Whatcom County terminates contract with medical examiners over mishandled cadavers, New Bellingham roundabout to open tomorrow, Bellingham Public Works Department announces next phase of creek restoration plan, Bellingham Senior Activity Center to relocate to newly acquired building, Continuing probe into Whatcom County council’s handling of sexual harassment suit, State confirms first case of chronic wasting disease in deer Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, August 6th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom County terminates contract with medical examiners over mishandled cadavers A new 24-page report by a Bellingham law firm has revealed procedural gaps that contributed to the mishandling of bodies by the Whatcom County Medical Examiner’s Office. The office, operated by Hunt Forensics, faced criticism for losing track of the remains of two individuals. The incident, which occurred between May 10th and 13th, sparked both county and state investigations, and led to the dismissal of ME Allison Hunt. The report, by Kristofer Bundy of Bundy Law Group PLLC, identifies miscommunication and procedural failures as contributing factors to the improper storage. As a result, the contract with Moles Farewell Tributes & Crematory Center was terminated, and a new contract was established with Simple Cremations. County Executive Satpal Sidhu acknowledged Dr. Hunt’s contributions during challenging times but emphasized the need for a new ME. The search for her replacement is expected to take several months; the state’s investigation into Moles is still ongoing. STORY: New Bellingham roundabout to open tomorrow Just in time for the Fair– the new roundabout on Smith and Hannegan Roads is expected to reopen by the end of tomorrow. According to a news release, drivers are warned that the intersection looks completely different as it’s now a multi-lane roundabout–– vehicles should slow down and use caution when traveling through the intersection for the first time. The County says construction site clean up is scheduled for Thursday, and crews will return next month to install lights and hydroseed the project site. For more information and future updates, visit the Whatcom County website. STORY: Bellingham Public Works Department announces next phase of creek restoration plan The restoration of Padden Creek enters a new phase this month as work begins on the section from 30th to 24th Streets in the Happy Valley Neighborhood. According to Craig Meuller (MEW-ler), project engineer with the Department of Public Works, the stream will be re-routed into a more natural pattern that will help native fish survive by providing deep pools and fallen trees where they can rest and hide from predators. The restoration will also change the way water is displaced and improve flood-control in the area, Councilman Michael Lilliquist said at a City Council committee meeting in June where the project was discussed. The creek does not meet current Clean Water Act standards for dissolved oxygen, temperature, and fecal coliform. The Padden Creek restoration project is one of many undertaken by the city and state over the past decade according to the City of Bellingham website. The work done to-date aims to improve water quality, restore fish habitat, reduce flood risks, and open upstream habitat for fish and other animals that have been blocked by human construction. The second and final phase of the fish passage project is estimated to cost $31.2 million and is funded by the Clean Water Act. STORY: Bellingham Senior Activity Center to relocate to newly acquired building The Bellingham Senior Activity Center is getting a new home. The Whatcom Council on Aging (WCOA) announced the purchase of the former WECU office building on East Bellis Fair Parkway. The current Senior Center sees around 400 people coming through its doors every day. According to reporting by the Cascadia Daily News, a lack of air conditioning and open spaces have caused the senior center’s popular fitness classes to be canceled when the weather gets too hot. The new location is bigger, has central air conditioning and a spacious open floor plan for dedicated activities. In addition, the nonprofit distributes 270,000 meals a year for homebound seniors, and right now those meals are mostly purchased from a vendor. The new building has a large outbuilding that they plan to convert into a commercial kitchen, to bring its ‘Meals on Wheels and More’ program fully in-house. The building also has a large parking lot and is served by public transit, to provide easy access for the growing Whatcom County senior population. The Council on Aging says it plans to fundraise for the $10 million needed to renovate and operate the new senior activity center. STORY: Continuing probe into Whatcom County council’s handling of sexual harassment suit Three months ago, Whatcom County started an investigation into the handling of a sexual harassment settlement, and the update at last night’s council meeting was… there are no significant updates. The investigation was initiated in April after a harassment complaint against former Public Works Director Jon Hutchings was brought to light by investigative reporting at Cascade PBS. In November of last year, a settlement of $225,000 was paid to a female employee who brought a complaint against Hutchings. Hutchings then resigned in lieu of termination and was later given a glowing letter of recommendation by County Executive Satpal Sidhu. The sequence of events came as a shock to County Council members after Cascade PBS broke the story in April, and the situation sparked broad public outcry. The Council says its investigation aims to address systemic issues in reporting and transparency. However, despite their efforts, the investigative subcommittee– composed of council members Ben Elenbaas, Barry Buchanan, and Todd Donovan– says progress has been slow due to scheduling conflicts. According to records, about a dozen interviews have been conducted, with a few more pending. At last night’s Council meeting, member Mark Stremler expressed frustration over the delays, and emphasized the need for timely answers. Buchanan suggested the County hire an outside consultant to further examine the issue, but the idea did not gain immediate traction with the council. Executive Satpal Sidhu acknowledged …
KMRE NEWS Transcripts
August 5, 2024 News Transcript
BPD releases current DUI arrest numbers for 2024, City of Bellingham offering $100K in grant money for new festival, Major Bellingham intersection to be closed Wed-Fri for roundabout construction, Continuing Easy Fire prompts closure of North Cascades Highway trailhead, WTA offering free rides August 8th-17th, Covid numbers are up in Washington, Hydrogen-powered ferry manufactured in Bellingham sets sail in San Francisco Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, August 5th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: BPD releases current DUI arrest numbers for 2024 The Bellingham Police Department has seen a spike in DUI arrests this year. The BPD never reported more than 40 DUI arrests in a single month between 2019 and 2023. However, this year’s monthly arrests have exceeded that maximum twice with 50 arrests in March and 55 in July. The BPD reported last year’s total DUI arrests to be 382, with 5 months left in 2024, 245 DUI arrests have been reported. This puts the city on track to top its 2023 total. BPD Public Information Officer Megan Peters said quote “We would like to remind the public, it is incredibly dangerous to drive impaired. If a person chooses to drive impaired, they should expect to be pulled over and investigated for DUI” unquote. Peters also said that the BDP is committed to the safety of our community and recommends having a plan to get home safely if you have consumed any substance which can impact your driving abilities. Washington State’s legal blood alcohol content limit is 0.08% for non-commercial vehicles and 0.04% for commercial vehicles. A THC level of 5.0 or higher is also considered a DUI. STORY: Major Bellingham intersection to be closed Wed-Fri for roundabout construction The intersection at Meridian and West Illinois Streets will close from Wednesday through Friday. According to the city of Bellingham’s weekly newsletter, workers will be paving the intersection that’s part of the commercial district that includes a Haggen (HAY-ggen) supermarket and sits just north of the Fountain District urban village. According to a 2023 traffic count from the city of Bellingham, the streets carried a collective 26,200 cars and trucks daily. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area. STORY: City of Bellingham offering $100K in grant money for new festival The City of Bellingham has announced that it’s looking for ideas for new annual events. According to a news release from the city, the Bellingham Signature Event Grant will provide three years of funding to help launch a new event. The grant will provide $100,000 the first year, followed by an additional $70,000 the second and third years. The grant was previously used to create festivals such as the Northwest Tune Up Festival, Bellingham Exit, and SeaFeast. Applicants are encouraged to offer big, bold, creative new ideas that encourage tourism, commerce, fun and community connection. Proposals are due September 6th, and winners will be announced later this year. STORY: Continuing Easy Fire prompts closure of North Cascades Highway trailhead The wildfire known as the “Easy Fire” has once again caused Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) officials to close off part of the North Cascades Highway. The highway was closed at 8AM yesterday. According to a WSDOT travel advisory, there are no detours and no estimated opening time for the closure. The “Easy Fire,” which was started by lightning, has caused multiple closures since its detection on July 17th, due to its proximity to Easy Pass. Visit WSDOT’s (WASH-dot’s) travel center for more information and live updates. STORY: WTA offering free rides August 8th-17th. The Whatcom Transportation Authority is offering free fares on almost all their routes from August 8th through August 17th. The dates coincide with the opening of the Northwest Washington Fair and could make traveling by bus a great option for fairgoers. During Free Fare Days, WTA’s Route 26 will provide regular bus service to the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds. Weekday service will operate from 6:30 a.m. to 8:48 p.m., Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Sundays from 8:05 a.m. to 6:05 p.m Those looking to park and ride for free can find free parking at WTA’s Cordata Station. STORY: Covid numbers are up in Washington COVID-19 infections are up across parts of the United States, particularly on the West Coast, with increasing infections in Oregon, Washington, California, Arizona, and Colorado. There were 2,905 positive tests in Washington in the week ending July 27th, with an average of 260 hospitalizations, accounting for just over 3% of hospital beds. The Center for Disease Control says the annual summer trend is fueled by hot, humid conditions favorable to the virus. In Oregon, 15% of recent tests were positive, a high rate for this time of year. Officials say the KP.2 and KP.3 variants of Omicron are now the dominant strains. Despite immunity from vaccinations and previous infections, people can still get sick, though typically with milder symptoms. Health officials advise the public to keep up with vaccinations, wear masks if you are ill or high-risk, use HEPA filters, and ensure good ventilation to reduce exposure. Story: Hydrogen-powered ferry manufactured in Bellingham sets sail in San Francisco A fully hydrogen-powered ferry built in Bellingham is now operating in the Bay Area of California. It could provide an important model for Washington ferries, especially in the Seattle area. Reporter Erik Tegethoff (TEG-i-doff) has more. PLAY NWNS HYDRO STORY AUDIO WX: Sun And now for your Whatcom County weather: Another warm week in store for us, kicking off with highs in the mid-high 70s. Expect calm southwestern winds, with gusts up to 15 mph. Nighttime will feature clear skies and lows right around 60. 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, Ikumi Mashiko (ih-KOO-me muh-SHE-ko), Anna Vickers, and Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson. 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 …
August 2, 2024 News Transcript
Whatcom County L.E.A.D. program slated to increase staff after $420,000 grant, Community leaders announce formation of new PAC, PeaceHealth St. Joseph Center recognized by American Heart Association for quality of heart care, New WA state agency to replace law enforcement in investigation of police killings, Nearly 156,000 acres burn in Washington wildfires, Free and cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, August 2nd. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: Whatcom County L.E.A.D. program slated to increase staff after $420,000 grant Whatcom County’s Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (or LEAD) program will receive a $420,000 grant this fall from the Washington State Health Care Authority. Created in 2020, Whatcom County Health and Community Services has used the LEAD program to work with people who have low-level offenses–– including those that stem from mental and behavioral health challenges, substance use, homelessness, and extreme poverty. According to LEAD supervisor Thomas McAuliffe, the group’s goal is to connect individuals to services that will improve public safety and foster long-term recovery. The grant will allow the program to reduce staff caseload and wait lists for participants by hiring two additional intensive case managers. Interviews will be conducted in early fall and the new intensive case managers are scheduled to begin work in October of this year. STORY: Community leaders announce formation of new PAC Yesterday, community leaders, physicians, educators, and business owners announced the formation of a new Political Action Committee to advocate for rejection of the Repeal Children’s Initiative effort. The PAC, called Protect Whatcom Kids!, includes a diverse group of people such as Senator Sharon Shewmake, Representative Alex Ramel, Kirsten Barron, Patti Imhof, Dr. Lisa Kaepernick, Dr. Ken Gass, City Councilmember Jace Cotton, and others. In the announcement released yesterday, the group emphasized the importance of the Healthy Children’s Fund, which supports food, basic needs, childcare, and housing for children. They say the initiative aims to ensure children’s readiness for kindergarten and long-term success and that the Repeal Initiative, I-2024-01, has several legal irregularities that require judicial review. The PAC says they believe the Healthy Children’s Fund is critical for our economic stability and the well-being of children. STORY: PeaceHealth St. Joseph Center recognized by American Heart Association for quality of heart care PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center was one of 3,000 hospitals recognized by the American Heart Association in a press release last Monday. St. Joseph’s was recognized for its “efforts to improve outcomes for Americans with heart disease and stroke”. Heart disease and stroke are the number one and number five most common causes of death in the US. STORY: Nearly 156,000 acres burn in Washington wildfires Wildfires are currently scorching nearly 156,000 acres in Washington state, according to a report by the National Interagency Fire Center (or NIFC). Of the 94 active wildfires nationwide, eight are currently burning in Washington. Fuels and fire behavior advisories are in place due to the ongoing wildfire crisis along with evacuation orders for many communities. NIFC’s report reminds us to remain vigilant and listen to the guidance of local authorities. In total, over 29,000 firefighters and support personnel have been summoned to combat wildfires across the United States. STORY: New WA state agency to replace law enforcement in investigation of police killings Starting in December, police killings in 12 Western Washington counties will be investigated by a new agency, instead of local police. The Office of Independent Investigations (or OII) is a first in the U.S., and was established by the state legislature in 2021 to eliminate conflicts of interest inherent in police investigating themselves. According to a recent announcement by the state, the first of six planned offices will open in December and will take over from regional teams previously responsible for such investigations. The new agency plans to employ 18 to 35 trained investigators and support personnel in each region, with the first region starting with 22 investigators. Initially, the agency will only investigate cases involving deaths but will expand to all instances of deadly force. The state says the agency’s formation is part of a broad set of law enforcement reforms in Washington, focused on transparency, accountability, and reducing deadly police interactions. Free and cheap: Here’s some free and cheap stuff to do this weekend: Celebrate Downtown Bellingham’s First Fridays tonight by enjoying local artists, signature dishes, and much more at select businesses. Programming begins at 6pm. A full list of participating businesses can be found on the Downtown Bellingham Partnership website. WECU and the City of Lynden Parks Department are hosting a movie night at Bender Fields tonight. The movie, Wonka, will begin at dusk. Admission is free. Maple Falls’ Bigfoot Festival kicks off at 9am tomorrow at the corner of Silver Lake Road and Mt. Baker Highway. Festivities include an arts and crafts fair, live music, as well as food and beer vendors. Admission is free. The Fairhaven Outdoor Cinema is showing The Super Mario Bros. Movie, with a performance by Triple Play, at the Village Green tomorrow. Entertainment begins 90 min prior to sunset. Tickets are $7. WX: Sun And now weather: Expect partly sunny skies for most of the day, with highs in the low 80s, mild southwesterly winds gusting up to 15 mph, and nighttime lows around 60 degrees. This weather pattern is forecast to persist through the weekend, but without the clouds. 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, Ikumi Mashiko (ih-KOO-me muh-SHE-ko), Anna Vickers, and Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson. 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 your listener donations. Check out our Patreon page or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m David Korb________________… thanks for listening. ##
August 1, 2024 News Transcript
