Whatcom County air quality on decline as Eastern WA wildfires continue, Further details released in Lake Padden assault, WA facing “alarming surge,” in EBT scams, Whatcom County council to challenge legitimacy of Healthy Children’s Fund repeal initiative, Whatcom County council to challenge legitimacy of Healthy Children’s Fund repeal initiative, Whatcom food banks request $2 million in additional funding, Six Whatcom County grocery stores to change ownership in Kroger-Albertson’s merger
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KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, July 10th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Whatcom County air quality on decline as Eastern WA wildfires continue
Whatcom County’s air has improved following a “Moderate” air quality index (AQI) reading on Monday.
The reading found “Moderate” amounts of particulate matter, typically found in smoke, in Whatcom County due to wildfires in Eastern Washington spreading smoke to the west as well as the recent heat wave – which set a new daily temperature record in Bellingham on Tuesday at 88 degrees.
According to the Northwest Clean Air Agency, the AQI in Bellingham has shifted from “Moderate” back to “Good”. Temperatures should also cool down this week, with expected highs in the 70s.
A “red flag” warning – put in place last week due to unseasonably dry heat – was also lifted yesterday, according to a recent report from the county.
With a hot summer still ahead, KMRE reporter Theron Danielson braved the sun to find out how some in Whatcom have been beating the heat:
Due to the heat, Whatcom County still has an active burn ban except for recreational fires, and the National Park Service has banned all campfires in the North Cascades, Ross Lake and Lake Chelan recreation areas.
STORY: Further details released in Lake Padden assault
The man who attacked a young woman at Lake Padden is still at large, and police have released new details about the assault.
According to an update by Bellingham Police, the man was reportedly seen sporting a red backpack and carrying a tire iron or crowbar during the attack on the morning of June 22nd. He did not use his weapon, but was able to break the victim’s nose before fleeing the scene. Two witnesses were able to provide first aid to the woman and follow the man for a short distance. They also provided a description of the man to the police:
The suspect is a 5’8 to 5’10 white male in his 30s with a distinct receding hairline and average build. Police have asked the public to provide any information by calling the department or going to cob.org/tips.
The investigation is ongoing.
STORY: WA facing “alarming surge,” in EBT scams
The Washington State Department of Social Services has found that residents on food assistance have lost $5.5 million to Electronic Benefit Transfer – or EBT – scams.
These scams happen when a thief places a device on retail card swiping machines, stealing information and benefits from EBT card holders. According to the Seattle Times, roughly 4 of the $5.5 million in benefit losses in the state were from the Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps.
The agency is now taking steps to reimburse those with lost benefits by using funds from Spending Legislation signed by Joe Biden, as well as state funding. As of now, the department has replaced $3 million in food benefits and processed 8,000 claims. However, agency spokesperson Norah West said that the agency did not get funding to replace cash benefits stolen before July 1st 2024.
Claims for stolen EBT benefits must be reported to the department within 30 days of discovering a loss. To report a claim online, visit dshs.wa.gov.
STORY: Whatcom County council to challenge legitimacy of Healthy Children’s Fund repeal initiative
Whatcom County council members are asking for court input on the validity of a citizen repeal initiative.
Earlier this year almost 10,000 signatures were collected by Washingtonians for a Sound Economy to introduce a ballot initiative that would repeal the Healthy Children’s Fund. In June the county auditor’s office verified the submitted petition had enough signatures to be included on the 2024 general election ballot. However, some council members have expressed their belief that the measure should have been a referendum rather than an initiative, which would have required more signatures.
The Healthy Children’s Fund was passed in 2022 by only 20 votes and increased property taxes by 19 cents per $1000 of assessed value. Supporters of the fund say the goal is to support young children and families in a way that has long term benefits for the entire community. However, some community members are interested in repealing the initiative in an effort to lower property taxes.
On July 9th, a resolution was put forward by council members Buchanan, Donovan, and Scanlon requesting Whatcom County Superior Court weigh in to determine whether the initiative is procedurally invalid. Washingtonians for a Sound Economy denounced the resolution and the unnecessary cost of going through the courts for a pre-election challenge to the initiative. Council members Stremler and Elenbaas said that voter’s voices should be heard first and that legal challenges should occur after the fact. While council member Galloway says that confirming the validity before the election could save the county time, money, and public trust.
STORY: Whatcom food banks request $2 million in additional funding
The Whatcom County Food Bank Network is requesting $2 million in annual funding from the county to meet growing demands on local food banks.
Food bank visits in Whatcom County increased 127% since 2021, with 800,000 client visits in 2023, according to Bellingham Food Bank Executive Director Mike Cohen.
The network received $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds from the county and the City of Bellingham for 2023 and 2024, but with these funds now used up, the network is looking for help from the county to continue meeting the needs of the community. Cohen, who spoke at yesterday’s county council committee meeting, acknowledged that the $2 million request is a big ask.
The Whatcom County Food Network includes the Point Roberts Food Bank, Blaine Food Bank, Lummi Commods, Lummi Health Services, Ferndale Food Bank, Salvation Army Food Bank, Bellingham Food Bank, Lynden Project Hope, Agape Food Bank, Nooksack Valley Food Bank, Nooksack Tribal Food Bank and Foothills Food Bank. Every week, 9,000 households visit Whatcom County food banks, Cohen said.
No decisions were made at the county council meeting on Tuesday about whether or not the funds would be allocated.
STORY: Six Whatcom County grocery stores to change ownership in Kroger-Albertson’s merger
579 grocery stores will be sold to C&S Wholesale Grocers as part of a proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons.
According to a recent announcement by Kroger Foods, affected stores primarily include Safeway, Haggen, and QFC brands, with 124 stores in Washington state, 101 stores in California, and 62 stores in Oregon. In Whatcom County, all Haggen and Safeway stores in Bellingham and Ferndale will be subject to the new ownership.
In regard to employee and store retention, Kroger says there will be no store closings or employee layoffs.
WX: Sun
And now for your Whatcom County weather:
Today will see temperatures begin to decrease ever so slightly, with lower humidity and highs around 80 degrees. Nighttime lows are expected to drop to the high 50s, with clear skies persisting throughout the day.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Jayne Kuhlman, Carlee Schram (CAR-lee SHR-am), Tristan Trudell, Kyler Cantrell, Ikumi Mashiko, Anna Vickers, and Theron Danielson. 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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