The Wandering ‘Hamster

North Cascades Highway closed near Easy Pass Trailhead as wildfire continues,  Incumbent State Rep. Alicia Rule faces two challengers this November, Dept. of Transportation posts road guides to avoid summer construction, High volume of black bear sightings in northern Whatcom County, Dept. of Transportation posts road guides to avoid summer construction, Whatcom Conservation District receives federal grant to test new irrigation technology,  WA gray wolves to retain endangered status, restrictions on killings still remain,  Bellingham man goes to Olympics ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, July 22nd. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: North Cascades Highway closed near Easy Pass Trailhead as wildfire continues Yesterday, the North Cascades Highway was closed again in both directions by the Washington State Department of Transportation, due to the nearby wildfire called the “Easy Fire.”  The wildfire was initially reported on July 17th, and the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center says it was caused by lightning. According to a status report yesterday, the fire covers about 286 acres and is 0% contained. The highway was closed on July 17th, then temporarily opened on the 18th. WSDOT (WASH-dot) says the closure is in place until further notice, and motorists are advised to use U.S. Route 2 or Interstate 90 for cross-state travel.   Visit the Washington State Department of Transportation’s travel center map for real-time updates. STORY: Incumbent State Rep. Alicia Rule faces two challengers this November State Rep. Alicia Rule is running for the 42nd Legislative District House Position 1 again this year, and faces challengers on both sides as she attempts to secure a third straight two-year term. One Republican and one Democrat are challenging Rule in the primary. According to Washington State voting laws, the two candidates with the most votes will advance to the general election on November 5th.  Rule, who has served in the state House since 2020, is a former member of the Blaine City Council and founder and former head of the Blaine Downtown Development Association. Rule says her priorities for the next legislative session include: introducing a diaper tax exemption, addressing both violent and property crime, as well as  protecting access to birth control and IVF. Republican candidate Raymon Pelletti is a U.S. Air Force veteran, as well as a former board member of both the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center and the state Make-A-Wish Foundation. He also served as the former president of the Whatcom County Association of Realtors. According to his website and a recent interview with the League of Women Voters of Bellingham-Whatcom County, Pelletti says his focus is on public safety, the economy, and his opposition of abortion, gender-affirming care for minors, and reforms aimed at police accountability.  Democratic candidate Janet Melman has a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the University of California at Irvine and studied performance craft at UCLA Extension. She is a health-care and transgender rights advocate, content creator, voice actress, comic book author, and 20-year member of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.  All three candidates have websites, or voters can find out  more at VoteWA.gov. (VOTE WAH dot gov) STORY: Dept. of Transportation posts road guides to avoid summer construction Traffic this summer is expected to be worse than usual due to a high number of summer road construction projects. The Washington State Department of Transportation posted a full list of this summer’s 93 different scheduled construction projects. According to the official Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) blog, the summer is when most road construction projects are done, as reliably dry weather is needed for concrete to fully cure.  The DOT also has a June-September calendar of major state events likely to affect summer traffic, and is updated as new events are announced. The calendar includes festivals from Bumbershoot to Watershed, concerts from Noah Kahan to Blink-182, and sports events such as the Mariners and Monster Trucks.  The most recent closure begins today on State Route 546/East Badger Road lasting through Friday. Travelers should expect a five-day closure of both directions east of Northwood Road in Lynden, for modifications to the Kamm Ditch fish passage project. Detours are available on the Guide Meridian Road, East Pole Road, and State Route 9. STORY: High volume of black bear sightings in northern Whatcom County As of last week, there were 15 black bear sightings in Western Whatcom County.  At this time last year, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) had received zero reports. The bear sightings include 14 in Blaine and 1 in Ferndale. According to the DFW, several were the result of “human food source attractant.” In a July 17th statement, the department issued suggestions to avoid bear interactions including: And, if you see a bear on your property, clap your hands loudly and make your presence known. STORY: Whatcom Conservation District receives federal grant to test new irrigation technology The Whatcom Conservation District will receive $1.2 million to test new weather-based technology that may help improve irrigation for Whatcom County farmers.  The new technology uses soil moisture sensors and a data collection system that provides real-time weather information to farmers to monitor and improve irrigation decisions. The Whatcom Conservation District will run tests on raspberry, blueberry, seed potato, grass and mixed vegetable crops to analyze water use efficiency and time savings. The project is 1 of 53 funded across the country by The U.S. Department of Agriculture last Thursday. STORY: WA gray wolves to retain endangered status, restrictions on killings still remain The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission voted 5-4 on Friday to reject a proposal to ease restrictions on hunting gray wolves and keep them listed as an endangered species. The decision followed a heated debate, with commissioners emphasizing caution despite recent population increases. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) recommended changing the wolves’ status to “sensitive,” reflecting population growth since their complete elimination in our region in 1930. While wolves have returned to parts of Washington since 2008, most live east of the …

