Robots Are Coming to WWU, TownHomes Get Pushback, Planned Leader Board Has Neighbors Upset, PeaceHealth Proposes 20-Plan, New Month, New Laws, Emergency Order to Protect Orca New Laws, Text to 911 Starts, Two Opportunities to Help the Environment, ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, July 3rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: ROBOTS ARE COMING TO WWU Aramark, the current food service provider at Western Washington University, has notified the State Employment Security Department of its plan to lay off nearly 400 employees in Bellingham. WWU recently announced that it will begin a new contract with Chartwells Higher Education starting September 1st. According to Chartwells, it prioritizes sourcing food from local and regional farmers and has plans to introduce “virtual restaurants” that offer robot-delivered meals to students who place mobile orders. While Aramark’s layoffs are scheduled for the end of August, WWU has stated that affected employees will have the opportunity to be hired by Chartwells. STORY: TOWNHOMES GET PUSHBACK Seattle-based Stream Real Estate is facing criticism for its proposed development in Bellingham, which involves the removal of 327 trees. StreamRE Townhomes would be located next to the Bellingham Golf and Country Club. The removal of numerous old-growth conifer trees has raised concerns among a group dedicated to preserving trees in Whatcom County. According to the group, the development should prioritize tree preservation and protection. While the project plans to mitigate tree removal by planting replacement trees on-site and on the golf course property, critics believe more needs to be done. They propose modifying the development plan to eliminate or redesign some townhomes, change the placement of buildings to preserve existing clusters of trees, and ensure replacement trees are planted in perpetually protected land. The StreamRE Townhomes development is expected to begin construction by summer of 2024, unless modifications are required. STORY: PLANNED READER BOARD HAS NEIGHBORS UPSET A proposed electronic reader board near the 15th Street entrance of Lowell Elementary School’s is getting some pushback from neighbors who argue it would clash with the historical aesthetic of the area. Bellingham Public Schools intends to install electronic reader boards in all its schools, funded by the school construction bond. The planned reader board for Lowell will be 8 feet tall and display event information from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. According to administrators, the school believes that the reader board will improve accessibility and inclusivity, and help community members navigate the campus. Some neighbors are gathering signatures for a petition against the project, and will submit them to the city and school board for consideration. STORY: PEACEHEALTH PROPOSES 20-YEAR PLAN PeaceHealth is seeking city approval for a 20-year plan that includes construction of a new west wing at St. Joseph’s, complete with a rooftop helipad. The project, known as the Peter Paulsen Pavilion, will also involve upgrades to the emergency department and childbirth center. The construction of the 120,000-square-foot addition is set to begin in fall 2024. According to PeaceHealth, the rooftop helipad will enable more efficient patient transfers to the emergency department. The master plan will undergo a public hearing before the Bellingham Planning Commission, and if approved by the city council, will be effective until 2042. STORY: NEW MONTH, NEW LAWS It’s July, and Senate Bill 5536 is officially in effect. The bill emerged from a special legislative session earlier this year, and makes possession of controlled substances a gross misdemeanor. The law took effect on Saturday and carries a maximum sentence of six months in jail for the first two convictions and a maximum fine of $1,000. Starting July 23rd, additional laws will also go into effect, including measures which will protect residents from robocall scams, elevate hazing from a misdemeanor to a felony, and impose harsher penalties for sexually abusive prison guards. STORY: EMERGENCY ORDER TO PROTECT ORCA An emergency order from the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife now requires whale-watching boats to maintain a distance of at least 1,000 yards from 11 vulnerable whales. According to the DFW, this action comes in response to the poor health of ten Southern Resident orcas, along with one likely being in the late stages of pregnancy. New legislation passed in the spring will establish a mandatory 1,000 yard buffer zone around the orca starting in January 2025. STORY: TEXT TO 911 STARTS Text-to-911 service is now available in all counties of Washington state. Text-to-911 is intended to be used in situations where speaking may be dangerous or impossible, such as during a home invasion or personal medical emergency. To use the service, enter “911” in the “To” field of your phone and include your location and the type of emergency aid needed, such as medical, fire, or police assistance. The state Emergency Management Division says that calling 911 is still the preferred method in most cases. STORY: TWO OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP THE ENVIRONMENT For those interested in working outside to help the environment, here are two opportunities of note. Whatcom County Public Works is organizing a beach cleanup in Birch Bay on Wednesday, July 5th. Volunteers will help remove litter and debris from the beach area after the 4th of July festivities. The cleanup will take place at 7930 Birch Bay Drive from 9 a.m. to Noon, and necessary supplies and refreshments will be provided to the participants. And every Saturday in July, the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association will lead volunteer teams in removing invasive plants from the river in order to help salmon habitat. The organization provides work gloves, tools, refreshments, and a shuttle service to and from the work sites. People of all ages can participate, but volunteers under 14 years old must be accompanied by an adult. More information and registration can be found at N-SEA.org. WX: Sunny and Warm Smoke from wildfires in Canadian provinces such as British Columbia and Alberta is anticipated to reach Whatcom County on July 4th. The Washington Smoke blog, a collaboration between state, county, federal agencies, and Indian tribes, has been …
