Shooting near Skagit Valley College sends campus into lockdown, Bellingham house fire determined to be accidental, Whatcom County drug task force makes seventh arrest in connection with fentanyl ring, Sedro-Woolley police searching for perpetrators of cannabis store burglary, Starbucks’ baristas unionize, Whatcom County still searching for winter weather shelter Site, Gonazaga to join the PAC12, Jobs and money from CCA, but repeal looms, Weather, Gov. Inslee named in Forbes’ new list of 50 worldwide leaders in environmental sustainability Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, October 1st. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Shooting near Skagit Valley College sends campus into lockdown A drive-by shooting sent Skagit Valley College into lockdown yesterday afternoon. A non-fatal shooting took place on East College Way in Mount Vernon at 12:30pm. A 41-year-old man was injured and later taken to Skagit Valley Hospital. Skagit Valley College posted a warning on Facebook asking the public to avoid the area while the investigation was ongoing. An hour later, they posted a notice when police lifted the lockdown. Officers are asking those with information about the shooting to contact Mount Vernon Police. STORY: Bellingham house fire determined to be accidental An update on the Columbia neighborhood house fire last Friday afternoon revealed that a stove burner was unintentionally turned on, which ignited items on top of the stove. According to Bellingham Fire Department spokesperson Dustin Michaelis (muh-KAY-lis), the fire at Victor Street was accidental, with damage confined to the kitchen and attic. No people or firefighters were injured, but multiple pets died. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to support the family, and as of yesterday morning had raised close to $10,000. The fundraiser aims to help the family with immediate needs as they begin to rebuild after the tragedy. STORY: Whatcom County drug task force makes seventh arrest in connection with fentanyl ring A seventh person has been arrested in connection to a fentanyl trafficking ring in Whatcom County. According to police records, a traffic stop on Sunday by a County Sheriff’s deputy revealed that the driver, a 24-year-old woman, was already wanted by law enforcement. The woman had previously been linked to the ringleader of an Everett-based drug trafficking organization. A search of her vehicle uncovered over 150 grams of suspected fentanyl powder, 10 grams of methamphetamine, and drug dealing paraphernalia. She remains in Whatcom County Jail and is being held without bail. STORY: Sedro-Woolley police searching for perpetrators of cannabis store burglary Police are investigating a smash-and-grab burglary at the Smuggler Brothers dispensary in Sedro-Woolley. The dispensary’s owner, Amy Kraus, reported that a stolen Kia crashed into the storefront around 3 a.m. last Wednesday. Police records indicate thieves stole a “modest” amount of products. The incident occurred just days before the store’s tenth anniversary. Authorities ask anyone with information to contact Sedro-Woolley Police. STORY: Starbucks’ baristas unionize Starbucks Workers United announced that another store in Bellingham has voted to join the union, making it the 500th location to do so. The store, located at Old Fairhaven Parkway and 30th Street, became the fourth Starbucks in Bellingham to join the union Monday and the thirtieth in Washington. Over the past three years, more than 11,000 baristas across 45 states and Washington, D.C., have joined the union, marking the largest union organizing effort in recent history. The Union says its efforts have been gaining momentum, and that 100 stores have joined in just the past six months. STORY: Whatcom County still searching for winter weather shelter site With winter just a few months away, Bellingham is still searching for a severe weather shelter site. Community Health and Human Services Manager Ann Beck said that several sites that have been used in the past are not available this year, and said the county is interested in talking with anyone who has space to offer. The shelter would need to operate from November through February or mid-March, and needs to be safe, dry, and warm, with running water, locking doors, and restrooms. Last year, the severe weather shelter operated for 20 nights when temperatures dipped below 28 degrees, and gave an average of 47 people a warm place to sleep at night. According to an “after action report” on the 2023-24 season presented to the County Council in May, the cost to operate the shelter last year was $404,000. STORY: Gonazaga to join the PAC12 Gonzaga, a basketball powerhouse, has agreed to join the Pac-12 conference starting in the summer of 2026. The move marks a major victory for the restructured Pac-12. Gonzaga, a consistent NCAA tournament contender and media draw, will be a partial member as it does not sponsor football. The arrangement represents a strategic shift for the Pac-12, focusing on basketball to boost its national relevance after other schools rejected membership offers. Gonzaga’s addition strengthens the Pac-12’s basketball lineup, which includes San Diego State, and could attract other potential members. Financial terms have not been disclosed. STORY: Jobs and money from CCA, but repeal looms A new report finds high returns from Washington state’s Climate Commitment Act, potentially creating 45,000 jobs and $9.1 billion in economic output over the next five years. However, a measure on the November ballot could repeal the cap-and-invest program. CAP Audio STORY: Weather And now for your Whatcom County weather: Daytime is expected to be rainy and cool, with rainfall expected mainly during the early afternoon hours and a temperature drop to 41 degrees. Winds will be blowing southwest at 5mph. The night is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a low around 33 degrees and wind gusts as high as 20mph. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman (COOL-mun), Tristan Trudell, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Brodey O’Brien, Paloma Ortiz, Anna Hedrick, and Miguel Garduño (MEE-gel gar-DOO-ño). Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p.m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit …
The Wandering ‘Hamster
September 30, 2024 News Transcript
Juvenile arrested following alleged school shooting threat, Man pleads guilty to manslaughter in connection with fentanyl death in Whatcom County jail, House fire in Bellingham’s Columbia neighborhood, Bellingham City Council to consider measure curtailing rental “junk fees”, Bellingham City Council examines two measure affecting immigrants,Opportunity Council establishes new outpatient addiction center in rural Whatcom County, Dept. of Fish and Wildlife issues warning on bringing game in from out of state Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, September 30th. Good afternoon, I’m Theron Danielson. STORY: Juvenile arrested following alleged school shooting threat A 12-year-old boy was arrested by Bellingham Police on Thursday evening after allegedly threatening to shoot up Shuksan (SHUCK-sun) Middle School. Officers arrested the boy after four fellow students reported to an adult that they feared the threat could be realized and that they feared for their lives. Bellingham Police established probable cause for felony harassment after interviews with students and adults. The boy was later booked into the Whatcom County Juvenile Detention facility on four counts of felony harassment. No weapon was located, and the investigation remains ongoing. STORY: Man pleads guilty to manslaughter in connection with fentanyl death in Whatcom County jail 39-year-old Angel Leffingwell was sentenced after pleading guilty to multiple charges related to a fentanyl overdose death of a Whatcom County Jail inmate in March. Leffingwell pled guilty to charges including second-degree manslaughter, unlawful possession of fentanyl with intent to deliver, and a DUI. He received concurrent sentences totaling nearly four years, with credit for time served. Leffingwell had been in jail awaiting trial after being found with fentanyl in his possession following a high-speed chase. On March 13th, he was the only inmate in a common area and was seen going back-and-forth between his cell and the victim’s cell. Two inmates – the victim and their cellmate – were later found unresponsive. Soon after, the victim died from an overdose. Leffingwell had two prior felony convictions from Skagit County. STORY: House fire in Bellingham’s Columbia neighborhood A house caught fire last Friday in Bellingham’s Columbia neighborhood. Firefighters responded to the blaze on the corner of Victor and Washington streets at around 2:30 pm. An hour later, the fire had already been mostly extinguished. The home’s occupants were evacuated and reportedly uninjured, but several family pets in the home are believed to have died. The origins and causes of the fire are still unknown, and no damage report has been made public. STORY: Bellingham City Council to consider measure curtailing rental “junk fees” The Bellingham City Council will consider two measures affecting so-called “junk fees” on rental housing during a meeting tonight. One proposed ordinance focuses on residential tenants, while the second measure is aimed at mobile home lease agreements. Examples of “junk fees” noted include administrative fees, application fees, surcharges to use an in-unit washer and dryer, valet trash, and parking fees for guests. According to a report included with the agenda for tonight’s meeting, renters