Crews finish repairs following report of gas leak near Bellingham’s Meador Avenue, City of Bellingham reports drinking water not contaminated by Bloedel Donovan sewage spill, Ferndale to host harvest festival in October, Samish Nation and San Juan advocacy group awarded NOAA funding for ecological preservation, Free and cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, September 13th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Crews finish repairs following report of gas leak near Bellingham’s Meador Avenue The gas leak reported near the Meador Avenue Bridge yesterday morning has been fixed. Fire crews were first notified of the leak around 9:45 a.m. The leak was caused by construction workers hitting a two-inch natural gas line. People in the 1700 block of Meador Avenue were asked to shelter in place as a precautionary measure. Cascade Natural Gas says it completed all repairs by 2:30 p.m. STORY: City of Bellingham reports drinking water not contaminated by Bloedel Donovan sewage spill The waterfront at Bloedel Donovan Park remains closed after a significant sewage spill into Lake Whatcom on Wednesday afternoon. The spill, caused by a contractor hitting a buried pipe during work on the Electric Avenue bridge, released up to 50,000 gallons of raw sewage into the lake. Yesterday, officials clarified that the city’s drinking water was not affected, since the water treatment plant intake is over a mile upstream from the spill site. In response, city engineers released additional water from Lake Whatcom into Whatcom Creek to help flush the sewage. The spill is not expected to impact the planned reopening of the Electric Avenue bridge next week. Until further notice, residents are advised to avoid contact with water near the park. STORY: Ferndale to host harvest festival in October Ferndale Community Services will host a Harvest Festival next month. The festival, which aims to celebrate Fall and raise money for people in need, will be a family-friendly event and include activities such as pumpkin and face painting as well as cultural demonstrations. The Harvest Festival is free, but donations will be accepted to support FCS’s programs and services. More information is available on the Ferndale Community Services website. STORY: Samish Nation and San Juan advocacy group awarded NOAA funding for ecological preservation The Samish Indian Nation and Friends of the San Juans have been awarded nearly half-a-million dollars to bolster the climate resilience of the San Juan Islands. According to a recent press release, funding is made possible through the state Climate Commitment Act and will support the San Juan Islands Resiliency Planning Project. This project aims to protect the islands’ ecological and cultural resources from climate-related threats such as flooding and erosion. Organizers plan to conduct a comprehensive flood and erosion hazard assessment, and say they will integrate cultural resource protection into shoreline restoration with new research and mapping data on sea level rise, shoreline armoring, and key marine habitats. This effort is a collaboration between state agencies, tribes, NGOs, and local government and will be part of the state Coastal Climate Resilience Partnership. Samish Indian Nation, which has inhabited the islands for centuries, views the grant as a crucial step towards addressing climate challenges facing the region. The project is set to commence in 2025, and will provide a blueprint for safeguarding the future of the San Juans and their communities. STORY: State college credit program for high schoolers sees enrollment bump The Washington State ‘College in the High School’ program is helping students state-wide save money—and the program is growing. College in the High School has been offered free to students since last year, and provides college-level courses taught by high school teachers with oversight from college faculty. The initiative aims to strengthen educational options rather than replace them. According to a press release, about 10,000 students have enrolled in the dual-credit courses so far. Advocates note that 74% of participants go on to enroll in college, suggesting the program effectively promotes higher education. Unlike Advanced Placement or IB courses, credits from College in the High School translate directly into class credits in Washington-area universities and colleges. According to organizers, Interest in the program has increased among students and school districts alike, because it allows schools to keep students on campus and tailor courses to meet community needs. However, it’s still uncertain whether the program has increased participation among low-income students, with early data showing only about 28% of the 2023 cohort were from low-income backgrounds. STORY: Free and cheap If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, why not try one of these free (or cheap) local events. Today and tomorrow are the final days for “A Summer Celebration: Six Women Artists”. The show at the Cordata Gallery is free and features works across various media and styles. Tonight: Stop by Boulevard Park for a free, family-friendly concert. Tonight’s event features North Sound Soul, a Bellingham-based, 9-piece band which includes high-energy horns, dynamic rhythm section and is fronted by a tag-team duo of powerhouse vocalists. Music begins at 6pm. Starting Saturday at 10AM you can check out the Farm & craft market in downtown Blaine overlooking the harbor. Free admission for the public every Saturday from May to October. Also on Saturday: If your kid is into legos, there will be boat-focused fun at Barnes and Noble with Brad and Mike from Season 4 of Lego Masters and Tom Crestodina, author and illustrator of Working Boats: An Inside Look at Ten Amazing Watercraft. At 1pm, there’s a make-and-take event that requires admission, but there’s a free storytime at 2pm and at 2:45 a free Build With Brad. Call Barnes and Noble for more information. WX: Spooky date, mundane forecast And now weather: Expect clouds and sporadic afternoon showers today, with calm southwestern winds and a high in the mid-60s. Nighttime lows are projected to be in the mid-50s. Rain is expected to stick around through the weekend, with consistent showers beginning tonight and lasting through tomorrow, although we might see a small …
The Wandering ‘Hamster
September 12, 2024 News Transcript
Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office joins multi-agency effort torescue man trapped in Nooksack Slough, Public Works Board approves grant for landfill cleanup project in Bellingham, Judge orders WWU to pay legal fees in whistleblower retaliation case, Federal government blocks repair of Skagit tidegate, citing probable environmental damages, WA to address accessibility issues in state parks Independent, nonprofit community radio.KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, September 12th. Goodafternoon, I’m __. STORY: Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office joins multi-agency effort torescue man trapped in Nooksack SloughA man was rescued from the Nooksack Slough (SLOO) on Monday afterbeing stuck in a marsh for over 30 hours.The multi-agency rescue effort included the Lummi Nation Police, bothBellingham Fire and Police Departments, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard.A drone deployed by Bellingham Police had a loudspeaker which calledout to the missing man, who was able to reply. This helped search teamspinpoint his location.A Coast Guard helicopter airlifted the man from the marsh and flew him toEMTs at the Bellingham Airport, and was then transported to St JosephMedical Center for further evaluation. STORY: Maple Falls man sentenced after pleading guilty tohit-and-run A Maple Falls man was sentenced to 15 months in prison after pleadingguilty to a felony hit-and-run charge. 59-year-old Darren Hicks was involved in a hit-and-run incident in 2021,when he struck a good Samaritan assisting a driver with a disabled vehicleon Kendall Road and left the scene. The impact was so severe that itreportedly left paint from the car on the victim’s pants and caved in Hicks’scar’s windshield. The victim, a 21-year-old from Ferndale, reportedlysuffered serious injuries. Hicks was arrested and booked into jail last November, before postingbond for his release less than a month later. That bond was forfeited onJune 30th after Hicks failed to appear in court, and he was returned tocustody. This is not Hicks’s first run-in with the law, as he has prior felonyconvictions of third-degree assault and possession of methamphetamines,along with 24 gross misdemeanor convictions. STORY: Public Works Board approves grant for landfill cleanupproject in BellinghamThe Washington State Public Works Board has approved over $175 millionin funding for essential infrastructure projects across 29 counties.The funding includes $169 million for construction and $6.3 million forpre-construction–– which covers public water, sewer, stormwater, roads, streets, bridges, and other infrastructure projects in 51 communities.Bellingham will be receiving over $7 million to clean and cap a formercontaminated municipal solid waste landfill bordering Bellingham Bay. Themoney will also help the Cornwall Avenue Landfill Cleanup Project restorehabitat at the site. STORY: Judge orders WWU to pay legal fees in whistleblowerretaliation caseWestern Washington University will have to pay over $650,000 in legalfees to a whistleblower after a jury found the university guilty of retaliationagainst her.Antonia Allen, who was once employed by WWU as the director of theInternal Auditor’s office, launched an investigation into quote “ghostcourses” offered by the Woodring College