Man convicted of attempting to smuggle drugs into Canada via Salish Sea on a Jet Ski, South Whatcom Fire Authority seeking additional compensation for responding to calls outside jurisdiction, South Whatcom Fire Authority seeking additional compensation for responding to calls outside jurisdiction, Poorer school districts see positive financial outlook after year of state oversight, Two invasive shark species making their way into Puget Sound, Wildlife officials considering culling wolf populations after cattle deaths Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, August 1st. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Man convicted of attempting to smuggle drugs into Canada via Salish Sea on a Jet Ski An elderly man has been convicted after trying to smuggle drugs into Canada by jet ski. According to a press release by the U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District of Washington, it all started when a family found a partially submerged duffel bag on a Port Angeles beach in April of 2021. The bag contained over 50 pounds of meth, as well as two pounds of fentanyl powder. A few days later, another person found seven duffel bags under a bridge by the beach. The bags contained almost 350 pounds of meth, which had an estimated wholesale value of $1.5 million in Canada. According to the FBI, the duffel bags were traced to a purchase on 67-year-old John Sherwood’s debit card. Sherwood brought the drugs up the Olympic Peninsula from southern California, and then attempted to cross the Strait of Juan de Fuca on a jet ski as well as an inflatable raft to bring the drugs to Vancouver Island. Last Friday, Sherwood was convicted of three federal charges––including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances–– in the U.S. District Court in Seattle. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 29th. STORY: South Whatcom Fire Authority seeking additional compensation for responding to calls outside jurisdiction The South Whatcom Fire Authority wants to increase charges for covering calls outside of its jurisdiction. The South Whatcom Fire Authority (SWFA) covers Chuckanut, Lake Samish, Yew Street, Geneva and Sudden Valley, however, they are often called to help those who get hurt mountain biking, hiking, or rock climbing, in the Chuckanuts, on Galbraith, and on Lookout Mountain. These popular recreation areas fall outside the local district’s official jurisdiction, and emergency response in those areas often requires more manpower and time than house calls. Historically, the closest fire district available will respond to an emergency but when the call comes from outside their service area, the district receives minimal or no tax revenue to support their response. According to recent reporting by the Cascadia Daily News, South Whatcom responded to 39 incidents in recreational areas outside of its jurisdiction, spending over 60 hours total in 2023. According to SWFA Fire Chief Mitch Nolze there is growing concern about the diversion of resources away from residents and businesses due to the increase in recreational calls, and the financial impact it has on the fire district. Nolze also said he met with the City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition to begin the conversation on how to put a plan in place that ensures emergency response continues to extra-jurisdictional areas if South Whatcom is unable to. He said quote “We’re not going to just not help someone, especially in a critical situation, but we want to make sure we’re fairly negotiating with the city and county” unquote. STORY: Poorer school districts see positive financial outlook after year of state oversight Despite widespread budgetary challenges in Washington school districts, the Mount Baker and La Conner School Districts are showing signs of improvement. According to district records, both faced significant deficits, with Mount Baker projecting a $1.2 million shortfall and La Conner expecting to be $300,000 in the red. Mount Baker and La Conner are among five school districts in Washington who have an agreement with the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to regularly file budget reports and restore financial reserves to certain levels by a prescribed date. This contract is often referred to as ‘binding conditions’. La Conner aims to exit binding conditions by the end of the fiscal year, projecting a $600,333 general fund balance as required by the state. In contrast, Mount Baker will remain under state oversight for an additional year to build up its general fund. However, Mount Baker plans to break even this year, with a projected $1.2 million dollar positive ending balance by the end of the 2025-26 school year. To help make that goal, the district eliminated over 23 full-time positions, with more than half due to attrition. According to LaConner’s Interim School Superintendent David Cram, mismanagement contributed to the district’s financial struggles, and staff reductions as well as administrative cuts were made to realign the budget with enrollment. Enrollment decline is a key issue for both districts, with Mount Baker’s student population expected to drop again next year, which continues a steady decline since the early 2000s. La Conner’s enrollment has also decreased, by about 130 students since 2020. Mount Baker and La Conner are among five districts in Washington under binding conditions, alongside Marysville, Prescott, and Tukwila School Districts. STORY: Two invasive shark species making their way into Puget Sound Two new shark species have been found in the Puget Sound. According to scientists from Oregon State University, the critically endangered soupfin shark and the broadnose sevengill shark can normally be found off the Washington coast, but how they wound up in the Puget Sound is a mystery. According to Jessica Schulte, one of the scientists with OSU, the story started several years ago, when a man in South Puget Sound posted a photograph of himself holding a shark that appeared to be a sixgill, but was actually a broadnose sevengill shark. This led to a group composed of research teams, officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to work together to find the truth. Over the last …
July 31, 2024 News Transcript
Compass Health union workers picket as negotiations stall, Whatcom County Council votes 4-2 not to defund rehabilitative housing project, Bellingham Business Beat, Lawmakers call for resignation of WA director of children’s services, WA on northern lights watch this week Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, July 31st. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Compass Health union workers picket as negotiations stall On Monday, over 350 Compass behavioral health care workers were on the picket line protesting 16 months of stalled negotiations. The Service Employees International Union, which includes counselors, nurses, and medical assistants, says there is high turnover and staffing shortages due to insufficient wages. Additionally, the union is asking for a flat $4 an hour increase for all health care employees, regardless of seniority or job class, and a reduction in health insurance premiums. Union leaders say Compass Health administrators have rejected their proposals, and instead offered to cut health care benefits rather than pay higher wages. Compass Health says it is doing the best it can to pay higher wages while maintaining strong benefits. In recent reporting by Cascadia Daily News, communications director for the SEIU Healthcare local, Kenia Escobar, says that due to the Washington state Legislature’s 15 percent increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates for behavioral health, the union expected those additional funds would be allocated to front-line workers’ wages; but was told by Compass Health last Thursday that the increase would be used to help the nonprofit pay its debts. STORY: Whatcom County Council votes 4-2 not to defund rehabilitative housing project The Whatcom County Council indefinitely tabled a resolution which aimed to defund 22 North following a 4-2 vote last night. The decision came after a presentation by Whatcom County Health and Community Services as well as substantial public comment. Council member Jon Scanlon deemed the resolution “problematic” and “unworkable.” Tyler Byrd and Mark Stremler opposed the motion to table, while Ben Elenbaas, who introduced the resolution, was absent. Elenbaas has criticized the Opportunity Council’s management of the low-income apartment complex in downtown Bellingham, and proposed it be converted into a secure detox center. However, Todd Donovan, who moved to table the resolution, argued for further discussion rather than immediate defunding. The resolution to defund faced criticism for not being legally feasible and for misunderstanding the permanent supportive housing model. 