Law enforcement training at Ferndale not authorized by district, Construction on Meador Avenue bridge set to commence in coming weeks, Library receives funding for renovation, 2024 saw slight increase in tourism spending in Whatcom, Washington continues to deal with surge in whooping cough cases, Bald eagles in the Pacific Northwest suffering from spike in lead poisonings, Bellingham-based hot sauce company wins big at national and European awards ceremonies
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KMRE brings you local news for Tuesday, June 17th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Law enforcement training at Ferndale not authorized by district
A surprise SWAT training at Ferndale High School last Tuesday sparked concern when it took place during school hours — without proper approval from the school district.
A video of Whatcom County Sheriff’s deputies conducting a tactical drill with a school bus on school grounds began circulating on social media last week. Officials with the Ferndale School District say the request for the training never made it through the proper channels. The sheriff’s office said the training was meant to prepare deputies for potential hostage situations on buses, and emphasized the importance of realistic training environments.
Typically, these exercises are not allowed during school hours, and require prior community notification. Superintendent Kristi Dominguez apologized in a message to families, acknowledged the misstep, and promised to improve communication moving forward.
Both agencies say they’re working to schedule a meeting to ensure this type of lapse does not happen again.
STORY: Construction on Meador Avenue bridge set to commence in coming weeks
Work is nearly complete on the James Street bridge over Whatcom Creek in Bellingham.
Paving on the James Street bridge is set to begin this week –– a major milestone in an $11 million infrastructure upgrade along the key truck and commuter route just outside downtown. Once that’s done, the bridge will reopen, and the nearby Meador Avenue bridge will close for its own round of paving around June 23rd.
According to Public Works spokesperson Torhil Ramsay, both bridges are expected to reopen by the end of June. Sidewalk access will remain open for pedestrians throughout.
Construction began in the spring of 2024 to replace the aging spans — both built in 1962, both flagged for structural deficiencies. State and federal grants are covering most of the cost.
STORY: Library receives funding for renovation
Bellingham’s Central Library is getting a major upgrade.
The Bellingham Public Library has secured $3 million in state funding for Phase 2 of its upcoming renovation. The project will transform the aging ground floor into a modern, accessible space for children and teens, along with upgrades to staff areas, the help desk, and the HVAC system.
The work is also backed by City funding and private donations. Construction is expected in 2026 or 2027.
Originally built in 1950 and last remodeled in the 1980s, the Central Library now serves nearly 100-thousand residents, and sees more than half a million visits each year. In fact, data shows Bellingham ranks in the top 5% of public libraries nationwide for circulation per capita — and in the top 4% among cities its size. It’s also one of the most visited libraries in Washington state.
STORY: 2024 saw slight increase in tourism spending in Whatcom
A new report from Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism shows nearly three-and-a-half million people visited the region in 2024 — roughly the same as 2023.
According to data from Tourism Economics, those tourists spent more money, which prompted a spending rise of just over 3%. Retail saw the biggest boost; while the number of tourism-related jobs saw only a slight increase, it remained above pre-pandemic levels.
Tourism CEO Dylan Deane-Boyle says the outlook for 2025 is cautiously optimistic, despite challenges tied to inflation, rising travel costs, and uncertainty around Canadian travel.
STORY: Washington continues to deal with surge in whooping cough cases
Health officials are sounding the alarm as whooping cough cases surge across Washington state.
The Department of Health says there were 25 times as many cases in 2024 than the year before — and the trend may not be slowing. As of the end of May, Washington has already seen over 1,300 confirmed cases, compared to just over 300 this time last year.
Whatcom County has reported 77 cases so far — the fifth-highest rate per capita in the state. Officials link the spike to falling vaccination rates, which have dropped eight percent among toddlers over the past five years.
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is highly contagious and can lead to pneumonia, seizures, and even death — especially in young children. The state reported its first whooping cough-related death in more than a decade last year.
The Department of Health urges families to check their children’s immunization records and talk to their healthcare provider about staying up to date.
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.
STORY: Bellingham-based hot sauce company wins big at national and European awards ceremonies
A Bellingham hot sauce company is turning up the heat on the global stage.
Belllingham-based Funky’s Hot Sauce claimed five international and three national awards for its fiery flavors. Last month, at the European Hot Sauce Awards in Berlin, the company won four golds and a silver in its first time entering the competition.
Owner Matthew Mini told The Bellingham Herald the gold-winning sauces included Nirvana, Superfuzz, Chili Librae, and Stellar Fuzz. Former world champ Seeing Stars took silver.
Funky’s also won three Fiery Food Challenge Awards last month in Fort Worth, Texas.
The company now makes 21 organic, non-GMO sauces, using local ingredients and no preservatives or extracts.
WX: Hey hey, we’re the sun-kees
And now for the weather:
The streak of warm sunshine is expected to continue today, with highs ranging from the upper 60s to low 70s, as well as a max U.V. index rating of 9. Some light cloud cover in places throughout the afternoon will probably accumulate over the course of the evening, and lead to a
nighttime forecast of overcast skies with chances of intermittent showers and lows in the mid-50s.
The drizzly weather will likely persist throughout tomorrow, though it should stay fairly warm in spite of the rain.
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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