County severe weather shelter extends season to March 13, Police reports: Scam callers pretending to be official Whatcom County law enforcement, Results of Bellingham Plan survey released, moving into Phase 2, WA lawmakers approve out-of-state option for long-term care benefit, Older U.S. adults should get another COVID-19 shot, health officials recommend, Free and Cheap ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, March 1st. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____. STORY: County severe weather shelter extends season to March 13 Whatcom County’s severe weather shelters have decided to extend their season for another two weeks. It is possible that the county will see wintery weather into the first half of March. So, the Bellingham Severe Weather Shelter has decided to move their closing date and remain available until March 13th. The North State Street shelter is open whenever forecasts and staff availability meet opening criteria. The Bellingham shelter is not the only one open to the public. Ferndale’s Severe Weather Shelter is also available through March 31st, while the Lighthouse Ministries’ Base Camp is open year-round. STORY: Police reports: Scam callers pretending to be official Whatcom County law enforcement The Bellingham Police Department is warning residents that scam callers are pretending to be law enforcement asking for money. According to BPD, scammers with thick southern accents claim to be local law enforcement officers and accuse the citizen of missing jury duty or being guilty of outstanding warrants. They may ask the target to buy gift cards or share other information over the phone. Scammers also claim to be loved ones who are under arrest and need bail money. Those who have received calls like this should report them to the BPD website. STORY: Results of Bellingham Plan survey released, moving into Phase 2 The results of the Bellingham Plan survey have been released. Phase 1 of the plan was finished last week. The in-person and online survey identified a few clear priorities for people living in Bellingham. According to survey results, the primary issues are housing types, rental protections, and affordability. Other concerns were the creation of pedestrian-centric gathering and community spaces, as well as creating a locally scaled economy to generate more local jobs that pay a living-wage. Bellingham respondents rated recreational opportunities, healthy environment, and public open spaces as its top three strengths. Phase 2 of the survey will take place in the first half of 2024, and engage with the previously identified issues, as well as explore approaches to growth moving forward. STORY: WA lawmakers approve out-of-state option for long-term care benefit The Washington state legislature passed a bill allowing retirees to access their long-term care benefits even if they move out of state. House Bill 2467 addresses the portability of the Washington Cares Fund, which imposes a tax on workers’ paychecks to fund long-term care benefits. Supporters of the program argue it helps the aging population and would allow retirees to access their $36,500 lifetime benefit Cares money, even if they move out of Washington. Opponents of the program criticize its mandatory nature and limited benefit size. In discussion on the house floor, Republicans criticized the bureaucratic nature of the portability solution, while concerns arose about potential confusion with an upcoming ballot initiative on the program’s opt-in/opt-out status. However, sponsors of the new bill argue that the portability option adds flexibility and addresses the needs of retirees who move out of state. Washington is the first state in the nation to offer long term care benefits to its residents. The bill now heads to Governor Jay Inslee’s desk. STORY: Older U.S. adults should get another COVID-19 shot, health officials recommend The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now recommending that adults aged 65 and above, should receive another COVID-19 vaccine shot, even if they had a booster in the fall. Older adults face higher risk of severe illness and death from the virus, and the CDC says the decision was based on the understanding that vaccine-induced immunity tends to diminish over time, particularly in seniors. However, experts continue to weigh the necessity of additional booster shots against the likelihood of vaccine fatigue as current vaccination rates, especially among children, remain low. The CDC says regular boosters reduce illness severity and transmission rates and encourages higher risk individuals to get additional dosages. STORY: Free and Cheap Now for some free or cheap events happening around the county this Saturday. The 8th annual Whatcom Farm Expo is being held from 9am to 2 pm at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds in Lynden. This event will include interactive exhibits, hands-on demonstrations, and seminars by local farmers and experts. Designed to be an informal meet-and-greet and networking event, visitors will find opportunities to engage with exhibitors and other farmers. The Garden Spot Nursery is hosting a plant swap starting at 10am. Bring houseplants and cuttings to trade with other members of the community. There is a ticket system so no awkward direct deals between people, just fun finds. There will be houseplant experts on hand to answer questions in a houseplant clinic as well as a repotting table. From noon to 3pm, the second Fix-it Fair will be held at the Ohio Street Workstudios. There will be small businesses to help mend clothing, repair small appliances, sharpen knives, repair bikes, repair jewelry, and do minor shoe repairs. All repairs are done free or by donation. WX: Rain Your Whatcom County weather today: there is a slight chance of rain today, and gusts of wind as high as 25 mph. Today’s high is around 46 degrees, which will drop to a low of 33 tonight. Expect rain and snow tonight, with calmer winds. The rain-snow mix will continue into tomorrow and the rest of the weekend with little or no accumulation expected. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman and Tristan Trudell. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p-m. …
KMRE NEWS Transcripts
February 29, 2024 News Transcript
High avalanche warning in effect as heavy snow falls in the Mount Baker wilderness, More pickleball courts coming to Bellingham park, Bellingham man in custody after committing three robberies in three days, police say, Whatcom school boards oppose curriculum bills, argue state is undermining local control, Puget Sound Energy proposes hefty rate hikes to pay for hydro and wind power, Attorney General’s Office will implement state Hate Crimes Hotline, Low wages, high costs: WA prisoners say they’re being exploited, according to report ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, the 29th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: High avalanche warning in effect as heavy snow falls in the Mount Baker wilderness A severe snowstorm is affecting the North Cascades east of Bellingham, leading to an avalanche warning and other hazardous conditions in the Mount Baker wilderness. The National Weather Service has issued alerts for heavy mountain snow, lowland rain, and strong winds through Thursday due to an atmospheric river pattern along the Washington coast. The Northwest Avalanche Center has issued a warning for the west slopes of the North Cascades. Mt. Baker Ski Area remains open but is experiencing significant snowfall, with 31 inches reported in the past 24 hours and another 8 inches expected. Ski area officials are conducting avalanche control measures, and caution is advised due to variable snow base conditions and the risk of falling into deep snow around trees. Mount Baker Highway is open but has compact snow and ice, with chains required for all vehicles except those with all-wheel drive. STORY: More pickleball courts coming to Bellingham park This October, fans of pickleball will have more places to play. The Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department announced that they will resurface one of the two remaining tennis courts at Cornwall Park and create three pickleball courts. The remaining tennis court will be redesigned into a full sized court and will also include the line markings for Pickleball. In 2018, the parks department resurfaced two tennis courts into six pickleball courts. Parks department director Nicole Oliver said this was received well by locals, but that some tennis players still wanted a place to play. Oliver characterized the new plan as a compromise for local sports fans. The project will cost $165,000, and is expected to be complete by October of this year. Construction begins this summer. STORY: Bellingham man in custody after committing three robberies in three days, police say A Bellingham man accused of committing three robberies in three days is now in custody. Police say Corin Tristan Beauvais (Bow-VAY), aged 29, allegedly took a bag of cannabis worth about $100 from a marijuana shop in the 100 block of East maple street last Thursday. According to Lt. Claudia Murphy, when store staff attempted to stop him, Beauvais threatened to stab them in the face. Two days later, Beauvais allegedly stole over $100 worth of marijuana from the same store, and later stole around $500 worth of merchandise from another cannabis store. Officers found Beauvais on North State street and he was subsequently arrested for