22 North, which offers 40 units of supportive housing for homeless adults, receives funding from various sources including Whatcom County—which has capped its contribution for 2024 at $650,000. County Executive Satpal Sidhu and others warned that cutting funds would jeopardize the facility’s services and safety. An independent audit of all permanent supportive housing facilities in the county is set to begin on September 10th. STORY: Bellingham Business Beat This week, KMRE is proud to present another installment of Bellingham Business Beat– a limited series where we find out more about some of the small businesses who are the heartbeat of our downtown. Every Wednesday after the 5 p.m. news, we’ll explore their origins, impact on our community, and what drives their passion for Bellingham. Here’s a preview of our interview with the SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention. PLAY “BBB e2 PREVIEW” AUDIO CLIP Listen to the entire interview today after the 5pm news. STORY: Lawmakers call for resignation of WA director of children’s services Two Washington lawmakers, Democratic Rep. Mari Leavitt (MARY LEV-utt) and Republican Rep. Travis Couture (ko-TOUR), are calling for the resignation of Ross Hunter, the director of the Department of Children, Youth and Families. This follows the agency’s decision on July 6th to halt new intakes at two juvenile detention centers due to overcrowding. The Department then transferred 43 young men from Green Hill youth detention facility to state prison. However, that action was reversed on July 19th after a Thurston County Superior Court judge ordered the department to return the men to Green Hill. The transfer has drawn bipartisan criticism, with many pointing to system failures as well as Hunter’s mismanagement. The situation has heightened concerns about staff safety and the overall handling of juvenile justice by the DCYF. Lawmakers and families have expressed frustration over Hunter’s leadership, with previous votes of no confidence from department staff further fueling the calls for his resignation. In a statement last Friday, the Department of Children, Youth and Families said the court’s latest decision will put the safety of residents and staff at Green Hill at risk, and they plan to ask for a pause on the court’s ruling while it files an emergency appeal. STORY: WA on northern lights watch this week The northern lights may make an encore appearance in our area this week. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts visible auroras in much of the northern U.S., including Washington, due to a series of coronal mass ejections. A strong geomagnetic storm (G3-level) is expected on Tuesday night, with potential aurora sightings down to southern Washington. A moderate sun storm on Wednesday could make auroras visible across nearly all of Washington and parts of Oregon. Forecasts indicate that skies will clear by Wednesday night, providing better visibility. While the auroras may not be as intense as those seen in May, this event could still be significant due to the potential for a “cannibal” solar storm, where combined mass ejections hit Earth simultaneously. WX: Sun And now for your Whatcom County weather: Today will see temperatures rising once again to a high of 76, and they should remain warm for the rest of the week. Tomorrow, expect some morning cloud cover giving way to sunny skies as the day goes on, with calm southwestern winds. Nighttime lows are projected to be around the mid to high 50s. 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, Ikumi Mashiko (ih-KOO-me muh-SHE-ko), Anna Vickers, and Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p.m. For news …
July 30, 2024 News Transcript
Blaine police arrest man in connection with break-in and sexual assault, Prospective price of replacing Lummi Island ferry increases, Bellingham bowling alley listed for sale, Whatcom and Skagit County tribes to receive federal funding for fish hatcheries, Low and moderate income WA households to be eligible for new state Clean Energy Credit Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, July 30th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Blaine police arrest man in connection with break-in and sexual assault A Blaine man was arrested last Saturday on suspicion of raping a former coworker. The woman told Blaine Police that she woke up in the early morning last Tuesday to find 48-year-old Darrell Cochran on top of her. She said Cochran held her down and forcibly raped her as she told him no and screamed for help. The woman reported that she had last worked with Cochran around three years ago, and that he had been asked to leave a party thrown at her house the day before the incident. The woman showed bruises on her arms and side to police officers, and added she believed she had internal injuries. Cochran was arrested on suspicion of a variety of charges, including first-degree rape and burglary. He was released on bail from the Whatcom County Jail yesterday. STORY: Mayors fires two top City of Bellingham managers Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund dismissed two of the city’s top managers yesterday. Public Works Director Eric Johnston and Human Resources Director Elizabeth Monahan were terminated as Lund says she’s seeking a quote “new direction” unquote for her administration. In a statement to local news outlets, Lund said quote “Both Eric and Elizabeth have made significant contributions during their time with the city. I am grateful for their work on our team. This decision is not connected to any specific actions or one event. It is a strategic change in leadership to support the directions of my administration and the comprehensive needs of the city at this time” unquote. Lund also said in the statement that the city is currently identifying interim directors and will begin recruiting as soon as possible. Johnston has worked in the city’s public works department since 2012, and was named public works director in May of 2020 after serving nine months as interim director. Monohan was hired in May of 2021 by former Mayor Seth Fleetwood after serving more than 11 years as director of human resources for the Port of Bellingham. STORY: Prospective price of replacing Lummi Island ferry increases Replacing the Lummi Island Ferry will be a pricier endeavor than county estimates previously projected. In a committee session last Tuesday, Whatcom County Council members found that cost estimates for both the replacement ferry and upgrades to the ferry terminal are up 90% from 2021 estimates. In 2022, Whatcom County received $35 million in state and federal grants for a 34-car electric ferry. That ferry now costs about $90 million, and if purchased, the county would have to come up with another $50 million in funding. Whatcom County Public Works Director Elizabeth Kosa presented numerous replacement options to the council that include a diesel ferry instead of an electric boat, a countywide tax, or a bridge to Lummi Island. STORY: Bellingham bowling alley listed for sale Park Bowl and Splitz Grille, one of Bellingham’s two beloved bowling alleys, has been listed for sale by the owner. The bowling alley and restaurant were listed on Craigslist yesterday for almost $5 million. The sale includes the 27,500 square foot building – the restaurant, bowling alley, and arcade – as well as two parcels of commercially zoned land. Park Bowl is located at 4175 Meridian St. in Bellingham. STORY: Whatcom and Skagit County tribes to receive federal funding for fish hatcheries The Departments of Interior and Commerce announced a $240 million investment into tribal nation fish hatcheries on the West Coast last Thursday. The initial funding will help 27 tribes in Washington, Alaska, Oregon, Idaho, and California address fish hatchery maintenance and modernization. Although no sourcing funds have been allocated, the Lummi nation – along with 20 other tribes in Washington – will receive $2 million of the initial funding to repair hatcheries, according to NOAA. The remaining funds will be awarded competitively to tribes in the coming months, federal officials say. Lisa Wilson, Secretary of the Lummi Indian Business Council, said that the funding is quote “being dispersed through self-governance, which means it’s going straight to the tribes” unquote. Wilson added that the Lummi nation funds will be used to support tribal hatcheries at Lummi Bay and Skookum Creek on the South Fork Nooksack river, which are 60 years old and in need of repairs. Wilson stressed the importance of these hatcheries, as salmon are used in funeral ceremonies – which have unfortunately become more common in recent years due to the fentanyl crisis. While many believe these hatcheries have and will continue to play a vital role in replenishing the salmon and steelhead population, some argue they are harmful to endangered species. According to their website, Wild Fish Conservancy and The Conservation Angler filed a lawsuit in April claiming that the hatchery programs on the Columbia River below the Bonneville Dam are threatening several species of salmon and steelhead. Despite this, The Department of Interior noted that the hatcheries produce millions of fish annually – positively impacting both commercial and tribal subsistence of salmon and steelhead. STORY: Low and moderate income WA households to be eligible for new state Clean Energy Credit This summer, about one-fifth of electricity customers in Washington will qualify for a $200 energy credit, funded by the state’s Climate Commitment Act. According to the Washington State Department of Commerce, approximately 675,000 low- and moderate-income households are eligible for the credit, which is financed by a carbon-pricing initiative that requires large polluters to buy allowances or reduce emissions. Gov. Jay Inslee emphasized the credit’s immediate relief, particularly for those who also receive assistance for heat pumps …
July 29, 2024 News Transcript
