Whatcom County flood update, Over 3000 Skagit residents seek shelter amid the worst of the floods, Organizers sound alarm after Skagit farmworkers seen returning to work amid high risk of flooding, ood insecurity rampant among WWU students, Over 3000 Skagit residents seek shelter amid the worst of the floods, Gulf between home prices and availability in Whatcom continues to widen, Owner of several local Little Caesars franchises sued in federal court over racial discrimination, Gov. Ferguson Approves 1,300-Acre Solar Farm in Klickitat County, Arctic National Refuge under threat…again, More lightrail opens up down south,Community Forum on South Fork Nooksack River Scheduled for January 27, Santa 5k – Saturday, Dec. 20
Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Friday, December 12th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.
STORY: Whatcom County flood update
Whatcom County remains in crisis as historic flooding from the Nooksack River swamped low-lying towns this morning.
Water levels in Sumas and surrounding communities rose above previous flood records, which forced widespread evacuations of Sumas, Nooksack, Everson, Marietta, and parts of Ferndale after streets and businesses were inundated.
U.S. Coast Guard helicopters airlifted residents trapped by rising waters yesterday, as flooding reached up to 15 feet in some neighborhoods. Roads in and out of Sumas were blocked, leaving many homes isolated until crews arrived.
Water has closed multiple key roadways across the county. Hannegan Road has been closed between Bakerview and Van Wyck roads due to a culvert failure; the portion between Van Dyk Road and Lynden city limits is closed as well. Other major closures include Slater Road near Ferndale, segments of Marine Drive, and portions of Highway 9 to the Canadian border. Officials are urging residents to obey all road closures and avoid flooded areas.
KMRE News spoke with Deb Slater, a public information officer for the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.
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Public works crews report river levels remain high in many areas. While some upstream gauges have started to recede, downstream flows near Everson and other lowlands are rising, which means conditions remain dangerous.
Emergency shelters are open for flood-displaced residents, and county resources are being shared for assistance with sheltering and displacement reporting.
County crews are actively assessing levees, bridges, and roads, with emergency management coordinating resources. Residents should stay alert for evolving conditions and follow guidance from local officials.
Community members are encouraged to monitor updates from Whatcom County Emergency Management and the National Weather Service for updates.
STORY: Over 3000 Skagit residents seek shelter amid the worst of the floods
A new evacuation order has been issued for Burlington — all residents have been ordered to evacuate immediately after Gages Slough (GAJ-ez SLEW) began flooding homes this morning.
Officials say the National Guard is going door-to-door to notify residents and assist with evacuations as conditions deteriorate. Shelters, including Bayview Elementary, have opened to accommodate displaced families.
This comes after more than 75,000 Skagit County residents in the 100-year floodplain were ordered to evacuate Wednesday night.
KMRE spoke with Jen Rodgers, Communications Manager for Skagit County and lead PIO for the Emergency Operations Center.
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In addition, the National Weather Service has warned of increased landslide risk as the rain lessens and rivers recede.
KMRE spoke with Elijah Reyes, Incident Coordinator with the Royal Order of Christian Knights who is partnering with Bethany Covenant Church in Skagit Valley to provide shelter to flood victims. Reyes says they are currently housing 30 people, providing three hot meals a day, and support.
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When asked about the outlook for the next few days, Reyes had this to say.
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Emergency officials continue to urge people to stay informed, follow evacuation orders, and avoid floodwaters, as conditions remain dangerous.
STORY: Organizers sound alarm after Skagit farmworkers seen returning to work amid high risk of flooding
Despite an active evacuation order, farmworkers were still on the job in high-risk flood zones.
Edgar Franks, an organizer with Community to Community Development, said organizers spotted 30 to 40 workers harvesting Brussels sprouts near Burlington Wednesday night, and again on Thursday morning.
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KMRE was able to speak with Don McMoran, a Skagit valley farmer and Director of the WSU Agriculture Extension office. We asked McMoran for his thoughts on what’s happening in the fields.
AUDIO DON 1a didn’t evacuate
AUDIO DON 1 millions invested
Franks says, while farm workers understand the business perspective they are also concerned about the human equation.
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McMoran says every case is unique, and at the end of the day, there is pressure on farmers and workers.