in support of limiting the fees say that they are forced to pay for services they didn’t want and charged for services not provided. Votes are scheduled when the City Council meets at 7pm in City Hall at Lottie Street. No public hearings are on the agenda, but the meeting will be live-streamed on YouTube. STORY: Bellingham City Council examines two measure affecting immigrants In other Council news, the City is also set to consider two measures affecting immigrants. According to supporting documents on the agenda, one measure proposes the creation of a temporary advisory group to study and advise on the Keep Washington Working Act, a law that prohibits detaining individuals solely to check their immigration status. The second measure would disband the city’s Immigration Advisory Board, which has been inactive since January due to internal tensions. Councilwoman Hannah Stone, who originally proposed the board in 2019, supports disbanding it to allow members to apply to the new advisory group. Both measures will be discussed today at the council’s Committee of the Whole, which meets at 1pm. Votes on the measures are scheduled for later that day. STORY: Opportunity Council establishes new outpatient addiction center in rural Whatcom County The Opportunity Council has opened a new outpatient addiction center in rural Whatcom County. The East Whatcom Regional Resource Center in Maple Falls is now operating the Ideal Option clinic, which offers a range of services meant to support people recovering from substance use. According to Kelly Vogel, a program specialist for the Opportunity Council, having addiction treatment centers in rural areas helps eliminate barriers, such as lack of transportation, for those who seek treatment. Additionally, April Provost, a community outreach coordinator for Ideal Option, said she knows from personal experience that people in rural areas who struggle with addiction tend to face more stigma. Provost hopes the new clinic will help address that issue. The clinic is open to new and returning patients from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays at 8251 Kendall Road. Most forms of insurance are accepted, including Medicare and Medicaid. STORY: Dept. of Fish and Wildlife issues warning on bringing game in from out of state The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has issued a statement to remind Washington-based hunters of rules on transporting game meat from other states. According to the statement, under state law, certain rules must be followed in order to mitigate the risk of spreading chronic wasting disease, or CWD, which is similar to mad cow disease. The restrictions affect the import of deer, elk, moose and caribou harvested outside the state or from the Mount Spokane, Mica (MICAH) Peak and Cheney areas. Only the boned-out meat from these species can be imported, and all soft tissue must be removed from skulls, antlers and hides. Violations of the law may lead to the meat being confiscated, as well as a $5,000 fine or one year in jail. The first case of CWD was confirmed in Spokane County in August, and infections have also …
September 27, 2024 News Transcript
Major bust from Whatcom County drug task force, Two Bellingham businesses suffer break-ins within minutes of one another, Port of Bellingham considering expanding its commission, Northwest Youth Services leader put on paid administrative leave following submission of resignation, Skagit County Bigfoot Festival this weekend, More on capital gains initiative, Free and cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, September 27th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Major bust from Whatcom County drug task force The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Department announced a significant arrest on Wednesday. Authorities arrested 28-year-old Jamie Lopez Laz Cano (LO-pez LAS KUHN-no) after a search warrant yielded approximately three-and-a-half pounds of fentanyl. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the arrest was the result of an investigation by the county Gang and Drug Task Force and the DEA into a Mexican-based criminal organization operating in Whatcom County. Lopez Laz Cano was booked into the Whatcom County Jail on a variety of felonies, including delivery of a controlled substance and possession with intent to deliver. He remains in custody as of today. STORY: Two Bellingham businesses suffer break-ins within minutes of one another Two businesses in downtown Bellingham were broken into early last Monday. Mitch Kramer, owner of FixCO, and Nico Sanchez (NEE-ko), owner of Black Noise Records, discovered their front doors had been smashed. While the thief failed to fully break into FixCO, he did make off with a few items from Black Noise Records. Both owners expressed frustration over the incidents and filed police reports. Repair costs are expected to be substantial, but local support has been strong, with friends starting GoFundMe accounts to help the them recover from their losses. Bellingham Police say the investigation is ongoing. STORY: Port of Bellingham considering expanding its commission The Port of Bellingham commissioners say they will consider an increase in the number of commissioners from three to five. Commissioner Ken Bell introduced the idea at a meeting on September 17th, proposing an open forum for community input on the pros and cons of a commission expansion. To get the proposal on the ballot, the commision can either adopt it as a resolution or organizers could gather a petition signed by at least 10% of Whatcom voters. This isn’t the first attempt to expand the commission; a similar effort in 2012 failed at the ballot. However, local advocacy group Save The Waterfront supports the idea, citing the county’s growth and the port’s expanding responsibilities. The proposal is still under consideration, with no date scheduled for the discussion. STORY: Northwest Youth Services leader put on paid administrative leave following submission of resignation The CEO of Northwest Youth Services has been placed on paid leave. Jason McGill publicly submitted his resignation on September 17th, which was accepted by the board. Yesterday, the Board of Directors announced they were placing McGill on paid leave as they investigate allegations that run contrary to the nonprofit’s core values. No further details were provided about the allegations. McGill had been working as the CEO of Northwest Youth Services since 2021. The nonprofit serves youth in Whatcom and Skagit counties and has a mission to end youth and young adult homelessness. An interim CEO will be appointed in the coming days. STORY: Skagit County Bigfoot Festival this weekend Looking for Bigfoot? Try the Skagit County Fairgrounds this weekend. The 3rd Annual Skagit BigFoot Fest runs today through Sunday and features live music, over a hundred local vendors and artists, food trucks, kids activities and a wine and beer garden, as well as over 20 live performances on two stages. The festival will include a Bigfoot research panel with guest speakers, as well as ax throwing, and a rock wall. On Saturday, you can take part in the BigFoot 5K Fun Run, a family-friendly race which includes themed t-shirts and day passes to the festival for those who register in advance. The festival runs until 10 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. tomorrow, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. STORY: More on capital gains initiative Due to appear in the November ballot, Initiative 2109 would repeal Washington’s capital gains tax, which supports schools, early learning and childcare. In 2023, the tax brought in nearly $800 million. Eric Tegethoff has more on that story. CAP GAINS audio STORY: Free and cheap It’s Friday, so if you’re looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend, here’s some of what’s going on around the County. It’s ‘Fish Fry Frydays’ at Boundary Bay Brewery in Bellingham. Free music with local band Cozmic Sauce starts at 6pm. Come for a high-energy band blending funk, soul, and jazz with powerful horns and soulful vocals along with a delicious fish fry menu and craft beer in the beer garden. The event is family friendly. And tonight from 7-8:30pm discover the spooky side of Fairhaven, Bellingham’s “haunted hot-spot,” on a Gore And Lore guided ghost tour with the GoodTime Girls. The walking tour covers less than a mile and features ghost stories, true crime tales, and eerie local lore. A costumed guide leads the way, but parental discretion is advised due to violent and potentially scary topics. Tickets are $25, and pre-booking via the website is encouraged as the tour sells out. On Saturday—explore Bellingham’s maritime culture, fishing industry, and business community with a Day On The Bay– a free self-guided event on Saturday, from 10am-4pm. Visitors can stop at over 12 locations along the bay to meet fishers, tour boats, learn crabbing techniques, visit touch tanks, view historical photos, and more. WX: Rainy ‘n gray And now weather: The forecast is looking partly sunny today, with daytime highs in the mid 60s. Expect calm southern winds gusting up to 22 mph going into the evening, where lows are projected in the mid-upper 40s. Partial sun is expected for most of the weekend, with occasional rain. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman (COOL-mun), Tristan Trudell, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) …
September 26, 2024 News Transcript
