Heat wave kicks into high gear, how to stay cool, Police suspect suicide in case of body found in Lake Whatcom, Dept of Ecology to begin cleanup of Bellingham waterfront contamination site, District 40 to only feature one contested race on November ballot, WA initiative to protect natural gas could be on November ballot, Boeing to plead guilty to fraud charge surrounding Max 737 crashes Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, July 8th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Heat wave kicks into high gear, how to stay cool The heat wave that is scorching nearly the entire West Coast is expected to get worse today. Meteorologists say temperatures in California will range from 100 to 120 degrees, Portland is expected to hit 103 degrees today, and here in Whatcom we’re likely to see 87 degrees in Bellingham– with temps in the high 90s out in the county. Although the heat is expected to linger for most of next week, the Puget Sound area might see temperatures dip slightly to the low-to-mid-80s on Wednesday due to incoming westerly winds. The weather service advises people to stay hydrated, use cooling centers available in Whatcom and Skagit Counties, and be cautious of heat-related illnesses, especially for vulnerable populations. Local places to get cool include every County library, the WTA Station in downtown Bellingham, the Lynden Community Center, Ferndale City Hall, Pioneer Pavilion in Ferndale, and the East Whatcom Resource Center in Maple Falls. A reminder from the Health Department– it takes just 10 minutes for someone to suffer heat stroke inside a parked vehicle, so don’t leave kids or dogs in closed cars. STORY: Police suspect suicide in case of body found in Lake Whatcom A man in his early 20’s was found dead on Lake Whatcom Saturday evening, in a suspected suicide. According to the Sheriff’s Office, his body was found floating on a raft with significant head injuries near North Shore Drive. Whatcom County officials say he appears to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and a firearm was recovered. A release from the Sheriff’s Office said the man had been listed as a missing person for two days in Snohomish County, but his identity was not released. The incident is unrelated to another Lake Whatcom occurrence around the same time– a hit-and-run collision involving a boat and a personal watercraft. The collision was reported around 7:30 p.m., and is still under investigation. STORY: Dept of Ecology to begin cleanup of Bellingham waterfront contamination site The state Department of Ecology will begin sampling and dredging this month in the I & J Waterway, a polluted inlet on Bellingham’s industrial waterfront. This is part of a long-planned cleanup at one of Bellingham’s “dirty dozen” contaminated sites. One portion of the site is in the cleanup phase, with construction crews dredging contaminated sediment. Another portion is in an earlier ‘engineering design’ phase, with scientists sampling sediment as they assess the extent of contamination. Over time, the inlet off Bellingham Bay was contaminated by nearby industry, including a pulp and tissue mill, a rock-crushing plant, frozen food and seafood processors, and the runoff from a massive waterfront fire in 1985. Dredging operations will remove about 18,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment from the area adjacent to Bornstein Seafoods. The Port of Bellingham is spearheading cleanup efforts with assistance from the city of Bellingham and the state Department of Natural Resources. Costs are estimated at $160 million dollars. The port is eligible for reimbursement of up to half of their costs through the state’s remedial action grant program which helps to clean up publicly owned sites, and is funded by revenues from a tax on hazardous substances. Sampling activities will last about a month and in-water construction is expected to conclude by next February. STORY: District 40 to only feature one contested race on November ballot Election season is approaching, and candidates are lining up on both sides of the aisle. District 40, which encompasses San Juan County along with portions of both Whatcom and Skagit counties, will have only one contested race on November’s Ballot. In 2020 State Senator Democrat Liz Lovelett defeated Republican Charles Carrell in the general election. This year they are both running again in the only contested election in the 40th. Lovelett is a fifth-generation Anacortes resident who served on the Anacortes City Council for five years before being appointed to the state senate in 2019. Carrell is a resident of Sedro-Woolley, who worked at the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office from 1991-2023. 40th District Representatives Alex Ramel (RAM-ull) and Debra Lekanoff (luh-KAN-off) are both running unopposed. In the 42nd District, however, it’s a different story. A primary election will be held in August to decide the top two candidates for the 42nd Representative Position 1. Incumbent Alicia Rule will face off against fellow Democrat Janet Mellman, and Republican Raymond Pelleti. In addition, incumbent Representative Joe Timmons will face Republican challenger Kamal Bhachu in the general election in November. The 42nd District includes most of Whatcom County. This year’s primary ballots will be mailed on July 17th. STORY: WA initiative to protect natural gas could be on November ballot An initiative to protect natural gas users might make an appearance on ballots in November. Combating Washington’s plan to transition to clean energy, Initiative 2066 hopes to protect home and business owners who use natural gas. Supporters have already turned in more than 400,000 signatures for their cause. The initiative, if passed, would also hasten Puget Sound Energy’s transition away from natural gas, and halt Washington’s new energy code designed to install electric heat pumps rather than gas furnaces in newly built residential and commercial buildings. Puget Sound Energy said it is quote “deeply concerned” unquote about the misinformation being spread on the Initiative, saying there is no ban on natural gas and they will continue to serve any customer who desires it. If Initiative 2066 qualifies it will be the first item on the …
July 5, 2024 News Transcript
NWS issues heat advisory from July 5th-8th, Bellingham man sentenced in 2022 shooting, Bellingham woman arrested in connection with hate crime, Whatcom releases overdose data for first half of 2024, Opponents of Skagit gravel mine to appeal county’s decision, Pride in Bellingham returns this weekend, Free or cheap Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, July 5th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: NWS issues heat advisory from July 5th-8th The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Bellingham and most of western Washington. Starting today through Monday, temperatures are expected to reach the upper-80s and low-90s. While we are not expecting to break any records, the Weather Service advises people to drink plenty of fluids, limit their time outside, and use air conditioning – if possible. People should also ensure their pets have access to water, as well as avoid hot pavement when taking them on walks. Meteorologists say the heat advisory is expected to end by 10 p.m. on Sunday for those on the coast, but those who live further inland will have to wait until Monday. With the heat also comes an elevated risk of fire. Whatcom County is currently under a stage one burn ban which is not expected to end until September 14th. STORY: Bellingham man sentenced in 2022 shooting A Bellingham man has been sentenced for the fatal shooting of a woman. Last Monday, 35-year-old Shilo (SHY-low) Englert was sentenced by Whatcom County Superior Court to nearly seven-and-a-half years in prison for killing 31-year-old Kasaundra Booker in February 2022. The shooting took place in a stairwell at the 22 North apartment complex in downtown Bellingham. Englert had originally been charged with second-degree murder, but his charge was reduced to second-degree manslaughter as part of a plea deal. That deal also resolved four other criminal cases Englert was facing – including another fatal shooting. Englert will be required to register as a felony firearm offender, as well as undergo a substance use disorder evaluation and comply with any recommended treatment. The sentence includes a year-and-a-half of probation, though Englert will get credit for the two-and-a-half years he’s already served. STORY: Bellingham woman arrested in connection with hate crime A Bellingham woman was arrested last Tuesday after threatening to stab another woman multiple times. 