Names of Ferndale apartment fire victims released, Commuters should expect backups on southbound I-5 for tree project near Lake Samish, Portion of South Bay Trail to close as city continues train noise reduction project, Claim forms for water rights lawsuit finalized, City Council approves $235k in funding for three art projects in downtown Bellingham, Skagit school districts say they are underfunded by millions of dollars, Boeing to lay off nearly 400 workers in Washington, Crime victim advocates in WA protest in face of funding “cliff” Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, December 10th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Names of Ferndale apartment fire victims released The names of two women killed in a Ferndale apartment fire on Thursday have been released. The victims were 43-year-old Kristine Gregory and 26-year-old Sierra Johnson. According to the Whatcom County Medical Examiner’s Office, Gregory died at the scene of smoke inhalation, and her death was ruled accidental. Johnson was still alive when she was rescued from the fire, but she died a day later in Seattle. The King County Medical Examiner’s Office says Johnson died of smoke inhalation and burns, and her death was also ruled accidental. The fire took place in a second-floor apartment at 2145 Eastview Place. Its cause and origin are still under investigation. STORY: Commuters should expect backups on southbound I-5 for tree project near Lake Samish Commuters heading south on Interstate 5 from Bellingham should expect delays this week from a tree-removal project near Lake Samish. According to Washington Department of Transportation Madison Sehlke (sel-KEY), southbound I-5 will be reduced to one lane between mileposts 246 and 244 – that’s between North Lake Samish and Nulle Road – for hazardous tree removal and maintenance from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and tomorrow. Work in the area caused a seven-mile backup yesterday, with Sehlke blaming drivers who failed to use the “zipper” maneuver at the closure point for the traffic jam. STORY: Portion of South Bay Trail to close as city continues train noise reduction project As part of the City of Bellingham’s efforts to reduce train noise by establishing a quiet zone, the South Bay Trail will close temporarily at the Boulevard Park railroad tracks starting at 9 a.m. tomorrow. The initiative requires safety upgrades at 11 railroad crossings in both Fairhaven and the waterfront. Five crossings, including Boulevard Park, still need improvements. During the closure, detour signs will guide pedestrians to State Street and Bayview Drive. STORY: Claim forms for water rights lawsuit finalized The Whatcom County Superior Court has approved claim forms for a water rights lawsuit that could impact up to 30,000 people in the region. The state Department of Ecology, which filed the lawsuit in May, will likely mail summons and claim forms to affected water users in February. The deadline to submit completed forms is May 1st, 2026. Residential well users with low water use can fill out a simplified form, while those using more water must provide additional documentation. The lawsuit will establish the legality, usage limits, and priority of water rights during shortages. The decision on the priority of water rights is bound to affect farmers, local governments, tribes, and others; groundwater, surface water, and instream flow rights, vital for salmon habitat, are included as part of that decision. Ecology urges users to submit accurate forms to avoid exclusion or follow-ups. Those who do not submit forms risk exclusion from future water rights considerations. STORY: City Council approves $235k in funding for three art projects in downtown Bellingham The Bellingham City Council has approved $235,000 in grants for three downtown art projects aimed at enhancing the area’s appeal and safety. Funded by the city’s lodging tax, the grants include: Make.Shift and KZAX for $50,000, the Pickford Film Center and Bellingham Symphony Orchestra for $25,000, and Children of the Setting Sun Productions for $160,000. The grants follow a competitive process where 27 proposals were evaluated by both the Tourism and Arts commissions. Council members praised the creativity of the submissions, expressing enthusiasm for the projects’ potential to showcase local talent and revitalize downtown. STORY: Skagit school districts say they are underfunded by millions of dollars A recent virtual town hall meeting that included superintendents and school board members from all seven Skagit County school districts highlighted severe underfunding, totaling $90 million over four years. Key deficits include $47 million for special education, $8 million for transportation, and $22 million for supplies—- which have led to budget cuts, limited student access to resources and reductions in staff, as well as school closures. During the meeting, state legislators acknowledged the crisis but pointed to a $12 billion state budget shortfall. They said that, while special education is a priority, cuts are necessary and will need to come from somewhere. Officials emphasized that education remains the state’s “paramount duty,” but the Skagit school superintendents stressed that fiscal responsibility alone cannot resolve the funding gaps, which continue to harm schools and students. STORY: Boeing to lay off nearly 400 workers in Washington Boeing is laying off roughly 400 workers in Washington state. A filing with the state’s Employment Security Department from yesterday indicates that the company plans to lay off 396 workers by late February. This past October, Boeing announced it would cut 10% of its workforce to align with its quote-unquote “financial reality”; this most recent round of layoffs comes in addition to the 2,300 workers already laid off last month. Back in October, Boeing reported a $6 billion quarterly loss, its largest since 2020; the company’s 2024 has included a mid-flight door plug blowout, a Machinists strike and a potential lawsuit over two plane crashes. WX: This town burns through my clouds jokes too quickly And now for your Whatcom County weather: Expect persistent cloud cover throughout the rest of today, with occasional bursts of sunshine to remind us here in the PNW that it’s not actually due to implode for another couple billion years. Daytime highs will …
The Wandering ‘Hamster
December 9, 2024 News Transcript
Man sought by police after exiting Bellingham hospital arrested and detained, Woman accused of vandalizing Whatcom County Courthouse pleads not guilty, Petition urges Whatcom severe weather shelter to increase operating temperature threshold, Budgetary concerns place pause on Whatcom County nonprofit fruit production program, Budgetary concerns place pause on Whatcom County nonprofit fruit production program, Federal judge rejects Boeing plea deal Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, December 9th. Good afternoon, I’m Theron Danielson. STORY: Man sought by police after exiting Bellingham hospital arrested and detained In a follow-up to a story from last month, 50-year-old Jason Allen John was arrested again by Bellingham Police for violating a no-contact order. John was apprehended by BPD on November 11th following a high-speed pursuit that ended with him crashing a stolen car into a patrol vehicle. He was found unconscious and taken to St. Joseph Hospital for treatment, but walked away before being formally booked. On November 26th, Everett Police arrested John on suspicion of two gross misdemeanors and felony possession of a stolen vehicle. The felony charge was later dismissed, and gross misdemeanor charges were not filed. John’s latest arrest, which took place last Wednesday, means John now faces multiple felony charges across four active cases, including unlawful imprisonment, multiple counts of violating protection orders, possession of a stolen vehicle, and eluding police. As of today, John was unable to post a $250,000 bond and remains in custody at the Whatcom County Jail. STORY: Woman accused of vandalizing Whatcom County Courthouse pleads not guilty The alleged Whatcom County Courthouse vandal pleaded not guilty to a variety of charges in a hearing Thursday morning. 29-year-old Victoria Rose Coe of Bellingham was arrested in connection with the break-in and vandalism on November 19th that caused over $10,000 in damage to the courthouse. Coe was indicted on charges of second-degree burglary, first-degree malicious mischief, third-degree theft and resisting arrest. Judge Thomas Verge of the Skagit County Superior Court heard the case via Zoom in a Whatcom County courtroom. Coe’s lawyer, public defender Kurt Parrish, said the incident occurred during a quote-unquote “drug-induced psychosis” and that Coe was committed to sobriety. Verge set bail at $5,000 with a $500 cash alternative and ordered trial for January 21st. Coe remains at the Whatcom County Jail as of today, where she is being held without bail. STORY: Whatcom declares emergency situation following last month’s bomb cyclone Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu (saht-POW see-DO) issued an emergency proclamation last Friday in response to the “bomb cyclone” windstorm that struck Sudden Valley last month. The decision, recommended by Sheriff Donnell (duh-NELL) Tanksley, aims to enhance the county’s eligibility for state and federal disaster assistance. The storm caused significant damage in Sudden Valley, with 23 homes struck by falling trees and at least four residents displaced, though no injuries were reported. The Division of Emergency Management is still assessing the full extent of the damage. Statewide, the storm had a severe impact, particularly in King County, where over 600,000 residents lost power. Two people in Bellevue and Lynnwood were killed by fallen trees. STORY: Petition