Magnitude 4.0 earthquake detected west of San Juan Island, Man arrested following attempt to scam $17,000 out of Lynden resident, Judge orders owner of Bellingham property to immediately begin abatement of homeless encampment, On and off-ramps at Slater Road to be closed for two weeks, Mount Baker Highway east of Glacier to begin daily closures for winter preparations, State agencies partner to award millions to Puget Sound restoration projects, State Supreme Court holds hearing on public defender caseload reduction, More on capital gains initiative, New orca calf born to L-pod Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, September 26th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Magnitude 4.0 earthquake detected west of San Juan Island Seismologists report a magnitude 4.0 earthquake was detected earlier this morning west of San Juan Island. The epicenter was located 11 miles northeast of Victoria. The depth was estimated to be nearly 32 miles. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake was reportedly felt by some in western Whatcom County. STORY: Man arrested following attempt to scam $17,000 out of Lynden resident Lynden police arrested a man suspected of attempting to scam a local resident out of $17,000. 41-year-old Zhijia Ma (dee-DJA MA) allegedly told the victim they had received an overpayment and needed to return the money. The victim was instructed to prepare the cash, and Ma would collect it in person. However, the victim’s family recognized the scam and contacted police. Ma was arrested last Friday when he arrived to collect the money. Police believe Ma was working with at least one other person who communicated with the victim by phone. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities suspect there are more victims. Ma, who has traveled extensively across the Northwest, is facing charges of attempted first-degree theft and felony conspiracy. He was released from the Whatcom County Jail on Tuesday, after posting a $30,000 bail. STORY: Judge orders owner of Bellingham property to immediately begin abatement of homeless encampment A Whatcom County judge has deemed the encampment on the property near Walmart a ‘nuisance’ and has ordered landowner Li-Ching Fang (LEE JING FONG) to clear it immediately. The City of Bellingham filed a lawsuit against Fang in February due to her failure to address the growing encampment, which has caused safety concerns for nearby residents. Fang attempted measures to remove trespassers, but they were ineffective. Despite Fang’s efforts, the judge ruled that it was ultimately her responsibility to clean up the property. The city estimates the cleanup could cost up to $6 million, including waste removal and wetland repairs. The city plans to involve its Homeless Outreach Team to assist those living in the encampment, but lacks sufficient housing or jail space for them. The cleanup must start immediately, and Fang is responsible for all associated costs. STORY: On and off-ramps at Slater Road to be closed for two weeks WSDOT (WASH-dot) has announced that the southbound I-5 on and off-ramps at Slater Road in Ferndale will be closed for two weeks starting today. A new two-lane roundabout is under construction at Slater Road. As such, crews are working to realign the southbound off-ramp to Slater Road to support it. More dirt is currently needed to build up the ramp embankments. Signed detours will be in place to guide drivers around the closures. Once the southbound ramp closures end, single-lane closures on Slater Road on weeknights from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. will continue until construction of the new roundabout finishes early next year. STORY: Mount Baker Highway east of Glacier to begin daily closures for winter preparations Mount Baker Highway will close for seasonal maintenance and winter preparations starting this Monday. WSDOT crews will close the highway from mileposts 39–54 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, starting on Monday and ending next Thursday. The road to Artist Point closes for the season in the late fall or early winter. Timing of the closure is dependent on the season’s first significant snowfall. In a news release, WSDOT (WASH-dot) announced that crews will work to clear catch basins and ditches, remove hazardous or dead trees, make guardrail repairs and sweep shoulders before the snow arrives. According to the news release, people who travel beyond the closure points during closure hours are allowed to do so at their own risk. Travelers must be beyond milepost 54 before 7 a.m. each day and will not be allowed back through until after 4 p.m. STORY: State agencies partner to award millions to Puget Sound restoration projects State agencies in Washington are partnering to award money to projects intending to restore and preserve the Puget Sound. About $8.5 million are being put by the Habitat Strategic Initiative Lead into projects to advance Puget Sound habitat recovery. According to an investment list announced by the State Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources, Friends of the San Juans will receive nearly $500,000 to expand capacity for reducing shoreline armoring impacts in northern Puget Sound, while the Lummi Nation is receiving nearly $500,000 as well to do restoration work on the Nooksack Watershed. The Skagit Watershed Council is also due to receive money — $226,000 for building reliable habitat restoration in the Whidbey Basin. In total, 21 proposals were listed. STORY: State Supreme Court holds hearing on public defender caseload reduction At a public hearing yesterday, Washington State Supreme Court justices heard diverse opinions on a proposed policy to cap caseloads for public defenders. The Washington State Bar Association has recommended reducing the current maximums to 47 felony or 120 misdemeanor cases annually, a 70% cut. Public defenders supported the cap, citing the need for work-life balance and adequate time for complex cases, while prosecutors and local officials warned it could financially overwhelm counties. According to officials, the cap could triple the public defender office’s budget to $25 million in Whatcom County. There are also concerns about finding enough lawyers and funding. State funding for public defense has stagnated while costs …
September 25, 2024 News Transcript
Owners of Bellingham apartment complex unsatisfied with city’s judgment to relocate nearby homeless camp, Whatcom County seeking location for severe weather shelter, Whatcom County council releases report detailing investigation into sexual misconduct allegations, Meridian School District seeks $75M bond to rebuild middle school, State budget miscue could cost WA community colleges nearly $30 million, Four Whatcom County ferry workers to be honored at state ceremony, New orca calf born to L-pod Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, September 25th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Multiple black bear sightings across various Bellingham neighborhood Recent bear sightings in Bellingham’s Barkley and Tweed Twenty neighborhoods have prompted concern on social media. The bears also caused two Bellingham schools to take extra precautions last week. On Wednesday, principals at both Northern Heights Elementary and Squalicum High sent a joint letter to students and staff addressing the bear sightings. In part, the letter said that classes, lunch and recess will proceed as normal, with additional supervision provided for elementary students when outside for recess. The letter also asked elementary school parents to escort their children when dropping them off late or picking them up early. According to Chase Gunnell, an official from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, bears are common in Whatcom County and were showing normal behavior for them this time of year as they fatten up for winter hibernation. STORY: Owners of Bellingham apartment complex unsatisfied with city’s judgment to relocate nearby homeless camp The owners of the Tullwood Apartments near the Bellingham Walmart encampment are raising concerns ahead of a crucial court hearing. Attorneys for the complex argue that the City of Bellingham’s proposed summary judgment lacks a clear plan to relocate the encampment’s residents in a reasonable timeframe. Under the proposal, the city would take legal responsibility for the property if owner Li-Ching Fang (LEE JING FONG), who resides in Taiwan, fails to clear it by the end of the year. The attorneys believe Fang is unlikely to meet the deadline, especially with winter approaching, making relocation more challenging. Fang hasn’t submitted any court documents since March. The hearing is set for today. STORY: Whatcom County seeking location for severe weather shelter Whatcom County is seeking a location for this winter’s severe weather shelter. Human Services Manager Ann Beck informed the County Council that finding a location has been challenging, as last year’s site is unavailable. The county is considering a faith-based facility in Bellingham but has no confirmed site. They are seeking a space for 45-to-70 individuals that is safe, warm, and equipped with restrooms and locking doors. The county says it will also hire about 15 people to help operate the shelter and is requesting community proposals for other shelter operators. Last year’s shelter operational cost was $400,000, with nearly 70% spent on staffing. Other shelters will also be available, including the Ferndale Community Services shelter, as well as motel accommodations for vulnerable households. The Lighthouse Mission’s new shelter, opening this winter, will provide 300 beds, with an additional 20 beds during severe weather events due to staffing limitations. The new shelter is expected to operate