The Wandering ‘Hamster

Tsunami Warning, Blaine man arrested for felony kidnapping, Community Discussion on Fentanyl Crisis, Free Meals for Whatcom County Children, Head Start Enrollment Begins, State Reneges on pandemic pay, Mayoral Primary Candidates interview after news   ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, July 17th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Tsunami Warning A 7.2 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Alaska early Saturday morning triggered a tsunami alert for our region. The alert lasted a few hours but was eventually canceled. The earthquake’s epicenter was 55 miles southwest of Sand Point, Alaska and 20 miles under water. Moderate shaking and tsunami waves of half a foot were reported in communities along the Alaska Peninsula and Aelutian Islands. The seismically active Aelutian subduction zone has seen earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.8 and 8.2 in the last two years. STORY: Blaine man arrested for felony kidnapping A 31-year-old man from Blaine is facing multiple charges, including felony kidnapping, after stealing a vehicle with a juvenile in the front seat.  The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office received a report of the stolen vehicle on July 13, and the suspect parked the vehicle a few blocks away before fleeing on foot. Another citizen reported an attempted car break-in, and a witness followed the suspect until deputies apprehended him.  Travis Parke was arrested and booked into the Whatcom County Jail. He is charged with second-degree kidnapping, vehicle prowling, and theft of a vehicle and is scheduled to appear in court on July 14th. STORY: Community Discussion on Fentanyl Crisis All Hands Whatcom and the Bellingham Public Library are holding a free event aimed at promoting community discussion about the current fentanyl, meth, and opioid crisis.  The event will be led by Sam Quinones (QUINN-no-nez), the author of the book “The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth.” According to a recent release, All Hands Whatcom hopes to foster a better understanding of the drug crisis and explore potential solutions.  The community gathering is open to the public and takes place on Tuesday, August 1st, at 6 p.m. at Bellingham High School. STORY: Free Meals for Whatcom County Children Kids under 18 in Whatcom County can receive free meals this summer thanks to the efforts of local non-profit Common Threads Farm.  The project starts this week and will run until August 17th. Common Threads Farm, which focuses on seed-to-table education, connects children with healthy food. The free meals are available from Monday to Thursday at various locations, including Kendall and Acme Elementary, the North Fork and Deming Libraries, and Glenhaven Lakes.  For further details and a schedule, visit the Common Threads Farm Facebook page. STORY: Head Start Enrollment Begins The Opportunity Council is currently accepting enrollments for their preschool and early head start programs.  The programs cater to children aged three to five years old and are available across Whatcom County. Families have the choice between full and part-day options, and breakfast as well as lunch are provided. Additionally, the Council offers a home-based, early head start program for children under the age of three and pregnant mothers. This program includes weekly visits, prenatal support, and other services.  Both the preschool and early head start programs are free for qualifying families. STORY: State reneges on pandemic pay Washington State Department of Corrections workers say they’re being denied a $1,000 pandemic-related bonus. They’re urging state leadership to follow through on their promise. Eric Tegethoff has more.  BONUS AUDIO STORY:  Mayoral Primary Candidates interviews after news The KMRE Focus on Primary Candidates airs everyday after the 5pm news. You’ll hear the candidates for Mayor and County Executive speak to issues that are on our listener’s minds. Today, the Mayoral Candidates share their views on bike and pedestrian improvements. Tune in after the 5pm news.   WX: Sunny and Warm In Whatcom weather today– things will cool a bit momentarily, but warm up as the week goes on. The chance for drizzle inland should end by midday and skies should clear during the afternoon.  Tomorrow will be dry throughout the county, with winds a bit breezy, but should remain under 25 mph.  For the Strait and Inland Coastal Waters off Whatcom County today the wind will come from the south at 5-15 knots with wind waves 1-3 feet.  OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Sarah Edmonds and 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. ###