urges Whatcom severe weather shelter to increase operating temperature threshold A petition to raise the temperature threshold for Whatcom County’s Overnight Severe Winter Shelters has garnered over 300 signatures since it was first posted last week. Currently, Bellingham’s Severe Weather Shelter is open only when overnight temperatures are expected to drop to 32 degrees or below. The petition urges county officials to increase the threshold to 40 degrees, including windchill. But upping the threshold is no easy task. Local shelters rely on volunteers to operate, and there are no paid staff running the shelter. In their last presentation to the County Council, Whatcom’s Health and Community Services projected that operating costs for the current temperature threshold would cost between $500-and-700,000 between November and March. Furthermore, an analysis conducted by WCHCS revealed that if the threshold was raised by just three degrees, opening the shelter would cost Whatcom County an additional $200-to-300,000 over the winter. Currently, there is no dedicated budget for Bellingham’s severe weather shelter, and costs are pulled from other housing services. STORY: Budgetary concerns place pause on Whatcom County nonprofit fruit production program Sustainable Connections will pause its fruit production program at Cloud Mountain Farm Center next year due to rising costs and fundraising challenges. The decision was announced in November, with the organization saying that restructuring will allow the nonprofit to focus on other impactful programs while enabling Cloud Mountain Farm to find other potential partners. Cloud Mountain, an educational farm center in Everson, merged with Sustainable Connections in 2019 and operates orchards, vineyards (VIN-yerds), and a nursery. The farm produces over 150 fruit varieties and supplies local farmers’ markets, grocers, restaurants, and food access programs. According to the announcement, staff will maintain the orchards next year as the nonprofit transitions. Sustainable Connections says it plans to continue the agriculture-based workshops held at the farm, including fruit tree care and vineyard management, and open Cloud Mountain’s nursery on February 1st. The impact of the fruit program’s pause on community partners remains uncertain. STORY: Federal judge rejects Boeing plea deal A federal judge has rejected a plea agreement that would have allowed Boeing to plead guilty and pay a fine for misleading regulators about the 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019. The rejected deal, negotiated after Boeing violated a 2021 agreement protecting it from prosecution, would have resolved accusations that the company defrauded regulators about pilot-training requirements for the 737 Max. Relatives of crash victims have long advocated for a public trial, tougher financial penalties, and accountability for former Boeing executives. Prosecutors, however, stated they lacked evidence linking Boeing’s deception directly to the crashes. In his ruling, Judge O’Connor raised concerns over a provision in the agreement requiring diversity considerations in selecting an independent monitor, in keeping with the Justice Department’s policy enacted in 2018. Appointed by President George W. Bush, O’Connor questioned Justice Department and Boeing …
December 6, 2024 News Transcript
Man hospitalized after being struck by train in Bellingham, Ferndale apartment fire kills one and hospitalizes another, WTA bus service to expand in June, Repeal of daylight saving among WA articles of legislation drafted for 2025, Court upholds decision against Meta, Free and cheap, Gov. Inslee imposes indefinite state agency spending freeze, Lummi Nation receives nearly $5 million for salmon habitat restoration Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, December 6th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Man hospitalized after being struck by train in Bellingham A man was hit by a train early yesterday morning in Bellingham, near the intersection of Cornwall Avenue and Wharf Street. The train struck the man while moving at 25 mph due to thick fog; the impact threw him into a ditch. The conductor reported sounding the horn to warn the man and called 911. Police found the pedestrian conscious and alert, and he was treated by the Bellingham Fire Department before being transported to St. Joseph Medical Center. STORY: Ferndale apartment fire kills one and hospitalizes another Yesterday morning also saw a fire in a Ferndale apartment leave one person dead and another in critical condition. Firefighters responded to the blaze on the second floor of a building on Eastview Place at around 7 a.m.. The fire was controlled within 30 minutes, with assistance from Ferndale Police and the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. STORY: WTA bus service to expand in June The WTA board approved expanded bus service in Bellingham starting in June, alongside its 2025 budget. The changes include increased routes to the hospital, Lummi Nation, Old Town, and a new route to the King Mountain neighborhood. Service to the waterfront will also become permanent. The budget was adjusted to address concerns about spending amid a structural deficit, and excludes nearly $6.5 million initially allocated to purchase downtown property for a new station. WTA says it plans to amend the budget if the purchase proceeds, pending guidance by the Federal Transit Administration. The updated budget allocates almost $48 million in operating revenue against about $55 million in expenses, resulting in a $10 million loss, which will be offset by reserves built from COVID-19 relief funds and conservative tax revenue management. Reserves are projected to remain at $36 million by the end of 2025. Cost-saving measures include using existing buses for expanded waterfront service and delaying vanpool van purchases. WTA says it will also evaluate strategies to address the structural deficit, including exploring revenue growth and expense reductions. STORY: Repeal of daylight saving among WA articles of legislation drafted for 2025 Washington lawmakers have begun preparing legislation for next year’s session, with pre-filing of bills having started on Monday. The legislative session starts on January 13th and will last for 105 days, during which lawmakers will work to advance their proposals. Pre-filing allows legislators to highlight their ideas early, though committee chairs ultimately decide which bills move forward. One notable pre-filed bill is Senate Bill 5001, which aims to end daylight saving time. Sponsored by Senators Jeff Wilson and Manka Dhingra (mun-KAH deen-GRA), the bipartisan bill proposes Washington adopt permanent Pacific Standard Time, which would not require federal approval. Lawmakers have tried to address the clock-switching issue for years, with limited success. While proponents argue for ending the inconvenience of daylight saving, opponents point out the challenges— including coordination with neighboring states to maintain regional time consistency. Additionally, experts remain divided on the health and safety implications of permanent standard time versus daylight saving time. STORY: Court upholds decision against Meta The Washington Court of Appeals upheld a nearly $25 million penalty against Meta, Facebook’s parent company, for intentionally violating Washington’s campaign finance laws 822 times. The court also tripled Attorney General–and Governor-elect–Bob Ferguson’s legal fees to $10.5 million, citing Meta’s intentional misconduct. These penalties stem from Meta’s failure to comply with state requirements for transparency in campaign advertising, such as disclosing ad costs, sponsors, and targeting details. Meta had argued that the law was unconstitutional and sought reduced penalties, but the court rejected these claims. The case dates back to 2020, when Ferguson sued Meta for ignoring a 2018 consent decree requiring transparency. This decision reinforces Washington’s stringent campaign finance laws, with penalties directed to the state’s Public Disclosure Transparency Account. STORY: Free and cheap It’s Friday – if you’re looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend, here’s a little of what’s going on around the county. The 45th Annual Allied Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts is in full swing, and is open every day from noon to 6pm until December 24. You can visit the market, with over 100 booths from local artists, on Commercial Street in downtown Bellingham. The Bellingham Yacht Club’s Lighted Boat Parade starts at 5:30pm this Saturday. Viewers can view the dazzling lights from the Cruise Terminal, Taylor Dock and Boulevard Park. A soup cook off at the Clubhouse will follow the parade. Bellingham’s Downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony also starts at 5:30 p.m tomorrow. The event will include free hot chocolate, cookies, activities and the tree lighting at 6 p.m. The event will take place at Railroad Avenue. Fairhaven is also hosting its fair share of holiday fun for their annual Winterfest, with the Fairhaven Firelight Stroll taking place tomorrow. Starting at 5pm, hundreds of luminary candles will light the way from the Padden Creek Trailhead to Stones Throw Brewing. The Meloy Gallery in downtown Bellingham is hosting their second annual holiday market, “Small is Beautiful”. You can visit the gallery between noon and 5pm on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through December 22nd. Finally, Madrona Wear is celebrating their grand opening at East Holly Street tomorrow with the sale of new and used outdoor gear starting at 11am, and a $25 fill-a-bag sale from noon to 4pm. DIY block printing will be available all day, with the help of a local artist from Ponderosa Prints. WX: The Rains of …
December 5, 2024 News Transcript