The Wandering ‘Hamster
June 30, 2023 News Transcript
Sabah Randhawa Responds to Affirmative Action, More Landmark Supreme Court Decisions, Final Round of Federal Grocery Assistance, Overdose Prevention Website Launched, Fireworks Banned in Bellingham, Holiday Travel could be a Nightmare, Weekend Free for Cheap Events, Tabling Plug: ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Sunday, June 30th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: SABAH RANDHAWA RESPONDS TO AFFIRMATIVE ACTION In a written response to yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in college admission, Western Washington University President Sabah Randhawa (ran-DOW-wha) says the ruling will not impede the University’s efforts to create a diverse and inclusive campus. He also said the university’s Office of Equity will continue to support legal compliance and equal opportunity for all individuals. STORY: MORE LANDMARK SUPREME COURT DECISIONS In more Supreme Court news, the court announced two more landmark decisions this morning. In a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court’s conservative majority supported a Christian graphic artist’s right to refuse service to same-sex couples seeking wedding websites, despite a Colorado law prohibiting discrimination. In the second decision, the Court found that President Biden does not have the authority to forgive student loan debt. The finding states that the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act does not grant the power to cancel $430 billion in student loan principal. Writing for the majority in the website case, Justice Gorsuch emphasized the First Amendment’s safeguard of freedom of thought and speech. Justice Sotomayor dissented, expressing concerns about granting businesses the right to refuse service to protected classes. The court split along ideological lines in a 6-3 decision on student debt, finding that President Biden’s proposed debt forgiveness was a complete rewrite of the statute and was therefore not legal. About 43 million people would have been eligible for loan relief. STORY: Final Round of Federal Grocery Assistance in Whatcom County The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved a fourth and final round of assistance for families in Whatcom County to help pay for their children’s groceries. The Pandemic EBT benefits will be distributed starting today and continue until the end of the summer. Children under the age of six who qualify may receive almost $44 a month. Qualifying school-aged children will receive a one-time sum of $120 to cover the summer. This round of assistance follows three previous periods of pandemic-related food benefits provided over the past three years. STORY: OVERDOSE PREVENTION WEBSITE LAUNCHED A new website has been launched to increase access to opioid and overdose prevention resources. The local overdose crisis, driven by fentanyl and fentanyl-laced substances, prompted a group of area health officials to launch the site. People can order free naloxone kits, access local overdose statistics, and find information on local prevention resources from whatcomoverdoseprevention.org. STORY: Fireworks Banned in Bellingham The City of Bellingham will be enforcing its city-wide ban on fireworks this holiday with evening patrols. Violators face fines ranging from $250 to $1,000. The Whatcom County Fire Marshal wants to remind everyone that fireworks purchased at reservation stands are not legal outside tribal territory, and the use of powerful fireworks like M-80’s and M-100’s can result in criminal charges. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is urging consumers to prioritize safety during Fourth of July celebrations by either leaving fireworks to professionals or taking precautions when using consumer-grade fireworks. A report from the Commission says almost 7500 fireworks-related injuries occur during the month surrounding July 4th. Those who want a safe fireworks experience can attend the People’s Bank Fourth of July Spectacular, which will include a fireworks display over Bellingham Bay or the Blaine Old Fashioned Fourth of July fireworks show. STORY: HOLIDAY TRAVEL COULD BE A NIGHTMARE Despite having the most expensive gasoline in the nation, Washington residents are still expected to log record travel miles this holiday weekend. Triple A predicts about 900,000 car trips will be taken in the state, marking a 2% increase from the previous year. Heavy traffic is anticipated, and drivers are advised to plan accordingly. STORY: WEEKEND FREE OR CHEAP EVENTS There’s a lot going on around the county this weekend. If you are on a budget here are just a few ideas for free or cheap things to do. Saturday afternoon, The Deaf & The Musician, a mesmerizing duo merging sign language with music, will perform catchy covers to cult classics at the New Prospect Theater at 2pm– tickets are $10. In the live music category, head on down to KulshanTrackside for free music, or out to Semiahmoo for live-music-by-the-sea– both on Saturday. There’s free live ‘Theater In The Park’ in Ferndale on Saturday afternoon, and on Sunday, Stemma Brewing is hosting a trivia contest– entry is $2 dollars. STORY: TABLING PLUG Just a note– KMRE wants to share your voice on the radio. Come down to the Trackside Container Village next to the pump track on W. Laurel Street and Granary Avenue this weekend and visit with KMRE DJs, reporters, and volunteers. Tell us your favorite thing about living here, what you would like to see changed, or share your favorite story about something that could only happen here in Bellingham. We’ll be there all weekend along with Cascadia Daily News and we’d love to hear from you! WX: Sunny and Warm Get ready for perfect weekend weather. All sun, all weekend long, with temperatures in the early- mid 70’s. Summer is truly here, so get out there and enjoy it if you can! OUTRO:Today’s newscast was produced by volunteer Myles Weber. 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. I’m ________________ and thanks for listening.