of Education. The courseswould allow students to qualify for full financial aid without attending class.Allen was fired by WWU in late 2019 after she refused to remove the term“financial fraud” from her report to the Department of Education.Allen had previously won a lawsuit against Western in 2020, and receivedapproximately $3 million in both back pay and damages for emotionalharm. STORY: Federal government blocks repair of Skagit tidegate, citingprobable environmental damagesThe federal government has blocked repairs to a second tidegate in SkagitCounty, citing probable environmental damages.According to a recent announcement, the Army Corps of Engineersinformed the National Marine Fisheries Service that repairing thecentury-old tidegate could negatively affect Puget Sound salmon and killerwhales. Skagit County’s drainage districts manage infrastructure like dikesand tidegates to protect farmland from flooding, but Marine Fisheries andthe Corps believe that maintaining these structures harms essentialsalmon habitats.Skagit County Dike, Drainage and Irrigation District 12 sued MarineFisheries, arguing that the impact of the repairs is overstated. According toother local officials, the future of Skagit Delta agriculture depends on themaintenance of tidegates. The nearby District 19 has proposed repairingleaking pipes to prevent tidegate collapse, however concerns remain overthe effects on estuary habitats.Marine Fisheries will now review the proposal. STORY: WA students’ test scores show improvement in math, butsteady decline in English A new report from Washington’s Superintendent’s Office shows somethingof a mixed bag for student progress since the pandemic.Data shows that students in grades 3-thru-8 as well as grade 10 aremaking promising progress in math, with comprehension levels risingacross most grades since 2021. This growth follows a significant drop inmath scores during the pandemic. However, English language arts scoreshave slightly declined across nearly all grade levels.State Superintendent Chris Reykdal (RIKE-doll) noted that the trend alignswith national patterns and says he plans to focus on improving earlyliteracy. Reykdal added that his 2025 budget proposal includes funding foran AI reading tool to help students practice reading aloud while receivingpersonalized feedback. STORY: WA to address accessibility issues in state parksOne complaint from two people staying at an accessible campsite atParadise Point has led Washington to address accessibility issues in all ofits state parks.Back in May, James Evans and Deb Hodge were surprised at how far thebathroom was located from their ADA-approved campsite. The uneven surfaces on the trail also caused the disabled Evans to fall and needmedical attention.Hodge filed a complaint arguing that the campsite violated the ADA. Thecomment triggered an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice,which revealed that other state parks also failed to meet ADArequirements.The subsequent deal struck with the DOJ requires the state Parks andRecreation Commission to come up with a formal process to maintaincurrent accessible facilities and construct new ones. The deal alsoestablished that fixes should start as soon as October 1st of next year. WX: O save us, ye blessed overcastAnd now for your Whatcom County weather: Some morning clouds and showers today, which are expected to graduallyclear as the day wears on. Expect highs in the mid-60s, calmwest-northwest winds, and nighttime lows in the lower 50s. Tomorrow should be warmer and sunnier for a brief spell, before Friday andthe weekend takes us back to clouds and rain. OUTRO:Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga …
September 11, 2024 News Transcript
Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office joins multi-agency effort torescue man trapped in Nooksack Slough, Public Works Board approves grant for landfill cleanupproject in Bellingham, Judge orders WWU to pay legal fees in whistleblower retaliation case, Federal government blocks repair of Skagit tidegate, citing probable environmental damages, WA to address accessibility issues in state parks Independent, nonprofit community radio.KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, September 11th. Goodafternoon, I’m __. STORY: Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office joins multi-agency effort torescue man trapped in Nooksack SloughA man was rescued from the Nooksack Slough (SLOO) on Monday afterbeing stuck in a marsh for over 30 hours.The multi-agency rescue effort included the Lummi Nation Police, bothBellingham Fire and Police Departments, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard.A drone deployed by Bellingham Police had a loudspeaker which calledout to the missing man, who was able to reply. This helped search teamspinpoint his location.A Coast Guard helicopter airlifted the man from the marsh and flew him toEMTs at the Bellingham Airport, and was then transported to St JosephMedical Center for further evaluation. STORY: Maple Falls man sentenced after pleading guilty tohit-and-run A Maple Falls man was sentenced to 15 months in prison after pleadingguilty to a felony hit-and-run charge. 59-year-old Darren Hicks was involved in a hit-and-run incident in 2021,when he struck a good Samaritan assisting a driver with a disabled vehicleon Kendall Road and left the scene. The impact was so severe that itreportedly left paint from the car on the victim’s pants and caved in Hicks’scar’s windshield. The victim, a 21-year-old from Ferndale, reportedlysuffered serious injuries. Hicks was arrested and booked into jail last November, before postingbond for his release less than a month later. That bond was forfeited onJune 30th after Hicks failed to appear in court, and he was returned tocustody. This is not Hicks’s first run-in with the law, as he has prior felonyconvictions of third-degree assault and possession of methamphetamines,along with 24 gross misdemeanor convictions. STORY: Public Works Board approves grant for landfill cleanupproject in BellinghamThe Washington State Public Works Board has approved over $175 millionin funding for essential infrastructure projects across 29 counties.The funding includes $169 million for construction and $6.3 million forpre-construction–– which covers public water, sewer, stormwater, roads, streets, bridges, and other infrastructure projects in 51 communities.Bellingham will be receiving over $7 million to clean and cap a formercontaminated municipal solid waste landfill bordering Bellingham Bay. Themoney will also help the Cornwall Avenue Landfill Cleanup Project restorehabitat at the site. STORY: Judge orders WWU to pay legal fees in whistleblowerretaliation caseWestern Washington University will have to pay over $650,000 in legalfees to a whistleblower after a jury found the university guilty of retaliationagainst her.Antonia Allen, who was once employed by WWU as the director of theInternal Auditor’s office, launched an investigation into quote “ghostcourses” offered by the Woodring College of Education. The courseswould allow students to qualify for full financial aid without attending class.Allen was fired by WWU in late 2019 after she refused to remove the term“financial fraud” from her report to the Department of Education.Allen had previously won a lawsuit against Western in 2020, and receivedapproximately $3 million in both back pay and damages for emotionalharm. STORY: Federal government blocks repair of Skagit tidegate, citingprobable environmental damagesThe federal government has blocked repairs to a second tidegate in SkagitCounty, citing probable environmental damages.According to a recent announcement, the Army Corps of Engineersinformed the National Marine Fisheries Service that repairing thecentury-old tidegate could negatively affect Puget Sound salmon and killerwhales. Skagit County’s drainage districts manage infrastructure like dikesand tidegates to protect farmland from flooding, but Marine Fisheries andthe Corps believe that maintaining these structures harms essentialsalmon habitats.Skagit County Dike, Drainage and Irrigation District 12 sued MarineFisheries, arguing that the impact of the repairs is overstated. According toother local officials, the future of Skagit Delta agriculture depends on themaintenance of tidegates. The nearby District 19 has proposed repairingleaking pipes to prevent tidegate collapse, however concerns remain overthe effects on estuary habitats.Marine Fisheries will now review the proposal. STORY: WA students’ test scores show improvement in math, butsteady decline in EnglishA new report from Washington’s Superintendent’s Office shows somethingof a mixed bag for student progress since the pandemic.Data shows that students in grades 3-thru-8 as well as grade 10 aremaking promising progress in math, with comprehension levels risingacross most grades since 2021. This growth follows a significant drop inmath scores during the pandemic. However, English language arts scoreshave slightly declined across nearly all grade levels.State Superintendent Chris Reykdal (RIKE-doll) noted that the trend alignswith national patterns and says he plans to focus on improving earlyliteracy. Reykdal added that his 2025 budget proposal includes funding foran AI reading tool to help students practice reading aloud while receivingpersonalized feedback. STORY: WA to address accessibility issues in state parksOne complaint from two people staying at an accessible campsite atParadise Point has led Washington to address accessibility issues in all ofits state parks.Back in May, James Evans and Deb Hodge were surprised at how far thebathroom was located from their ADA-approved campsite. The uneven surfaces on the trail also caused the disabled Evans to fall and needmedical attention.Hodge filed a complaint arguing that the campsite violated the ADA. Thecomment triggered an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice,which revealed that other state parks also failed to meet ADArequirements.The subsequent deal struck with the DOJ requires the state Parks andRecreation Commission to come up with a formal process to maintaincurrent accessible facilities and construct new ones. The deal alsoestablished that fixes should start as soon as October 1st of next year. WX: O save us, ye blessed overcastAnd now for your Whatcom County weather: Some morning clouds and showers today, which are expected to graduallyclear as the day wears on. Expect highs in the mid-60s, calmwest-northwest winds, and nighttime lows in the lower 50s. Tomorrow should be warmer and sunnier for a brief spell, before Friday andthe weekend takes us back to clouds and rain. OUTRO:Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh),Connor O’Boyle, …
