Coastal storms and high tides look to raise flooding risk this weekend, Nearly 150 people attend WTA board meeting to protest rising bus fares, Highly frugal Skagit County budget nears approval, State patrol busts human trafficking ring, Civic Athletic Complex input wanted, other advisory positions open, Canadian company buys 110 year old Bellingham business, Canadian company buys 110 year old Bellingham business, Swinomish boat launch closes, Free and cheap
Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Friday December 5th. Good afternoon, I’m David Korb______.
STORY: Coastal storms and high tides look to raise flooding risk this weekend
The big news today is the weather.
A series of warm, wet storm systems is hovering over Western Washington. Forecasters say a foot of rain could fall in addition to snow, with 4 to 5 inches possible in the lowlands — that’s more than Bellingham sees on average in December.
Meteorologists say the period between today and Tuesday presents the greatest concern, as subtropical moisture pushes the snow level above 6,000 feet. This could rapidly melt snowpack and raise the Nooksack and Skagit rivers. The Nooksack is expected to crest just above “action” stage early next week at Nugents Corner and in Ferndale. The Skagit River could be in “major flood” stage midweek in Concrete and Mount Vernon. The weather service also warns that landslide risk is approaching seasonal thresholds.
Along the coast, minor flooding is likely, as strong winds coincide with seasonal “king tides”, with tides over 10 feet expected through Wednesday. Water levels at Birch Bay and other exposed areas could see moderate flooding.
Throughout the region, moderate flood risk is expected for the Snoqualmie, Skykomish, Snohomish and Skagit rivers. Drivers should allow extra time in case of road closures and are warned not to drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth.
STORY: Nearly 150 people attend WTA board meeting to protest rising bus fares
A normally quiet Whatcom Transportation Authority board meeting drew an overflow crowd yesterday morning.
Nearly 150 people, including students and seniors, packed the meeting room as well as two overflow spaces. They urged the WTA to reconsider the bus fare increases. More than 40 speakers told the board that doubling fares from $1 to $2, as well as tripling paratransit fares from $1 to $3, would affect riders negatively. The plan also ends the free Gold Card for people 75 and older. WTA says it will replace the program with expanded reduced-fare eligibility.
Students came out in force after learning WTA does not plan to renew its $600,000-a-year contract with Western Washington University. That agreement provided unlimited bus service to students and staff and is set to expire next year. The WTA says it cannot afford to continue the contract as written; its leaders say rising costs are forcing the price hikes.
The WTA board is expected to vote on the fare increases next Thursday at 8 a.m.
STORY: Highly frugal Skagit County budget nears approval
Skagit County’s proposed 2026 budget would result in the elimination of 51 staff positions, an indefinite hiring freeze, and the handing off of the Meals on Wheels program to a new provider.
According to the proposed budget of roughly $85 million, the Meals on Wheels program will continue unchanged through June, with a new provider selected by March. Additionally, some county offices will close for 10 days next year; however, law enforcement, the courts, the Guemes Island Ferry, and other essential services will remain open.
The budget also includes a new 0.1% public safety sales tax, expected to generate $3 million next year to fund sheriff deputies, a park ranger, and mental health professionals. This tax would take effect on April 1st.
The county says that, without cuts, it will face a $19 million deficit next year. Commissioners will vote on the proposed budget on Monday.
STORY: State patrol busts human trafficking ring
The Washington State Patrol arrested nearly a dozen people during an overnight human trafficking operation called Operation Human Freight.
According to the State Patrol, the effort focused on truck stops in Pierce, King, and Snohomish Counties, and identified eleven women as victims of trafficking and prostitution. A 41-year-old Tacoma man with 19 prior felony convictions was booked; officers say they also made additional prostitution-related arrests.
The operation involved multiple agencies, including local police departments, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office. Advocates were on hand to connect victims with support services.
STORY: Civic Athletic Complex input wanted, other advisory positions open
The City of Bellingham says it’s time to talk about indoor recreation — and they want the public’s input.
The city invites residents to attend a community meeting next Wednesday, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bloedel Donovan Community Building. Staff will unveil early plans for a future rec center at the Civic Athletic Complex. Ideas for the new center include expanded pool space, basketball and volleyball courts, and community meeting rooms.
The City says residents can weigh in at the meeting, and an opportunity to provide feedback online through the Engage Bellingham website will also go up soon.
The City is also looking for volunteers to serve on several advisory groups. Open positions include the Tourism Commission, the Water Resources Advisory Board, and the Arts Commission. These groups help advise both the Mayor and the City Council on key issues.
Most positions require applicants to live within city limits, though some are open to Whatcom County residents. Applications are accepted year-round, and details on how to apply are available on the city’s website.
STORY: Canadian company buys 110 year old Bellingham business
Bellingham’s Brooks Manufacturing — a 110-year-old family-owned wood crossarm company — has been acquired by the Canadian firm Stella-Jones for $140 million.
The Quebec-based corporation, which makes pressure-treated wood products for utilities and railways, says production and employment at the Bellingham plant will remain unchanged.
Brooks Manufacturing, founded in 1914, produces over a million crossarms every year.
STORY: Swinomish boat launch closes
The Swinomish Boat Launch in Skagit County is temporarily closed for renovations through December.
Skagit County Parks and Rec say crews will update the facility to extend its lifespan and improve safety and usability. During the closure, boaters are encouraged to use the launch at Washington Park in Anacortes, as well as the La Conner Public Boat Launch.
The Swinomish Boat Launch is expected to reopen by January 1st.
STORY: Free and cheap
It’s Friday! If you’re looking for something free or cheap to do out in the rain this weekend, here’s a bit of what’s going on around the county.
Get ready to make your holiday season bright! The annual downtown holiday tree lighting ceremony takes place tomorrow, from 5:30-to-7 p.m. There will be free cocoa, cookies, a photo booth, make-and-take objects, activities, music, and more. The countdown to the lighting will start just before 6 p.m. at Depot Market Square.
Everyone is invited to come to the Holiday Sale at the Rome Grange tomorrow and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. There’s paper art, ornaments, 3-D collages, fused glass, and more– created by Foothills Artisans. Entry is free.
And in Bellingham the Allied Arts Holiday Festival is happening every day from 10am to 6pm, now through December 24 at the old Rite-Aid building in Sunset Square. For more information, see the Allied Arts website.
WX: Floody Merry
And now weather:
Half an inch of rain is expected by tonight. Daytime highs should be marginally warmer, with temperatures in the low-50s. More storms will hit tonight with winds up to 30 miles per hour. Evening lows will be in the mid-40s.
There’s more rain in store tomorrow and Sunday. Once again, be advised that the National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood warning from 4 am to 10 am tomorrow. As always, exercise caution if you plan to travel.
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!
##