38-year-old Johnye (JOHN-ee) Springer was asked to leave private property, when she berated a woman with racial and sexual slurs and threatened to stab her. Upon arriving at the scene, Bellingham Police learned that Springer had previously trespassed the property. When she continued to threaten the woman, officers arrested her on a felony harassment charge. She remains in custody on $5,000 bond. Springer was out of custody at the time of her arrest on personal recognizance and awaiting trial for another felony harassment from another incident in March, where she threatened to stab, cut, and murder a family member and their dog. STORY: Whatcom releases overdose data for first half of 2024 Opioid overdoses in Whatcom County seem to have leveled off after a dramatic rise, with early 2024 numbers reflecting last year’s levels. Overdose deaths stand at 55 for the first half of 2024, compared to 136 last year, and 91 the year before. The numbers indicate a potential easing in the crisis; however, officials are uncertain if this trend will continue. Marie Duckworth, a spokesperson for the Health and Community Services Department, noted that May and June 2024 saw numbers more in line with 2023, suggesting the trend may not hold. County officials, responding to Executive Satpal Sidhu’s recent opioid emergency declaration, say they are treating the crisis with the urgency of a pandemic and are now offering comprehensive prevention support, intervention, treatment, and recovery strategies designed to combat the crisis. STORY: Pride in Bellingham returns this weekend Pride in Bellingham returns this weekend with a variety of events. The annual Pride Parade will start at Waypoint Park at 11am Sunday, finishing at the Depot Market Square on Railroad Ave around 1pm. A map of the route can be found on the Pride in Bellingham website. The Pride Festival, located at Depot Market Square and extending across Railroad Ave between Chestnut and Maple, will include local venders and drag performers after the parade. Boundary Bay will be hosting a Pride Family Picnic tomorrow in their Outdoor Garden and the Cedar Dust Alley from noon to 4pm. There will also be a dance in the Market Building from 7-10pm. Each event is free. STORY: Opponents of Skagit gravel mine to appeal county’s decision Community members fighting a proposed gravel mine in a rural area north of Sedro-Woolley have appealed Skagit County’s decision to approve the project. The group, Central Samish Valley Neighbors, or CSVN, indicated they will continue fighting the mine until their concerns are addressed. Opponents of the mine argue the traffic impacts on Grip Road create an unacceptable risk to public safety. Concrete Nor’West, a division of Miles Sand and Gravel, plans to log about 68 acres to open the mine, then haul around 23 trucks of gravel per day from the site, according to proposal documents. Skagit county commissioners will hear the appeal as a closed-record meeting, which means that no new evidence will be presented. After the hearing they will have 60 days to issue a decision. In a recent press release, CSVN indicated they plan to take the case to Superior Court. STORY: Free or cheap In addition to the Pride events happening around town, here are some other free and cheap activities to enjoy this weekend: Celebrate Bellingham’s First Fridays Downtown tonight from 6 to 10pm and engage with local artist showcases, dining deals, late night shopping, live music and more. The Whatcom Museum offers free admission and extended hours until 9pm as part of the celebration. Visit downtownbellingham.com for more information. The second annual Fairhaven “Chicken Festival” takes place tomorrow on the Village Green– a “whimsical afternoon” of chicken-filled fun, carnival games, exhibits, and more. The event starts …
July 3, 2024 News Transcript
Extended heat wave expected to hit western Washington later this week, Parents file suit against Bellingham Public Schools following alleged sexual assaults of student, Federal agencies investigating death of man found near Ferndale, Arrest made in connection with sexual assault of Sudden Valley teenager, WWU to construct new academic building on Olympic campus Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, July 3rd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Extended heat wave expected to hit western Washington later this week The first extended heat wave of the summer is expected to hit Western Washington later this week. Temperatures in Whatcom County will rise daily, reaching the lower 80s by the weekend. The National Weather Service recommends people drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. If you work or spend time outside, take extra precautions and, when possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. STORY: Parents file suit against Bellingham Public Schools following alleged sexual assaults of student The parents of a student at Wade King Elementary are suing Bellingam Public schools. The lawsuit, filed on June 24th, alleges that the schools failed to protect their 10-year-old son from repeated sexual assaults from another male student while on the school bus. The parents claim the district had prior knowledge and documented history of similar incidents regarding the same perpetrator, and that they failed to report the sexual abuse to law enforcement or state child welfare officials, as is required by law. The parents are seeking general and special damages, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, and any other relief the court deems just and proper for the emotional, psychological and other damages the incidents inflicted on their son. The lawsuit also shows that at some point in June of last year the district initiated a Title IX Investigation into the 10-year-old boy’s claims, but still reportedly neglected to contact the appropriate authorities. Bellingham Public Schools has 20 days to respond. STORY: Federal agencies investigating death of man found near Ferndale Multiple federal agencies are investigating the death of a Mexican citizen found near the Canadian border. The body of 23-year-old Chayanne (CHAI-un) Silva-Perez was found near the intersection of Portal Way and Faris Road in Custer on June 20th. Authorities say that Silva-Perez died of multiple blunt impact injuries, and the incident was ruled an accident by the county Medical Examiner’s Office. Homeland Security, the U.S. Border Patrol, and Customs and Border Protection are investigating Silva-Perez’s death, which is suspected to have been part of a human smuggling operation. Those with information about the incident are asked to contact Homeland Security’s tip line. STORY: Arrest made in connection with sexual assault of Sudden Valley teenager A transient man has been arrested for the sexual assault of a teenager in Sudden Valley. 24-year-old John Rodgers was taken into custody after being identified by detectives on June 2nd as a former Whatcom County Jail inmate. The victim, a 15-year-old girl, said she had met Rodgers on social media in May, and he told her he could provide her with alcohol. A search warrant on Rodgers’ social media revealed he was aware that the victim was underage and the posts also confirmed the date and time of the assault which took place on May 6th during a hike in the woods. Surveillance video showed Rodgers stealing two bottles of liquor from a grocery store on the same day as the alleged incident. He was found at a homeless shelter where he was arrested for rape, theft, offering alcohol to a minor and communicating with a minor for immoral purposes. STORY: WWU to construct new academic building on Olympic campus Both Olympic College and Western Washington University’s Board of Trustees have approved a proposal for a new academic building on the Olympic-Poulsbo campus. Since 1993, Western has offered bachelor’s and master’s degree programs on the Kitsap and Olympic Peninsulas through their “Western on the Peninsulas” program. However, Western’s Chief of Staff Becca Kenna-Schenk (SHENK) says the building currently used by Western does not have enough space to accommodate expanding academic programs. Kenna-Schenk noted that a rise in regional population growth spurred interest from Washington’s legislature to increase educational access on the Peninsulas. According to the proposal, the project will cost almost $74 million dollars and the proposed budget would come almost entirely from state funds. If Western receives funding, the building should open by the 2026–27 academic year. STORY: All about fireworks on the Fourth of July Tomorrow is the Fourth of July, and the City of Bellingham wants to remind everyone that consumer fireworks, including sparklers, are banned within the city limits. All public displays require a permit, and fines for violations range from $250 to $1,000. However, that’s not the case throughout Whatcom County. Blaine permits consumer fireworks from July 1st to the Fourth, except in certain areas. Ferndale allows state-legal fireworks only on July 4 from 9:00 a.m. to midnight. And in Lynden, only “safe and sane” fireworks are allowed, and they can only be used during specified hours from July 1st to July 5th. And according to the Whatcom County website, fireworks are allowed in unincorporated Whatcom County on July 3rd, 4th, and 5th during specified hours, even with an active ban on open burning. In addition, Washington state law specifically prohibits dangerous types of fireworks like firecrackers and M-80s. The National Safety Council reminds everyone to use fireworks away from people and flammable materials, wear protective gear, and have water available. Backyard fireworks may be off the table in Bellingham, but if you’re looking for something to do over the Fourth of July holiday, here are some options: Peoples Bank 4th of July Spectacular: Bellingham’s main fireworks show at Zuanich Point Park starting at 10:30 PM, hosted by the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce. Blues, Brews & BBQ at Hotel Bellwether: Enjoy music by The Atlantics from 7-10 PM, followed by a fireworks …
July 2, 2024 News Transcript
