The Wandering ‘Hamster

Murder under investigation in Bellingham, Bellingham school district plans to sell Dupont building, Urban forest plan aims for 45% coverage, Cordata Park expands, City holds public meeting to explore housing affordability H.S. juniors allowed to enroll in college summer courses, Foam containers banned in WA starting June 1, New ballot curing law goes into effect  ______________________________ ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, April 16th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: Murder under investigation in Bellingham Bellingham Police are investigating a homicide that occurred in the woods near Tull Road off Kellogg Road in north Bellingham early Monday morning.  Multiple 911 calls reported shots heard just after 3 a.m. Officers found a man with gunshot wounds to the upper body upon arrival. Despite aid and hospitalization, he passed away.  Search warrants were obtained for nearby private property, and K9 units and drones were deployed for further investigation. The SWAT team provided security during the process. Currently, the victim’s identity remains unknown.  The incident is being treated as a homicide, with no arrests made yet but the investigation is ongoing. Witnesses are urged to contact the police with any information. STORY:  Bellingham school district plans to sell Dupont building Bellingham Public Schools announced it plans to sell their historic district office building located on Dupont Street. The building, originally Roeder Elementary School, has served as administrative offices since the 1970s, but was vacated in January due to flooding. With the district’s recent move to a new office on Barkley Boulevard, the old building lacks ADA accessibility and seismic retrofitting is now only used for storage. Despite initial plans for renovation, the district opted to purchase the Barkley property instead. The Bellingham School District estimates that by purchasing the new property they saved about $1 million dollars.  The school board will vote on the resolution at tomorrow’s meeting. STORY: Urban forest plan aims for 45% coverage The City of Bellingham announced the first draft of its first-ever Urban Forest Plan is ready for public review. Work on the 3-phase plan started in 2022 after a survey of residents indicated that 80% of those responding wanted to see more trees in the City. The plan establishes an overall target of 45% canopy coverage in Bellingham by 2050. Last Fall, the City Council approved $100,000 dollars for the project, and last night at the Council meeting, Habitat and Restoration Manager Analiese (ann-uh-LEES-uh) Burns presented four initial programs–– neighborhood tree grants, community partnerships, tree giveaways, and a tree coupon program. Burns estimates the first five years of Urban Forest Plan actions will cost the city between $5 and $6 million a year.  To meet the target coverage, an average of 9,000 trees will need to be planted each year. The complete plan is available for review and public comment at cob.org.  STORY: Cordata Park expands The new Cordata (core-DOT-uh) Park expansion had its grand opening on Friday. Cordata Park now features amenities such as a covered picnic area, 50 more parking spaces, basketball and pickleball courts, and a community center for Northside neighborhood meetings. “Phase 2” of the park, which started last year, will add a covered stage and new trail connections linking the neighborhoods north and south of the park. Funding for the facility is expected to be $13 million dollars and came from park fees paid by developers as well as the Greenways 4 tax levy. STORY: City holds public meeting to explore housing affordability A meeting scheduled tonight will focus on improving the Bellingham housing market by addressing affordability concerns.  Housing affordability has been identified as a key issue by the community, and the meeting aims to explore both gaps in the market as well as potential solutions such as new housing types and government programs. The event is part of a series of meetings for the Bellingham Plan, a two-year project that will update the city’s long term growth plan. The meeting is open to the public and will be held at Sehome High School from 5 to 7 p.m. STORY: H.S. juniors allowed to enroll in college summer courses Washington state is expanding its Running Start program, allowing high school juniors to earn college credits over the summer.  Incoming 11th graders can now attend college early, and proponents hope early access will help students ease into college and reduce debt at graduation. School districts are required to inform students about summer enrollment opportunities, and tuition is covered by the home school district, although students may incur additional costs.  The expansion builds on a successful pilot program from 2021, which showed high completion and retention rates. STORY: Foam containers banned in WA starting June 1 Say goodbye to those clamshell take-out boxes– starting June 1st, a state ban on products made from expanded polystyrene goes into effect.  Passed in 2021, the ban aims to address the environmental impact of single-use plastics. The material can take centuries to decompose. Research has also shown that when the foam breaks into small bits, it can harm wildlife and end up in the food chain. Recycling polystyrene is possible, but challenging and costly, and isn’t accepted by most recycling programs. Last year, the state prohibited the sale and distribution of foam packing peanuts under the same law. Alternatives to foam containers are available, and the government officials say they plan to offer support and resources to businesses transitioning away from foam products. STORY:  New ballot curing law goes into effect Legislation passed during this year’s session will make it easier for Washingtonians to correct issues with their ballots. The law goes into effect ahead of the November election. WX: Sun Your Whatcom County weather – Expect clear skies for the next several days. Sun and clouds mixed today, with a high of 51 degrees. Overnight, skies will clear with the low will be around 36. Tomorrow, we’ll be headed into a sunny stretch, with clear skies and sunshine expected until Friday and a possible high in the mid-60’s.  OUTRO:  Today’s newscast …