July 22, 2024 News TranscriptRead More

North Cascades Highway reopens as wildfire rages, Global tech outage affects Sea-Tac services and flights, Bellingham Big Lots to close amid possible bankruptcy filing, WSDOT introduces new colors to help keep drivers safe, WTA considering additional green plans as electric bus fleet faces hurdles, Free and cheap ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, July 19th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: North Cascades Highway reopens as wildfire rages While Easy Fire continues to rage – The North Cascades Highway reopened yesterday evening with no stops between milepost 148 and 158, according to WSDOT (WASH-dot). The fire was first reported on Wednesday evening, and had grown to 300 acres with no containment by 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, burning around Easy Pike Trailhead, according to Inciweb. The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning due to lightning storms without rain.    Despite the smoke, the Air Quality Index rating in bellingham is still ‘good’ due in part to ocean breezes carrying the smoke away, according to Northwest Clean Air Agency. STORY: Global tech outage affects Sea-Tac services and flights A global technology outage briefly knocked the world offline – leaving planes grounded, hospitals scrambling, and Seattle businesses scratching their heads. The cause of the outage was traced to an update from the cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike, who claim that this was not a cyberattack and was simply a faulty update for computers running Windows.  Seattle Children’s hospital posted on Facebook that it was forced to close today due to the update shutting down their IT database. The outage also affected Harborview Medical Center, but they were able to get back online early this morning. At the Seatac Airport, spokesperson Perry Cooper says that as of 9:41 a.m., 100 flights were delayed and 51 were canceled due to the outage.  The underlying issue was fixed at around 4 am this morning, but Microsoft warned users that the outage may still affect customers as the company works to solve the problem completely.  STORY: Bellingham Big Lots to close amid possible bankruptcy filing The Bellingham’s Big Lots store will close permanently as the company suffers failing sales and speculations that it may declare bankruptcy.  Big Lots reported that it lost $205 million in the first quarter of this year, after reportedly losing over $72 million last year. Sales drops are attributed to inflation, higher prices, and consumer cutbacks. The retailer expressed quote “substantial doubt” unquote in its ability to continue as a company, driving concerns that they may be filing for bankruptcy sometime in the near future.  The Bellingham store joins at least 35 other Big Lots around the country in closing– at this time no official closing date has been announced. STORY: WSDOT introduces new colors to help keep drivers safe If you see green and yellow flashing lights on the road don’t be alarmed – but please do pay attention. The new green and yellow lights are simply one more way the State Department of Transportation is helping keep its crews and all travelers safe on the roads. In addition, red and white reflective warning stripes will be applied on the back of all roadway work vehicles. The red and white stripes are in an upside down “V” design. It’s another visual cue to be extra alert, slow down and give vehicles space to do their work safely. The DOT is making these changes – both the lights and the stripes– based on new research by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program and the Transportation Research Board. According to the research, the stripes and the lights changing between two colors helps people more easily see the vehicles – which is the entire goal. The green lights are also more visible in fog.  Last year, the total number of work zone crashes increased nearly 5 percent. Of those injured, 95 percent were not workers– but drivers, their passengers, and pedestrians. STORY: WTA considering additional green plans as electric bus fleet faces hurdles The Whatcom Transit Authority has announced that eight  more electric buses will be put into service this year as part of its plan to transition to all zero-emission vehicles.  However, the new buses have experienced  hiccups.  According to WTA reports, electric buses can only do 58% of the routes due to range limitations. Each bus costs $1.25 million and has been funded through state and federal grants — as the WTA can’t afford them alone. The supporting infrastructure for electric buses is expensive and there are challenges with the software.  At the WTA Board of Directors meeting yesterday, challenges to transitioning the 63-bus fleet were discussed, along with options which would prioritize other solutions such as increasing ridership. WTA’s other goals include the use of renewable fuels like R99— ​​ a transportation fuel made from 100% renewable raw materials like vegetable oils, animal fats, and oil waste. In addition the board discussed local carbon offsets, possible hydrogen technology, and working with SmartTrips to encourage people to get out of their cars.  The board says it remains committed to bus decarbonization, however, according to WTA Board Chairperson Ali Hawkinson electric buses can’t be the only method, and that ultimately the goal has to be to get people on the bus.  STORY: Free and cheap Here are some free and cheap options to enjoy the sun this weekend: The Pickford Film Center’s Rooftop Cinema premieres tonight with a showing of “Shaun of the Dead.” Each Rooftop Cinema event is free to attend for people of all ages as well as dogs, as long as they remain leashed. The event begins at 7pm with live entertainment by World’s Best Trivia and accompanied by a Boundary Bay beer garden and selection of food vendors.  Those wanting to catch a movie tomorrow can attend the Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema on the Village Green for a showing of the Barbie movie along with performances by The Song Wranglers. Entertainment starts 90-min prior to sunset and tickets are $7. If you’re looking for something to do …

July 19, 2024 News TranscriptRead More

 Lynden man pleads guilty to sexual assault charges,  Planning for New Whatcom County Jail facility begins, Planning for New Whatcom County Jail facility begins, Whatcom prison program adds two case members to staff, Dept of Transportation posts road guides to avoid summer construction, WSDOT introduces new colors to help keep drivers safe, Wildfire closes North Cascades Highway for foreseeable future, Boeing’s union Machinists gather at T-Mobile park to vote for strike authorization  ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, July 18th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: Lynden man pleads guilty to sexual assault charges A Lynden man pleaded guilty on July 11th to two counts of third-degree rape. 21-year-old Nurlan Levi Varner was initially charged last year with one count of second-degree rape for assaulting a woman the day prior at his house. Varner was released a day later. While out on bail, he was formally charged with second-degree rape, second-degree assault, and felony harrassment by another victim. He was arrested on April 22nd and booked into Whatcom County Jail. Two weeks later, on May 6th, Varner was formally charged in a third case. Varner allegedly met the third victim on a dating app in late February of 2023. According to court documents, the Whatcom County Prosecutor agreed to dismiss the April case in exchange for guilty pleas in the two other cases.  Varner is scheduled to be sentenced on August 22nd. STORY: Planning for New Whatcom County Jail facility begins Planning for the new Whatcom County jail facility is underway. County officials and the Sheriff’s Office assembled yesterday at the County Emergency Management facility for a presentation given by two consultants from the National Institute of Corrections. Roger Lichtman and Dave Boucher work for the institute’s Planning of New Institutions program. According to Lichtman, the community should be clear about the purpose of any new facility. JAIL AUDIO NEW 1 Lichtman and Boucher cited an example in the San Mateo County Correctional Facility in California, a jail with an open-concept day area and plenty of natural light coming from outside. They also noted how a nicer jail environment can be attractive to potential employees. SUBMARINE NEW 2 The new jail will be paid with funds from a 0.2% sales tax hike in 2023, and is expected to open by 2028 at the earliest. Story: Whatcom prison program adds two case members to staff A Whatcom County prison diversion program will add two more case managers to their staff. The Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion/Let Everyone Advance with Dignity program – or LEAD – aims to prevent recidivism, reduce criminal behavior, improve public safety, and support long-term recovery for individuals with multiple low-level offenses.The two new intensive case manager positions, funded by a $420,000 grant from the Washington State Healthcare Authority, will allow LEAD to serve up to 170 participants, up from 140 as of this month. According to county records, LEAD has helped decrease jail bookings by 83% and shown a 93% reduction in jail days for participants within a year of joining.  The new case managers are expected to start in October 2024. STORY: Dept of Transportation posts road guides to avoid summer construction Traffic this summer is expected to be worse than usual due to a high number of summer road construction projects. The Washington State Department of Transportation posted a full list of this summer’s 93 different scheduled construction projects. According to the official Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) blog, the summer is when most road construction projects are done, as reliably dry weather is needed for concrete to fully cure.  The DOT also has a June-September calendar of major state events likely to affect summer traffic, and is updated as new events are announced. The calendar includes festivals from Bumbershoot to Watershed, concerts from Noah Kahan to Blink-182, and sports events such as the Mariners and Monster Trucks.  STORY: WSDOT introduces new colors to help keep drivers safe If you see green and yellow flashing lights on the road don’t be alarmed – but please do pay attention.  The new green and yellow lights are simply one more way the State Department of Transportation is helping keep its crews and all travelers safe on the roads. In addition, red and white reflective warning stripes will be applied on the back of all roadway work vehicles. The red and white stripes are in an upside down “V” design. It’s another visual cue to be extra alert, slow down and give vehicles space to do their work safely. The DOT is making these changes – both the lights and the stripes– based on new research by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program and the Transportation Research Board. According to the research, the stripes and the lights changing between two colors helps people more easily see the vehicles – which is the entire goal. The green lights are also more visible in fog.  Last year, the total number of work zone crashes increased nearly 5 percent. Of those injured, 95 percent were not workers– but drivers, their passengers, and pedestrians. STORY: Wildfire closes North Cascades Highway for foreseeable future Several wildfires are burning in the Pacific Northwest – here’s the latest: The North Cascades Highway – also known as Highway 20– east of Ross Lake is closed indefinitely due to a wildfire burning near the road, according to WSDOT (WASH-dot). Yesterday evening, the road was closed between milepost 48 near the granite creek bridge and milepost 158, east of the rainy pass trailhead. According to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, the fire is referred to as the Easy Fire since it began burning near Easy Pass trailhead due to a lightning strike.  WSDOT (WASH-dot) says the fire is 0% contained–there is no estimate for reopening the road, and travelers are advised to take Highway 2 or Interstate 90 for cross-state travel.  Another fire – called the Falls Fire, located near Burns, Oregon – has burned over 90,000 acres and destroyed 23 structures since …

