Evacuation notice issued near Blue Canyon Fire, F Street construction to continue, Skagit County shellfish harvesting suspended, Man attempted to steal from US Customs in Lynden, Local tribes to receive $21 million in housing funds, WA Supreme Court: Unions can no longer block release of state worker’s contact info ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings your local news for Thursday, the 30th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Evacuation notice issued near Blue Canyon Fire Yesterday, a Level 2 evacuation notice was issued for Blue Canyon Road residents due to the ongoing wildfire at Lake Whatcom. A Level 2 notice means that people should be prepared to evacuate, Level 3 is an order to leave. This notice affects about 20 homes, many of which are summer homes or weekend retreats. Firefighters from the Baker River Hotshots have been assigned in response to the fire, with additional tanker aircraft assisting in the effort. The wildfire began Monday night after a lightning bolt struck an area on the southeast bank of Lake Whatcom. It currently spans about 30 acres and has closed down the park and surrounding trails. While not out of control, it had grown overnight yesterday from its initial 10 acres. Recent rain and cooler temperatures has helped to slow the spread, but thunderstorms like the one that caused the fire will continue. STORY: F Street construction to continue The construction on the F Street railroad crossing will continue after delays on getting equipment. The construction is expected to continue through September, but the end result will be the third of six crossings that can be designated as a “quiet zone” for passing trains. Once all six crossings have completed construction, Bellingham’s waterfront can be designated a quiet zone, which will mean no train horns at all hours of the day within the coastal part of town. Safety was a major concern with the equipment procurement, as F Street is a busy crossing and making sure the equipment works is a top priority. STORY: Skagit County shellfish harvesting suspended Harvesting of all species of shellfish is suspended in Skagit County after unsafe levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning or PSP toxins were found. The species included on the list released by the Washington State Dept of Health include clams, oysters, mussels, scallops and other invertebrates like the moon snail. Crab meat is not affected but crab butter and entrails should be discarded as it likely holds biotoxins. Biotoxins like PSP cannot be cooked or frozen out of shellfish. PSP can cause severe illness and death. The symptoms of PSP set in within 30 minutes of ingestion. STORY: Man attempted to steal from US Customs in Lynden An Oregon man was arrested at the U.S.-Canada border for attempting to steal equipment from a secured Customs Administration building on the American side. Austin Michael Giger, a 30-year-old man from Tigard (tie-guard), was caught in the Lynden border crossing wearing a U.S. Border Patrol uniform around 1 a.m. on Monday. When asked what he was doing, Giger told officers he had just gotten off work and pointed to his stolen border patrol vest. He was arrested and charged with second-degree burglary, first-degree theft, theft of a firearm and first-degree criminal impersonation. Giger is accused of stealing two bulletproof vests worth $3,000 each, a radio worth $5,000, a Border Patrol jacket worth $200, $20 worth of ammunition, $20 worth of pepper spray and a $30 ammunition magazine. STORY: Local tribes to receive $21 million in housing funds The Lummi Nation and two other Washington tribes will receive funding to build affordable housing. The money comes from the Indian Housing Block Grant. Of the $21 million, the Lummi Nation will receive $7.5 million of the designated funds to build 32 new housing units. The remaining funds are going to the Port Gamble S’Klallam Housing Authority in Kingston and the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe in Tokeland to build infrastructure and new housing units. In a statement, Senator Patty Murray – who secured the grant money – said that there is nothing more basic and essential than having a safe place to call home, and these grants are going to make a serious difference for Tribal families in Western Washington who need this help the most. STORY: WA Supreme Court: Unions can no longer block release of state workers’ contact info A new ruling from the Washington State Supreme Court determined that unions representing state employees can no longer block requests for employees’ contact information. The court’s decision is in response to the Freedom Foundation, a conservative think tank based in Olympia, who had attempted to retrieve information including state employees’ full names, job titles, birthdates, work emails, and salary. The foundation stated they wanted to contact employees to inform them about the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court case Janus v. AFSCME, where the Supreme Court had ruled that public-sector employees who refuse to join labor unions cannot be compelled to pay union dues. The unions, led by the Washington Federation of State Employees, had refused to disclose employees’ information as they said that doing so would violate the employees’ “constitutional liberty interest in personal security.” A lower court judge granted an injunction that allowed the union to deny releasing the information, however the Washington State Supreme Court ruled that the union hadn’t proved anyone’s security would be compromised by granting the Freedom Foundation access to the above-mentioned information. Under a new state law, House Bill 1533, state workers can still request that their personal information be withheld if they can show that disclosure would put them at risk. STORY: WA wildfires burning faster and more often The acreage of wildfires in Washington this wildfire season is on par with what ecologists predicted and are burning longer and more often than past seasons. Not only has the fire season grown in length every year, but fires have become more dangerous as rainy seasons grow more fuel for the fires. Cheatgrass, a fast-burning invasive species, grows during the year …
KMRE NEWS Transcripts
August 29, 2023 News Transcript
Lightning causes wildfire in Whatcom, More Dogs Dumped, Removed Seal Pup actually deceased, Vehicle Encampment downtown removed, Mt Vernon teachers striking, New Covid variant could be the best yet at evading immunity, ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, the 29th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Lightning causes wildfire in Whatcom A fire broke out Monday night after a lightning bolt struck an area on the southeast bank of Lake Whatcom. It is burning at an estimated 10 acres in steep forest terrain this morning. Lake Whatcom Park and Hertz trail have been closed until further notice. Fire crews came back to the scene this morning with the Dept of Natural Resources or DNR taking the lead on fire fighting. The area currently burning is in a remote area near the end of Blue Canyon Road, across from an area south of Sudden Valley. Another fire started in north Whatcom County near Sumas and was also likely caused by lightning. The DNR will divide its resources between the two fires. Whatcom County and surrounding areas have been on high alert for urban-wildland fires due a few weeks with hot, dry weather. The first rainfall occurred yesterday but brought with it thunderstorms. STORY: More dogs dumped Another 5 dogs have shown up at what is apparently a “doodle-dump” site at the end of Aldergrove Rd in Ferndale. Last week, 5 doodle breed dogs were brought into Whatcom Humane Society or WHS in what is potentially a breeder offloading dogs. WHS has taken the additional dogs in and says that they are not available for adoption at this time. All 10 dogs have not been properly socialized and need additional care to get back to full health. If you are looking to help these dogs and others at the WHS, the society is taking donations on the WHS website. STORY: Removed Seal Pup actually deceased Yesterday, it was reported that two seal pups were stolen from Birch Bay. However, after investigation by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, it appears that there was a high probability that a concerned citizen witnessed a stranded seal network volunteers removing a deceased seal pup from a beach and confused it with the removal of a live animal. No seal pups were truly in danger. STORY: Vehicle encampment downtown removed The longstanding vehicle encampment on Cornwall Avenue near the waterfront has been removed. The 20-month long process culminated in cars being towed or driven away by their owners starting last week, with the final vehicles removed yesterday. Street sweepers have swept the area in preparation to build bike lanes along the stretch of road near the solar panel fabrication plant and Kulshan’s trackside beer garden. Police Lt. Claudia Murphy denies that cars and other