July 17, 2023 News TranscriptRead More

Multiple Victims of Fired Deputy, Homicide Suspect Pleads Guilty, NW Youth Services Awarded Money, New Agency for Police Accountability, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, FDA approves first ever over the counter-birth-control, Ragnar Road Race Returns  ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Sunday, July 14th]. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Multiple Victims of Fired Deputy Former deputy sheriff Austin Michael Case of Whatcom County, Washington, was arrested and charged with multiple criminal offenses, including rape and extortion.  Two women have accused him of using his position to sexually assault and blackmail them. In addition to these two testimonies, the ongoing criminal investigation by the Skagit and Island County Multiple Agency Response Team (SMART) believe there may be other victims yet to come forward.  Case appeared in court, where his defense attorney argued for his release, but bail was set at $250,000 due to concerns of interference with justice.  Case was still in his probationary period and always under direct supervision during his employment. STORY: Homicide Suspect Pleads Guilty Brezeddric Antowyn Jamerson, aged 53, pleaded guilty to multiple crimes in Whatcom County Superior Court, including controlled substance homicide.  The charge stemmed from an investigation linking Jamerson and two others to the accidental overdose death of a 31-year-old man due to counterfeit fentanyl-laced prescription pills. Jamerson was sentenced to 100 months in prison and 12 months of community custody for the homicide charge. He also pleaded guilty to possession of controlled substances with intent to deliver in two separate cases, resulting in 60-month sentences.  Jamerson had prior felony convictions related to drug offenses. The other two individuals, Sheila Rochelle Johnson and Kim McWillis Ribble, are awaiting trial and face first-degree manslaughter charges.  STORY: NW Youth Services Awarded Money Northwest Youth Services in Bellingham has been awarded almost $900,000 to help homeless youth in our community.  The Office of Homeless Youth (OHY) at the Washington Department of Commerce involved nearly 60 young people with lived experience of homelessness in the evaluation process for over $40 million in grants.  The grants will fund projects working at preventing and addressing housing instability among young people aged 12 to 24 in Washington state. The young experts played a key role in identifying funding priorities, developing scoring criteria, and analyzing funding requests based on their own experiences. Their evaluations, along with other criteria, determined the recipients of the funding. The funding comes from state funds and funds from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.  STORY: New Agency for Police Accountability The Washington State Office of Independent Investigations is now accepting requests to review prior cases involving the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers.  Established as part of a series of police reforms passed by the Legislature, the agency conducts investigations into fatal incidents involving the police. Members of the public can submit cases for review through an online form, with investigations initiated only if new evidence is presented. This first-of-its-kind agency is led by a civilian director and an advisory board and was created based on recommendations following the murders of George Floyd and Manuel Ellis. The Washington Coalition for Police Accountability, a proponent of police reform, supports the establishment of an Office of Independent Prosecution as the next step toward achieving police accountability. STORY: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which replaced the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is celebrating its one-year birthday.  Individuals can access free support through calls, chats, or texts, covering concerns such as suicide, substance abuse, and emotional distress. Trained counselors are available 24/7, and the service is anonymous and confidential. The lifeline also offers specialized lines for specific groups, including veterans, Spanish speakers, LGBTQ+ youth, and the Native and Strong Lifeline— a first-of-its-kind program that has been recognized as a model for other states.  During its first year, the 988 Lifeline in Washington State answered over 65,000 calls, 12,000 texts, and 13,000 chats.  STORY: FDA Approves first over-the-counter birth control The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first over-the-counter birth control pill in the United States.  The medication, called Opill, will be available without a prescription and is expected to provide greater access to contraception. Opill is considered the most effective nonprescription birth control method, surpassing condoms and other nonprescription options.  The manufacturer, Perrigo Company, plans to release Opill in early 2024 The decision has received support from reproductive health experts and organizations, including the American Medical Association. STORY:  Ragnar Road Race Returns Beware of runners on the roads around Whatcom, Skagit, and Island Counties this weekend– the Ragnar Road Northwest Passage relay race has returned. The A to B road relay starts at the Canadian border in Blaine, and takes teams of 12 runners through the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges, and Deception Pass.  The race ends tomorrow afternoon in Langley, WA, on Whidbey Island. WX: Sunny and Warm Today’s weather will be mostly clear and sunny with highs around 79 degrees. Overnight lows will be around 57. Winds light and variable. For the weekend, we’ll see mostly sunny skies with a high of 80 degrees. Expect a few clouds overnight, and Sunday looks like there’ll be partly cloudy skies early in the morning, which should give way to occasional showers later during the night. Monday morning we’re seeing a 40% chance of rain.  OUTRO:Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Sarah Edmonds and 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.