June 29, 2023 News Transcript
Supreme Court strike down Affirmative Action, New Explanation for Gas Price Rises, State Audit Discloses Underbilling, Updated Heat Protections for Outdoor Workers, Funding for Indigenous Community Water Projects, Wonderpup Academy, Abortion Ban in Idaho not Decreasing Abortions, Free and Cheap ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, June 29th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Supreme Court Strikes Down Affirmative Action The Supreme Court has ruled against affirmative action in college admissions, stating that race cannot be considered as a factor. The conservative majority on the court overturned admissions plans at Harvard and the University of North Carolina, criticizing the notion that an individual’s identity should be determined by their race. Chief Justice John Roberts stated that universities have quote “concluded, wrongly, that the touchstone of an individual’s identity is not challenges bested, skills built, or lessons learned but the color of their skin. Our constitutional history does not tolerate that choice.” This decision forces universities to find alternative methods to promote diversity among their student bodies. STORY: New Explanation for Gas Price Rises A new explanation has emerged for Washington’s high gas prices, which are among the highest in the nation. According to a new report by triple A, scheduled maintenance on the Olympic pipeline is the primary cause of increased fuel prices in both Washington and Oregon. The Olympic pipeline, operated by BP, transports fuel from Cherry Point, the largest refinery in Washington, to Portland. The pipeline requires frequent routine maintenance, which leads to a surge in fuel prices. Washington currently has the most expensive gas in the country, priced at $4.99 a gallon, while Oregon ranks fourth at $4.64 a gallon. STORY: State Audit Discloses Underbilling A recent audit at the City of Ferndale has revealed underbilling of utility customers amounting to more than $230,000 dollars between 2007 and 2021. The city says it acknowledged the findings, initiated internal reviews, and plans to introduce new financial software. The state auditors will assess the city’s actions in the next annual audit. The city also says the underbilled amounts will be collected over time to comply with state law and prevent misuse of public funds. STORY: Updated Heat Protections for Outdoor Workers Washington state has updated its workplace heat rules to better protect outdoor workers from heat stroke and other hazards associated with hot weather. The rules take effect in mid-July and expand existing requirements and protections. According to a recent release from the State Dept of Labor and Industries, the rules specify requirements for shade, cool-down rest periods, monitoring workers, and acclimatization to high heat. Employers must update their heat exposure safety programs, train workers and supervisors, and closely observe workers during heatwaves. The temperature that will trigger these new requirements is now 80°F for most outdoor work STORY: Funding for Indigenous Community Water Projects The federal government has committed to allocating $278 million for water infrastructure projects in Indigenous communities across the United States. The funding, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will support projects such as clean water and wastewater treatment, lead pipe removal, and studies on emerging contaminants. The funds’ intention is to address inadequate and outdated infrastructure in rural Indigenous communities, and they will have a significant impact on water quality and environmental health across the country. The total funding for water infrastructure projects on Indigenous lands over the next decade is expected to exceed $13 billion, with a significant portion allocated to the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. WONDERPUP ACADEMY Interested in teaching your dog a new trick? Come down and visit the Trackside Container Village tomorrow from 4-8 pm. Kierin (Keer-in) from Wonderpup Academy will be at the KMRE/ Cascadia Daily container to help dog owners understand their furry companions better. There’s no cost, and you can say hi to the KMRE folks too! See you there. STORY: ABORTION BAN IN IDAHO NOT DECREASING ABORTIONS Since the near-total ban on abortion in Idaho, data from clinics in the Pacific Northwest indicates that Idaho women are seeking reproductive services in neighboring states. The number of Idaho patients at clinics in Eastern and Central Washington has increased by 56% since the ban was implemented. However, according to the Society of Family Planning, the new data also indicates the ban itself has not effectively reduced the number of abortions in Idaho. While there have been over 1,200 fewer abortions in Idaho since the ban, Washington and Oregon have seen a significant increase in the number of abortions performed, with an estimated 75% of out-of-state patients coming from Idaho. Additionally, there’s been a dramatic jump in the number of doctors in Idaho who are leaving to practice elsewhere, and some officials have expressed concern about the collapse of the healthcare system of the state. FREE AND CHEAP Looking for things to do this weekend that wont break the bank? Concerts In The Park are back tomorrow with the Chris Eger Band playing a free show at Boulevard Park from 6 – 8 pm. If you’re in the mood for a movie head to Ferndale’s Pioneer Village Friday night for a free outdoor screening of the film Puss In Boots: The Last Wish, airing at 9 pm. You can also catch an outdoor screening of Top Gun: Maverick in Fairhaven Village Green at 6:30, followed by a performance by the Bayou Oppussums. Tickets are 7 dollars. Want to spend your Friday on the beach? Join volunteers and staff at Cama Beach State Park at 2:30 to learn about barnacles and plankton and how they interact in a marine environment. WX: Sunny and Warm The weather today will be sunny with light winds and a high of 73F. Tonight will be mostly clear with a low a 56F. Beautiful weather will continue through the weekend with sunny skies and temperatures in the low 70s. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteer Myles Weber. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p-m. For news tips and …
June 28, 2023 News Transcript