vehicles were removed by the city and police and says that the owners of the vehicles were notified repeatedly about the zoning changes to the area. Over the course of the last 20 months, the 8-hour parking signs on the sides of the stretch of Cornwall Avenue were systematically changed to no parking signs as a way to discourage long-term parking in the area. The plan to add bike lanes to this stretch of road is part of a plan to add bike lanes to sections of Eldridge Avenue as well as connect downtown Bellingham to the soon-to-be-constructed park at Cornwall Beach. The Opportunity Council’s Homeless Outreach Team was not involved in the relocation of the encampment but hopes to reconnect with the former residents in the future. STORY: Mt Vernon teachers striking Mount Vernon School District educators came together yesterday to form a picket line around the district offices as contract negotiations continue. Mount Vernon Education Association President Cheryl Thramer said that issues still being negotiated include recess breaks for students, bathroom breaks for elementary school teachers, preparation limits at the secondary level for a reasonable workload, elementary and middle school enrichment activities, and comparable salaries. This is not the first time the union went on strike this year. There was a picket line earlier in May in response to the 32 non-renewal letters the district sent out to teachers. STORY: New COVID variant could be the best yet at evading immunity A new mutated form of the coronavirus is putting health officials on alert as it threatens to be the most adept variant yet at slipping past the body’s immune defenses. The variant, BA.2.86, only has a few cases reported worldwide but is garnering extra attention from experts because it has an even greater potential to escape antibodies, despite a recent infection or vaccination. While it doesn’t appear to make people sicker than other variants, it does show a radical mutation in the virus much like what happened with the Omicron variant earlier last year. The biggest unknown is whether this virus will be transmissible enough to cause a surge. Regardless of how adept the variant is at evading immunity; it still needs to be able to spread efficiently to be of concern. Officials say they should have a clearer understanding of the variant’s transmissibility in the coming weeks as surveillance ramps up in response to the virus. WX: Overcast with Likely Showers It is currently overcast in Bellingham, with a high of 66. The overnight low will be 58*. Showers are predicted for today through Thursday night. Much of the smoke has dissipated, with the air quality index back in the “good” range of 40s. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Susan Lindsey, Emma Toscani and Carlos Braga. 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. I’m ________________ and thanks for listening. ###
August 28, 2023 News Transcript
Assistant principals trial delayed due to firing of lead detective, Two seal pups taken from Birch Bay, Birch Bay Waterslides closes for season after incident, PSE not allowed to notify after rate hike, Ferndale Sonic Drive-In: the rest of the story, Cal Anderson memorial reinstalled after unannounced removal, North Cascade Highway closed again ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, 28th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Assistant principals trial delayed due to firing of lead detective The trial of three assistant principals who were cited last December for failing to report a female student’s allegations of sexual assault has been delayed for a second time after all three attorneys requested a delay. for gross misdemeanor charges Court documents show the trial is now scheduled for November or December. The delay is also linked to the firing earlier this month of the lead detective on the case. STORY: Two seal pups taken from Birch Bay Two seal pups were removed from the beach at Birch Bay recently and the Whatcom Marine Mammal Stranding Network is asking for more information about the incident. Baby seals require a very specialized diet to survive and if fed baby formula or dairy, they will die. Although according to state and federal law, approaching, touching, and taking seals is illegal, incidents like this have happened before. Anyone with information on the seal pups are urged to contact the Whatcom Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 360-739-6713. STORY: Birch Bay Waterslides closes for season after incident Birch Bay Waterslides is closed for the rest of the season after a park-goer suffered a traumatic injury on Friday. According to witnesses, the patron was sliding down the Hairpin water slide when two slide segments came apart, injuring the rider. The park was closed for the remainder of the day, and later an announcement was made on the park’s website that operations were to cease for the remainder of the season, which was originally slated to run until September 4th. According to North Whatcom Fire and Rescue, aid personnel treated the patient, who is currently under medical observation at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. STORY: PSE not allowed to notify about rate hike Gas bills for Puget Sound Energy will be going up over the next few months, but the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission has made it illegal for the company to notify its customers. The rate hike is slated to take place due to the 2021 Climate Commitment Act, which requires the state’s biggest polluters to reduce their carbon emissions or pay to cover them. PSE is now required to pay $16.8 million dollars to help fund climate projects and address issues of environmental justice and health inequity. That expense would be passed on to customers with an average increase of $3.71 per month. The commission argued that explaining the rate hike to customers would result in “lengthy and confusing bills,” and therefore prohibited PSE from informing its customers. When reached out to comment by KING-5 News, PSE sent back a statement saying it wanted to inform customers of the rate hike, but that the commission, which has the final say on the matter, had ruled against it. STORY: Ferndale Sonic Drive-In: the rest of the story In late August 2022, the Ferndale SONIC Drive-In on Main Street in Ferndale unexpectedly closed. At the same time, several other SONIC locations in Washington and Oregon also closed without warning, with menu boards removed and property access blocked. Recent court filings are shedding light on the story. According to court records, in November 2021, Sonic Industries LLC terminated the license agreement due to unpaid royalties and fees on the part of franchise operator, Olympic Cascade Drive-Ins LLC (OCDI), which operated ten diners, including the Ferndale location. In May 2022, Sonic demanded immediate termination of license agreements for all restaurants, citing over $2 million in outstanding payments. It wasn’t until an Oklahoma US District Court ordered OCDI to comply with Sonic’s closure request in August of last year that the drive-in finally shut its doors. OCDI is counter suing Sonic, alleging improper termination and violations of franchise and consumer protection laws and is seeking $15 million in damages, a number that includes triple damages as per Washington state laws. Sonic has denied these claims and legal proceedings are still pending. STORY: Cal Anderson memorial reinstalled after unannounced removal A memorial honoring Cal Anderson was reinstalled on Friday after it was removed without notice earlier this month. Cal Anderson was Washington State’s first openly gay legislator and served as a House Representative and Senator in the late 80s and early 90s. After he passed away in 1995 due to AIDS complications, a Japanese maple tree was planted outside the in Olympia in his honor. The tree was later moved outside the legislative building and replaced with a cherry tree. That tree was cut down and the plaque removed without notification at the beginning of August, along with other nearby trees. There was a notice of tree removal, but never a mention of Cal Anderson’s memorial. The agency in charge of the removal apologized for what they considered an “oversight”. A new tree has already been planted in its place but will only be temporary; the memorial will be moving within the next few years due to construction. The process of relocation will include public input and approval from multiple capitol committees. STORY: North Cascade Highway closed again State Route 20 is closed again to any travel between Newhalem and Silver Gate due to multiple wildfires in the area. Drivers are urged to use Hwy 2 and 12 for east-west travel and Interstate 90 for interstate travel. WX: Showers likely Rain is due to make a comeback in Bellingham– the National Weather Service has forecast a 20% chance of showers after 3pm. Expect partial sun during the afternoon, with a high near 75*. The chance of rain overnight will be 70%, with a possible thunderstorm, with a high …