from November through February or March. STORY: Whatcom County council releases report detailing investigation into sexual misconduct allegations The Whatcom County Council has released a draft report following the investigation into the handling of sexual harassment allegations against former Public Works Director John Hutchings. Council member Todd Donovan presented the report at a meeting last night, noting it is not a factual account but rather an overview. The investigation began after an April PBS story revealed allegations against Hutchings and a $225,000 settlement paid to one of the women involved, which the council was unaware of. County Executive Satpal Sidhu faced criticism for signing a recommendation letter for Hutchings, which was drafted by former council member Kathy Kershner, later found to have been romantically involved with Hutchings. The report highlights conflicting views: HR staff described the harassment as an isolated event, while non-HR employees disagreed. Some employees criticized HR for its inaccessibility and lack of empathy. Sexual harassment training was described as ineffective, and leadership was not held to the same standards as other employees. Council member Ben Elenbaas emphasized the committee’s neutrality in the investigation, while Donovan recommended dissolving the committee and involving the full council going forward. The report suggests hiring an outside consultant to improve the county’s workplace harassment policies. STORY: Meridian School District seeks $75M bond to rebuild middle school Meridian School District says it will seek a $75 million, 20-year bond in this year’s election to fund a series of capital projects, including building a new middle school. The current Meridian Middle School, which is split into three buildings, has problems. All three buildings pose a risk of collapsing in case of an earthquake. A tour of the facility in September revealed a lack of accessibility, a cafeteria with only two tiny windows, and water fountains that no longer work. In addition, some of the non-reinforced concrete has crumbled and fallen off the side of the building. The District says construction of a new middle school would cost nearly $87 million – however, $16 million in state funding is already expected. The bond would also pay for projects in the High School, including a generator, as well as repairs and upgrades to the Varsity Stadium and Performing Arts Center. STORY: State budget miscue could cost WA community colleges nearly $30 million An error by state budgeters could cost Washington’s community colleges millions of dollars in funding. According to recent reporting by the Washington State Standard, the Office of Financial Management informed officials at the state Board for Community and Technical Colleges that a nearly $30 million appropriation had been duplicated in the current budget and that Governor Inslee will seek to get the money back in next year’s supplemental budget. During a special meeting on Monday, board members warned of layoffs and program cuts if the $30 million appropriation is …
September 24, 2024 News Transcript
Whatcom to hold first water adjudication meeting this Thursday, Bellingham purchases an additional 40 acres around Lake Whatcom to protect local watershed, $70 million bond to fund Blaine Public Schools to be on November ballot, Whatcom County Public Works director urges property tax bump to fund road maintenance in advance of winter, Dept. of Transportation to fund west coast states in converting to electric trucks, WA changes ballot curing process, New orca calf born to L-pod Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, September 24th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom to hold first water adjudication meeting this Thursday Whatcom County’s first water adjudication hearing is scheduled for this Thursday, at the County Council Chambers. Water adjudication is a legal process to review water use and resolve management disputes. Over 30,000 residents are required to file court claims within the next year, except for those using city or public water sources. Due to the involvement of tens of thousands of water users, in-person seating will be limited, but the hearing will be live-streamed to prevent overcrowding. STORY: Bellingham purchases an additional 40 acres around Lake Whatcom to protect local watershed The City of Bellingham has added more than 40 acres of forest around Lake Whatcom to its watershed protection program. City Council President Dan Hammill announced the deal at the end of last night’s meeting, and council members approved it unanimously. The lake is the drinking water source for more than 100,000 people in Bellingham and Whatcom County. The City says the acquisitions not only improve the drinking water quality, but also provide habitat for a variety of fish, including native kokanee and cutthroat trout. The deal brings the total area protected by the Lake Whatcom Land Acquisition and Preservation Program to about 2,815 acres. STORY: $70 million bond to fund Blaine Public Schools to be on November ballot For the second time this year, the Blaine School District is asking voters to approve a $70 million bond to fund renovations at the middle school. The bond fell short of passing in February by 5 percentage points. The proposal differs from the previous plan in that it extends the payback to 20 years and it includes funding for a roof over the elementary school’s tennis courts to expand outdoor education options. In an interview with the Cascadia Daily News, Superintendent Christopher Granger said there was a lot of quote “misinformation” during the February election. Since then, the district has been working to publicize accurate information about the bond. STORY: Whatcom County Public Works director urges property tax bump to fund road maintenance in advance of winter Whatcom County’s Public Works Department says it is facing budget challenges due to rising costs and declining tax revenue. In a committee meeting two weeks ago, Public Works Director Elisabeth Kosa told the County Council that inflation has increased the price of labor and materials, causing the department to tap into its reserves. As a result, snow removal could be slower this winter, and road repairs may be delayed in the spring. Kosa said cuts of nearly 20% have already been made for the next budget cycle, including deferred road maintenance and the elimination of some programs. Additionally, Kosa said that layoffs are possible, and proposed a 1% annual property tax increase as well as using the county’s $3.6 million dollar “banked capacity” to address the shortfall. The “banked capacity” concept allows cities to be more fiscally conservative by taking only the amount of taxes they need, without jeopardizing their ability to take up to the full amount when necessary. According to Kosa, even with these measures it may still be necessary to implement a larger tax hike– known as a levy lid lift. She says without these measures, current service levels will become unsustainable. STORY: Dept. of Transportation to fund west coast states in converting to electric trucks The U.S. Department of Transportation is giving $102 million dollars to Oregon, California, and Washington to establish a network of charging and fueling stations for zero-emission trucks along Interstate 5. The ‘West Coast Truck Charging and Fueling Corridor Project’ aims to install at least 34 electric vehicle charging stations and five hydrogen fueling stations along the 1,400-mile highway. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from medium and heavy-duty trucks by connecting major freight hubs in cities like San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle. According to the Department of Transportation, freight traffic between these cities accounts for nearly 30% of U.S. emissions. STORY: WA changes ballot curing process Washington state has made changes to the process for curing ballots in the event of mismatched signatures. The August primary proved the new process was consequential to the outcome. Reporter Eric Tegethoff has more. BALLOT Audio WX: Sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows And now for your Whatcom County weather: Today is expected to be warm and sunny, with some scattered clouds. Highs are projected in the mid-70s, with calm west-northwestern winds. Additionally, we’re seeing a chance of showers this evening, alongside lows in the high 50s. That rain is expected to stick around for tomorrow, accompanied by increasing winds and a chance of thunderstorms. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman (COOL-mun), Tristan Trudell, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Paloma Ortiz, Anna Hedrick, and Miguel Garduño (mee-GEL gar-DOO-ño). Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p.m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by listener donations. Check out our Patreon page or go to kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m ________________, and thank you for listening. ## _______________________________________________ STORY: New orca calf born to L-pod Scientists are working to keep a newly-born orca calf, her mom and other killer whales well fed. The orca calf was spotted off the coast of San Juan Island on September 15th. Reports then indicated …
September 23, 2024 News Transcript