September 10, 2024 News Transcript
Whatcom County sex offender to be detained at McNeil Island pending commitment trial, Suspect in custody following stabbing on Samish Way, Lynden man sentenced after pleading guilty to multiple rapes, AFSCME union workers strike, Birchwood Food Desert Fighters nearing goal of owning and operating food delivery truck, Bellingham waterfront climbing gym and housing project announces construction timeline, Boeing inks historic contract with machinist union Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, September 10th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom County sex offender to be detained at McNeil Island pending commitment trial A Whatcom County man will be held at a corrections facility for sex offenders pending a commitment trial. Superior Court judge Robert Olson ruled yesterday that 38-year-old Jake Unick is likely to reoffend if released and should be held until trial. This comes after Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed a petition last week, asking for Unick to be held at the Special Commitment Center on McNeil Island. A psychological exam conducted by the Attorney General’s Office found that Unick is quote “more likely than not to commit a sexually predatory offense if he is not confined to a secure facility” unquote. Unick spent ten years in prison for attempting to kidnap three children and attacking an adult woman in a two-week period in 2013. He was originally set to be released last week. The trial is likely to take place in mid-2025. STORY: Suspect in custody following stabbing on Samish Way A 45-year-old man is in custody after he allegedly stabbed another man during a confrontation in Bellingham. On Sunday, the suspect accused the victim of trespassing behind a business on Samish Way and provoked a fight. The altercation escalated, leading the suspect to pepper spray the victim and stab him in the legs. The victim declined medical transport, stating he would go to the hospital on his own. The suspect is being held at the Whatcom County Jail without bail. STORY: Lynden man sentenced after pleading guilty to multiple rapes A Lynden man has pleaded guilty to rape charges in Whatcom County Superior Court. Last week, Nurlan Levi Varner, 21, of Lynden, was sentenced to 2 years in prison followed by 3 years of community custody for each of the two rape charges, with credit for time already served. Court documents indicate the charges stemmed from three separate rapes reported between September 2023 and April 2024. One incident occurred while Varner was in custody awaiting trial for the earlier charges. In all cases, he knew the victims, and they repeatedly told him “No” during the assaults. Varner is required to register as a sex offender upon release. STORY: AFSCME union workers strike Nearly 50,000 public service workers in Washington state went on strike at noon today. According to a recent release, workers staged walkouts in cities across Washington, including the one at Western Washington University. Dubbed “Walkout for Washington,” the 90 minute strike involved workers represented by AFSCME Council 28 and are employed by state agencies, community colleges, and universities across 130 worksites. Ongoing contract negotiations with the state’s Office of Financial Management have been stalled since April. The union argues that low wages and benefits are causing a staffing crisis affecting essential public services, and claim that nearly 40% of the state workforce has resigned in the past eight years. The union says it hopes the strike will highlight these issues and help secure a fair contract for the workers. STORY: Birchwood Food Desert Fighters nearing goal of owning and operating food delivery truck[1] The Birchwood Food Desert Fighters, a group addressing food insecurity in Bellingham’s Birchwood neighborhood, has announced they are seeking community funding to support a newly donated food truck. Formed in 2016 after the closure of the neighborhood’s only grocery store, the group organizes food distribution and garden-sharing networks, delivering 1 to 1.5 tons of food weekly to 100-150 households. According to recent reporting by the Bellingham Herald, the Ferndale Food Bank donated a truck to the Food Desert Fighters, which means they no longer have to use multiple cars for food deliveries, however, now the group is trying to raise about $4,500 on GoFundMe for insurance, maintenance, and other expenses. Albertsons was recently forced to remove a non-compete clause that prevented other grocery stores from opening in the area, however members of the BFDF emphasize that their efforts to ensure access to quality, culturally appropriate food for residents who face economic challenges continue to be vital. STORY: Bellingham waterfront climbing gym and housing project announces construction timeline[1] A multi-story, 45,000-square-foot climbing gym and housing project is set to begin construction in downtown Bellingham next spring. According to a recent release, The Chalkboard will be Bellingham’s first large rope climbing facility and will feature 55-foot-tall climbing walls, bouldering areas, a fitness and training area, yoga studio, and community spaces with rooftop views. In addition to the gym, the development will include 36 market-rate apartments, known as the Arête (AR-ett) Lofts. According to the release, the gym has been developed by Gabe Rogel, will emphasize community, and will offer classes, youth programs, competitions, and events. Rogel says he envisions the space as a place for personal growth, connection, and adventure. The building is expected to be completed by winter 2026-27 and will be located at 315 West Holly Street, across from the Old Town Cafe. STORY: Boeing inks historic contract with machinist union Boeing could avoid an impending strike, as the company and its largest union have tentatively agreed on a new contract. Associated Press reports that an agreement was struck between Boeing and the International Association of Machinists last Sunday. The agreement would raise pay 25% over four years. While this is still less than the 40% increase originally demanded by the union, Boeing agreed with a key union demand to build its next plane in Washington state. The union’s bargaining committee is recommending that members ratify the contract on Thursday. A two-part election is scheduled for that day, …
September 9, 2024 News Transcript
Three sentenced in child fentanyl death, Full closure of Electric Avenue bridge beginning today, projected to last until the 20th, Other road closures, Birchwood Food Desert Fighters nearing goal of owning and operating food delivery truck, Bellingham waterfront climbing gym and housing project announces construction timeline, Authorities offering cash reward for information leading to arrest of suspect in August’s Concrete fire, Lynden School Board petitioning for review of policies regarding transgender inclusion in school sports, 100 complaints of sex abuse against state juvenile detention centers filed Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, September 9th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Three sentenced in child fentanyl death Three Whatcom County adults have been sentenced in the fentanyl-related death of a child. Cody Curtis Craig, Michael Wayne Doane, and Melissa Ann Welch pled guilty to charges related to the death of Welch’s and Doane’s 5-year-old daughter in March 2023 and were recently sentenced in Whatcom County Superior Court. Craig was found guilty of unlawful delivery of controlled substances and sentenced to 30 months in prison (served concurrently) and 12 months of community custody. Michael Wayne Doane was found guilty of 2nd-degree manslaughter, and sentenced to 48 months in prison and 18 months of community custody. Melissa Ann Welch was also found guilty of 2nd-degree manslaughter. She was sentenced to 48 months in prison and 18 months of community custody. All three were originally charged with 1st-degree murder after the death of the child was investigated by Ferndale Police on March 8th. STORY: Full closure of Electric Avenue bridge beginning today, projected to last until the 20th Starting Monday the Electric Avenue bridge over Lake Whatcom will be closed while the road is reinforced to allow for travel on both traffic lanes. According to the the city of Bellingham website, Woburn Street will be the north-south detour route during the closure, which will last from Monday until September 20th. Bicycle and pedestrian access will be limited during construction hours. According to the city of Bellingham, the sidewalk will stay open for pedestrians outside of construction hours on evenings