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 …
KMRE NEWS Transcripts
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 …
September 13, 2024 News Transcript
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 …
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, …