Former Whatcom County Jail inmate files medical malpractice suit after leg amputation, Old Bellingham recycling plant to be redeveloped into housing unit, Construction begins on Bellingham’s Woburn storage facility, Whatcom Opportunity Council secures nearly $4 million in grants for multiple homelessness services, U.N. representative calls for Nooksack tribe to cease evictions of disenrolled residents, Repeal of daylight saving among WA articles of legislation drafted for 2025, Gov. Inslee imposes indefinite state agency spending freeze, Court upholds decision against Meta, Free and cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, December 5th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Former Whatcom County Jail inmate files medical malpractice suit after leg amputation A former Whatcom County Jail inmate has filed a civil suit in the County Superior Court after his leg was amputated during his time in jail. The complaint alleges that the inmate, arrested in late September of 2021, repeatedly requested medical attention for lesions and a rash on his leg for about two months, but was not examined or referred to a physician. In early December of 2021, after reporting extreme pain and swelling in his left thigh, he was examined and sent to a hospital, where his leg was amputated two days later. The lawsuit accuses Whatcom County, the Northwest Regional Council (NWRC), and two nurses of breaching their duty of care by delaying necessary medical treatment. It also claims the County and the Regional Council allowed unqualified staff to practice medicine beyond their training. The defendants have not yet responded to the complaint. STORY: Old Bellingham recycling plant to be redeveloped into housing unit Plans are advancing for a roughly $12 million redevelopment project in Bellingham’s Old Town that would transform a former scrap yard into a six-story, mixed-use development. The project is the work of Capron LLC & Old Town Village LLC. According to the plans, the project will be located at Astor and Holly Streets near Maritime Heritage Park, and will feature 84 middle-income housing units accommodating up to 130 residents, along with 1,600 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor. Amenities include 34 parking spaces, 56 bike parking spaces, private plazas, and rooftop decks. Washington’s Department of Ecology has approved the project with conditions that include ground-floor restrictions for residential units and proper soil contamination mitigation. Bellingham faces a housing deficit, with a state mandate that requires nearly 35,000 new units in Whatcom County by 2044, 60% of which must be affordable. Currently, 466 residential units are under construction in Bellingham, with more in the planning stages. While the Old Town project does not include affordable housing, developers say it will address the city’s critical shortage of middle-income housing. Construction is expected to begin next spring, with occupancy anticipated by summer 2026. STORY: Construction begins on Bellingham’s Woburn storage facility In more construction news, work is underway on a new storage facility at the former Parks & Recreation Operations site near Bayview Cemetery. The roughly $7 million project, awarded to Faber Construction, will provide secure indoor and outdoor storage for seasonal equipment and bulk materials shared by the Parks and Public Works departments. It will also expand the Parks department’s nursery program. The project, funded by the city’s street and transportation funds as well as real estate excise taxes, also includes new sidewalks, enhanced crossing ramps, and a flashing pedestrian crossing on Woburn Street. The City says the project will incorporate public art on walls facing busy streets through Bellingham’s ‘1% for the Arts’ program. Construction is expected to be completed by March. STORY: Whatcom Opportunity Council secures nearly $4 million in grants for multiple homelessness services The Whatcom County Council approved approximately $4 million in contracts with the Opportunity Council to support homelessness services. Last night’s decision at the Whatcom County Council meeting included about $650,000 for 22 North, a low-barrier housing facility in downtown Bellingham. The approval follows public scrutiny after council member Ben Elenbaas proposed defunding the facility. The council rejected Elenbaas’s resolution in July, but incorporated new contract amendments to enhance oversight, tenant safety, and reporting. The new rules include mandatory welfare checks for unaccounted tenants and on-site monitoring to address issues proactively. Despite the changes, Elenbaas said he remains skeptical about the Opportunity Council’s leadership and accountability. Greg Winter, executive director of the Opportunity Council, expressed willingness to address concerns and highlighted ongoing efforts to improve services at 22 North, which include integrating behavioral health and addiction recovery support. The council also approved funding for other programs that support the homeless, including $1 million for housing case management and over $2.3 million for the Whatcom Homeless Service Center. The final votes reflect divided opinions— council members Elenbaas, Tyler Byrd, and Mark Stremler consistently opposed the contracts and cited concerns about the Opportunity Council’s effectiveness. Byrd, however, did support the case management funding after seeing positive program data. Further evaluation of permanent supportive housing programs is expected next year to refine the County’s approach to homelessness and related challenges in the community. STORY: U.N. representative calls for Nooksack tribe to cease evictions of disenrolled residents A United Nations representative has called for the Nooksack Tribe to stop the eviction of disenrolled Indigenous families. In a social media post last Friday, Special Rapporteur (rah-poor-TER) Balakrishnan Rajagopal (buh-luh-KRISH-nun ruh-juh-GO-paul) referred to the situation as dire, and called for the Nooksack Tribe to quote “stop the forced eviction scheduled today of 3 families, and find a more humane solution” unquote. Rajagopal urged both federal and state governments to quote “prevent this eviction and, if it still takes place, to ensure immediate access to emergency housing” unquote. This comes after the court system ruled in favor of the Nooksack Tribe continuing the evictions of families they say have not provided adequate proof of their lineage – a requirement for families to live in tribal housing. In order to avoid facing removal by Tribal law enforcement, these families opted to leave their homes voluntarily last week. WX: Foggy Nelson, attorney at …
December 4, 2024 News Transcript
Woman implicated in kidnapping of Bellingham man facing multiple felony charges, Bellingham to require residents to use curbside compost bins for organic waste beginning in 2025, Whatcom County initiates controversial fire department cost review, Whatcom listed by Dept. of Interior among WA counties most at risk for landslides, State funds for aiding the homeless running low, Gov. Inslee imposes indefinite state agency spending freeze, Court upholds decision against Meta Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, December 4th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Woman implicated in kidnapping of Bellingham man facing multiple felony charges 34-year-old Janelle Hill has been charged with multiple felonies for allegedly leading a kidnapping and robbery in Bellingham on October 29th. According to court documents, Hill and two masked accomplices kidnapped a man she knew, claiming he had stolen property from her. The group ransacked the victim’s workplace and stole various items. The victim was then forced to drive the group to another location, where they tied him up in the back of his van. The victim managed to escape and sought help from a nearby resident. Hill was arrested on November 11th in a storage unit. She was found in possession of a firearm despite being prohibited from doing so due to prior convictions. Hill faces charges of first-degree kidnapping, first-degree robbery with a deadly weapon, theft of a motor vehicle, and unlawful firearm possession. The investigation is ongoing, and her accomplices remain unidentified. STORY: Bellingham to require residents to use curbside compost bins for organic waste beginning in 2025 Bellingham will require all residents to participate in the FoodPlus! food waste recycling program starting early next year, ahead of a statewide mandate. According to the City, the program costs $13.69 a month, and residents will be provided a 60-gallon bin for food scraps, yard debris, food-soiled paper, and compostable packaging, which will be collected biweekly. The initiative aims to reduce landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions by diverting organic materials—currently 30% of the county’s waste stream—into composting. Approximately 8,000 households already use the service, and the City says an education campaign will help the 12,000 new customers learn what materials to include. By mid-2025, residents will have three bins: one for trash, one for recycling, and another for organic waste. As per state law, areas outside Bellingham, including Whatcom County’s urban growth area, will not face the mandate until 2030. The city says its proactive measures align with their broader goals to improve waste management and sustainability. STORY: Whatcom County initiates controversial fire department cost review Whatcom County has launched a controversial study to explore efficiencies and potential cost savings in its fire protection and EMS systems. The more-than-$220,000 study, approved by the County Council last December and led by consulting firm Mission Critical Partners, aims to identify collaboration or