August 25, 2023 News Transcript
PeaceHealth to restore palliative care after criticism, Air quality “unhealthy” for Parts of Whatcom County, Tokitae’s ashes will return to Salish Sea without consult from Lummi Nation, Birch Bay construction work to begin August 28th, Blood Donations urgently needed, New Legal hotline for minors, Free and Cheap ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, 25th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: PeaceHealth to restore palliative care after criticism After facing criticism from both patients and the local community, PeaceHealth in Whatcom County has made the decision to reinstate its outpatient palliative care program. The move follows discussions held between PeaceHealth and the PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation. Specific details regarding the program’s relaunch are not currently available, however Peace Health says its primary objective is to develop an outpatient palliative care program that is sustainable and scalable. Peace Health says the end-of-life program ended on May 26th due to financial constraints, resulting in the retention of only a limited in-home care staff. The decision to terminate the palliative program was met with strong disapproval from patients and onlookers who believed the closing contradicted PeaceHealth’s mission and commitments to its donors. PeaceHealth also closed its allergy clinic and overnight sleep lab earlier this year. STORY: Air quality “unhealthy” for parts of Whatcom County The air quality in parts of Whatcom County continues to be unhealthy today, as more smoke from the wildfires in the North Cascades makes its way into the region overnight. N95 masks are strongly suggested for those planning to spend time outside, and people– especially those in sensitive groups– are encouraged to invest in an air purifier or a simple box fan filter in order to keep more particles from entering their lungs. STORY: Tokitae’s ashes will return to Salish Sea without consult from Lummi Nation The orca known as Tokitae (Toh-kuh-tay) is coming home to the Salish Sea, but not as intended or expected. After the orca died earlier this week, a necropsy was performed at the University of Georgia to determine the cause of death, her body was cut into pieces to make a preserved skeleton for display at a later time, and her body was cremated. The Lummi Nation, who consider orca to be their relatives, has expressed shock and displeasure at the actions taken by the Miami Seaquarium. Lummi elder and activist Raynell (ray-NELL) Morris says the nation wanted the orca’s body to be returned intact so the nation could give her a funeral in their tradition. Despite the lack of consultation, Morris flew out to Miami as soon as she heard the news and will fly back with Tokitae’s ashes. STORY: Birch Bay Drive construction work to begin August 28th Construction work on Birch Bay Drive is due to start at 7AM on Monday. Drivers can work slowdowns due to intermittent shoulder and partial lane closures along the waterfront road for the next three weeks, except for Labor Day. STORY: Blood donations urgently needed The Washington State Department of Health and Northwest Blood Coalition are urging people to donate blood now to avoid a summer blood shortage. The summer months are often referred to by first responders as the “100 Deadliest Days” due to a seasonal spike in car accidents which results in a constant demand for blood at a time when donations typically go down. Despite opening donor eligibility guidelines on August 7th by removing restrictions based on sexual orientation, the Red Cross has seen a shortfall of about 25,000 blood donations nationwide during the summer and does not expect to meet the needs of patients in the Northwest this month. Smoke and unhealthy air conditions canceled several blood drives, making matters even worse. To learn more about where you can go to donate blood, visit the Vitalant, Cascade Regional Blood Services, Bloodworks Northwest, or American Red Cross websites. STORY: New legal hotline for minors A new legal hotline has helped minors in Washington state consult with lawyers before being questioned or searched by police. The new hotline, a product of a law passed in 2021, aims to ensure young people are informed before they waive those rights. The hotline is staffed by seven attorneys from the Office of Public Defense, with four on call at any given time. One goal of the hotline is to reduce the chance of kids being pressured into making false confessions. As of last fall, Washington was one of only three states to enact laws requiring that youth speak to an attorney before police can interrogate them. STORY: Free and cheap Looking for free and cheap things to do this weekend? Tonight, Boulevard Park will have another free, family-friendly concert starting at 6. The High Mountain String Band will be performing bluegrass music and Edaleen Dairy will be there selling treats. The Bellingham Farmers Market will also be happening downtown from 10-2. For something more nature-related, a salmon sighting event will be held Friday, Saturday, and Sunday by the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association at the Thompson Creek Bridge. The sighting is free and starts at 10 am. Tomorrow, Waffles in Paradise will be hosting the PNWaffle Festival at the Commercial Street Plaza downtown from 11 to 5. There will be live music, art, and of course waffles. Admission is free. For movie goers, The Princess Bride will be screened at the Fairhaven Village Green starting at dusk. Tickets are 7 dollars. On Sunday, The Majestic Ballroom will be having their weekly salsa dance classes at 6 with open dance from 7 to 8. The lessons are 7 dollars per person. WX: Haze and heat This weekend is going to be hot, with temperatures reaching the mid-80s. Smoke from the nearby Blue Lake fire and the Sourdough fire has made its way to western Whatcom County, creating a haze that will make the temperature feel hotter than it is. Today, the high will be 80* and the overnight low is expected to be 61*. We can expect to see some smoke …
August 23, 2023 News Transcript
Beloved orca dies before return to the Salish Sea, Woman attacked downtown, man arrested, San Juan County moves to 32 hour work week, More DUI Patrols in ramp up of holiday, More News on fish passage funding, New option for student borrowers opens this week, Hwy 20 set to re-open today, Stage 2 burn ban ended ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, the 23rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Beloved orca dies before return to the Salish Sea Tokitae (TO-kuh-tay), the orca taken from our region over fifty years ago, died suddenly last Friday. News of her death has been a shock to the conservationists who believed she was only a few months away from returning to her natural habitat as a member of the Southern Resident orca. Tokitae, also known as Lolita or Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut (SKALL-uh CHUKH-tah-not), was 57 years old and had spent the last 53 years in captivity. She was removed from her original habitat in the Salish Sea during the Penn Cove roundup of orcas in 1970, and was the oldest orca to survive the roundup. Five orcas drowned during the roundup. Her death was a surprise to many, because in previous weeks she was considered to be in stable condition, and was shown frolicking in videos posted to social media. The Miami Seaquarium transported her body by truck to the University of Georgia where a necropsy is ongoing. The Lummi Nation, who consider the Southern Resident orcas their “Relatives Under the Water”, as well as local conservationists say they are determined to have her remains returned to her home here in the Salish Sea. Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut (SKALL-uh CHUKH-tah-not) was the second oldest orca in captivity. STORY: Woman attacked downtown, man arrested A Bellingham man was arrested last Saturday for randomly assaulting a woman. According to the victim, she was sitting in the 100 block of Prospect Street on Saturday afternoon when a man, suspected to be 54-year-old Patrick Dixon, came up behind her and assaulted her. Police located Dixon nearby and arrested him on charges of second-degree assault and felony harassment. He remains at the Whatcom County Jail. Information about whether the victim was injured has not been made available. STORY: San Juan County moves to 32 hour work week Starting October 1st, San Juan County employees will be switching to a 32 hour work week. The San Juan County Council voted unanimously yesterday to approve the switch after negotiations with the labor union. This change comes as a result of financial concerns and staffing challenges for the County, and the well-being of islanders. County administration cited a 10 to 15 percent job vacancy rate across many key departments. Officials said the reduction in hours was seen as an alternative to raising taxes as it tries to remain a competitive employer. Even with fewer hours, the county expects wages and productivity to remain comparable to current spending. Services will remain the same and offices will stay open, though some departments may adjust their hours or close one day a week. The Sheriff’s Office and its services will not be affected by this change. The county hopes that the increase in personal time will attract employees to a region where it’s generally more difficult to fill vacant positions. San Juan is one of the first counties in the nation to make this switch. STORY: More DUI patrols in ramp up to holiday Washington’s roadways will be seeing more patrol units over the next few weeks as the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office begin their “Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over” campaign on Friday. Each year, DUI-related fatalities spike between mid-August and Labor Day Weekend. Because of this, Bellingham, Ferndale, and Everson Police Departments, along with the Skagit and Whatcom County Sheriff’s Offices, will participate in extra patrols through September 4th. All agencies are partnering with Northwest Region Target Zero to prevent traffic fatalities as summer comes to an end. STORY: More news on fish passage funding The Biden administration has announced a $196 million investment in fixing or removing culverts across the country. The projects will help with fish passage along streams and rivers. The funding will support three major projects in Whatcom County alone, with over 11 culverts being replaced. Eric Tegethoff has more on this story. CULVERT AUDIO STORY: New option for student borrowers opens this week After President Biden’s student loan forgiveness program was struck down by the Supreme Court in June, the administration is opening up a new repayment plan they hope will become a permanent piece of the student loan system. Known as the ‘Saving on a Valuable Education Plan’, or SAVE for short, the plan offers a way for millions of borrowers to more affordably pay their monthly student loan bills. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona promises that the payment will be affordable and that people will no longer be saddled with a lifetime of debt under this plan. Being income-driven, the payments are based on your earnings and household size. After monthly payments are made for a set number of years, usually 20, any remaining balance is forgiven. The SAVE plan will replace the Revised Pay as You Earn program, or REPAYE. Much of the new program is available now, but it won’t be in place in its entirety until July 2024. The administration urges borrowers who want to sign up for SAVE to do so now to ensure that their paperwork will be ready before the first payment is due. More information about the plan is available at studentaid dot gov. STORY: Hwy 20 set to re-open today Highway 20 has reopened again to through-traffic only from Newhalem to the Silver Star gate. No stopping or camping is allowed. Trailheads in the area remain closed. Cross-state travel is still not possible on Highway 20, so use Interstate 90 or Highways 2 or 12 if traveling cross-state. STORY: Stage 2 burn ban ended Yesterday, the Northwest Clean Air Agency called off the Stage 2 air quality …
August 17, 2023 News Transcript
SR 20 closure expanded due to second fire, Stage 2 burn ban in unincorporated Whatcom County, Kent man sentenced in killing of Bellingham woman, New Amtrak electric bus to Seattle, Removal of historical railroad trestle in Whatcom Falls Park, AG Ferguson Sues O’Reilly for Discrimination, Meta Challenges Campaign Finance Law ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, August 17th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: SR 20 closure expanded due to second fire burn ban in unincorporated Whatcom County, A.G Ferguson A second fire started along State Route 20 on Tuesday near Blue Lake. The Blue Lake Fire prompted further closures on North Cascade Highway from milepost 120 in Newhalem to milepost 171 at the Silver Star gate, about 22 miles west of Winthrop. The fire is estimated to cover 10 to 15 acres and burns a few miles southwest of Washington Pass in the Methow Valley Ranger District. For traveling east to west across the state, use I-90, US 2 and 12. STORY: Stage 2 burn ban in unincorporated Whatcom County, The Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office announced a stage 2 burn ban in unincorporated Whatcom County that went into effect yesterday. A stage 2 ban means all outdoor burning is prohibited, including yard debris fires, land clearing fires, and recreational fires. Propane fire pits without solid wood burning material and propane and charcoal BBQs are still allowed. The ban comes in conjunction with other statewide burn bans enacted by the Department of Natural Resources and the US Forest Service on Tuesday. Rule burns, permit burns, and campfires are all no longer allowed in DNR-protected land in the Northwest counties of Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom. STORY: Kent man sentenced in killing of Bellingham woman A Kent, Washington, man will spend nearly a decade in prison after he hit a 49-year-old Bellingham woman’s vehicle in January. The collision caused the woman’s vehicle to immediately burst into flames, resulting in her death. Teofilo (Tey-oh-fee-low) Garcia Uribe (Ooo-ree-bay), 37, was sentenced Tuesday morning in Whatcom County Superior Court to nine years and two months in prison, with a year and a half of probation. Uribe pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide by way of reckless driving. Whatcom County Superior Court Judge Lee Grochmal (Grosh-mul) said Uribe’s sentence was high because there was a level of recklessness involved in the crime. Grochmal credited Uribe with taking responsibility for his actions and showing remorse for the victim and her family. STORY: New Amtrak electric bus to Seattle On Wednesday, the Washington State Department of Transportation and Amtrak rolled out their first electric buses making daily trips between Bellingham and Seattle. The new electric fleet is the first set of electric buses in Amtrak’s National Network. The two buses will be operated by MTRWestern and can make the whole trip on a single charge. District 2 Representative Rick Larsen has stated that this line is ‘another important step toward building a cleaner and greener transportation network in Bellingham and Northwest Washington’. The buses will travel daily from Fairhaven at 10:45 am and 3 pm, and from Seattle at 12:15 and 4 pm. Tickets start at 19 dollars. STORY: Removal of historical railroad trestle in Whatcom Falls Park The city has begun demolition of the historic trestle bridge in Whatcom Falls Park, a remnant of the narrow-gauge railroad that carried timber from operations in Lake Whatcom to the Bellingham waterfront. The structure is irreparable and poses a safety hazard, according to the Parks and Recreation Department. The trail next to the trestle has already been detoured for several years and its removal will help water quality in the creek. Demolition work will involve creek bypass pumping, taking down the pilings and restoring vegetation. Expect trail closures and construction traffic in the area off Electric Avenue. STORY: AG Ferguson Sues O’Reilly for Discrimination Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced yesterday that he is suing O’Reilly Auto Parts for discriminating and retaliating against pregnant workers. Ferguson claims that the top-down practice of discrimination harmed at least 22 Washington women and their babies. The charges allege that the Missouri-based auto parts store refused accommodations to pregnant mothers and retaliated against those who sought work modifications by demoting them, threatening to fire them and forcing them to take unpaid leave, or quit. Women who worked for O’Reilly described being coerced to return to work before the end of their scheduled maternity leave, being denied breaks to pump breast milk and being forced out of their jobs after asking for accommodations, according to the Attorney General’s Office. O’Reilly provided records to the Attorney General’s Office showing that employees in Washington made at least 134 requests for pregnancy accommodations between January 2019 and February 2023. Washington’s Healthy Starts Act requires employers to provide accommodations for pregnancy by limiting how much workers lift and handle hazardous materials – as well as allowing sitting, resting, and flexibility for bathroom breaks. Former employee Skylar Ramsdall told the Seattle Times there is a strong possibility she would not have miscarried if she was allowed the accommodations O’Reilly denied her. STORY: Meta Challenges Campaign Finance Law Facebook parent company Meta is challenging the constitutionality of Washington state’s campaign-finance disclosure law. Campaign-finance oversight groups are weighing in on the side of the state’s law. Here is Eric Tegathoff with more. Campaign Finance Audio WX: It’s sunny and warm today in Bellingham with a high of 80 degrees and an overnight low of 58. The forecast shows clouds moving in tomorrow bringing temperatures down to the low 70’s. Expect more sun this weekend with temperatures around 80 degrees. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Myles Weber, Emma Toscani and Carlos Braga. 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. I’m ________________ and thanks for listening. ###
