Deadline to apply for FEMA flooding grants less than one week away, Bellingham rolls out Fan Zones for World Cup, Water conservation kicks into gear, Skagit River Bridge to close to eastbound traffic for repainting as early as next week, Area of James Street to close for construction beginning next Monday, : New scam targets injured Latinos, FREE & CHEAP, NW Straits Commission reauthorized, Intercultural Dance Day comes to Bellingham (FREE EVENT), FREE & CHEAP June 12:
Independent, nonprofit community radio.
KMRE brings you local news for Friday, June 5th. Good afternoon, I’m _David Korb_____.
REMINDER: Deadline to apply for FEMA flooding grants less than one week away
The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is five days away.
In a recent press release, FEMA announced that flood victims in Whatcom and Skagit counties have received more than $8.7M in assistance due to December’s floods.
Over 500 households in Whatcom and Skagit County have already received federal aid for housing, repairs, and other disaster-related expenses. However, the deadline to apply is next Wednesday, June 10th, although pending applications and appeals will continue to be processed.
Small businesses, homeowners, and renters who were affected may also qualify for low-interest disaster loans through the Small Business Administration.
STORY: Bellingham rolls out Fan Zones for World Cup
Bellingham’s World Cup Fan Zone kicks off next week with free watch parties and community events throughout June and July.
Soccer fans can gather at Trackside Beer Garden next Friday to watch Team USA take on Paraguay and soccer-themed activities will also be held at Whatcom Museum.
On June 19th, fans can cheer on Team USA versus Australia at the downtown block party on Commercial Street, or at Trackside.
Also, be sure to listen to KMRE’s Bellingham Fan Zone Moments on Saturdays at 2 and 3pm. We spotlight locals in and around the world of soccer as they share their experience and history with the world’s game.
For a full schedule of watch parties and fan zone events, visit the Bellingham Fan Zone website.
STORY: Water conservation kicks into gear
As summer arrives, the City wants residents to help conserve water.
Whatcom County is currently under an official drought emergency due to below-normal mountain snowpack and high temperatures.
In a recent release, the City of Bellingham has asked residents to follow a voluntary outdoor watering schedule through September 30th. Housing with even-numbered addresses should water on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, while odd-numbered addresses should water on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. And nobody waters on Mondays.
Officials also encourage residents to let lawns go dormant during the summer as well as take advantage of free water-saving devices available through the city’s water conservation pledge program.
STORY: Skagit River Bridge to close to eastbound traffic for repainting as early as next week
Mount Vernon’s historic Division Street Bridge is getting a fresh coat of paint.
Starting as early as next Thursday, June 11th, eastbound traffic will be closed for the duration and detoured via Avon Allen Road, State Route 20, then I-5. Westbound traffic will continue as normal except for three overnight and four weekend closures. A shuttle will help people walking or biking when the road is fully closed.
Crews will strip, repair, and apply a new protective gray coat of paint to extend the life of the 73 year old structure. Work is expected to finish before the start of next year’s Tulip Festival.
STORY: Area of James Street to close for construction beginning next Monday
The section of James Street between Bakerview and Kellogg Roads will close for three weeks starting next Monday.
During the closure, workers will create a new multi-use pathway running from Telegraph to King Avenue, and add sidewalks and bike lanes from King to Gooding Avenue. Meanwhile, street-lighting and fiber-optic connections will also get upgrades.
All of these improvements are part of an ongoing project aimed at improving safety and developing an important bike and pedestrian corridor in northern Bellingham. Funding for the project comes from the City Transportation Fund, the Street Fund, Transportation Impact fees, and a grant from the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board.
Construction in the area will likely extend into fall.
STORY: Mount Vernon School Board director announces resignation
A longtime member of the Mount Vernon School Board is stepping down.
Laura Flores Cailloux (KAI-yoo) announced Wednesday that she will resign effective July 16, citing life circumstances. Cailloux first joined the board in 2006, returned in 2019 after earning a doctorate in educational leadership, and has been a strong advocate for inclusivity in the district.
The board will begin accepting applications to fill the District 1 seat, with a replacement expected to take office in early August.
STORY: New scam targets injured Latinos
A new scam is targeting injured, Spanish-speaking people across the Pacific Northwest.
