Festival of the Arts, taking place near the Bellingham Crown Plaza. The festival is open everyday from 10am to 6pm and features all things art. This weekend will have live music and art workshops for kids! The festival runs through December 24th, so don’t miss an opportunity to come support local art this holiday season. There is a Children’s Holiday Market this Saturday, at the Bloedel Donovan Community Building. Come support Bellingham’s little artisans selling their gifts and other goodies. The event runs from 11am to 1:30pm, and all sales are cash only so please bring small bills. Also on Saturday, save the date for Bellingham’s 3rd annual Lighted Bike Parade from 4:30 to 6:30pm. The parade is open to all ages and starts at two locations, in downtown Bellingham at Depot Market Square and in Fairhaven at Hillcrest Church. Both groups will end up at Depot Market Square with live music from the Bellingham Youth Jazz Band, plus hot cocoa and other entertainment. Bring your bike, a costume, and of course your holiday cheer! WX: Rain Today will be mostly sunny with a high of …
December 6, 2023 News Transcript
Flooding in Whatcom, Skagit, Washington, Hundreds show up in opposition to proposed Whatcom County metal shredder, Ferndale company fined nearly $1 million for environmental violations at Cherry Point, Bellingham school administrators accused of failing to report student assaults resolve cases, Ferndale company fined nearly $1 million for environmental violations at Cherry Point, Bellingham landlords may see stiffer penalties for substandard housing, Amtrak service between Seattle and Portland canceled due to landslide, Don’t eat pre-cut cantaloupe if the source is unknown, CDC says, as deadly salmonella outbreak grows ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Day, Date. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Flooding in Whatcom, Skagit, Washington Flooding along the Skagit River has come within inches of 2021’s flood event heights, and national aid has been deployed since Monday afternoon. The river reached nearly 39 feet in Concrete yesterday and almost 30 feet near Mount Vernon today, slightly below the peak in 2021. The Red Cross has opened an emergency shelter at Hamilton First Baptist Church in Sedro-Woolley, stocked with essential supplies, and all residents in the area are urged to seek safety immediately. As of 10 am this morning, Whatcom County Public Works officials have reported several road closures due to flooding of the Nooksack River and adjacent streams, including: Hannegan Road, Ferndale Road, and parts of Marine Drive. The flood stages for the Nooksack have ended, but overflowed water still remains. Emergency officials expect the impact from the floods to remain. STORY: Hundreds show up in opposition to proposed Whatcom County metal shredder A crowd of around 300 people gathered at the Squalicum Boathouse last night to express concerns and opposition to a proposed metal shredding facility. The audience raised questions about noise, traffic, and environmental risks associated with ABC Recycling’s plans to build a metal shredder in the Alderwood neighborhood of Bellingham. Many attendees were vocal in their opposition, showing a desire to run ABC Recycling out of town. Brian Sarni, a local with 40 years of experience cleaning hazardous materials, voiced his perspective: (SOUND BITE BRIAN SARNI) Sarah Gardener, a local, shared her concern with the shredder’s location: (SARAH GARDENER AUDIO) Despite shouts and comments from the crowd, the company outlined its plans, including the submission of a major project permit application and an environmental checklist. ABC Recycling has submitted documents, including a noise study and a 638-page stormwater management report, addressing worries. Riley Sweeney, communications professional at ABC recycling, attempts to calm concerns. (SWEENEY AUDIO 2) The project faces potential political pressure, and the final decision rests with the Whatcom County Council. ABC aims to start construction in 2024 and open the facility in 2025, pending permit approvals. STORY: Bellingham school administrators accused of failing to report student assaults resolve cases The three Bellingham school administrators accused of failing to report a former Squalicum High School student’s sexual assaults have resolved their criminal cases. The administrators entered into a deferred prosecution agreement at a court hearing yesterday at the Whatcom County District Court, having originally pleaded not guilty in the case. The Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced that the criminal cases will continue for 90 days while the administrators do community service, and that the charges will be dismissed once that has been completed. The administrators had originally been criminally cited in December of last year with one count of failing to report, which is a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine. News of the citations prompted several hundred Squalicum students to walk out of class in protest. In a note sent to the public, Bellingham Public Schools Superintendent Greg Baker stated the district continues quote “to believe that our staff acted in good faith to protect and support a student, and that the specific information they received did not require a mandatory report.” STORY: Ferndale company fined nearly $1 million for environmental violations at Cherry Point The owners of a biodiesel refinery west of Ferndale are being fined $900,000 by the Washington Department of Ecology for improper waste management. The Treoil (TREE-oil) industrial site has been used since the 80s to process pine tree rosin and refine biodiesel. During this time, the property accumulated a large amount of dangerous waste and company owners left it unsecured and improperly stored. Ecology first discovered the lack of waste compliance in 2014 and ordered Treoil to dispose of it properly. A 2017 inspection again found non-compliance on the site, and the EPA deployed an emergency response team to conduct a cleanup. Afterwards, the owner refused to grant property access to the departments. Inspectors obtained court-ordered access in 2022 and found that the site conditions were the same or worse than before the cleanup and conducted a second cleanup. The costs of the two cleanups totaled almost $4.3 million. The $900 thousand dollar penalty does not include cost recovery for those actions. Treoil has 30 days to pay the penalty or appeal it to the state Pollution Control Hearings Board. STORY: Bellingham landlords may see stiffer penalties for substandard housing The Bellingham City Council is drafting tougher penalties for landlords whose properties fail safety inspections. In a meeting last Monday, the council voted to pursue proposals that would expand Bellingham’s existing tenant protections and laws meant to ensure that rental properties are safe. The proposals come in response to a draft ordinance co-written by council member Kristina Martens and the renters’ advocacy group Tenants Revolt. The ordinance included a $10,000 penalty for landlords collecting rent from tenants living in substandard housing, as well as requiring landlords who failed a city inspection to pay for the costs of relocating renters. The changes proposed by the City Council would require the hiring of eight additional inspectors at a cost of $1.2 million dollars in annual salaries and benefits. STORY: Amtrak service between Seattle and Portland canceled due to landslide A landslide near train tracks in southern Washington has paralyzed the Amtrak service between Seattle and Portland. BNSF …