No charges levied in Saturday’s hate crime arrest, Bellingham recommits police aid to sheriff’s drug task force, Nearly 30 bridges across Whatcom and Skagit county reportedly in poor condition, Bellingham recommits police aid to sheriff’s drug task force, WA to launch program to assist victims of housing discrimination, U.S. Supreme Court ruling derails multi-million dollar opioid settlement for WA Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, July 2nd. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: No charges levied in Saturday’s hate crime arrest A Bellingham man who was arrested Saturday in connection with an assault at Cornwall Park will not face hate crime charges. 51-year-old Timothy Franklin was taken into custody after the altercation where he reportedly punched a man in the face and threatened him with a screwdriver. Court documents indicate that both the victim and his alleged attacker used racially charged language throughout the fight. The documents, filed Monday in Whatcom County Superior Court, state that Franklin called the victim a racial slur first, but after being assaulted the victim began using racial slurs as well. Franklin has been arrested several times for violent crimes and was most recently released from jail in May after serving 45 days for spitting on a man and threatening him with a machete. He will face a single count of second-degree assault for the Cornwall Park attack which was reportedly unprovoked. STORY: Bellingham recommits police aid to sheriff’s drug task force Last night, the Bellingham City Council voted to rejoin the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Gang and Drug Task Force and says it will commit to share police personnel to combat drug trafficking in the region. The Bellingham Police Department withdrew from the task force in 2020 because of critical understaffing–– it continued to assist as a support agency but did not provide personnel. The department says, due to the fact that 25 new officers have been hired since 2022, it now intends to provide one officer and one supervisor to the task force. The agreement follows the city’s declaration of an opioid and synthetic drug crisis last month. In February, Mayor Kim Lund passed an executive order that identified the fight against opioid addiction as one of the city’s highest priorities and committed to increase downtown patrols. The resolution also codified the city’s intention to partner with other agencies to intervene in addiction cycles and help community members with recovery. According to records, 137 people died last year in Whatcom County of a confirmed or probable drug overdose, a 50% increase from 2022. The drug task force also seized seven pounds of heroin, 62 pounds of cocaine, 125 pounds of meth, 154 pounds of fentanyl-laced pills as well as 31 firearms. STORY: Nearly 30 bridges across Whatcom and Skagit county reportedly in poor condition An analysis by Cascadia Daily News revealed 30 out of the 600 plus bridges in Whatcom and Skagit Counties are in poor condition with an average age of 52 years. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers ‘Report on America’s Infrastructure’, most bridges are built with an expected lifespan of 50 years, and Whatcom’s aging bridges are due to be replaced in the next couple decades. However, according to James Lee, bridge and hydraulics manager for Whatcom County Public Works, although many of the counties’ bridges are deemed to be in poor condition some have repairs or replacement plans already funded and underway. Some of the projects have been fully funded by federal money, including the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Within Bellingham, four bridges on the list are under City control––the James Street and Meador Bridges are under construction, with Meador Bridge shut down for repairs. The Central-Chestnut Dock Bridge has been converted into a safe, pedestrian walking path, and funding has yet to be secured for the Electric Avenue Bridge which currently has only one lane open. STORY: WA to launch program to assist victims of housing discrimination A program designed to help low-income first-time homebuyers whose families have been in Washington since 1968 starts this month. In spring of 2023, the Washington State Legislature passed the Covenant Homeownership Act to assist individuals affected by historical housing discrimination. Starting this month, the CHP will provide 0% interest loans for downpayment and closing costs, which are repayable when the house is sold or refinanced. To be eligible, applicants must be first-time homebuyers with household incomes at or below 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI) and have deep roots in Washington State before April 1968, particularly those from racial or ethnic groups impacted by past discrimination. Applicants work with a Commission-trained lender to prequalify for a mortgage loan and establish eligibility. A $100 document recording assessment fee on real estate transactions is estimated to generate $75 million to $100 million annually for the program and the fund will be managed by the Department of Financial Institutions who will report on the impacts and potentially make recommendations to the legislature. A hotline is available for people who are interested in connecting with a suitable lender or would like to ask questions. Alternatively you can visit wshfc.org for more information. STORY: U.S. Supreme Court ruling derails multi-million dollar opioid settlement for WA The U.S. Supreme Court has invalidated a $183 million payment to Washington as part of a larger bankruptcy plan for Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin. The plan involved the Sackler family, owners of Purdue, contributing up to $6 billion to address opioid epidemic damages, but the court ruled 5-4 against shielding the Sacklers from related lawsuits. Attorney General Bob Ferguson praised the decision, stating it enables his office to hold the Sacklers accountable. Washington’s $183 million settlement is now void, and the state’s case will proceed to mediation. Ferguson says his office is preparing a lawsuit against the Sacklers if mediation does not yield significant resources for Washington. The state attorney general’s office has already secured $1.1 billion from other opioid-related litigations. Purdue Pharma, implicated in the opioid crisis for its marketing …
June 20, 2024 News Transcript
Drive-by shooting in Mount Vernon left two people with multiple gunshot wounds, $14M bond approved for Port of Bellingham Shipping Terminal modernization, Former Bellingham employees file class-action suit against city over COVID-19 vaccine policies, ‘High priority’ to get Sudden Valley Fire Station 22 back operating, City of Bellingham seeks new name for pier on Bellingham Bay, WSDOT plans for $85M fish passage project at I-5, Guide Meridian, Johnson & Johnson pays $123 million to WA following opioid lawsuit, WA plans to use $32 million to help asylum seekers ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, June 20th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Drive-by shooting in Mount Vernon left two people with multiple gunshot wounds Two people were injured after a drive-by shooting took place in Mount Vernon on June 11th. Police were dispatched to the scene on North 1st Street and found two men – a 23-year-old, and an 18-year-old – who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The 18-year-old was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, while the 23-year-old was treated at the nearby Skagit Valley Hospital. Neither of them suffered life-threatening injuries. Mount Vernon Police believe the incident was not a random shooting. Witnesses and people who have information relating to the shooting are being asked to contact Mount Vernon Police. STORY: $14M bond approved for Port of Bellingham Shipping Terminal modernization On Tuesday, the Bellingham Port Commission approved a $14 million bond that will fund a large portion of the Bellingham Shipping Terminal modernization project. The two-year, multi-million dollar project is meant to improve the existing wharf by replacing the dock, which port projections say would encourage more cargo traffic and business in the port. The recently passed bond will fund upgrades and repairs at both the shipping and cruise terminals. At the Tuesday meeting, Port commissioners and employees explained that the approved bonds wouldn’t be paid for by taxpayers. Instead, port revenues will be used for the payback period. Once the bonds are issued, it will take about 15 years for the port to repay the amount borrowed, with an estimated annual payment of up to $1.4 million. In January, the port started dredging the Whatcom Waterway to increase the navigation depth to 35 feet. The work is expected to be completed by February of next year, and port officials say a deeper waterway will create jobs for longshoremen, as well as shipyard and rail workers. Dan Tucker, part of the Working Waterfront Coalition of Whatcom County, added that economic activity at the shipping terminal will ripple into downtown Bellingham and greater Whatcom County. STORY: Former Bellingham employees file class-action suit against city over COVID-19 vaccine policies Eighteen former employees of the City of Bellingham, fired in 2021 for refusing COVID-19 vaccinations, have sued the city and former Mayor Seth Fleetwood. This follows Fleetwood’s September 2021 emergency order mandating vaccinations, which was eventually lifted in February of last year. The lawsuit, filed on June 13th in the U.S. District Court of Western Washington, claims the plaintiffs had the right to refuse the vaccine without penalty. The plaintiffs are seeking punitive damages, attorney’s fees, litigation expenses, and compensation for lost wages and benefits. The case is part of a broader pattern of legal challenges to vaccination mandates in the state. Neither party has commented on the lawsuit. STORY: ‘High priority’ to get Sudden Valley Fire Station 22 back operating Fire Chief Mitch Nolze (NOULz) says that getting Sudden Valley’s Fire Station 22 operational again is the “highest priority” and hopes to have cost estimates ready by July. In January, a burst pipe caused enough water damage to