July 14, 2023 News TranscriptRead More

Voters to decide on Whatcom Jail…again, Bellingham to vote on affordability initiatives, County Council Passes Ban on Floating the South Fork, Write in Mayoral candidate still running, Arne Hanna changes locks, Legislation grants rideshare drivers more rights, No aurora for us, Washington recognized for outstanding special education work, Report finds inequities in juries across Washington ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, July 12th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Voters to decide on Whatcom jail…again Whatcom County voters will decide whether to approve a larger jail and services for at-risk individuals this November.  Previous jail proposals in 2015 and 2017 failed, but if this proposal passes, a 0.2% sales tax increase would generate significant funds over 30 years. The funds will initially prioritize paying off the construction bond, and then a behavioral care center will be built alongside the jail.  The final jail size and cost are undetermined, but a large jail has been requested by mayors throughout the county. For reference, a 440-bed jail at the Ferndale site is estimated to cost around $137 million. STORY: Bellingham to vote on affordability initiatives The Bellingham City Council has decided to let voters decide on two community-led initiatives designed to address the affordability crisis.  The first aims to raise the city’s minimum wage incrementally to $1 above the state minimum wage by May 2024, and an additional $2 above the state minimum wage by May 2025. Concerns have been raised about the potential unintended consequences of raising the minimum wage, particularly for seniors on fixed incomes and city employees who would be exempt from the wage increase.  The second initiative proposes that landlords provide three months’ rent as relocation assistance if they increase the rent by 8% or more.  The council has called an emergency executive session to discuss the legal aspects of the tenants’ rights initiative, but the community group behind the initiatives expressed confidence in their legal standing and pointed to other municipalities in Washington that have successfully implemented similar initiatives.  The initiatives will be voted on in the general election on November 8. STORY: County Council Passes Ban on Floating the South Fork The Whatcom County Council passed an ordinance that bans rafting on the South Fork of the Nooksack River from June through October. The ban is part of an effort to protect wild Chinook salmon populations, whose spawning grounds are disrupted by recreational activity. The ban will be lifted when salmon populations reach 50% of their recovery goal of nearly 10,000. Current populations have reached only 2% of that goal. The ordinance passed with a vote of 4-3, despite questions over the effectiveness of the ban and the economic impact on towns reliant on income from aquatic recreation.  STORY: Write In Mayoral candidate still running According to reporting by the Bellingham Herald, Joel Johnson, a grassroots candidate for Bellingham mayor, has registered as a write-in candidate after his petition to be included on the primary election ballot was not accepted.  Johnson, a community and labor organizer, emphasized that he is not entrenched in city government or a millionaire, presenting himself as a candidate for change. The other candidates on the ballot for mayor include Chris McCoy, Kim Lund, Seth Fleetwood (the current mayor), Mike McAuley, and Kristina Michele Martens.  Tune in to the first in our series of conversations with the Mayoral candidates today after the 5pm news.  STORY: Arne Hanna changes locks The Arne Hanna Aquatic Center in Bellingham will install new locks on its lobby bathrooms following incidents of illegal drug use, one resulting in a death.  The locks, which cost approximately $2,300 each, will help staff monitor restroom use more effectively.  STORY: Legislation grants rideshare drivers more rights Over 15,000 Lyft drivers in Washington state are seeing benefits from recent legislation that grants more rights to rideshare drivers.  The State Department of Labor and Industries has received 45 complaints from drivers since the new law came into effect. After investigations into three of the complaints they found that Lyft had underpaid their drivers by a small fraction of a cent for each minute and mile of their trips. After notifying Lyft, a self-audit was conducted, resulting in nearly $193,000 in back pay being distributed to the drivers.  The new laws for rideshare drivers include minimum trip rates, paid sick time, and paid rest breaks.  STORY: No aurora for us Contrary to recent news reports and social media buzz, experts say that the chance of seeing the northern lights in the United States this week is unlikely.  Media reports had cited a University of Alaska aurora forecast, suggesting that 17 states could witness the phenomenon. However, experts explain that the conditions and predictions do not support this. Experts clarify that the current solar conditions would likely only create a glow on the horizon in northern states.  STORY: Washington recognized for outstanding special education work Washington state has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for its successful efforts to improve special education in K-12 public schools.  For the first time,  Washington received the highest level in the annual review of compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. According to a recent report from the Superintendent of Public Instruction., this is due to significant investment in special education support services over the past five years.  O.S.P.I says while there is more work to be done, it is proud of the recent progress and remains dedicated to preparing all students for success. STORY: Report finds inequity in juries across Washington A report released by the Washington State Minority and Justice Commission reveals that people of color and those with lower incomes are underrepresented in juries in Whatcom County and across the state.  The study, conducted in collaboration with Seattle University researchers, collected over 250,000 survey responses and is considered the largest and most comprehensive survey on juror demographics in Washington. The findings indicate that Black and Indigenous jurors face significant barriers to jury service in Whatcom County. The …