August 16, 2023 News Transcript
Peacehealth Union Vote Next Week, WSF Electrification, WA’s $5M Youth Homeless effort, Support Homeless Resident through an App, Avian Flu on the rise in Washington ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, August 16th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Peacehealth Union Vote Next Week Caregivers at Peacehealth in Skagit and Whatcom Counties will vote on whether to unionize next week. Workers filed to join the Union of American Physicians and Dentists in July, citing increased pressures from management to fit more patients into their schedules, in order to boost revenue. In a press release, UAPD reported issues with Peacehealth cutting outpatient care, closing some of the clinics and laying off providers. Peacehealth responded in their own press release stating that they are committed to providing adequate care and compensation for their employees, but would prefer to work with their care providers directly, rather than have a union middleman. Physician assistants, nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives will receive ballots on August 21st, with votes being counted on September 18th. Only providers offering non-acute care are eligible to join UAPD. Those who work in PeaceHealth’s hospitals are excluded. STORY: WSF ELECTRIFICATION Yesterday the Washington State Ferries awarded its first shipyard contract to convert up to three Jumbo Mark II-class ferries to hybrid-electric power. The Seattle-based industrial manufacturing company, Vigor, won the contract with a bid of just over 150 million dollars. The contract is part of the Washington State Ferries electrification program, which plans to spend nearly 4 billion dollars to build 16 new hybrid vessels, and add electric charging to ferry terminals. The project will also retire 13 diesel ferries and retrofit six diesel vessels to hybrid electric. Washington State Ferries is the largest ferry system in the U.S. and the biggest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions among Washington state agencies, according to the Washington Department of Transportation. The fleet burns 19 million gallons of diesel fuel to support tens of millions of passengers every year. The Jumbo Mark II ferries contribute 26 percent of the fleet’s greenhouse gas emissions. When terminals are electrified in 2026, emissions from the three vessels will drop by roughly 95%, according to Matt von Ruden, System Electrification Program Administrator for the DOT. STORY: WA’s $5M youth homelessness effort Washington’s policies to prevent youth and young adult homelessness are considered among the best in the country, according to the National Homelessness Law Center However, a June report published by the Department of Social and Health Services showed that nearly 15% – or about 11 hundred young people who left state systems between July 2020 and June 2021 were homeless a year later. This includes youth leaving foster care, the juvenile justice system and inpatient behavioral health treatment. Last March, the Legislature passed House Bill 1905 allocating 5.4 million dollars to four initiatives aimed at reducing youth homelessness. The bill funds existing non-profit organizations that provide support services and established the Youth and Young Adult Housing Response Team, aimed at implementing a referral system, which would help young people find housing. The legislation does not address persistent racial iniquities. The report by DSHS showed an increase in homelessness among young people who identified as Black, Latino and American Indian since 2017. LGBTQ+ youth are also overrepresented among homeless youth. STORY: Support Homeless Residents through an App PeaceHealth and Northwest Youth Services have partnered with the Seattle-based company Samaritan to expand an app to support unhoused individuals in Bellingham. The app, called Samaritan, allows people to volunteer their support through financial means, or words of encouragement. Samaritan is now expanding into Bellingham, having already been active in Seattle with over 1000 users. According to a news release from Samaritan, users of the apps are provided with case managers to help identify current needs and plan out action steps. Community members are invited to help through donations to fill those needs, or voice support and encouragement as the user takes steps towards their goals. Unhoused app users have reported better access to care, housing, and employment within a year of receiving support. Monetary contributions are processed through case managers and local merchants. Over 20 thousand dollars have been donated to the initial 40 sign ups in Bellingham. The program aims to raise 40 thousand dollars and expand membership by 2024. STORY: Avian flu on the rise in WA The new strain of the avian flu, H5N1 is spreading through Washington’s bird population. Wildlife officials are scrambling to test animals and clean up infected carcasses. Historically the bird flu primarily affected poultry, however this new strain is spreading to wild birds like terns and gulls. The Department of Fish and Wildlife are still trying to gauge the extent of the disease. The first case in Washington was reported in March of 2022 in Walla Walla County. Since then, 111 other cases have been confirmed. Rat Island near Port Townsend has been closed to the public due to a large suspected outbreak of the flu. Over 1300 corpses have been collected on the island alone. This is the first H5N1 in a marine environment in Washington State and officials are concerned that the flu may spread to other animals, and possibly to people. A similar case of avian flu in Peru killed thousands of sea lions. Although there is a vaccine, it isn’t widely available for wildlife. WX: Heat Advisory in Place The National Weather Service extended its heat advisory warning for much of Washington, including Whatcom County. The warning will remain in effect until 11pm. Yesterday’s high reached 86 degrees, and today’s forecasted high in Bellingham is 82 with an overnight low of 61. Local libraries are available as cooling shelters during the day, as well as the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center in Maple Falls, and the Bellis Fair Mall in Bellingham. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Myles Weber, Emma Toscani and Carlos Braga. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and …
August 15, 2023 News Transcript
Fire in Stimpson Family Nature Reserve, Drug use help is a higher priority in RV Owners, Bellingham man rushed to the hospital due to overheating, Washington is the global blueberry leader, Proposed $200m Vancouver – Seattle – Portland, Grace period on drug possession law to end ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, August 15th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Southbound Sunset Drive I-5 on-ramp closed A semi-truck lost its cargo in a rollover accident on the Southbound Sunset Drive I-5 on-ramp late last night, blocking traffic on both I-5 and the on-ramp. The I-5 has since been cleared of debris but the on-ramp is still closed. There is no estimate for when the ramp will be cleared. The crash happened at 3 am, and no injuries were reported. STORY: Fire in Stimpson Family Nature Reserve A fire was ignited yesterday when a tree branch fell on power lines along Lake Louise Road in the Stimpson Family Nature Reserve. Firefighters from Bellingham and surrounding Whatcom County battled the wildfire in dense forest and brush on the steep hillside. The fire was contained by 3:30 p.m., but firefighters continued to dampen the area and search for smoldering embers until 6 pm. Multiple fire departments, including the Department of Natural Resources or DNR, cooperated in controlling the fire and maintaining water supply. A DNR helicopter assisted by dropping water from above. About a quarter of an acre was burned and no injuries or building damage were reported. STORY: Drug use help a higher priority in RV owners Bellingham city council is rethinking a city measure that would prevent RVs from parking within 1,000 feet of schools, libraries, playgrounds, public transportation centers, parks, and other recreational facilities. Despite a growing concern from local youth centers about the activities of the RV owners, city council points to misbehavior as the issue, and not the parking itself. During the city council meeting of the whole on Monday the committee agreed that working on drug addiction help and creating a designated safe parking area for RVs is a higher priority than the 1,000 ft mandate. In an area with a skyrocketing housing market, the cost of living is becoming