render the station largely inoperable. Currently, the station’s administrative office remains open during business hours, alongside a crew of three to four emergency responders at all times, while the bulk of the South Whatcom Fire Authority’s responders have been relocated to the Geneva Fire Station. Even before the burst pipe, Fire Station 22 had long been slated for a remodel. Now, Nolze says, that conversation has been accelerated. Nolze noted that despite the change in circumstances, the Fire Authority is still hitting their response time goals, typically taking between five and fifteen minutes to reach a call. He also says that he does not anticipate the project to require tax dollars, and will instead draw on existing cash reserves. STORY: City of Bellingham seeks new name for pier on Bellingham Bay The City of Bellingham is seeking public help in renaming the Bellingham Bay pier. The pier, originally built in 1912 in the southwest of Little Squalicum Park, will soon undergo renovations which will provide up to 1,200 ft of public access over the water. The renovations, primarily funded by the Greenway Levy Funds, will start later this year, and will run only between August to February, to protect in-water habitats and wildlife. Name suggestions can be submitted on the City of Bellingham’s website, where they will then be forwarded to the Bellingham Parks & Recreation Board and Bellingham City Council for final approval. Voting for the new pier name closes on July 12th. STORY: WSDOT plans for $85M fish passage project at I-5, Guide Meridian This week, WSDOT (WASH-dot) presented their plan for an 85 million dollar fish passage project spanning I-5 and the Guide Meridian, to begin in 2026. The project will work to fix existing creek culverts that are the wrong size and shape to accommodate fish moving up or downstream. This is one of many projects across the state that are working to comply with a 2013 federal court injunction that enforces tribal treaty fishing rights. The state has until 2030 to repair or replace culverts to open up salmon habitat upstream. The design phase has already begun, and is currently informing businesses of future disruptions and changes. Both I-5 and the Guide are expected to be reduced to a single lane in each direction for periods of time while construction is underway. WSDOT says it should have a clearer …
June 17, 2024 News Transcript
Bellingham police arrest man on suspicion of assault, attempted kidnapping in Fairhaven, Former student causes security scare at Squalicum High School, Bellingham swimmer Gavin Jones becomes first to compete at U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Bellingham Parks and Recreation announces Civic Stadium renovations to begin in June, Bellingham’s Summer Concert Series in the Parks lines up free live music starting June 20, WA carbon auction demand drops, as prices remain lower, WA plans to use $32 million to help asylum seekers ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, June 17. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham police arrest man on suspicion of assault, attempted kidnapping in Fairhaven Bellingham police arrested a man on Thursday following his alleged attempt to kidnap and assault a woman. The victim reported to police that she had gone to meet up with John Brooks Ferlin at his Fairhaven apartment, only for Ferlin to approach her from behind and place a rag soaked with rubbing alcohol over her mouth. The victim was able to escape as Ferlin made additional threats. Multiple 911 calls were made by bystanders who witnessed the victim running away, screaming for help. The victim later identified Ferlin to police, who was arrested without incident. A search of Ferlin’s apartment yielded illegal drugs and associated paraphernalia. Ferlin was booked into Whatcom County Jail on charges of second-degree assault with a sexual motivation, kidnapping, and possession of a controlled substance. He remains in custody. STORY: Former student causes security scare at Squalicum High School A former Squalicum High School student caused a security scare at the school on Wednesday. Both Squalicum and the nearby Northern Heights Elementary School were placed in Secure protocol for an hour-and-a-half after the former student was spotted on Squalicum’s soccer field. During this time, all doors to the school were locked, and no one was allowed in or out. Police officers, as well as the individual’s family, were initially successful in addressing the issue. However, the individual was later spotted again on Squalicum’s property, which prompted the school to be placed back into the Secure protocol for nearly an hour. Police and the individual’s family were called back to the scene, and the person eventually left the property with assistance. The Bellingham School District later said the individual showed no intent to harm. STORY: Bellingham swimmer Gavin Jones becomes first to compete at U.S. Olympic Team Trials A Bellingham man recently qualified for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, beating the current record by over one second. Gavin Jones swam the 200m breaststroke with a time of just over 2:14.72. Jones attended Bellingham High School and formerly competed with the Bellingham Bay Swim Team at the Arne Hanna Aquatic Center but is now a junior at Denison University in Granville, Ohio. The five-time NCAA Division III All-American will compete in the 200m Breaststroke Trials tomorrow. Jones is the first swimmer to come from Bellingham to compete in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. STORY: Bellingham Parks and Recreation announces Civic Stadium renovations to begin in June Starting on Monday, June 17th, Bellingham’s Civic Stadium will undergo renovations on its south grandstand. The renovations include concrete and ceiling repair, waterproofing, painting, roofing, and other needed tasks. Bellingham Parks and Recreation says stadium parking will not be affected by the construction. The track and field will be accessible through the stadium’s entrance on Orleans Street. The north grandstand’s restrooms will also remain open. The project is expected to go until mid-October, and no public events are planned to be held at the stadium this summer. STORY: Bellingham’s Summer Concert Series in the Parks lines up free live music starting June 20 Bellingham’s ‘Summer Concerts in the Parks’ series is about to start. The City has announced free concerts will be held on Thursdays at Elizabeth Park and Fridays at Boulevard Park that will feature a variety of music groups. Concerts will run from June 20th through August 23rd and start at 6pm. Funk & rock group North Sound Soul will perform at Elizabeth Park this Thursday, and the first Boulevard Park concert will feature the funk group GrooveBot. You can find the full schedule on the City of Bellingham website. STORY: Skagit County approves controversial gravel mine Skagit County has approved plans for a controversial new gravel mine north of Sedro-Woolley. The Grip Road Gravel Mine was previously approved in February of this year before being successfully appealed. According to Skagit County, the proposal has since been reviewed and certified by a new hearing examiner, and work is set to begin. Concrete Nor’west, the mine’s developer, will log nearly 70 acres of forested land and add 23 loaded gravel trucks to local daily traffic. Despite the review, many in Skagit County still oppose the proposal in its current state. Kyle Loring and John Day, spokespeople for opposition group Central Samish Valley Neighbors, have stated that the decision still fails to address their environmental and safety concerns, and say they feel that the new hearing examiner did not take their counter-arguments into consideration when listening to their testimonials. Concrete Nor’west has agreed to the road maintenance and safety improvements included in the decision. However, Day claims that these conditions still fall far short addressing residents’ concerns. Loring further stated that the project was approved as requested by the company, without vital changes. The deadline for further appeals is June 25th. CSVN is currently evaluating whether or not to submit another. STORY: WA carbon auction demand drops, as prices remain lower Demand for carbon-emission allowances has dropped in Washington state. Data from the Department of Ecology shows that, in addition to the slowing demand by polluters, the prices for allowances have remained low. This time last year, allowances were being sold at around $56 each – and now are going for a little under $30. While the auction on June 5th still managed to raise $189 million in revenue for the state, this was still less than half of the …
May 30, 2024 News Transcript