suspicion of two counts of second-degree robbery and two counts of one-degree robbery. He remains in custody at Whatcom County jail. STORY: Whatcom school boards oppose curriculum bills, argue state is undermining local control Two Whatcom County school boards have voiced their opposition to school curriculum bills working their way through the legislature. The two bills would promote inclusive curriculum and prohibit school boards from banning instructional materials depicting queer people and minorities. Supporters of the bills say that inclusive curricula improves the mental health, academic performance, and graduation rates of marginalized communities. In recent letters passed unanimously by both boards, the Lynden and Meridian school boards expressed the opinion that the bills hinder their ability to outline their own curriculum alongside their local communities. Lynden School Board President Tonya Hickman stated separately that their opposition does not center on the intent of the bills, but about the reduction of the board’s ability to exercise local control. One of the bills has already passed both chambers of the legislature. STORY: Puget Sound Energy proposes hefty rate hikes to pay for hydro and wind power Washington’s largest electricity and natural gas provider has proposed a two-year rate hike to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. Puget Sound Energy announced a plan that includes significant increases for residential customers, with electricity bills rising by almost $8 in 2025, and by over $11 in 2026, while natural gas bills would increase by almost $14 in 2025 and bump up another $1.50 in 2026. The hikes represent about an 18% increase over two years for customers. PSE argues that these increases are necessary for ensuring safe and reliable energy services and to fund various investments, such as upgrades to hydroelectric dams and a wind farm. The utility says it faces challenges in meeting state climate change laws, including transitioning to carbon-free electricity sources and reducing emissions. PSE hopes to acquire 6,700 megawatts of renewable power by 2030. To help in the transition, PSE is asking for legislative changes, including the possibility of combining gas and electric ratepayers. In its previous rate proceeding, PSE and the Utility commission agreed to price increases for natural gas and electricity customers, and agreed to a pilot program providing incentives to those who wished to switch from gas to electric heating. STORY: Attorney General’s Office will implement state Hate Crimes Hotline A bill has passed that will create a statewide hate crimes hotline. After failing during last year’s session, Senate Bill 5427 was passed in the House earlier this month along party lines. The legislation creates a hotline that people can contact to provide information and referrals to those targeted by hate crimes. The hotline will be run by the Attorney General’s Office, which will develop and test a pilot to assist Washingtonians in at least three counties by July 1, 2025. By 2027, the hotline will be active statewide. The bill now heads to …
February 28, 2024 News Transcript
Man arrested in Bellingham after toddler overdoses on Fentanyl, police say, South Whatcom Fire Authority to renovate Sudden Valley station in December, Portland Loo comes to Bellingham’s Waypoint Park, Whatcom County Health Vaccine Clinics for next week, Tax Help for Seniors, Bill passes House that would create Economic Security program for low-income families (HB 2230), FTC lawsuit against Kroger-Alberton’s merger could affect Washington shoppers, Low wages, high costs: WA prisoners say they’re being exploited, according to report ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, February 28th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Man arrested in Bellingham after toddler overdoses on Fentanyl, police say The life of an 18 month old Bellingham toddler was saved after they overdosed on fentanyl last week. Last Sunday, medics responded to the 2400 block of McKenzie Avenue, where the toddler was revived with Narcan, a commonly-used medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. The child was found to have suffered from a Fentanyl overdose after chewing on a straw used to smoke the synthetic opioid. They were transported to the emergency room for further treatment. According to the Bellingham Police Department, The child pulled the straw from 38 year-old Nicholas Stephen Austin’s pocket without him noticing while he was sitting on a couch in the residence. Austin was arrested for 3rd degree assault of a child. He was released on bond from Whatcom County Jail. STORY: South Whatcom Fire Authority to renovate Sudden Valley station in December The shuttered Sudden Valley fire station is due to be re-opened. Chief Mitch Nolze (NOLZE) stated that the South Whatcom Fire Authority has signed a contract to renovate the water-damaged station this December. The Sudden Valley station closed in mid-January due to a water leak caused by freezing pipes. Since then, the station’s personnel have been working out of the Geneva fire station. The project is being fast-tracked to avoid mold and other structural issues. Sudden Valley residents with comments and questions regarding the future of their fire station may contact the South Whatcom Fire Authority by phone or email. STORY: Portland Loo comes to Bellingham’s Waypoint Park A Portland Loo has been installed at Waypoint Park, offering 24/7 toilet access year-round. The Portland Loo, first developed by Madden Fabrication and the City of Portland about ten years ago, is a stand-alone bathroom designed to address common issues with public toilets. It’s free, accessible 24/7, and features graffiti-proof panels and open grating to deter crime. Additionally, the facility is gender-neutral and wheelchair and stroller-friendly. The Waypoint Park loo will open in March, with plans for two more downtown installations later this year pending plumbing and maintenance finalization. STORY: Whatcom County Health Vaccine Clinics for next week Whatcom County Health and Community Services will hold a series of vaccine clinics starting through April. No-cost vaccines will be available for eligible individuals in Whatcom County. Two clinics, one located at 2030 Division Street, in Bellingham, and the other at East Whatcom Regional Resource Center, Maple Falls, will distribute vaccines to different age groups on a first-come, first-serve basis. The East Whatcom clinic also offers Narcan kits, blood pressure checks, and glucose checks. The next clinic will be held next Tuesday, March 5th at 2030 Division Street. Pre-registration is available at WhatcomCounty.us. STORY: Tax Help for Seniors As tax season continues, the IRS is notifying seniors that they have some free tax filing options. If you would like in-person help with your taxes, there are two programs available. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly program helps taxpayers aged 60 and older. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program which helps those making less than $60 thousand dollars a year, people with disabilities, and those with limited English. To find a site near you, visit IRS.gov. Or if you’d prefer to file online, you can use the IRS Free File tool at IRS.gov/FreeFile. Tax returns or extension requests are due by April 15. STORY: Bill passes House that would create Economic Security program for low-income families (HB 2230) A bill that would help low-income families find better financial stability has passed the House and is currently making its way through the Senate. House Bill 2230 creates the Economic Security for All program which would allocate grants to low-income families and individuals. Low-income is defined as below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, that being around $30 thousand for individuals and $62 thousand for a family of four annually. Representative Strom Peterson of Edmonds, who is a sponsor of the bill, says that the assistance will promote financial stability and help those in need climb out of poverty. According to him, the grants are designed to help families with low incomes become more self-sufficient and focus especially on supporting people of color and rural residents. The bill has been scheduled for its second reading in the Senate. STORY: FTC lawsuit against Kroger-Alberton’s merger could affect Washington shoppers The Federal Trade Commission has filed a lawsuit to block the $24.6 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons, alleging that it would create a grocery monopoly. The lawsuit, supported by a bipartisan group of nine attorneys general, aims to prevent the merger from proceeding. If the grocery store chains merged, the combined entity would oversee more than 5,000 stores, approximately 4,000 pharmacies, and employ nearly 700,000 people. Albertsons currently owns Haggen and Safeway, and Kroger owns Fred Meyer and QFC. The FTC argues that such a merger will lead to fewer choices for consumers, higher prices, and lower quality products. Additionally, they contend it will threaten the ability of grocery store workers to secure higher wages and better benefits. In a bid to quiet concerns, Kroger proposed to divest 104 Washington stores to New Hampshire-based C&S Wholesale Grocers, however, the FTC says they deem the offering inadequate to mitigate the loss of competition. Kroger and Albertsons executives acknowledge the anticompetitive nature of the deal, but argue it is necessary for survival in a rapidly changing market and say the merger would …