unaffordable for more and more residents within Bellingham. Council president Michael Liliquist stated the 1,000 ft is excessive. The council also agreed that the erratic behavior and drug use isn’t what a lot of RVs owners exhibit. The measure was pushed back to city staff for reevaluation this week. STORY: Bellingham man rushed to hospital due to overheating A 54-year-old Bellingham hiker was rescued by search crews during the weekend. The search and rescue crews from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island were called to a trail in Okanogan County on Sunday evening, and found the hiker to be suffering from a heat-related illness. The crews then contacted the hiker’s hiking party and transported him by helicopter to St. Joseph’s Hospital for further treatment. STORY: Washington is a global blueberry leader It’s blueberry season in Whatcom County and it’s no surprise that local stores and stands are filling up with the sweet-and-tart bundles of healthy antioxidants. The United States dominates the global blueberry market, growing 95% of the blueberries on the planet and– due to ideal soil conditions– Washington and Oregon are the major producers. In 2021, Washington produced 180 million pounds of fruit. More than that, according to the Whatcom Conservation District, Whatcom County is the leading producer of blueberries in the state. According to the Washington State Department of Agriculture, some key things to remember to get the best tasting fruit: blueberries only ripen on the bush, and once blueberries are picked, their sweetness and flavor don’t improve– only the color changes. Because berries are often machine-picked while unripe for durability during processing, grocery store blueberries are often more tart. According to pickyourown.org, Whatcom County alone has at least 24 local blueberry farms, and many of them have U-pick options. STORY: Proposed $200m bullet train Vancouver – Seattle – Portland Washington State Democrats are asking the federal government for 198 million dollars to plan a high speed rail between Vancouver B.C., Seattle, and Portland. Named the Cascadia High-Speed Rail project, the request was sent to the government this morning, asking for funding from President Biden’s 2 trillion dollar infrastructure program. 66 billion dollars of the program have already been earmarked for rails. The Washington state Legislature has also designated $50 million through 2025 to match federal contributions, plus a $100 million future state share. The plan has Surrey, Bellingham, Everett, and other cities surrounding Seattle as possible stop locations. This railway would provide great benefits to an ever-growing region by providing both jobs and climate friendly regional trips, but issues are already presenting themselves. So far, the exact placement of the proposed tracks haven’t been decided. Unlike Amtrak and Sounder trains, they won’t be able to share space with legacy BNSF Railway tracks as the new trains will be too fast. Expenses are also piling up. The current funds will only be spent on planning and the whole project may cost upwards of 65 billion dollars to complete. However, the trains would be much cheaper than the alternative of expanding and reworking I-5, which could cost more than 100 billion dollars. The planning stage for the train will last around two to five years. There is currently no timeline for how long the whole project will take. STORY: Grace period on drug possession law to end Enforcement of the state drug possession law changes today, as police officers are now able to make arrests without first referring people to treatment. The new law, which went into effect earlier this year, makes drug possession a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail on the first two offenses, and up to a year on the third arrest. Previously, there was a provision in place that required the police to refer drug users to treatment programs at least twice before …
August 14, 2023 News Transcript
Wiser Lake Water Quality, Excessive Heat Watch, The price of a Washington State Ferry ticket is set to increase in October, Local doctor’s license restricted, Border crossings in Lynden and Sumas set for upgrades, EPA clears WA to do more controlled burns, Wealth Gap ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, August 14th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Wiser Lake Water Quality Two types of toxic algae have been found in Wiser Lake, the Whatcom County Department of Health and Community Services warned on Friday. Water samples from the lake have shown levels of anatoxin-a and microcystin that exceed state recreation guidelines since 2014. These toxins are naturally occurring, but human activity can impact the severity of freshwater algal blooms. Nutrients in fertilizer, animal waste, and agricultural runoff provide food for algal growth. According to experts, only a laboratory toxin analysis can confirm if a bloom is toxic or non-toxic. The Health Department advises against swimming in the lake, as ingestion of lake water poses the primary human health concern. Animals can also get sick from drinking the water as well as from licking their fur. Wiser Lake is one of 11 lakes in Washington with toxic algae that exceed safe levels and is the only toxic lake in Whatcom County. STORY: Excessive Heat Watch The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for Western Washington including Whatcom County for the upcoming week, starting today through Thursday. The Puget Sound can expect highs in the 80s to 90s and officials are warning people to be aware of the signs of heat-related illness like headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and elevated body temperature. If you have pets, it’s recommended they be taken outside sparingly and never leave an animal or child unattended in a car with the air conditioning off. STORY: The price of a Washington State Ferry ticket is set to increase in October. The Washington State Transportation Commission voted Thursday to raise ticket prices by more than 4 percent to cover budget shortfalls, and the price will increase again next year. Low ridership numbers are responsible for a projected 28-million-dollar gap in operating expenses over the next two years. Ridership is projected to continue growing from its pandemic depths, but at a slower pace than forecast by the Legislature. The result could be a roughly $9 million gap over two years, even with the higher fares. The commission opted to raise the price while further discounting tickets purchased in bulk, an approach that favors frequent ferry riders. Commissioners acknowledged the hikes come amid rider frustration with service and reliability. The Transportation Commission hopes to have all routes back to normal service in 2024, but crew shortages and the aging fleet means the recovery is fragile. So far this year, ridership is 77% of pre-pandemic levels. STORY: Local doctor’s license restricted An osteopathic physician and surgeon in Whatcom County has had his license restricted due to allegations of inadequate pain medication management. The Washington State Department of Health, along with The Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, imposed the restriction on Dr. Gregory Sharp, citing concerns about his treatment of patients falling below the expected standard of care. Until the charges are resolved, Sharp is prohibited from practicing in Washington. He can contest the charges by requesting a hearing within the next 20 days. STORY: Border crossings in Lynden and Sumas set for upgrades A public meeting will be held later this month by the U.S. General Services Administration to discuss the modernization of the border crossings in Lynden and Sumas. According to the agency, the Kenneth G. Ward crossing in Lynden has space limitations which result in frequent congestion and inefficiencies, while the Sumas crossing does not have enough space for proper traffic flow and secure inspection areas. In order to address those issues, both crossings would get modern and energy-efficient upgrades with funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The virtual meeting is scheduled to take place on August 23rd at 5pm. Members of the public can sign up to attend the meeting on Zoom. STORY: EPA clears WA to do more controlled burns Last week, the Environmental Protection Agency approved Washington’s new smoke management plan, allowing for more prescribed burns within Washington State. Prescribed burns have been used in the northwest since the 70s, but this new plan is the first update to the state’s main document guiding burns in over twenty years. Controlled burning of vegetation first came back in 2022, after 18 years without them in Washington. The controlled burning of forests is a proven method in preventing massive wildfires like those that wracked Washington State this past decade. By burning dead plant matter and cluttered debris, the amount of fuel for potential fires is greatly reduced. Though this may still pollute and produce smoke in the process, it is still much smaller compared to the amount an uncontrollably burning wildfire creates. Six burns are planned for this fall, two of which will be Okanogan County at Camelback and Sinlahekin (sin-lah-HEEK-in), west of the ongoing Eagle Bluff fire. STORY: Wealth Gap The gap in wealth between the highest and lowest earners in the country is large. Financial institutions could help shrink it. Here is Eric Tegethoff with more. Wealth Gap Audio WX: Sunshine and Heat It’s a sunny day in Bellingham, with a high of 84. Expect clear skies tonight with an overnight low of 60 degrees. Temperatures are forecasted to stay in the low 80’s through Thursday, with clouds moving in on Friday to cool things down this weekend. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Myles Weber, Emma Toscani and Carlos Braga. 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. I’m ________________ and thanks for listening. ###