April 16, 2024 News TranscriptRead More

Ferndale man placed in federal custody, Lynden woman dies after wrong-way crash on I-5, Tax day, Underreporting of sexual harassment in school districts, WCC President announces retirement, City of Bellingham addresses Post Point issues, Record EV sales in Washington, WSU invents new apple  ______________________________ ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, April 15th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: Ferndale man placed in federal custody A Ferndale man was arrested on suspicion of receiving child pornography. 28-year-old Eduardo Orduna-Botello (or-DOO-nah bow-TAY-oh) was booked by Homeland Security into Whatcom County Jail last Wednesday, and subsequently transferred to federal custody.  The case was filed with the District Court after a witness reported Orduna-Botello’s inappropriate online comments. Even after being blocked, the suspect continued to contact the witness through alternate online accounts. A search warrant also uncovered an occurrence from around three years ago, where questionable photos were found.  Orduna-Botello is scheduled to appear in court in Seattle on the 25th.  STORY:  Lynden woman dies after wrong-way crash on I-5 A Lynden woman has died in the aftermath of a car crash in Arlington. 70-year-old Sharon Heeringa (her-ING-uh) was a passenger in a car hit by a wrong-way driver on northbound I-5 two weeks ago. Harborview Medical Center in Seattle released a statement on Saturday confirming that Heeringa passed away.  Two cars in total were hit by the wrong-way driver, a 43-year-old man from Arlington. The driver died from his injuries at Providence Medical Center in Everett, while three other people were hospitalized. The crash is still under investigation by the State Patrol. STORY: Tax day It’s tax day and federal taxes are due by 11:59PM tonight.  To support taxpayers, the IRS has extended hours in Taxpayer Assistance Centers nationwide and offers online help for filers, like the Where’s My Refund? tool. Extensions are available if you need extra time to file the paperwork, but to avoid penalties, any tax owed is due before midnight tonight.  Refunds are typically issued within 21 days but may take longer if returns are mailed. STORY: Underreporting of sexual harassment in school districts Recent reporting by Cascadia Daily News reveals that many school districts in Whatcom and Skagit counties have not adequately followed their rules for reviewing sexual harassment policies. According to the report, despite documented complaints, some districts including Bellingham and Burlington-Edison have failed to convene stakeholder committees to assess policy effectiveness. Parents are concerned that the failure leaves students vulnerable and are advocating for increased transparency. Instances of non-compliance, such as Burlington-Edison’s failure to convene annual committees, have prompted community pressure and even state-level scrutiny. Moreover, deficiencies in providing policy translations, especially to non-English-speaking families, makes things worse, particularly among girls of color, who are statistically more at risk of harassment and assault. STORY: WCC President announces retirement Dr. Kathi Hiyane-Brown (hee-AWN-ee BROWN), current president of Whatcom Community College, has announced her retirement after leading the institution for 17 years. In that time, the community college significantly expanded its curriculum to include fields like cybersecurity, health professions, engineering, and social work. Dr. Hiyane-Brown also oversaw the development of new facilities to accommodate these programs, including student housing and an intercultural center.  The change in leadership will be effective March 1st, 2025.  STORY: WWU gets $2.5M in federal funding Western Washington University has secured nearly $2.5 million dollars in federal funding for its latest building, Kaiser Borsari Hall.  The funding, secured by U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, will be used to develop research and instructional labs within the facility, focusing on subjects such as robotics, autonomous transportation, and energy courses.  The building, currently under construction on the south end of WWU’s campus, is set to become Washington’s first publicly funded zero-energy academic building on a university campus upon completion in early 2025. STORY: City of Bellingham addresses Post Point issues The City of Bellingham is actively addressing challenges at the Post Point wastewater treatment facility in Fairhaven.  Northwest Clean Air Agency, which monitors and regulates the City’s air quality, recently served the City of Bellingham with a notice of violation regarding the plant’s incinerators. In a recent announcement, the City said it is working with experts to understand the allegations and determine the best course of action. In recent years, various options have been explored to modernize the plant away from incineration toward cleaner waste processing. When those solutions proved too expensive, the city scrapped the plan and has yet to present a new one. Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund said upgrading Post Point is a complex challenge, but that the city is committed to finding a solution that balances priorities for environment protection, public health, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars.  STORY: Record EV sales in Washington It’s been a record year for electric and hybrid vehicle sales in Washington state. Electric and plug-in hybrid cars comprised 20% of all car sales– that’s double the national average, and new registrations saw a 43% increase compared to last year. Washington now ranks second in the West Coast for EV adoption, with California leading and Oregon coming third. 40% of the state’s carbon emissions stem from transportation, and there’s hope that Washington’s quick adoption of zero-emissions vehicles will directly contribute to improved air quality. STORY:  WSU invents new apple Washington State University has developed a new hybrid apple.  A blend of Honeycrisp and Cripps Pink varieties, the new apple known as “W.A. 64”  is less hard but more crisp and juicy than Pink Lady. The new fruit is the culmination of a 30-year research effort and is slated to be available in stores by 2029. The university is looking for a name, and is asking for suggestions from the public that avoid profanity, existing trademarks, and references to illegal substances. WX: Sun Your Whatcom County weather – It’s going to be Intervals of clouds and sunshine today with a high of 51. Into the evening, mostly clear skies with a low of 36F. But starting tomorrow, we’re headed into three days of …

April 15, 2024 News TranscriptRead More

 More crosswalks coming to Bellingham, Meridian Townhouses get green light, Meridian Townhouses get green light, Funky’s Hot Sauce Promo (today and Friday after the news), Willows Inn back on the market, Whatcom Museum announces low-sensory hours, State GOP files three new initiatives  ______________________________ ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, April 10. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: More crosswalks coming to BellinghamThe City Council of Bellingham unanimously approved a plan to enhance bike lanes and pedestrian safety along Holly Street. The plan entails removing one of three traffic lanes from Ellis to Bay Street in the commercial core. No parking spaces will be lost in the process. Eric Johnston, Director of Public Works, explained that the aim is to make downtown more accessible for cyclists and pedestrians by slowing down traffic on downtown’s busiest street.  Johnston says buffered bike lanes will be added from Ellis to State streets and a parking-protected bike lane from State to Bay streets. Additionally, crosswalk signals will be timed to give pedestrians a head start before vehicles receive a green light, reducing the risk of pedestrian-vehicle accidents. Despite concerns about the length of the protected bike lanes, proponents believe the initiative will improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians alike.  The estimated cost of the project is $55,000. Construction is scheduled to commence early next month. STORY: Meridian Townhouses get green light A controversial development in the Birchwood neighborhood has been approved with conditions, after extensive public comment from residents.  The project, located at 3509 Meridian St., is on land owned by Bellingham Golf & Country Club. A proposal to build  67 townhouses on a forested plot requires the developer to remove 335 mature trees and replant 477 saplings.   Whatcom Million Trees Project spearheaded opposition to the plan. More than 1,700 people signed the petition against the development, and dozens of community members attended the public hearing and sent email comments.  On Monday, Bellingham Hearing Examiner Sharon Rice approved the preliminary plat and variance for the subdivision, with several conditions. A tree planting plan will be required as well as compliance with best management practices to ensure the roots of the mature trees still left on the property are protected. Native trees will also be incorporated into the subdivision’s landscaping, and developers must also take steps to ensure long-term survival and retention of the replacement trees.  Later this year, the city council will review a draft of the city’s new Urban Forestry Management Plan which sets a canopy cover target of 45%. STORY:  Funky’s Hot Sauce Promo (today and Friday after the news) Funky’s Hot Sauce Factory initially began as a passion project for peppers and spices.  Founded by Matt Mini in 2006, the Funky’s line of hot sauce is currently on fire with their latest guest spot on an internet show that focuses on spicy chicken wings. KMRE reporter, AnThu Nguyen, got the chance to sit down with Matt and find out more about his winning recipe. FUNKY’S AUDIO Listen to the entire interview today and Friday after the 5pm news.  STORY:  Willows Inn back on the market The old Willows Inn property on Lummi Island is up for sale again. The vacant property was originally donated to Lighthouse Ministries in late 2022. The organization tried to sell it a year ago with the intention of using the money to help fund the Lighthouse Mission’s redevelopment project on Holly Street, but the potential deal fell through. Offers for the new listing will be taken until Friday, and evaluated by April 26th.  The Lighthouse Mission says it hopes that the new owners will be local.  STORY: Whatcom Museum announces low-sensory hours Whatcom Museum has announced new programs aimed at reducing barriers to art for the local community.  The Low Sensory Sundays event creates a calm environment for families and children 12 and younger with sensory processing issues or those who are on the autism spectrum. These free events feature reduced light and sound, activity cue cards, movable walls, gloves, and headphones.  Additionally, Free First Fridays offer free admission to patrons of all ages on the first Friday of each month, with extended operating hours until 9 p.m.  The first Low Sensory Sundays event will be held on May 26th at 10AM and 11:30AM at the Lightcatcher & Family Interactive Gallery, although the museum hopes to secure funding to make it a permanent monthly program.  These initiatives aim to enhance accessibility and inclusivity in experiencing art at Whatcom Museum.  STORY: State GOP files three new initiatives The chair of Washington State’s Republican Party, Jim Walsh, is pushing for three new initiatives to be included on the November ballot.  The proposed new initiatives are part of a broader effort by the GOP, which already has three other initiatives on the ballot that would repeal the state’s capital gains tax, carbon market, and a long-term care insurance program. One of the new initiatives targets “squatters’ rights,” potentially rolling back tenant protections enacted in 2021. Another seeks to compel law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration authorities, reversing Washington’s sanctuary state status. The third initiative aims to repeal a recently passed measure meant to assist Puget Sound Energy in meeting emissions requirements. Supporters of these initiatives have roughly three months to collect the necessary signatures to qualify for the ballot. Critics, including the chair of the Washington State Democrats, Shasti Conrad, view these initiatives as a cynical attempt by Republicans to boost voter turnout rather than focusing on substantive policy issues. Multiple versions of each initiative have been filed to test their viability before finalizing the petition for signature gathering. WX: Sun Your Whatcom County weather – Enjoy the sun while you can, and expect increasing clouds later this afternoon and into the evening. Today’s high is in the mid-50’s with an overnight low of 44. Increasing chance early tomorrow morning, with rain likely throughout the day, continuing into the evening with a high in the mid-50’s.  OUTRO:  Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers …

April 10, 2024 News TranscriptRead More

Meridian High School athlete accused of rape, COB purchases land for affordable housing, tiny homes, Bellingham wastewater plant violated air quality last month, WA state gun sales rise, then fall as new laws come on line, WA state gun sales rise, then fall as new laws come on line, Ballot curing legislation  ______________________________ ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, April 9th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: Meridian High School athlete accused of rapeAn 18-year-old star athlete at Meridian High School has been charged with sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in December. Jase Kristopher Klinkhammer has been charged with one count of second-degree rape and one count of second-degree perjury. Klinkhammer’s alleged assault involved an incident where he reportedly raped the girl at a friend’s house, despite her repeated objections. He has denied the accusations, but evidence from Snapchat location data contradicts his statements to law enforcement.  Despite the charges, Klinkhammer has continued to compete in school sporting events. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association responsible for governing high school sports in the state, does not have specific guidelines for suspensions related to off-the-field behavior, leaving the decision to the schools. Meridian High School, where Klinkhammer is a student, has its own code of conduct for student-athletes but has not publicly disclosed how the decision to allow him to compete was made.  Klinkhammer was released from jail after posting a $1,000 bond following his arrest. STORY: COB purchases land for affordable housing, tiny homes Last night the Bellingham City Council approved the purchase of property for affordable housing development.  The site is located at 3300 Northwest Avenue near the former Northwood Hall at Northwest and Maplewood avenues. The property will cost the city $1.2 million dollars and will be used to relocate two existing tiny home villages. Both Swift Haven and Unity Village are currently located on city property and face pending relocation deadlines. In a presentation at the Council meeting, Mayor Kim Lund highlighted the effectiveness of tiny homes in addressing the housing crisis and emphasized the importance of diverse solutions. She said the purchase not only addresses immediate housing needs but also prepares for future affordable housing initiatives. The new village, named North Haven, is expected to be operational by late 2024 pending permit approval. STORY: Bellingham wastewater plant violated air quality last month Incinerators that burn sewage at Bellingham’s wastewater treatment plant are violating air quality standards, according to a notice from the Northwest Clean Air Agency. ​​  Sewage from Bellingham residents and other parts of Whatcom County goes to the city’s Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant near the Fairhaven waterfront. Treated water is pumped into Bellingham Bay and the solid material that’s left is burned in incinerators that were installed in the 1970s. The air quality violation notice was issued on March 27th, but the city must meet emissions limits and standards within a 180-day window. City Council members voted unanimously last night to hire a law firm to help with the situation, and Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund promised full cooperation.   STORY:  WA state gun sales rise, then fall as new laws come on line Gun sales in Washington have dropped this year following the implementation of new state gun regulations.  According to the FBI’s national criminal background check data, there were more than 77,000 background checks for gun purchases in the state last March, which dropped to just over 22,000 in March of this year. The decline comes after a surge in sales last year that experts say was driven by anticipation of a ban on AR-15-style weapons. The new laws in Washington include a 10-day waiting period and mandatory safety training for gun purchases. While it’s unclear if these policies directly impacted sales, circumstantial evidence suggests they may have.  Additionally, Washington has enacted various other gun control measures in recent years, ranking it now among the strictest states in the nation for gun laws. State officials view the decrease in sales positively, but critics argue it’s a hindrance to gun manufacturers and dealers. STORY: Ballot curing legislation Legislation passed during this year’s session will make it easier for Washingtonians to correct issues with their ballots. The law goes into effect ahead of the November election.  BALLOT AUDIO WX: Sun Your Whatcom County weather – Today, expect a mix of clouds and sun with a high near 55 degrees. Clouds will start rolling in this evening– expect an overnight low of 38. Tomorrow, partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies throughout the afternoon. The high tomorrow should be about 56 degrees. OUTRO:  Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman 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. Check out our Patreon page or go to kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m ________________, and thanks for  listening. ##