Road rage incident on SR20 escalates to a hit-and-run; motorcyclist ends up in hospital, WSP reports over 200 crashes along I-5 in Bellingham in 2024 thus far, Portion of Samish Way to be closed for three nights for asphalt replacement, WSP reports over 200 crashes along I-5 in Bellingham in 2024 thus far, Portion of Samish Way to be closed for three nights for asphalt replacement, Lynden School Board updates gender inclusion policy, Local taproom fighting global water crisis opens new location in Lynden, Whatcom County law enforcement dogs among first in state to receive fentanyl-sniffing certification, State Supreme Court contemplating decision that could heavily reduce public defender caseloads, Cannabis industry leaders in WA mixed on potential federal reclassification, Ramp closures on Slater Road Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, September 23rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Road rage incident on SR20 escalates to a hit-and-run; motorcyclist ends up in hospital State Patrol officers responded to a hit-and-run involving a motorcycle and a car that closed State Route 20 for three hours yesterday. The motorcyclist, a 37-year-old man from Calgary, was injured and taken to Skagit Valley Hospital after his motorcycle was hit by a hatchback. Both vehicles had been stopped at a traffic light when the drivers got into an altercation, after which the car struck the motorcycle eastbound on Highway 20 and fled. The crash occurred on the day of the annual Oyster Run, a large motorcycle event in Anacortes. The incident remains under investigation, and WSP is seeking information about the driver of the car. STORY: WSP reports over 200 crashes along I-5 in Bellingham in 2024 thus far In more traffic news, the Washington State Patrol released the year-to-date statistics for car accidents on I-5 in Bellingham. Over 200 crash reports have been filed since January, most of which took place between noon and 6pm. Most of the accidents occurred on the interchanges at Ohio/Iowa/State Streets, as well as Sunset Drive. Most of the incidents involved ‘two vehicles’, and had no associated injuries. There were 13 crashes involving a car versus an obstacle, with an average of 23 accidents per month. STORY: Portion of Samish Way to be closed for three nights for asphalt replacement Nighttime roadwork on Samish Way between Bill McDonald Parkway and Lincoln Street will take place from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. starting today through Thursday. Asphalt will be replaced, and some intersections will be re-striped and re-channelized. To minimize traffic disruption, work is scheduled at night, with road closures and detours in place, including closures of Exit 252 and 36th Street from Samish to Fielding. Access to businesses will remain open via detours. STORY: Lynden School Board updates gender inclusion policy The Lynden School Board has updated its gender-inclusive schools policy. According to the Cascadia Daily News, the revisions state the school district will generally not withhold a student’s gender identity from their parents or guardians, except in cases where there’s an investigation, child abuse, or neglect. In addition, teachers and school staff will not require students to disclose their preferred pronouns. Board Chair Tonya Hickman said the revisions express quote “parental rights.” Supporters of the new rules say that the state’s gender-inclusive policy required district staff to lie to parents, and the updated policy removes that issue. The move comes as other school districts around Washington have adjusted their gender-inclusive policies. One of them, the La Center School District, changed their policy to state that parents or guardians will be contacted regarding name or pronoun changes, adding that asking students for their pronouns facilitates quote “gender transitioning.” The policy changes in La Center have led a group of local educators, parents and students to file a complaint with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. STORY: Local taproom fighting global water crisis opens new location in Lynden Overflow Taps has opened a third location in West Lynden. According to their website, their mission is focused on raising awareness for the global water crisis. The business donates 1% of all sales to building water projects in developing countries. In an email to the Bellingham Herald, co-owner Jesse Nelson wrote that, since the taproom opened in 2016, just over a thousand people gained access to clean water. STORY: Whatcom County law enforcement dogs among first in state to receive fentanyl-sniffing certification Bellingham Police and Whatcom County Sheriff’s deputies now have fentanyl-detection dogs. Six K9 teams going to four different agencies are the first in Washington state to be certified under the Criminal Justice Training Commission, and completed training in Marysville on September 15th. The initiative, praised by local officials, aims to curb drug issues, especially in the Whatcom County Jail, and is expected to save lives. The announcement coincides with a nationwide decline in overdose deaths, though local overdose numbers, particularly from opioids, have fluctuated. After peaking in May, overdoses in Bellingham and Whatcom County decreased during the summer, but have recently begun to rise again. Despite the decline in deaths, officials stress that overdoses remain high, with local agencies increasing efforts to connect people to treatment services. County Executive Satpal Sidhu emphasized that while the situation is improving, more work is needed to address the crisis. STORY: State Supreme Court contemplating decision that could heavily reduce public defender caseloads Those involved in criminal justice in Whatcom County say they are preparing for a court-ordered reduction in caseload limits, which could drastically affect the entire system. The Washington Supreme Court is considering reducing the caseload limits for public defenders by 70%. Currently, public defenders can handle up to 150 felony or 300 misdemeanor cases annually, but the proposed reduction would force the county’s Public Defender’s Office to triple in size. This possible increase would also triple the office’s budget. Prosecutors, too, would need to expand their teams, further straining resources. The decision follows a study that recommended reduced caseloads to prevent attorney burnout and ensure quality defense. However, the challenge is finding enough qualified lawyers …
September 20, 2024 News Transcript
Woman arrested for attempting to run over three pedestrians in Bellingham altercation, Bellingham to establish “protection zone,” around new medical respite station, WWU president says layoffs likely due to untenable financial status, Cook Road to close for railroad repairs, Gnomecoming, Alaska – Hawaiian Airlines merger approved by federal regulator, State to hire 98 new employees for Paid Family and Medical Leave program to deal with ever-increasing demand, Free and Cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, September 20th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Woman arrested for attempting to run over three pedestrians in Bellingham altercation A Bellingham woman was arrested Tuesday night after she allegedly tried to run over three men. According to police reports, the three men were engaged in a physical fight on State Street. 39-year-old Naomi Miller knew one of the men, and attempted to run over the other two men with her truck. She missed, but turned the truck around and tried a second time, missing again. A fourth man joined the fight, and Miller attempted to hit him as well but failed. Miller was arrested on three counts of first-degree assault. She was released yesterday after posting a $40,000 bond. No one was injured during the incident, and no other arrests were made. STORY: Bellingham to establish “protection zone,” around new medical respite station Bellingham is creating a protection zone around the new Way Station at State Street. The Way Station will provide homeless people with a range of health and social services and help their transition to more permanent housing. According to information shared by the City, the zone will restrict loitering and camping within a two-and-a-half block area around the facility, and includes restrictions on Champion, North State, York, and Ellis streets. City Council members approved the zone in a unanimous decision on Monday night. During a committee discussion on Monday afternoon, Councilmember Michael Lilliquist said he sees the protection area as a way to help support Way Station clients. A similar zone already exists around the Base Camp shelter, and there will be one around the new Lighthouse Mission when it opens next month in Old Town. STORY: WWU president says layoffs likely due to untenable financial status At the annual State of the University speech yesterday, Western Washington University’s President Sabah Randhawa highlighted severe financial difficulties for the school, and said layoffs are expected. Randhawa outlined a strategy to stabilize finances, citing a $20.5 million gap between recurring revenues and expenditures. He said the financial strain stems from low enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic and longstanding insufficient state funding. Layoffs are part of the plan, with two positions already cut. Randhawa said the university will evaluate administrative divisions, minimize redundancies, and streamline operations. Academic program offerings will also be reviewed for potential cost-cutting. Randhawa said the university will also be requesting $21.4 million in additional funding from the Legislature. STORY: Cook Road to close for railroad repairs A section of Cook Road in Skagit County will close next week. The section at milepost 1.89 will be closed at 6 p.m. on Wednesday evening, as BNSF crews