February 27, 2024 News Transcript
Bellingham man sentenced to 12 years in prison for attempted enticement of a minor, Two Blaine School Board members resign, Whatcom County traffic stop leads to high-speed chase, crash and drug-related arrest, E-bikes get official OK on Galbraith Mountain in Bellingham, Washington tribes look to Iceland for help getting teens off drugs, Tax Help for Seniors, Washington lawmakers advance bill making it a felony to threaten election workers Low wages, high costs: WA prisoners say they’re being exploited, according to report ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, February 27. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham man sentenced to 12 years in prison for attempted enticement of a minor A Bellingham man has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for possession of child pornography and attempted enticement of a minor. The verdict was handed down on Friday at the U.S. District Court in Seattle. Besides jail time, 28-year-old Clayton Harker was also sentenced to 15 years of supervised release, as well as needing to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. Harker pleaded guilty to the child pornography and enticement charges back in October. He was originally arrested in December of 2022, after going to a hotel with the intent to film his sexual assault of an eight-year-old girl. As it turned out, Harker had unknowingly contacted an undercover Homeland Security officer. Harker was arrested before he even entered the hotel. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Hampton originally asked that Harker receive a sentence of 30 years in prison, stating he had quote “cut a swath of destruction across the lives of vulnerable minors whose only mistake was to cross paths with a predator” unquote. STORY: Two Blaine School Board members resign Two members of the Blaine School board, Don Leu (LEW) and Ryan Ford, have resigned, citing health and family reasons, respectively. Recenting reporting by the Cascadia Daily says Leu expressed confidence in the remaining board members and urged the board to focus on student needs. Ford attended a recent meeting to express gratitude but said he felt unable to fulfill his duties adequately. Interviews for replacements are scheduled on March 15 and new members must be seated within 90 days. Cliff Freeman, the new School Board President, says the resignations coincide with district financial challenges as well as the departure of Blaine School District CFO Amber Porter– reportedly due to conflicts over finances with board member Erika Creydt (CRATE). According to the Daily, Freeman says he sees the departures as opportunities for new perspectives and remains optimistic about the board’s future. STORY: Whatcom County traffic stop leads to high-speed chase, crash and drug-related arrest An Everett man was arrested after attempting to flee officers in a high speed car chase. A vehicle without a license plate was stopped around midnight on North Chuckanut Drive Sunday, under suspicion of a DUI. During the stop, officers noticed drug paraphernalia in the car. The driver, 38 year-old Angel Leffingwell, subsequently drove from the scene. Afterwards, the car swerved away from a deployed spike strip, onto the sidewalk, crashing into a light and power pole. The two occupants of the vehicle fled on foot and were subsequently arrested. Officers found a bag of methamphetamine and two blue pills suspected to be fentanyl in the car. The passenger was taken to St. Joseph’s hospital and has not been charged. Leffingwell was arrested for vehicular assault, eluding police, possession of an uncontrolled substance, no valid driver’s license, and driving while intoxicated. He is currently in custody at Whatcom County jail. STORY: E-bikes get official OK on Galbraith Mountain in Bellingham The Bellingham City Council voted Monday to allow e-bikes on Galbraith Mountain, as well as expand the trail system there. Power-assisted bikes were originally prohibited when the mountain opened to cyclists in 2018, but over time e-bikes have become more commonplace. Riders have even started using them on the trails in an unofficial capacity. The rule change specifies that Class 1 e-bikes, the slowest classification of power-assisted bikes, will now be allowed. Class 1 e-bikes are capped at 20 mph with pedal-assist only, and lack the throttle found on dirt motorbikes. Dirt bikes and faster e-bikes are still prohibited. The Council also approved adding 20 miles of trail to the mountain. According to Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition Executive Director Eric Brown, the increase from 65 to 85 miles came after managers at Galbraith Tree Farm decided the current level of recreational use wasn’t impacting the company’s logging business. According to Brown, the new trails will be multi-use: suitable for biking, hiking, dog walking, and more. STORY: Washington tribes look to Iceland for help getting teens off drugs Washington Tribal Leaders are looking to Iceland to combat the current rise of teen opioid use. According to a study published in 2021, the Icelandic Prevention Model has decreased alcohol use among Icelandic teens by 42 percent in 20 years. Based on the overseas approach, Washington and tribal nations have dubbed their effort the ‘Washington Tribal Prevention System’. It will be run by the Washington State Health Care Authority, along with the S’Klallam (S’KLA-Lum), Lummi, Tulalip (Tuh-LAY-luhp), Swinomish, and Colville tribes, as well as Planet Youth, a non-profit. According to the journal Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy, the model focuses on putting responsibility on the community and parents before placing it on the children themselves. Rather than telling teens to ‘just say no’, the prevention system encourages environments that lack substance abuse altogether. In Washington, American Indian and Alaska Natives have the highest death rate due to overdose, far outpacing other ethnicities, according to the Department of Health. The Washington Tribal Prevention System began its ten year pilot program on February 14th. STORY: Tax Help for Seniors As tax season continues, the IRS is notifying seniors that they have some free tax filing options. If you would like in-person help with your taxes, there are two programs available. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly program helps taxpayers …
February 26, 2024 News Transcript
Port: ABC Recycling has 30 days to meet environmental requirements — or leave, Western Washington University plans to vacate, demolish several rental homes north of campus, Two detained in Bellingham drive-by shooting, Two detained in Bellingham drive-by shooting, Nooksack Tribe celebrates new tiny home development for community members, Car found 50 feet off Mount Baker Highway, PNW tribal nations, states sign historic Columbia Basin agreement with U.S., Low wages, high costs: WA prisoners say they’re being exploited, according to report ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, February the 26th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Port: ABC Recycling has 30 days to meet environmental requirements — or leave Port of Bellingham officials have given ABC Recycling an ultimatum: comply with environmental requirements within a month, or leave. The ultimatum was issued on Thursday, just days after ABC Recycling docked a barge at Colony Wharf without permission. The company, which later moved the barge to Seattle, stated in an email to port officials that the company was unaware that Colony Wharf is part of the port’s operations. Port Executive Director Rob Fix stated at a commission meeting last Tuesday that his agency would prohibit ABC vessels from docking at the port’s properties until the company satisfies the environmental conditions of its lease. The barge, according to Fix, likely had no pollution controls and would have posed an environmental hazard to the Whatcom Waterfront had it stayed at Colony Wharf. ABC Recycling CEO David Yochlowitz (YAW-clo-witz) said in an email to port officials that his company would comply with the requirements. STORY: Western Washington University plans to vacate, demolish several rental homes north of campus Western Washington University plans to demolish four decades-old residential homes and vacate two others this spring. Located just north of campus along Ivy Terrace Street, the four homes have been uninhabited for at least a year and were originally vacated due to mold, according to Western Director of Communications Jonathan Higgins. A tree fell on one of the unoccupied units during a fall storm, making it structurally unstable. The university plans to vacate an additional two homes, having given the tenants 90 days’ notice. Higgins did not say why the two occupied residences are being vacated or whether the university expects to demolish them as well. According to recent reporting by the Bellingham Herald, one of the residents is concerned about finding new housing. James Beach has lived in the house for 20 years, and says that he would like to keep living there if there are no plans to demolish it. Beach said that, with housing already limited in Bellingham, displacing tenants and demolishing homes worsens the problem. Higgins said the university is assessing opportunities to develop the properties into