July 18, 2024 News TranscriptRead More

Bellingham requests mediation in negotiation with city worker union, Lummi Nation seeking federal funding for new detox facility, Gov. Inslee appoints judge to Whatcom County superior court, County Health launches new data dashboard, New population estimates put Bellingham as #12 in state, surpassing Kirkland Declining number of children statewide, City enacts voluntary water conservation ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, July 17th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: Bellingham requests mediation in negotiation with city worker union The State of Washington has assigned a mediator after 11 months of stalled negotiations between the City of Bellingham and its largest worker union.  Bargaining with the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees Local 1937 – which represents more than 400 city workers– began last August and the parties have still not come to an agreement. A proposed contract in April was overwhelmingly rejected by the union, with six ‘yes’ votes and 297 ‘no’ votes. According to Jael Komac (JAIL KO-mack), president of the union, the primary issue is the pay increase proposed does not keep pace with the city’s own cost of living numbers.  However, at Monday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Kim Lund said that the City’s bargaining position is informed by the expected revenue shortfall this year. In response to the failed negotiations, Lund also said the city has quote “reprioritized resources to put more on the table” unquote. Komac says the union is always ready to come back to the table to talk. STORY: Lummi Nation seeking federal funding for new detox facility The Lummi nation is now seeking $10.6 million in federal funding for a Detox Facility following the recent opening of their health center. The Lummi Nation Health Center opened on June 28th, and serves all ages in search of primary care – including X-rays, bloodwork, physical therapy, behavioral health, and dental care. Now, the Lummi Nation wants to go a step farther in support of their community by opening a detox facility for those fighting substance abuse. Last September, the Nation issued a state of emergency following the death of several tribal members to fentanyl overdoses.  According to recent reporting from Cascadia Daily, if U.S. Senator Patty Murray approves the $10 million request, the tribe says it will create a space for direct response to the ongoing crisis within the community. Plans for the 24/7 rehabilitation center – which will be built across the street from the Health Center – include 16 patient rooms with 32 beds, healing gardens, and a sweat lodge, according to Lummi Health and Human Services CEO Katy Halverson. Halverson also explained that the goal of the new facility is to create a halfway home to heal addictions not only clinically, but also emotionally and psychologically. If the funding goes through, the center is expected to open by 2025. STORY: Gov. Inslee appoints judge to Whatcom County superior court Gov. Jay Inslee announced the appointment of Jennifer E. Slattery to the newly created fifth seat on the Whatcom County Superior Court.  Slattery has a 15-year career in family law and civil litigation, operated her own firm for the past seven years, and served as a pro tem commissioner for the court since 2023. She is also a member and past president of the Bellingham Sunrise Rotary Club and has served as a board director for the Whatcom Community College Foundation.  STORY: County Health launches new data dashboard Whatcom County Health and Community Services has announced that a new Health Insights data platform is now available, which provides easy access to county-wide public health data.  Topics on the data dashboard include education, housing security, safety, air and water quality, as well as youth and adult quality of life. In addition to the data, the platform features narratives that provide important context, along with links to relevant resources and community partners that address health issues. The Whatcom County Health department says the goal of providing accessible data in an easy-to-understand way is to help members of the community understand and identify health challenges as well as improve outcomes.  STORY: New population estimates put Bellingham as #12 in state, surpassing Kirkland Washington’s Office of Financial Management released the annual city-by-city population numbers on June 28th. Bellingham is now the 12th biggest city in the state, bypassing Kirkland and ranking just below Yakima and Federal Way.  Despite more deaths than births for the third year in a row, Whatcom County’s population increased due to a net migration of more than 2,200 people to total 97,270 as of April. This represents a 1.37% increase– higher than the state average of 1.06%, but slower than the 2.18% growth rate seen between 2022-23.  Overall, Whatcom County’s population grew by 2,200 and now totals 238,000– maintaining its position as the ninth most populated county in Washington. The county’s growth rate was 0.93%, down from 1.79% last year. STORY: Declining number of children statewide According to recent census data, the number of children across Washington State is declining, while the population over 65 is increasing. Between 2020 and 2023 the under-18 population fell by 3% statewide. The Puget Sound area saw the sharpest decline, but the numbers mirror a nationwide trend. Factors such as later marriages and more adults choosing not to have children are contributing to an overall decline in the number of children being born across America. In addition, families leaving expensive areas for areas with a lower cost of living is also decreasing the youth population in certain cities. As the number of children declined, the population of adults aged 65 and older grew by 11% from 2020 to 2023.The primary source of this increase is the aging baby boomer generation moving for retirement. STORY: City enacts voluntary water conservation The city of Bellingham’s voluntary water conservation guidelines are now in force until September 30th. During the dry summer months, outdoor watering increases Bellingham’s average drinking water demand from 10 to 15 million gallons per day. Every summer Bellingham residents are asked to limit watering …