conduct repairs on the rail crossing. The closure will remain in place until Thursday at 10 a.m. The road will be closed to all vehicles, including emergency vehicles. There will be a detour route via Highway 20. STORY: Gnomecoming. Gnomecoming is back for its second year. The mushroom-themed circus and dance party is performing three shows in Fairhaven this weekend. Two 21-and-older shows will be held, one tonight and the other tomorrow night, in addition to a Saturday afternoon family-friendly show. All three shows will take place at the Bellingham Circus Guild. According to the Bellingham Herald, the event features quote “an enchanted forest-themed circus show, complete with jugglers and aerial stunts” unquote. Three DJ sets will give attendees a chance to dance along. People are encouraged to dress up as a gnome, mushroom or in a related costume. Tickets can be purchased on the event’s website. STORY: Alaska – Hawaiian Airlines merger approved by federal regulator Federal regulators have approved Alaska Airlines’ nearly two-billion dollar acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, overcoming the final hurdle in the merger process. The Department of Transportation set terms requiring Alaska and Hawaiian to protect key routes, guarantee family-friendly policies, and maintain space for other airlines at Honolulu International Airport. The merger strengthens Alaska’s position as the fifth-largest U.S. airline, with expanded access to Hawaii and Asia. The deal, expected to close soon, marks the first major airline merger since Alaska’s acquisition of Virgin America in 2016. Alaska and Hawaiian will operate as one company but retain their separate brands. STORY: State to hire 98 new employees for Paid Family and Medical Leave program to deal with ever-increasing demand The Seattle Times reports that Washington’s Employment Security Department is looking to hire nearly a hundred new employees over the next two years for the state’s paid leave program. This comes in response to the growth of the program, which has overwhelmed its staff and resulted in issues such as long waits for customer service. The new employees will help answer phone calls, process applications and assist employers with paperwork and questions. Funding for new employees, which amounts to roughly $23 million, would come from the money raised by the program. However, Employment Security would still need approval from Governor Inslee and the Legislature to use its funds in this way. STORY: Free and cheap Welcome to the weekend– here are some free or cheap things to do around Whatcom County! Tonight from 6-8pm, throw on your roller skates or roller blades and free skate at the Depot Market Square! Bring your own skates; helmets and pads (elbow, knee, and wrist) recommended. The program is free. Also tonight at 8pm, enjoy free live music at El Capitan’s at Cornwall Avenue. Saturday, join community members for the Out of the Darkness Walk and the Behavioral Health & Awareness Fair, sponsored by the Whatcom County Lions Clubs …
September 19, 2024 News Transcript
Two-way traffic resumes on Bellingham’s Electric Ave bridge, Bellingham city officials join motion for county Superior, Bellingham city officials join motion for county Superior Court to order homeless encampment cleared, Record sockeye salmon runs, Whatcom County Sheriff’s office awarded funding for rapid DNA testing, State expands shellfish-growing areas for Lummi Nation, Whatcom County Sheriff’s office awarded funding for rapid DNA testing, Let’s Go Washington accused of violating campaign finance law, WA public education ranks among best five states in the nation, Consumer Affairs says Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, September 19th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Two-way traffic resumes on Bellingham’s Electric Ave bridge Both lanes on the Electric Avenue bridge are now open. The bridge, closed since June for repair and support work on its pilings, is ready nearly two days ahead of schedule. Riley Grant, a spokesperson for the Public Works Department, said that the city is still working on a long-term solution, and that a multi-year process to design and construct a new bridge will take place once funding is secured. According to a release from the City of Bellingham, the bridge now has the same weight limits that were in place before its emergency closure in June. STORY: Bellingham city officials join motion for county Superior Court to order homeless encampment cleared Bellingham officials say the City will join the owners of an apartment complex in asking the County Superior Court to order the encampment behind Walmart be cleared by New Year’s Day. City officials say they have asked Li-Ching Fang, the property owner, to have the encampment removed by January 1st. If Fang takes no action, the city will ask the court to allow their officials onto the property to plan for a clean-up themselves. In June, the owners of the Tullwood Apartments, 52nd & Brooklyn, intervened in a lawsuit against Fang, claiming apartment residents were unsafe and the situation was affecting their economic interests. The city estimates the encampment property has up to 2,000 tons of solid waste, with more assumed to be buried in the ground. STORY: Record sockeye salmon runs In some positive environmental news, Washington is experiencing a record-breaking sockeye salmon run this year, with nearly 756,000 sockeye counted at the Bonneville (BON-uh-vil) Dam. According to the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, the number far surpasses the 10-year average of about 330,000. Similar increases were recorded at the Dalles (DALS) and John Day Dams. This surge is largely attributed to a 2014 water management plan as well as ongoing restoration efforts involving tribes, dam operators, and fish managers. However, Fish and Wildlife officials say that climate change remains a threat to other salmon species across the state– including the Snake River sockeye populations– as warmer water temperatures hinder their ability to reach spawning grounds. STORY: Whatcom County Sheriff’s office awarded funding for rapid DNA testing The County Sheriff’s Office will receive nearly half-a-million dollars from the federal government for a rapid DNA machine. The purpose of the machine would be to help law enforcement solve crimes faster and avoid delays of up to a year at the state forensics lab. According to Police Chief Rebecca Mertzig, a rapid DNA machine can produce results in 90 minutes to two hours. The County Sheriff’s Office had applied for the half-million-dollar grant in February. Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Deb Slater told the Bellingham Herald that it’s a quote-unquote “reimbursable grant,” which means the County Council must still approve the funds to buy the DNA machine. Bellingham Police has applied for a similar grant. STORY: State expands shellfish-growing areas for Lummi Nation The Washington State Department of Health says improved water quality has led Washington officials to reopen nearly 400 acres of the Lummi Nation’s shellfish beds in Portage Bay. The reopening, based on clean water found in routine tests, is seen as a result of local community efforts to keep waterways clean. While the Lummi Natural Resources Department views this as a positive milestone, almost 450 acres of shellfish beds still remain closed to all harvests until Nov. 30th. The reopened shellfish beds are reserved for Lummi Nation members. STORY: Let’s Go Washington accused of violating campaign finance law A 14-month investigation has led to charges against the political action committee Let’s Go Washington, for allegedly violating campaign finance laws. The group was founded by businessman Brian Heywood in 2022. An alliance of progressive groups filed a complaint in July 2023, alleging that the committee concealed details of its finances and circumvented reporting rules. The state Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) filed charges on Sept. 9th, accusing the group of failing to report spending accurately and on time and not disclosing vendor subcontractor payments. In response to a subpoena, Let’s Go Washington produced 9,000 pages of records. According to a news release, Heywood claims that the issues are technical and that the committee has been transparent. The PDC will consider the charges on Oct. 3rd. STORY: WA public education ranks among best five states in the nation, Consumer Affairs says Washington students have access to some of the best public education in the country, according to a report issued last week. Market research outlet Consumer Affairs looked at statewide test scores, graduation rates and school funding, among other metrics, to determine which states offer the best public education. Washington took fourth place, far outranking any of its west coast neighbors. Washington lagged behind Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey, and just ahead of Pennsylvania and Vermont. The next-highest ranking state on the west coast was Oregon at 31st. According to the report, the main driver was the state’s score in the higher education category, which was the fourth-highest in the country. Washington earned particularly high marks for the amount of grant aid it offers students. In the school funding category, it ranked 11th, largely due to having the fourth-highest teacher salary in the country. Washington’s lowest scores came in the school safety category, where it ranked 24th, …
September 18, 2024 News Transcript