Blaine police arrest three on allegations of prostitution, sexual assault, Rollover crash closes I-5 lanes south of Bellingham, WWU and pro-Palestine encampment reach agreement, Bellingham City Council hits pause on Silver Beach rezoning, Kona Bicycles co-founders buy company back from private equity firm, Tullwood Apartments requests to join lawsuit against “Walmart encampment” owner, Amtrak Cascades offers free train rides for qualifying youth ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, May 30th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Blaine police arrest three on allegations of prostitution, sexual assault Three arrests have been made at a Blaine massage parlor, after a warrant was granted due to allegations of prostitution and sexual assault. Law enforcement arrived at the shopping center on H Street in Blaine yesterday and arrested two men – Todd Berge, age 57 of Blaine, and Ankhjargal Jargalsaikhan (ANKH-jar-gal jar-gal-SAAH-han), age 38 of Corona, California. The two men were charged with patronizing a prostitute. A woman, Jie Deng (JEE-uh DUNG), age 39 of Renton, was also arrested and charged with 2nd-degree rape. All three were booked into Whatcom County Jail, but the two men were later released. The Blaine Police Department says the investigation is ongoing. STORY: Rollover crash closes I-5 lanes south of Bellingham A single vehicle rollover crash closed the northbound lanes of I-5 yesterday. First responders were dispatched to I-5 between North Lake Samish Way and Nulle (NOO-lee) Road at around 9:40 am, due to a report of a single-vehicle rollover crash. Visible flames were reported coming from the vehicle, and both lanes were closed until around 11 am. According to Washington State Patrol, the person involved in the crash was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No charges or citations resulted from the accident. STORY: WWU and pro-Palestine encampment reach agreement Western Washington University President announced yesterday that pro-Palestine demonstrators camped on Western’s Old Main Lawn have finally reached an agreement with college administration. The student protesters set up tents in front of the Old Main building over two weeks ago, threatening to stay until the college agreed to divest in weapons manufacturers supporting Israel. Yesterday, in a letter to the campus community, University president Sabah Randhawa (sa-BAH ranh-DAHH-wahh) stated that students agreed to pack up their tents by 5 pm today. On their Instagram page, the protesters declared the demonstration a success, stating that they reached a quote “historic agreement” following 10 hours of negotiations. Western says they will release a statement regarding the agreement tomorrow. STORY: Bellingham City Council hits pause on Silver Beach rezoning Bellingham City Council members approved stricter stormwater regulations in the Lake Whatcom watershed this month, but opted not to lower housing density in Silver Beach — at least for now. Lake Whatcom is the drinking water source for the City of Bellingham. It’s also on Washington’s list of most-polluted water bodies because of its high levels of phosphorus and dissolved oxygen. A development moratorium on multi-family homes along the lake within Bellingham city limits has been in place since July 2022– giving planning officials time to create new regulations to better protect the watershed. However, the moratorium is set to expire in July unless the council votes again to extend it. On May 20th, the council held a public hearing to make a final decision on both the updated stormwater regulations and rezoning. After listening to more than an hour of public testimony, council members approved the stricter stormwater rules, but wanted more discussion on the zoning changes before making a final decision. The council says it will hold a public hearing on Monday to hear feedback on extending the moratorium for an additional six months. STORY: Kona Bicycles co-founders buy company back from private equity firm The founders of Kona Bicycles, the oldest and largest bike company in Whatcom County, have announced they will buy the company back from the corporation that has owned them since 2022. Founded in Vancouver, B.C. in 1988 by Dan Gerhard and Jake Heilbron (HILE-brawn), Kona moved its headquarters to Ferndale over 30 years ago. Economic pressures prompted the duo to sell to private-equity-backed Kent Outdoors in 2022. However, according to recent reporting by Cascadia Daily News, since that time, Kona experienced staff losses and strained relationships with dealers and suppliers. Kent Outdoors closed the Kona store in 2023, and on May 20th, Kent Executive Chairman Lee Belitsky announced the company would be sold back to Gerhard and Heilbron. In a letter to the industry published on May 20th, both founders say they are ready for the third chapter of Kona and plan to rebuild its reputation and continue supporting local biking initiatives. STORY: Tullwood Apartments requests to join lawsuit against “Walmart encampment” owner The owner of Tullwood Apartments is seeking to join the ongoing lawsuit between the City of Bellingham and the owner of the property near Walmart that is now the site of a homeless encampment. The City of Bellingham is suing Li-Ching Fang (LEE CHING FAHNG) of Taiwan, the owner of the land on which the encampment is located, for nuisance charges including negatively impacting area businesses, property crimes, and environmental impacts to nearby Spring Creek. The apartment owner claims the lawsuit’s slow progress is now harming Tullwood’s residents’ health and safety, and says tenancy has dropped by 6% due to the encampment. A hearing on Tullwood’s intervention request is set for June 14. STORY: Amtrak Cascades offers free train rides for qualifying youth Amtrak Cascades is now offering free fare for youths on trains and buses. The Washington State Department of Transportation announced on Tuesday that Amtrak Cascades has joined state ferries and transit agencies to provide free fares for people under 18. Funded through the “Move Ahead Washington” transportation package and the state’s Climate Commitment Act, youth can travel on Amtrak Cascades trains and buses within the state free of cost. Minors who are 16 and younger must travel with an adult to be eligible, and tickets must be acquired in advance on …
KMRE Newsletter for May 2024
Spring ON-AIR Pledge Drive THIS MONTH Our ON-AIR Pledge Drive is this month, May 17, 18, and 19! There will be special programming from 10 am-7 pm each day and we will be auctioning off merchandise from local businesses you love. Please consider supporting us through a pledge and enjoy our weekend long broadcast! So, tune in May 17th, 18th, and 19th! Student Interns Hard at Work! Our student interns this quarter are Anna Godin, Blaine Dixon, Draken Leithead, Gwyneth Harrison, Jonathan Murphy, Rhone Oldham, and Serenity Peoples KMRE has been blessed this quarter to have 7 student interns helping out in all facets! From tabling, to project managing, to business outreach, our interns have been hard at work getting the KMRE name out in Bellingham! One of our goals for our Pledge Drive is to be able to create student scholarships to support our student interns. These scholarships would help in creating more opportunities for our students to learn and get the experience they need to enter the world. Spring Tabling KMRE has been tabling at many events this Spring. You might have seen us at the first Farmers Market of the season, the WWU Internship Fair, Dirty Dan Mystery Murder Weekend in Fairhaven, and the WCC Internship Fair. Coming up you an catch us tabling at Ski to Sea on May 26th! Come stop by! Pictured are student interns Gwyneth Harrison, Anna Godin, and Draken Leithead. Producer Spotlight: Liz Darrow and Elias Lopez Pictured are Elias Lopez (left), Ana Sophia Garcia (middle), and Liz Darrow (right). Co-producers of Community Voz. Our spotlight(s) this month are Liz Darrow and Elias Lopez, producers of Community Voz! Liz and Elias both work with the organization Community to Community and record their podcast, Community Voz, to talk about the work C2C is doing. Ana Sophia Garcia is another co producer for Community Voz but was unable to attend the interview. Our student intern, Rhone, sat down with Liz and Elias and asked questions about their show! How did you get involved with the show? Who all is involved? Liz: I joined C2C in 2016 as the media coordinator, I didn’t take over as a co-producer of the podcast until 2019. Everyone involved in the organization takes part in Community Voz, being in episodes or helping produce them. Elias: I moved to Bellingham to attend WWU. I became aware of C2C when I attended a march that they organized. I reached out to Liz because I wanted to be a part of the organization so I offered any assistance I could. I had been working at KUGS, the WWU on campus radio station, so I had experience producing a podcast. What do you want listeners to feel when listening to your show? Liz: I hope people will learn what we do at C2C. Our foundation principle for Community Voz is about accessible conversations regarding events and news. I want listeners to hear reports from people on front line of climate justice and racial justice. Movement work isn’t for everyone so it’s important for people to hear about it and learn about these things from a perspective that isn’t in daily news. Elias: I want listeners to feel curious about the work C2C is doing and feel energized about all the things that people are doing in Bellingham. I think our show provides insight into how to get people involved and make them feel like they can do something. Why do you feel community radio is important? Liz: It is important for its DYI aspect. It doesn’t have to meet standards, it gives a lot of freedom to producers, and it’s not over produced. It reinforces that anyone and have a show and it doesn’t need to be scripted. There’s no judgement in community radio which makes it really authentic. Also, anyone can participate! Elias: It allows for an access to people that isn’t through text. It can’t be gate kept because it’s for the community. Community Voz is special in its uniqueness and accessibility to the community. We share important information that is straightforward and easy to access. It keeps the community inspired to continue work. Local News If you enjoy listening to KMRE’s local news, you can support us for just $5 a month! KMRE News is a daily broadcast of local and regional news reported on by Whatcom County people. Help keep local news accessible to the whole community!