July 17, 2024 News TranscriptRead More

 High-speed chase leads to DUI arrest, New justice center planning begins, Bellingham and Whatcom County announce hiring freeze among incoming budget restrictions, Bellingham and Whatcom County crime reports declined from 2022 to ‘23, Bellingham and Whatcom County announce hiring freeze among incoming budget restrictions, Mayor Lund announces two new positions, Bellingham considering mandating locked mailboxes for rental units, Whatcom County and state unemployment rates on the rise ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, July 16th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: High-speed chase leads to DUI arrest A man was arrested Saturday following a high speed chase for driving with a suspended license, suspicion of driving under the influence, and eluding a police officer.  According to a report from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s office, the incident began when an officer attempted to perform a traffic stop after seeing someone allegedly driving under the influence. The officer chased the suspect as he fled south on I-5 from the Ohio Street interchange, but the chase was terminated after the suspect turned his lights out and reached speeds of over 100 mph.  The officer was able to phone in a description of the car, and law enforcement eventually found the driver in his vehicle crashed at the intersection of Nulle (NEW-lee) Road and E Lake Samish Drive just West of I-5. The driver was identified as 22-year-old Curstin Ampeire Cubria (AHM-pear COO-bree-uh).  As of yesterday, Cubria is still in custody with bail posted at a $20,000 bond or $2,000 cash bail.  STORY: Bellingham and Whatcom County crime reports declined from 2022 to ‘23 According to the annual Washington state crime data report released last Tuesday, crime is down across Whatcom County.  The data is from a snapshot in time taken this past March and compares crime report information from 2022 and 2023. During that time, Whatcom County reports dropped 18% and reports to Bellingham Police dropped 29%. About 73% of reported crime in Bellingham and Whatcom are crimes against property.  Around 23% are crimes against people, and 4% are crimes against society, such as animal cruelty, drugs, or pornography. In Bellingham, rape was down by 50%– from 24 assaults to 12.  Motor vehicle thefts dropped by more than half, from 504 to 250. However, drug and narcotics violations rose in both jurisdictions, and DUI arrests jumped for both agencies in a year. STORY: New justice center planning begins In more crime-related news, Sheriff Donnell (duh-NELL) “Tank” Tanksley announced that consultants from the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) are in Bellingham this week to provide technical assistance as planning begins for the new jail. In a recent release, the City of Bellingham said that the consultants are leading a three-day workshop that involves key local officials and covers essential aspects like data-driven planning, site selection, and staffing, all at no cost to the county. Sheriff Tanksley, County Executive Satpal Sidhu (SAT-paul sih-DOO), Ferndale Police Chief Kevin Turner, County Councilmember Kaylee Galloway, and Public Defender Starck Follis (FALL-us) are expected to attend. Staff members from Whatcom County Facilities and Finance Departments, the Sheriff’s Office and a representative from the Bellingham Mayor’s Office will also participate. Sheriff Tanksley and Executive Sidhu highlighted the value of NIC’s expertise in developing a state-of-the-art facility that includes a behavioral health treatment center, medical facilities, and increased detention capacity.  Architect and contractor selection for the new facility is expected to start this fall, with project details available on the county’s website. STORY: Bellingham and Whatcom County announce hiring freeze among incoming budget restrictions Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu issued a hiring freeze on Monday for employees of the county.  The freeze, which will last for 90 days, is designed to slow spending as the county faces a $15 million deficit in this year’s budget. An email sent by Sidhu on Monday to county employees detailed a multitude of reasons for the freeze. The County Council also discussed the option in a special meeting that took place on June, 11th when the budget concerns were first raised.  According to the email, hiring and pay increases during the coronavirus pandemic were partially financed by state and federal funds. These COVID-era non-recurring aid packages received from ARPA and the CAREs Act are gone, used to address issues such as child care access, substance abuse, internet access, food insecurity and affordable housing. Without the extra padding in the budget, cutting down on wages – which make up 50% of the county’s budget – may be the only solution. Brad Bennett, the county finance manager, said at the county council special meeting on June, 11th that another reason for the sudden budget stress is the recent drop-off in county tax revenue. After a few years of rapid sales, new tax revenue growth reports show that consumer spending has plateaued while staffing costs have only risen. The 90-day freeze serves as a chance for the county to review updated sales tax numbers and determine whether the freeze should be extended, as well as what further steps may need to be taken.  Bellingham, facing similar economic trouble, has not announced a hiring freeze at this time, but city finance director Andy Asbjornsen (as-BEYORN-sun) said at the city council committee meeting yesterday that the city is looking to reduce costs.  STORY: Mayor Lund announces two new positions Also yesterday, Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund announced the appointment of Forrest Longman and Janice Keller as the City’s deputy administrators.  In an announcement to the public, Mayor Lund emphasized the need for capable leaders to provide strategic direction for City initiatives and said she believes Keller and Longman are strong selections. Longman, who has been with the City since 2017, will focus on operations and sustainable development, while Keller, a 23-year City veteran, will oversee communications, community engagement, and government relations. The City Council approved the expansion of the deputy administrator role in May 2024 to better manage the increasing complexity of City operations. Lund says the goal of the new deputies is to enhance collaboration …