consolidation opportunities among the county’s 12 fire districts, one regional fire authority, two municipal fire departments, and one EMS system. According to the County, the study will evaluate compliance with national standards, staffing needs, and response times, with a draft report expected by next summer. Fire officials, who were excluded from early discussions, protested the study and cited inaccuracies in the council’s supporting documents. Initial interactions with Mission Critical have drawn criticism, with fire leaders reporting the firm’s lack of familiarity with local systems and state laws. Some officials have labeled the study a misuse of taxpayer funds. Despite a rocky start, MCP consultant Rick Harrison acknowledged the challenges but noted progress through recent interviews and facility tours with fire chiefs, EMS managers, and union representatives. STORY: Whatcom listed by Dept. of Interior among WA counties most at risk for landslides According to the Department of the Interior, Whatcom County is among the ten Washington counties most at-risk for landslides. County-level data published by the department’s Geological Survey in September found that roughly 82% of land in the county is susceptible to landslides, which amounts to almost 1,760 square miles. This ranks Whatcom tenth in the list of counties most susceptible to landslides. Chelan County, where nearly 95% of the land is susceptible, ranks first. Landslides, which are often impossible to predict, are typically caused by forces such as heavy rainfall, snowmelt, earthquakes, volcanic activity and human activities. Risk factors include urbanization, logging and deforestation. There were 310 fatal landslides around the world in the first half of 2024 alone, with a combined death toll of 2,315. The Department of the Interior says that, on average, 25-to-50 people are killed by landslides annually in the United States. STORY: State funds for aiding the homeless running low The Department of Commerce says that Washington state faces a $403 million shortfall in funding for homelessness services due to a decline in revenue from document recording fees. A Whatcom County Health and Community Services report from last year says that there are over a thousand people in the county experiencing homelessness on any given night. However, programs like emergency shelters, rent assistance, and homeless youth support depend on the fees that homebuyers pay, and the slowdown in the housing market has resulted in a drastic drop in funding. Commerce has asked the Legislature to allocate money from the general fund to avoid service cuts, address inflation, and support local governments experiencing similar funding declines. The state is also grappling with a projected $12 billion deficit in its overall operating budget over the next four years. Lawmakers face a tough challenge balancing budget priorities, with proposals like new taxes on high-value real estate sales potentially resurfacing next year. Divisions remain within the legislature, however, with Democrats pushing for new revenue streams to try to support programs and Republicans opposing additional taxes. STORY: Gov. Inslee imposes indefinite state agency spending freeze In other budget-related news, Governor Inslee has implemented a spending freeze for state government agencies to help address that projected $12 billion deficit over the next four years. The freeze applies to nonessential hiring, service contracts, equipment purchases and travel, though there is an …
December 3, 2024 News Transcript
Police seeking information on whereabouts of missing woman suspected to be residing in Bellingham encampment, Bellingham’s severe weather shelter still seeking volunteers as temperatures drop, Whatcom County to hold warrant quash on Thursday, Stage 2 burn ban enacted for area of eastern Whatcom County, State audit finds housing assistance tax credit “ineffective,” and “disappointing”, Governor-elect Ferguson forms subcommittee to combat potential effects of Project 2025, Bellingham to require residents to use curbside compost bins for organic waste beginning in 2025, Court upholds decision against Meta Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, December 3rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Police seeking information on whereabouts of missing woman suspected to be residing in Bellingham encampment The Bellingham Police Department is seeking help to locate 30-year-old Ruby Nicole Juhl (JULE), an Oak Harbor woman missing for over a year. She may be living in a Bellingham encampment. Juhl is 5’7″ and 135 pounds. She has no teeth, a large birthmark on her right thigh, and possibly a shaved head. Anyone with information is urged to submit a tip at the City of Bellingham’s website. STORY: Bellingham’s severe weather shelter still seeking volunteers as temperatures drop Volunteers are needed to help operate Bellingham’s Severe Weather Shelter, as temperatures continue to drop in Whatcom County. The shelter, located in the Central Lutheran Church at North Forest Street, can hold up to 70 people and will be operated by the county’s Department of Health and Community Services. Until March, the shelter will open whenever overnight temperatures are expected to drop to 32 degrees or below, with notices sent out 48 hours in advance before the shelter is expected to open. As part of the Opportunity Council and in partnership with the county, the Whatcom Volunteer Center is offering volunteer management, recruitment and support services for the shelter, as well as training in de-escalation and crisis intervention. Volunteers must be 18 or older, complete a background check, and have access to reliable transportation. Those interested in signing up to volunteer can sign up at the Whatcom Volunteer Center’s website. Other shelters in Whatcom County include the Ferndale Community Services shelter at the United Church building on Washington Street, the Lighthouse Mission on F Street, Stommish Hall at Lummi View Drive, and the YWCA. Options for those in Skagit County include the Community Center at Railroad Avenue in Concrete, as well as the Welcome Home Skagit Resource Center on North Laventure Road in Mount Vernon. STORY: Whatcom County to hold warrant quash on Thursday Whatcom County District Court is hosting a Warrant Quash Day tomorrow. Defendants with outstanding ‘failure to appear’ warrants will get an opportunity to resolve their cases. By quashing a warrant, individuals can avoid arrest, get their case back on track, and receive a new court date. The event is limited to warrants issued by the District Court. Participants should arrive at the District Court Clerk’s Office on the fourth floor of the County Courthouse on Grand Avenue between 10 a.m. and noon. The number of quash days in 2025 will depend on how many people participate in tomorrow’s event. STORY: Stage 2 burn ban enacted for area of eastern Whatcom County A high-pressure weather system that traps wood smoke low to the ground has triggered a Stage 2 burn ban for eastern Whatcom County. All indoor and outdoor wood burning is prohibited in the Columbia Valley Urban Growth Area, including Peaceful Valley and Paradise Lake. The ban includes fireplaces, stoves, and fire pits. According to the Northwest Clean Air Commission, air quality in eastern Whatcom County is currently moderate, and poses risks to individuals sensitive to pollution. Violators may face fines or enforcement actions. Updates on the ban will be shared by the Northwest Clean Air Agency through its website and social media. STORY: State audit finds housing assistance tax credit “ineffective,” and “disappointing” A state audit has criticized Washington’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program for failing to deliver on its promise to allow low-income tenants to purchase their rental homes. The program, managed by the state’s Housing Finance Commission, supports the development of affordable rental housing and is supposed to include an option for tenants to buy their homes after 15 years. However, of the nearly 1,300 low-income housing projects statewide, only 18 actually offer the option, and no homes have been sold to tenants despite roughly 140 being eligible as of 2023. Most eligible homes are managed by Tribal governments, including 85 owned by the Nooksack Indian Tribe. Concerns raised over evictions at LIHTC housing projects managed by the Nooksack Indian Tribe prompted the audit. It was found that, while the Housing Finance Commission was not to blame, it did not effectively monitor project owners or provide sufficient guidance to facilitate home sales. Although the commission met legal requirements, it failed to ensure progress toward tenant purchases, which the audit deemed quote-unquote “disappointing.” Despite these shortcomings, the program continues to provide affordable rental housing to disadvantaged communities. Recommendations include improved oversight, clearer guidance for project owners, and better communication about tenant purchase options. STORY: Governor-elect Ferguson forms subcommittee to combat potential effects of Project 2025 Governor-elect Bob Ferguson says he is creating a transition team subcommittee to address Project 2025, a conservative policy agenda from the Heritage Foundation. In a recent interview, Ferguson warned that the plan could threaten abortion access, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental protections, and workers’ rights, and could also lead to mass deportations. As attorney general, Ferguson frequently challenged Trump’s administration in court, and says he is now focused on safeguarding Washington residents’ rights. According to a recent announcement, the subcommittee will be co-chaired by leaders from Planned Parenthood and the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, and will address potential impacts. Included in the list are federal funding cuts, restrictions on reproductive healthcare and gender-affirming care, as well as disruptions to families and the economy from mass deportations. Critics argue Ferguson should prioritize state-level issues, but he emphasizes that federal policies like Project 2025 …