May 6, 2024 News Transcript
Bellingham Police investigating assault in Cordata neighborhood, Former council member Kershner confirms backing Hutchings in recommendation letter, Lummi Nation accuses fire district EMS of inadequate emergency services, Lengthy bridge replacement work set to begin near downtown, Lengthy bridge replacement work set to begin near downtown, One million chinook salmon die in Skagit County hatchery amid activist warnings, PSE may shut off power to prevent wildfires in some areas, Whatcom judge penalizes WWU for withholding sexual assault records ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Monday, May 6. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Bellingham Police investigating assault in Cordata neighborhood Bellingham Police Department are requesting help in connection to an active investigation. On Friday around 9 a.m., near Northwest Drive and Bakerview Road, BPD was called to investigate a man with significant injuries in a wooden encampment. When they arrived, they found Christopher Grasso with live-threatening injuries, and transported him to the hospital. According to police, investigators were able to document the scene, but some possible witnesses left before officers arrived. Anyone with information regarding the assault is asked to contact Whatcom’s non-emergency dispatch line. STORY: Former council member Kershner confirms backing Hutchings in recommendation letter Over Saturday, former Whatcom County Council member Kathy Kershner acknowledged she wrote a positive letter of reference for former-county public works director Jon Hutchings. The letter, along with one signed by County Executive Satpal Sidhu, in support of Hutchings who was accused of sexual harassment by women he worked with, are raising concerns about oversight inside County government. Kershner defended her recommendation, citing her positive experiences with Hutchings. Both have declined to comment on questions raised regarding a reported personal relationship between the two. County policy allows relationships between council members and employees but requires adherence to ethical standards. Deputy Executive Tyler Schroeder has also admitted his role in editing the letter signed by Sidhu, expressing regret for not prioritizing the impacted employees. An ongoing investigation by the County Council into the matter aims to assess compliance with county policies, and identify any failures in the process. The handling of Hutchings’ resignation, including a 225 thousand dollar settlement, came under scrutiny following a Cascade PBS investigative story. STORY: Lummi Nation accuses fire district EMS of inadequate emergency services After the death of a Lummi woman, the Lummi Nation is alleging that the Whatcom County EMS fails to provide adequate services. The allegations stem from ongoing concerns about EMS declining to transport patients, when transportation would have been appropriate. Chairman Tony Hillaire (HILL-air) says that the death of the 36 year old in April was part of a larger pattern in recent years. Hillaire’s concerns were expressed in a letter on April 30th to Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund, Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu, and Whatcom County Fire District 7 and 8 Chiefs Bill Hewett and Larry Hoffman. The letter outlined the incident in April, where the woman called 911 reporting shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. First responders then arrived and requested additional help. They later left after she was later able to gain control of her breathing, deeming it a panic attack and cancelling the request. A few hours later, the patient’s spouse called 911 saying she was unresponsive. When Whatcom EMS arrived, the patient was found dead. Sidhu responded to the letter, saying that he was concerned about the report of a larger trend, and while that the county executive role does not directly supervise fire departments, he acknowledged his responsibility as a member on the EMS Oversight Board. STORY:Lengthy bridge replacement work set to begin near downtown Two Whatcom Creek Bridges are under construction this summer. According to the Public Works Department’s monthly newsletter, both the Meador Avenue and James Street bridges will be under construction beginning this month. According to the Public Works Department, construction will switch between the two bridges to be less impactful on fish in the creek. All businesses will have access points during construction and one bridge will be open to traffic. The project is expected to cost $8.5 million and will be covered by state and federal grants. A public meeting regarding the project will be held today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bellingham High School auditorium. The project is expected to take a few months. STORY: One million chinook salmon die in Skagit County hatchery amid activist warnings About one million young Chinook salmon died due to a mechanical failure at a hatchery in Skagit County. According to the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Samish Hatchery, co-managed with the Lummi Nation and the Nooksack Indian Tribe, experienced heavy rain causing floating debris to clog an intake screen. The clog resulted in low water levels and poor water quality in the outdoor pond holding 2 million Chinook fry. Nearly half of the salmon died, affecting release plans into the Samish River. An alarm failure exacerbated the incident. Concerns over hatchery conditions have prompted a lawsuit that alleges violations of the Endangered Species Act. Activists argue that government-funded hatcheries exceed fish production limits, threatening at-risk species. Fish and Wildlife is investigating. STORY: PSE may shut off power to prevent wildfires in some areas Puget Sound Energy, the state’s largest utility, is warning customers it could turn off power in some communities to prevent its power lines from sparking wildfires. According to PSE spokesperson Christina Donegan, the preventive blackouts could happen anywhere if conditions are dangerous, however it would be a, quote, “tool of last resort.” The possible blackouts might pose the greatest harm to vulnerable residents who rely on essential electronic medical equipment — such as dialysis machines, ventilators and infant apnea monitors. PSE says it will give customers a two day notice. Recent catastrophic and fatal wildfires ignited by utility-owned lines have prompted the changes, such as the Labor Day fires of 2020, when five homes were destroyed in Pierce County. Currently, the areas at highest risk for shutoff are Greenwater, Pierce County; Skykomish, King County; Concrete, Skagit County; …
KMRE Newsletter for April 2024
Spring ON-AIR Pledge Drive Mark your calendars for the weekend of May 17th! We will be holding an ON AIR Pledge Drive all weekend long. There will be special programming all day and we will be auctioning off merchandise from local businesses you love. Please consider supporting us through a pledge and enjoy our weekend long broadcast! So, tune in May 17th, 18th, and 19th! Love Your Waterfront Awarded MWNHA Grant of $5,250 Kevin Coleman (left) and Dan Tucker (right) recording KMRE’s Love Your Waterfront, airing every other Thursday at 5:30 pm. The award that KMRE will receive through this grant will further provide us with the tools and ability to bring you more in-depth stories, news and events from around our region that showcase how diverse, and rich in maritime heritage, our shorelines are. Thank you to Maritime Washington National Heritage Area, the Washington Historical Trust Society, and to all our listeners who tune in for our broadcasts! ”On behalf of the Love Your Waterfront team, we are grateful to have our efforts recognized with this grant. Dan, Kevin and Paul have established deep roots in our Salish Sea Maritime community and are doing a great job bringing these great stories to life.” – Producer Susan Lindsey A&E Spotlight Marla Bronstein and Margaret Bikman pictured in a call with Fran Lebowitz talking about their mutual love of books and Fran’s event at the Mount Baker Theater. Want to find out the people behind the best theater, music, dance, visual arts, and literature events taking place in Whatcom County and beyond? Margaret Bikman and Marla Bronstein connect you with movers and shakers in our talented community who entertain and delight you on their Arts & Entertainment Spotlight podcast, broadcast at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays and noon Saturdays at KMRE 88.3. Currently, there are 188 episodes and counting! Margaret was Entertainment News Coordinator at The Bellingham Herald for 27 years and a contributor to Entertainment News NW for four years. She is also a reference and instruction librarian at Whatcom Community College. Magaret enjoys performing and visual art events of all kinds, dancing, hiking, and traveling to exotic places like Cuba, Alaska, the Yucatan, Nova Scotia, and New Orleans. Marla Bronstein has retired from everything work-related that kept her busy for the past three decades since she moved to Bellingham. She currently keeps herself very busy volunteering and doing things that look like they may be fun– like writing and creating videos and podcasts. Here’s what they said when we asked them “Why is local radio important?