July 12, 2023 News TranscriptRead More

Report shows increase in crime across the state, Hundred Acre Wood Protected, Tiny Homes Villages Force to relocate, 2 child molestation cases in Whatcom County, Search still on for missing Burlington man, KMRE Focus Is On Primary Candidates, Northern Lights Visible ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, July 11th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Report shows increase in crime across the state According to a recent report, crime is increasing across Washington state.  The Crime in Washington report for 2022, written by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, highlights a record-high number of murders, with a nearly 17% increase from 2021 and a significant 96% increase since 2019. Additionally, motor vehicle theft saw a 34% rise compared to the previous year.  The report also emphasizes that Washington has the lowest number of officers per thousand residents among all states, a figure that has been declining annually since 2019.  STORY: Tiny Home Villages forced to relocate Two of Bellingham’s tiny home villages, Unity Village and Swift Haven, are facing relocation due to expanding city services and expiring permits.  The villages provide emergency shelter for approximately 50 residents. Unity Village, situated at the Post Point Wastewater Treatment Plant, requires clearance for infrastructure upgrades, while Swift Haven’s permits in the Puget neighborhood will expire by the following year.  The city has identified a recently acquired property on Meridian Street as a potential relocation site. The Meridian Street property is considered suitable for temporary tiny home villages and holds the potential for future permanent affordable housing.  The Bellingham City Council will discuss a budget amendment to assess the feasibility of the relocation. STORY: Hundred Acre Wood Protected Bellingham’s Hundred Acre Wood, an 82-acre stretch of forest between Fairhaven Park and the Interurban Trail, will be permanently protected thanks to a newly adopted conservation easement agreement.  The Bellingham City Council unanimously approved the easement, marking the culmination of a long-term project that began in the 1990s when a development plan for the land was proposed.  The park provides recreational opportunities, education in an outdoor classroom, and environmental protection for wetlands as outlined in the city’s master plan. STORY: 2 child molestation cases in Whatcom County Two men are in custody after being charged with child molestation.  Johan Blevins, a 37-year-old man from Ferndale, has been arrested and is in custody for sexually assaulting a child. The assaults were reported by family members on June 23rd. The victim, a minor, revealed that they were groomed by the suspect while being babysat. Blevins is held on child rape and molestation charges. Separately, Bradly Hicks, a 74-year-old man named from Maple Falls, was arrested on July 6th for attempted child molestation following a report of sexual assault on June 16th. Hicks remains in Whatcom County Jail.  Bail is set at $50,000 for both cases.  STORY: Search still on for missing Burlington man The Burlington Police are seeking the public’s assistance in finding a missing 72-year-old man named Edgar Aberilla (a-bur-REE-ya.  He was last seen near Lowe’s on Sunset Drive in Bellingham on July 4th after being dropped off by a neighbor. Aberilla has dementia and primarily speaks Filipino, with limited English.  Anyone with information or sightings of Aberilla is urged to contact 911. STORY: KMRE FOCUS IS ON PRIMARY CANDIDATES Ballots for the August 1st primary election will be in the mail tomorrow. In order to help our listeners understand the candidates and their positions better, KMRE– in collaboration with Whatcom Community College– interviewed all the primary candidates for County Executive and Mayor of Bellingham. Starting tomorrow, every day after the 5pm news we’ll air a compilation of the candidates’ views on one question. You will also be able to find the interviews in their entirety on our website, kmre.org. STORY: NORTHERN LIGHTS VISIBLE People in 17 states, including Washington, are expected to be able to view the Northern Lights or aurora borealis.  Typically, the Northern Lights are most commonly observed in Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia. However, due to the current 11-year solar cycle, reaching its peak in 2024, the lights can now be seen in more southern regions. The Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks says the  aurora should be visible in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Canada, specifically Vancouver, is also expected to experience auroral activity. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center, the ideal viewing times for the Northern Lights are between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. local time. WX: Sunny and Warm Your Whatcom Weather today is sun and clouds mixed with a high of around 71 degrees, with Increasing clouds, and an overnight low around 56. Tomorrow, expect more clouds in the morning, gradually becoming mostly sunny with a high near 70.  OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Sarah Edmonds and 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.