higher-density housing or other facilities that will benefit the community. STORY: Two detained in Bellingham drive-by shooting Two Seattle men were booked into the Whatcom County jail last weekend on suspicion of drive-by shooting and first degree malicious mischief. According to Bellingham Police Information Officer Megan Peters, shots were reported around 3 p.m. on Saturday near the corner of Bakerview and Hannegan Roads. An hour later, the vehicle was spotted by a sheriff’s deputy about 2 miles away, in the area near Telegraph Rd. and Meridian St. The sheriff’s office initiated a traffic stop and detained the two individuals in the vehicle, Peters said. The investigation is ongoing. STORY: Nooksack Tribe celebrates new tiny home development for community members The Nooksack Indian Tribe added three tiny homes for tribal community members last week. The tribe says the completion of these homes marks a significant milestone in addressing the critical need for housing within the community, with over 200 enrolled members on the housing waitlist. The units will each house one to two people from the Nooksack Tribal housing applicant list. Members of the Tribal Council, Nooksack elders, tribal, and community members gathered at the location in Deming to celebrate. The Nooksack Tribe has several other housing projects underway, including three two-bedroom units and one four-bedroom unit, to be located on First Street on the Nooksack Reservation. STORY: Car found 50 feet off Mount Baker Highway First responders were dispatched to Mount Baker Highway about 7:50am on Sunday due to reports of a vehicle that crashed off the highway. Washington State Patrol reported the initial information received was that the vehicle was 50 feet off the roadway with 4 occupants, about 3 miles below Mt. Baker Ski Area. The vehicle was determined to be a total loss, all occupants were able to get themselves out of the car and the driver was transported to PeaceHealth St Joseph Medical Center. The State Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash. STORY: State legislation pass anti-book banning bill Lawmakers in Olympia are deliberating a bill that would prohibit school districts from banning books. In a 29-20 vote, the state Senate recently approved House Bill 2331, with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed. If passed, the bill would prevent school boards from banning books based on their association with protected groups like race, religion, or sexual orientation. However, school districts could still restrict access to certain books if a parent or guardian complains. Supporters argue that the bill supports inclusivity and provides a welcoming environment for all students. Opponents advocate for parental and school board involvement in book selection. The bill now awaits review by Governor Inslee. STORY: PNW tribal nations, states sign historic Columbia Basin agreement with U.S. On Friday, leaders of four Pacific Northwest tribal nations signed a historic agreement with the US that lays out the future of hydropower dams in the Columbia River Basin. The memorandum of understanding was signed by Nez Perce(NEZ PIERCE), Umatilla (OOO-muh-till-uh), Warm Springs, and Yakama tribes, as well as Washington and Oregon. The $1 billion plan outlines tribal-led construction of 1 to 3 gigawatts of clean-energy projects, along with a deal to allow for additional dam spillover in the spring to help young Chinook (shin-OOOK) …
February 23, 2024 News Transcript
City of Bellingham, school district announce partnership for Civic Athletic Complex, Woman arrested after allegedly smashing out windows with an axe, WTA seeks developer for affordable housing in Lynden, Biden administration cancels $1.2B in student loans with new repayment plan, Mount Vernon School District’s failing safety, technology levy heads back to ballot, Low wages, high costs: WA prisoners say they’re being exploited, according to report ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, February 23rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: City of Bellingham, school district announce partnership for Civic Athletic Complex Bellingham Public Schools and the City of Bellingham have announced a potential partnership to construct a new school within the Civic Athletic Complex. The proposal would relocate Carl Cozier Elementary School to city property within the Civic Athletic Complex. This move would allow the school district to address the aging infrastructure of Carl Cozier and potentially repurpose the current site for other community projects. Although details such as the construction timeline, costs, and exact location of the proposed new school are yet to be finalized, Superintendent Greg Baker and Mayor Kim Lund expressed enthusiasm about the potential benefits for both the city and the school district. A previous memorandum of agreement between Bellingham Public Schools and the Bellingham Public Schools Foundation permits the school district to utilize Carl Cozier as a temporary facility or “swing school” that students from other elementary schools could use during construction. STORY: Woman arrested after allegedly smashing out windows with an axe A 43 year old Everson woman was arrested after allegedly smashing windows and setting fire to her home. The incident began with a family argument, then escalated. Heather Holestine set fire to her trailer on East Pole Road and used an axe to break several car windows. Deputies were then called to the residence, where they found that the fire had been put out by family members. The suspect was in possession of methamphetamines when she was taken into custody. STORY: WTA seeks developer for affordable housing in Lynden The Whatcom Transportation Authority is seeking a developer to build workforce housing next to its transit station in Lynden. In a call out to developers on Thursday, WTA requested that the final cost for housing be no more than 30% of their monthly income. At least 40% of the units would be for tenants who make no more than 60% of the area median income. The AMI for a family of four in Whatcom County is about $102,600. WTA envisioned the project to include over 100 residential units for farmworkers when completed. A portion of the property would remain in use as a bus station. WTA board members anticipate selecting a developer in May and finalizing the lease by the end of the year. STORY: Mount Vernon School District’s failing safety, technology levy heads back to ballot A Mount Vernon School District funding proposal may go back on the ballot following the likely failure of their original safety and technology levy. The election will be certified by 3pm this afternoon. The school district is sending an updated version to be placed on the April 23rd ballot that would return the district to a previously approved tax rate of 95 cents per $1,000. There is a small chance that the original levy could succeed, as it is currently failing by just 35 votes with 50 votes left to count. A possible updated levy measure would result in a reduction in anticipated revenue by about $2.5 million a year, which would result in cutting some audio and visual technology replacements. It would also remove funding for some current staff, and force the district to rely on grants to cover their salaries. The election will be certified by 3pm this afternoon. STORY: Biden administration cancels $1.2B in student loans with new repayment plan President Biden has initiated the cancellation of $1.2 billion in student loan debt for over 150,000 borrowers enrolled in his SAVE repayment plan, aiming to showcase his administration’s success in providing debt relief as the election approaches. While his targeted approach has garnered praise, there are calls for more action despite a previous defeat of a broader loan forgiveness plan in the Supreme Court. The SAVE plan accelerates forgiveness for borrowers with lower debt amounts, allowing debt clearance after 10 years of payments, compared to the 20-25 years under other repayment plans. The plan aims to ease the burden for those who borrowed for college, with enhancements like increased income protection and reduced monthly payments. The Education Department plans to continue providing relief, targeting borrowers who attended community college or are at risk of defaulting. Borrowers receiving relief will be notified via email, with loan discharges initiated by student loan servicers. STORY: Free and Cheap Looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend? Here are some events happening around the county. The Inner Child Studio is hosting a family trivia night on Friday. Recommended for ages 8+, the pub-style trivia event will have prizes and concessions available. The doors open at 5:30, and the trivia ends at 7 pm. The adults only event starts at 7:30. More info and registration is available at InnerChildStudio.org. The City of Bellingham is organizing a community work party to help plant native trees at Lake Padden on Saturday. Open to all ages, the event runs from 9 am to 12 pm. The event is a collaboration with the Washington Native Plant Society, and the Whatcom Million Trees Project. All tools are provided, and sign up is available at VolunteerBellingham.org. Is your kid interested in hockey? The Whatcom Warriors are hosting a free hockey event at the Bellingham Sportsplex on Saturday. Warriors coaches & players will introduce kids aged 4 to 10 to the basics of hockey. Gear is provided, and registration is available on TryHockeyForFree.com. The event runs from 10:15 to 11:15 am. WX: Rain Your Whatcom County weather today– expect clouds today with a high near 51 degrees, and …