April 9, 2024 News TranscriptRead More

 First confirmed death due to ‘tranq’, Ferndale Farmstead wins cheese award, Ferndale Farmstead wins cheese award, City announces collaboration with local solar nonprofit, New City minimum wage goes into effect May 1st, Cost of Plantation Rifle Range cleanup could rise, Ferndale Farmstead wins cheese award,  WA state announces changes in highway construction due to deaths, EPA denies request for stricter standards  ______________________________ ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, April 8th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: First confirmed death due to ‘tranq’Officials from the Whatcom County Health Department have announced the county’s first tranq-related death (TRANK). Tranq, a slang term for xylazine (ZY-luh-zeen), is described by the Center for Disease Control as “a nonopioid sedative”. The drug has been increasingly detected in illegal fentanyl drug products and overdose deaths. As xylazine is not an opioid, life-saving medications such as Narcan do not reverse its effects.  A statement by Whatcom County said that toxicology results found multiple  drugs were present, including fentanyl and methamphetamines. The identity of the deceased person has not been released. STORY: Ferndale Farmstead wins cheese award Ferndale Farmstead, announced that their cheese has won several awards at the World Champion Cheese contest.  The Contest, organized by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association, is a prestigious global competition for cheese, butter, and yogurt. Ferndale Farmstead was started by the Wavrin family in 2015 and is considered a seed-to-cheese farm– they feed the cows that give the milk to make the cheese.  The farm was recognized for four cheeses in the contest, and won first place for their smoked provolone – beating out Wisconsin and South Dakota. STORY: City announces collaboration with local solar nonprofit The City of Bellingham has announced efforts to promote adoption of solar panels as part of its efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.  To help homeowners interested in installing the technology on their homes, the city is collaborating with Solarize Whatcom, a non-profit group purchasing program. The aim is to simplify the process of going solar and make it more accessible. Residents can receive a free home assessment, access discounted prices on solar equipment, and choose from vetted local installers.  STORY: New City minimum wage goes into effect May 1st Starting May 1st, employers within Bellingham city limits must pay their employees the new city minimum wage of $17.28.  The change comes after Bellingham voters passed an initiative last November to establish a city minimum wage. Additional increases will be linked to increases in the Washington State minimum wage. Additional information can be found on the city’s website. STORY:  Cost of Plantation Rifle Range cleanup could rise Cleanup of lead at the Plantation Rifle Range could cost taxpayers more than the County originally thought. The original estimate for lead removal at the range was $1 million dollars. The current estimate has risen to between $6.5 and $13.8 million dollars, according to recent information from Whatcom  County Parks & Recreation Operations Manager Christ Thomsen. Besides the lead mitigation, some of the additional cost will come from a redesign of the range, intended to limit future accumulations in the soil and in wetlands on the site. Final estimates won’t be known until Kane Environmental consulting completes a site characterization study.  Last Thursday, Thomsen (who is also the Cleanup Project Manager) said the numbers should be available by early summer. The Plantation Rifle Range has been closed since November 2022.  The range has been operated by Whatcom County Parks since the early 1970s.   STORY: WA state announces changes in highway construction due to deaths The Washington State Department of Transportation announced it will be changing its construction procedures to help alleviate the number of fatalities in road crews. According to WSDOT (WASH-dot)  61 workers have been killed while working on the roads since 1950. Despite an average of more than 1,200 crashes in highway work zones annually, the severity of these incidents has escalated due to increased reckless driving, particularly speeding and distractions.  Governor Jay Inslee addressed the issue at a recent memorial event, and has signed a bill to expand speed camera usage in work zones. In addition,  the Department of Transportation will adjust work schedules and lane closures to enhance worker safety.  STORY: EPA denies request for stricter standards The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has rejected a request from the Washington State Department of Ecology to tighten limits on harmful chemicals. Washington state lawmakers previously mandated the department of Ecology petition the EPA for stricter federal PCB limits. Despite Washington’s efforts to lower polychlorinated biphenyls– also known as PCBs– that enter the state’s waterways, the EPA deemed the change unnecessary at this time, citing insufficient evidence. This decision comes despite bipartisan support in Washington to address PCB pollution, which poses risks to salmon and other aquatic life as well as human health. Despite the setback, both the Ecology department and supporters of the legislation remain committed to reducing PCBs, encouraging voluntary measures from manufacturers and retailers. WX: Sun Your Whatcom County weather – We’ll have rain for the rest of the day, continuing on into the evening. The high today is 48 degrees, winds 10-20 mph, with an overnight low near 45. Tomorrow, expect more rain, with some scattered sun breaks.   OUTRO:  Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman 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 ________________, and thanks for  listening. ##

