Columbia Valley upgraded to stage 2 burn ban, Whatcom and Skagit counties suspend permit fees for emergency flooding repairs, Disaster assistance now available, Blaine newspaper publisher retires after 30 years, Bellingham police investigating potential hit and run after cyclist injured on Northwest, Swinomish youth lead clean energy efforts, Swinomish youth lead clean energy efforts, Ski-to-Sea 2026 registration now open, Bellingham Public Library launches Winter Reading Challenge for adults, WA to receive $181 million for rural health care, Free and Cheap
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KMRE brings you local news for Friday, January 2nd. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.
STORY: Columbia Valley upgraded to stage 2 burn ban
Whatcom County has upgraded a burn ban in the Columbia Valley urban growth area to Stage Two.
The stricter ban means that in addition to outdoor burning, all indoor burning is banned as well. That includes fireplaces, woodstoves,
fireplace inserts (certified or uncertified), or pellet stoves.
The Northwest Clean Air Agency says cold, calm weather traps smoke, and creates unhealthy air quality. Officials warn smoke pollution can trigger asthma attacks and make breathing more difficult, especially for children, adults 65 and older, and people with heart or lung conditions.
STORY: Whatcom and Skagit counties suspend permit fees for emergency flooding repairs
Whatcom and Skagit counties say they will waive permit fees for emergency flood repairs.
Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu signed an executive order that suspended emergency repair permit fees for flood-related damage, with requests eligible if initiated between December 9th of 2025 through December 31st of this year. Fees for notifications of activity and on-site sewage permits are also being waived.
Food establishments forced to close because of flooding will receive extensions on permit expiration dates equal to the length of their closure, though inspections will be required before reopening.
Skagit County commissioners have also suspended flood repair permit fees, with applications due to county planning officials by June 15th.
STORY: Disaster assistance now available
At the state level, Governor Bob Ferguson is urging people whose homes were damaged in December’s historic flooding to apply for state disaster assistance.
About $2.5 million is now available to help cover immediate needs, part of the $3.5 million released under the governor’s disaster declaration. The first $1 million has already gone out to more than 2,600 households. Residents in King, Snohomish, Skagit, and Whatcom counties can apply through SAHelp.org for Household Needs Grants to help with short-term housing, minor repairs, and food replacement.
The state is also working with FEMA to determine whether additional federal disaster aid will be available.
STORY: Blaine newspaper publisher retires after 30 years
Owners of The Northern Light announced their retirement after 35 years of publishing.
The husband-and-wife team bought the All Point Bulletin after learning it was shutting down, then launched The Northern Light three years later. Both publications had been largely supported through advertising.
The owners say they are in final negotiations to transfer the company to a nonprofit newspaper organization. While there may be a brief lapse in publication, they say they are hopeful readers and advertisers will soon see the paper return. No timeline or nonprofit partner has been announced.
STORY: Bellingham police investigating potential hit and run after cyclist injured on Northwest
Bellingham Police are investigating a possible hit-and-run that involved a cyclist.
Officers say a man on a bicycle was struck by a car Friday evening while crossing Northwest Avenue near the Little Caesars parking lot around 6:40 p.m. Police say the driver stopped briefly… then fled northbound. The cyclist was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center for treatment. Police note the bike did not have the required lights, and no citations were issued. Because the cyclist was the only witness, investigators say it’s not yet confirmed whether the hit-and-run actually occurred.
Anyone with information is asked to call Bellingham Police or submit a tip at cob.org / tips.
STORY: Swinomish youth lead clean energy efforts
A clean energy transformation in Skagit County is being led by Swinomish youth.
The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community says its move towards solar power and energy storage began with a simple question from young people: Why don’t we have solar? Tribal leaders then launched a series of clean energy projects focused on resilience, affordability, and environmental stewardship.
According to a recent release from the Department of Commerce, the tribe has invested more than $6.4 million through a partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce. Solar panels and battery-backed microgrids have been installed at the Swinomish Youth Center as well as at various housing units. The tribe says the technology has cut energy bills, provided backup power during outages, and improved emergency preparedness.
STORY: Ski-to-Sea 2026 registration now open
Registration is now open for the 2026 Ski to Sea race.
Organizers say team registration for the popular multi-sport relay sold out by mid-February last year and encourage early sign-ups. Organizers say fees have not increased for this year, and teams that register by January 31st will receive a 50-dollar discount.
Ski to Sea has also updated qualifications for the Veterans Division, raising the cumulative requirement to 410 points. Applications for the free nonprofit team are due January 23rd. More information and registration details are available at skitosea dot com.
STORY: Bellingham Public Library launches Winter Reading Challenge for adults
If more reading is on your resolution list for the New Year, Bellingham Public Library has a Winter Reading Challenge that might be a perfect incentive.
The challenge runs from January through March. If you’d like to participate, pick up a Winter Reading Challenge Activity Card now at any Bellingham Public Library. Print copies of the challenge are also available at all branches.
STORY: US2 to fully reopen
The west side of Highway 2 between Skykomish and Stevens Pass will fully reopen to traffic starting Sunday.
Governor Ferguson said the reopening beat expectations, and thanked WSDOT (WASH-dot) crews and contractors for working around the clock to get it done. Skykomish Mayor Henry Sladek (SLAY-dek) says the closure cut local business by as much as 90 percent, and called the reopening a huge relief.
The east side of the highway, between Stevens Pass and Coles Corner, has already reopened with some restrictions, including use of a pilot car to guide traffic. Those limitations are expected to remain for several months.
Drivers are reminded Highway 2 remains an active work zone, delays are likely, and alternate routes are always encouraged.
STORY: WA to receive $181 million for rural health care
Washington state will get a boost for rural health care.
Governor Bob Ferguson announced the state has been awarded $181 million from the federal Rural Health Transformation Program for fiscal year 2026.
The funding will support hospitals and clinics across all 39 counties, and focus on technology upgrades, workforce shortages, behavioral health, maternal care, chronic disease management, and emergency services. Twenty-two Washington counties are considered fully rural, with more than one million residents statewide.
According to the announcement, state agencies will now work with rural communities, Tribes, and health providers to quickly direct this funding where it’s needed most.
STORY: Free of cheap
It’s Friday, and the final weekend for holiday stuff. Here are some events you might want to check out.
It’s the final weekend for Deck the Old City Hall where the Old City Hall transforms into a holiday wonderland. Admission is by donation, and that goes on all weekend from 12-5pm.
Tonight, there’s free live music at Stone’s Throw Brewery. There’s no cover– just enjoy the tunes — drinks are optional. Tonight, from 6 – 8 pm.
Tomorrow, why not check out the Bellingham Dockside Market. The local fish-market has food vendors, makers, and community stalls — great for wandering, browsing, snacking. Entry is free, from 10am-2pm.
A few more free or inexpensive options this weekend include:
Free Building & Crafting Fun at Bellingham Public Library. Check the library calendar for exact times. And why not start the New Year with a walk or hike in one of our many local parks like Whatcom Falls Park, Boulevard Park, or Cornwall Park — always free with lots of fresh air.
WX: Alright, let’s do this one more time.
And now weather,
2026 is here but don’t expect too much change in the weather, with today set to bring us another round of chilly, gray. Daytime highs should peak around the mid-40s again, before giving way to evening lows in the mid-30s and occasional rain.
Look for a lot of rain over the weekend, up to a quarter of an inch on both days.
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 us, check out our Patreon or Substack, or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _David Korb________… thanks for listening!
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