Stage 2 Fire Ban in Whatcom County, Drought Advisory Announced, Man Arrested for Knife Incident, Heat Could Affect Electric Grid, Greenways Levy Discussed, Air Quality Update
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KMRE brings you local news for Friday, July 7th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Stage 2 Fire Ban in Whatcom County
Whatcom County Fire District 17 and the Lummi Island Fire District have implemented a stage 2 burn ban that starts today.
This decision was based on our ongoing warm and dry weather conditions. With this stage 2 ban, all outdoor burning activities, including recreational campfires and beach fires, are prohibited.
Violating the ban will result in fines starting at $250.
STORY: Drought Advisory Announced
The Washington State Department of Ecology has also issued a statewide drought advisory.
Record-breaking warm temperatures in May, a dry spring, and early summer, leading to a rapid decline in water supplies prompted the announcement. The department specifically highlighted the challenges faced by irrigators in the Skagit and Yakima Basins due to the water shortage.
Riley Grant, Bellingham Public Works Communication and Outreach Manager, the city is not experiencing drought conditions, but officials are monitoring the situation. Grant says the City encourages water conservation at all times. Currently, voluntary alternate day watering is in effect and residents can water either on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays or on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays with no watering on Mondays.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Whatcom County is in the 12th driest year in our history and is experiencing a moderate drought.
STORY: MAN ARRESTED FOR KNIFE INCIDENT
A 40-year-old man named Joshua Emley was arrested earlier this week in downtown Bellingham after reportedly harassing people with a knife.
The incident occurred Monday night on Railroad Avenue. Witnesses stated that Emley was banging the knife against a light pole and yelling at a group of people. Fearing for their safety, the group ran away when he approached them. Emley was apprehended by the police after refusing to drop the knife and attempting to leave the area.
He is currently being held at the Whatcom County Jail on a cash bail of $6,400.
STORY: Heat Could Affect Electric Grid
It’s now illegal for utilities to shut-off power due to non-payment during heat advisory periods.
The new law, passed this legislative session, does not relieve Washingtonians of their obligation to pay their utility bills but protects human health and safety by preventing electricity shut offs during extreme heat. Utilities will still be allowed to shut off power to prevent or mitigate damage from forest fires.
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation warns that Washington’s electric grid is vulnerable to above-normal temperatures, and with Washington experiencing record breaking heat during this first week of July, there are ongoing concerns about power outages.
Nineteen other states have similar protections in place.
STORY: GREENWAYS LEVY DISCUSSED
A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, during the Bellingham City Council meeting, to discuss a proposed fifth Greenways levy.
The Greenways program has created a fund of over $102 million dollars, purchased 3,200 acres of land, created trails, and funded park development projects. The new proposed levy would seek to continue funding for ten years, with an increased property tax rate of $0.41 cents per $1,000 dollars of assessed value. The proposed projects include a waterfront park, trail connections, improved tree management, and climate resiliency initiatives.
The public can provide feedback, either in person or remotely at the hearing. If approved, the levy will be placed on this year’s November 7th general election ballot.
STORY: WA HELPLINE LOSES FUNDING
A helpline for people in Washington state saw the number of calls go up during the pandemic and never come down. However, its most recent request for state funding was turned down. Eric Tegethoff has more.
WA 211 AUDIO
STORY: AIR QUALITY UPDATE
According to the NW Clean Air Agency the air quality in Bellingham today is good.
WX: Sunny and Warm
Today’s weather will include partly cloudy skies and a high of 74 degrees in Bellingham. Winds are out of the SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Overnight, expect the skies to stay mainly clear with a low of 57. This weekend should be mostly sunny skies, highs in the mid-70s with evening temperatures dipping to the high 50s. Some clouds are expected to roll back in on Monday, but for now, enjoy the sunshine.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteer Myles Weber. 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.
KMRE Antenna Update: July 27th