“: “It’s hard to separate my personal life from my professional life. That’s why it’s important for me to let you, the listeners, know what’s happening in our town and beyond. I don’t review; I enthusiastically promote. I will let you know about some of the shows and events you may know about already (but I will give you some details you may not know); and I will inform you about people who are creative and not necessarily famous in our community. As Michelle Obama said, ‘The arts can enrich all of us in this nation as individuals. The arts can enrich all of our communities and the country. And the arts can connect us to each other like nothing else can.’” –Margaret “Local radio/social media/news is important because it keeps us aware of each other. I like working with KMRE radio because I get to meet so many artists that I might never have communicated with before. Along with producing Margaret’s show and helping her share her guests’ events and stories with my community. I find both of these incredibly fulfilling.” –Marla Local News If you enjoy listening to KMRE’s local news, you can support us for just $5 a month! KMRE News is a daily broadcast of local and regional news reported on by Whatcom County people. Help keep local news accessible to the whole community! Volunteer Spotlight: Carlos Braga KMRE News staff member, Carlos Braga, is interested in using his skills, and helping the community. He sat down with Connor Willis to talk more about what drives him to be a volunteer. What brought you to KMRE? “Broadcasting, be it radio or television, has always been a fascination of mine.” What gets you out of bed in the morning? “It’s the feeling that I’m contributing to something tangible, contributing to something important and the results can be heard on air. I’m listening to a news item that I wrote for broadcast. Local radio is something that has a very honorable place in our community. It’s an amazing feeling and that’s what gets me out of bed.” What are your thoughts on local radio? What is the value of local radio? “The local radio community gives people an opportunity to become closer to the city by learning more about what’s going on. There’s a lot of things that I learn in terms of news items and the inner workings of city government that I probably would have never found out about if I hadn’t done volunteer work for KMRE.” Carlos Braga, KMRE News staff Carlos has a deep passion for media, writing, and various hobbies such as playing the guitar, watching classic movies, and following sports. Currently studying at WWU, he plans to pursue a communications degree with a minor in journalism, reflecting his love for writing and learning about history. New Shows At 88.3FM Spirit Matters Sundays at 8AM Host: Tessie Mandeville Spirit Matters podcast encompasses all manner of spirit and spirituality, as well as the creative arts. We cast a broad and deep net — vitally important in this complex, multicultural, multi-dimensional, pluralistic world in which we live. Songbird Listening Hour Wednesdays at 9pm Host: DJ DOS Songbird Listening Hour is a show that dives into the nuanced history of country, folk, and Americana music. Showcasing timeless tunes and the diverse voices that formed these authentic genres. Island Time Thursday at 5:30pm Host: Kevin Smith Island Time is the show that discusses artists from the San Juan Islands. We …
November 29, 2023 News Transcripts
Big change’ in weather expected to strike Whatcom County over several days, SR20 will close ahead of potentially snow-laden storms on the horizon, Opportunity Council to launch new rental assistance program Dec. 1, City of Lynden buys last piece for trail extension, $4.8 mil in federal funding to refurbish Wash. state ferries, Methow Wildlife Area units close temporarily to protect wintering mule deer, $4.8 mil in federal funding to refurbish Wash. state ferries, Pac-12 lawsuit: New court ruling keeps conference frozen as WSU, OSU seek full control ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, November 29th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: ‘Big change’ in weather expected to strike Whatcom County over several days Storms heading towards Western Washington from the Pacific Ocean are expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds from today until next week. While the Nooksack River is expected to remain below flood stage, the National Weather Service has stated that this could change, and that Whatcom County is not out of danger. Temperatures will rise and winds tomorrow are expected to be strong enough that power outages are a possibility. The National Weather Service also said that Bellingham could see up to an inch of rain from today until tomorrow, and up to two feet of snow is also expected to fall in the North Cascades. STORY: SR20 will close ahead of potentially snow-laden storms on the horizon The North Cascade Highway will close for the season starting at 6 pm tonight. The Washington Department of Transportation announced the closure of State Route 20 will take place at the Ross Dam trailhead on the west side and the Silver Star gate on the east side. The closure comes in expectation of the two feet of snow later this week, an amount that can cause avalanche danger in the pass. Cayuse Pass and Chinook Pass have already closed for the season. All three passes will remain closed until spring. STORY: Opportunity Council to launch new rental assistance program Dec. 1 The Opportunity Council is launching a new rental assistance program tomorrow. The program, designed to assist low income seniors and families, will provide short-term rental assistance and case management. Those seeking services may complete a screening online at the Opportunity Council’s website, in-person at the Opportunity Council’s offices at Cornwall Avenue, or by calling their Homeless Prevention Screening Line. Households paying more than 50% or their income for rent or making below 50% of the area median income will be randomly selected through a lottery system and contacted to be scheduled with an appointment. Applications may be submitted starting tomorrow at 9 a.m. through the afternoon of December 8th. STORY: City of Lynden buys last piece for trail extension The Lynden City Council has acquired the last piece of land required to complete a trail that’s been in progress for almost 25 years. The land buy will complete the Jim Kaemingk Sr. (KAY-mink) trail that currently ends at City Park. Vander Griend (GRIND) Lumber sold the narrow strip along Fishtrap Creek to the city of Lynden for $380,000. The construction of this trail section is expected to cost about $1.6 million dollars and will be finished in 2024. According to Lynden officials, a state grant will cover approximately 60% of the expenses, including the footbridges over Fishtrap Creek. Eventually, the trail will follow the creek’s path and extend into new Dickinson Park, following the creek’s path. STORY: Methow Wildlife Area units close temporarily to protect wintering mule deer The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is closing five units of the Methow (MEH-tao) Valley Wildlife Area until next March. The closure aims to safeguard crucial winter foraging habitat for the largest migratory mule deer herd in Washington. The Wildlife Area spans over 34,000 acres and the closure is intended to reduce human disturbance during critical winter months. Recreational