August 11, 2023 News Transcript
Overdose Awareness Day, AG Ferguson announces the collection of DNA from more than 2,000 Violent and Sex offenders, North Cascade Highway Closed Again, Skagit County Pastor Sentenced For Drug Trafficking, Gen Z Mental Health, Free and Cheap, Free Bus Fare Aug 10-19 ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, August 11th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STO[1] [2] RY: OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY Whatcom County will recognize International Overdose Awareness Day with an event on Aug. 30 at Lee Memorial Park. Between noon and six pm, Staff from Whatcom County Health and Community Services and Emergency Medical Services will be offering training and answering questions about the opioid epidemic. This come-and-go style event is designed to provide casual conversation with experts. Professional staff can offer information on how to identify and respond to an overdose, and how to administer the lifesaving drug Naloxone, also known as Narcan. Attendees over the age of 18 will be able to take home a free nasal Narcan kit when they receive training. STORY: AG Ferguson announces the collection of DNA from more than 2,000 violent and sex offenders The Attorney General’s office announced yesterday that their DNA project has reached a significant milestone, with more than 2,000 new profiles added to the national DNA database since the effort began. Although Washington requires many offenders convicted of sex offenses and serious crimes to provide their DNA when convicted, some do not comply. AG Ferguson started the project nearly four years ago to collect DNA from those who slipped through the system. Of the 2,061 profiles collected so far, 76 resulted in a match with DNA evidence already in the database. These matches can help solve cold cases, and in fact have already aided in arresting suspects from crimes dating back to the late 80s. The Attorney General’s Office estimates that there are thousands of violent offenders living in Washington with an obligation to provide their DNA sample. STORY: NORTH CASCADE HIGHWAY CLOSED AGAIN As crews continue to tackle the Sourdough fire, a portion of Highway 20 has been closed once again. The Washington State DOT announced the closure of a 26-mile stretch between Newhalem and the area just past the East Creek Trailhead, effective 5:30pm yesterday. The closure was implemented by fire crews as they continue to fight the fire through aerial operations. At the moment, there is no estimated date for the roadway’s reopening. STORY: SKAGIT COUNTY PASTOR SENTENCED FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING A Skagit County pastor was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for drug trafficking in Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish counties. 58-year-old Reverend Steve Parker of Arlington was arrested in January with 2 ounces of fentanyl, 2.7 pounds of methamphetamine, 2,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills and a handgun. Parker pleaded guilty to 8 felony charges, including possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, money laundering, and possession of a stolen firearm. According to prosecutors, Parker was known in Arlington for helping those with substance abuse issues. He founded a non-profit case management company called Omni-Mana and worked with the religious organization Nest Ministries. According to officers, Parker was supplying clients with the drugs they were struggling to recover from. Text messages revealed he was also selling guns, according to court documents. STORY: GEN Z MENTAL HEALTH Young people are experiencing mental health issues at alarming rates. For more, here is Eric Tegethoff with Washington News Service. MENTAL HEALTH AUDIO STORY: FREE AND CHEAP Looking for free and cheap things to do this weekend? Downtown, the Bellingham Farmers Market is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday at 1100 Railroad Ave. Also on Saturday, Wander Brewing is hosting a book sale from 12-5 pm to help support the Bellingham Library. For movie goers, the Fairhaven Outdoor Movie Cinema will be playing “Field of Dreams” at Fairhaven Village Green. Tickets are seven dollars. On Sunday, Boundary Bay & Gruff Brewing are hosting Adult Swim, a block party with water balloon fights, music, and prizes. Admission is free. If you’re more trivia inclined, Stemma Brewing is having trivia night at 5:30 pm. Entry fee is 2 dollars per person for a team of up to four people. STORY: FREE BUS FARE AUG 10-19 WTA bus trips will be free until the 19th thanks to their Free Fare Days. This coincides with the Northwest Washington Fair. Fair goers can ride Route 26 for free and skip the hassle of parking. All bus routes in Whatcom County will be free through next Saturday, with the exception of Route 80X to Mount Vernon. WX: A Mostly Sunny Weekend Today will be a sunny day in Bellingham, with a high near 75* and southwest winds blowing at about 3-8mph. Skies are expected to get cloudy at night, with a low of 59* and southeast winds ranging from 3-6 mph. The weekend is expected to be a mostly sunny affair, with highs in the high-70s-to-low-80s. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Myles Weber, Emma Toscani and Carlos Braga. 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. I’m ________________ and thanks for listening. ###
August 10, 2023 News Transcript
Family Care Network to drop insurer, Whatcom County Council tables discussion on how to appoint Sheriff, San Juan Trail divides farmers, recreation advocates, Meridian School District plans to address child-care desert, Seahawks first preseason game, Promo for Food Systems Story ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, August 10th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Family Care Network to drop insurer On Monday, the healthcare association Family Care Network informed patients that it will end its contract with United Healthcare, one of the nation’s largest medical insurers, starting in January. PeaceHealth employees are upset by the development, all of whom are insured by United Healthcare so long as they haven’t opted out. PeaceHealth has about 3,500 employees in Whatcom County and another 475 in Skagit County. PeaceHealth would not share the number of employees and their families that receive care from Family Care Network, but Senior Director of Marketing and Communications Bev Mayhew says it’s a significant amount. Workers and their dependents who want to continue receiving care from their primary physicians will have to pay entirely out of pocket. As PeaceHealth employees scramble to look for care elsewhere, many will look within the PeaceHealth system itself. However, this influx of thousands of new patients may further stress an already struggling system. Some clinics have wait times of three or four months and short-staffing has resulted in patients being unable to see their primary care physician and going to the ER instead. FCN’s decision to drop United Healthcare will affect an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 patients overall. STORY: Whatcom County Council tables discussion on how to appoint Sheriff The Whatcom County Council voted to cease discussions on changing the elected sheriff to an appointed role. Tensions escalated during a meeting, with personal exchanges among members. Member Ben Elenbaas criticized what he saw as a personal conflict between Sheriff Bill Elfo and councilmember Todd Donovan. ELENBAAS AUDIO Despite this, Donovan stressed the importance of evaluating the administration of the jail and law enforcement. DONOVAN AUDIO The resolution was tabled with a 4 to 2 vote in favor, and one abstention. Whatcom County Undersheriff Doug Chadwick and current Blaine Chief of Police Donnell Tanksley are running to replace Sheriff Bill Elfo in the upcoming November election. STORY: Proposed San Juan Island trail divides farmers, recreation advocates Plans for a new trail on San Juan Island have sparked controversy between farmers and other residents. The 3-mile paved trail would cut through agricultural