Bellingham passes ordinance reaffirming commitment to protecting rights of individuals, sidesteps designation as sanctuary city, Lane closures expected as construction begins on Lakeway Drive east of Bellingham, Birch Bay Waterslides receives county clearance to open everything but two rides, State Supreme Court slashes limits on public defender caseloads across next decade, Bald eagles in the Pacific Northwest suffering from spike in lead poisonings, Iconic Bellingham sculpture re-emerges at Bow Sanctuary off Chuckanut
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KMRE brings you local news for Wednesday, June 11th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Bellingham passes ordinance reaffirming commitment to protecting rights of individuals, sidesteps designation as sanctuary city
The Bellingham City Council unanimously passed a new resolution Monday night reaffirming the city’s commitment to protecting all individuals — regardless of gender identity or expression.
The June 9th resolution builds on a similar measure passed in 2017, but stops short of declaring Bellingham a “transgender sanctuary city” — a phrase that some officials, including Council Member Hannah Stone, say lacks legal clarity and could offer a false sense of security. Stone also cited concerns that the term has been politicized at the federal level.
The renewed resolution follows months of public pressure led by local advocacy group Trans Survival, and a record turnout at council meetings where dozens of community members shared emotional testimony.
In tandem with the resolution, Mayor Kim Lund announced the city will adopt the National Safe Place Program by July 1st, which creates new access points for young people in crisis.
The resolution also outlines the city’s ongoing equity efforts, and lays the groundwork for a future ordinance that will formally enshrine LGBTQ+ protections into city law.
The ordinance language is still under legal review, and is expected to come before the council in the coming months.
STORY: Lane closures expected as construction begins on Lakeway Drive east of Bellingham
Drivers on Lakeway Drive east of Bellingham should expect delays for the next few weeks, as crews work to replace a broken pipe.
The Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District announced Monday that lane closures are possible between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, until the end of June. One lane in each direction is expected to remain open most of the time, but the contractor may reduce traffic to a single lane with flaggers as needed.
Lakeway Drive is one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares, carrying more than 15,000 vehicles a day. It serves Geneva, Sudden Valley, and residents along the north shore of Lake Whatcom. The district says it will make every effort to limit disruptions, but commuters should plan for possible delays.
STORY: Birch Bay Waterslides receives county clearance to open everything but two rides
Birch Bay Waterslides will officially reopen to the public this Saturday.
The park was closed in August of 2023, when a guest was seriously injured on a damaged slide; this incident prompted the suspension of the park’s operating permits.
According to documents provided by Whatcom County Health and Community Services, the water park has passed a critical safety reinspection by County Health officials. Inspectors say most features — including the river ride, kiddie pool, and several tower slides — have now been cleared for use, though the hydro drop as well as the ramp slide will both remain closed pending further repairs.
The health department says the park underwent significant repairs and upgrades, with evaluations by licensed engineers and fiberglass experts. Earlier violations — such as missing emergency training protocols and damaged equipment — have also been corrected.
The reopening comes amid ongoing legal action from Larry Baker, the injured guest whose civil suit against the park and other parties remains unresolved.
The relaunch also coincides with the park’s 40th anniversary. Operators have teased new rides, facility upgrades, and a food partnership as part of the celebration.
STORY: State Supreme Court slashes limits on public defender caseloads across next decade
The Washington State Supreme Court has unanimously voted to dramatically reduce the number of criminal cases handled yearly by public defenders.
Under the new standards announced on Monday, public defenders will be limited to 47 felony or 120 misdemeanor cases per year — down from the current thresholds of 150 felonies or 400 misdemeanors. The changes take effect in 2026, and must be fully implemented within a decade.
Chief Justice Debra Stephens wrote that the current system is failing low-income defendants, and immediate action is needed. Public defenders and advocates welcomed the move, saying overloaded attorneys have left many accused individuals waiting weeks or even months for legal representation.
But counties are pushing back, warning they don’t have the money or workforce to meet the new requirements. The Washington State Association of Counties says the change is “impossible” without major increases in state funding. The latest budget provides only a fraction of what counties say they need.
The order follows years of mounting pressure, which include lawsuits and national studies showing Washington’s system as being stretched dangerously thin. Some counties have already released defendants because they couldn’t assign them lawyers.
The justices say more rule changes are coming, and local governments should start planning now.
STORY: Bald eagles in the Pacific Northwest suffering from spike in lead poisonings
The Wildlife Center of the North Coast in Astoria, Oregon says they are seeing an unusual surge in bald eagle poisonings.
Bald eagles, often seen as majestic symbols, are opportunistic scavengers that feed on carrion (KEH-ree-uhn), including gut piles from hunted animals. The remains often contain lead bullet fragments that can cause fatal neurological damage, even in tiny amounts.
A 2022 study published in Science magazine — and backed by the U.S. Geological Survey — covered 1,210 eagles across 38 states, and found nearly half suffer chronic lead poisoning. Nearly one-third experience acute exposure, especially during hunting seasons. Lead poisoning is estimated to reduce bald eagle population growth by nearly 4% annually.
The wildlife hospital says two of three eagles recently admitted to the wildlife hospital tested positive for lead exposure. Last March, a juvenile bald eagle in Powell Butte (BYOOT) was also found to be suffering from lead poisoning.
In addition to bullet fragments, eagles risk lead exposure from shotgun pellets, lost fishing tackle, contaminated fish, unretrieved waterfowl, and occasionally mining sites.
The Wildlife Center says it seeks public support to fund treatment, including chelation (KEY-lay-shun) therapy, to help the affected eagles recover.
WX: Mad Max: Beyond Sun-derdome
And now for the weather:
It should be warm and sunny once again today, with highs in the low-to-mid 70s. Some clouds are expected to drive the U.V. index down to 7 today; that is, however, still considered potentially hazardous, so please keep taking precautions with sunblock and hats. The evening forecast should be relatively warm and breezy, with lows in the mid-50s and wind gusts of up to 27 mph.
Tomorrow will likely take a turn toward cloudier and marginally cooler weather, with high temperatures sliding back into the 60s.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga (BRA-guh), Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Theron (THAIR-in) Danielson, Cody Mills, Aidan Larson, Glen Hirshberg (HERSH-berg), Kathi O’Shea (o-SHAY), and Kai Blais-Schmolke (KAI BLAZE-SHMOLE-kee). 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. Check out our Patreon page or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _________, and thank you for listening.
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STORY: Iconic Bellingham sculpture re-emerges at Bow Sanctuary off Chuckanut
“Grace” has found a new home.
The metal sculpture of a dancer doing a yoga pose had become a celebrated Bellingham landmark before its creator removed it from its perch near Taylor Dock last fall. Now it has reappeared in the garden of the Bow Sanctuary, a yoga and wellness center.
Local artist and community activist Alex McLean originally installed “Grace” without permits in 2011. He removed it after a year, but returned it to its roost just offshore in Bellingham Bay in 2021 at the request of local leaders. The sculpture evolved into a much-loved symbol of local creativity and enterprise, celebrated in poems and songs, and appearing in thousands of photographs.
Last fall, McLean again removed the statue from the Bay, citing significant damage and rust caused by years of exposure to the elements. At the time, he stated that because of her condition, “Grace” would never return to public space.
Soon afterward, though, Fairhaven resident Beth Rusk contacted McLean, and eventually convinced him to lease the sculpture to the Bow Sanctuary, which she co-owns. McLean has built it a new base and done some essential repair work.
For at least the next year, the statue will grace the Sanctuary’s Japanese-styled garden, which is open to the public.
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