July 16, 2024 News TranscriptRead More

Bellingham woman sentenced for involvement in fentanyl ring,  Whatcom County approaching record numbers of homeless deaths, Three Whatcom County fire districts seeking additional funding from voters, Three Whatcom County fire districts seeking additional funding from voters, WA facing “alarming surge” in EBT scams,  30-day residency requirement for WA voter registration struck down, WA wolf population numbers under scrutiny ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, July 15th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: Bellingham woman sentenced for involvement in fentanyl ring 38-year-old Bellingham woman Natasha Parkhill was sentenced to four years in prison for her role in a Whatcom County fentanyl distribution ring on Friday.  Parkhill was arrested along with four others after a failed attempt to flee in January of 2023, where police found about 1,000 fentanyl pills and over $1,300 in cash. She was one of six defendants charged by a Seattle grand jury with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, according to a U.S. Justice Department statement released in April. According to the statement, the ring actively moved fentanyl from the Seattle area to drug dealers in Bellingham. Law enforcement officers say they observed various transactions before intercepting the narcotics.  Two other drug ring members have already been sentenced: 39-year-old Daniel Faix (FAY) of Bellingham was sentenced in March to 10 years in prison. 33-year-old Ahbdurman Ahmed (ahb-DOOR-mun AH-med) of Seattle was sentenced in January to six years in prison. Two other defendants, 35-year-old Mohamed Abdirisak Mohamed (mo-HAH-mud ahb-DEER-uh-sek mo-HAH-mud) of Seattle and 35-year-old Matthew Anderson of Bellingham pleaded guilty and are awaiting trial. The last alleged member of the drug ring, 41-year-old Robel Sisay Gebremedhin of Burien (ruh-BELL SEE-say guh-BREM-uh-deen), is currently being sought by law enforcement.  According to the U.S Justice Department, the investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Whatcom County Drug and Gang Task Force– with valuable assistance by the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, and the Whatcom County Prosecutor’s Office. STORY: Whatcom County approaching record numbers of homeless deaths According to reports from the Opportunity Council’s Homeless Outreach Team, there’s a sharp increase in the number of deaths among the homeless population in Bellingham and Whatcom County. 84 deaths were reported in 2023, but that number is now on track to rise to over 100 this year, with factors such as easy access to opioids, the high cost of living, lack of affordable housing, and a strained behavioral health system contributing to the rise. According to the report, the COVID-19 pandemic has also made the issue worse. The local increase unfortunately mirrors a national trend where homeless individuals face a 3.5 times higher mortality rate compared to those who are housed.  STORY: Three Whatcom County fire districts seeking additional funding from voters Three Whatcom County fire districts are requesting additional tax funds from voters to rebuild their stations and boost their operations.  Fire District 1, which serves Everson, Nooksack, Deming and the Nooksack Indian Tribe is proposing a bond to help them build a new station on Everson Goshen Road. According to Assistant Fire Chief Greg Macy, the current station, located on E. Main St. in Everson, sits on a flood plain, and lacks sleeping quarters as well as space for community activities and meetings. The new station would also serve as an Emergency Operations Center in case of a disaster.  Fire District 17 in Sandy Point is re-running a levy after a measure in the April special election failed by only one vote. The levy money would go towards the rebuilding and relocation of the district’s fire station which has been damaged twice by floods. Co-chair Jeanne Carroll says money to hire paid staff is also essential, as longtime volunteers are getting older.  Fire District 21, known as North Whatcom Fire and Rescue, which serves Lynden, Blaine, Custer, Laurel, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo, is also proposing a levy. According to their website, the levy increase would fund eight emergency personnel, a response unit for medical emergencies, a ladder truck, three fire engines and the replacement of Station 63 in Birch Bay. STORY: WA facing “alarming surge” in EBT scams The Washington State Department of Social Services has found that residents on food assistance have lost $5.5 million to Electronic Benefit Transfer – or EBT – scams. These scams happen when a thief places a device on retail card swiping machines, stealing information and benefits from EBT card holders. According to the Seattle Times, roughly 4 of the $5.5 million in benefit losses in the state were from the Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps. The agency is now taking steps to reimburse those with lost benefits by using funds from Spending Legislation signed by Joe Biden, as well as state funding. As of now, the department has replaced $3 million in food benefits and processed 8,000 claims. However, agency spokesperson Norah West said that the agency did not get funding to replace cash benefits stolen before July 1st 2024. Claims for stolen EBT benefits must be reported to the department within 30 days of discovering a loss. To report a claim online, visit dshs.wa.gov. STORY: 30-day residency requirement for WA voter registration struck down There will not be a 30-day residency requirement for Washington state voters ahead of the 2024 election. The requirement was struck down last year but recently became official.   RESIDENCY AUDIO: 1:32 STORY: WA wolf population numbers under scrutiny On July 19th, members of the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will cast their votes on whether or not to downgrade the status of Washington’s gray wolves from endangered to sensitive.  The change would lower penalties for the illegal poaching of wolves and give livestock owners access to permits to kill wolves that cause conflict with their herds. However, wildlife advocates believe that officials could be relying on flawed wolf count figures and call the count produced by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife implausibly high. The potentially flawed population count comes from the Confederated …