Inslee announces $1.5 million emergency funding for San Juan ferries, City working to ease “pinch point” at Holly Street, Bloedel Donovan Park beach to reopen following sewage spill, Starbucks’ employees announce plan to unionize, Bellingham nonprofit secures staging area to construct new tiny homes for future village, Environmentalists and loggers reach consensus on amendment to Northwest Forest Plan Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, September 18th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Inslee announces $1.5 million emergency funding for San Juan ferries Governor Jay Inslee announced yesterday that he will provide a million-and-a-half dollars in emergency funding to restore critical ferry transportation throughout the San Juan Islands. The interisland route has been the least reliable in the Washington State Ferry system. The challenges, caused by crew shortages, have created life and safety issues for island residents as well as service providers. Data shows the interisland route completed 81% of its recent scheduled sailings, compared to 95% for the rest of the Ferry system. The funding will allow San Juan County to contract local water taxi providers, charter businesses, and barge services when the ferry is out of service. The funding will also increase weekend service during the winter season. Innslee says the short-term funding will be available immediately, but long-term solutions will depend on whether legislators support new funding during the 2025 legislative session. STORY: Bellingham mayor gives an update on the plan to remove two homeless encampments Mayor Kim Lund gave an update to the City Council on Monday about the plan to remove two homeless encampments in Bellingham. Lund said during a committee meeting that, since the camps are on private property, landowners are primarily responsible for addressing them, though the city is providing support. In the report, Lund said action is slow, but officials are moving forward, particularly at the camps near Stuart and Deemer roads, and Bakerview and Northwest roads. The city has filed a legal response related to a camp behind Walmart and formed an internal team to focus on large encampments. Extra police patrols have been requested, and technical assistance is being offered to landowners. Mayor Lund says she sees cooperation between property owners, as well as recent community meetings with nearby residents and businesses as important next steps. Lund also said that the City remains committed to finding long-term solutions that balance factors such as public safety, private property rights, and the well-being of individuals experiencing homelessness. STORY: City working to ease “pinch point” at Holly Street During that City Council meeting on Monday, Mayor Lund also announced that officials are working to address a “pinch point” created for drivers upon the addition of bike lanes on Holly Street. The quote-unquote “streateries” on Holly will be scaled back between Bay and Commercial streets. Businesses are being asked by October 1st to quote “either phase out their streatery structures or apply to scale them back” unquote. The addition of bike lanes on Holly Street in May reduced traffic lanes from three to two. The streateries added between Bay and Commercial streets in 2022, however, take up a lane of traffic, which meant traffic on that block of Holly was reduced to a single lane. STORY: Bloedel Donovan Park beach to reopen following sewage spill Bloedel Donovan beach was reopened yesterday after last week’s sewage spill. Up to 50,000 gallons of sewage spilled into Lake Whatcom a week ago, after contractors working on the Electric Avenue bridge hit an underground pipe. This week’s water quality tests showed that bacteria levels in the lake have now returned to safe levels. Most of Bloedel Donovan Park has also reopened, aside from parts impacted by ongoing renovations and stormwater improvements. The City says the sewage spill had no impact on Bellingham’s drinking water, as the water treatment plant is a mile upstream from the spill’s location. STORY: Starbucks’ employees announce plan to unionize Starbucks baristas at the Old Fairhaven Parkway & 30th Street location announced yesterday that they have filed for a union election. The baristas, alongside 11,000 other Starbucks employees across the U.S., say they are advocating for improvements in respect, wages, equity, and scheduling. The organizing effort, led by Starbucks Workers United, says they aim to establish store contracts by the end of the year. Since 2021, nearly 500 Starbucks locations in 45 states have won union elections. STORY: Bellingham nonprofit secures staging area to construct new tiny homes for future village HomesNOW! Has announced it has secured a temporary staging area to build new tiny homes. The site, a parking lot and maintenance shed owned by the Whatcom Council On Aging, will be fenced and monitored for security during construction. HomesNOW! chairman Doug Gustafson called for community help through volunteer work and donations. Gustafson says he hopes the tiny homes will eventually be moved to a new village site, North Haven, in Bellingham’s Birchwood neighborhood. However, the move has been delayed to spring 2025 due to an appeal by North Coast Credit Union, seeking more time to address concerns. The city had purchased the relocation site for $1.2 million, as the current villages must move due to land use conflicts. Gustafson expressed gratitude to supporters and excitement for the upcoming relocation. STORY: Environmentalists and loggers reach consensus on amendment to Northwest Forest Plan A 21-member committee tasked with revising the 1994 Northwest Forest Plan says it has come up with recommendations that they say will make meaningful changes to Northwest forest management. After 30 years with the 1994 plan, endangered species are still in decline, wildfires are more frequent, and rural communities are struggling despite reduced timber harvests. Composed of scientists, loggers, conservationists, as well as tribal and government representatives, the committee was asked to work together to reach a consensus on recommendations. Led by co-chairs Travis Joseph, representing the timber industry, and Susan Jane Brown, representing environmental interests, the committee came to consensus around 184 recommendations. 113 of the points emphasize Tribal inclusion and aims to correct the exclusion …
September 17, 2024 News Transcript
Trial gets underway for man accused of shooting two Whatcom County deputiesm Bellingham City Council formally opposes Albertsons-Kroger merger, Bellingham receives state grant for solar energy project, Whatcom County proactive burn ban lifted Saturday, regional restrictions still in place, Police start monitoring local trails, Bear Creek mitigation bank nearly complete, Bellingham receives state grant for solar energy project, Pac-12 expands membership, Health Insurance Rates rise Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, September 17th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Trial gets underway for man accused of shooting two Whatcom County deputies The trial of a Maple Falls man accused of shooting two County Sheriff’s deputies is underway. 63-year-old Joel Young is facing two charges of attempted murder in connection to the shooting of two deputies in 2022. Court documents state that the two deputies were responding to a neighborhood dispute involving Young when he shot both of them in the head. Both deputies, now retired from the force, survived the incident and were awarded Medals of Honor from the state Attorney General’s Office. Young has pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder charges. He’s currently being held at Whatcom County Jail on a $5 million bail. STORY: Bellingham City Council formally opposes Albertsons-Kroger merger Last night, the Bellingham City Council formally opposed the proposed merger between grocery giants Albertsons and Kroger. The council cited potential factors such as price increases, decreased food access, and the dismissal of unionized workers as reasons for their stance. The council’s opposition coincides with the start of a Washington state antitrust lawsuit against the merger. The proposed merger would combine nearly 5,000 stores nationwide, including brands like Haggen, Safeway, Fred Meyer, and QFC. Kroger and Albertsons argue the merger is necessary to compete with larger companies like Walmart and Amazon. In response to antitrust concerns, the companies proposed selling several stores, including all four Haggen locations in Bellingham. However, the City Council, led by member Jace Cotton, raised concerns about negative impacts similar to those experienced after the Safeway-Albertsons merger in 2015, such as Haggen’s bankruptcy and the closing of the Albertsons in the Birchwood neighborhood. The resolution was unanimously approved and sent to the FTC, the state attorney general, and the CEOs of Kroger and Albertsons. Other cities in Washington, like Kenmore, have taken similar action. STORY: Bellingham receives state grant for solar energy project The City of Bellingham was awarded a $165,000 grant to evaluate several locations for large-scale solar initiatives, an assessment meant to examine the potential for future low-income community solar development projects. This is one of 46 grants funded by the Washington Climate Commitment Act. According to the state Department of Commerce, the grants will boost clean energy innovation and support the planning, design and construction of clean energy projects throughout the state. A total of $37 million dollars will be awarded through two clean energy programs to further the goals of