February 22, 2024 News Transcript
BPD investigating attempted smash-and-grab at pot shop, Several car vs property incidents in Whatcom County recently, Ferndale woman accused of attempting to bribe deputy with drugs while detained, Western’s Early Childhood Education earns state’s first NAEYC accreditation for bachelor’s program, Bellingham Bells to host 2024 West Coast League All-Star Game, Wintery weather forecast for Whatcom County beginning this weekend and continuing into next week, Tree coverage in cities crucial as planet warms, WA research shows, 42nd District Town Hall airs on KMRE, Low wages, high costs: WA prisoners say they’re being exploited, according to report ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, February 22nd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: BPD investigating attempted smash-and-grab at pot shop, Several car vs property incidents in Whatcom County recently The last week has seen multiple car and building crashes in Whatcom County. First responders were dispatched Friday evening to East Sunset Drive and Britton Road, where police found a car with heavy frontend damage, and the smashed rollup door of a business. The driver was arrested and charged with a DUI. On Sunday, a car crashed into Slice of Heaven bakery on North Samish Way. According to co-owner Marci Abshire (AB-shur), the vehicle ran through the outside fence and seating area, before barreling into the bakery. The minor driver reportedly suffered non-life-threatening injuries in the crash and according to the Bellingham Police Department, was said to have been suffering a mental crisis at the time. The collision forced Slice of Life to close for a few days as a result. Police were dispatched Monday evening to another car crash at a Ferndale business. They arrived to find that the building suffered a small dent and no one had been injured. Finally, police are investigating an attempted burglary at the StarBuds dispensary on Samish Way. Early Tuesday morning, a stolen Kia Sorento was reportedly used to smash into the front of the store multiple times before the suspects fled. The incident resulted in $50,000 worth of damages to the building. It comes amid similar incidents of cars being used to ram into cannabis stores, more frequently in King County. Anyone with information is asked to contact BPD’s non-emergency dispatch line. STORY: Ferndale woman accused of attempting to bribe deputy with drugs while detained A Ferndale woman is being accused of attempting to bribe a deputy with drugs and threatening other deputies during her arrest earlier this month. 43-year-old Elisha (uh-LEE-shuh) Rick, along with some of her relatives, refused to leave another relative’s home on Curtis Road on February 10th. After they eventually left, authorities were notified of the incident, and given a description of the vehicle she had left in. Upon her arrest, Rick offered drugs to a County Sheriff’s Office deputy in exchange for her release, and threatened to kill the deputy if she was detained. Rick was arrested on suspicion of felony harassment, bribery, violating a no-contact order for domestic violence, and driving with a suspended license. This is not her first brush with the law; she had outstanding warrants for indecent exposure to a minor and violation of a protection order. Rick remains in custody at the Whatcom County Jail. STORY: Western’s Early Childhood Education earns state’s first NAEYC accreditation for bachelor’s program Western Washington University’s Early Childhood Education program has earned the state’s first-ever accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Western now offers one of just two bachelor-level ECE degree programs on the West Coast that have passed the association’s rigorous accreditation process. During the site visit in 2023, evaluators observed classes at Western and met with students, faculty, staff and administrators, along with directors of childcare centers and elementary schools that are longtime partners of Western’s Early Childhood Education Program. WWU was one of only four programs in the country to receive accreditation from NAEYC in its recent round. STORY: Bellingham Bells to host 2024 West Coast League All-Star Game The Bellingham Bells have announced they will host this year’s West Coast League All Star Game. The event highlights players from all 16 West Coast League teams, and offers activities such as a community adaptive baseball game, a player pro-style workout with major league baseball scouts, as well as a skills challenge showcasing top All-Stars. The game itself will be held on July 17th and college players from across the country will compete at Joe Martin Field. Tickets go on sale April 1st. Play ball! STORY: Wintery weather forecast for Whatcom County beginning this weekend and continuing into next week Weather forecast models indicate potential snowfall this weekend, particularly in the higher elevations of the Cascades. According to the National Weather Service, a strong front bringing heavy rain in lowland areas, snow in the mountains, and gusty winds is anticipated to arrive starting Saturday. As onshore flows increase Sunday night into Monday, colder air high in the atmosphere is expected to result in a rain-snow mix in lowland areas. Western Whatcom County is expected to experience a mix of snow and rain during evenings and early mornings. The National Weather Service suggests a 40% chance of 12 inches of snow for Snoqualmie Pass and 80% for Stevens Pass by Monday. According to the modeling, there is also the possibility of another system moving into the region on Tuesday. STORY: WNS – Tree coverage in cities crucial as planet warms, WA research shows Trees in urban areas provide benefits for people, including decreased temperatures and improved air quality, according to new research out of Washington state. Reporter Eric Tegethoff (TEG-it-off) has more. TREES AUDIO WX: Rain Your Whatcom County weather today– expect sun today with a high near 54 degrees, and moderate winds. Temperatures will drop to around 37 tonight. Tomorrow — expect fog in the morning, with the sun coming out in the afternoon. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman and Tristan Trudell. Tune in to local news …
February 21, 2024 News Transcript
Bellingham mayor announces drug crackdown, additional services for city center, Arrest made after paramedic was reportedly threatened for treating patient in Bellingham alleyway, Arrest made after paramedic was reportedly threatened for treating patient in Bellingham alleyway, Lummi Island Ferry planned out-of-service March 7, Cordata Park expansion to open end of February, Largest proposed wind farm in WA slashed in half, firefighting issues are part of the problem, A proposed bottle-deposit bill in Washington would help the environment — and low-income communities, WSP refers 7 additional people on charges for blocking I-5 ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, February 21st. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham mayor announces drug crackdown, additional services for city center Yesterday, Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund announced an executive order aimed at addressing the fentanyl crisis and enhancing public safety in the downtown area. The initiative comes in response to a significant surge in overdoses, with the number of 911 calls reporting overdoses doubling in January compared to the previous year. The order includes increasing police patrols downtown, establishing a first-responder office near the Commercial Street Parking Garage to respond to overdose calls, and taking aggressive action against drug dealers in partnership with law enforcement agencies. The executive order also focuses on providing more treatment opportunities and education about substance use disorder. Lund says she also plans to form a work group to explore long-term solutions for downtown revitalization beyond addressing the fentanyl crisis. STORY: Arrest made after paramedic was reportedly threatened for treating patient in Bellingham alleyway A Bellingham man was arrested last Saturday for threatening to kill a paramedic. The paramedic was tending to a patient in an alleyway off Holly Street when 28-year-old Cody Scott Padgett threatened to kill him and chased him away. The paramedic flagged down a nearby patrol officer, who located and arrested Padgett on suspicion of felony harassment and intimidation of a public servant. Padgett remains in custody at Whatcom County Jail as of today, with bail set at $15,000. The patient was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center after the incident. STORY: Lummi Island Ferry planned out-of-service March 7 The Lummi Island Ferry will be out of service on March 7th between 12:30 and 2pm. The one and a half hour service break will allow shipyard planners to prepare for upcoming repairs to the Whatcom Chief. Travelers between Lummi Island and Gooseberry Point are advised to plan for delays. STORY: Cordata Park expansion to open end of February A new $4.9 million dollar expansion of Cordata Park is scheduled to be complete by the end of this month. The City of Bellingham purchased the park’s 25-acre lot in 2015. It initially opened in the fall of 2020 and was the first park in the north end of the