July 15, 2024 News TranscriptRead More

WWU fires police officer facing trial for assault charge, Ferndale mother pleads guilty to manslaughter,  Bellingham City Council considers shuttering supportive housing facility,  Bellingham Value Village employees find real ammunition among prop munitions,  Bellingham International Airport pursuing larger role in international travel,  U.S. and Canada reach deal on Columbia River deal,  Free or Cheap ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, July 12th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.  STORY: WWU fires police officer facing trial for assault charge The Western Washington University Police Department has fired one of its officers and a second remains on leave following a use of force incident on January 20th. Police Chief Katy Potts said in a statement that the incident involved an individual who was caught breaking into a private vehicle owned by one of the responding officers. After being handcuffed and searched, the individual was struck in the face by an arresting officer. Officer Robert Anderson was fired Thursday after Mount Vernon Police referred the case for prosecution and Anderson is also facing a fourth-degree assault charge in Whatcom County.  STORY: Ferndale mother pleads guilty to manslaughter The mother of a Ferndale 5-year-old pled guilty Thursday to second-degree manslaughter in connection with the death of her daughter. Melissa Welch could face up to three and a half years in prison for the death of her daughter, who passed away from a fatal amount of fentanyl. Welch’s boyfriend, Cody Craig, and her daughter’s father, Michael Doane, were also in the house and face first-degree murder charges in relation to the case. Following Welch’s guilty plea, her first-degree murder charge was amended to second-degree manslaughter. Court documents show that during the search of the residence law enforcement found meth, methadone, and fentanyl on the floor of the garage near the 5-year-old’s play area.  Welch will be sentenced on August 15th while Doane and Craig could be in front of a jury as early as July 29th.  STORY: Bellingham City Council considers shuttering supportive housing facility The Whatcom County Council is scrutinizing the Opportunity Council’s management of 22 North, following multiple deaths and criminal investigations.  Since February 2022, nine people have died at the downtown Bellingham housing facility, and numerous criminal incidents have occurred. The Opportunity Council defends 22 North as vital for providing affordable, supportive housing with essential services for homeless adults. However, Councilmember Ben Elenbaas is concerned about ongoing issues including overdose deaths & crime and questions the effectiveness of the housing-first model used by the facility. The resolution cites the failure of the program to address fentanyl addiction and homelessness effectively and would have the County defund and close the facility and turn it into a secure detox center. Council members emphasize the need for a broader conversation on improving support for vulnerable populations. An outside consultant is being sought to evaluate all local permanent supportive housing programs and recommend improvements. Public opinion is divided: some support shutting down the facility due to the problems, while others argue it is a crucial resource for those in crisis. The discussion was tabled for three weeks and will continue at a county health board meeting on July 30. STORY: Bellingham Value Village employees find real ammunition among prop munitions Employees at Bellingham Value Village were surprised to find firearms, ammunition, flares, and what appeared to be an explosive device in their donation box.  Bellingham Police Department confirmed that the firearms were old movie prop revolvers and a pneumatic “flashbang” prop, but the ammunition and flares were real. Although the weapons were props, law enforcement will destroy them since Value Village does not accept any kind of weapon.  STORY: Bellingham International Airport pursuing larger role in international travel At the June 18th Bellingham Port Commission meeting, Bellingham International Director of Aviation Kip Turner announced that the airport is hoping to expand its role in Northwest Washington’s air travel industry by adding flights to Mexico. The airport has seen a continuous drop in passenger numbers over the past decade, despite multi-million-dollar improvements to the terminal. While certain outside factors can be blamed, including the fluctuating Canadian dollar, lack of actual international flights is also thought to share some responsibility for the decline.  Another factor in the recent announcement may be the upcoming exit of Southwest Airlines, which will stop serving Bellingham on August 4th.  Turner stated that the airport was in talks with three potential new carriers – two of which may be able to start service as early as October. STORY: U.S. and Canada reach deal on Columbia River deal The US and Canada have reached agreement on the renewal of a 50 year old treaty managing the Columbia River basin.  The treaty will reduce the amount of hydropower that the US sends to Canada by 37%. Electricity generated by dam has been in decline over the last 20 years because of lower snowpack and record-breaking droughts. At the same time, power demands in the Northwest are increasing. The reduction in power exports will help the region take care of its own power needs.  Fish and river advocates are unhappy with the deal as they say it prioritizes money over ecosystem health. Shannon Wheeler, chairman of the Nez Perce (NEZ PEIRCE) Tribe, said that the ecosystem-based function of the treaty should have been the third leg of the discussion.  The treaty still needs to be approved by the US Senate and the Canadian prime minister. STORY: Free or Cheap Here are some free and cheap activities to enjoy this weekend: The Bellingham Circus Guild will be making an appearance at Ferndale’s Summer of Fun Food Truck Friday  this afternoon at Pioneer Park. Entertainment will begin at 5:30pm, followed by a showing of Kung Fu Panda 4 at 9pm. Ferndale’s Summer of Fun events are all free to attend. If you’re looking to catch another movie this weekend, Fairhaven’s Outdoor Cinema will be screening Best in Show on Saturday with performances by The Sweet Goodbyes. Entertainment begins 90-minutes before sunset. Tickets are …