December 2, 2024 News Transcript
ICE reports arrest of man with suspected terror connections in Whatcom County, Bellingham Police searching for man suspected of pulling gun on homeowner, Bellingham man killed in single-vehicle crash, Bellingham purchases half an acre of Lake Whatcom land to protect watershed, Blaine citizens form education nonprofit in response to declining district funding, Coalition of federal agencies considering further environmental regulations on Columbia River Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, December 2nd. Good afternoon, I’m Theron Danielson. STORY: ICE reports arrest of man with suspected terror connections in Whatcom County A Jordanian citizen with suspected terrorist connections was arrested near Lynden by U.S. Border Patrol officers. A news release from ICE’s (I-see-EES) field office in Seattle stated that 41-year-old Mohammad Hasan Abdellatif Albana (huh-SUN ab-DEL-la-teef ow-BUN-nah) was detained for entering without proper admission or inspection. ICE says they subsequently returned him to Jordan. Authorities have not disclosed details about his arrest or his alleged ties to terrorist organizations. STORY: Bellingham Police searching for man suspected of pulling gun on homeowner Bellingham Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a suspect accused of pulling a gun on a homeowner. According to BPD, the homeowner noticed the suspect loitering outside his residence yesterday afternoon. After being asked to leave, the suspect allegedly responded by pulling out a gun and pointing it at the homeowner before running away. The suspect is described as a white man with dark hair and roughly 6 feet tall. He was last seen on Racine Street, wearing a tan hat, black jacket and gray pants. Anyone with information is asked to call 911. STORY: Bellingham man killed in single-vehicle crash A Bellingham man was killed in a single-car crash near the Clinton Ferry Terminal on Tuesday morning. A press memo by the Washington State Patrol (WSP) stated that 40-year-old Shawn Anthony Poolman was driving southbound on State Route 525 when the car left the roadway and struck a tree. Poolman, who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, was declared dead at the scene. His passenger, a 40-year-old woman from Clinton, was uninjured. Speed was cited as the cause of the crash, and it is unknown whether drugs or alcohol were involved. STORY: Bellingham purchases half an acre of Lake Whatcom land to protect watershed The City of Bellingham has purchased two Lake Whatcom properties that total around a half-acre of land will costfor nearly $1.3 million. According to the city’s Public Works Department, one property closed late last month, and the other is set to be finalized on or around December 6th. The City of Bellingham’s efforts to protect the watershed began in earnest in 2001, and are funded by watershed fees. As of September of this year, the city’s acquisitions have totalled around 2,800 acres. STORY: Blaine citizens form education nonprofit in response to declining district funding The newly formed Peace Arch Education Foundation in Blaine aims to support the local school district as it faces a decline in enrollment and inadequate state funding. In a recent announcement, the nonprofit, founded by former school board member Charles Gibson, says it seeks to address specific needs through community input rather than supplementing the district’s budget. The foundation, which includes five board members and several advisors, has already held listening sessions to gather feedback from parents, teachers, and community members. Key concerns include funding for school trips, behavior support, after-school programs, and basic needs through the district’s Family Service Center. Board members emphasized a deliberate approach to planning, prioritizing sustainable and impactful support for the district’s needs over quick fixes. Superintendent Chris Granger expressed optimism about the foundation’s potential, citing successful examples of similar organizations in other districts. The Peace Arch Education Foundation plans to officially launch its fundraising efforts with a gala next spring. STORY: Dept. of Children, Youth and Families proposes $77 million budget cut to two state early learning programs Washington’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) has proposed cutting $77 million from early learning programs. The proposed cuts include a reduction of $68 million from the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), which serves 3- to 5-year-olds, and the elimination of the Early ECEAP program for children under 3, totaling nearly $9.3 million. The changes could remove 1,800 slots from early childhood programs that affect roughly 200 children in Early ECEAP. In a recent release, the Department emphasized that the cuts aim to minimize harm by targeting unfilled slots—ECEAP has 2,000 vacant spots due to provider shortages. However, critics, including the Washington State Association of Head Start, argue the cuts disproportionately impact vulnerable, low-income families and children of color. The state’s early childhood programs support 14,000 children, with 90% of families living below 200% of the federal poverty level; the programs are credited for transformative impacts on children’s lives. Lawmakers will make final budget decisions in the 2024 session, and discussions about potential tax increases to offset the deficit are ongoing. STORY: Coalition of federal agencies considering further environmental regulations on Columbia River The Columbian reports that a trio of federal agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, are considering additional environmental guidelines for the Columbia River. Environmental groups and Native tribes are hoping the agencies will recommend the removal of Snake River dams; however, with Republicans set to take control of Congress and the White House in January, there is uncertainty as to what will happen. Republicans have opposed Snake River dam removal, and it’s unclear how the new Trump presidency will affect the agencies’ decision-making. An environmental impact statement, or EIS, was issued in 2020. It did not recommend the removal of the dams; subsequently, litigation was pursued by Native nations and environmental groups. An agreement reached last year paused that litigation for up to a decade and mandated certain actions from the government, including potentially producing a supplement to the document that would change the government’s stance on issues including the dams’ removal. Earth Justice lawyer Amanda …
November 27, 2024 News Transcript
Man arrested in Bellingham on suspicion of vehicle theft and unlawful imprisonment, Psychology grad students at WWU to offer free counseling in January, Bellingham businesses and municipal services to be affected on Thanksgiving, Two Lummi brothers win Bullitt Prize, plan to use a portion of winnings to restart canoe journey program, State public employee union sues after rejecting new contract, Care providers for persons with disabilities petition state for greater pay, Bellingham man sentenced following guilty plea Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, November 27th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Man arrested in Bellingham on suspicion of vehicle theft and unlawful imprisonment A local man is facing two felony charges after stealing a car in Bellingham and driving it to Ferndale with the owner’s teenage son in the backseat. It all happened on Saturday. The car’s owner had started the vehicle to warm it up, and left briefly to lock up his business nearby on North Garden Street. His son was sitting in the backseat when the suspect got in and drove off. Bellingham Police Lieutenant Claudia Murphy said that, while the boy was not afraid of being kidnapped, he was unable to leave the moving car. The suspect drove about 12 miles to Nickles Street in Ferndale, where the boy called his father to share his location. Police moved from the crime scene in Bellingham to Nickles Street, where both the teenager and the suspect were found–as well as the car. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of unlawful imprisonment and taking a motor vehicle without permission. STORY: Psychology grad students at WWU to offer free counseling in January Graduate students from WWU’s psychology department will offer free counseling services to the community in January. According to a recent announcement, in-person counseling for all ages will be available from January to June, as well as telehealth services for individuals 13 and older. The services will be offered under faculty supervision, and cover issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, grief, and parent-child conflicts. Community members can call 360-650-3184 to access these services. Western students can seek support through the Counseling and Wellness Center. STORY: Bellingham businesses and municipal services to be affected on Thanksgiving Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and while people gather across Whatcom to celebrate, many businesses in Bellingham will be closed. U.S. post offices, WTA bus services, banks, Bellingham Public Library branches, all city services, DOL offices, FedEx and UPS stores, Walgreens, and Rite Aid will all be closed. In addition, major grocery stores like Costco, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s will also be closed. For those who need to pick up some last-minute items, Whole Foods and Winco will be open until 3 p.m., Fred Meyer will be open until 4 p.m., and Safeway and Haggen will be open normal hours. Finally, it should be noted that KMRE News staff will also be taking a holiday break, but the staff will be back on Monday. STORY: Two Lummi brothers win Bullitt Prize, plan to use a portion of winnings to restart canoe journey program Free and Raven Borsey, two 27-year-old brothers from the Lummi Nation, have won this year’s Bullitt Prize from Washington Conservation Action. According to the Lummi Nation website, the men say they plan to use a portion of the $100,000 award to revitalize the Lummi Youth Canoe Family, a program that protects, promotes, and preserves schelangen (shuh-LANG-un), or way of life, through youth leadership in culture. The Bullitt Prize is awarded to changemakers in the Pacific Northwest that work to promote environmental justice and conservation efforts. According to their Bullitt Prize application, the twin brothers were a part of the canoe family in their teens, and found that pulling a canoe taught them to truly believe in themselves. STORY: State public employee union sues after rejecting new contract The Washington Public Employees Association has filed a lawsuit accusing the state of Washington, Governor Inslee, and 11 community colleges of bad-faith bargaining after members overwhelmingly rejected a proposed two-year contract in September. The rejected contract included a 5% pay raise that the union deemed insufficient to address rising costs. The Washington Office of Financial Management contends that, following the rejection, the existing contract terms– with no raises—should remain in effect for one year starting next July, with negotiations focused only on the second year. Union leaders disagree, and assert the state misrepresented the implications of the deadline to pressure acceptance of subpar terms. According to Michaela (muh-KAY-luh) Dolman, the state’s chief human resources officer, bargaining sessions are planned for December 4th and 17th. However, the union criticizes the limited negotiation timeline and scope. The WPEA represents 5,000 workers across 13 community colleges and nine state agencies, including the Departments of Natural Resources, Revenue, and Agriculture. STORY: Care providers for persons with disabilities petition state for greater pay Providers of supported living services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are urging Washington lawmakers to increase their wages. According to a Department of Social and Health Services report from last year, direct support professionals, who provide essential 24/7 care, currently earn an average of $20.12 per hour, which is below living wage benchmarks. Advocates are requesting a 9.5% pay increase in both 2026 and 2027, which would cost the state about $99 million annually. However, the funding push faces challenges, as lawmakers anticipate a $10-to-12 billion budget deficit over the next four years. Washington employs about 14,000 direct care workers serving 4,600 individuals, but the field’s turnover rate is 37%. Last year, providers secured only a 2.5% wage increase, and funding has historically been inconsistent. Advocates argue that an investment in higher wages now would reduce long-term costs and stabilize the workforce. Governor Inslee’s December budget proposal will set the stage for legislative budget negotiations this year. WX: The PNW hat trick And now for your Whatcom County weather: Expect a rotating cast of weather patterns today, with intermittent periods of clouds, sun, and showers. The winds are expected to remain …
November 26, 2024 News Transcript
Lighthouse Mission to serve free Thanksgiving dinner, seeking donations and volunteers, Northwest Youth Services director unexpectedly resigns, Outgoing Ferndale chief of police to take up same role in Burlington, Post-bomb-cyclone update, Dept. of Fish and Wildlife raises catch limit on chum salmon in Nooksack River, PeaceHealth awards money to local nonprofits, Several Inslee-appointed state agency personnel to step down in advance of Ferguson taking office, Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, November 26th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Lighthouse Mission to serve free Thanksgiving dinner, seeking donations and volunteers It’s Thanksgiving time, and local organizations and churches are offering free Thanksgiving meals and assistance to those in need. Thanksgiving Community Dinner at Lighthouse Mission is happening on Thursday from noon to 2pm. Free meals are offered to all attendees. Volunteers are still needed, and those who would like to help are encouraged to sign up through Lighthouse’s Volunteer Portal. The Mission is located at 1312 F Street. For people living in Blaine, Birch Bay, Custer and Point Roberts, ready-to-cook meals will be provided to residents today through the Thanksgiving Baskets at Community Assistance Program (or C.A.P.). You can pre-register by calling 360-393-9483. Donations to support the program can be made online or mailed directly to the C.A.P. located in Blaine. STORY: Northwest Youth Services director unexpectedly resigns Northwest Youth Services Board President Michelle Harmeier (HAR-my-ur) resigned unexpectedly on Sunday, marking a leadership shakeup amid ongoing challenges for the nonprofit. Vice President Aaron Vahid (vah-HEED) and Treasurer Richard Clough (CLOW) are also expected to step down when their terms end next month, leaving half of the six-member board vacant. The organization has been under scrutiny following former CEO Jason McGill’s resignation after allegations of a toxic workplace culture, as well as inappropriate relationships with clients. According to reporting by Cascadia Daily News, staff and youth safety concerns were reportedly raised to the board as early as 2021, but went unaddressed. Harmeier, who joined the board in 2023, is also the founder of the Bellingham Queer Collective, which partnered with Northwest Youth Services to open the Q Center— an LGBTQ+ resource hub in downtown Bellingham. Harmeier gave no reasons for her departure. The agreement between both groups is set for renegotiation in January. Youth Service’s Interim CEO Lance Jones says he is working to rebuild trust, improve governance, and prioritize homeless youth services in Whatcom and Skagit counties. According to a recent announcement, NWYS says it continues to address systemic issues and has issued a call for new board members to support its mission. STORY: Outgoing Ferndale chief of police to take up same role in Burlington After eight years of service, Ferndale Police Chief Kevin Turner will step down on Thursday to become the police chief in Burlington. In an announcement last month, Turner expressed pride in his accomplishments with the department, and gratitude for the community’s support. Retired Lt. Matt Huffman, who left the Ferndale Police Department last year, will serve as interim chief starting December 9th while the city searches for a permanent replacement. Ferndale Communication Director Megan Juenemann (JEW-nah-mun) praised Huffman’s leadership, professionalism, and lasting contributions to the department and community. STORY: Post-bomb-cyclone update Power has been restored to most households after last week’s bomb cyclone. Puget Sound Energy stated 99% of its customers were back online as of yesterday afternoon. Roughly 6,000 households remained without power, most of them located in and around King County. 600,000 residents were left without power at the peak of last Tuesday’s storm system, which PSE says was comparable to a hurricane. Matt Klein, the deputy director for Whatcom’s Division of Emergency Management, said the Sudden Valley area was the most affected by the storm, with 23 homes struck by trees and at least four residents displaced. According to a recent announcement from Governor Inslee, it may be weeks before residents know if they can apply for federal assistance. STORY: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife raises catch limit on chum salmon in Nooksack River The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has increased the daily salmon catch limit on the Nooksack River due to a higher-than-expected return of chum salmon. Anglers can now catch up to four salmon per day, including no more than two wild coho and two chum. The regulation applies to the Nooksack River section between the I-5 bridge in Ferndale and the confluence of the North and South Forks. The new limits are effective through Nov. 30th. STORY: PeaceHealth awards money to local nonprofits PeaceHealth announced they have awarded over $600,000 in grants to seven community organizations in Whatcom County. The grants are part of PeaceHealth’s Community Health program, and aim to address housing, food security, mental health, education, and healthcare access. The healthcare organization says it has invested over $3.5 million locally in the past five years. Local organizations who received grants include: Common Threads Food Truck, Brothers to Brothers, NAMI Whatcom, and Road2Home among others. The YWCA Emergency Shelter received the biggest grant–$100,000–to expand housing and services with a new 20-unit shelter for women and children, set to open next year. In the award announcement, PeaceHealth leaders emphasized the importance of addressing social drivers of health, while recipients like YWCA Bellingham highlighted the critical need for specialized housing and services for vulnerable populations. STORY: Several Inslee-appointed state agency personnel to step down in advance of Ferguson taking office Washington Secretary of Health Umair Shah (oo-MARE SHAW) announced he will join several state agency leaders and step down next month, in advance of governor-elect Bob Ferguson’s inauguration in January. Shah is among six members of Governor Inslee’s executive cabinet departing as Ferguson, currently Washington’s attorney general, prepares to become the state’s 23rd governor. Leadership changes after elections are not uncommon, even when the same political party maintains control. Ferguson is expected to announce key appointments soon, following his earlier naming of an eight-person executive leadership team. WX: It’s Partly Sunny In Philadelphia And now for your Whatcom County weather: On …