July 11, 2023 News TranscriptRead More

Hate crime night before Bellingham Pride, Aquatic Center Closure, Reimbursements for Drug Possession Charges, Public Input On Greenways Tonight, Whatcom County Hires Outside Lawyer, State Held In Contempt, Campaign Funding  ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, July 10th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Hate crime night before Bellingham Pride Four juveniles were arrested on Friday in Bellingham for a hate crime.  The teens assaulted and threatened three men in downtown Bellingham, throwing rocks at one victim while threatening to kill him, and shouting racial and homophobic slurs. They followed the victim as he walked home, continuing to throw rocks and causing injuries. When a friend of the victim and another man intervened, the teenagers threatened to shoot and stab them, continuing with their slurs. Prior to the attack, the boys had harassed several other individuals in the area.  The attack occurred on the eve of the downtown parade and other pride-related events scheduled for the weekend. STORY: Aquatic Center Closure The Arne Hanna Aquatic Center in Bellingham was temporarily closed over the weekend due to a drug incident.  The center was evacuated on Sunday after an individual was discovered allegedly using drugs in a bathroom. The person left the premises after being caught but has not been identified.  As a precaution, the facility remained closed for the rest of the day and is set to reopen today. STORY: REIMBURSEMENT FOR DRUG POSSESSION CHARGES Washington State will be issuing reimbursements for individuals required to pay fines or court fees for drug possession charges.  More than 350,000 defendants will be eligible for refunds after the 2021 State vs Blake decision ruled Washington’s possession law unconstitutional. The Blake Refund Bureau is launching a portal this month where it will disburse $50 million to those convicted of drug possession before February 26, 2021. The ruling entitles defendants to a resentencing hearing, where they can have their penalties reduced or convictions cleared entirely. Legislators allocated $47 million to offset the cost of hundreds of thousands of vacating requests and sentence adjustments from cases dating back to the 1970’s. STORY: WHATCOM COUNTY HIRES OUTSIDE LAWYER Whatcom County has hired an in-house conflict attorney to help with a backlog in cases.  As of last Thursday, eight people were still awaiting an attorney, with over half of them in jail without legal representation, according to Whatcom County Superior Court Administrator Dave Reynolds. To address the issue, the county has hired Melissa Stone, who will handle cases the public defender’s office cannot accept.  The county still requires public defense attorneys for the most serious felony adult cases. According to recent reporting by KUOW, the shortage of defense attorneys is a problem faced by other regions in Washington state. STORY: STATE HELD IN CONTEMPT A federal judge has held Washington state in contempt for failing to provide prompt psychiatric services to mentally ill individuals who are forced to wait in jails for extended periods.  In her order released late Friday, U.S. District Judge Marsha Pechman ruled that the state’s Department of Social and Health Services has violated the constitutional rights of these individuals due to a lack of planning and timely response since 2015. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of people with mental health disabilities who were charged with crimes and required competency evaluations. The state previously entered into a settlement agreement in 2018 to address the wait times, but failed to do so.  Instead of increasing capacity in psychiatric hospitals, the state closed wards, exacerbating the problem. The fines, which amount to over $100 million dollars, had been held in abeyance, but are now ordered to be paid.  STORY: PUBLIC INPUT ON GREENWAYS TONIGHT The Bellingham City Council is organizing a public hearing tonight at 7 p.m. to discuss a proposed fifth greenways levy.  The Council is seeking input regarding the levy, which hopes to fund the acquisition, development, and maintenance of recreation projects in the city.  The public can participate in person at the Council Chambers or stream the meeting live through the City’s website. STORY: CAMPAIGN FUNDING Ballots for the August 1st Whatcom County primary are scheduled to drop this  Wednesday, and two candidates are outstripping the rest in the fundraising battles for Bellingham’s mayoral race and the Whatcom County Executive race. Mayoral candidate Kim Lund has raised over $48,000 in campaign contributions, more than three times as much as the next candidate. Incumbent Seth Fleetwood has raised the second most, with nearly $14,000. Chris McCoy, Mike McCauley and Kristina Michele Martens follow with between $4,000 and $8,000.  County Executive campaign spending is even more lopsided. Incumbent Satpal Sidhu has raised $74,000 compared to Alicia Rule’s $10,000. Sukhwant Gill, Barry Buchanan and Dan Purdy follow, raising between $3,000 and $6,000. Misty Flowers is another outlier, securing around $800 in campaign contributions.  In order to help our listeners understand the candidates and their positions better, KMRE in a collaboration with Whatcom Community College, interviewed all the primary candidates for County Executive and Mayor of Bellingham. Starting Wednesday, every day after the 5pm news we’ll air a compilation of the candidates’ views on one question. You can also find the interviews in their entirety on our website, kmre.org.  WX: Sunny and Warm Skies will be partly cloudy this afternoon with a high of 67. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. This evening more clouds are expected to roll in late, with a low of around 55. Tomorrow, expect partly cloudy skies and a high of 69. More cloudy skies overnight with a low of 54. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Sarah Edmonds and 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.