April 8, 2024 News TranscriptRead More

Bellingham bank robber sought, New charges filed against Whatcom Co deputy, Blaine juvenile may be charged for shooting at kids with a BB gun, Failed Lynden school bond returns in November, Portal container village announces opening day, Farmer’s Market opens tomorrow, San Juan County airports get funding, Dorothy Place gets state funding, Eclipse viewing in Whatcom, Free and Cheap  ______________________________ ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, April 5th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: Bellingham bank robber sought Bellingham Police have released new information about the suspect linked to the Fairhaven bank robbery last Monday. Investigators believe the suspect may be connected to a two-toned black-and-white Ford Flex SUV, seen driving westbound on Larrabee Avenue before the robbery and departing eastbound after the robbery.  The armed robbery took place Monday evening, at the Peoples Bank branch inside the Fairhaven Haggen. Those with information about the incident or the suspect’s identity are urged to contact Bellingham Police. STORY: New charges filed against Whatcom Co deputyThe Skagit County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has filed additional felony sex crime charges against former officer Austin Micheal Case.  Case, aged 24, was previously charged with two counts of unlawful imprisonment, first degree extortion, first degree burglary, and third degree rape. Now, a third woman has accused him of showing up uninvited to her home and then sexually abusing her in a vehicle in December of 2020. Court documents show Case is now facing a total of 8 felonies – some of which have a max sentence of life in prison.  Case’s arraignment for the new felonies is scheduled for April 23rd. STORY: Blaine juvenile may be charged for shooting at kids with a BB gun Blaine Police are recommending juvenile assault charges against a boy suspected of shooting other kids with a BB gun.  Officers detained four juveniles behind Blaine Primary School after responding to a call. The suspect allegedly ambushed five other juveniles, causing painful welts. Officers confiscated the rifle and handed the suspect over to his parents.  Blaine Police emphasized the seriousness of the incident, and warn that BB guns can cause serious injuries, especially to the eyes. Police also note that laws that prohibit the discharge of weapons within the city apply to guns that shoot BBs, plastic pellets, or other projectiles. STORY: Failed Lynden school bond returns in November Lynden School District’s $157 million dollar capital bond will return to the ballot in August with a slight adjustment to the tax rate. Originally rejected in February, the school board unanimously decided to place the bond on the August 6th ballot to fund a new high school and other school upgrades. In a recent announcement, the school board opted to revise the resolution and now propose a flat property tax increase that would add $1.36 per $1,000 of assessed value, making it slightly more affordable for taxpayers.  Despite concerns about passage, the school board and bond supporters say that recent growth in the district means school facility upgrades are crucial. STORY: Portal container village announces opening day, Farmer’s Market opens tomorrow Bellingham’s iconic Portal Container Village has announced they will open on May third. Two new additions will be added to the container lineup– Zeke’s Pizza and Bin 13 Wine bar. The Portal Putt Mini Golf course will open on May 25th, now expanded to a full 18-hole course. The first day of the Farmer’s Market is tomorrow. The vegetable toss with the Mayor starts at 9:45.  The city of Bellingham will also give away 500 trees to residents, and the first 50 customers receive a free tote bag. The Market is open every Saturday from 10 to 2 in Depot Market Square until October.  STORY:  San Juan County airports get funding This week, the Federal Aviation Administration announced three grants totaling almost $3 million dollars to modernize Northwest Washington airports.   Part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, some of the money will be used to improve airport infrastructure and runway safety at Friday Harbor Airport, Lopez Island Airport and Anacortes Airport.  In a recent announcement, Representative Rick Larsen says the work will create new jobs and support existing jobs. Representatives from the Ports of Friday Harbor, Lopez and Anacortes applauded the announcement and emphasized the grants’ importance to the regional economy. STORY: Dorothy Place gets state funding In more funding news, Dorothy Place in Bellingham is due to receive state money. The Department of Commerce announced this week that it would invest nearly $20 million in awards to 31 applicants through the Housing Preservation Program. Dorothy Place, which currently has 22 affordable housing units, will receive a million dollars. The move comes in response to a growing need for affordable housing. It is estimated that Washington state will need to create over a million new housing units over the next 20 years in order to keep up with that growing need. STORY: Eclipse viewing in Whatcom Despite not being in the path of totality, Bellinghamsters will still be able to see a partial solar eclipse.  The eclipse will be most prominent just before noon on Monday, starting at 10:41 a.m., peaking after 11:30 a.m., and remaining visible until 12:21 p.m. In our region, about 18% of the sun’s area will be blocked at its peak. STORY: Free and cheap It’s Friday and here are some fun free or cheap things to do around our area this weekend. It’s First Friday in Bellingham, so take a walking tour downtown and visit a variety of local artists, galleries, dining spots, late-night shopping, live music, and more. Tonight from 6-10pm.  On Saturday, the 41st annual Sumas Spring Clean-Up Day is on from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Garbage trucks will be stationed behind Sumas City Hall on First Street, and Sumas residents can dispose of bulky items, appliances, furniture, scrap metal, and branches for a small fee.  Also on Saturday, from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m., the SkillShare Space at the Bellingham Central Library will host a hands-on weaving event with fiber …

April 5, 2024 News TranscriptRead More

Bellingham man sentenced in connection with drug ring, Washington man sentenced for role in Jan 6th insurrection, New seafood subprocessor eyes Port of Bellingham,  New solar powered EV chargers installed, Local store set to close, Coast Salish longhouse set to move forward, Free tax filing tools available  ______________________________ ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, April 4th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: Bellingham man sentenced in connection with drug ring Another Bellingham man has been sentenced in connection with a Whatcom County drug trafficking operation.  Adam Wisniewski, (wiz-NEW-ski) aged 42, will spend the next 8 years in prison – says Washington Attorney Tessa Gorman.  According to court records, investigators found Wisniewski met with the leader of the drug ring in 2022, and later found a thousand fentanyl pills in his possession.  Wisniewski is the last of 5 members of the drug ring to be sentenced.  STORY: Washington man sentenced for role in Jan 6th insurrection A Kitsap County man who helped orchestrate a mob’s attack on police officers at the Capitol Building on Jan. 6th, has been sentenced to 7 years behind bars. U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth said videos showed Taylor Johnatakis using a megaphone to shout step-by-step directions to the mob gathered at the US Capitol. A jury convicted him of seven felony charges including obstruction of the Jan. 6th joint session of Congress, assault, and civil disorder. STORY: New seafood subprocessor eyes Port of Bellingham Port of Bellingham officials are seeking to sub-lease a soon-to-be vacant site on the waterfront. The Hilton Avenue site is currently occupied by Bornstein Seafoods, who announced last week they’ll be closing their Bellingham headquarters by the end of June. Bornstein says they will move their Pacific Northwest operations to Astoria, Oregon.  However, recent reporting by the Bellingham Herald indicates that Bornstein plans to quote “sub-lease their building to another food processing company consistent with the approved uses for the property” unquote. The closure will result in the dismissal of 72 local workers, some of which will apparently work at the Astoria facility. STORY: New solar powered EV chargers installed Four new solar-powered electric vehicle chargers have been installed at Squalicum Creek Park, Civic Field, Lake Padden Park, and Cordata Park.  The stand-alone units provide EV charging even on cloudy days. Funding for the project comes from a grant by the Washington State Department of Commerce and Bellingham’s Transportation Fund. According to a recent announcement by the City, a total of 20 additional charging stations are planned this year. Standard charging rates will apply. STORY:  Local store set to close Current and Furbish – a furniture and art store in the Village District of Fairhaven – is set to close. Cameron Vail and Scott Ward founded Current and Furbish in 2013 in Seattle, and moved the business into the historic Fairhaven Pharmacy building in 2016. Vail said they are closing shop to prepare for his retirement.  Current and Furbish will close on May 31st.  STORY: Coast Salish longhouse set to move forward A public hearing on the 75-year lease for the proposed Coast Salish-style longhouse in Bellingham will take place on Monday.  Bellingham City Council is considering a long-term lease for land in the Sehome Hill Arboretum for a new longhouse called the House of Healing. According to information from Western Washington University, the new building will be used for tribal activities, education, and ceremonies. The location, a 2-acre meadow near the university campus, is currently undergoing infrastructure improvements. The area is important to the community, and discussions with the Sehome Hill Board of Governors have been significant. The proposed lease agreement is set at $1 annually for 75 years, and funding is coming from the city of Bellingham, as well as various donors, state, and federal sources.  An invitation-only “ground-turning and blessing” ceremony is scheduled for April 11th.  STORY: Free tax filing tools available The Internal Revenue Service has introduced a free tax filing tool in 12 states, including Washington. A new report estimates the tool will save people an average of $160 to file their taxes by 2029. Reporter Eric Tegethoff has more. TAX AUDIO WX: Rain Your Whatcom County weather – it will be mostly cloudy today, with a high of 54 and overnight lows of around 37 degrees. The sun is expected to come back tomorrow.  OUTRO:  Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman 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 ________________, and thanks for listening. ##