November 25, 2024 News Transcript
Man arrested in Bellingham after pulling knife on two minors, Port of Bellingham announces plans for 2025, Galbraith Mountain announces three-day closure in December for game management hunt, Mount Baker Highway to drop down to single lane traffic today and tomorrow for culvert repairs, Judge allows Birch Bay Waterslides suit to continue, county now named among list of defendants, Wiser Lake now safe from biotoxin, Early school dismissal on Wednesday Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, November 25th. Good afternoon, I’m Theron Danielson. STORY: Man arrested in Bellingham after pulling knife on two minors Bellingham Police arrested a 40-year-old man accused of pulling a knife on two minors during an argument last Thursday. In a phone conversation with KMRE, Lieutenant Claudia Murphy confirmed the suspect’s identity as 40-year-old Nathaniel Tilton. The incident began with a verbal altercation on Railroad Avenue between Tilton and a juvenile, which escalated when he brandished a knife. A second juvenile intervened, resulting in a physical struggle during which Tilton swung the knife and damaged the second juvenile’s jacket. A bystander stepped in to help, and witnesses alerted police. Officers subdued Tilton using a bean bag launcher and a Taser before arresting him. Tilton faces charges of first-degree assault and felony harassment. He was treated at a hospital before being booked into the Whatcom County Jail, where he remains under custody. STORY: Port of Bellingham announces plans for 2025 The Port of Bellingham has approved a $36.7 million budget for 2025, The budget includes $12.4 million in state and federal grants to fund key projects. A multi-year effort to modernize the Bellingham Shipping Terminal with electrification, environmental upgrades, and a portable barge ramp will be funded; so will Bellingham Airport, where funds will support airline recruitment, service expansion, and the construction of an international terminal to handle flights from Mexico and Central America. Additionally, upgrades to stormwater systems at the Fairhaven Marine Industrial Park aim to boost waterfront jobs and protect water quality. Approximately $4.5 million will support economic development, community connections, and infrastructure projects, including replacing an aging observation tank at the Marine Life Center. The final budget will be published next Monday. STORY: Galbraith Mountain announces three-day closure in December for game management hunt Most of Galbraith Mountain will be closed to the public December 4th-through-6th for a deer bow hunt conducted by a small licensed group of Janicki (JAN-a-key) Logging employees. The area is currently owned by Galbraith Tree Farm and Polygon Financial 05, and is an active logging site. In 2018, the City of Bellingham purchased a recreation and conservation easement from Galbraith Tree Farm that allows for public access to the property, irrespective of who owns it. However, Janicki is still able to conduct any and all timber management needed, which includes game management. The hunt, Janicki states, will curb a growing population of deer on the mountain that have over-browsed young cedar saplings and cost the company over $100,000 in damages. Furthermore, according to Janicki, the increased deer population also attracts predators, like mountain lions, that are a risk to public safety. Eric Brown, the Mountain Bike Coalition’s executive director, says volunteers will clearly mark which trails are closed during the hunt. STORY: Mount Baker Highway to drop down to single lane traffic today and tomorrow for culvert repairs State Route 542 near Britton Road will alternate traffic through a single lane today and tomorrow, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., for culvert repairs. WSDOT (wash-DOT) crews will excavate and replace a damaged culvert pipe. Traffic will be directed by flaggers, and the work is weather-dependent. STORY: Judge allows Birch Bay Waterslides suit to continue, county now named among list of defendants A Whatcom County judge denied a request by Birch Bay Waterslides to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a visitor severely injured on one of the park’s slides in August 2023. According to police reports, Larry Baker suffered severe injuries when his legs went through a damaged section of the Hairpin slide. He alleges the park’s owners were negligent in maintaining the facility. The park argued that Baker accepted the risks when entering the property, but the judge ruled the case could proceed. At the same hearing, the judge also allowed Baker to expand his lawsuit to include three additional parties, including the county’s Health and Community Services. According to court records, Baker accuses the parties of failure to identify or address hazardous conditions during inspections and repairs, with the Health Department specifically accused of neglecting to audit the park’s maintenance records and falsely documenting their existence over several years. Court documents also reveal that a patron reported issues with the Hairpin slide one day before Baker’s injury, but no action was taken. Despite the incident, Birch Bay Waterslides plans to reopen next year after renovations to mark the park’s 40th anniversary. STORY: Wiser Lake now safe from biotoxins Health and Community Services has lifted water contact warnings for Wiser Lake. Microcystin (MY-crow-sis-tin) levels are now below the EPA’s safety threshold and residents and pets may now use the lake, but caution is still advised due to recurring harmful algal (AL-gull) blooms. Microcystin, a toxin affecting the liver, can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Nutrient runoff from human and animal activity contributes to algal growth. In the meantime, avoid areas with visible algae (AL-gee), which can appear as scum, streaks, or clumps. If exposed, rinse skin or pets with clean water. STORY: Early school dismissal on Wednesday And finally, a note for Whatcom County drivers—Bellingham Public Schools will have an early dismissal this Wednesday for the Thanksgiving holiday: elementary schools at 12:20 p.m., middle schools at 1:15 p.m., and high schools at 2 p.m. All schools and the District Office will be closed both Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving, with classes resuming next Monday. WX: O’er cast and iron And now for your Whatcom County weather: We’re expecting a day of overcast skies and occasional showers throughout the county, with daytime …
November 22, 2024 News Transcript
Bellingham mayor announces plans to combat city’s housing shortage, City of Bellingham seeks feedback on designs for two new playgrounds, Bellingham to construct roundabout connecting James St. and Bakerview Road, Bellingham resident sets world record for women’s ultramarathon, BP shelves plans to construct green hydrogen plant at Cherry Point, Bellingham, Whatcom, and state unemployment rates all report increases in October, Free and Cheap, Several Inslee-appointed state agency personnel to step down in advance of Ferguson taking office Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, November 22nd. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Bellingham mayor announces plans to combat city’s housing shortage Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund announced an executive order yesterday to address the city’s housing shortage. According to the order, the city will focus on three key actions: expanding diverse housing options, streamlining the permitting processes, and incentivizing affordable housing and tiny home developments. The order comes in response to a drop in home construction permits—dropping from 1,200 units three years ago to just 422 last year—and rising housing costs, with 54% of renters considered cost-burdened. Key initiatives in this new approach include: In addition, the City says it plans to identify a site for a new tiny home village and will continue efforts to secure more land for affordable housing. Mayor Lund emphasized the urgency of jumpstarting the measures, noting that while some changes are state-mandated, they also align with community feedback. Bellingham Communications Director Melissa Morin says she expects these actions to spur housing growth despite recent challenges like high interest rates. STORY: City of Bellingham seeks feedback on designs for two new playgrounds The City also said it seeks community feedback on redesign plans for the playgrounds at Bloedel (blow-DELL) Donovan and Rock Hill parks. Originally installed in 1999, the upgrades aim to improve safety and accessibility. The plans include removing the current playground equipment at both parks and the installation of new features. Rock Hill Park will also gain accessible parking, a walkway, and seating options like picnic tables and benches. Citizens can review the design options—three for Bloedel Donovan and two for Rock Hill—and provide input on the Engage Bellingham site by Monday. Parks staff will attend neighborhood meetings in February to gather further input. Construction is scheduled for June and July of 2026. STORY: Bellingham to construct roundabout connecting James St. and Bakerview Road By this time next year, Bellingham will have a new roundabout. The City Council’s Public Works committee voted unanimously to approve a contract bid to install a