Washington’s 2021 State Energy Strategy. STORY: Whatcom County proactive burn ban lifted Saturday, regional restrictions still in place The County Fire Marshal’s Office announced that the Stage 1 Burn Ban on open burning in unincorporated areas of Whatcom will be lifted starting at 8 a.m. this Saturday. Verbal burn permits can be obtained via the Outdoor Burning Information Line, while written permits for larger fires are available at the Planning & Development Services Office at Northwest and Smith Roads. Stage 1 Burn Bans remain in effect in Point Roberts, Lummi Island, Sandy Point, and several cities and urban growth areas, including Bellingham, Ferndale, and Lynden. STORY: Police start monitoring local trails A man was arrested in Bellingham earlier this month for riding a homemade motorbike on pedestrian and bike trails. Motorized vehicles are banned on local trails for safety reasons, as they can exceed the 15-mile-an-hour speed limit. The man, arrested on September 6th, also faces charges for driving with a suspended license, evading police, and violating a protection order. Park Operations Manager Steve Janiszewski (jan-uh-SHEV-ski) emphasized the importance of trail rules for the protection of pedestrians and cyclists. Bellingham Police reminds all trail users that rule violators may be given civil citations. STORY: Bear Creek mitigation bank nearly complete The City of Bellingham is on the verge of opening its first wetland mitigation bank. A mitigation bank is a piece of land where developers can buy quote-unquote “credits” if their projects impact wetlands, streams or riparian areas. The city has been working with other agencies on establishing its bank since 2016. Last July, a big step was taken towards the establishment of the bank when the Whatcom County Council approved a project permit for the city and voted to grant the city a million dollars in economic development investment funding. The site, located at Bear Creek, consists of four parcels totaling almost 100 acres. The bank does not yet have an anticipated opening date, but the goal is to have credits available for sale by next year. STORY: Pac-12 expands membership The Pac-12 Conference, which faced potential collapse after losing eight schools in 2023, has announced it’s now expanding. Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, and San Diego State will be joining the league in 2026. The move secures the futures of the two remaining Pac-12 schools–– Washington State and Oregon State––while significantly impacting the Mountain West Conference. The expansion comes after Pac-12 leaders, under new commissioner Teresa Gould, strategically positioned the conference for growth. The Pac-12 now needs to add at least two more schools by 2026 to comply with NCAA rules, secure a new media rights deal, and explore new revenue streams. STORY: Health insurance rates rise Health insurance rates in Washington’s state marketplace will increase next year. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner approved an average rate hike of 10.7% for 2025. This move will affect nearly 300,000 patients who use the state’s online health insurance market. Regence BlueShield customers face the largest increase at nearly 23%, and Molina Healthcare the smallest at nearly 6%. Insurance companies say the …
September 16, 2024 News Transcript
Boeing machinists officially still on strike, SR547 to close for maintenance this week, Four people hospitalized and one arrested in connection with Chuckanut Drive car crash, Fifth person rescued at Racehorse Falls this year, Census Bureau data states Bellingham medium income fell, poverty rose in 2023, Gov. Inslee visits two WWU projects related to in-jeopardy Climate Commitment act, State approves loan funding for Bellingham landfill clean project, Skagit County may prohibit large-scale energy projects on vulnerable agricultural land, Pac-12 expands membership, Health insurance rates rise Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, September 16th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Boeing machinists officially still on strike Boeing is facing a financial toll after over 30,000 workers went on strike last week, rejecting a tentative contract. The strike has halted production of the company’s 737 Max and other planes, disrupting the company’s recovery from earlier safety issues. In response, Boeing announced it would freeze hiring, cut non-essential spending, and potentially furlough workers to save money. The company has also paused orders for parts, which could impact its supply chain. While Boeing aims to reach a new contract, 95% of union members voted against the initial offer due to dissatisfaction with raises and retirement benefits. Talks are set to resume with federal mediators. STORY: SR547 to close for maintenance this week State Route 547 in Sumas will be closed for maintenance starting today. Road crews from the state Department of Transportation are working on stabilizing an eroding bank along Saar Creek. WSDOT (WASH-dot) says it will install 2,400 large rocks and 10 trees along the bank, in an effort to help realign the creek and protect the highway. A signed detour will guide traffic around the closure. The highway will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through Thursday. STORY: Four people hospitalized and one arrested in connection with Chuckanut Drive car crash A two-car crash on Chuckanut Drive last Saturday night sent four people to the hospital and one to jail. A BMW sedan was heading southbound when it lost control and drove into an oncoming SUV. The Washington State Patrol reports that first responders arrived at the scene around 7:45 p.m. All four people in the SUV were transported to St. Joseph, while neither of the occupants of the BMW were injured. The WSP reported the cause of the crash was reckless driving. 20-year-old Nathan Singh, the driver of the BMW, was arrested on charges of vehicular assault and booked into the county jail. The crash caused Chuckanut Drive to close for over 5 hours. STORY: Fifth person rescued at Racehorse Falls this year A woman tumbled down 150 feet at Racehorse Falls near Deming last Tuesday. Crews from Whatcom County’s Fire District 14 found a woman who had fallen 50-to-60 feet, then tumbled another one-hundred feet down a slippery rock slope to the bottom. The crews rappelled down and carried her out on a wheeled stretcher. NBC News reports that she was later transported to a hospital in Seattle with serious injuries. Her exact condition is unknown. Fire District 14 stated that this was the quote “fifth high-angle rescue at Racehorse Falls this year alone” unquote, and advised the public to exercise caution, especially around the cliff edges. STORY: Census Bureau data states Bellingham medium income fell, poverty rose in 2023 New data from a U.S. Census Bureau survey states that Bellingham saw its average income dip last year, while poverty levels jumped significantly. The survey estimates that Bellingham’s median household income in 2023 was a little under $55,000, which represents a drop of over $12,500 from the previous year. Prior to the drop, Bellingham’s median household income had held steady since at least 2019. The percentage of Bellingham residents below the poverty line also saw a significant jump for the year. The Census Bureau estimates that 22% of Bellingham residents lived below the poverty line in 2023, up from 14.3% in 2022. The data comes from nearly 500 Bellingham households, roughly 1.1% of the city’s total. STORY: Gov. Inslee visits two WWU projects related to in-jeopardy Climate Commitment act Governor Inslee visited Western Washington University last Wednesday to tour projects related to the Climate Commitment Act, which faces a repeal effort on this November’s ballot. The state allocated $10 million to modernize WWU’s aging Steam Plant, a project expected to cost $35 million over several phases. The plant produces nearly all of the university’s greenhouse gas emissions, and its modernization is critical for WWU to meet state climate goals. State Representative Alex Ramel said that converting the Steam Plant to heat pump technology will provide jobs and align with the state’s target to cut emissions by 95% by 2050. Other WWU projects funded by the Act include electric vehicle chargers and solar panels. Inslee’s visit coincides with opposition to the Climate Commitment Act, led by hedge fund manager Brian Heywood. The repeal effort, known as Initiative 2117, argues the Act imposes hidden gas taxes. While Inslee didn’t directly address the initiative, WWU officials emphasized the Climate Act’s importance for ongoing green energy projects, including Kaiser-Borsari Hall, a zero-energy building under construction on campus. STORY: State approves loan funding for Bellingham landfill clean project The City of Bellingham received over $7 million in loan funding from the state Public Works Board for the Cornwall Avenue landfill cleanup. City documents indicate that the estimated cleanup cost is $19 million, with half covered by state grants and the rest shared between the city and the Port of Bellingham. The cleanup will occur alongside the R.G. Haley project as well as the first phase of the new 17-acre Salish Landing Park, which is part of a waterfront revitalization effort. Construction is scheduled to start next year, with the park, featuring beach access, trails, and parking, set to open in 2027. STORY: Skagit County may prohibit large-scale energy projects on vulnerable agricultural land Skagit County is considering prohibiting large-scale electrical energy projects on agricultural land due to …