April 4, 2024 News TranscriptRead More

Bellingham police arrest man accused of attempting to kidnap another in late-night altercation, Armed robbery reported at bank inside Bellingham grocery store; lone suspect remains at large, Armed robbery reported at bank inside Bellingham grocery store; lone suspect remains at large, Walmart encampment property owner pushes back against city’s lawsuit, denies allegations, Pedestrian dies after being struck by train in Mount Vernon, Emergency response phase of Olympic gas spill now complete, Western honeybee colonies at risk of collapse, WSU study finds, Gov. Inslee signs supplemental budgets that boost behavioral health and K-12 education funding  ______________________________ ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, April 3rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: Bellingham police arrest man accused of attempting to kidnap another in late-night altercation Yesterday, Bellingham police arrested a man allegedly attempting to kidnap someone at gunpoint. According to police documents, Erick Armano Price, 27, asked an acquaintance to come to his residence at the 3300 block of Northwest Avenue. The person arrived with at least two friends. Price then allegedly held him at gunpoint and told him to get in his car, according to police officer Megan Peters. One of the victim’s friends sprayed Price with mace and the group fled the scene. Another of Price’s friends was able to follow the car and informed the police. Price was arrested for suspicion of attempted first degree kidnapping and second degree assault. STORY: Armed robbery reported at bank inside Bellingham grocery store; lone suspect remains at large Law enforcement officials are searching for a suspect involved in an armed robbery at the Haggen (HAY-gun) grocery store in Fairhaven.  The robbery occurred at the People’s Bank inside the store on Monday at around 6 p.m. Despite the quick response of multiple police officers, the suspect had already left the scene. The robber is described as a black male in his 30s, approximately 6 feet tall, with an average build. Witnesses report he wore a dark medical mask and dark clothing, including a jacket with patches on both upper arms. Authorities have not disclosed the weapon used or what was taken during the robbery. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Bellingham Police Department through the non-emergency phone line or online at cob.org/tips. STORY: Walmart encampment property owner pushes back against city’s lawsuit, denies allegations The property owner of the Bellingham Walmart encampment is pushing back against the lawsuit claiming her land is a “public nuisance.” The lawsuit alleges that members of the encampment are trespassing on the property and harassing the general public. Fang is also held accountable for the large amount of litter and drug paraphernalia on the premises. Land owner Li-Ching Fang (LEE CHING FONG) argues that these claims are groundless and has denied the allegations. City officials initially contacted Fang in November of 2022 and required her to abate the encampment, but she did not respond to the request. In documents filed last month, Fang argues that she has already performed the necessary measures by contacting abatement specialists as per the City’s instructions. The documents allege that Fang contacted police regarding the encampment as early as 2019, but she said they proved to be unhelpful. Documents say Fang  is asking the court to deny the city of Bellingham an issuance of a warrant of abatement because quote  “it would result in significant harm to” to her and would be disproportionate to the overall benefit. STORY: Pedestrian dies after being struck by train in Mount Vernon A pedestrian was hit by a train in Mount Vernon early Tuesday afternoon. The collision happened at the South Third Street and Montgomery Street railroad crossing. According to a press release, the victim was already deceased when officers and EMS arrived on the scene. An investigation determined that a southbound BNSF train struck the pedestrian. The victim is not identified at this time pending notification of next-of-kin. The intent of the deceased has not been determined.   Officials are asking for anyone that witnessed the collision or knows information related to the incident to contact Mount Vernon Police. STORY: Emergency response phase of Olympic gas spill now complete Emergency responders to the Olympic Pipeline spill in Conway say their work is done. Around 21,000 gallons of gasoline spilled in the area in early December. Over 8,000 gallons have been recovered, as well as 332,000 gallons of oily water. A press release by Pipeline Spill Unified Command states that gasoline has now stopped seeping into Hill Ditch. The site will now be turned over to the state Department of Ecology’s Toxic Cleanup Program for further management.  The cause of the spill is still being investigated, and will be made public once it is completed. STORY: Western honeybee colonies at risk of collapse, WSU study finds A recent study by scientists at Washington State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture has found that crucial pollinators for a wide variety of plants are at risk of collapse.  According to the USDA’s Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, warmer and prolonged fall seasons in the Pacific Northwest disrupt the natural resting cycle of bees. The warmth prompts bees to venture out, and accelerates their aging process due to the energy-intensive nature of flight. Consequently, by spring, bees that should be youthful and rested emerge as elderly, weak, and unable to care for the younger bee generations.  Bees are in crisis across the country– some years see between 40 and 60% percent of colonies collapse. However, according to the study, not all are collapsing at the same time or for the same reasons, but climate change is a key factor.  The study also says potential solutions are linked to human action, such as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and the creation of pollinator habitats. STORY: Gov. Inslee signs supplemental budgets that boost behavioral health and K-12 education funding Last week Governor Jay Inslee signed a series of mental health bills into law, and approved the State’s supplemental capital and operating budgets. According to a …

