Winter storm warning in Whatcom County, avalanche warning in Cascades, Suspected drug dealer arrested in Bellingham following months-long investigation, Bellingham School District to face $15 million funding gap, likely reductions to programs and staffing, Alton Brown to perform in Bellingham at the end of March, Whatcom unemployment rate rose slightly in December, down from previous year, Construction projects statewide under threat of pause as lawmakers deal with $1 billion transportation shortfall, Free and Cheap
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KMRE brings you local news for Friday, January 31st. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY 1: Winter storm warning in Whatcom County, avalanche warning in Cascades
Western Whatcom County can expect to see at least two inches of snow by Sunday, with another two inches possible through Tuesday.
The National Weather Service in Seattle says rain will transition to snow as temperatures drop. The Cascades will experience moderate snowfall over the weekend. A Fraser Outflow may also bring windy conditions through Tuesday. For those who live at higher elevations, the Northwest Avalanche Center warns of dangerous conditions due to temperature fluctuations.
STORY 2: Suspected drug dealer arrested in Bellingham following months-long investigation
A 32-year-old Bellingham man was arrested on Tuesday after a months-long drug investigation.
The Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force say they made controlled purchases from him last fall as part of a sting operation. Deputies witnessed a suspected drug deal before they arrested him. A search of his home revealed fentanyl, fentanyl-laced pills, meth, a handgun, and a stolen bike.
He was released on bail the next day.
STORY 3: Bellingham School District to face $15 million funding gap, likely reductions to programs and staffing
Bellingham Public Schools says it expects a $15 million budget shortfall this school year because of a drop in state funding.
This news comes after $16 million in cuts in the 2023-24 school year. Whatcom County School Superintendent Greg Baker warns of potential program and staff reductions unless state funding improves. Washington’s education budget has shrunk as a percentage of total state spending, and inflation-adjusted funding per student has also declined since 2019.
Baker said rising costs, capped local levies, and funding restrictions add to financial strain. Possible solutions include a reduction in the total number of school days, creating four-day school weeks with longer days, and increasing state funding.
The legislature’s budget decisions, expected by mid-2025, will determine the district’s next steps.
STORY 4: Alton Brown to perform in Bellingham at the end of March
Celebrity chef Alton Brown will visit Bellingham on March 30th as part of his “Alton Brown Live: Last Bite” tour. The event at the Mount Baker Theatre coincides with the release of his 10th book, Food for Thought, and will feature stories from his career along with cooking tips.
Brown, best known for Good Eats and Iron Chef America, said he plans to take a step back after the tour before deciding his next move.
Tickets are available on the Mount Baker Theater’s website.
STORY 5: Whatcom unemployment rate rose slightly in December, down from previous year
Whatcom County and Bellingham saw slight increases in unemployment rates in December.
Whatcom County’s rate rose to 4.7%, up from 4.6% in November. Bellingham’s rate also climbed to 4.7% from 4.5% the previous month. Despite the monthly rise, both rates improved from December 2023.
Meanwhile, Washington’s unemployment rate decreased slightly to 4.5% in December from 4.6% in November, but remained the 11th-highest in the U.S.
STORY 6: Construction projects statewide under threat of pause as lawmakers deal with $1 billion transportation shortfall
Washington state faces a billion-dollar transportation budget shortfall due to rising construction costs and a decline in gas tax revenue.
The budget gap is driven by a $1.3 billion cost increase for major projects that includes highway expansions and ferry electrification. The Washington Office of Financial Management says a drop in gas tax revenue—worsened by more fuel-efficient cars and electric vehicle use—has made the crisis worse.
State Senate Transportation Committee Chair Marko Liias (LYE-us) says lawmakers are just starting work on the budget, but the early outlook could have devastating effects on some planned projects. Now, legislators are considering delaying or pausing infrastructure projects and looking at alternatives like road usage charges, tolls, and fees to replace the gas tax. They say they’ll work to stabilize funding and keep critical projects on track.
STORY: Free and cheap
It’s Friday – if you’re looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend, here’s a little of what’s going on around the county.
This evening, the Skagit Riverwalk Plaza in Mount Vernon will host the 11th annual Illuminight Winter Walk. Community members of all ages are invited to grab a luminary (or make one ahead of time), then follow the procession through downtown Mount Vernon. Music from various groups, including the Skagit Youth Symphony, will start at 5 p.m., while the procession itself is slated to begin at 5:50. Attendance is free!
Also this evening, Home, I’m Darling! will begin its run at the Bellingham Theatre Guild at 7:30. The play is a dark comedy centered around Judy and Johnny, a married couple who idolize the 1950s lifestyle by quote “living, dressing, eating, and breathing like it’s the post-war boom” unquote. The truth that some traditions are left behind, however, makes itself evident, and Home, I’m Darling! sets to question the quote “rose-tinted view of the past and what is learned (and lost) when we move forward.” Performances will run through February 16th, and tickets starting at $8 can be purchased at BTG’s website.
It’s Family Dinner Night tonight from 6-till-8 pm at Old World Deli in downtown Bellingham. For $15, you can enjoy lasagna, garlic bread, and salad along with live flamenco jazz by the group Cuarto Sueño (QWAR-toe SOO-eh-nyo).
Finally, CascadeCon 2025 will continue through Sunday at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal. Gamers are invited to bring their favorite board, card or tabletop games; people can also sign up for pre-scheduled games online using a spreadsheet. Those looking to expand their gaming repertoire can buy used games either via the CascadeCon discord, or in person at the event’s “flea market.” The event seeks to provide an opportunity for hardcore and prospective board gamers alike to quote “enjoy one another’s company, play the games you love, try excellent new titles and make memories with friends and family” unquote. More information is available at www.cascadecon.games.
WX: Straight flush
And now for your Whatcom County weather,
Rainy weather looks to be in store for us today, with precipitation reaching up to half an inch, alongside gusting winds up to 29 miles per hour. Daytime highs are projected in the high 40s, evening lows in the mid-low 30s.
A winter storm warning will be in effect from 10 PM on Saturday through 10 AM on Monday, with consistent snow expected throughout. Forecasts report anywhere from less than an inch to two inches of snowfall across the weekend, depending on location.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Paloma Ortiz, Stevie Sjogren (SHOW-gren), and Miguel Garduño (MEE-gel gar-DOO-ño). Our news director is Staci Baird. 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 listener donations. Check out our Patreon page or go to kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _________, and thank you for listening.
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