July 10, 2023 News TranscriptRead More

Attempted Escape at Whatcom County Jail, WCSO Vehicle Crashes into Car, Court Limits Use of Paid Vacation, Real Estate Prices Cool Down, Oyster Run is Back, Hunger Remains High in Washington, Air Quality Update ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for [DAY], [MONTH DAY]. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Attempted Escape at Whatcom County Jail An inmate at the Whatcom County Jail attempted to escape yesterday after kicking his cell door down. Christian Dillard, described by the Sheriff’s office as a dangerous and violent inmate, kicked his cell door, causing a mechanical failure that allowed it to open into an outer security area. Corrections Deputies were notified and spent over an hour trying to persuade Dillard to return to his cell. Eventually, the Emergency Response Team intervened and moved him to a safety cell.  Dillard had been held in one of the highest security units in the downtown jail. Sheriff Bill Elfo expressed concerns about the jail’s infrastructure and security systems, stating that this incident was part of a series of failures.  As a result, public tours and non-essential visits to the jail have been suspended until the Sheriff’s Office can ensure the security of the locking mechanisms and doors. STORY: WCSO Vehicle Crashes into Car Yesterday,  all lanes of Meridian Street in Whatcom County were closed after a collision involving a Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office patrol car and another vehicle.  The patrol car was traveling southbound with it’s emergency equipment on when it collided with the passenger side of a second vehicle at Kellog Road and Meridian. Both drivers, identified as Deputy Ryan Rathbun, 42, and Hailey Bergquist, 22, sustained injuries and were transported to Peacehealth St. Joseph Medical Center. The road was reopened two hours after the crash, but the cause of the collision is still being investigated.  STORY: Court Limits Use of Paid Vacation A recent ruling by the Washington Supreme Court may impact the flexibility of employees to use paid leave to care for a sick family member. The incident was brought to court when an Alaska Airlines flight attendant was disciplined for using accrued vacation time to leave work and care for her sick child. Washington state law allows employees to use any form of paid leave to care for sick relatives, but Alaska Airlines argued that it was a violation of their collective bargaining agreement, which requires employees to give notice far in advance when using paid vacation time. In a 5-4 decision, the court ruled that the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement supersede the right of employees to use their choice of paid leave to care for sick family members. STORY: Real Estate Prices Cool Down The residential real estate market in Whatcom County is cooling down. According to a report prepared by Ryan A. Martin, co-owner and broker at Pacific Continental Realty in Bellingham, there was a 7.6 percent drop in the median home price compared to last year. The report, which looked at prices from March-June of this year, also notes that total sales numbers declined by over 18 percent. The City of Bellingham showed the largest decline, with an average sales price drop of over 9 percent and a unit sales decrease of 24 percent.  Commercial property sales in Bellingham have also cooled down, but the market is performing better than larger metropolitan regions in the state. Seattle’s current commercial vacancy rate reached 24 percent last quarter.  STORY: OYSTER RUN IS BACK The largest motorcycle run in the Pacific Northwest is back on after being canceled last month.  The Anacortes Oyster Run, held annually in September, attracts between 10-and- 20,000 bikers to Anacortes. The decision to cancel was prompted by increased expenses, including higher costs for police and fire services and insurance. However, organizers took to Facebook to announce the event’s continuation, after the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee unanimously recommended providing $10,000 dollars to support the event’s return.  The Anacortes City Council is expected to approve the funding at their upcoming meeting. STORY: HUNGER REMAINS HIGH IN WASHINGTON Food insecurity is rampant in Washington state, especially among low-income households. Black Washingtonians are most likely to experience hunger.  HUNGER AUDIO STORY: AIR QUALITY UPDATE According to the NW Clean Air Agency the air quality in Bellingham today is moderate– the Whatcom County area most affected by smoke is Sudden Valley.  WX: Sunny and Warm Today’s weather is partly cloudy with a high of 81. Winds will continue to be light out of the southwest. Tonight, there will be a few clouds overnight with lows around 60. Tomorrow expect intervals of clouds and sunshine with a high of around 75 degrees and about 74% humidity.  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. ___________________________________________________________ #