Tennessee murder suspects arrested near Blaine, Motorcyclist hospitalized after crash on N Samish Lake Drive, Crews to begin replacing roundabout at Slater Road / I5 interchange today, Bellingham airport director fired after less than a year, Under-construction Whatcom County “glamping” resort applies for expansion permit, CNBC study reports WA among states with highest quality of life Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, July 29th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Tennessee murder suspects arrested near Blaine Two suspects wanted in connection with a murder investigation in Hamilton County, Tennessee were arrested near Blaine on Friday. According to a Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) press release, a collaborative investigation with the Whatcom County Gang and Drug Task Force, Bellingham Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, led officers to believe the pair were hiding out in the county. A follow-up investigation narrowed the search to a residence near Delta Line Road and West 95th Terrace, east of Blaine. Sheriff’s office detectives and drone pilots identified the pair, which led to a search warrant and both arrests. 27-year-old Michael Brooks was arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder, and 26-year-old Kayla Brooks was arrested on suspicion of accessory after the fact. Both were booked into Whatcom County Jail and await extradition. STORY: Motorcyclist hospitalized after crash on N Samish Lake Drive A Bellingham man was hospitalized yesterday following a traffic incident on N Lake Samish Drive and the southbound I-5 on-ramp. According to a press release by the Washington State Patrol, a 2013 Triumph Daytona motorcycle was traveling northbound on N Lake Samish Drive when it collided with the passenger side of a 2019 Subaru Forester traveling southbound and turning left. The motorcyclist, a 24-year-old Bellingham man, was taken by ambulance to PeaceHealth St Joseph Medical Center. The Subaru driver, a 28-year-old Langley BC woman, was uninjured. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation. It is unknown if any drugs or alcohol was involved. STORY: Crews to begin replacing roundabout at Slater Road / I5 interchange today The Slater Road I-5 Interchange near Ferndale will be under construction the next few days. Starting tonight at 8pm, crews will begin removing the existing roundabout to install a larger, two-lane roundabout on Slater Road between Rural Avenue and I-5. A Washington State Department of Transportation press release also included the following schedule: The southbound I-5 off-ramp to Slater Road will close from 8pm to 4am today and tomorrow. The Slater Road on-ramp to southbound I-5 will close from 8pm to 4am on Wednesday. A continuous two-week closure of the I-5 on- and off- ramps at Slater Road should be expected until Mid-September. WSDOT (Wash-dot) also announced that drivers should expect nightly single-lane closures on southbound I-5 between 8pm and 6am until construction completes in early 2025. Signed detours will be in place to guide drivers around ramp closures. STORY: Bellingham airport director fired after less than a year Kip Turner’s time as the director of aviation at the Bellingham Airport is over. Turner confirmed the information in a phone call to the Cascadia Daily News, and said he had been let go by the Port of Bellingham on July 19th due to financial reasons. He added that he had been caught off-guard by the news. Turner was hired by the Port of Bellingham in October of last year. His tenure was marked by Southwest Airlines’ announcement that it will stop serving Bellingham in early August. Southwest cited financial reasons and the impact of delayed Boeing deliveries as catalysts for their decision. Turner told port commissioners in late June that he had been speaking to three airlines regarding potential service to Bellingham. The Port of Bellingham’s Executive Director, Rob Fix, will temporarily fill Turner’s position. STORY: Under-construction Whatcom County “glamping” resort applies for expansion permit A glamping project in Glacier has filed for expansion after almost two years of permitting delays, according to publicly available documents. The Oculis Lodge, located at the bottom of Mt. Baker, will boast 30 private dome-shaped vacation rentals. The resort is marketed as quote “The Ultimate, Nature-Immersive Lodging Experience in the Cascade Mountains” unquote, –but construction has fallen behind. The project was originally estimated to be completed early this year, but due to permitting delays, only one of the domes has been constructed. On July 16th, a Site Plan Review Application was submitted to Whatcom County for approval. The application is for the second phase of the project, which includes construction of six more domes. The process for the permit’s approval could take months. The slow progress has caused frustrations for some of the 1700 supporters of the project who invested nearly $1.2 million through an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign. Backers are guaranteed priority reservations at the lodge, but after delays a few have requested refunds. On June 14th, it was announced that the lodge would be hosting its first guests in the following weeks. The announcement also said options for investor reimbursement were being explored. STORY: Whatcom County Council weighs plan to cut funding for low-income housing project Tomorrow, Whatcom County Council will discuss a proposal to withdraw $650,000 in annual funding from the Opportunity Council’s 22 North supportive housing project. Councilmember Ben Elenbaas (El-un-boss) proposed the measure, citing six deaths in the first half of 2024 and several crime-related incidents, including a 2022 shooting. Elenbaas suggested repurposing the facility as a detox center. Other council members, including Kaylee Galloway, opposed the idea, stressing 22 North’s importance for providing low-barrier housing and support to formerly homeless individuals. Greg Winter, executive director of the Opportunity Council, argued that defunding the facility would be counterproductive and suggested an independent review of policies instead. The council will further consider and possibly vote on the proposal at tomorrow’s meeting. Community members can attend the meeting in person at the Whatcom County courthouse, or via livestream. Go to the Whatcom County council webpage for more information. STORY: CNBC study reports WA among states with highest …
July 26, 2024 News Transcript
Ferndale father pleads guilty to manslaughter in daughter’s 2023 fentanyl death, Man arrested following road rage episode near Samish Way, Bellingham airport director fired after less than a year, Lake Whatcom Management Program seeks public comment on plan for watershed protection and restoration, WA state legislature forms task force to regulate AI, first meeting today Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, July 26th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Ferndale father pleads guilty to manslaughter in daughter’s 2023 fentanyl death 34-year-old Michael Doane pleaded guilty yesterday to second-degree manslaughter for the fentanyl poisoning death of his 5-year-old daughter in March 2023. The child’s mother, 36-year-old Melissa Welch, also pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter earlier in July and will be sentenced in mid-August. The child was found dead on March 8, 2023, with an autopsy confirming a high level of fentanyl as the cause. Police discovered drugs, including fentanyl, meth, and methadone, in the house, indicating the children had access to these substances. Welch’s boyfriend, Cody Craig, is set to appear in court on August 1 for related drug charges. Doane now faces up to 20 years in prison with sentencing scheduled for July 29th. STORY: Man arrested following road rage episode near Samish Way A man was arrested and booked into Whatcom County Jail yesterday following an alleged road rage incident. According to Washington State Patrol, a sedan involved in the incident began weaving back and forth across lanes driving northbound on I-5. The sedan was seen exiting the freeway, failing to stop for the signed intersection at the bottom of the off-ramp, and reentering via the northbound on-ramp. A successful PIT maneuver, in which a pursuing vehicle forces another vehicle to turn sideways causing the driver to lose control and stop, was performed by a trooper under the Samish Way overpass. The driver of the sedan, 32-year-old Arvind Sodhi (AR-vend SEW-dee), was taken into custody and is being charged with suspicion of attempting to elude a police vehicle, reckless driving, and 3rd-degree assault. STORY: Bellingham airport director fired after less than a year Kip Turner’s time as the director of aviation at the Bellingham Airport is over. According to the Cascadia Daily News, Turner confirmed the information in a phone call, and said he had been let go by the Port of Bellingham last Friday due to financial reasons. He added that he had been caught off-guard by the news. Turner was hired by the Port of Bellingham in October of last year. His tenure was marked by Southwest Airlines’ announcement that it will stop serving Bellingham in early August. Southwest cited financial reasons and the impact of delayed Boeing deliveries as catalysts for their decision. Turner told port commissioners in late June that he had been speaking to three airlines regarding potential service to Bellingham. The Port of Bellingham’s Executive Director, Rob Fix, will temporarily fill Turner’s position. STORY: Lake Whatcom Management Program seeks public comment on plan for watershed protection and restoration The 2025-2029 