roundabout at the intersection of James Street and Bakerview Road, with the full council approving it on Monday. The contract was awarded by the City Council to Faber Construction for nearly $4.3 million. Officials expect the project to last about 50 days beginning next April. Roads near the intersection will be partially or fully closed during that time. STORY: Bellingham resident sets world record for women’s ultramarathon The new world record in the women’s 50-mile race has been set by a Bellingham resident. Pending verification, Courtney Olsen is set to hold the record after she ran the 50 miles at Vienna, Illinois’ Tunnel Hill ultramarathon earlier this month at 5:31:56 (5 hours, 31 minutes and 56 seconds). That’s over eight minutes faster than the world record set in 1991. Olsen, a Squalicum High School graduate and a former all-American runner at Western, ramped up her training in the months leading to the November 9 race. While the record won’t be official until it’s verified by the International Association of UItrarunners, the United States Association of Track and Field has already recognized Olsen with its Athlete of the Week honor. STORY: BP shelves plans to construct green hydrogen plant at Cherry Point British Petroleum has shelved its green hydrogen plant project at the Cherry Point Refinery. The oil giant had previously shortlisted its Whatcom County refinery as one of five sites worldwide for a large, standalone sustainable aviation fuels facility. The facility would be fed by a green hydrogen plant, but BP now says they are moving toward creating sustainable fuel with mostly existing capabilities in the county. According to Reuters, under the leadership of CEO Murray Auchincloss (OW-sheen-closs), BP has moved away from its strategy of growing renewables and cutting oil and gas output by 40% by 2030. A recent quarterly report indicates that the company has halted 18 early-stage hydrogen projects. STORY: Bellingham, Whatcom, and state unemployment rates all report increases in October Unemployment rates rose in Whatcom County and Bellingham last month, while Washington state ranked fifth-highest in unemployment nationwide. According to data from the state’s Employment Security Department and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in Whatcom increased to 4.4% in September. Despite the monthly rise, October 2024’s rate matches last October’s rate of 4.1%. The unemployment rate in Bellingham also rose to 4.4% in September, while unemployment state-wide decreased to 4.7%, but still remains higher than last year’s 3.8%. STORY: Free and cheap It’s Friday – if you’re looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend, here’s a bit of what’s going on around the county. Starting today, Allied Arts will be hosting its 45th annual Holiday Festival of the Arts at 1331 Commercial Street in Bellingham. The five-week-long holiday market will run through Christmas Eve, and will feature over a hundred local artisans, live music, workshops for kids and more. Market purchases can also be made online. More information can be found at Allied Arts’ website. Krampus Night will be taking place tomorrow from 6-till-10pm at the Chuckanut Bay Distillery Ballroom at Cornwall Avenue. This will be the ballroom’s grand opening, as well as the release of the distillery’s 4-year-old barrel-aged Krampus liqueur. Besides that, there will be costumes, dancing and good food. Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased at Chuckanut Bay’s website. Finally, the Mount Baker Theatre will host the Bellingham Symphony Orchestra’s Americana at 3pm on Sunday. The show will include performances ranging from …
November 21, 2024 News Transcript
Bellingham PD seeking information in search for missing woman, Authorities arrest accused kidnapper after victim escapes near Skagit Speedway, Woman arrested following alleged shoplifting and assault inside Bellingham mall, Low-pressure system set to impact Whatcom County this weekend, Whatcom County flock to be euthanized following confirmed case of avian flu, Defeat of initiative ensures Climate Care Act, Bellingham to construct roundabout connecting James St. and Bakerview Road, Bellingham resident sets world record for women’s ultramarathon Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, November 21st. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham PD seeking information in search for missing woman Bellingham Police are asking the public for any information on a woman who has been missing for over six months. 39-year-old Margaret “Gracie” King was reported missing on October 17th by a concerned family member who had lost contact with her six months ago. According to a Facebook post by Bellingham Police, King was last known to be in Bellingham as recently as mid-September, and is suspected to be homeless. King is 5-feet-4 and weighs around 120 pounds. She has hazel eyes and was last known to have long brown hair. Anyone with information regarding her location is encouraged to submit a tip online at the City of Bellingham’s website. STORY: Authorities arrest accused kidnapper after victim escapes near Skagit Speedway Authorities say they have arrested a woman accused of kidnapping an individual in Bellingham and transporting them to Skagit County. According to Megan Peters with the Bellingham Police Department, the suspect, Janelle Peyton Hill, accompanied by two associates, visited the victim’s workplace in the Irongate Business Park on October 29th to retrieve her belongings. Hill reportedly attempted to take items that weren’t hers; when the victim objected to this, the suspect and her associates allegedly forced the victim into a van, threatened them with a weapon, and drove toward Skagit County. Peters says the victim managed to escape from the van near Skagit Speedway and sought help from a nearby RV, leading to a call to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. The van was later found in Skagit County, but the suspects were not present. Authorities also reported that the group had stolen another vehicle earlier that day from the same business park, which was later recovered in Tacoma. On November 11th, Hill, a convicted felon, was located at a storage facility near Bellingham and arrested. She was in possession of a firearm, and is being charged by the county prosecutor’s office with first-degree kidnapping and robbery, as well as motor vehicle theft. An investigation is underway. STORY: Woman arrested following alleged shoplifting and assault inside Bellingham mall A shoplifting suspect was arrested after allegedly assaulting an employee at Macy’s in the Bellis Fair Mall on Sunday afternoon. The suspect, Preston Richardson, reportedly tried to steal several clothing items and attacked an employee who intervened, punching them multiple times in the face. Police nearby received a description of the suspect and apprehended him in the parking lot. Richardson has been charged by the county prosecutor’s office with first-degree robbery. STORY: Low-pressure system set to impact Whatcom County this weekend The impacts from Tuesday’s bomb cyclone may have passed. However, meteorologists say a weaker storm may arrive tomorrow morning. The National Weather Service forecasts widespread showers and moderate winds for western Washington on Friday and Saturday, but no high wind warnings are anticipated. Temperatures will remain in the mid-40s to low 50s. While such storms are typical in late fall and winter, Tuesday’s cyclone was unusually strong, though similar storms may occur later this season. STORY: Whatcom County flock to be euthanized following confirmed case of avian flu A mixed flock of twenty Whatcom County birds will be euthanized after testing positive for bird flu, according to a news release by Whatcom County Health and Community Services. Nationally, 53 bird flu cases have been confirmed in humans since April, eleven of which are in Washington state. Bird flu, or highly pathogenic avian influenza, is a virus that primarily infects birds, but can be transmitted to mammals. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, it is extremely rare for poultry to recover from bird flu. Furthermore, the Washington State Department of Agriculture says that if a flock has tested positive for the virus, they must be euthanized in order to prevent the spread. People who work with poultry, wild animals, cows, or raw, unpasteurized cow’s milk are at higher risk of contracting the virus. Bird flu symptoms in humans are similar to those of the common flu. According to the CDC, there have been no reported cases of the virus spreading from person to person in the U.S., and risk to the general population is low. However, the health department urges farmers or backyard livestock owners to report sick or dead animals who may have bird flu to Agriculture’s Avian Health Program. STORY: Defeat of initiative ensures Climate Care Act Supporters say the defeat of Washington State’s Initiative 2117 will keep the state on track to reach its pollution-reductions goal by 2050 and preserve thousands of clean-energy jobs. Reporter Mark Richardson has more. Climate AUDIO WX: And now, back to your regularly scheduled programming And now for your Whatcom County weather: As yesterday’s bomb cyclone continues to die down, expect lingering rain and winds, the latter reaching speeds of up to 15 mph. Today’s daytime highs are projected in the low 50s, with evening lows dropping to around 40 degrees. A similar weather pattern is in the forecast for tomorrow, with gusts expected to increase in speed to around 25 mph. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman (COOL-mun), Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Riley Weeks, Brodey O’Brien, Paloma Ortiz, Anna Hedrick, Miguel Garduño (MEE-gel gar-DOO-ño). 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, …
