Upcoming Election Voting, New Mural in Columbia Neighborhood, Whatcom County Food Plan passed, Parking developments may be dropped from new local development
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Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Thursday, July 27th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Upcoming Election Voting
According to the latest report from the Whatcom County Auditor, a little over 11 percent of ballots have been returned. For those unsure of your voting status, you can check your ballot status on the voter portal at VoteWA.gov.
Voters can return their ballots through local drop boxes until 8:00 pm on Election Day, or by mail with no stamp needed, postmarked by Election Day.
For those who want to register or update their voter information, they must do so in person at the auditor’s office located at Suite 103 of the Whatcom County Courthouse until next Tuesday. Additional resources, such as drop box locations, a voter’s pamphlet, and other relevant information, can be found on the Auditor’s website.
Audits for the election will be conducted throughout August, leading up to the certification on August 15.
STORY: New Mural in Columbia Neighborhood
A new 40 ft road mural depicting Pacific Northwest animals has been dedicated to a teenager who tragically lost her life earlier in the year.
The mural, located at the intersection of Lynn and W North Streets, was designed by three high school students who hope to raise awareness about the impact of water pollutants on creatures in Whatcom County.
The mural was also dedicated in memory of their classmate, Lucy Guerra (GWARE-uh), who passed away in a fatal accident in May.
STORY: Whatcom County Food Plan passed
After being tabled three months ago, the Whatcom County Food Plan was passed on Tuesday by the Whatcom County Council.
The food plan aims to create a more equitable and sustainable food system over the next 10 years. It outlines over 100 actions including expanding shared-use kitchens, supporting local farm worker’s advocacy, and funding the Whatcom County food bank network.
The plan was initially tabled due to concerns from the Whatcom County Farmers and Whatcom County Farm Bureau. KMRE spoke with Riley Sweeney, the chair of the Whatcom County Food System Committee, who had been tasked to create the plan.
SWEENEY AUDIO
Farmers objected to certain provisions such as too strong of a focus on organic farming and a lack of representation of different kinds of farming. After discussions with the farming community, the plan was changed to the satisfaction of the committee and the community.
The food system plan passed unanimously and, according to Sweeney, is already being implemented.
STORY: Parking requirements may be dropped from new local development
State lawmakers put parking mandates in their sights in 2023, including in the Northwest. Parking requirements for developers are tied to issues of housing affordability, as making space for parking ultimately contributes to higher prices. Unlike Oregon, the Washington Legislature didn’t pass three out of four of its parking-mandate proposals. Reporter Eric Tegethoff has more.
PARKING AUDIO
WX: Partly cloudy
The weather today is partly cloudy with a high of 75 in Bellingham. Temperatures will cool to an overnight low of 55. Clouds are expected to hang around for the next few days keeping temperatures in the mid to low 70s.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN), Myles Weber, and Emma Toscani. 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. I’m ________________ and thanks for listening.
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