Draft for the Lake Whatcom Management Program Plan is now available for public review and comment. Lake Whatcom provides drinking water for more than 100,000 people and serves as a valuable wildlife habitat. The protection, preservation and rehabilitation of the lake and surrounding watershed is guided by a management plan that’s drafted every five years and contains a variety of focused programs. Program areas include land preservation and acquisition, stormwater management, public education and outreach, land use policies, and protections against aquatic invasive species. The new draft includes two new programs: climate action and forest management. Comments on the draft can be submitted in writing by August 25th. For information on how to submit comments go to the city of bellingham’s public engagement website, engagebellingham.org. STORY: WA state legislature forms task force to regulate AI, first meeting today A Washington task force met for the first time today to discuss regulations amid the growing use of AI. The task force, which was formed after the Washington state legislature passed a bill in March for its creation, consists of 18 members including a bipartisan set of state lawmakers, tech industry leaders, advocacy group representatives and government officials. Attorney general Bob Ferguson, who helped put the bill forward, noted that Washington is an especially important state in the development of AI, given its overwhelming presence of tech advancement. According to a news release, the main topics discussed included intellectual property protections, racial bias in AI, and innovation in technology. A recording of the full meeting is available at TVW.org. The group will meet two times a year for the next two years, and will have a final report by 2026. STORY: Solar energy project planned for Eastern Washington could be largest in nation’s history The Department of Energy (DOE) is negotiating a major solar and battery storage project at the Hanford site in Eastern Washington, selecting Hecate (HECK-uh-tay) Energy for a gigawatt-scale project. This project, part of DOE’s Cleanup to Clean Energy initiative, aims to repurpose former nuclear weapons program land for clean energy, creating jobs and economic opportunities. The solar project would be built on up to 8,000 acres of unused land, and is projected to be operational in five to seven years. Concerns exist about using limited industrial land for the project, as some land is reserved for an advanced clean energy park supported by the Tri-City Development Council of Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco. (KEN-uh-wick) Hecate says it is committed to partnering with the community to align the project with local plans. The Hanford site, mostly preserved for conservation post-cleanup, still employs about 11,000 people for environmental maintenance. Hecate’s project was one of 11 proposals, and the DOE says it was chosen for its feasibility, experience, and community engagement plan. Free and cheap: It’s Friday, and here are some free and cheap activities to enjoy this weekend: Ferndale’s 128th Picnic at Pioneer Park kicked off this morning. Craft and food vendors will be out until dusk – and …
July 25, 2024 News Transcript
Rollover crash sends Bellingham man to hospital, Bellingham woman pursuing no-contact order assaulted at work, Whatcom County votes to take action to improve homeless shelter capacity, WA Dept. of Health launches online platform for filing food safety complaints, Film on Lynden’s history of racial division to debut later this month Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, July 25th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Rollover crash sends Bellingham man to hospital A Bellingham man was hospitalized after a rollover crash on Tuesday evening. 29-year-old Jose Zamora was heading northbound on I-5 near the Nulle Road (NEW-lee) interchange when his car drifted to the left and entered the median. Zamora overcorrected, and the car rolled multiple times across both lanes. Zamora was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. The cause of the crash remains unknown, but police reports indicate drugs or alcohol were involved. STORY: Bellingham woman pursuing no-contact order assaulted at work Also on Tuesday, Bellingham Police subdued a man trying to assault a woman with a crowbar at her workplace. 35-year-old Jeff Enriquez broke into the woman’s office and swung a crowbar at her head. The victim was able to pull the crowbar away from Enriquez, however, he refused to allow her to leave, and when he did not respond to Police commands, he was tased. The woman told officers that Enriquez was a former coworker who had left the company a month earlier. Since then, he had been sending her unwanted texts, phone calls and emails, as well as following her during her work rounds. The woman was in the process of applying for a court-issued no-contact order, and had already blocked him on all devices. Enriquez was arrested on suspicion of a variety of charges, including stalking, second-degree assault, and unlawful imprisonment. He remains in custody at Whatcom County Jail. STORY: Whatcom County votes to take action to improve homeless shelter capacity On Tuesday, Whatcom County Council passed a resolution that directs the county executive’s office to research and propose solutions to homelessness, including the expansion of shelter capacity. The resolution mandates the executive present a proposal for the coming winter season, that includes budget impacts, by September 30th. The requested proposal would also outline a long-term research plan for potential shelter options, evaluation of the county’s Coordinated Entry System, a 10-year roadmap to functional zero homelessness, and a training and employment program for homeless individuals. Council member Kaylee Galloway, who co-sponsored the motion with Jon Scanlon and Barry Buchanan, emphasized the need for proactive measures on homelessness. PLAY COUNTY COUNCIL HOMELESS SOLUTION AUDIO CLIP 3 However, Deputy Executive Kayla Schott-Bresler expressed concerns about meeting the September deadline due to existing commitments. County Executive Satpal Sidhu supported the concept but noted the current focus on budget discussions, and suggested a 2025 timeline for developing a long-term plan. The resolution passed narrowly, 4-3, with dissenting votes from council members Mark Stremler, Ben Elenbaas, and Tyler Byrd. Elenbaas preferred focusing on treatment and rehabilitation, while Stremler expressed mixed feelings from constituents and concerns about the resolution’s scope. The resolution evolved from its initial introduction on June 4, which focused on a low-barrier, year-round homeless shelter. Subsequent meetings with various stakeholders led to the expanded final resolution. Despite the ambitious plan, Schott-Bresler noted potential impacts on the county’s core functions and the current hiring freeze due to a budget deficit. STORY: WA Dept. of Health launches online platform for filing food safety complaints The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has launched the Foodborne Illness Notification System, or FINS. The system aims to streamline reporting of suspected food poisoning and other food safety concerns to local health departments, and improve outbreak source identification across counties. Foodborne illness affects one in six Americans every year, with young children, elderly people, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems being most at risk. Symptoms of foodborne illness include high fever, frequent vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and dehydration. According to Alyssa Pilot, a public health advisor for the DOH’s food safety program, proper food handling can prevent these illnesses. The FINS survey is available in English and Spanish, with more languages to be added. STORY: Film on Lynden’s history of racial division to debut later this month A new film that explores racial division in Lynden is premiering in Bellingham soon. “Lynden”’s narrative follows Asma Burke, a woman who spent her early years in Ethiopia before being adopted and raised in Lynden. In July of 2020, she led a rally for racial justice in Lynden dubbed “The March for Black Lives.” The film explores the protest, its counterprotest, and the general racial division in Whatcom County. In an interview with the Bellingham Herald, filmmakers Chris Baron and Bryan Tucker said that they wanted to capture how the entire Lynden community felt about the day’s protests; including perspectives from both sides, such as extensive interviews with vocal conservative Wylin Tjoelker. The Pickford Film Center has sold out three of the five upcoming showings of the film. Tickets for the remaining September 7th and 8th showings are on sale now. WX: Sun And now for your Whatcom County weather: More cool weather is in store for us today, with highs in the upper 60s and lower 70s. Expect mild south-southwestern winds throughout the day. Nighttime lows are projected to be in the low 50s. Temperatures are expected to remain mild until the start of August. 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, Ikumi Mashiko (ih-KOO-me muh-SHE-ko), Anna Vickers, and Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson. 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. ##
July 24, 2024 News Transcript
