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ABC Recycling submits plans for metal shredder one day before hearing, Threat of Snow closes stretch of Whatcom County Pass, San Juan Islands consider annual tourism fee for resident visitors, Everett flight diverted after off-duty pilot accused of trying to shut down engines, Democracy Block, PROMO: BEYOND BARS, 3.1 magnitude earthquake hits Gig Harbor  ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, October 24th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.   STORY:  ABC Recycling submits plans for metal shredder one day before hearing Yesterday morning, ABC Recycling submitted application materials for a metal shredder just outside Bellingham, likely avoiding a proposed moratorium on new heavy industries in the area. Located on a 20 acre property north of a former cement plant on Marine Drive, the proposed metal shredding plant has been the target of recent opposition. At a meeting earlier in September, residents of the nearby Alderwood and Birchwood neighborhoods expressed concerns over possible noise from the metal-shredding operations, and heavy-metal pollution from truck tires. On the 26th, Whatcom County Council called for a vote declaring an emergency moratorium on new developments for heavy industry in the Alderwood area, including the ABC Recycling property. The vote failed by one, which gave ABC Recycling four weeks to submit an application before the council was scheduled to reconsider the moratorium.  Though the application was submitted just before the reconsideration, Whatcom Permit Center Specialist Nick Smith said in an interview that the county has not yet determined if the project is vested and whether it can avoid the moratorium or not. The reconsideration was scheduled for today at 6 pm. STORY: Threat of snow closes stretch of Whatcom County mountain pass Due to the urgent winter weather message issued yesterday, WSDOT has closed the road to Artist Point on state Route 542 for the season. The warning is effective through tomorrow, and covers the Cascade mountains and passes in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish and King counties. In addition to closing the 3 mile stretch of Mount Baker Highway, the gates on milepost 54 are closed due to the forecasted snow. In Whatcom and Skagit counties, up to 15 inches of snow could fall in the Cascades, but snow could also impact those in Maple Falls, Newhalem, Lyman and Concrete. Lowland areas in Whatcom County will more likely see rain. WSDOT is advising those traveling through a mountain pass to follow traction tire requirements, carry an emergency kit, and check travel conditions ahead of time. STORY: San Juan Islands consider annual tourism fee for residents, visitors San Juan County is considering the implementation of an annual fee to address the impacts of increased tourism.  Residents and visitors would be required to purchase a pass– similar to a Discover Pass– ranging in price from $10 to $15, for bikes, boats, and cars.   The money raised would fund infrastructure projects and management actions to enhance the islands’ resources and accommodate the growing number of tourists. County administration says the proposal aims to strike a balance between residents and visitors while managing the challenges that tourism brings to the islands, such as environmental and housing concerns. The idea received “low to medium” support from residents on the three main islands during the public meeting process in 2022, according to county data with some residents feeling it is offensive. The County says it is continuing to explore various funding options, including a business license system and expanding a lodging tax advisory committee.  STORY: Everett flight diverted after off-duty pilot accused of trying to shut down engines mid flight An off-duty Alaska Airlines captain, riding as a passenger, attempted to shut down the engines of a flight from Everett to San Francisco.  Horizon Air flight 2059 diverted to Portland, where it landed safely. The pilot, 44-year old Joseph Emerson, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Radio communications revealed the crew subdued Emerson, and removed him from the flight deck after he tried to deploy the engine fire suppression system. Engine power was not lost, and the flight continued safely. Emerson, a commercial pilot since 2001, is expected to be arraigned in Portland.  STORY: Democracy Block Election Day is coming up, and to give our listeners more insight into the candidates for office, KMRE will present a series of candidate forums.  Starting today, we’ll air a new Bellingham-Whatcom League of Women Voters forum every day at 11AM. Hear the candidates for Whatcom County Sheriff– Doug Chadwick and Donnell (don-NELL) ‘Tank’ Tanksley tomorrow, and the candidates up for election to the Whatcom County Council– on Thursday.  PROMO: BEYOND BARS Also– coming up after the 5pm news– join community radio KMRE and Cascadia Daily News in a collaborative exploration of the many aspects of the current  Whatcom County jail and the controversy around the push to build a new one.  Today’s Beyond Bars interview features Andrew Reding (REDD-ing)—chair of the Whatcom County Democrats. With a long background in policy Redding says taxpayer money should be used to make the best investments to reduce Whatcom County crime, and thanks to a 2017 report, we already know what those investments should look like.  REDDING AUDIO— Listen to the interview today right after the 5pm news.  WX: Freeze Watch It will be rainy all day, with a high of 51° and winds around 8 mph. Tonight has lows around 40, with winds increasing to more than 10 mph. The rain will slow tomorrow and it may become sunny. There is a freeze watch in place across Whatcom and Skagit as temperatures drop to around freezing later this week. There is also a small craft advisory due to winds ranging from 15 to 25 knots. OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN) 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 …