County Council presents Jail Plan, Worker friendly initiatives head to ballot, New Wildfire in Chelan, Blaine awarded over 9 million dollars for Transportation, Baby Orca spotted, Internet for All gets closer, County unemployment decreases, Road to Artist Point officially open, City of Ferndale offers Grant, Expect Ferry delays this holiday week Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, June 28th]. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: COUNTY COUNCIL PRESENTS JAIL PLAN Last night, Whatcom County leaders outlined their approach to justice ahead of a November 7 ballot measure that will ask voters to approve a sales tax increase in order to pay for it. The plan includes a new jail, likely to be constructed in Ferndale on LaBounty Road, as well as support services to keep people out of jail. The proposed facility would replace the current downtown Bellingham jail and the Interim Work Center on Division Street. A new behavioral care center for offenders qualifying for mental health or substance use treatment would be built nearby. However, key questions regarding the number of inmates the jail will hold and its cost remain unanswered. The proposed size of the jail was influenced by mayors from the county’s seven cities and is expected to exceed 440 beds. A portion of the sales tax collected in the early years will primarily fund jail construction, with more funds allocated to treatment and other services after 2030. The County Council approved the plan and proposed ballot measure after a lengthy meeting. The final decision on the jail proposal will be made by voters in November. STORY: WORKER FRIENDLY INITIATIVES HEAD TO BALLOT Two worker-friendly initiatives have qualified for the November ballot in Bellingham, according to Whatcom County Auditor Diana Bradrick. The initiatives, proposed by Community First Whatcom, aim to increase the city’s minimum wage and provide protections for renters. The minimum-wage initiative would raise the city’s minimum wage incrementally, while the relocation assistance measure would require landlords to provide assistance to tenants facing significant rent increases. The Bellingham City Council must vote by August 1 to officially place the initiatives on the ballot, but their certification by the auditor’s office ensures that they will be presented to voters. Community First Whatcom collected over 13,000 signatures for both initiatives, surpassing the required number of signatures. STORY: NEW WILDFIRE IN CHELAN State fire assistance has been activated to support local firefighters in containing the Methow (meh-TAO) Fire near Wenatchee. The fire started yesterday, and is currently estimated at 50 acres and growing and poses a threat to homes and natural resources. Level 2 evacuations are in effect and the cause of the fire is under investigation. STORY:BLAINE AWARDED OVER 9 MILLION DOLLARS FOR TRANSPORTATION The Department of Transportation has awarded a $9.5 million grant to the City of Blaine to improve the Bell Road-BNSF rail crossing. The Blaine project involves replacing the existing at-grade crossing with a grade-separated facility, including a new roadway, railway overpass, I-5 ramp realignment, a dedicated multiuse path, and other improvements. The grant funds will be used for preliminary engineering, environmental compliance, and right-of-way acquisition for the project. STORY: BABY ORCA SPOTTED A new baby orca has been spotted in L pod near Tofino, British Columbia. The Center for Whale Research received photos indicating the presence of a new southern resident orca calf, estimated to be over three weeks old. This would be the first new calf in the pod since 2021. Researchers will need to conduct further observations to determine the calf’s mother, assess its health, and assign it an alphanumeric designation. The southern resident orcas face numerous challenges, including a lack of sufficient Chinook salmon, pollution, and underwater noise that hampers their hunting abilities. If confirmed, the new calf would bring the total number of southern resident orcas to 74. In a separate sighting, officials from Bellingham Parks and Recreation captured a video of suspected orcas breaching the waters near Boulevard Park on June 26th. STORY: INTERNET FOR ALL GETS CLOSER The Biden administration announced that Washington state will receive over $1.2 billion to expand high-speed internet networks across the state. With the new funding, Washington aims to accelerate its efforts to bridge the digital divide and connect more residents to advanced, high-speed internet services. In a recent release, Governor Jay Inslee expressed excitement about the federal investment, highlighting the state’s commitment to expanding equitable access to broadband. Although Washington is ranked among the top states in terms of internet connectivity, there are still approximately 230,000 households in the state without broadband services, according to the Federal Communications Commission. STORY: COUNTY UNEMPLOYMENT DECREASES Whatcom County saw a decrease in unemployment numbers in May. According to the U.S. Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics, Whatcom County had 824 fewer unemployed individuals in May compared to April and more than 1,500 fewer than in the same month last year. The statewide unemployment rate also dropped from 4.3% in April to 4.1% in May. STORY: ROAD TO ARTIST POINT OFFICIALLY OPEN The Road to Artist Point officially opened this morning at 8 a.m. Travelers should note that there are roadwork and detours in place on SR 542 between Britton and Noon Roads for the Squalicum Creek to Bellingham Bay fish passage project. STORY: CITY OF FERNDALE OFFERS GRANTS The City of Ferndale is offering grants to human services and economic development organizations for projects that will help improve the lives of homeless individuals, low-income residents, and seniors, as well as promote economic development. According to a recent announcement, the city seeks to maximize the impact of limited available funding. Ferndale City Council will approve or deny proposals as part of the budget process. Interested organizations can find forms on the city’s website and submit their applications to Ferndale City Hall. STORY: EXPECT FERRY DELAYS THIS HOLIDAY WEEK Travelers planning to use Washington State Ferries during the Fourth of July weekend should be prepared for possible last-minute schedule changes. Due to a lack of relief crew members, …
June 27, 2023 News Transcript
Martens Request Homeless Emergency, WTA gets funding for new buses, Department of Commerce plans to create safe parking in Ferndale, Downtown Sounds is back, Fireworks Safety, Second Temp Restraining order denied, WA Cares goes into effect, Artist Point opens tomorrow,
July 7, 2023 New Transcript