Intalco Aluminum agrees to $5.25 million penalty for hazardous pollution violations, WA launches public awareness campaign to curb misinformation about mail-in voting, World’s first fully hydrogen-powered ferry, built in Bellingham, commences maiden voyage, Whatcom approves study on feasibility of Birch Bay’s incorporation as a city, Bellingham Business Beat, Film on Lynden’s history of racial division to debut later this month Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, July 24th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Intalco Aluminum agrees to $5.25 million penalty for hazardous pollution violations Intalco Aluminum has agreed to pay $5.25 million to settle Clean Air Act violations found by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during a 2019 inspection. The company opened an aluminum smelter in Ferndale in 1966 and operated for nearly 55 years. The violations occurred between 2017 and 2020, and include failing to maintain air pollution control systems, exceeding emission limits, and non-compliance with monitoring and reporting requirements. As a result, excess emissions of hazardous pollutants like particulate matter, carbonyl sulfide, hydrogen fluoride, and metals such as lead and mercury were released into the atmosphere– all of which can cause serious health issues. Intalco closed permanently last March due to high operational costs and lack of affordable power. The company has applied for a permit to demolish the site, a process that may take two to three years. STORY: WA launches public awareness campaign to curb misinformation about mail-in voting The Washington state Office of the Secretary of State has invested $1.8 million in a campaign to reduce misinformation about the vote-by-mail system. The campaign was created with agency partner Happylucky. The secretary of state says the goal is to foster confidence in local communities by using both traditional and digital channels and community-based partnerships. There is an additional focus on rural, historically marginalized, and entry-level voters. Washington state has used the vote-by-mail process for over a decade. In 2022, a survey found that most Washington voters trust the system. However, misinformation and distrust still exists. As we approach the August primary and November general election, OSOS wants voters to know elections are conducted securely and transparently by election officials. STORY: World’s first fully hydrogen-powered ferry, built in Bellingham, commences maiden voyage All American Marine, a Bellingham-based boat manufacturer, has released the “Sea Change” – the world’s first fully hydrogen powered ferry. “Sea Change” now provides free service from San Francisco’s Downtown Ferry Terminal and the city’s Pier 41. The ferry can carry 75 passengers and is owned by Switch Maritime. For the next six months the vessel will be part of San Francisco Downtown Ferries fleet in order to show off how hydrogen ferries can be a viable alternative. Business development manager Daniel Zech says that there was quote “no playbook to look to for guidance” unquote, and that the coast guard was writing all of their policies for this new kind of boat while the company awaited their approval. According to data from the 2019 congressional budget, water transit accounts for 36 million metric tons or 2% of total carbon emissions released every year. Experts say that if more maritime companies make the switch to hydrogen, this could greatly reduce this number – as the fuel cell’s only emission is water vapor. STORY: Whatcom approves study on feasibility of Birch Bay’s incorporation as a city The Whatcom County Council agreed yesterday to fund an updated study on the feasibility of Birch Bay becoming its own city. Birch Bay has long been viewed as a vacation beach town full of Canadian tourists who come down for the summer, but recent population data indicates more residents are staying all year. As of 2023, 8,900 residents live in the Birch Bay urban growth area and the village on the bay is now home to more than 300 short-term rentals. Birch Bay residents and a group supporting incorporation spoke to the Whatcom County Council last night, asking the county to fund an updated third-party feasibility study for $150,000. The study is expected to provide information on economic growth to determine if Birch Bay’s tax base could support the infrastructure and personnel necessary to operate a city. However, not all Birch Bay residents support incorporation. Some residents cite concerns about the costs of additional governance, while others want an up-to-date study in order to make an informed vote. The county council was reluctant to pay for the feasibility study out of the general fund, given the county’s fiscal challenges going into the next budget season. However, County Executive Satpal Sidhu pointed out that Birch Bay contributes significant taxes to the county and said he thinks residents deserve to have a better understanding of what incorporation entails. He added there could be state funding available later this year for the study. The council voted 6-1 in favor of approving a feasibility study and directed the executive to seek alternative funding. More information can be found at incorporatebirchbay.com. STORY: Bellingham Business Beat This week, KMRE is proud to present Bellingham Business Beat– a limited series where we find out more about some of the small businesses who are the heartbeat of our downtown. Every Wednesday, we’ll explore their origins, impact on our community, and what drives their passion for Bellingham. Here’s a preview of our first interview with Ritual Records. BBB e1 PREVIEW Audio Join us today after the 5pm news to hear the stories behind the storefronts, on Bellingham Business Beat right here on KMRE. STORY: Film on Lynden’s history of racial division to debut later this month A new film that explores racial division in Lynden is premiering Bellingham soon. “Lynden”’s narrative follows Asma Burke, a woman who spent her early years in Ethiopia before being adopted and raised in Lynden. In July of 2020 she led a rally for racial justice in Lynden dubbed “The March for Black Lives.” The film explores the protest, its counterprotest, and general racial division in Whatcom County. Filmmakers Chris Baron and Bryan Tucker said, in an …
July 23, 2024 News Transcript
Social media post leads to arrest in stolen goods case, Whatcom County primary ballots mailed, Initiative that would make WA Cares payments optional to be on ballot, Relocation of Bellingham tiny home village delayed after neighbor files appeal, Whatcom and state unemployment rates on the rise, WA State Parks tighten overnight camping limits, raise fees Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, July 23rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Social media post leads to arrest in stolen goods case Whatcom County authorities arrested a man last week after he was found selling stolen items online. Two burglaries were reported to the sheriff’s office earlier this year – one in March, and the other in April. The victims of the burglaries later found their stolen property for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Detectives set up a meeting with the seller in late April. 33-year-old Reuben Perez claimed he didn’t know the property was stolen and agreed to return the items to their rightful owners – however that never happened. They also found that Perez had been using the Facebook profile of a man who’s been in prison since 2022. Perez was arrested last Tuesday on suspicion of a variety of charges, including second-degree burglary and first-degree criminal impersonation. He has since been released on bail. Story: Whatcom County primary ballots mailed Primary ballots were mailed to Whatcom County residents last week. On the ballot are a variety of federal and statewide office positions including President of the United States, Washington state governor, and members of the U.S. House and Senate from the 40th and 42nd districts. Also on the ballot will be legislative measures, as well as elections for fire protection district levies and precinct committee officers. All partisan races in Whatcom County will be on the primary ballot regardless of the number of candidates. The two candidates with the most primary votes will advance to the Nov. 5 general election, regardless of party affiliation. Washington is a vote-by-mail state, and all ballots must be postmarked by 8pm on August 6th, or placed in one of the 22 county-wide official drop boxes which are now open. STORY: Initiative that would make WA Cares payments optional to be on ballot An initiative to allow Washington state workers to opt out of the “WA Cares” program will be on the upcoming November ballot. If passed, Initiative 2124 will make WA Cares, which went into effect in July of last year, voluntary. Most workers in Washington are currently required to participate in the program through a 0.58% payroll tax. Beginning in July 2026, those who qualify for the program will be able to access a $36,500 lifetime benefit to use on expenses like caretaking, equipment, or meals. Supporters of Initiative 2124 say many people required to pay the tax may never use the full benefit or even qualify for it. Opponents of the initiative say the fact that all workers are required to participate means the premiums can be kept low. They fear the WA Cares program cannot survive if it is completely voluntary as premiums would become too expensive, which would lower the