land, connecting the popular tourist destination Friday Harbor with a larger network of hiking trails at Zylstra Lake Preserve. Farmers on San Juan Island fear trespassing, noise, litter, and increased taxes brought on by an influx of hikers, bikers and tourists – according to reporting by the Seattle Times. The idea was first proposed in 2005, after a county survey showed 82% of responding households wanted more recreational trails. For years, residents have been lobbying to make roads safer for cyclists who ride on county roads with no separation from cars. Building the trail will require the county to purchase easements from 30 landowners along the route. The county government could use its right to eminent domain to purchase the land without owners’ consent, however, the county public works department will instead work to develop partnerships with current landowners, said the project’s leader Grant Carlton. Some residents have voiced fears that they will get priced off the land as the island becomes more accommodating of tourists, and its population continues to grow. STORY: Meridian School District shares plans to address child-care deserts Senator Patty Murray visited the site of the proposed Whatcom Early Learning Center in the Meridian School District this week. Murray requested federal funds for the Early Learning Center to address childcare shortages, especially in rural areas of Whatcom County. Shortages of early childhood learning staff, and closures of childcare facilities have resulted in over 5,000 unfulfilled care slots for young children. The center plans to have space for up to 120 children between 1 and 5 years old, with extended hours and days of operation to support working families. A research review published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry estimates that 20 percent of children between the ages of 1 and 7 suffer from a diagnosable mental health problem. Care at the facility will prioritize behavioral and mental health-inclusive services to support healthy development and behavior. Whatcom County provided 2 million dollars of funding from the American Rescue Plan Act to establish the early learning center. It is also awaiting 4 million dollars of federal funding to be approved by Congress. Meridian School District needs to collect an additional 7.5 million to cover the projected cost. STORY: Seahawks first preseason game The Seahawks have their first preseason game today against the Vikings. While it’s unlikely that starters will be playing, there are still things to look forward to. Many players who haven’t seen playing time since last season will look to prove themselves during this preseason and show how they’ve developed over the last year. These games are crucial for the rookies and younger players to gain experience and get settled in. The match is set for tonight at 7 pm at Lumen Field. STORY: Promo for Food Systems Story Whatcom County recently passed a new Food Systems Plan– the first of it’s kind in Whatcom County. KMRE reporter AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN) sat down with Riley Sweeney, the chair of the Whatcom Food Systems Committee, to find out more about the plan and the committee’s goals for the county. Listen to the full story today after the 5pm news. WX: Overcast/Cloudy Partly cloudy skies in Bellingham this afternoon, with a high of 72* and an overnight low of 57. Clouds are expected to hang around through Saturday with temperatures steadily rising. Sunshine and temperatures in the low 80’s are forecasted for Sunday. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Myles Weber, Emma Toscani and Carlos Braga. …
August 9, 2023 News Transcript
Wrong way drive on 1-5 dies, Money reallocated by council for Bellingham Food Bank, Free bus rides start tomorrow, Hwy 20 re-opens, but trails, camping still closed, Covid cases on the rise again, Community BBQ in Renton supports youth of color, NWS calls for hot weather precautions next week ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, August 9th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Wrong way driver on I-5 dies Two vehicles collided on I-5 when a motorcycle drove the wrong way on Northbound lanes near Alger yesterday at 1 pm. The motorcyclist died at Providence Hospital, and his name has been withheld until next of kin is notified. The second driver has been identified as Julio Jimenez. He was reported as injured, but his condition is unknown. Investigators have not determined if drugs or alcohol were involved in the collision. STORY: Money re-allocated by council for Bellingham Food Bank Bellingham City Council has passed a budget amendment that re-allocates 2.1 million dollars of American Rescue Plan money to help the underserved. City Council President Michael Lilliquist had this to say when introducing the amendment. ARPA FUNDING AUDIO The city allocated half a million dollars to the Bellingham Food Bank, which has seen visits more than double since January of 2022, according to Executive Director Mike Cohen. Another $265,000 will be used to support Lighthouse Mission’s emergency shelter in downtown Bellingham while construction of the mission’s new, 300-bed shelter on Holly Street is ongoing. The remaining 1.6 million dollars will fund land acquisition for the affordable housing project on Bellis Fair, which is expected to break ground next year. The first phase of that project will include about 60 affordable housing units and potential childcare facilities, said Deputy Finance Director Forrest Longman. STORY: Free bus rides starting tomorrow Starting tomorrow, the WTA will be offering free rides on all bus trips within Whatcom County. All bus and paratransit rides, save for the Route 80X service to Mount Vernon, will be free until August 19th, including the Lynden Hop service. The free rides will coincide with the Northwest Washington Fair. STORY: Hwy 20 re-opens, but trails,camping still closed State Route 20, known as North Cascades Highway, has reopened after weekend closures due to the Sourdough Mountain fire. The fire is still active, burning 17 hundred acres as of this morning, and the road could close again, according to the Washington Department of Transportation. The National Park Service has closed recreation, including camping and trailheads, east of Newhalem between mile 120 and mile 139. The Sourdough fire threatened hydroelectric infrastructure on the Skagit River as it spread close to the town of Diablo. Seattle City Light employees were evacuated from the area on Thursday and the utility company took some transmission lines offline to prevent shorts and outages from wildfire smoke. Power generation from the Diablo Lake dams has been reduced by as much as half, according to Andrew Strong, a senior manager at Seattle City Light. The estimated affected area of the fire was over 2,900 acres as of a few days ago but after infrared helicopter mapping, the actual area burned is nearly 1,400 acres at 0 percent containment. The project will stay open for the time being, while Ross and Diablo dams have been taken offline for the safety of fire crews. STORY: COVID cases on the rise again New cases of Coronavirus have been rising this summer. Health experts advise caution but indicate there is no cause for alarm. The number of weekly Covid-19 new hospital admissions in the United States rose from 65 hundred to about 9,000 in the month of July, according to the Center for Disease control. A new strain of the virus called EG.5 is responsible for most new infections this year. Maria Van Kerkhove, the World Health Organization’s technical lead on Covid-19 says this subvariant of omicron has increased transmissibility but is less severe than previous variants of the virus. STORY: Community BBQ in Renton supports youth of color A barbecue in Puget Sound is bringing the community together this weekend. It also will support after-school programming for youth of color. Reporter Eric Tegethoff has more. BBQ AUDIO STORY: NWS calls for hot weather precautions next week A severe heat event has been forecasted by the National Weather Service for Washington state next week, prompting the agency to call for hot weather precautions as temperatures could potentially approach 100*. People are encouraged to take precautions to reduce heat-related risks for themselves and others. Among the suggestions–stay alert for social media and news heat forecasts and check on vulnerable members of the community such as older adults, people with disabilities, children and pets. WX: Overcast/Cloudy The weather forecast for Bellingham is expected to be overcast, with a high of 71*. It’s expected to stay cloudy throughout the night, with a low around 59* and a south of 7 to 11 mph. Clouds are expected to roll back in overnight, followed by partial clearing tomorrow and a high in the early 70s. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Myles Weber, Emma Toscani and Carlos Braga. 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. I’m ________________ and thanks for listening. ###