July 6, 2023 News TranscriptRead More

Reichert Enters Race For Governor, Bellingham Shot in the Thigh, Fires Affect Local Travel, Local Homeless Advocates Unveil Draft Plan, Police Seek Missing Man, Local Man Receives Judgement After Years of Abuse, NW Detention Center Gets Closer Look  ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, July 5th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: REICHERT ENTERS RACE FOR GOVERNOR According to public records, Republican Dave Reichert (RYE-kurt), a former sheriff and congressman, is running for governor.  Reichert is recognized for his efforts in capturing the “Green River Killer” during his tenure as sheriff and his subsequent term as a U.S. Representative. In Congress, Reichert focused on issues such as expanding wilderness areas, improving the foster care system, and combating sex trafficking.  Governor Jay Inslee, the longest-serving governor in the U.S., announced in May that he would not seek re-election for a fourth term. STORY: BELLINGHAM MAN SHOT IN THE THIGH A 35-year-old woman from Seattle, Washington, was arrested on Monday for shooting a Bellingham man in the thigh. According to Lt. Claudia Murphy of the Bellingham Police Department, Easter M. Iosefa (eye-oh-SEE-fa) was visiting a 21-year-old male in the 500 block of York St. when an argument broke out between them. Iosefa fired multiple shots from a small black handgun, hitting the victim in the thigh.  When the police arrived, she fled the scene, but was later apprehended without incident. The gun was not found on her person, but a K-9 unit located it in the area where she had fled. Iosefa was arrested for first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and third-degree malicious mischief and is currently being held without bail.  The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. STORY: FIRES AFFECT LOCAL TRAVEL A brush fire yesterday near the Clayton Beach Overlook on State Route 11/Chuckanut Drive has led to the closure of the road in both directions. The closure is approximately seven miles north of Bow. Firefighters, along with the Washington State Patrol and the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Incident Response Team, are present at the scene. Vehicles are being redirected away from the closure, and there is currently no estimated time for the reopening of SR 11. Also yesterday– first responders were called to the vicinity of Laurel Road and Guide Meridian following reports of a structure fire. Two occupants escaped unharmed, another was transported to Peacehealth St. Joseph Medical Center. One occupant was found deceased inside the structure.  STORY: POLICE SEEK MISSING MAN The Bellingham Police Department is seeking the public’s help in finding a missing man diagnosed with dementia. Edgar B. Aberilla, is 72 years old, about 5’1″, and weighs about 140 pounds, with black hair and glasses. He was last seen at Lowe’s at about 5:30pm yesterday and was wearing a blue T-shirt, khaki shorts, brown shoes, and carrying a brown shoulder bag.  STORY:  LOCAL HOMELESS ADVOCATES UNVEIL DRAFT PLAN Local advocates in Whatcom County have unveiled a draft plan called the “Big Lift” aimed at significantly reducing homelessness in our area.  