July 12, 2024 News TranscriptRead More

Washington issues statewide outdoor burn ban, COVID on rise in Western Washington, Affordable housing residents call for action amidst heat wave,  Summer EBT program aims to provide for food-insecure families and youth, Bellingham approves $350K in funds for downtown beautification project, Gas prices in Whatcom and WA decline, WA State Democratic staff vote to unionize ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, July 11th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: Washington issues statewide outdoor burn ban A burn ban is in effect for all of Washington state. The ban, issued by Washington’s Department of Natural Resources, went into effect yesterday and will run through September 30th. The move came in response to the heat wave that hit most of the state last week.  The ban will apply to the two million acres of Washington’s forests controlled by the DNR, as well as any other lands under its jurisdiction. According to a news release by the department, the ban covers quote “burning, campfires, the use of charcoal briquettes, and prescribed burns” unquote, with an exception for prescribed fires for ecological purposes and community protection. According to DNR’s wildfire dashboard, Washington has already seen 695 fires this year. STORY: COVID on rise in Western Washington The annual summer surge of COVID-19 infections has begun, fueled by the spread of new variants, and as millions of people travel this summer, infections are expected to increase. According to the CDC and the state Department of Health, wastewater surveillance – one of the more reliable ways of tracking COVID’s spread – shows an increase of the virus in Washington over the last 45 days. State data also shows an increase in the percent of hospitalizations and emergency room visits due to COVID in June. The CDC also found that cases are growing or likely growing in 39 states, and they do not appear to be declining. Although experts say this summer wave should remain mild, it’s a reminder to remain vigilant, particularly among those who are medically vulnerable. CDC vaccine advisers say they will release their newest recommendations on updated COVID-19 shots in the fall.  STORY: Affordable housing residents call for action amidst heat wave Bellingham residents living in affordable housing complexes are concerned about rising temperatures in their buildings. Lack of air conditioning is common throughout the Northwest, and especially prevalent in affordable housing developments, however many low-income senior residents say they are at a higher risk for heat-related illness. According to county records, in 2021, a resident in Eleanor apartments, one of Bellingham’s affordable housing complexes owned by Mercy Housing, died of heat stroke. Recent reporting by the Bellingham Herald says residents of Eleanor were unable to open some of the windows in their rooms more than a few inches, and claim the housing development’s upstairs hallways regularly reach 85 degrees.  Residents of Trailview, another Bellingham affordable housing complex owned by Mercy Housing, have also voiced concerns. They claim the community rooms which have air conditioning were closed due to a lack of management. Temperatures are currently dropping, but County health advisors remind everyone to remain safe and hydrated during the scorching summer heat. STORY: Summer EBT program aims to provide for food-insecure families and youth There’s a new program aimed at alleviating summertime food insecurity. The Summer EBT program provides a pre-loaded card to Washington families who are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. The card has about $120 in SUN Bucks per child for grocery purchases that expire four months after the card is issued. Washington U.S. Senator Patty Murray– who helped champion the federal bill that funded the program– says at least half-a-million Washington children will benefit it. Families who are already signed up for programs such as SNAP and TANF (TAN-if) are automatically enrolled in SUN bucks. STORY: Bellingham approves $350K in funds for downtown beautification project The City of Bellingham has announced it will invest nearly $350,000 to enhance the downtown area through a new grant program.  The program will use $250,000 from the lodging tax fund and $97,000 from the general fund to support various projects designed to beautify and activate downtown spaces. Mayor Kim Lund proposed the grant program in spring. Despite a short one-month application period, the city received 43 project proposals.  A review committee selected three major projects from the public art nonprofit Paper Whale: immersive gallery experiences ($60,000), alleyway activations ($100,000), and murals on the Lakeway/Interstate 5 underpass ($90,000). Additionally, four smaller projects will receive general fund support, including a mural on the Lee Memorial Park staircase, a mural on the Whatcom Museum firehouse, and an interactive “Trike Trak”  where riders on trikes can create art. The project designs await approval from the Bellingham Arts Commission. The city anticipates three rounds of $250,000 grants, and encourages applicants to resubmit proposals for future consideration. STORY: Gas prices in Whatcom and WA decline The price of gas in Washington state is headed down this year, providing some relief for consumers. According to AAA (triple A), the national average gas price was $3.54 per gallon on Monday, nearly the same as last year’s numbers. However, Washington State’s gas prices are down by 67 cents from last year, sitting at $4.29 per gallon as of Monday.   Washington state is ranked third for highest gas prices in the country. Fuel at the pump runs 75 cents above the national average.  STORY: WA State Democratic staff vote to unionize The stage is set for the first-ever contract negotiations between Washington state lawmakers and some of their most trusted employees. Democratic staff in the state House and Senate voted overwhelmingly to unionize Monday. They join their Republican peers in both chambers who elected to form bargaining units last month. Workers in each of the four partisan caucuses will sit down with administrative leaders of the House and Senate to negotiate separate agreements covering wages, benefits and working conditions. Under Washington state law, employees of the Democratic and Republican caucuses in each chamber must be in …

July 11, 2024 News TranscriptRead More

Whatcom County air quality on decline as Eastern WA wildfires continue,  Further details released in Lake Padden assault, WA facing “alarming surge,” in EBT scams, Whatcom County council to challenge legitimacy of Healthy Children’s Fund repeal initiative,  Whatcom County council to challenge legitimacy of Healthy Children’s Fund repeal initiative, Whatcom food banks request $2 million in additional funding,  Six Whatcom County grocery stores to change ownership in Kroger-Albertson’s merger ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, July 10th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: Whatcom County air quality on decline as Eastern WA wildfires continue Whatcom County’s air has improved following a “Moderate” air quality index (AQI) reading on Monday.  The reading found “Moderate” amounts of particulate matter, typically found in smoke, in Whatcom County due to wildfires in Eastern Washington spreading smoke to the west as well as the recent heat wave – which set a new daily temperature record in Bellingham on Tuesday at 88 degrees. According to the Northwest Clean Air Agency, the AQI in Bellingham has shifted from “Moderate” back to “Good”. Temperatures should also cool down this week, with expected highs in the 70s.  A “red flag” warning – put in place last week due to unseasonably dry heat – was also lifted yesterday, according to a recent report from the county.  With a hot summer still ahead, KMRE reporter Theron Danielson braved the sun to find out how some in Whatcom have been beating the heat:  Due to the heat, Whatcom County still has an active burn ban except for recreational fires, and the National Park Service has banned all campfires in the North Cascades, Ross Lake and Lake Chelan recreation areas. STORY: Further details released in Lake Padden assault The man who attacked a young woman at Lake Padden is still at large, and police have released new details about the assault.  According to an update by Bellingham Police, the man was reportedly seen sporting a red backpack and carrying a tire iron or crowbar during the attack on the morning of June 22nd. He did not use his weapon, but was able to break the victim’s nose before fleeing the scene. Two witnesses were able to provide first aid to the woman and follow the man for a short distance. They also provided a description of the man to the police:  The suspect is a 5’8 to 5’10 white male in his 30s with a distinct receding hairline and average build. Police have asked the public to provide any information by calling the department or going to cob.org/tips.  The investigation is ongoing.   STORY: WA facing “alarming surge,” in EBT scams The Washington State Department of Social Services has found that residents on food assistance have lost $5.5 million to Electronic Benefit Transfer – or EBT – scams. These scams happen when a thief places a device on retail card swiping machines, stealing information and benefits from EBT card holders. According to the Seattle Times, roughly 4 of the $5.5 million in benefit losses in the state were from the Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps. The agency is now taking steps to reimburse those with lost benefits by using funds from Spending Legislation signed by Joe Biden, as well as state funding. As of now, the department has replaced $3 million in food benefits and processed 8,000 claims. However, agency spokesperson Norah West said that the agency did not get funding to replace cash benefits stolen before July 1st 2024. Claims for stolen EBT benefits must be reported to the department within 30 days of discovering a loss. To report a claim online, visit dshs.wa.gov.  STORY: Whatcom County council to challenge legitimacy of Healthy Children’s Fund repeal initiative Whatcom County council members are asking for court input on the validity of a citizen repeal initiative.  Earlier this year almost 10,000 signatures were collected by Washingtonians for a Sound Economy to introduce a ballot initiative that would repeal the Healthy Children’s Fund. In June the county auditor’s office verified the submitted petition had enough signatures to be included on the 2024 general election ballot. However, some council members have expressed their belief that the measure should have been a referendum rather than an initiative, which would have required more signatures.  The Healthy Children’s Fund was passed in 2022 by only 20 votes and increased property taxes by 19 cents per $1000 of assessed value. Supporters of the fund say the goal is to support young children and families in a way that has long term benefits for the entire community. However, some community members are interested in repealing the initiative in an effort to lower property taxes.  On July 9th, a resolution was put forward by council members Buchanan, Donovan, and Scanlon requesting Whatcom County Superior Court weigh in to determine whether the initiative is procedurally invalid. Washingtonians for a Sound Economy denounced the resolution and the unnecessary cost of going through the courts for a pre-election challenge to the initiative. Council members Stremler and Elenbaas said that voter’s voices should be heard first and that legal challenges should occur after the fact. While council member Galloway says that confirming the validity before the election could save the county time, money, and public trust.  STORY: Whatcom food banks request $2 million in additional funding The Whatcom County Food Bank Network is requesting $2 million in annual funding from the county to meet growing demands on local food banks. Food bank visits in Whatcom County increased 127% since 2021, with 800,000 client visits in 2023, according to Bellingham Food Bank Executive Director Mike Cohen. The network received $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds from the county and the City of Bellingham for 2023 and 2024, but with these funds now used up, the network is looking for help from the county to continue meeting the needs of the community.  Cohen, who spoke at yesterday’s county council committee meeting, acknowledged that the $2 million …

