Multiple local groups seeking volunteers to aid in flood recovery efforts, Nooksack Tribe hosts additional shelter for displaced residents in Everson, Bellingham Plan adopted, Kenoyer family set to develop site of Terminal Building in Fairhaven, New data indicates total ICE arrests in WA nearly doubled between July and October, Governor announces new housing program, Free or cheap
Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Friday, December 19th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.
STORY: Multiple local groups seeking volunteers to aid in flood recovery efforts
Whatcom County Representative Alicia Rule is urgently calling for volunteers to help with flood recovery in Whatcom County.
The Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group, also known as Whatcom Strong, is holding a work weekend in Everson and Sumas. Volunteers are needed to help muck out flooded homes, remove debris, and clean up yards. Nearly 700 households have asked for help, and 42nd Legislative District Representative Alicia Rule says Whatcom County recovery depends on everyone helping with the effort.
RULE AUDIO 1
Rule says she knows the impacts of a flood at Christmastime will stay with people for a while.
RULE AUDIO 2
Even if you can’t come out this weekend, Rule says everyone can help in some way.
RULE AUDIO 3
Whatcom Strong notes that High school students can earn volunteer hours toward graduation requirements this weekend. Check-ins run daily from 9 to 5. Sign up to help at whatcomstrong dot com slash volunteer.
STORY: Nooksack Tribe hosts additional shelter for displaced residents in Everson
A new shelter has opened for residents displaced by last week’s historic flooding.
The Nooksack Indian Tribe is hosting the shelter at the Sulwhanon (SULL-wah-non) Community Building in Everson Lynden have already closed. Pets are not allowed inside the shelter, but animal sheltering options are available on Whatcom County’s flood resources page.
STORY: Bellingham Plan adopted
Bellingham City Council has approved the Bellingham Plan, a long-term blueprint for how the city will grow over the next 20 years.
The plan focuses on housing, jobs, and services, and follows more than two years of community input, expert collaboration, and updates to align with new state law.
City leaders say some recent ordinances already reflect the plan’s goals — with more changes to city rules expected as the plan is put into action.
STORY: Kenoyer family set to develop site of Terminal Building in Fairhaven
Nearly two years after a deadly fire destroyed Fairhaven’s historic Terminal Building, plans to rebuild are finally taking shape.
Developer Jess Kenoyer says he was already interested in the building, but it took a little time to get the right team together.
JESS AUDIO 1 Intro
Kenoyer says the project they are proposing is mixed use and designed to fit the space.
JESS AUDIO 2 we plan to have
Kenoyer also says maintaining the character of Fairhaven and improving Bellingham are important to him.
JESS AUDIO 3 born and raised
STORY: New data indicates total ICE arrests in WA nearly doubled between July and October
New data show the Trump administration sharply ramped up immigration arrests in Washington this summer and fall.
Nearly 2,000 people have been arrested in Washington since President Trump returned to office. Between late July and mid-October, ICE arrested more than 950 people statewide — which nearly matches arrest numbers over the first seven months of the year. The data also show a smaller share of those arrested had criminal convictions, despite claims that enforcement is focused on violent offenders.
Advocates say the surge is separating families and raising concerns about overcrowded conditions at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma.
STORY: Governor announces new housing program
Governor Bob Ferguson announced a major housing push yesterday.
The Governor unveiled proposed investments of more than $244M dollars in housing. The proposal includes the largest state-funded housing investment ever, in a supplemental budget, with money to build and preserve affordable homes, help first-time buyers, speed up housing construction, and support flood recovery following recent historic flooding.
Ferguson also signed an order to begin the process of creating a cabinet-level Department of Housing and called the need for affordable housing in Washington… “urgent.”
STORY: Free or cheap
It’s Friday! If you’re looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend, here’s a bit of what’s going on around the county.
The Allied Arts Holiday Festival runs today through Christmas Eve – from 10am to 6pm at the old Rite-Aid building in Sunset Square. The Holiday Festival of the Arts is indoor and online, and features over 100 local artisans, live music, workshops for children and artist demonstrations.
On Sunday, why not check out the festivities at Deck The Old City Hall at the Whatcom Museum, from noon to 2pm.
WX: Rainy Grove, my little love
And now weather,
The shortest day of the year arrives on Saturday with the winter solstice. Daylight will be at its lowest point, which marks the official start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. But take heart, because starting Sunday every day will be a bit brighter.
Weather today will look similar to yesterday’s. High temperatures are set to peak in the low 40s, with about a quarter-inch of rain and winds up to 20 miles per hour, with a decent chance of thunderstorms.
Expect similar tonight and into the weekend. Please continue to stay safe out there, wherever you are.
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!
##