city. Construction for the expansion began last May, with plans for a picnic area, pickleball courts, a basketball court, and a stage to host local events. Plans also include a pavilion which will be used by the Cordata neighborhood association for their monthly meetings. Additionally, community members will be able to rent it for their own use. As this next phase opens to the public, the City warns that landscaping will be a work in progress while grass is still being established. STORY: Presidential Primary ballots coming to Whatcom residents Ballots for Washington state’s presidential primary election are being mailed today. For the primary, voters must select a party affiliation for this primary, but it won’t affect future elections. Democratic candidates listed on the ballot include President Joe Biden, Dean Phillips, and Marianne Williamson. Republican choices include former President Donald Trump, Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, Chris Christie, and Vivek (vi-VAKE) Ramaswamy even though Trump and Haley are the only ones officially still in the race. Voter pamphlets providing candidate information have been mailed out, and an accessible voting unit is available for those needing assistance. Ballots must be returned or postmarked by 8:00 p.m. on March 12th, preferably through official ballot drop boxes for timely receipt. STORY: 42nd District Town Hall airs on KMRE Elected officials from the 42nd Legislative District held a town hall meeting last Saturday. COVID kept Representative Joe Timmons and Senator Sharon Shewmake (SHOE-make) at home, however Representative Alicia (uh-LEE-shuh) Rule was in attendance and answered all the questions asked by constituents. If you were unable to attend, KMRE will air the event in its entirety this Friday at noon. Or you can also listen on-demand at kmre.org. STORY: Largest proposed wind farm in WA slashed in half, firefighting issues are part of the problem A proposal to create the largest wind farm in Washington has been cut in half due to wildlife protection concerns. The original plan included construction of 244 wind turbines across 24 miles of the Horse Heaven Hills ridgeline. The turbines range from 500 to over 650 feet, making them taller than the Space Needle. With wind turbines killing hundreds of thousands of birds every year, environmentalists objected, saying that the proposed construction would impact the habitat of the endangered ferruginous (fur-ROO-jin-us) hawk. Because of this, the council that licenses and permits energy sites in Washington is considering removing more than half of the proposed turbines. The remaining turbines would be considered far enough from historical ferruginous hawk nest sites. The potential cuts underscore the difficulties developers face in finding the right location for the kinds of massive renewable energy projects Washington needs to wean its grid off fossil fuels and to meet the ever-increasing demand for the power. Even if halved, the farm would become the second largest in Washington. The council is expected to vote to finalize the decision in the coming days or weeks. Recommendations will then move on to Governor Inslee. WX: Rain Your Whatcom County weather today– expect rain throughout the day with a high near 53 degrees, and moderate winds. Tonight will bring faster winds and a low of around 42. Tomorrow— expect more rain in the morning, with the …
February 16, 2024 News Transcript
Nooksack Levy barely in favor by 7 votes, Blaine man booked attempted murder, State Charges Maple Valley women with serial shoplifting, Downtown Library starts phase two of upgrades, Rock climber rescued from Larrabee Cliffs, New state revenue report, Budget request for childcare during non-traditional hours ____________________________ Nooksack levy barely in favor by 7 votes, Blaine man booked on attempted murder, Blaine man booked on attempted murder State charges Maple Valley women with serial shoplifting, Downtown library starts phase two of upgrades, Rock climber rescued from Larrabee cliffs Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, February 16. Good afternoon, I’m __David Korb____. STORY: Nooksack levy barely in favor by 7 votes With all valid votes counted, the Nooksack Valley School District levy has passed by just a 48-vote margin. Overall, Whatcom County saw a ballot return of just over 38%, surpassing the statewide average of 33.6%. Across the state, Columbia County led in turnout with approximately 52% of registered voters returning ballots. The final vote is set to be certified on February 23rd at 10AM. STORY: Blaine man booked on attempted murder A Blaine man was arrested on Wednesday in connection with an attempted murder. An affidavit from the County Sheriff’s Office states that the man in question, Lane Scott Phipps, was involved in an altercation with an Aldrich Road resident in June of 2022. Surveillance video reportedly showed Phipps stopping in the victim’s driveway and shooting them before leaving. A .45 caliber shell casing was found at the scene. Phipps has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for assault, burglary, unlawful possession of a firearm, and possession of stolen property. He faces multiple felony charges in Snohomish County due to a first-degree kidnapping incident that happened a month after the Aldrich Road shooting. Phipps is currently awaiting trial in Whatcom County Jail, facing the latest attempted murder charge, as well as previous charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen vehicle. STORY: State charges Maple Valley women with serial shoplifting A Maple Valley woman was charged with serial shoplifting due to a string of organized retail thefts in Western Washington. Shellonda Keychell (kee-SHELL) Daniel, aged 26, was charged with 2 felony counts of first degree organized retail theft. The charges stem from thefts in 28 Ulta stores in across Western Washington. The thefts total around $200,000. The filed affidavit states that Daniel made verbal threats to workers, and also carried bear spray, which she used to threaten employees. According to a recent release from the Attorney General’s office, while the thefts occurred in multiple jurisdictions, Washington state’s Organized Retail Theft statute allows the A.G. to charge them all in one county. If convicted, Daniel faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 penalty on each count. STORY: Downtown library starts phase two of upgrades The Bellingham Public Library is preparing for its second phase of renovations to its downtown branch. Phase 1, completed in 2021, remodeled the first floor. Phase 2 will target the ground floor meeting space, children’s library area, main floor entrance, and upper floor staff areas. Upgrades will include new HVAC units and potential enhancements for after-hours use. The library is working with consultant architect Miller Hull Partnership– construction is slated to commence next February and conclude by early summer 2026. STORY: Rock climber rescued from Larrabee cliffs A rock climber was rescued from the cliffs at Larrabee State park on Tuesday after being stranded on the rock face 60 feet above the beach. The climber called emergency services at around 5:18 in the evening, and a rescue team arrived about an hour later. The 17-20 person crew responded with technical rope rescue gear and lowered him to the beach with a harness. A fireboat was also called to the scene, but was not needed since the tide was out. No injuries were reported. STORY: New state revenue report The Washington Legislature is midway through its 2024 session, with several bills progressing toward enactment while others have been shelved. Notable bills moving forward include those addressing behavioral health, housing, police funding, and environmental concerns. Senate Bill 5906, focusing on drug overdose prevention, and Senate Bill 5804, which would distribute Narcan in public schools, have advanced. House Bill 2114, which aims to help stabilize rents, passed the House, while House Bill 1998, concerning co-living housing, is also moving forward. Efforts to boost police training funding (Senate Bill 6242) have gained unanimous Senate support. However, bills like HB 1062 on police accountability and SB 5476 regarding overtime for farm workers have faltered. In other legislative news, a recent state forecast indicates there will be a bit more money for the legislature to work with. The state’s economy is projected to generate $67 billion for the current two-year budget cycle– a $122 million increase from the previous forecast in November. The additional revenue is expected to provide more opportunity for funding new initiatives. House Democrats are set to release their operating budget on Monday, and Senate Democrats say they will release their capital and operating budget proposals soon. While details of spending plans are yet to be disclosed, Republican Senator Lynda Wilson urges caution in spending, especially considering potential voter initiatives to repeal taxes. Governor Jay Inslee has proposed additional spending in priority areas such as behavioral health, homelessness reduction, and climate change initiatives. Once budget proposals are released, the lawmakers will work to reconcile differences and produce a final budget before the session concludes on March 7th. STORY: Budget request for childcare during non-traditional hours Child care is hard to find, especially when it’s outside of typical daytime hours. A Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families budget request would increase incentives for facilities to provide care during non-traditional hours. Reporter Eric Tegethoff has more on this story. WX: Sun Your Whatcom County weather today… expect sun throughout the day with a high near 50 degrees, and an overnight low of around 34. Clouds are expected …
