Whatcom County Burn Ban Starts Early, Candle Light Vigil Held, Home Chickens have increased risk of Salmonella, Mullet Announces Run For Governor, WA Economy Best in the US, KMRE Signal Change
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KMRE brings you local news for [Monday], [June 5th]. Good afternoon, I’m
__.
STORY: WHATCOM COUNTY BURN BAN STARTS EARLY
Last Friday, the Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s office announced that burn
bans will be enforced beginning June 9th.
The Fire Marshal cited the warm weather forecasted for this month, as well
as decreasing moisture in timber, as reasons for the early bans.
Recreational fires are still allowed with permission from the land owner, but
must be contained, use only firewood or charcoal, and be at least 25 feet
from structures.
At least two 5-gallon buckets of water, a shovel or rake to stir and extinguish
must be at hand, and someone must stay with the fire until it is cold.
Violations can result in a fine of up to $250. For more information check Our
Whatcom County dot U.S. and look for the Fire Marshal tab.
STORY: CANDLELIGHT VIGIL HELD
Community members gathered together last night to honor the life of 15-
year old Lucy Guerra, who was killed by a train last week.
Over 250 people attended the candlelight vigil sharing stories, and finding
some solace in shared grief and their memories of Lucy.
LUCY AUDIO
A GoFundMe page has been created to assist Lucy’s family. As of now, over
$33,000 has been raised. The Guerra family announced on Facebook that
these funds will be used to create a memorial in Lucy’s name designed to
benefit the whole community.
STORY: BELLINGHAM CITY COUNCIL ON HOUSING
Tonight, the Bellingham City Council will host a meeting to hear Planning
Director Blake Lyon speak on the impact of new legislation around housing.
Several pieces of legislation were passed during the last session of
congress that will affect Whatcom residents. At the town hall tonight, topics
will range from affordable housing, housing permits, emergency shelters,
accessory dwelling units and more.
The meeting starts at 7pm in the city council chambers at 210 Lottie Street.
The meeting can also be streamed online at the city of bellingham website.
STORY: INSLEE OPPOSES EXEMPTING TRIBAL GAS STATIONS
According to reporting by the Seattle Times, Governor Jay Inslee opposes
exempting tribal gas stations from the new climate law.
Tribal leaders, including those from the Lummi Nation, met with Inslee to
seek relief from the rising costs imposed by fuel suppliers. The Climate
Commitment Act in Washington aims to reduce emissions by imposing fees
on fuel suppliers and carbon polluters. However, the tribes argued that
passing these costs onto customers is an infringement on their sovereignty
and amounts to a state tax. Inslee stated that granting exemptions to tribal
gas stations would undermine the purpose of the law and give them an
unfair advantage.
While tribal leaders say they may turn to the legislature for relief, Inslee
expressed disappointment in tribes reversing their initial support for the law
they helped shape.
STORY: HOME CHICKENS HAVE INCREASED RISK OF SALMONELLA
The Washington State Department of Health is urging individuals who raise
backyard poultry to take precautions in order to prevent salmonella
infections.
Thirteen cases of salmonella have been reported in eight counties in
Washington, including Skagit County. While four individuals have required
hospitalization, there have been no fatalities in the state. This outbreak is
part of a larger salmonella outbreak that has affected over 100 people
across 31 states, all of whom have been linked to contact with poultry.
The health department notes that seemingly healthy birds can still carry
salmonella and easily transmit the bacteria to their surroundings. To
minimize the risk of infection, individuals are advised to thoroughly wash
their hands after handling poultry, avoid close contact or affectionate
gestures like snuggling or kissing birds, and keep the birds and related
supplies outside the living areas.
STORY: MULLET ANNOUNCES RUN FOR GOVERNOR
State Senator Mark Mullet from Issaquah, Washington, has declared his
candidacy for the state’s gubernatorial race.
The Democratic senator announced his bid on June 1st, becoming part of a
growing group of contenders vying to succeed Governor Jay Inslee.
Mullet’s campaign will prioritize issues such as affordable housing, public
safety, climate change, and job creation that enables families to establish
themselves and purchase homes.
Mullet joins two other Democratic candidates, Washington Attorney
General Bob Ferguson and Washington Public Lands Commissioner Hilary
Franz, in the race for the vacant seat. Additionally, two Republicans, Dr.
Raul Garcia from Yakima and Semi Bird from the Richland School Board,
have also announced their candidacies.
Governor Jay Inslee stated in May that he would not seek a fourth term.
The primary election is scheduled for August 2024.
STORY: WA ECONOMY BEST IN U.S.
Washington state’s economy has been ranked as the strongest in the United
States, according to a report by Wallethub.com.
The study, released this morning, evaluated all 50 states and the District of
Columbia based on various economic indicators. Washington secured the
top spot due to its high performance in areas such as exports per capita, the
percentage of tech jobs, annual median income, and nonfarm payroll
growth. The state also scored well in terms of economic activity and
innovation potential.
Following Washington in the top five rankings were Utah, Massachusetts,
Colorado, and California, which is projected to soon surpass Germany as
the world’s fourth-largest economy.
STORY: KMRE SIGNAL CHANGE
On Sunday, June 11th KMRE will be moving! To prepare for our increase in
power, we are changing our call signal to 88.3FM which means you’ll be
able to find us down at the beginning of the radio dial, or on-demand at
kmre.org.
WX:
And now, your Whatcom Weather Report. Today a high of 70 degrees will
reach Bellingham by the mid afternoon. For the rest of the week be ready for
temperatures in the mid to high 70s.
Tomorrow, temperatures will reach 79 degrees so be sure to stay cool,
Bellingham.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteer Carl Bryden. Tune in to local
news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p-m. For news tips and feedback,
send us an email st 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.