April 3, 2024 News TranscriptRead More

  Blaine neighbor murder case dismissed, Lynden couple injured in fatal I-5 wrong-way crash near Arlington, City of Bellingham Annual water main flushing, Lynden couple injured in fatal I-5 wrong-way crash near Arlington, Plover repairs on track to finish by summer,  Lake Samish bridge and park to close for 15 months as delayed project is scheduled to begin,  New count of gray whales along West Coast suggests rebound, WA announces Priority Climate Action Plan  ______________________________ ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, April 2nd. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: Blaine neighbor murder case dismissed The case against a Blaine man accused of the shooting death of his neighbor has been dismissed. 77 year old Wayne Mahar was accused of killing 67 year old Vincent Reames in October of last year. Mahar allegedly shot the man in self-defense when, according to Mahar, Reames threatened to kill him. However, when questioned by detectives after the shooting, Mahar was unable to elaborate on those threats or other times he felt he was in fear for his life. The latest court records state that 77-year-old Wayne Mahar has been found incompetent to stand trial by doctors at Western State Hospital. Mahar’s case has been dismissed and doctors determined that it is unlikely his condition will improve with treatment. STORY: Lynden couple injured in fatal I-5 wrong-way crash near Arlington Yesterday, a wrong-way driver caused a 3-vehicle pileup in the northbound lanes of I-5 south near Arlington causing one fatality and injuring several people, including a couple from Lynden. According to the Washington State Patrol, a man driving a Chevrolet pickup truck was going south in the northbound lanes of I-5 at 1:15 pm when he crashed into a Subaru Outback. The truck then spun on impact and hit a Honda Odyssey. The wrong-way driver was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital, and several others were injured, including a couple from lynden. It is unclear if the wrong-way driver was under the influence of drugs. According to the state patrol, the cause of the crash is still being investigated. STORY: City of Bellingham Annual water main flushing The City of Bellingham will be flushing its water system until May. Water main flushing is an essential process that removes naturally occurring mineral deposits in pipes. The water is safe to drink during this time, but may have some temporary discoloration or reduced pressure. The city says if your water is cloudy, run the cold tap for a few minutes to clear it out.  Flushing will take place every weekday between 7 am and 5 pm, and will start from the northwest corner of Bellingham in the Birchwood neighborhood, and finish in the southeast around Lake Padden. STORY: Plover repairs on track to finish by summer The City of Blaine announced that the Plover will resume summer service in June after a year-long hiatus for repairs.  Originally built in 1944 as a cannery boat, the Plover underwent a 7-year restoration effort in 1996 to convert it into a passenger ferry. It’s the second oldest ferry operating in Washington State.  Repairs on the 32-foot historical vessel include replacing damaged frames and replanking the bow section, which required sourcing clear vertical grain Douglas fir, a scarce resource.  During yesterday’s Blaine City Council meeting, an agreement with Drayton Harbor Maritime to continue to maintain and operate the Plover was approved.  According to the City of Blaine website, the MV Plover recorded its highest number of passengers in its history in 2022, with almost 8,000 one-way passengers. STORY: Lake Samish bridge and park to close for 15 months as delayed project is scheduled to begin Replacement of the Lake Samish bridge is scheduled to begin on May 28th. The bridge will be closed to all traffic for 15-months and will cost nearly $10 million dollars. Construction will involve intermittent closures to boat traffic underneath the bridge. Samish Park, situated at the north end of the bridge, will also be closed to the public during construction as it will serve as a staging area for materials and equipment.  Originally planned for 2022, construction was delayed due to right-of-way negotiations and environmental permits. The project was awarded to Cascade Bridge LLC last November. The new bridge is projected to open to traffic around late August next year. STORY:  New count of gray whales along West Coast suggests rebound Federal researchers at NOAA (Noah) say the gray whale population along the West Coast is showing signs of recovery five years after a major mortality event.   Beginning in 2019, hundreds of the whales washed up dead on the coasts of Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska, Canada and Mexico. NOAA researchers say the mortality event was due to ecosystem changes that affected the whales’ diet in the seas off northern Alaska. NOAA has now estimated the total number of eastern north Pacific Gray whales to be between about 17 and 21,000. That’s an increase of 4 to 5,000 whales over their low point during the die-off. STORY: WA announces Priority Climate Action Plan Washington has announced its Priority Climate Action Plan, laying the groundwork for a more collaborative approach to reducing pollution. Announced on Thursday, the plan consolidates the state’s many priorities into a list of 12 key actions, ready to be implemented in the near future. The measures will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollution across the state in different ways, from improving energy systems on college campuses to preventing food waste. Many of the priority measures contained in this plan are based on existing state, local and tribal climate and clean energy plans and programs, and aims to maximize the benefits of climate action in overburdened communities. With the plan complete, Washington can now apply for additional Climate Pollution Reduction Grants funds. The grants total $4.6 billion and are up for grabs by the state, tribal governments, and other partnerships across the country. WX: Rain Your Whatcom County weather – expect occasional clouds and light rain today …

April 2, 2024 News TranscriptRead More

Bellingham City Council votes to explore possible annexation of area northeast of city limits, Lynden council renews lease for Community/Senior Center,  Port of Bellingham announces new restoration project, Silfab Solar leaving Bellingham waterfront facility,  Whatcom, Skagit unemployment rates rise to highest levels since 2021,  Member of Skagit and Whatcom drug distribution ring sentenced to prison, WA becomes first state to ban lead-contaminated cookware  ______________________________ ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, April 1st. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: Bellingham City Council votes to explore possible annexation of area northeast of city limits The city of Bellingham will consider the annexation of the Northern Heights neighborhood. Part of the urban growth area, Northern Heights is located along Britton Road on the northeast edge of the city, and consists of 248 homes with approximately 700 people. Last week the city council voted 6-1 to begin a 180-day process to collect information about the potential impact of annexing 146 acres of land between Roma Road and Mount Baker Highway.  Councilwoman Lisa Anderson dissented, and cited concerns about police and fire response in the area, as well as possible funding issues. Despite Anderson’s concerns, nearly 60% of property owners in the affected area have endorsed annexation.  The study on annexation will include an assessment of the costs and impacts associated with providing police and fire services to the area. STORY: Lynden council renews lease for Community/Senior Center The Lyden City Council voted to renew the lease of the Lynden Community and Senior Center. Operating since the mid 1990s without an updated lease, the new agreement gives the center a new description of services that they must provide to meet the city’s standards. According to recent reporting from the Lynden Tribune, City Administrator John Williams says that while the changes are long overdue, the updated lease was primarily housekeeping and shouldn’t affect how the center operates. Executive Director of the center, Jennifer Lautenbach (LOUT-en-bawk/LOUT-en-back), says that the update helps maintain the working relationship between the center and the city. The renewal passed on March 18th. STORY: Port of Bellingham announces new restoration project The Port of Bellingham has announced a new restoration project to clean up the six digester tanks on the waterfront. The plan for the iconic tanks is to have their old and failing paint cleaned off, then be allowed to rust so they look similar to the Acid Ball. The Port is working with the Washington State Department of Ecology, the Northwest Clean Air Agency and the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries to ensure that the work done on the large tanks is conducted with minimal harm to the environment. Pressure washers will be used instead of sandblasting to better control dust, and the water and paint will be collected using plastic sheeting. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of April. STORY: Silfab Solar leaving Bellingham waterfront facility Canada-based Silfab Solar is planning to leave the Bellingham waterfront in favor of a new facility in Burlington. Silfab originally signed a lease for the Bellingham facility in 2018 following the purchase of Itek energy, which was located in the same building.  After struggling to meet demand for their solar panels Silfab then expanded to the Burlington location in 2021, director of marketing Lorraine Hoefler said in an email. It is not clear exactly when Silfab will leave Bellingham – however, Hoefler says that the company does not own the building and that they are coming up on the last year of their lease. STORY: Whatcom, Skagit unemployment rates rise to highest levels since 2021 Unemployment rates increased in both Whatcom and Skagit counties in February. According to a recent report by the Washington State Employment Security Department, Whatcom County’s jobless rate rose about one percent– to 6.4 percent. Skagit County’s rate bumped up .7 percent to 6.9% in the same period. The unemployment rates are the highest since March 2021 but still remain lower than in April 2020 in the early stages of the pandemic.  Officials attribute the trend to seasonal factors and suggest that the numbers in March and April will provide clearer understanding.  STORY:  Member of Skagit and Whatcom drug distribution ring sentenced to prison Jesse Witteveen (WIT-tuh-veen), a Maple Falls resident, has been sentenced to six years in prison for his involvement in distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine.  Witteveen was apprehended after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase, during which he threw bags of drugs out of the window. Witteveen’s actions were discovered to be part of a larger drug trafficking operation throughout Whatcom and Skagit Counties, which involved significant amounts of various drugs, cash, and firearms. Other individuals involved in the drug ring have also received significant prison sentences. This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces investigation– a collaborative effort of federal, state, and local agencies to combat high-level drug trafficking. STORY:  WA becomes first state to ban lead-contaminated cookware Washington is the first state to ban the manufacture, distribution and sale of cookware contaminated with lead.  Passed by the state legislature earlier last month, House Bill 1551 restricts the sale of pots and pans containing lead levels exceeding 5 parts per million. A 2022 University of Washington study in collaboration with King County revealed alarmingly high levels of lead in aluminum cookware manufactured overseas. The paper found a specific link between imported cookware and lead exposure in Afghan refugee families, brought with them during their move. The pots, pans, and pressure cookers are often uncoated, non-anodized, and made from discarded scrap metal. King County has started a swap program, allowing families to trade the lead-tainted cookware for stainless steel ones. Other lead-contaminated kitchenware has been found in local stores and online.  The bill is awaiting Governor Inslee’s signature. WX: Sun Your Whatcom County weather – expect sun today, with a high of 60 degrees and moderate winds. Tonight, clouds will roll in and temperatures are projected to drop to a low of …