and weekends About 10,500 cars and trucks cross the bridge daily, according to a city of Bellingham traffic count from last year. In June, city officials identified “critical structural failures” during an inspection of the bridge which led to its closure for several days. Plans for reconstruction of the bridge are included in the city’s five-year transportation plan for 2024-2029. STORY: Other road closures In other road closure news, the Washington State Department of Transportation has scheduled fish passage rehabilitation work on the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) from now till Friday. A section of the highway at Olson Creek near Ranger Station Road will be closed to all traffic. Also starting today, the intersection at Northwest Avenue and West Illinois Street in Bellingham will be closed again– this time for a week, including the sidewalks. A detour is in place, and travelers are advised to use caution. For more information, visit the West Illinois Street Multimodal project page. STORY: Birchwood Food Desert Fighters nearing goal of owning and operating food delivery truck The Birchwood Food Desert Fighters, a group addressing food insecurity in Bellingham’s Birchwood neighborhood, has announced they are seeking community funding to support a newly donated food truck. Formed in 2016 after the closure of the neighborhood’s only grocery store, the group organizes food distribution and garden-sharing networks, delivering 1 to 1.5 tons of food weekly to 100-150 households. According to recent reporting by the Bellingham Herald, the Ferndale Food Bank donated a truck to the Food Desert Fighters, which means they no longer have to use multiple cars for food deliveries, however, now the group is trying to raise about $4,500 on GoFundMe for insurance, maintenance, and other expenses. Albertsons was recently forced to remove a non-compete clause that prevented other grocery stores from opening in the area, however members of the BFDF emphasize that their efforts to ensure access to quality, culturally appropriate food for residents who face economic challenges continue to be vital. STORY: Bellingham waterfront climbing gym and housing project announces construction timeline A multi-story, 45,000-square-foot climbing gym and housing project is set to begin construction in downtown Bellingham next spring. According to a recent release, The Chalkboard will be Bellingham’s first large rope climbing facility and will feature 55-foot-tall climbing walls, bouldering areas, a fitness and training area, yoga studio, and community spaces with rooftop views. In addition to the gym, the development will include 36 market-rate apartments, known as the Arête (AR-ett) Lofts. According to the release, the gym has been developed by Gabe Rogel, will emphasize community, and will offer classes, youth programs, competitions, and events. Rogel says he envisions the space as a place for personal growth, connection, and adventure. The building is expected to be completed by winter 2026-27 and will be located at 315 West Holly Street, across from the Old Town Cafe. STORY: Authorities offering cash reward for information leading to arrest of suspect in August’s Concrete fire Law enforcement is offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Jason Birman, a suspect in an August 9 homicide near Concrete. Birman, a 50-year-old man, is wanted for questioning in the deaths of his wife, Erin Birman, her son, Taylor Dawson, and Taylor’s girlfriend, Jillian Whitney Van Boven. All three were killed by gunshots before a fire destroyed their residence. He is known to frequent Whatcom County and may be driving a blue 1994 Chevrolet pickup truck (license plate C67636L). Anyone with information should contact the U.S. Marshals or Crime Stoppers. If encountered, call 911 immediately and do not approach. STORY: Lynden School Board petitioning for review of policies regarding transgender inclusion in school sports Lynden School Board members have approved letters that urge legislators and the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) to review current law and policies regarding transgender athletes. Current WIAA guidelines state that any trans, non-binary or other gender-diverse student …
September 6, 2024 News Transcript
Family seeking information on whereabouts of missing man last seen in Bellingham, Whatcom County man arrested and charged with two counts of child molestation, Confirmed rabies specimen found in Whatcom County, State program for low-cost EV purchase doing great, Free and cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, September 6th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Family seeking information on whereabouts of missing man last seen in Bellingham Family and friends are asking for help to find a missing man who was last seen in Bellingham. According to a report by BPD, 44-year-old Timothy Noland is currently unhoused and was last seen in late June. Police note that he is reportedly nonviolent, but will likely avoid contact with law enforcement. Noland is a white male, 5-feet-10, 165 pounds, with brown hair and eyes. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the Bellingham Police Department. STORY: Whatcom County man arrested and charged with two counts of child molestation A 60-year-old man has been arrested in Whatcom County and charged with two counts of first-degree child molestation involving a child under age 12. Charges against Michael Stewart Nault were filed last Wednesday in Whatcom Superior Court and are considered class A felonies related to domestic violence. Nault is currently being held in Whatcom County Jail without bail. STORY: Confirmed rabies specimen found in Whatcom County The county’s first confirmed case of rabies this year has been found. A bat tested positive for the highly contagious disease after being sent to the state public health lab. Bats are the primary vector of rabies and between 3-10% of bats tested are found positive for the infection in Washington state. Infection can occur when people are bitten or come in contact with an infected animal’s saliva through a break in their skin. The disease is 100% preventable in humans with prompt medical care, however once symptoms appear the disease is almost always fatal. Anyone who has come in close contact with or been bitten or scratched by a bat should immediately clean the area with soap and water and call their health care provider as well as Whatcom County Health and Community Services (WCHCS). If possible, safely capture the bat using protective equipment or call Whatcom Humane Society’s Animal Control for assistance. Otherwise, bats are a protected species in Washington state and should be left alone. STORY: State program for low-cost EV purchase doing great A rebate program for electric vehicles leased or purchased in Washington state is exceeding expectations. The program is designed to get rebates to low- and middle-income families who are looking to purchase an EV. EV AUDIO STORY: Heat advisory and cooling centers The heat wave across Western Washington is sending wildfire smoke across the county. According to the National Weather Service, a “thermal trough” is to blame for our air quality, since it is carrying smoke from the Ruby Fire, and others, over the Bellingham area. Temperatures are expected to begin dropping in Bellingham, but daytime highs in the mid-to-upper 80s are expected in the inland areas of the county. A heat advisory is in effect for Whatcom and Skagit Counties until 11 p.m. tonight, with temperatures expected to reach the 80s to low 90s, according to the National Weather Service. People sensitive to heat should be cautious of heat-related illnesses, stay hydrated, and take breaks in air-conditioned areas. Cooling centers in Whatcom County include the WTA Station in Downtown Bellingham, Lynden Community and Senior Center, Ferndale City Hall, Pioneer Pavilion, East Whatcom Regional Resource Center, and all Whatcom County libraries. If someone shows signs of heat stroke, please call 911. STORY: Free and cheap Here’s a few free and cheap activities to enjoy this weekend: It is the first Friday of the month, which means Downtown Bellingham’s First Friday celebrations return this evening! Starting at 6pm and running until 10pm, dozens of businesses will host artists, feature signature dishes, showcase live music, and much more. Digital maps with participating venues can be found on the Downtown Bellingham website. For another fun and family-friendly activity, check out Griffintown Park in Ferndale for the Chalk Art Festival tomorrow. The festival is free and takes place from 11am to 2pm. Full details can be found on the Ferndale Arts Commission Facebook Page. Afterwards, those 21 and up can enjoy an evening of whiskey tasting in downtown Lynden. Purchase of a Whiskey Walk ticket will give attendees 5 tasting tokens that can be used on a wide selection of whiskeys from participating distilleries. Musicians will be performing on the Main Stage accompanied by the Overflow Taps Beer Garden as well as surrounding restaurants throughout the day and night. Festivities begin at 4pm and end at 10. Tickets can be found on the Lynden Whiskey event website. WX: I’M WALKIN’ ON SUNSHINE, WHO-OAAAAA (PS: IT STILL DON’T FEEL GOOD) And now weather: Nothing but sunshine! Expect hazy smoke to drift in from nearby wildfires, helped along by mild westward winds. Nighttime will cool down to the upper 50s. The weekend is expected to cool down a bit, with temperatures in the 70s expected by Sunday. The sun ought to stay throughout. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman (COOL-mun), Carlee Schram (CAR-lee SHRAM), Tristan Trudell, Kyler Cantrell, Anna Vickers, 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 your donations. Check out our Patreon page or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _David Korb_______________… thanks for listening. ##