Stage 2 Fire Ban in Whatcom County, Drought Advisory Announced, Man Arrested for Knife Incident, Heat Could Affect Electric Grid, Greenways Levy Discussed, Air Quality Update ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, July 7th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Stage 2 Fire Ban in Whatcom County Whatcom County Fire District 17 and the Lummi Island Fire District have implemented a stage 2 burn ban that starts today. This decision was based on our ongoing warm and dry weather conditions. With this stage 2 ban, all outdoor burning activities, including recreational campfires and beach fires, are prohibited. Violating the ban will result in fines starting at $250. STORY: Drought Advisory Announced The Washington State Department of Ecology has also issued a statewide drought advisory. Record-breaking warm temperatures in May, a dry spring, and early summer, leading to a rapid decline in water supplies prompted the announcement. The department specifically highlighted the challenges faced by irrigators in the Skagit and Yakima Basins due to the water shortage. Riley Grant, Bellingham Public Works Communication and Outreach Manager, the city is not experiencing drought conditions, but officials are monitoring the situation. Grant says the City encourages water conservation at all times. Currently, voluntary alternate day watering is in effect and residents can water either on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays or on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays with no watering on Mondays. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Whatcom County is in the 12th driest year in our history and is experiencing a moderate drought. STORY: MAN ARRESTED FOR KNIFE INCIDENT A 40-year-old man named Joshua Emley was arrested earlier this week in downtown Bellingham after reportedly harassing people with a knife. The incident occurred Monday night on Railroad Avenue. Witnesses stated that Emley was banging the knife against a light pole and yelling at a group of people. Fearing for their safety, the group ran away when he approached them. Emley was apprehended by the police after refusing to drop the knife and attempting to leave the area. He is currently being held at the Whatcom County Jail on a cash bail of $6,400. STORY: Heat Could Affect Electric Grid It’s now illegal for utilities to shut-off power due to non-payment during heat advisory periods. The new law, passed this legislative session, does not relieve Washingtonians of their obligation to pay their utility bills but protects human health and safety by preventing electricity shut offs during extreme heat. Utilities will still be allowed to shut off power to prevent or mitigate damage from forest fires. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation warns that Washington’s electric grid is vulnerable to above-normal temperatures, and with Washington experiencing record breaking heat during this first week of July, there are ongoing concerns about power outages. Nineteen other states have similar protections in place. STORY: GREENWAYS LEVY DISCUSSED A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, during the Bellingham City Council meeting, to discuss a proposed fifth Greenways levy. The Greenways program has created a fund of over $102 million dollars, purchased 3,200 acres of land, created trails, and funded park development projects. The new proposed levy would seek to continue funding for ten years, with an increased property tax rate of $0.41 cents per $1,000 dollars of assessed value. The proposed projects include a waterfront park, trail connections, improved tree management, and climate resiliency initiatives. The public can provide feedback, either in person or remotely at the hearing. If approved, the levy will be placed on this year’s November 7th general election ballot. STORY: WA HELPLINE LOSES FUNDING A helpline for people in Washington state saw the number of calls go up during the pandemic and never come down. However, its most recent request for state funding was turned down. Eric Tegethoff has more. WA 211 AUDIO STORY: AIR QUALITY UPDATE According to the NW Clean Air Agency the air quality in Bellingham today is good. WX: Sunny and Warm Today’s weather will include partly cloudy skies and a high of 74 degrees in Bellingham. Winds are out of the SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Overnight, expect the skies to stay mainly clear with a low of 57. This weekend should be mostly sunny skies, highs in the mid-70s with evening temperatures dipping to the high 50s. Some clouds are expected to roll back in on Monday, but for now, enjoy the sunshine. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteer Myles Weber. 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. I’m ________________ and thanks for listening.
KMRE Antenna Update: July 27th
KMRE will be moving to King Mountain during the second week of August. We’ll be going through a series of tests first, but expect to hear us throughout Whatcom soon!
June 14, 2023 News Transcript
Jail Location Chosen, County Considers River Float Ban on Nooksack, WWU Dumps Aramark, School District to Rehire Teachers, Washington Has Child Care Woes, Overcast and Mild ______________________________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for [DAY], [MONTH DAY]. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Jail Location Chosen Yesterday, during a special session of the County Council, members voted 6-1 in favor of building a new jail on LaBounty Drive in Ferndale. The location was deemed the most cost-effective and also offered potential for future expansion. The estimated cost of the jail is $137 million, and construction is expected to take about three years. Council members argued that the two other potential locations in downtown Bellingham and the Irongate neighborhood would be too expensive and not practical for future modifications. The county council will finalize the language for the new ballot measure in their upcoming meeting next Tuesday. The funding for the new jail will be put to a public vote on November 7th. Previous attempts to secure funding for a new facility were rejected by voters in 2015 and 2017. STORY: County Considers River Float Ban on Nooksack Whatcom County is considering a float ban on the South Fork of the Nooksack River, potentially making the popular watershed off-limits for nearly half the year. Aimed at protecting Chinook salmon, the prohibition was narrowly rejected by the county council last year resurfaced in discussions yesterday. If approved, the ban would be in effect from June 1st to October 31st each year until 50% of the Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Plan is achieved. The recovery goal for chinook spawning is almost 10,000 fish. Currently, the number of wild chinook salmon spawning is about 200. Those in support of the ban argue that rafting activities during July and August contribute to salmon deaths and that removing such activities would help protect the fish. Some council members raised concerns about funding and enforcement, while others suggested offering alternative recreational activities to residents. The discussion is expected to continue. STORY: WWU Approves Budget With Deficit Western Washington University has approved an annual operating budget for the next academic year, and it includes a $2.2 million dollar deficit. Originally anticipated to sit at $10 million dollars, the deficit will be covered by reserves. The university says the budgetary gap is due to the loss of federal emergency relief funding and declining enrollment. Tuition rates will be increased by 3% for resident undergraduate students and 3.5% for non-resident students in the upcoming academic year. The university says it also plans to maintain programs by