October 24, 2023 News TranscriptRead More

WA hydrogen production to get boost from share of $1B in funding, potentially in Bellingham, Public Participation Sought for Point Roberts Drainage Study, Lummis move aggressively to combat overdose deaths, WNS – Opponents push back on initiative to build jail, WA agreement would require access to trans health care in prison, Free and Cheap, WWU’s Fall 2023 First-Year Class is its Second Largest Ever,     ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Friday, October 13th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.   STORY:  WA hydrogen production to get a boost from share of $1B in funding, potentially Bellingham The U.S. Department of Energy has chosen the Pacific Northwest as a Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub.  These hubs, supported by President Biden’s investment agenda, aim to create a national network for clean hydrogen production, storage, and delivery. According to the Pacific Northwest Clean Hydrogen Association, they will reduce carbon emissions, create jobs, and enhance energy security.  The regional Hydrogen Hub hopes to reduce the carbon impacts of heavy transportation, energy storage, ports, agriculture, and industrial operations. It’s expected to generate over 10,000 jobs and strengthen energy security while promoting equitable energy systems. One of the proposed sites for the hub would be here in Bellingham. The hub is eligible to receive up to $1B dollars in federal funding over nine years, with the first phase beginning in early 2024.  STORY:  Public Participation Sought for Point Roberts Drainage Study Whatcom County is conducting a study in Point Roberts to analyze current and future water drainage patterns.  The study aims to identify and understand drainage problems, develop solutions and cost estimates, and seek funding. The results will be used to create the Point Roberts Drainage Management Plan. Residents of Point Roberts are encouraged to provide input on drainage issues via a public survey.  STORY:  Lummis move aggressively to combat overdose deaths In response to recent overdose deaths in Lummi Nation, the community is acting swiftly to fight against the growing drug trade. After declaring an emergency in September, Lummi Nation has begun utilizing police to search for drugs, with random traffic stops on the reservation. Lummi Chairman Anthony Hillaire (hill-AIR) acknowledged the random stops and searches might conflict with state law, which requires police to have a warrant and probable cause before searching a car without consent and are having policy analysts review it.  A Sheriff’s Office statement said the department doesn’t participate in the checkpoints and suggested that they couldn’t book suspects from these stops due to this law. Hillaire said that Lummi Nation may go further and block main thoroughfares through the reservation altogether, including roads that are used to access non-tribal homes and businesses on Lummi Island, via the ferry terminal at Gooseberry Point.  Lummi Nation has also received federal assistance, with Senator Maria Cantwell helping the tribe partner with the FBI to address crime within the reservation. STORY:  WNS – Opponents push back on initiative to build jail A November ballot initiative would fund building of a jail near Bellingham, but some say it’s the wrong way to address issues in Whatcom County. Eric Tegitoff has more… JAIL AUDIO STORY:  WA agreement would require access to trans health care in prison A new proposed settlement agreement with the state for gender-affirming medical care in state prisons may go into effect soon. Disability Rights Washington filed the complaint and the proposed settlement agreement in federal court on Wednesday morning, after an investigation beginning in 2017. The investigation looked into the conditions for transgender people in Washington prisons. DRW alleges the state has denied transgender prisoners gender-affirming care, hormone therapy, and have subjected them to strip searches by guards of opposite gender.  The agreement, if accepted, would require that the state prison staff include a mental-health care provider specializing in gender-affirming care, and a gender-affirming medical care specialist approved by both the state and DRW. The agreement would also limit trans women in state prisons being searched by male guards, requiring that enough female guards work at the relevant facilities. The state Department of Corrections has signed off on the agreement. A judge will now need to review and accept the deal. STORY: Free and Cheap Looking for something to do this weekend? Here are some affordable events happening around Whatcom County. Bellingham SeaFeast will take place this weekend at Squalicum Harbor & Fisherman’s Pavilion. The event will have seafood vendors, cooking demos, market, entertainment, and beer garden. Admission is free and the event runs from 10 to 5 on Saturday, and from 11 to 5 on Sunday. Bellingham Farmers Market and Blaine’s Market By The Sea will have their weekly markets on Saturday from 10 to 2. This weekend will be Blaine’s last Market by the Sea until May. For those looking for something a little scarier, the Upfront Theatre will be the Hellingham improv murder mystery. The show takes place every Friday and Saturday night in October at 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm. Tickets are 10 dollars for students and 16 for regular attendees. WX: Sunny Today is going to be partly sunny, with highs in the low 70s. The low will be 54 with winds blowing from 5 to 13 mph throughout the day. Rain will come later tonight, and continue into the weekend.  OUTRO: Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN) 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 your donations. I’m ___David Korb_____________… thanks for listening. ###