September 5, 2024 News Transcript
Whatcom County heat wave underway, could push temperatures into the 90s, Early Learning Center opens at Bellingham Public Schools district office, Port of Bellingham receives $2.8 million grant to electrify shipping terminal, Whatcom County undersheriff placed on paid leave while under investigation, Coalitions of farmers and truckers petitioning state Supreme Court to take up fuel exemptions case, State program for low-cost EV purchase doing great Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, September 5th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom County heat wave underway, could push temperatures into the 90s Whatcom county residents could see temperatures hit 90 degrees today as a brief heat wave is sending temperatures far above the norm for late summer, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service in Seattle Meteorologists issued a heat advisory for today in Western Washington, saying the weather poses a “moderate” risk for heat-related illness. Luckily the heat wave is expected to break tomorrow for many Whatcom residents, with daytime highs falling to around 80 or lower close to Bellingham Bay. Normal high temperatures for early September in Bellingham are around 70 degrees. STORY: Early Learning Center opens at Bellingham Public Schools district office Bellingham public schools’ new Early Learning Center welcomed its first group of students on Tuesday. The center was funded by $32 million in bonds that were passed in 2013 and 2022 and hosts two new classrooms that can accommodate 40 children ages 3 and 4. Ten of the 40 slots are reserved for children of district staff as well as children of teen parents who graduated from the Graduation, Reality, and Dual-role Skills (GRAD) program within the district. The rest are available to children who qualify for the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP). ECEAP is a state-run program that provides funding to child care facilities to support families that are low-income or experience environmental factors such as homelessness, family violence, chemical dependency, or incarceration. Children with developmental delays or other special needs can also qualify. The center still has room for more students and the district is reaching out to families who qualify for ECEAP to fill open spots in the next few months. STORY: Port of Bellingham receives $2.8 million grant to electrify shipping terminal Washington has awarded Port Electrification Grants to 11 authorities across the state, including the Port of Bellingham. The port will receive nearly $3 million for the construction of shore power–– which allows ships to plug into an electrical grid when docked instead of using their diesel-powered engines. According to the Port, turning off the engines of docked ships will result in lower noise levels and reduced carbon emissions coming from the terminal. The port’s electrification is expected to be finalized by 2026. STORY: Port of Bellingham becomes one of six in state to receive Green Marine environmental certification In related news, the Port has earned a Green Marine certification, becoming one of six ports in Washington to achieve this recognition for sustainability efforts. The port’s Sustainability Manager, Adrienne Douglass-Scott, noted that achieving the certification involved rigorous self and third-party evaluations, and a focus on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, improving aquatic ecosystems, and reducing community exposure to port activities. The port received scores in various categories like environmental stewardship and monitoring regulations, which will now serve as benchmarks for continuous improvement. STORY: Whatcom County undersheriff placed on paid leave while under investigation The Whatcom County undersheriff is on paid leave due to an investigation into allegations against him. According to a statement by Sheriff Donnell Tanksley, the investigation into the allegations against Steve Harris is being conducted by an independent investigator. Tanksley said that it is standard practice for law enforcement agencies to quote “place employees on administrative leave while an investigation into allegations of potential misconduct are being completed” unquote. Tanksley added that the allegations are not criminal in nature, but did not go into specifics. Harris was promoted from the Sheriff’s Office last December after thirty years of service. STORY: Whatcom County hires interim medical examiner following improper storage of bodies Whatcom County has announced it will hire an interim medical examiner next week. Aldo Fusaro, the Deputy Medical Examiner for the Montana State Medical Examiner’s Office, will fill the position on the heels of an independent investigation into the improper storage of two bodies. Former examiner Allison Hunt was let go after the situation came to light. Hunt Forensics’ contract with the county will be terminated once Fusaro is officially approved by the county medical society, sheriff and county council next Tuesday. The County says Fusaro will split his time between Whatcom County and his current duties in Montana, noting that autopsies will be performed by local pathologists whenever Fusaro is out of town. STORY: Coalitions of farmers and truckers petitioning state Supreme Court to take up fuel exemptions case The Washington Farm Bureau and the Washington Trucking Association are appealing a lower court ruling in an attempt to revisit agricultural fuel exemptions. Farmers and truckers claim they have been unfairly charged surcharges on fuel that should be exempt under Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The exemption process, meant to provide some tax relief for the agricultural, maritime, and aviation sectors, has been criticized as cumbersome and faulty since the program’s launch. The state says it has tried to help address the issue when it created a workgroup, issued new guidance, and allocated $30 million in rebates. However, the Farm Bureau and Trucking Association argue the measures are insufficient. They are now appealing to the state Supreme Court for intervention, and assert that without judicial action, the financial burden on agriculture will continue. There is no set timeline for the court to decide whether to hear the case. STORY: State program for low-cost EV purchase doing great A rebate program for electric vehicles leased or purchased in Washington state is exceeding expectations. The program is designed to get rebates to low and middle income families looking for an EV. EV …
September 4, 2024 News Transcript
Whatcom County judge rules against ballot measure that would repeal taxes meant to fund child care programs, Port of Bellingham receives $2.8 million grant to electrify shipping terminal, Bellingham couple donates 7.5 acres of undeveloped land for expansion of public parks, Bellingham School District program aiding special needs students with transitioning out of high school, State AG petitions Whatcom County judge for involuntary civil commitment of sex offender, State AG petitions Whatcom County judge for involuntary civil commitment of sex offender, Public Works dept to hold water rights education session September 23rd, Lynnwood light rail opens Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, September 4th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom County judge rules against ballot measure that would repeal taxes meant to fund child care programs A Whatcom County judge has ruled that the initiative to repeal the Healthy Children’s tax will not be on the November 5th ballot. Yesterday, Superior Court Judge Lee Grochmal stated the initiative to repeal Proposition 5 violates the contracts clause of the Washington Constitution. In his ruling, Grochmal said quote “This is not an action that can be repealed by initiative” unquote. According to Whatcom County officials, contracts to spend funds that were created by Proposition 5 have already been signed. Proposition 5, which passed by 20 votes in 2022, charges property owners almost 17 cents for every $1,000 of assessed valuation, and raises an estimated $10 million annually for child care. STORY: Port of Bellingham receives $2.8 million grant to electrify shipping terminal Washington has awarded Port Electrification Grants to 11 authorities across the state, including the Port of Bellingham. The port will receive nearly $3 million for the construction of shore power–– which allows ships to plug into an electrical grid when docked instead of using their diesel-powered engines. According to the Port, turning off the engines of docked ships will result in lower noise levels and reduced carbon emissions coming from the terminal. The port’s electrification is expected to be finalized by 2026. STORY: Bellingham couple donates 7.5 acres of undeveloped land for expansion of public parks A couple is donating two undeveloped properties worth a combined $680,000 to the City of Bellingham. The City Council unanimously accepted Carol and David Robinson’s offer at their meeting on Monday. Parks and Recreation Department Director Nicole Oliver told the City Council it was “a very generous donation.” The properties will add 7 ½ acres of permanent open space to two different parks. One next to the Connelly Creek Nature Area in Happy Valley and the other near Arroyo Park in the South neighborhood. Both sites are zoned for single-family homes, but the couple sought a permanent deed restriction that limits the use