December 5, 2023 News Transcript
Final Election Results, Resident Killed After Fireball Rips Through Bellingham Home, equipment breakdowns left two Bellingham fire stations without an engine to deploy Friday, Overdose death reported at Civic Field winter shelter, Blaine city council approves Plover restoration contract, WDFW researchers will use drones for swan and goose surveys in Whatcom, Respiratory illness in dogs’ first cases reported in WA, Don’t eat pre-cut cantaloupe if the source is unknown, CDC says, as deadly salmonella outbreak grows ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, December 5th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Final Election results This year’s general election results have been certified by the Whatcom County Election Division. In the Bellingham mayoral race, Kim Lund beat the incumbent, Seth Fleetwood, by 53 to 46%. Satpal Sidhu was re-elected as Whatcom County Executive with 57% of the vote, while his challenger, Dan Purdy, captured 42%. Undersheriff Doug Chadwick lost the race for Sheriff, trailing behind Donnell Tanksley by about five points. In the County Council races, incumbent Kathy Kershner from District 4 was unseated by her challenger, after capturing only 47 percent of the vote compared to Mark Stremler’s 52. Ben Elenbaas was re-elected at District 5 after beating Jackie Dexter by 22%. Jon Scanlon won the contest for an at-large position at the council by beating Hannah Ordos in a 56-to-42 race. The jail proposition was approved by 63% of the county’s voters. 66% of Bellingham’s voters voted in favor of the Greenways levy, 58% voted in favor of increasing the city’s minimum wage to more than the state’s current minimum wage, and the rental relocation initiative is also due to pass with 62% of voters in favor. STORY: Resident Killed After Fireball Rips Through Bellingham Home A Bellingham resident died after an open flame ignited an oxygen unit in the home on Friday. The deceased was discovered on Sunday, when someone they knew went to check up on them after not hearing from them for several days. According to the Bellingham Fire Department, it is likely that the victim didn’t die from burns, but rather smoke inhalation. Police say the fire did not catch the structure on fire, and while there was no apparent damage to the exterior of the building, the interior was very obviously burned. Nobody else was injured in the fire and It is unclear what open flame started it. An investigation is ongoing. STORY: Equipment breakdowns left two Bellingham fire stations without an engine to deploy Friday The Bellingham Fire Department is facing a shortage of fire engines due to maintenance issues, prompting the city to redistribute firefighting equipment among its six stations. Two stations were reportedly without fire engines for about 24 hours on Friday. Bellingham Public Works Department says that a lack of qualified mechanics at public works means no one is available to fix the fire pumps. Engines needing repairs are currently being sent to private companies for maintenance. Fire Chief Bill Hewett attributed the situation to a “perfect storm” of mechanical troubles. The firefighters’ union has expressed concern on social media, emphasizing the vulnerability of parts of the city in the event of a large fire or emergency. The city is working to address the issue and plans to have the situation corrected by tomorrow. STORY: Overdose death reported at Civic Field winter shelter An overdose death was reported at Civic Field early yesterday morning. Bellingham Police confirmed that two unidentified people were together when they arrived at Civic after the opening weekend of the Road2Home winter shelter program. The two people subsequently overdosed. Officers responded to the overdoses at around 3 am. The winter shelter program opened on Friday, December 1st, in the locker rooms under the scoreboard at Civic Field. STORY: Blaine city council approves Plover restoration contract On November 27th, Drayton Harbour Maritime was authorized by the Blaine City council to finish the restoration on the Plover ferry. The vessel transports passengers from Blaine to the Semiahmoo (sem-ee-AH-moo) Spit, but damages were discovered by the coast guard in fall 2022. Drayton Harbour was initially given over $46,000 dollars to fix the boat, but failed to complete it before their contract expired. This past September, the city attempted to find another shipwright to finish repairs – but Drayton Harbour remained the sole bidder. Drayton Harbour estimates the cost of repairs to be $82,000 with taxes – 7,000 more than the city budgeted for the project. The non-profit now has until May 15th to complete the Plover, or they will receive a $200 penalty each day over the deadline. STORY: WDFW researchers will use drones for swan and goose surveys in Whatcom The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will conduct surveys of swan and geese in Whatcom using drones. The plan comes as swan and geese migrate back to Whatcom and other counties in western Washington. Emphasis will be on flights over Fish and Wildlife managed lands, with WDFW seeking pre-approval by other landowners if additional areas are considered. The purpose of the flights is to assess the Department’s ability to capture high quality images of swan and geese to better monitor the birds. Department biologists will also assess how population estimates based on imaging compare with more traditional ground counts. No area closures or significant public impacts are expected. STORY: Respiratory illness in dogs’ first cases reported in WA The Washington State Veterinarian is urging dog owners to be cautious as an unidentified canine illness has now arrived in Washington state. The unknown disease has been known to be fatal to some dogs, and resembles Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex. Of the 16 reported cases, two have been confirmed in Snohomish and Clark counties. The affected dogs are recovering and the Washington State Department of Agriculture is investigating the remaining 14 cases. Experts have not observed transmission to humans. To prevent the spread, pet owners are advised to ensure vaccinations, avoid dog gatherings, keep sick dogs isolated, practice proper hygiene, and contact …