using institutional funds to make up any shortfall. STORY: WWU Dumps Aramark In other WWU news, the University has announced it will be changing its campus food service provider from Aramark to Chartwells Higher Education, effective September 1. Chartwells currently serves around 300 campuses in the United States and is known for its innovative practices, including the use of small robots to deliver food. Western plans to introduce its own fleet of food-delivery robots over time. The cost of the new dining system is expected to be comparable to that of Aramark, and student dining rates for the upcoming academic year will remain unchanged. The decision to switch providers was influenced by student engagement, with students expressing concerns about Aramark’s prison contracts, food quality, and treatment of student employees. STORY: School District To Rehire Teachers Bellingham Public Schools in Washington state will rehire teachers who were laid off due to a $16 million budget deficit. The district previously announced reductions or eliminations of positions, including 19 paraeducators and more than 50 certificated staff. However, retirements, resignations, and increased state funding for special education have allowed the district to rehire some staff members. The Mountain School, a popular two-night field trip, will also continue with financial support from grant funding. According to information from the school district, officials are still working on revising the budget for the upcoming school year and expect more updates in the coming weeks. STORY: Washington State Has Child Care Woes Washington state has a reason to feel good about child well-being after the release of a new report, but access to child care remains a sore spot. Eric Tegethoff has the story. CHILD CARE AUDIO WX: Overcast And Mild For your Whatcom weather today– overcast with 20% chance of showers, with highs in the low 60’s and overnight lows in the mid-50s. Expect some clearing tomorrow before rain rolls in again for parts of the weekend. OUTRO:Today’s newscast was produced by volunteer Myles Weber. 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. I’m ________________ and thanks for listening
June 13, 2023 News Transcript
Rise In Homelessness, Bellingham Increase Police Presence, WWU Student Workers Form Union, Peacehealth Closes Another Clinic, Ferndale Police Looking for Rock Throwers, Juneteenth Celebrations Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for [Monday], [June 12]. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: RISE IN HOMELESSNESS A recent report from Whatcom County Health and Human Services shows a 27 percent increase in homelessness across the county since last year. The annual census counted more than 1000 individuals from 850 households without long-term housing. Whatcom County Health and Community Services Housing Supervisor Chris Donofrio (duh-NAH-free-oh) explains who is without housing in our region. CHRIS 01 The jump in homelessness is dramatic. The new figures include sheltered individuals staying in emergency shelters and transitional housing, as well as unsheltered people living in unconventional dwellings– such as tents, vehicles or abandoned buildings. The data comes from the Health Department’s Point-In-Time census, a cross-sectional survey conducted one day a year. However, the count from last year showed a three percent decrease in homelessness among individuals, and just a 2 percent increase in household homelessness. Donofrio explains where some of the discrepancy might be coming from. CHRIS 02 Although shelter capacity increased slightly since last year, the number of households requesting services is growing faster than the county’s ability to provide assistance. One of the quickest growing demographics facing homelessness is seniors over the age of 60. Donofrio says the reasons for homelessness are complex and wide ranging, but he says, there is a way that the county can start to address the underlying issues. CHRIS 03 STORY: BELLINGHAM INCREASES POLICE PRESENCE The city of Bellingham is implementing a program to increase police presence in downtown areas. Bellingham Police Department explains that because of the city’s recent success in hiring, they plan to offer overtime shifts as “emphasis patrols”. Bellingham faced a shortage of officers starting in 2020 due to various factors, including the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder, new state laws on police accountability, retirements, and dismissals related to the city’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement. The current program does not indicate an immediate revival of the special units, such as bike patrols and the drug task force, but involves officers from the existing divisions taking on additional patrol duties through overtime shifts. STORY: WWU STUDENT WORKERS FORM UNION Student workers at Western Washington University have voted overwhelmingly in favor of forming a union. According to a recent press release, student employees have formed the Western Academic Workers United-UAW by a vote of 805-19. The vote took place during finals week, with over 75% of the university’s eleven hundred student workers participating. The group had filed for union formation in December, and the certification of the vote results is expected soon. Additionally, another group of student workers engaged in clerical and maintenance jobs are seeking authorization cards to join the union. STORY: PEACEHEALTH CLOSES ANOTHER CLINIC Peacehealth has announced the closure of its Asthma and Allergy Clinic in the Cordata neighborhood. Peacehealth cited rising costs as the reason for the closure and mentioned “duplication in the community” as a factor in their decision. The clinic will no longer accept new patients and will permanently shut down on September 30th. Current patients can continue making appointments until July 10th, after which limited services will be available until the closure. Peace Health officials denied a request by KMRE News for an interview, instead sending the following statement: Quote “Decisions such as the one affecting PeaceHealth’s Allergy and Asthma Clinic, and others that we’ve had to make to meet our current financial challenges, are very difficult, take into account many factors and are not made lightly.” They apologize for the inconvenience to the community, but they say there is another allergist in town who will take many of the people left without doctors. STORY: FERNDALE POLICE LOOKING FOR ROCK THROWERS The Ferndale Police are seeking assistance from the public to identify people who have been breaking store windows with rocks. Since May 11th, there have been at least 15 incidents of rocks being thrown, resulting in significant property damage. The police believe that two or more individuals may be involved in a string of incidents along Thornton Street and Malloy Avenue, between the hours of 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. Anyone with information