of the land to parks and open space, according to documents on the City of Bellingham’s website. STORY: Bellingham School District program aiding special needs students with transitioning out of high school A Bellingham program that helps young people with disabilities gain job experience and life skills after high school is gaining broader attention. The Bellingham Public Schools’ Community Transitions program helps students learn independent living skills, apply for college, and practice job readiness through tasks like stocking shelves at a local grocery store. Participants work towards a diploma over three years, and build a plan for life post-graduation. The program’s success has attracted interest from other districts, but proponents of the effort say funding remains a challenge statewide. A federal appeals court ruled earlier this year that Washington schools must provide services to students with disabilities until they turn 22. Districts around the state are in the process of rolling out more school-to-work programs, which allow students to start working before they leave the school system. According to state-wide data, students who go through a school-to-work program often have much better outcomes than those who don’t. However, advocates say access to these services varies by district, and funding remains a significant issue. STORY: State AG petitions Whatcom County judge for involuntary civil commitment of sex offender The Attorney General’s office is petitioning a Whatcom County judge to commit a 38-year-old man to the Washington penitentiary for sexually violent predators. Jack Unick (OOO-nick) is set to be released from prison tomorrow, and was convicted of multiple charges in 2014–– including two counts of first-degree attempted kidnapping with sexual motivation and one count of harassment. The conviction came after four separate incidents the year before, where he tried to kidnap three children and attacked a 24-year-old woman. The Attorney General’s office argues that Unick presents a quote “well above average risk” unquote to the community, and that he is highly likely to reoffend. The Whatcom County judge will now determine if the allegations against Unick are enough to confine him to the Special Commitment Center at McNeil Island Penitentiary prior to trial, where the jury will determine if his detainment should continue. STORY: Public Works dept to hold water rights education session September 23rd A water rights educational session for residential well users will be held on Monday, September 23 at Pioneer Pavilion in Ferndale. Whatcom County Public Works says the event aims to help residents understand and prepare for the upcoming water rights adjudication process, which will affect about 30,000 people in the region. The two-hour session will cover Washington state water rights law and provide resources, followed by a Q&A session. The adjudication process, initiated by the Department of Ecology, will determine the legality, usage limits, and priority of water rights in the Nooksack Basin and surrounding areas. It is expected to significantly impact residential well users, tribes, farmers, local governments, and state and federal agencies. The event will be recorded and made available online for those unable to attend. Registration is encouraged. STORY: Lynnwood light rail opens The Lynnwood Link light rail extension is now open to the public. The rail line is part of Sound Transit’s expansion and connects King and Snohomish counties. The 8.5-mile extension adds four new transit stations: two in …
September 3, 2024 News Transcript
Blaine man pleads not guilty to attempted murder charge, Missing hiker found alive in North Cascades, Bellingham installs 14 bike lockers downtown, expected to be available for use later this week, BP’s Cherry Point refinery to begin converting crops and municipal waste into jet fuel, Plan finalized to cull WA’s invasive barred owl population Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, September 3rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Blaine man pleads not guilty to attempted murder charge A Blaine man pleaded not guilty to attempted murder last week. 43-year-old Clayton DuBois (do BWAH) was arrested on the morning of August 20th, when he dropped a bloody woman off at St. Joseph Medical Center and then tried to leave. The woman, who is DuBois’s ex-fiancée, had multiple injuries ranging from facial fractures to broken ribs. During the investigation, DuBois admitted to using meth, marijuana and tequila, and said he hit the victim twice with two propane tanks after she had quote “put a spell on him” unquote. Police officers who searched DuBois’s residence found a pool of blood near a propane tank, as well as firearms. DuBois remains in custody at the Whatcom County Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 25th. The victim was transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for further treatment. STORY: Missing hiker found alive in North Cascades A hiker who went missing in the North Cascades over a month ago was found alive last Friday. 39-year-old Robert Schock had been seen last on July 31st hiking the Chilliwack River Trail with his dog Freddy. He was reported missing by his mother Jan Thompson on August 5th after Freddy was found by a forest ranger wandering the trail alone the day before. According to Thompson, a trail crew heard Schock yelling for help last Friday and were able to transport him via helicopter to United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley. Despite being weak from malnourishment, Schock was uninjured. Schock’s parents, who live in North Carolina, told Cascadia Daily News that they are giving him time to recover in the hospital before flying out to see him. Schock, who previously lived in Mount Vernon, frequently visited the area to camp. The Chilliwack River Trail begins about 5 miles after the Hannegan Pass Trailhead when the trail forks to the right. About five miles after the fork is a river crossing with no bridge where hikers are encouraged to use the available hand-pulled cable car. According to Thompson, Schock became confused and disorientated because parts of the trail had changed and been closed due to wildfire. Thompson said she was surprised and relieved to hear that her son had been found, and awaits Schock’s recovery to find out how he survived without provisions for a month. STORY: Bellingham installs 14 bike lockers downtown, expected to be available for use later this week Fourteen bike lockers have been installed in downtown Bellingham by the city’s public works team as part of an effort to provide safe and accessible bike storage. Six of the lockers are located at the Commercial Street Parking Garage, and the remaining eight are located next to the WTA’s Bellingham Station. The lockers, which can hold bikes, scooters and similarly-sized gear and related equipment, will cost 5 cents per hour for up to 10 days, and 12 cents per hour after time expires, with a $5 minimum transaction. In total, the city spent $44,000 on the lockers, as well as a $5,000 installation fee. The lockers should be operational by mid-to-late this week. STORY: BP’s Cherry Point refinery to begin converting crops and municipal waste into jet fuel BP’s Cherry Point oil refinery in Ferndale has received a $27 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to develop a sustainable aviation fuel program. The refinery will produce jet fuel from biomass feedstocks, including beef tallow, soybean oil, and used cooking oil. Washington U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, who advocated for the program through the Inflation Reduction Act, announced the grant on August 16th. BP plans to use the funding to build infrastructure and purchase equipment, and aims to produce 10 million gallons of sustainable jet fuel annually. The project is expected to create 96 jobs and supply airports in the Pacific Northwest via the Olympic Pipeline. STORY: Plan finalized to cull WA’s invasive barred owl population The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced it will implement a controversial plan to kill tens of thousands of barred owls in Washington, Oregon, and California to protect the threatened northern spotted owl. The barred owl, an invasive species in the Pacific Northwest, competes with the spotted owl for habitat and food and is a key factor in the latter’s population decline. The plan involves shooting or euthanizing barred owls in specific areas, with the earliest removals expected in 2025. Animal welfare groups criticize the plan as inhumane and ineffective. The program is voluntary for landowners and agencies and aims to remove up to 15,600 barred owls per year over 30 years. STORY: WA set to eliminate the bar exam for attorneys Washington state is set to make the bar exam optional for law licensure, potentially becoming the first state, alongside Oregon, to eliminate the requirement. The move follows a Washington Supreme Court ruling that argued the bar exam disproportionately restricts access for marginalized groups. Instead of the exam, alternative pathways to licensure will focus on real-world practice, such as completing skills credits and legal internships. The decision comes after years of discussion about the bar exam’s effectiveness. A task force found the exam to be only minimally effective in ensuring lawyer competence. Proponents argue the change will reduce barriers to entry for the legal profession and help address lawyer shortages in underserved areas. The American Bar Association and others are now supporting innovative licensing approaches. However, the shift also raises concerns about how new licensing methods will affect standards, lawyer mobility across states, and hiring practices. WX: Partly sunny And now for your Whatcom …