February 15, 2024 News Transcript
Nooksack levy barely in favor by 7 votes, One arrested, another sought after robbery and assault off Sunset Drive in Bellingham, New details regarding home shooting in Glenhaven, Blaine City Council approves updated meeting procedures after contentious meetings, Initiatives to repeal Climate Act, capital gains tax move forward as legislators reject hearings, WA bid to report on-time rent payments to credit bureaus won’t proceed, City of Bellingham moves against owner of land that is site of homeless encampment, Southwest Airlines to expand nonstop service from Bellingham to Denver ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, February 15. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Nooksack levy barely in favor by 7 votes The Nooksack Valley School District’s replacement levy, aimed at funding education programs and operations, is now uncertain. As of last night, just over 50% of the votes are in favor, but the measure is ahead by only 7 votes. The levy would support school safety, support staff, athletics, and maintenance. Nooksack Superintendent Matt Galley expressed surprise after the initial ballot drop when it looked like the levy was going to fail. He noted previous positive discussions with the community and the absence of opposition in the voter’s guide, saying concerns about taxes and inflation, alongside community struggles, may have influenced the voting. Galley emphasized the importance of these levies for school operations. The passage standard for local levies is 50 percent plus one. According to the Whatcom County Auditor’s office there are currently 1500 ballots left to process– it’s unknown how many are from Nooksack, however, the Auditor’s office says they expect to be finished by 5pm tonight. Although there is no mandatory recount, 5 or more voters registered in the district can trigger one by presenting their request in writing and paying the required fee before February 27th at 4:30 pm. And there’s more election news ahead– the Washington state Presidential primary ballots are expected to be mailed next Wednesday, with those votes due on March 12th. STORY: One arrested, another sought after robbery and assault off Sunset Drive in Bellingham Yesterday, Bellingham police arrested one of two suspects involved in an assault and robbery that occurred near Sunset Drive. The victim reported being pushed to the ground, punched, and kicked by two individuals who then stole items including an iPhone and an electric longboard. One suspect, identified as 27-year-old Micheal (MIKE-uhl) Allen Austin, was apprehended and charged with second-degree robbery. He is currently in custody at Whatcom County Jail. The police are still searching for the second suspect and urge anyone with information to contact dispatch. No description of the second suspect was provided. STORY: New details regarding home shooting in Glenhaven New details have been released about an in-home shooting that happened yesterday evening in Glenhaven. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s office says deputies responded to a distress call from a 13-year-old who claimed to have accidentally shot their 11-year-old sibling with a handgun. The victim was initially taken to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham and later transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. According to police records, the incident occurred while the children were home alone. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and no further details are available at this time. STORY: Blaine City Council approves updated meeting procedures after contentious meetings The Blaine City Council unanimously approved amendments to its rules governing public meetings on Monday. Recent reporting by The Northern Light indicates that attendance at Blaine Council meetings began to increase last year when developers proposed zoning changes that would allow the building of manufactured home parks. According to the Northern Light, about two dozen people began speaking out against the proposal. After the council approved the zoning change on October 23rd, a smaller number of people calling themselves “Save Blaine” began accusing the city of unethical behavior. The group also began to question the council’s authority to enforce certain rules, such as the requirement to state one’s name and address before speaking. On Monday, the council approved a resolution to update the rules, limiting audience participation to written communication only. Additionally, the new amendments now explicitly prohibit slanderous remarks and also outline procedures for out-of-order conduct, and comment time limits. The Blaine City Council says it may reconsider allowing oral comments at some future point, depending on meeting dynamics. STORY: Initiatives to repeal Climate Act, capital gains tax move forward as legislators reject hearings Initiatives to repeal the Climate Commitment Act and capital gains tax are poised to be on the ballot, as the state’s legislators reject hearings to consider them. The state’s capital gains tax, passed in 2021, is a 7% tax on profits above $250,000 from the sale or exchange of certain assets like stocks or bonds. A legislative analysis estimates the repeal would decrease state revenues by about $693 million in 2024. The Climate Commitment Act, which went into effect last year, set up a carbon market as part of the effort to curb the state’s emissions over time. The state collected about $1.8 billion in the first year of emission allowance auctions. The two initiatives to repeal the laws were filed and are sponsored by the state Republican Party chair, Jim Walsh. Supporters of the initiatives say the two laws cause undue costs on Washington citizens, and that the state doesn’t need extra income. Those against the initiatives say the money collected goes to critical programs, like childcare and infrastructure greening. With each initiative, lawmakers have three choices. First, they can adopt it into law as is. Second, adopt an alternative to go on the ballot alongside the initiative. Or finally, do nothing, and have the initiative appear on the ballot as is. With no action taken on the two initiatives, they will almost certainly show up on the November ballot. STORY: WA bid to report on-time rent payments to credit bureaus won’t proceed A proposal to help Washington tenants boost their credit scores when they pay rent on time is …
February 14, 2024 News Transcript
First round of ballot totals released, Kulshan Community Land Trust nabs $2.25M grant for affordable home project, Woman sentenced to prison time after jury found her guilty of vehicular homicide, Cold weather shelters open, Rosario Resort on Orcas Island to be sold; temporary closure ahead, WA proposal would allow biometric ID for alcohol purchases, City of Bellingham moves against owner of land that is site of homeless encampment ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, February 14. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: First round of ballot totals released Preliminary results from the Special Election are in, and it looks like school levies across the county will likely pass however, Lynden and Blaine will not get new high schools, Bellingham Public Schools’ levies are likely to pass, along with those of Meridian, Ferndale, and Mount Baker School Districts. Additionally, Fire Protection District 8 and Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District No. 2 levies are expected to pass. However, the school bond measures fell short of the required 60% majority needed to approve, and at this time it appears that the Nooksack Valley School District levy will also fail to pass. According to the Auditor’s office, voter turnout was just over 30% with approximately 4,400 ballots remaining to be counted. The next ballot drop is scheduled for later today. STORY: Kulshan Community Land Trust nabs $2.25M grant for affordable home project Kulshan Community Land Trust has secured a more than $2 million grant to help build an 18-unit affordable homeownership project in the Birchwood neighborhood. Named LaFrenier (lah-freh-NERE) Court, the development will receive $125,000 per home from the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Housing Trust Fund and is set to begin construction this year. In a recent announcement, Dean Fearing, Executive Director of Kulshan CLT, expressed excitement about the funding which he says will enable 18 local families to achieve homeownership. Created in 1986, Washington State’s Housing Trust Fund has allocated over $2 billion in capital funding, and helped create or preserve over 58,000 affordable housing units across the state. This year, the Housing Trust Fund has allocated more than $38 million dollars statewide for affordable homeownership, marking its largest-ever investment. STORY: Woman sentenced to prison time after jury found her guilty of vehicular homicide A woman who was found guilty last year of vehicular homicide has been sentenced to 18 months in prison. The charge against Kaitlyn Rose Johnston, aged 29, stemmed from a