The plan was created by: a group called Serenity Outreach Services, local political candidates, and the Bellingham Tenants Union. It urges local government to declare homelessness a public health emergency and outlines the construction of an emergency sheltering center with four villages. Each village would contain 25 tiny homes and a central building for essential services. The tiny homes are estimated to cost around $12,000 each, totalling about $1.2 million for the 100 proposed homes.  Proponents of the “Big Lift” emphasize a phased approach, transitioning individuals from emergency shelter to temporary tiny home villages and eventually to permanent affordable housing or home ownership.  STORY: LOCAL MAN RECEIVES JUDGMENT AFTER YEARS OF ABUSE A Whatcom County Superior Court judge has approved a $13.35 million dollar settlement in a lawsuit on behalf of a severely developmentally disabled man who was abused for years.  The lawsuit was filed against the Department of Social and Health Services and the Northwest Regional Council and is believed to be the largest ever levied against DSHS for a severely disabled adult. The case alleges that DSHS, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Northwest Regional Council failed to protect James Rupke (RUP-kee) from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and abandonment by his state-paid caregiver, Alf Vatne (VAHT-nee).  Rupke was reportedly kept in a rundown shack infested with rats for over 30 years, while Vatne used the money meant for Rupke’s care on personal travel. The lawsuit also states that Vatne sexually abused Rupke and claims that the two government agencies did not properly assess Vatne’s qualifications or provide adequate oversight.  The court recently appointed legal guardians for Rupke, and ordered the funds placed in a trust for his protection. DSHS expressed its commitment to working with community partners to improve the care and protection of vulnerable clients. STORY: NW DETENTION CENTER GETS CLOSER LOOK The Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma is one of the largest immigration detention centers in the country. Complaints of unsanitary conditions have been ongoing for years. Reporter Eric Tegethoff has more on this story.  DETENTION AUDIO STORY: AIR QUALITY EXPECTED TO STAY POOR UNTIL TOMORROW The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the western slopes of the Cascades due to warm, dry temperatures in the 80s, which could potentially ignite more wildfires and cause existing ones to spread. The Warning remains in effect until 7 p.m. tonight. Additionally, the Department of Natural Resources reports two large wildfires burning east of the Cascades. As a result, local air quality is slightly affected, with Whatcom County experiencing “moderate” air quality, while areas like Birch Bay and Sumas have air quality deemed “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Individuals who are more sensitive to air pollution are advised to wear masks when outdoors. It is expected that the air quality in Whatcom County will improve tomorrow.  WX: Sunny and Warm Today will be mostly sunny with a high of around 82F in Bellingham, but hotter in the county. Winds …

July 5, 2023 News TranscriptRead More

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 …

July 3, 2023 News TranscriptRead More

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 30, 2023 News TranscriptRead More

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 29, 2023 News TranscriptRead More

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 28, 2023 News TranscriptRead More