October 13, 2023 News TranscriptRead More

Lake Whatcom fire 90% contained, The blob to return to PNW, Work begins on Whatcom Falls Park Trestle removal, PeaceHealth to restore palliative care, Avian Flu spreading, Money available for those affected by E WA wildfires, Bainbridge ferry limited to walk ons only, WA traffic deaths trending higher  ______________________________ Independent, nonprofit community radio. KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, the 5th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.  STORY: Lake Whatcom fire 90% contained The Lake Whatcom fire is nearly enclosed as firefighters report that 90 percent of it is contained. The north flank of the fire has been a particularly hard area to reach for ground crews because of steep slopes and cliffs. However over the weekend, helicopters have dropped water on this area and managed to secure it. Now with the more difficult areas taken care of, firefighters are finishing up the effort on foot. The fire broke out last Monday and there was a Level 2 evacuation order in place for much of last week. Now that most of the fire has been taken care of, the evacuation order has been downgraded to Level 1, and state and federal government officials are leaving the mop-up operations to local Department of Natural Resources crews. Blue Canyon Road will remain closed for non-residents until further notice. STORY: The Blob to return to the PNW A mass of warm ocean water known as “The Blob”, is predicted to revisit the Pacific coast for a third time. The return of the Blob could mean less snow for skiers and snowboarders and an extension on the current drought. The increased temperature of the water may also drive away salmon in search of cooler waters to feed in.  The Blob was first detected in 2013, where it led to mass seabird die-offs, migrations of fish and plankton, lower oxygen levels, and an increase in  toxic algae blooms that affected marine mammals. After its first appearance, the Blob split up into multiple smaller warm water bodies, affecting Alaska, Mexico, as well as the Pacific Northwest. Although forecasters hoped that weather patterns were going to shift back in 2017, the Blob has returned and, in combination with a predicted El Niño, this coming winter looks to be much warmer and drier than usual. STORY: Work begins on Whatcom Falls Park Trestle removal The beloved Whatcom Falls Park Trestle is being removed. According to park officials, the structure is beyond repair and will be removed by the end of September so the work doesn’t interfere with salmon spawning in the creek below the trestle. According to Bellingham Parks and Recreation Project Engineer Gina Austin, the trestle is in a floodway, where structures are no longer permitted and some of the trestle’s pilings have rotted all the way through. Also, the timber used in the trestle was treated with creosote (kree – uh – sowt), which contaminates water bodies. People are asked to stay away from the structure during demolition. STORY: PeaceHealth to restore palliative care The PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation, in partnership with PeaceHealth, has announced its intention to reinstate an outpatient palliative care program or OPPC for the residents of Whatcom County.  This decision comes in response to community feedback following PeaceHealth’s earlier announcement to reduce comprehensive palliative care services. In a recent announcement, Dr. Scott Foster, the CEO of PeaceHealth Medical Group, acknowledged that the previous decision regarding OPPC was made hastily without consulting key stakeholders and apologized for any distress it caused. In the release, PeaceHealth said a new model has been developed with a focus on sustainability and improved efficiency to serve both cancer and non-cancer patients. The proposed model was approved by the Foundation Board last week.  PeaceHealth plans to launch the program in early 2024. STORY: Avian flu spreading The Washington State Department of Health and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife are advising the public to avoid any contact with wild birds, particularly those that appear sick or dead. The outbreak of bird flu affecting birds and seals near Fort Flagler State Park which began in July seems to be spreading. Initial findings suggest that three harbor seals from the same area may also be infected with avian influenza, with confirmation testing pending. WDFW has already removed over 1,700 deceased Caspian terns and gulls from the area and is actively monitoring the situation.  Recent detections of infected Caspian terns have also been reported near the Port of Everett, Port of Tacoma, and along the lower Columbia River. Although human infections of avian influenza are rare, they can occur through extended contact with infected animals or surfaces contaminated with their saliva or feces. Dogs and other animals can also become sick from bird flu, so don’t let your pets come in contact with sick or dead animals. WDFW urges the public to report any sick or dead birds promptly using their online form. To learn more, go to the Fish and Wildlife webpage. STORY: Money available for those affected by E WA wildfires Cash relief is available for people affected by the Eastern Washington wildfires. Residents in Spokane, Pend Orielle (POND uh RAY) and Whitman counties – if affected by the fires – can apply for immediate cash relief from Washington’s Disaster Cash Assistance Program. Unlike other cash relief programs, applying as a single person or non-pregnant individual is an option. This money is not available to people already receiving other disaster cash relief however, and the awarded amount is based on income, household size and need. Relief dollars can – at maximum – range from over $400 for a single person to over $1500 for a household of 10 or more. People can apply online at washingtonconnection.org or in person at their local community services office or call the disaster cash assistance hotline at 877-501-2233 to complete the entire application process over the phone. STORY: Bainbridge ferry limited to walk ons only The Bainbridge ferry will reduce crossings to only one boat and only allow walk-on travel …

September 5, 2023 News TranscriptRead More