August 30, 2024 News Transcript
Whatcom County authorities searching for missing woman, Lynden man arrested on suspicion of rape, Batch of milk sold in Bellingham recalled due to possible E. coli contamination, Comments period open for Department of Transportation study on Skagit I-5 corridor, Mount Vernon school district reaches agreement with paraeducators’ union, announces school start date, WA receives more money for affordable housing, Free and cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, August 30th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Whatcom County authorities searching for missing woman Whatcom County authorities are asking the public to help find a missing woman. 31-year-old Shannon Freeman was last seen on August 24th in Bellingham. She is described as 5 foot 5 with auburn hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Bellingham Police Department or Freeman’s family. STORY: Lynden man arrested on suspicion of rape A Lynden man was arrested last week on suspicion of rape. 43-year-old Kylen Kleindel (kline- DELL) was booked into the Whatcom County Jail on August 22nd on suspicion of first-degree rape and burglary. According to an affidavit filed in County Superior Court, Kleindel entered a neighbor’s house through an unlocked door in the early hours of July 22nd. He then went to a family member’s bedroom, where he allegedly assaulted her. Kleindel posted $10,000 cash bail last Friday and was released from custody. His arraignment was scheduled for today. STORY: Batch of milk sold in Bellingham recalled due to possible E. coli contamination The Washington department of health has recalled a batch of Jim’s Jerseys raw milk due to infected E. Coli found during routine testing. The milk was sold at Bellingham’s Community Food Co-op as well as Cost Cutter in Blaine. Although there are no reports of illness from this batch of milk, Health officials advise that anyone who purchased Jim’s Jerseys with a best by date of August 23rd should return it for a refund. E. Coli is a bacterium normally found in the intestinal tract, but some strains are harmful. If you, or anyone you know purchased this milk and became sick, be sure to contact a health provider. STORY: Comments period open for Department of Transportation study on Skagit I-5 corridor The Washington State Department of Transportation is seeking public input on its study of a 9-mile section of Interstate 5 between Burlington and Mount Vernon in Skagit County. With Skagit County’s population expected to grow by 46,000 over the next 20 years, WSDOT (WASH-dot) says the study helps plan for the future of regional transportation. The study highlights concern about congestion, crashes, and barriers to pedestrian and cycling connectivity. In the next phase, WSDOT will collaborate with local governments and agencies to develop solutions. Public comments are due by September 27. STORY: Mount Vernon school district reaches agreement with paraeducators’ union, announces school start date The Mount Vernon School District has reached an agreement with its paraeducators union. The deal was announced yesterday afternoon, with classes set to resume next Tuesday. The district says classes are not starting today in order to honor the ratification timeline with the union. Paraeducators had been in talks with the district over a new contract since April, with a salary increase being the main point of contention. STORY: WA receives more money for affordable housing Washington state will receive $8 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to support rent subsidies for adults with disabilities. The funding will add 158 new subsidized rental units to the 132 already funded under Section 811 of HUD’s Project Rental Assistance program. The goal is to help adults with disabilities live independently by increasing housing options in existing or new properties. To qualify, residents must be 18-61 years old, have a disability, receive Medicaid, and have low income. The program also links tenants to support services. Washington, along with California and Oregon, received the highest grant amounts in this funding round. STORY: Covenant Homeownership Program launches The Covenant Homeownership Program has launched. The program aims to address racial disparities in homeownership by offering financial assistance to first-time homebuyers from specific minority groups. The program, which provides 0% interest loans for down payments and closing costs, is available to individuals with “deep roots” in the state, defined as those related to someone who lived in Washington before the 1968 Fair Housing Act. Eligibility is limited to applicants from minority groups with lower homeownership rates compared to white individuals and excluding some other groups due to insufficient data. The program is intended to counteract historical and ongoing discrimination, but it is not considered a formal reparation. Those interested in applying should call the Washington State Homeownership Hotline for free support. STORY: Free and cheap Here are some free and cheap activities to add to your weekend plans: Whatcom County Health and Community Services and Whatcom County Emergency Medical Services are hosting a free nasal naloxone distribution and education event today. The event will take place on the City Hall lawn from noon-6pm to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day. Whatcom County staff members will provide training on how to identify and respond to an overdose as well as how to administer nasal naloxone. Carrying naloxone can and does save lives. For more information visit the Whatcom Overdose Prevention website. The Port of Bellingham is hosting an Endless Summer Event tomorrow from 3-11pm in The Portal Container Village. Activities and attractions include the Circus Zone, a Portal Putt mini golf Tournament, Glitter Lyfe temporary tattoos, Plinko games, and live music from Miles Ebony and the Deep Cuts. Pre-registration is required to join the Portal Putt Tournament and information can be found on their Facebook page. Entrance is free. WX: Partly sunny And now weather: Expect a warm, sunny start to the weekend today with little cloud cover and temperatures in the mid to high 70s. Winds will be calm and westward for most of the day, with lows in the mid-50s tonight. …
August 28, 2024 News Transcript
Missing at-risk adult, Bellingham Fire Department searching for source of “sulphur-like odor,” across southside and downtown, City of Bellingham hiring for two full-time positions that will “support renters and property managers.” City of Bellingham hiring for two full-time positions that will “support renters and property managers.”, Former state auditor Troy Kelley disbarred by state Supreme Court, Hand recount in progress for WA Public Lands Commissioner, Local governments statewide collaborating to restore salmon habitats Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, August 28th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Missing at-risk adult The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in finding 35 year old Daniel Dahlquist, a missing vulnerable adult. Daniel was last seen around midnight yesterday near the 4300 block of Northwest Drive. He was wearing only underwear and a blanket, without shoes or a shirt. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff’s office. STORY: Bellingham Fire Department searching for source of “sulphur-like odor,” across southside and downtown According to a Bellingham Fire Department social media post, many Bellingham residents reported a sulfur-like odor last night. The smell was reported from the southside of Bellingham and throughout downtown, but it seems to have dissipated this morning. The Fire Department says they are actively investigating the incident in collaboration with Cascade Natural Gas. Updates will be posted on the Bellingham Fire Department Facebook page. STORY: City of Bellingham hiring for two full-time positions that will “support renters and property managers.” The City of Bellingham is hiring two full-time rental specialists, to enforce the Rental Registration and Safety Inspection Program. The City says the effort is designed to support both renters and property managers. The first position––a rental protection program specialist – will monitor compliance with inspections, as well as help tenants, property management companies, and landlords understand Bellingham’s rental rules. The position is salaried and advertises an annual pay range of between about 85-and-$103,000 dollars. The second position––the rental inspector – will inspect and monitor market rate and subsidized residential rental units to ensure compliance with safety inspections. The position will also evaluate structural, plumbing, mechanical, and other building systems according to city code. The position is paid hourly and advertises a starting rate of almost $33.00 an hour. The positions are funded by fee structure revisions made to the rental registration and safety inspection program in 2023. The additional inspector position will increase the number of city rental inspectors to 3. STORY: Former state auditor Troy Kelley disbarred by state Supreme Court Washington state’s highest court has disbarred former state auditor Troy Kelley. Last Thursday, in a unanimous decision, the state Supreme Court agreed with a recommendation from the state bar’s disciplinary board to disbar Kelley. The action follows a string of legal trouble for Kelley stemming from his real estate business dealings that date back to 2003. During Kelley’s successful campaign for auditor, his opponent