July 10, 2024 News TranscriptRead More

 Whatcom County air quality on decline as Eastern WA wildfires continue, Bellingham International Airport pursuing larger role in international travel, New population estimates put Bellingham as #12 in state, surpassing Kirkland, Declining number of children statewide, WA facing “alarming surge,” in EBT scams,  Three Whatcom County fire districts seeking additional funds from voters ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, July 9th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: Whatcom County air quality on decline as Eastern WA wildfires continue Whatcom County’s air quality will continue to decline this week as the region bakes under a heat wave and wildfires in Eastern Washington send smoke over the state.  Readings taken Monday afternoon by the Northwest Clean Air Agency showed that the air was “moderate” in Bellingham for particulate matter, typically found in smoke. Air in the Custer and Lynden areas was “unhealthy for sensitive groups” due to higher levels of ozone which is a by-product of the reaction between sunlight and chemicals in wildfire smoke.  A “red flag” warning has also been issued because of the unseasonably hot and dry weather, these warnings are used to alert residents of an increase in the risk of wildfire danger. Whatcom County has banned all burning except for recreational fires, and the National Park Service has banned all campfires in the North Cascades, Ross Lake and Lake Chelan recreation areas. STORY: Bellingham International Airport pursuing larger role in international travel At the June 18th Bellingham Port Commission meeting, Bellingham International Director of Aviation Kip Turner announced that the airport is hoping to expand its role in Northwest Washington’s air travel industry by adding flights to Mexico. The airport has seen a continuing drop in passenger numbers over the past decade – this comes in spite of the multi-million-dollar improvements to its passenger terminal in the early 2010s. While certain outside factors are to blame, including the fluctuating weakness in the Canadian dollar, the lack of actual international flights is also thought to share some responsibility for the decline.  Another factor in the recent announcement may be the upcoming exit of Southwest Airlines, which will stop serving Bellingham on August 4th. In preceding decades, airlines such as Delta, United Express and Frontier also stopped service to Bellingham, while airlines such as Western and USAir (YOU-ess-air) shut down.  Turner stated that the airport was in talks with three potential new carriers – two of which may be able to start service as early as October. STORY: New population estimates put Bellingham as #12 in state, surpassing Kirkland Washington’s Office of Financial Management released the annual city-by-city population numbers on June 28th. Bellingham is now the 12th biggest city in the state, bypassing Kirkland and ranking just below Yakima and Federal Way.  Despite more deaths than births for the third year in a row, Whatcom County’s population increased due to a net migration of more than 2,200 people to total 97,270 as of April. This represents a 1.37% increase– higher than the state average of 1.06%, but slower than the 2.18% growth rate seen between 2022-23.  Overall, Whatcom County’s population grew by 2,200 and now totals 238,000– maintaining its position as the ninth most populated county in Washington. The county’s growth rate was 0.93%, down from 1.79% last year. STORY: Declining number of children statewide In more population news– according to recent census data, the number of children across Washington State is declining, while the population over 65 is increasing. Between 2020 and 2023 the under-18 population fell by 3% statewide. The Puget Sound area saw the sharpest decline, but the numbers mirror a nationwide trend. Factors such as later marriages and more adults choosing not to have children are contributing to an overall decline in the number of children being born across America. In addition, families leaving expensive areas for areas with a lower cost of living is also decreasing the youth population in certain cities. As the number of children declined, the population of adults aged 65 and older grew by 11% from 2020 to 2023.The primary source of this increase is the aging baby boomer generation moving for retirement. STORY: Whatcom County and state unemployment rates on the rise Whatcom County unemployment rates have been on the rise recently.    According to recent records from the Washington Employment Security Department and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the county’s unemployment rate has increased 1.4% since May 2023, which already had an unemployment rate of 3.1%. Other regions in Washington have also spiked– with Ferry county at the highest with 7.7%, and Asotin (uh-SO-tin) county at the lowest with 3.3%. Washington State as a whole has seen an almost 19% increase since last May, with an estimated 195,793 people receiving unemployment benefits as of this May.  STORY: WA facing “alarming surge,” in EBT scams The Washington State Department of Social Services has found that residents on food assistance have lost $5.5 million to Electronic Benefit Transfer – or EBT – scams.  These scams happen when a thief places a device on retail card swiping machines, stealing information and benefits from EBT card holders. According to the Seattle Times, roughly 4 of the $5.5 million in benefit losses in the state were from the Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps.  The agency is now taking steps to reimburse those with lost benefits by using funds from Spending Legislation signed by Joe Biden, as well as state funding. As of now, the department has replaced $3 million in food benefits and processed 8,000 claims. However, agency spokesperson Norah West said that the agency did not get funding to replace cash benefits stolen before July 1st 2024. Claims for stolen EBT benefits must be reported to the department within 30 days of discovering a loss. To report a claim online, visit dshs.wa.gov.  STORY: Three Whatcom County fire districts seeking additional funds from voters Three Whatcom County fire districts are requesting additional tax funds from voters to rebuild their stations and …

July 9, 2024 News TranscriptRead More