April 1, 2024 News TranscriptRead More

Mount Baker schools to cut $3M in spending, Ferndale breaks ground on city’s first official skatepark, Sandy Point fire district to appeal to voters to move flood-prone fire station, New WA law will allow traffic cameras on more city streets, Free and Cheap  ______________________________ ​​Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, March 29th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.  STORY: Mount Baker schools to cut $3M in spending The Mount Baker School Board has approved the reduction of 25 full-time staff as the school district repairs its finances. The District has struggled with its budget since last summer, when it entered binding conditions with the state. To meet those conditions this year, they needed to increase their general fund balance to about $1.2 million. According to superintendent Phil Brockman, that goal is likely out of reach for this year.  The board approved the reduction of 15 certificated elementary and secondary full-time staff and 10 classified full-time staff. According to the district, the cuts will reduce spending by about $3 million. Mount Baker has about 124 certificated staff and 88 classified staff.  The exact cuts will be determined in the coming weeks. STORY: Ferndale breaks ground on city’s first official skatepark The City of Ferndale will host the groundbreaking ceremony in April for the future Metalworks Skatepark. The new park will be located on Second Avenue across from the former American Legion building and was approved at the December Ferndale City Council meeting, where dozens of people showed up in support. Common themes of the supporters were a sense of belonging and a safe space for youth who have outgrown traditional parks and playgrounds. City of Ferndale spokesperson Megan Juenemann (JUNE-uh-min) said the park is expected to open this fall. The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, April 10th. STORY: Sandy Point fire district to appeal to voters to move flood-prone fire station The Sandy Point fire district is asking voters to approve the relocation of their flood-prone fire station.  Whatcom Fire District 17, which serves Sandy Point Shores, Neptune Beach, and the western portions of Lummi Indian Reservation, has experienced two significant flood events at their main station on Sucia (SU-shuh) Drive. One of those events exceeded $750,000 in repairs and resulted in delayed emergency services.  The fire district board of commissioners approved mounting an appeal to voters in the upcoming April levy election to build a new fire station outside the flood zone.  Supporters say Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery has offered an elevated Slater Road property at no cost, which would considerably lower the costs of the project, but construction funds will still require an additional 2 to 3 million.  In the April election, the district will ask voters to support an increase in the district’s property tax to pay for the relocation. STORY:  New WA law will allow traffic cameras on more city streets A new law in Washington state expands the use of traffic cameras to crack down on drivers who run red lights, speed in work zones, and fail to stop at crosswalks.  Governor Jay Inslee signed the legislation on Tuesday, citing the effectiveness of speed cameras in reducing accidents and fatalities. The move comes amid rising traffic-related deaths. The bill allows for the deployment of cameras in more areas, including state routes within city limits and work zones on city and county roads.  The legislation stirred debate along party lines, with Democrats supporting it for safety reasons while Republicans raised concerns about revenue generation and fairness in fines. Despite disagreements, proponents emphasize the goal of encouraging safer driving habits rather than solely punishing offenders. Cities and counties must justify camera placements with data on collisions and speeding incidents and in 2026 will be required to report the revenue collected. Penalties for violations captured by traffic cameras are capped at $145 per incident but can be doubled in school zones.  STORY: Free and Cheap It’s Easter weekend and here are a few events happening around the county. After 2 months at the Bellingham Public Library, 200 chum salmon are ready to be released into the wild. The library is hosting a release party to transition the fish from their tank to Whatcom Creek. The event will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, starting with a gathering at the central branch of the library for a ceremony before moving to Maritime Heritage Park. Also on Saturday, the Arne Hanna Aquatic Center is hosting an egg hunt. The aquatic egg hunt will feature multiple hunts for eggs filled with toys or candy along with other activities in between. Bring your swimsuits and towels and be ready to get wet. Tickets are 9 dollars. On Sunday, Boundary Bay Brewery is hosting a free Easter Egg Hunt for kids. The bistro opens at 11 am, and the hunt starts at 1 pm in the beer garden. Also on Sunday, Semiahmoo Resort is hosting Easter events. There will be free games, face painting, balloon art and cartoon drawings starting at 11:30 am. The egg hunt will begin at noon and include prizes that can be redeemed at the resort. WX: Sun Your Whatcom County weather today: expect a clear and sunny day, with a high of 56 degrees and light winds. Tonight, temperatures will drop to a low of 38. More sun and clear skies are expected all weekend. OUTRO:  Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman 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 visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _David Korb_______________… thanks for listening.

March 29, 2024 News TranscriptRead More