AUDIO DON 2 employment at will
Farmworker advocates say the core issue is economic pressure. Familias Unidas por la Justicia has pushed for paid hazard leave since the pandemic.
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The challenges don’t end there. For many farmers, like Don McMoran, the issues are complex.
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WX: Big Rain Going
And now weather:
As we close out the week, it looks as if the worst of the flooding is behind us. Today’s forecast here in Whatcom calls for grey skies and mild, infrequent showers, with daytime highs again reaching into the low 50s. Much the same is predicted through the evening and night, with temperatures sliding from the low 50s to the high 40s.
A consistent pattern of overcast skies with mild showers looks to dominate the weekend as well, hopefully allowing everyone to recover from the floods. Stay safe out there, folks.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Glen Hirshberg, Kathi O’Shea, and Kai Blais-Schmolke. 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. To help support what we do, check out our Patreon, Substack, or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _David Korb________… thanks for listening!
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STORY: Food insecurity rampant among WWU students
A recent study conducted by Western Washington University and the Washington Student Achievement Council says that more than half of the state’s college students currently experience basic needs insecurity.
More than 11,000 students participated in the study. Of those, 40% reported food insecurity during the past 30 days. Another 34% deal with housing insecurity, and 11% have experienced homelessness.
More than 80 % of survey respondents who were in foster care or homeless at some point during high school suffered from food or housing instability or both during the past month. Students also reported inadequate access to mental health care.
In a media release accompanying the study’s results, WSAC Associate Director of Strategy and Partnerships Ami Magisos (AMY MAJ-uh-sose) said that the survey confirms that basic needs issues impact a wide swath of Washington students, and can no longer be dismissed as lingering effects of the pandemic.
STORY: Gulf between home prices and availability in Whatcom continues to widen
Home prices in Bellingham and Whatcom County continued to climb in October, even as the statewide market shows signs of cooling.
In Whatcom, the median sale price across all homes and condos reached $599,000 last month — up over 1% from September and almost 5% from October of last year, according to local broker Jason Lee of Windermere Real Estate. The county’s peak median price came in July of 2024 with $682,000, the highest level since 2012. Lee noted that the market ihas moved into a slow season, with inventory dropping nearly 18% last month.
Bellingham saw a sharper jump, with the median sale price at $739,000 in October — a more than 10% increase from September and over 6% higher than last year.
Statewide, Washington’s median home price was $644,200, slightly down from October 2024, keeping it the fifth most expensive state in the nation, behind California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Colorado.
STORY: Owner of several local Little Caesars franchises sued in federal court over racial discrimination
A federal lawsuit has been filed against the owner of local Little Caesars restaurants for racial harassment targeting Black employees.
Target Market Enterprises, Inc. owns franchise restaurants in Bellingham, Mt. Vernon, and Sedro-Woolley. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, managers failed to stop employees from using racial slurs, promoted those involved to shift lead positions, and fired an employee who reported the misconduct. Court records show that in 2022 and 2024, managers at the Mount Vernon location were aware of repeated use of the n-word by non-Black employees, but took minimal or no corrective action. Employees allege that Black crew members were subjected to racial slurs, derogatory comments, and assigned only menial tasks.
The EEOC called the conduct “appalling” and says the franchise acted with malice or reckless indifference to federally protected rights. The lawsuit seeks monetary damages, back pay, and court orders to prevent future harassment, including prohibiting retaliation and requiring policies to ensure equal opportunities for all employees.
STORY: WTA board approves fare increase amid significant public pushback
Bus fares across Whatcom County will rise next fall.
The Whatcom Transportation Authority Board voted 6–2 last night to approve the agency’s first fixed-route fare increase since 2008.
Beginning September 1st of next year, fixed-route fares will double from $1 to $2, and paratransit fares will triple from $1 to $3. WTA will also roll out a fare-capping system — no more than $6 per day or $60 per month — which would limit costs for frequent riders.
The board voted to eliminate the Gold Card, a program that provided free rides to seniors 75 and older, but expanded reduced fares to include seniors 65+, veterans, income-qualified riders, students, and people with disabilities. Those riders will now pay half-price.