Attorney General Nick Brown recently announced that scammers posing as government officials, attorneys, or judges are falsely claiming workers must pay fees to receive workers’ compensation benefits or settlements.
Officials stress that Washington’s Labor and Industries Department and the workers’ compensation appeals board never require payment to receive benefits and will not communicate through apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.
Anyone who suspects a scam should report the incident to the Attorney General’s Office.
STORY: Man arrested after reportedly being caught vandalizing state Legislative Building
An allegedly inebriated vandal led state troopers on a chase Thursday morning.
Troopers say he was first spotted smashing first-floor windows at the State Legislative Building around 1:15 a.m. He took off in a white Chevy Malibu, hitting one patrol car before he veered onto a power-station access road, crossed a wooden pedestrian bridge, and crashed near Capitol Lake.
Cameras later found him near the railroad tracks at Marathon Park, where he was arrested.
He’s identified as 21-year-old Clayton Stephen Seaborn and is jailed on suspicion of DUI, assault, and malicious mischief. Officials report heavy window damage but no entry.
FREE & CHEAP
It’s Friday – if you’re looking for something free or cheap to do this weekend, here’s a bit of what’s going on around the county.
The Annual Dachshund Parade and Weenie Walk gets things started Saturday at 10 a.m., marching from the Fairhaven train station up to Marine Park — always a crowd-pleaser for dog lovers.
Up in Lynden, Jansen Field hosts its open house from 11 to 4pm Saturday, giving families a chance to explore aircraft and meet local pilots.
And, Barkley Village is home to the Kids Safety Fair from 10 to 1pm, with fire fighters, fire trucks, buses, a bike-safety course, and even a helicopter.
Finally, tonight is First Friday at the Whatcom Museum, offering free admission and extended hours at both locations until 9 p.m.— with exhibits, activities, and programs led by local artists and educators.
WX: Sir, I believe you’ve brought me the wrong menu
And now weather:
Continued clouds and showers today, with highs in the mid 60s, and possible thunderstorms. Tonight brings more of the same. Lows will be in the upper 40s.
Rain is expected tomorrow, with showers and thundershowers towards the evening. Temperatures in the low 60’s with overnight lows in the upper 40’s. Rain should decrease Saturday night, leaving us with mixed sun and clouds on Sunday.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers Carlos Braga, Connor O’Boyle, Kyler Cantrell, Glen Hirshberg, Kathi O’Shea, Kai Blais-Schmolke, Bella Farris, and Jenny Lam. 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. To help support our work, check out our Patreon, or Substack, or visit kmre.org and click on the banner. I’m _David Korb________… thanks for listening!
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STORY: NW Straits Commission reauthorized
A bill to reauthorize the Northwest Straits Commission for another seven years has passed the U.S. House with strong bipartisan support.
The legislation, sponsored by Congressman Rick Larsen, would continue funding for the community-led effort that helps restore marine habitats and protect species including salmon and Southern Resident killer whales. The Northwest Straits Commission supports local Marine Resources Committees throughout Puget Sound, with 5 of the 7 marine resource committees are in Northwest Washington.
The bill now moves forward as supporters push to secure the commission’s future conservation work.
STORY: Intercultural Dance Day comes to Bellingham (FREE EVENT)
A new cultural celebration is coming to Bellingham.
Intercultural Dance Day will take place June 14th at Fisherman’s Pavilion at Zuanich Point Park, featuring live music and dance performances, cultural booths, local artists, food trucks, and family activities.
The free event is presented by ANJ Dance Project and aims to bring people together through shared cultural experiences.
Organizers say the event is designed to promote connection and belonging in the community while supporting local artists and intercultural programming.
The celebration runs from noon to 3 p.m.
FREE & CHEAP June 12:
The City of Ferndale is excited to announce the 2026 Summer of Fun, a season-long celebration of free recreational programs, family activities, and community events taking place throughout Ferndale this summer. The Summer of Fun kicks off on Friday, June 12, which also happens to be the last day of school. Families are invited to celebrate the start of summer with Community Game Night at Pioneer Pavilion, followed by Flicks in the Park featuring Zootopia 2. (condense this!)
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