Second atmospheric river hits northwest WA, Fallen tree blocks section of Mount Baker Highway, causes power outage to nearly 50 home, Cleanup begins in parts of the county, False ‘swatting’ call in Whatcom Gulf between home prices and availability in Whatcom continues to widen, Food insecurity rampant among WWU students, Whatcom County to hold virtual session on incorporation of Birch Bay
Owner of several local Little Caesars franchises sued in federal court over racial discrimination, Whatcom County to hold virtual session on incorporation of Birch Bay
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KMRE brings you local news for Monday, December, 15th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Second atmospheric river hits northwest WA
After days of historic flooding, things are beginning to return to normal in Whatcom County, but residents are warned to stay alert as new weather fronts move in.
Officials in Sumas lifted the evacuation order Saturday, which allowed residents to return home, though non-residents are still asked to stay away. While some roads remain covered by water across eastern Whatcom County and the Ferndale area, several previously closed roads have reopened, including Slater Road.
However, Mt. Baker Highway east of the intersection of Silver Lake Road and Mount Baker Highway has been closed. According to WSDOT (WASH DOT) multiple slides and a large tree fall have impacted the roadway there and brought power lines down. There is no estimate yet for when the road will reopen or power will be restored.
Officials warn residents that any private wells affected by recent flooding should be considered unsafe for drinking. Well owners are urged to have their water systems professionally serviced and disinfected before you drink the water. Until then, residents should rely on bottled or properly purified water to prevent contamination-related illnesses.
In the meantime, another round of rain and gusty winds is expected today as another atmospheric river moves into the region. NOAA (NO-ah) forecasts one to three inches of rain in Whatcom and Skagit counties through tomorrow. Rivers that receded over the weekend — including the Nooksack and Skagit — are expected to rise again today, with moderate flooding likely in several locations.
In Whatcom County, the Nooksack River is forecast to reach action stage tonight near Cedarville and Ferndale, cresting tomorrow morning. In Skagit County, the Skagit River at Concrete is expected to hit moderate to major flood stage late Monday into early Tuesday, with Mount Vernon forecast to crest around 33 feet — below last week’s record, but still serious.
Officials warn this storm also brings high landslide risk, with soils already saturated, and strong winds — gusts up to 45 miles per hour — which will increase the chance of falling trees and power outages.
Emergency officials urge residents to stay alert and be ready to act as conditions change through midweek.
STORY: Fallen tree blocks section of Mount Baker Highway, causes power outage to nearly 50 homes
Power outages are being reported across Whatcom County after strong overnight winds, according to Puget Sound Energy.
As of 8 a.m. this morning, more than 3,600 homes were without power. The largest outage affected the Lummi Peninsula and Lummi Island, accounting for more than 2,500 of those impacted.
Wind gusts over 45 miles per hour were reported in some areas. Puget Sound Energy says downed trees and vegetation are the primary cause of many of the outages.
STORY: Cleanup begins in parts of the county
County officials are encouraging residents to clear out flood debris as soon as possible, before mold sets in.
Three debris management sites are open:
- Stremler Yard in Nooksack/Sumas/Everson)
- RDS Disposal in Ferndale
- And Republic Services, also in Ferndale
Debris must be pre-sorted, with appliances and hazardous materials separated. Certain items like tires, vehicles, asbestos, machinery, woody debris, and regular trash cannot be accepted.
STORY: False ‘swatting’ call in Whatcom
A false 911 call — known as “swatting” — triggered a large law enforcement response Sunday afternoon in Whatcom County.
First responders were dispatched yesterday afternoon to a residence on Fazon Road after someone reported an active shooter. Multiple agencies responded and later determined the call was unfounded.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office says it will lead the investigation into the origin of the call. Agencies assisting included Lynden, Bellingham, Everson, and Sumas police, along with the Washington State Patrol.
In Washington, swatting can carry serious criminal penalties, including a class B felony charge if it results in death.
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.
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 a 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: 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.
In a media release accompanying the study’s results, Student Achievement Council Associate Director of Strategy and Partnerships Ami Magisos (AMY MAJ-uh-sose) said that the survey confirms a wide range of Washington students lack basic needs, and the issue can no longer be dismissed as a lingering effect of the pandemic.
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. 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: 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: Whatcom County to hold virtual session on incorporation of Birch Bay
Whatcom County will host a virtual information session on Wednesday about a study that will examine if it’s possible for Birch Bay to become a city.
The session runs from 6 to 7 p.m. and will outline how the incorporation study works, what factors are being evaluated, and give residents a chance to ask questions. County officials emphasize the study does not take a position on incorporation — it just looks at financial feasibility.
The study was funded in summer 2024, and a public survey has already been conducted as part of the process. Registration details and more information are available on the Whatcom County website.
WX: Ope, I lied, we’re still in for it
And now for the weather,
The storms aren’t done with us yet. Today sees us smack-dab in the middle of both a wind and flood advisory—possible flooding is expected to linger until Thursday. Be prepared for anywhere between 1 to 3 inches of rain and gusts as high as 46 miles per hour, with a solid chance of thunderstorms to boot. Temperatures are expected to reach highs in the upper 50s. The wind and rain will continue throughout the night.
Tomorrow will be similar, but with calmer winds and a little more rain.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), and Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee). 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 _________, and thanks for listening!
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