The meeting drew more than 900 public comments, mostly from seniors, disabled riders, and low-income passengers worried about affordability. WTA leaders say the agency faces a widening budget gap. General Manager Les Reardanz (LESS REAR-duns) told the packed meeting WTA has already cut discretionary spending by 20% but needs new revenue to avoid major service reductions.
Reardanz pushed back on calls to raise property taxes or increase car tabs — saying WTA doesn’t have that authority. A sales-tax increase is possible, but only with voter approval.
A last-minute amendment from Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund to lower the daily fare cap to $3 failed. Staff warned it would force unsustainable costs on paratransit, which already operates at capacity and costs $96 per ride.
Board member Jen Lautenbach, who represents Everson, Nooksack, and Sumas, argued against a countywide sales-tax measure, saying rural cities get minimal service and shouldn’t be asked to pay more.
STORY: Whatcom County to hold virtual session on incorporation of Birch Bay
STORY: Schools close for winter break
Bellingham Public Schools Winter break runs Monday, December 22, through Friday, January 2. Schools and the District Office will be closed during this time. Classes and the District Office reopen Monday, January 5, 2026.
For planning, the 2025-26 school calendar, 2026-27 key dates, and A/B day calendars are available on the district’s website.
STORY: Changes in street parking in Fairhaven coming in January
Fairhaven will see changes to on-street parking starting January 5, 2026. Portions of Larrabee Avenue, Harris Avenue, and 11th through 13th Streets will move from 2-hour limits to paid parking.
The city says the change is meant to improve access to local businesses by encouraging regular turnover of parking spaces. Only areas currently limited to 2-hour parking are affected.
STORY: Gov. Ferguson Approves 1,300-Acre Solar Farm in Klickitat County
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has approved the 1,300-acre Carriger Solar project in Klickitat County, calling it a win for our state.
The project is expected to generate enough electricity to power more than 30,000 homes and includes a 63-megawatt battery storage system. Construction is planned to start soon to qualify for federal clean energy tax credits, with power delivery expected by summer 2028.
Ferguson worked with the Yakama Nation to address concerns about cultural resource protections. The agreement includes a $100,000 grant to the tribe’s Cultural Resources Program and guarantees access to traditional lands during construction, though the tribe still opposes the project.
Cypress Creek Renewables, the California-based developer, said it’s “moving with urgency” to keep the project on track and help advance Washington’s clean energy goals.
Ferguson said the project balances the need for affordable clean energy with mitigation requirements that protect Washington’s environment, adding that swift action was necessary to secure federal incentives.
STORY: Arctic National Refuge under threat…again
The U.S. Senate voted 49-45 to undo Biden-era protections for Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which opens the door to oil and gas drilling.
Washington Senator Maria Cantwell urged colleagues to oppose the measure, warning it would threaten the Coastal Plain’s fragile ecosystem. The area is home to more than 250 species, including caribou, polar bears, and migratory birds, and is sacred to the Gwich’in Nation.
Cantwell called the vote a missed opportunity for bipartisan action on issues like health care and the cost of living, and highlighted that previous lease auctions in the Refuge raised only a few million dollars, far below expectations. She has been a leading advocate for permanent protections for the Arctic Refuge’s Coastal Plain.
STORY: Whatcom Land Trust takes ownership of Cloud Mountain Farm Center
In mid-December, Sustainable Connections will transfer interim ownership of Cloud Mountain Farm Center to Whatcom Land Trust.
According to a recent release, the Trust will permanently protect 19 acres of farmland with a conservation easement, which will limit residential development and safeguard streamside habitat. During interim management, the Trust will support Cloud Mountain’s Processing, Aggregation, Distribution, and Storage services for local farms, food banks, and community partners, but will not operate the farm or retail operations.
Cloud Mountain has served Whatcom County’s agricultural community since 1978, providing education, training, and infrastructure for local farms.
A community meeting will be held at 5 p.m., Wednesday, January 7 at Cloud Mountain. Space is limited; RSVP is required.
STORY: Skagit dump rates rise
Solid waste disposal rates at Skagit County transfer stations will rise starting January 1, 2026.