about the incidents is urged to contact the Ferndale Police. STORY: JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS A reminder that City-wide Juneteenth celebrations kick off with the Commercial Street Block Party which takes place on Wednesday featuring Black-owned businesses, the Double Dutch Divas, food trucks, games, and small business shopping. On Friday, Boulevard Park will host a Juneteenth Celebration with food trucks, a live DJ, vendors, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities, and Maritime Heritage Park will also hold a community picnic featuring live music, entertainment, and a community art wall. WX: OVERCAST AND MISTY Expect to see mist,drizzle, or even light rain showers beginning to develop through this afternoon in spots. The mist should linger through tonight, with steadier light showers at higher terrain. Overcast skies are expected to linger into the morning tomorrow, but conditions will remain mostly dry Wednesday night through Friday morning. The next system is expected to arrive Friday afternoon. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteer Myles Weber. 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. I’m ________________ and thanks for listening. Rise In Homelessness, Bellingham Increase Police Presence, WWU Student Workers Form Union, Peacehealth Closes Another Clinic, Ferndale Police Looking for Rock Throwers, Juneteenth Celebrations Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for [Monday], [June 12]. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: RISE IN HOMELESSNESS A recent report from Whatcom County Health and Human Services shows a 27 percent increase in homelessness across the county since last year. The annual census counted more than 1000 individuals from 850 households without long-term housing. …
June 12, 2023 News Transcript
Motorcycle Driver Dies After Accident, Teen Arrested With Gun At Commencement, Bellingham REI Unionizes, KMRE Signal Change, Pride Crosswalk Going Forward, Farm Advocacy Group Sends Letters, Centennial Mural Coming Down, Smoke Ready Week Starts Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for [Monday], [June 12]. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: MOTORCYCLE DRIVER DIES AFTER ACCIDENT 58-year-old William Fleischer of Blaine passed away from injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash. According to State Patrol records, the incident occurred last week when Fleischer collided with a car that ran a stop sign on Anderson Road. He was transported to Peacehealth St Joseph Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries over the weekend. The driver of the car and their passenger were unharmed. STORY: TEEN ARRESTED WITH GUN AT COMMENCEMENT A teenager was arrested by Bellingham Police over the weekend for brandishing a weapon following a high school graduation ceremony. The incident took place outside Civic Field after the Options High School ceremony on Saturday. Two officers present at the event responded to a fight involving two teenagers and an adult near the stadium. The adult informed one of the officers that the teen had previously threatened his son with a gun, leading to the confrontation. The other officer attempted to communicate with the threatening teenager who refused to cooperate. Eventually, the teenager was taken down to the ground, and officers discovered a loaded handgun in his possession. The teen was subsequently booked into the Whatcom County Juvenile Detention Center. STORY: BELLINGHAM REI UNIONIZES Workers at the REI store in Bellingham voted 40 to 12 in favor of unionization on Friday. According to reporting by Cascadia Daily News, workers in Bellingham who had pushed for the vote are pleased with the outcome. REI released a statement acknowledging the results but emphasized that the elections need to be certified before they become final. However, the outdoor co-op reaffirmed its support for workers’ right to organize. A second union vote at an REI store in Maple Grove, Minnesota was approved on the same day. STORY: KMRE SIGNAL CHANGE KMRE changed its call sign yesterday, and technical issues have resulted in a temporarily-lowered signal. A problem with the antenna is forcing the station to run on low power until a new one arrives. We appreciate your patience as we get this resolved. Listeners can find us streaming at kmre.org or on the TuneIn app. STORY: PRIDE CROSSWALK GOING FORWARD A proposal to paint a Pride rainbow on a downtown crosswalk as a symbol of support for the LGBTQ+ community has been approved. The city council voted unanimously last week to accept Mayor Seth Fleetwood’s proposal to paint a rainbow over a crosswalk on Cornwall Avenue. However, City of Bellingham attorneys raised concerns about the legal implications and potential precedent. A community member proposed the idea to the mayor, who then brought the proposal to the council. Attorney James Erb told the city that the rainbow crosswalk might be seen as creating a public forum for free speech, citing a recent precedent in Boston that might lead to future requests for different artwork on other crosswalks. Some council members said they believe the city has the right to take value positions in the public spaces it controls. City officials plan to establish a formal policy on streetscape designs in the coming months. STORY: FARM ADVOCACY GROUP SENDS LETTERS A local farm advocacy group has expressed growing concern about water pollution in local streams, caused by contamination from Canada. The Whatcom Family Farmers sent letters last week to state, tribal, and Canadian officials highlighting the issue. The Department of Agriculture and Whatcom County government regularly test water quality in streams entering the US from British Columbia, and the results have shown bacterial pollution levels in Canadian water up to 260 times higher than the allowable limit. The group emphasizes that state and local officials have been aware of this problem for some time and urges prompt action to address the issue. On the same day, a separate group of local, state, and US officials known as the “Whatcom Clean Water Program Partners” also expressed similar concerns in a memo to the Washington State Department of Ecology and the Puget Sound Partnership, providing water sampling data from 2022. STORY: CENTENNIAL MURAL COMING DOWN A prominent artwork in Bellingham’s Arts District for over three decades, is being removed. The Centennial Mural, located near the Whatcom Museum, portrays a salmon,scenes of the Coast Salish Peoples, and Bellingham settlers. Created by East Los Streetscapers in 1990, the mural was part of the city’s Whatcom Creek Salmon Art Trail. According to reporting by Cascadia Daily, building owner Sonja (SEWN-yuh) Max decided to remove the mural to preserve the underlying wall. The paint had deteriorated, causing water damage, cracks, and spalling in the concrete. Some paint has already been removed, and the work will continue for several