January 2017 vehicle-pedestrian incident on Old Fairhaven Parkway. Witnesses reported the pedestrian was walking her dog on a leash and activated the crosswalk’s flashing lights before being fatally hit by Johnston’s car. According to police, Johnston was not impaired at the time. Found guilty by jury in October, Johnston was sentenced on February 6th to 18 months in prison. STORY: Cold weather shelters open Emergency cold weather shelters are open this week in Whatcom county as temperatures drop. The Whatcom County Health and Community Services’ shelter on North State St. will be open through tomorrow. The Bellingham Emergency Shelter will have check in today from 5pm – 9pm and a check out time of 8am tomorrow. Ferndale’s severe weather shelter is open through Thursday night, with check-ins from 5:30 – 8 p.m. and a check out at 8 a.m. Road2Home and Basecamp are open daily from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. According to the National Weather Service in Seattle, strong winds are expected across Western Whatcom County, with a chance of rain and snow through midweek. STORY: Rosario Resort on Orcas Island to be sold; temporary closure ahead The historic Rosario Resort and Spa on Orcas Island is under new ownership and will close temporarily for renovations beginning next week. The resort, previously owned by the Barto family, has been in operation since 1960 and is set to undergo substantial upgrades, starting with renovations to the Moran (muh-RAN) Mansion, which houses various amenities. Renovations will focus on preserving the mansion’s historic features, such as the music room with its Aeolian (ay-O-lee-un) pipe organ and Steinway grand piano. However, the resort grounds will remain open during this period. Guests with reservations after April 1st can receive refunds until February 22nd, after which the new operator will handle reservations and deposits. The buyer’s identity remains undisclosed but the new owner is said to be a member of the local community. STORY: WA proposal would allow biometric ID for alcohol purchases A new bill would allow grocery stores to use biometric identification to check the age of people buying alcohol. Senate Bill 6179 passed unanimously on Monday, and would be optional for both businesses and customers. According to the bill’s sponsors, If a business wanted to use a biometric system, they would likely partner with a company that offers the technology. The technology would allow for identification based on a hand print, an eye scan, or a voice recording. There is currently no law against biometric identification, but officials from the state Liquor and Cannabis Board say clearer guidance surrounding the technology would be useful. Supporters like the Climate Pledge Arena say the technology could be a way to move large groups of people through a line faster, such as at busy sporting events. Under the Senate’s proposal, data used for age verification cannot be used for any other purpose. Consumers must also be informed of the categories of data that will be collected before they consent to the program. The bill is now being considered in the House of Representatives. WX: Sun Today will be mostly cloudy with a high of 59 degrees and winds around 10 mph. The sun will come out gradually as the day continues, and there will be a chance of rain and snow as temperatures drop to a low of 35. Tomorrow is projected to bring more snow and rain, however, it is unlikely that the snow will stick. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, and Tristan Trudell. Tune …
February 13, 2024 News Transcript
Whatcom County special election ballots due Feb. 13, WWU extends commitment deadline to June 1 due to FAFSA delays, Thousands of Chinook wasted as bycatch in B.C. fishery, new report finds, State Patrol seeks to charge 6 in Gaza war protest that shut I-5 in Seattle, WA House passes fentanyl education bill, financial education bill __________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, February 13. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Whatcom County special election ballots due Feb. 13 It’s election day in Whatcom County, and ballots are due by 8pm tonight. You can register to vote, update your registration, or get a replacement ballot for the current Special Election which would provide an extension of current funding for schools, parks and fire districts. According to the Whatcom County Auditor, as of airtime today about 27% of eligible ballots have been returned. Ballots can be submitted via drop box or by mail, as long as it’s postmarked today. Track the status of your ballot by visiting VoteWA.gov. STORY: WWU extends commitment deadline to June 1 due to FAFSA delays WWU is extending its commitment deadline to June 1st. The move is in response to the university having to wait until the first half of March to receive FAFSA information on students. The U.S. Department of Education had introduced a new FAFSA application this year, which didn’t open until New Year’s Eve and experienced major issues. WWU agreed to push back their deadline, which was originally May 1st, to allow more time for students to make their college decisions. Similar actions have been taken by other universities around the country. STORY: Thousands of Chinook wasted as bycatch in B.C. fishery, new report finds A new report from Canadian fisheries officials reveals that nearly 30,000 Chinook salmon were unintentionally caught as bycatch in the Canadian trawl fishery, primarily targeting hake and walleye pollock. This bycatch, the highest on record during the 2022-23 groundfish fishing season, constitutes a significant waste of Chinook, which are crucial food sources for endangered southern resident orcas in both Canada and the U.S. The report highlights the urgency of addressing bycatch issues, especially as it pertains to protecting vulnerable species like Chinook salmon and orcas. Additionally, it coincides with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s efforts to increase Chinook production in hatcheries to support orca populations, with a focus on public review and input on the proposed program. STORY: State Patrol seeks to charge 6 in Gaza war protest that shut I-5 in Seattle The Washington State Patrol says it will recommend charging at least 6 people in relation to the Israel-Hamas war protest that shut down I-5 in Seattle. The protest snarled traffic with a blockade of cars and people for nearly five hours on January 6th. No arrests were made at the time as the State Patrol said it was caught off guard by the scale and tactics of the protest. According to Chris Loftis, a State Patrol spokesperson, the most likely charges would be misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Ultimately, the decision on whether to charge protesters will be made by King County prosecutors, after they review documentation and recommendations from the State Patrol. Ten additional people involved with the protest are still being investigated. STORY: WNS – Report: Foreign-influenced companies give big in WA elections More than $67 million came into Washington state elections between 2018 and 2022 from foreign-influenced corporations, according to a recent analysis. Of the six states analyzed, Washington garnered the most campaign contributions. Reporter Eric Tegethoff (TEG-it-off) has more. INFLUENCE AUDIO STORY: WA House passes fentanyl education bill, financial education bill Washington lawmakers recently passed a series of education bills which would require Washington middle and high schools to provide lessons on fentanyl as well as financial literacy. House Bill 1956 would ensure proper education surrounding fentanyl and related opioids in health classes to as many seventh and ninth graders as possible. According to Inslee’s office, over 90 percent of overdoses for people under 24 in Washington in 2022 were caused by fentanyl. The bill would require The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to work with the state Department of Health to provide up-to-date educational material on opioid education, with required annual updates to ensure the information is current. House Bill 1915, sponsored by Representative Skyler Rude, would make financial literacy a graduation requirement in schools— providing basic education around credit, debt, and budgeting. Rude says the bill is a response to the number of young adults without financial skills and it has garnered support from more than 55 initial sponsors. Opponents of the bill argue it could interfere with graduation timelines. However, Rude claims the information can be inserted into current class curriculum. If the financial literacy bill does not receive a hearing in the senate early learning and K-12 education committee by March first, it will not survive the season. If the fentanyl bill passes in the senate on Thursday, it could go into effect immediately. Both bills await senate approval. WX: Sun Today will be sunny with a high of 50 degrees and winds up to 15 mph. Tonight will be clear, as temperatures drop to a low of 32. Tomorrow is projected to bring more sun, with rain returning during the night. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, and Tristan Trudell. 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. If you would like to help keep local news accessible, check out our new Patreon page at patreon.com/kmrenews or go to kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m ________________, and thanks for listening. ##