A 2024 rate study found annual increases necessary to cover rising costs for long-haul transport and operations. New rates include $141 per ton for general solid waste at the Skagit County Transfer and Recycling Station and the Sauk Transfer Station, with a $28 minimum charge for the first 380 pounds. Appliance and freon-item fees remain at $13 and $34, respectively. Recycling and household hazardous waste drop-off remain free for residents.
Rates are scheduled to continue rising 2–3% annually through 2030.
STORY: More lightrail opens up down south
Three new Sound Transit light rail stations open this weekend in south King County, extending service into Seattle’s suburbs.
The Kent, Des Moines, Star Lake, and Federal Way Downtown stations begin service Saturday at 11 a.m., with trains running every eight minutes during peak times. The extension also serves Highline College and Federal Way’s main shopping areas.
A ribbon-cutting celebration starts at 9:30 a.m. at Federal Way Downtown, with food trucks, performances, and family activities at all three stations.
The new stations mark the completion of the Federal Way portion of the Sound Transit 2 plan, first approved by voters in 2008, with funding later reinforced through Sound Transit 3 in 2016.
Remaining Sound Transit 2 projects include the East Link connection from Seattle to Bellevue, scheduled to open next year.
STORY: Community Forum on South Fork Nooksack River Scheduled for January 27
The Lummi Nation and Nooksack Indian Tribe are inviting local residents, landowners, and partner organizations to a community forum focused on the South Fork Nooksack River. The event will take place Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 4–7 p.m. at the Rome Grange, 2821 Mt. Baker Highway.
Attendees can learn about salmon recovery efforts, flood management strategies, and ongoing river restoration projects. The forum offers a casual, welcoming environment to meet the people leading these initiatives, ask questions, and join discussions about the river’s future. Refreshments and raffle prizes will be available.
RSVP by January 19 via email at outreach@triangleassociates.com or by phone at (206) 981-2229 ext. 102.
Lighted bike parade – Saturday, Dec. 13
Deck the trails and deck out your bike for Bellingham’s Lighted Bike Parade. Costumes encouraged, holiday cheer required! We’ll meet at the Depot Market Square at 4:45 p.m. before rolling out for an out-and-back ride on the South Bay Trail. Upon our return, free hot cocoa will be waiting and cookies from GIRLnDOG Cookies will be available for purchase. The free bike ride will take place rain or shine. Find all the details on the city’s events calendar.
Santa 5k – Saturday, Dec. 20
Run, skip, or walk in our Santa-themed 5K at the Cordata and Julianna parks. Participants are welcome to aim for a PR or take a stroll while enjoying hot cocoa and chatting with family and friends. Costumes are highly encouraged and help to make the season bright! Prizes are given for winners as well as other festive categories. Registration is open through Dec. 17 – and includes a Santa hat!
Sat Dec 13 Ferndale Holiday Market
11am to 4pm on Saturday, December 13th at the Ferndale Pioneer Pavilion Community Center
Sat Dec 13, Connelly Creek Tree Planting, Improve wetlands with NSEA and the City of Bellingham in the Connelly Creek Nature Area. 10am-1pm – Bellingham, WA | Click here for more information.
Holiday Sale – Saturday, December 6 from 10am to 5pm and Sunday, December 7 from 10am to 4pm at the Rome Grange (2821 Mt Baker Hwy)
Come one and all! Don’t miss this Holiday Sale, with a stunning variety of handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces. Pottery, paper art, ornaments, 3-D collages, fused glass, jewelry, beadwork, woodwork, blacksmithing, and sculpted/blown glass by Foothills Artisans. Great gifts! Free entry! Come shop or just drop by to say Hi!
Allied Arts Holiday Festival – Every day from 10am to 6pm, now through December 24 at the old Rite-Aid building in Sunset Square, B’ham
The Holiday Festival of the Arts is an indoor and online, 5-week event featuring over 100 local artisans. Aside from vendors selling their wares, the festival boasts live music, workshops for children and artist demonstrations.
For more information, see this website.
Bellingham Lighted Bike Parade – Saturday, December 13 from 4:45pm to 6:30pm at Depot Market Square in B’ham, rain or shine
From the “And now for something completely different” files, deck out your bike for the annual Bellingham Lighted Bike Parade. Costumes encouraged, holiday cheer required! FREE and open to everyone. (Be thankful we’re not in Portland. It would probably be a clothing-optional event.)