brought attention to a 2009 lawsuit that alleged that Kelley failed to refund real estate fees to homebuyers while operating his escrow business named Post Closing Department. The publicity resulted in an investigation by the IRS and the FBI. According to testimony at his trial, the company collected between $120 and $140 from tens of thousands of escrow customers between 2003 and 2006. Kelley promised these services could be done for just $10 to $20. The remaining money was intended to cover county recording fees, and any money leftover at the end was supposed to be refunded. Prosecutors alleged that Kelly amassed more than $3 million in unrefunded fees, and that almost half of it was fraudulently retained by Kelley. Kelley was convicted of eight total felonies in 2018 and was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison, followed by a year of supervised release. According to Bureau of Prison records, began his sentence in July 2021, and was released in February of 2022. Kelley can no longer practice law in Washington state. STORY: Hand recount in progress for WA Public Lands Commissioner Election officials in Washington are conducting a hand recount of ballots in a closely contested race for public lands commissioner. Right now it is uncertain whether Dave Upthegrove or Sue Kuehl (CUE-ull) Pederson will face Republican Jaime Herrera Beutler (JAY-mee her-RARE-uh BUT-ler) in the November general election. The recount was triggered by a narrow 51-vote lead, and requires a hand count of ballots which are then compared to machine tallies. It’s the first primary election recount since 1960 and highlights the importance of voter participation in primary races. The recount will continue throughout the week, with general election ballots scheduled to be sent out starting October 18. STORY: Local governments statewide collaborating to restore salmon habitats Last week in an article on Medium, Governor Jay Inslee reviewed the latest steps that Washington state is taking to protect and restore salmon populations. Climate change poses a major threat, and rising water temperatures and diminishing snowpacks endanger salmon habitats. Inslee says the state’s aggressive emissions-reduction policies aim to mitigate these effects, and federal regulations are being implemented to reduce water temperatures in major rivers. Additionally, the extensive riparian restoration projects and pollution controls that Washington is enacting improve water quality, help address toxins, and create healthier habitats. According to the article, since a 2013 federal injunction, Washington has corrected 219 culverts, and opened hundreds of miles of habitat. The state’s Salmon Recovery Strategy, updated in 2021, outlines ongoing work across a wide coalition of stakeholders. In addition, the recently signed Columbia Basin Agreement, unites Tribes, northwestern states, the federal government and Canada in a 10-year partnership to improve salmon recovery and reduce reliance on dams. The Yakima (YAK-uh-ma) Basin Integrated Plan (YBIP) has also been successful at fish passage and habitat enhancement, and shows that collaboration can overcome resource disputes. Innslee says, while challenges remain, ongoing collaboration and substantial funding–– including federal dollars–– are helping Washington make significant strides toward salmon recovery. WX: Partly sunny And now for your Whatcom County …
August 27, 2024 News Transcript
First responders rescue driver after 50-foot fall of Mount Baker Highway, Search for missing climber in North Cascades National Park suspended after discovery of human remains next to tent, Newly christened Little Squalicum Pier could open by spring 2025, Whatcom County adding 1,600 acres to Stewart Mountain Community Forest, Whatcom homeless rate stays steady Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, August 27th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: First responders rescue driver after 50-foot fall of Mount Baker Highway First responders rescued an unconscious woman from a vehicle that had driven off the road and plummeted 50 feet off Mount Baker Highway, near milepost 51. According to Fire District 14 Chief Jerry DeBruin, rescuers were able to free the woman from her car and help her back up to the road using rope gear. District 19 also responded to the incident, according to DeBruin. The driver was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center but only suffered minor injuries. STORY: Search for missing climber in North Cascades National Park suspended after discovery of human remains next to tent The search for a climber who was reported missing on August 22nd has been suspended, after human remains were found next to his tent on Sunday. According to a missing person report from the National Park Service, 42-year-old Daniel Gabriel was climbing Mount Shuksan via the Fisher Chimneys route and was expected to return by August 23rd. He was reported missing to rangers last Thursday, the 22nd. While park officials continue to work to identify and recover the remains, incident commander for the search, James Page, said he is unable to say anything about the cause of death. Another missing hiker, 39-year-old Robert Shock, is still the subject of an ongoing search after being reported missing on August 5th. He was last seen at the 5-mile mark of the Chilliwack River Trail with his dog Freddy. Freddy was found on August 4th around the 8-mile mark by a forest ranger who brought the dog to Whatcom County Humane Society. Shock is 5-foot-10 with a muscular build. He has dark brown hair, a beard, and usually wears a baseball cap. He has blue eyes and olive skin. If you’ve seen Shock or have any information on his potential whereabouts, please call the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. STORY: Newly christened Little Squalicum Pier could open by spring 2025 The pier at Little Squalicum Park in north Bellingham Bay has finally been named. The City of Bellingham received more than 900 submissions from the public for the potential name of the pier. Submissions ranged from “Piery McPierface” to the “Pier of Subdued Excitement”. In the end, the city council opted for a more simple approach. The newly-named “Little Squalicum Pier” has been a top priority for the city for many years and is part of the Little Squalicum Park Master Plan adopted in 2010, the Shoreline Master Program, as well as the Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan. In a 2023 update to the plans, the city said that more access to the waterfront, in every form, has always been a desire of Bellingham residents. The pier could open as a pedestrian walkway by next Spring. STORY: Whatcom County adding 1,600 acres to Stewart Mountain Community Forest Whatcom County announced they will expand the Stewart Mountain Community Forest by 1,600 acres, thanks to a $3 million state grant. The County Council, acting as the Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors, approved the funding in a close 4-3 vote, along party lines. The expansion is part of a larger plan to increase the forest to 5,550 acres, with a total of 2,600 acres to be acquired in the second phase. The goal of the forest, established in 2022, is to protect the area while still allowing limited commercial logging. Home to diverse wildlife, the additional land will support long-term forest health, local jobs, and the production of high-quality wood products. At the County Council meeting last night, Councilmember Jon Scanlon, who voted in favor of the purchase, highlighted the environmental benefits, which includes improved water quality in Lake Whatcom and the Nooksack River. Speaking against the purchase, Councilmember Mark Stremler said that the County has much more pressing issues than maintaining logging roads, thinning forests, and keeping culverts open. Tyler Byrd, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler voted against the acquisition. The land will be managed by Whatcom County in partnership with organizations like the Whatcom Land Trust, the Evergreen Land Trust, and the Nooksack Indian Tribe. STORY: Whatcom homeless rate stays steady A new ‘snapshot in time’ report by Whatcom County Health and Community Services says that the rate of homelessness in Whatcom County seems steady. The report, produced in collaboration with the Opportunity Council, says that between 2023-24, the rate of people becoming homeless kept pace with the rate of people finding housing. The report says lack of affordable housing and low wages-compared-to-cost-of-living are the primary factors. According to the report, over half of the county’s renters are cost-burdened, putting them at higher risk of homelessness in case of financial emergencies. In addition, a record number of households sought housing services in 2023, but only about 20% received referrals due to a shortage of affordable housing due to the lack of available resources, leading to many eligible households being denied assistance. Although the Point-in-Time-Count is traditionally used to track trends, it has limitations in accurately counting unsheltered homelessness. This year’s report also utilizes Housing Pool data to estimate and describe unsheltered homelessness, which is considered more reliable. The report also emphasizes the need for increased investment in homelessness prevention services, affordable housing, and service-enriched shelter beds. WX: Partly sunny And now for your Whatcom County weather: Today’s weather will see sunny skies in the afternoon. Daytime highs will be in the mid-60s, with calm southwestern winds, and a nighttime low right around 50. Tomorrow– expect to see a return to warm sunshine, with highs getting back up to around 70. …