likelihood that those with the highest need for the program’s care will receive it. Last year, “Let’s Go Washington”, a conservative political committee, led the signature-gathering drive to get Initiative 2124, along with measures to scrap the state cap-and-trade program and to repeal the state’s capital gains tax, on the ballot. STORY: Relocation of Bellingham tiny home village delayed after neighbor files appeal A planned relocation of two Bellingham tiny home villages to a property on Northwest Avenue is likely to be delayed after a neighboring business filed an appeal. North Coast Credit Union borders the location of the new tiny home village, and is asking the hearing examiner to overturn the approval of a Temporary Shelter Permit. North Coast Credit Union’s appeal, filed last month by their CEO, A.C. Griffith, alleges that the city violated the property’s planned contract when it approved the permit for 52 tiny homes in the same space with a density limitation of 8 residential units. Credit Union representative Rachel Silkie had this to say about the appeal. Northcoast Statement Audio The city’s Communications Assistant Director, Melissa Morin, said the planned contract does not prohibit a tiny home village that complies with the Bellingham Municipal Code. She said the city will respond to the appeal’s argument about the unit restriction at the hearing. The original plan to relocate both Unity Village in Fairhaven, and Swift Haven in the Puget neighborhood by the end of the year has now been put on hold. According to Morin, the pre-hearing conference with the hearing examiner is set for August 9th. According to the City of Bellingham’s website, a move-in date for the project will be set after a determination on the appeal. STORY: Whatcom and state unemployment rates on the rise Unemployment rates in Whatcom County have recently been on the rise. Recent records from both the Washington Employment Security Department and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the county’s unemployment rate has increased 1.4% since May 2023. Other regions in Washington have also spiked, with Ferry County at the highest with 7.7%, and Asotin (uh-SO-tin) County at the lowest with 3.3%. Washington State as a whole has seen an almost 19% increase since last May, with nearly 196,000 people receiving unemployment benefits as of this May. STORY: WA State Parks tighten overnight camping limits, raise fees New overnight camping rules in Washington state parks will go into effect starting August 19th. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announced the new guidelines, which set a limit of 10 consecutive nights per stay and a total annual cap of 90 nights. Additionally, campers can no longer leave for short periods and return to the same park. Starting next year, overnight camping fees will increase to $23-to-$56 per night. Moorage fees and buoy moorage minimums will also see hikes. The changes come amid …
July 22, 2024 News Transcript
North Cascades Highway closed near Easy Pass Trailhead as wildfire continues, Incumbent State Rep. Alicia Rule faces two challengers this November, Dept. of Transportation posts road guides to avoid summer construction, High volume of black bear sightings in northern Whatcom County, Dept. of Transportation posts road guides to avoid summer construction, Whatcom Conservation District receives federal grant to test new irrigation technology, WA gray wolves to retain endangered status, restrictions on killings still remain, Bellingham man goes to Olympics Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, July 22nd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: North Cascades Highway closed near Easy Pass Trailhead as wildfire continues Yesterday, the North Cascades Highway was closed again in both directions by the Washington State Department of Transportation, due to the nearby wildfire called the “Easy Fire.” The wildfire was initially reported on July 17th, and the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center says it was caused by lightning. According to a status report yesterday, the fire covers about 286 acres and is 0% contained. The highway was closed on July 17th, then temporarily opened on the 18th. WSDOT (WASH-dot) says the closure is in place until further notice, and motorists are advised to use U.S. Route 2 or Interstate 90 for cross-state travel. Visit the Washington State Department of Transportation’s travel center map for real-time updates. STORY: Incumbent State Rep. Alicia Rule faces two challengers this November State Rep. Alicia Rule is running for the 42nd Legislative District House Position 1 again this year, and faces challengers on both sides as she attempts to secure a third straight two-year term. One Republican and one Democrat are challenging Rule in the primary. According to Washington State voting laws, the two candidates with the most votes will advance to the general election on November 5th. Rule, who has served in the state House since 2020, is a former member of the Blaine City Council and founder and former head of the Blaine Downtown Development Association. Rule says her priorities for the next legislative session include: introducing a diaper tax exemption, addressing both violent and property crime, as well as protecting access to birth control and IVF. Republican candidate Raymon Pelletti is a U.S. Air Force veteran, as well as a former board member of both the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center and the state Make-A-Wish Foundation. He also served as the former president of the Whatcom County Association of Realtors. According to his website and a recent interview with the League of Women Voters of Bellingham-Whatcom County, Pelletti says his focus is on public safety, the economy, and his opposition of abortion, gender-affirming care for minors, and reforms aimed at police accountability. Democratic candidate Janet Melman has a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the University of California at Irvine and studied performance craft at UCLA Extension. She is a health-care and transgender rights advocate, content creator, voice actress, comic book author, and 20-year member of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. All three candidates have websites, or voters can find out more at VoteWA.gov. (VOTE WAH dot gov) STORY: Dept. of Transportation posts road guides to avoid summer construction Traffic this summer is expected to be worse than usual due to a high number of summer road construction projects. The Washington State Department of Transportation posted a full list of this summer’s 93 different scheduled construction projects. According to the official Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) blog, the summer is when most road construction projects are done, as reliably dry weather is needed for concrete to fully cure. The DOT also has a June-September calendar of major state events likely to affect summer traffic, and is updated as new events are announced. The calendar includes festivals from Bumbershoot to Watershed, concerts from Noah Kahan to Blink-182, and sports events such as the Mariners and Monster Trucks. The most recent closure begins today on State Route 546/East Badger Road lasting through Friday. Travelers should expect a five-day closure of both directions east of Northwood Road in Lynden, for modifications to the Kamm Ditch fish passage project. Detours are available on the Guide Meridian Road, East Pole Road, and State Route 9. STORY: High volume of black bear sightings in northern Whatcom County As of last week, there were 15 black bear sightings in Western Whatcom County. At this time last year, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) had received zero reports. The bear sightings include 14 in Blaine and 1 in Ferndale. According to the DFW, several were the result of “human food source attractant.” In a July 17th statement, the department issued suggestions to avoid bear interactions including: And, if you see a bear on your property, clap your hands loudly and make your presence known. STORY: Whatcom Conservation District receives federal grant to test new irrigation technology The Whatcom Conservation District will receive $1.2 million to test new weather-based technology that may help improve irrigation for Whatcom County farmers. The new technology uses soil moisture sensors and a data collection system that provides real-time weather information to farmers to monitor and improve irrigation decisions. The Whatcom Conservation District will run tests on raspberry, blueberry, seed potato, grass and mixed vegetable crops to analyze water use efficiency and time savings. The project is 1 of 53 funded across the country by The U.S. Department of Agriculture last Thursday. STORY: WA gray wolves to retain endangered status, restrictions on killings still remain The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission voted 5-4 on Friday to reject a proposal to ease restrictions on hunting gray wolves and keep them listed as an endangered species. The decision followed a heated debate, with commissioners emphasizing caution despite recent population increases. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) recommended changing the wolves’ status to “sensitive,” reflecting population growth since their complete elimination in our region in 1930. While wolves have returned to parts of Washington since 2008, most live east of the …