opportunities for visitors will not be affected, as the popular groomed trail system will remain open. Fish and Wildlife says the Methow area plays a vital role in preserving various habitats, benefiting not only the mule deer but also songbirds, mammals, salmon, and other wildlife. STORY: $4.8 mil in federal funding to refurbish Wash. state ferries Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murry announced yesterday that Washington ferries will receive nearly $5 million in federal funding. Washington State Ferries will be using the money to refurbish passenger areas on six aging boats in its fleet. Those six ships include the Chelan (shuh-LAN), which serves Anacortes and the San Juan Islands. The project will allow for more space between passengers in high-occupancy areas and make cleaning easier for staff. Since 2019, each of these six ferries have been out of operation for three months out of the year on average. The upgrades come as the Washington ferry system continues to struggle with maintenance and funding. A third of the 21 available boats are currently out of service. The state plans to add an additional 16 boats to the fleet and retire many of the aging vessels. However, contracts for new boats have yet to be agreed on, with estimates pointing to 2027, at the earliest. The project expects to extend the life of the aging vessels for another five to ten years. STORY: Pac-12 lawsuit: New court ruling keeps conference frozen as WSU, OSU seek full control The Washington Supreme Court has granted an emergency stay in the legal dispute between Washington State and Oregon State and the Pac-12 conference. The stay– issued by the Supreme Court’s commissioner– delays the attempts of WSU and OSU to take control of the conference’s governing board. WSU and OSU immediately filed an appeal directly to the judges, seeking to remove the stay. A preliminary injunction, granted last month by a lower court, initially gave the two universities control of the Pac-12 board and its financial assets. The court commissioner’s ruling sets a December 12 deadline for motions, after which the judges will decide whether to review the …
November 29th, 2023 News Transcripts
Sewage floods Bellingham apartment grounds; tenants take to social media, State DNR Looking To Acquire Ownership of Sehome Haggen in property swap, Authorities arrest two Whatcom County men with more than half a pound of Fentanyl, State DNR Looking to Acquire Ownership of Sehome Haggen in property swap, Coast Guard partners with local agencies with local agencies to respond to sinking vessel, San Juan County, WSDA wraps up another season of northern giant hornet trapping, Requirement to install electric heat pumps in new houses approved by WA regulatory body, WA lawmakers revive call to let cities have elections in even-numbered years, Student designs wanted for invasive species art contest ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, November 29th. Good afternoon, I’m ______. STORY: Sewage floods Bellingham apartment grounds; tenants take to social media Residents of the Old Mill Village complex on Electric Avenue took to social media to complain about a sewage leak that took place last Friday. Silver Beach Neighborhood Association president Kerri Burnside, who is also a tenant in the complex, reported that the sewage leaked into a parking lot, the courtyard and at least one apartment unit. Burnside added that the property manager, Peak Management, had failed to protect residents from the spill, which was eventually cleaned up by a plumbing company hired by Peak Management on Saturday. In an email to the residents, Peak Management said the spill had been caused by “a buildup of grease and baby wipes,” which caused a blockage in the line. This is not the first time tenants have filed complaints against Peak Management; in the past, their complaints ranged from leaking roofs to mold. Whatcom County Health and Community Services staff had determined that there was no overflow into Lake Whatcom. STORY: State DNR Looking To Acquire Ownership Of Sehome Haggen in property swap The Washington Department of Natural Resources is considering a property swap that would see their ownership of a vacant office building in Issaquah exchanged for the parcel of land that houses the Sehome (SEE-home) Village Haggen. The purpose of the exchange is to provide revenue for the Common School Trust, which helps fund K-12 school construction projects statewide. DNR states that the office building in Issaquah is underproducing funds, whereas the Sehome Haggen would provide more stable long term income. The exchange would be done with RCO Capital, who is currently in the process of acquiring the Sehome Haggen. The deal is still in the early stages, and a public meeting is set for December 14th at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Bellingham. DNR welcomes public comments on the plan, whether in person or through email. STORY: Authorities arrest two Whatcom County men with more than half a pound of Fentanyl Two men were arrested in Ferndale last weekend with more than half a pound of fentanyl in their vehicle. Deputies responded to a welfare check of a man slumped over in the driver’s seat of the vehicle on Slater Road on Sunday. There they found 2 grams of methamphetamine and about 325 grams of fentanyl, as well as a handgun. The driver, 27-year-old Nicholas Donath, was arrested and booked at Whatcom County Jail on charges related to weapons, obstruction of a law officer and possession with intent to deliver. The passenger, 25-year-old Giovanni Orrantia-Pieper (uh-RAWN-shia PIE-per), was arrested for several outstanding warrants, including second-degree theft, hit and run, and fourth-degree assault. As of this morning, Donath has been released, and Orrantia-Pieper remains in custody at Whatcom County Jail. STORY: Coast Guard partners with local agencies to respond to sinking vessel, San Juan County Earlier this month, a vessel sank off the coast of Orcas Island, causing panic as several groups attempted to aid in the disaster. The 80 foot long vessel, named El Capitan, was found sinking with an oil sheen at the West Sound Marina on November 18th. Divers found no evidence of oil leaking, however, the Islands’ Oil Spill Association deployed booms and absorbents as a precaution, with help from the Washington Department of Ecology. A shoreline assessment determined there was no impact to the shoreline or wildlife in the area. The Coast guard and other groups are monitoring the situation closely and the fate of the vessel is still to be determined . STORY: WSDA wraps up another season of northern giant hornet trapping This month, the Washington State Department of Agriculture will begin removing about 800 northern giant hornet traps placed around Whatcom County. Tomorrow is the end of the season for trapping northern giant hornets, or NGH. No confirmed sightings have taken place to date in either Washington or British Columbia. This would make the second year in a row without any confirmed NGH sightings. The large insects were first found in 2019 in Blaine as well as the Canadian city of Nanaimo (nuh-NAI-moe). Federal guidelines say there must be 3 consecutive years with no confirmed NGH sightings before the hornets can be considered eradicated from the area. STORY: Requirement to install electric heat pumps in new houses approved by WA regulatory body Controversial regulations mandating the installation of electric heat pumps in newly constructed buildings in Washington have been approved by the State Building Code Council. The changes, part of the state’s broader effort to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency, will take effect on March 15, 2024. The regulations offer builders incentives for choosing electric heat pumps over natural gas furnaces during the permitting process. The council erased language mandating heat pumps for heating water and rooms in homes, and it revised how credits are awarded under the state building code scoring system. The decision follows a pause in May due to legal concerns and a federal appeals court ruling in California. Supporters praise the move for its climate and health benefits, while opponents argue it will raise costs and violate federal regulations. STORY: WA lawmakers revive call to let cities have elections in even-numbered years The November 7 …