weeks. Max hopes to repurpose the wall creatively. STORY: SMOKE READY WEEK STARTS The Washington State Department of Health wants the public to prepare for summer wildfires and the smoke that can pose health risks. Smoke Ready Week which starts today, is an opportunity for people to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their families. The DOH expects an above-average fire season in Washington due to a lack of rain and urges the public to stay informed about air quality conditions. Wildfire smoke contains fine particles and gasses, including carbon monoxide, which can cause a range of health issues. Those with pre-existing conditions, infants, children, the elderly, and pregnant individuals are particularly sensitive to wildfire smoke The Department of Health is encouraging the public to prepare now by purchasing MERV 13 filters for h-vac systems, HEPA portable air cleaners, or DIY box fan filters to clean indoor air. You can stay updated on wildfires, air quality, forecasts, and health information through resources such as the WA Smoke Blog and the DOH’s Smoke From Fires webpage. WX: CLEAR AND SUNNY Your weather in …
June 9, 2023 News Transcript
June 8, 2023 News Transcript
Whatcom County At Risk of Drought, Whatcom Family Farmers Pollution, Drug Possession Law fails in Seattle, Free Fishing Weekend, WNS AARP Resources Provide Care for Caregivers, KMRE Signal Change Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for [Thursday], [June 8]. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom County At Risk of Drought According to the United States Drought Monitor, Whatcom County is at severe risk of drought this summer. The Washington Department of Ecology said that due to a dry winter and unexpected heat in May, record breaking snow-melt has already left the region. This is causing an already apparent reduction in stream levels. Falling water levels will not only affect the natural health of the area, but fish like salmon will be at risk of not having enough water to spawn. Currently there are nine acknowledged water rights holders for the Nooksack basin and an adjudication is about to begin to determine how water will be distributed throughout the region. STORY: Whatcom Family Farmers Pollution A farm advocacy group called Whatcom Family Farmers is raising concerns about pollution in creeks that flow across the border and into the Nooksack River near Lynden. According to the letter, testing conducted by Washington state and Whatcom County shows that pollution, including bacterial contamination, has been found to be as high as 260 times the legal limit. The contamination is negatively affecting farmland, as well as fish and shellfish beds near the mouth of the Nooksack River. In the past, a collaborative effort between the United States and Canada had successfully reduced this type of pollution, but Canada discontinued the program in 2021. The source of the pollution remains unknown. Whatcom Family Farmers has reached out to the Department of Ecology and other agencies, urging them to pressure the Canadian government to address the issue. Fred STORY: Drug Possession law fails in Seattle Seattle City Council Members narrowly rejected a bill that would allow the City Attorney’s Office to prosecute drug possession and public use. The 5-4 vote came after a four-hour public hearing where more than 100 people spoke against adopting the bill. Opponents argue that the bill would be a re-escalation of the war on drugs, claiming incarceration is not an effective path toward treating the drug-abuse epidemic. Supporters of the bill frame it as a path to treatment. Council President Dobora Juarez cited her experience as a defense attorney and King County Superior Court Judge, saying quote “even though we don’t want to admit it, sometimes the front door to treatment, whether we like it or not, is the courthouse.” end quote The bill was initially proposed by Seattle City Attorney Ann Davidson, and supported by council members Sara Nelson and Alex Pederson. As the meeting was concluding first-year council member Andrew Lewis voted no, rejecting the proposal. On April 10th of this year, Bellingham City Council passed a similar law making public drug use illegal in Bellingham through April 2025. STORY: Free Fishing Weekend Washington’s annual Free Fishing Weekend returns this Saturday and Sunday. Anglers across the state will be able to fish for trout, bass and other game fish without a license. However, new exceptions are in place this year. Any fish requiring a catch record card – including sturgeon, salmon, steelhead and halibut– will still require a license. Fishermen are encouraged to check current regulations as rules such as seasons, area closures and limits on size and daily catch are still in effect. STORY: Mount Baker Highway Road Closure Mount Baker Highway will remain closed between Britton Road and Noon Road in Bellingham for the installation of a fish-passable bridge. A detour will take travelers around the work zone on Hannagan and East Smith Road. Construction is expected to continue through November – and will add approximately 3 miles of habitat for salmon and sea-run cutthroat trout. STORY: Murder Hornets Back in Whatcom County The Washington Department of Agriculture is advising residents in our region to watch out for murder hornets. Citizen scientists are being recruited to participate in a trapping program designed to give an early warning of the presence of the invasive Northern Giant Hornet. Residents are also being encouraged to adopt a paper wasp nest, as the Northern Giant Hornets are known to attack and steal larvae from these nests. Individuals who have a wasp nest on their property can register it with the department, regularly check it, and report their observations using the Watch a Wasp Check-in form. STORY: WNS AARP Resources Provide Care for Caregivers The AARP has released a list of available resources to help support caregivers in Washington State. Eric Tegethoff has more. [Audio: WNSCaregivers: 1m 34s] STORY: KMRE SIGNAL CHANGE This coming Sunday KMRE will be moving to 88.3FM! In order for us to increase our power to 2000 watts, we need to change our frequency – so find us down at the start of the FM dial at 88.3 or on-demand at kmre.org. WX: Your Whatcom Weather today is… beautiful. Expect a comfortable high of 70 degrees this afternoon. Clouds will be passing by throughout the day but no rain is forecast. Tonight, a low of 56 is on the way accompanied by passing showers. Tomorrow, be ready for rain in the morning followed by a cooler high of 63 degrees in the afternoon. Showers will continue to pass over Bellingham throughout the afternoon. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteer Carl Bryden. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p-m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email st news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by listener donations. I’m _______________________ and thanks for listening.
