Latest flood warning lifted for Whatcom and Skagit counties, Total cost of flooding damage to WA roads estimated as high as $50 million, Suspect in custody following reported attempted robbery at Bellingham ATM, Hearings to determine fate of controversial Chuckanut development underway, Motorist rescued after two days stuck in car on forest service road, Lighthouse Mission reports promising start after first year on new premises, Renters rights info session at Ferndale library, 2026 legislative session begins
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KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, January 13th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.
STORY: Latest flood warning lifted for Whatcom and Skagit counties
Flood watches have expired this morning in both Whatcom and Skagit counties.
An hydrologic outlook issued early Monday reported 2 to 3 inches of rain in the northern Cascades on Sunday, which added pressure to area rivers.
The Nooksack in Ferndale is forecast to crest at 4 this afternoon, just below minor flood stage. Whatcom County Public Works has closed several roads in the Ferndale area due to rising river levels.
Ferndale Road south of Slater and Marine Drive west of Ferndale Road were shut down between 6:30 and 7 yesterday evening. Officials warn additional closures are possible as the Nooksack is expected to rise throughout today, with flooding already effecting low-lying roads and pastures.
Officials urge drivers to use caution and plan alternate routes.
In Skagit County, the Skagit River crested earlier today just above action stage. Levels are expected to drop below action stage by around 4 a.m. tomorrow.
The National Weather Service says we’re now looking at a dry stretch, with conditions expected to be mostly rain-free through Martin Luther King Junior Day.
STORY: Total cost of flooding damage to WA roads estimated as high as $50 million
Washington State officials estimate repairs to the state’s highways from last month’s flooding will cost at least 40 to 50 million dollars.
Governor Bob Ferguson requested an Emergency Declaration from President Trump for the December 2025 flooding, which Trump approved, providing immediate federal aid. However, Ferguson says he is still working to get a more expansive Major Disaster Declaration that would provide more funding for individual and local recovery.
This comes as the Washington State Department of Transportation has responded to dozens of locations effected by flood damaged roads. WSDOT says permanent repairs in some areas will take months to complete.
Many roads across the state remain closed or under detours. For the moment, U.S. Route 101 and Mount Baker Highway are operating with one-way traffic.
STORY: Suspect in custody following reported attempted robbery at Bellingham ATM
Bellingham police have arrested a 25-year-old man accused of violently trying to rob a woman after she used a downtown ATM.
Investigators say the suspect confronted the woman in an alley near East Holly Street, punched her several times, and threatened to kill her when she refused to hand over the cash. Police later located and arrested the suspect without incident.
He is now in Whatcom County Jail, facing felony robbery and harassment charges.
STORY: Hearings to determine fate of controversial Chuckanut development underway
The future of a controversial housing development overlooking Chuckanut Bay will be decided after hearings this week.
The proposed 38-lot subdivision, known as the Woods at Viewcrest, has faced strong opposition over concerns about stormwater runoff, habitat loss, traffic, and landslide risk. A local group says they will appeal the City of Bellingham’s decision to not require a full environmental impact statement, with testimony scheduled Monday through Friday this week.
A separate public hearing on key land use permits will be held Wednesday evening, with decisions expected later this month.
STORY: Motorist rescued after two days stuck in car on forest service road
A driver stranded on Hannegan Pass Road for two days has been rescued.
Personnel from Whatcom County Fire District 14 were dispatched to the scene last Thursday. The driver was reportedly stuck in the snow about 600 feet from Mount Baker Highway.
Officials from Whatcom County Fire District 14 said in a statement that the driver was unharmed and was towed back to the pavement.
STORY: Lighthouse Mission reports promising start after first year on new premises
A year after moving into their new building, the Lighthouse Mission says changes to its shelter model show promise.
The Mission has moved to a tiered approach, which separates services by need — from a low-barrier, night-by-night emergency shelter to enhanced programs with increased expectations, drug screening, and intensive case management.
In an interview with KMRE News, CEO Hans Erchinger-Davis (ERCH-ing-er) said the structure has improved safety, increased motivation, and helped people move more quickly into housing or treatment, which then frees up beds for others.
Officials acknowledge the Mission remains the only drop-in shelter in the County, and say they are continuing to plan for additional low-barrier options for people not currently covered by existing programs.
STORY: Renters rights info session at Ferndale library
Ferndale renters are invited to a “Know Your Rights” information session and free legal clinic on Friday, January seventeenth, from one to three p.m. at the Ferndale Library.
The event will cover new tenant protections, including Initiative 25-01, approved by voters last November, which bans so-called junk fees in the rental process. Snacks will be provided, and legal help will be available.
Learn more at Community First Whatcom dot org.
STORY: 2026 legislative session begins
Yesterday, with ceremonial bangs of the gavel, Washington lawmakers opened a fast-paced 60-day legislative session in Olympia.
According to reporting from the Washington State Standard, while opening day was light on policy, sharp divisions quickly surfaced, with Democrats and Republicans blaming each other for budget pressures and high living costs. Senate leaders urge civility as major fights loom, including a possible millionaires income tax.
Attention now turns to Governor Bob Ferguson, who delivers his State of the State address today.
WX: 50/50
And now weather,
Our streak of warm winter weather should continue today, with temperatures returning to the upper 50s, with partial sun. Lots of fog this week with low cloud cover, which should keep us above freezing at night at least until Thursday.
Tomorrow, expect more partial sunshine, with temperatures falling slightly to highs in the mid to low 50s. Enjoy the sun while you can.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Glen Hirshberg, Kathi O’Shea, Austin Wright, 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 or Substack or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _David Korb________, and thanks for listening!
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